Chapter 8: Ren's Terrifying Talent
Handing Ren over to Michael, Thor paid no further attention. He had great trust in Michael, his father's right-hand man, who was not only a formidable Earth Knight but also an exceptional teacher. Thor's brothers had all made remarkable progress under Michael's guidance, with one even reaching the pinnacle of a grand knight. Thanks to Michael's teaching, the knight's corps had expanded significantly.
Entrusting Ren to Michael for instruction would lay a solid foundation for Ren's future. However, even Thor hadn't anticipated the terrifying extent of Ren's talent.
In less than half a month, while Thor was busy with knight-related matters and gathering useful information through his intelligence network, Michael summoned him unexpectedly.
"What is it?" Thor asked as he was taken aback by Michael's announcement. "Ren is ready to break through to become a squire?"
"Yes," Michael confirmed. "It's hard to believe, but it's true. Ren's life force has reached sufficient levels. He should be able to break through to become a squire within three days at the latest. I plan to request a bottle of low-grade life elixir from the Earl."
Michael was equally astonished, despite having witnessed Ren's talent over the past days. Thor, a Earth Knight himself, could hardly fathom Ren's rapid progress. Thor was certain that Ren had never practiced any knightly arts before. Yet, in just half a month, he was on the verge of becoming a squire. Ren's talent was almost unbelievable.
Thor, who himself had taken three years to condense the life seed, was astounded. Even the Earl, as Thor recalled, had taken a whole year to do the same. For Ren to achieve this in such a short time was nothing short of remarkable.
"Thank you, Michael," Thor said gratefully. "I hope you will keep this matter between us and my father. No one else should know."
Thor didn't want any unnecessary attention on Ren, despite him becoming Thor's guardian knight. For safety's sake, Thor preferred to keep it discreet.
"Of course," Michael agreed, understanding Thor's concerns. "Your secret is safe with me."
With that settled, Thor continued with his work, leaving Michael to attend to Ren's needs.
Meanwhile, in the study, Michael reported the situation to Count Engel de La Rossa.
"What?" the Count exclaimed in surprise. "You're saying Thor's guardian knight is about to break through to become a squire?"
The Count, though familiar with Thor's guardian knight, hadn't paid much attention to him. He had never expected such rapid progress.
"Yes," Michael confirmed. "Given Ren's current life force, there's a seventy to eighty percent chance of success within three days. I plan to request a bottle of low-grade life elixir from the Earl."
The Count was taken aback. Ren, a peasant's son, had no prior exposure to knightly training. Yet, in just half a month, he was on the verge of becoming a squire. This talent was beyond extraordinary.
After a brief moment of shock, the Count composed himself and instructed his steward to fetch the necessary items. He then summoned Thor to his study.
"Thor," the Count began, "you've done well. Here is a set of silver armor and a bottle of medium-grade life elixir. Give them to your guardian knight."
Thor was surprised by his father's generosity.
The silver armor alone was worth over a hundred gold coins, and the medium-grade life elixir was invaluable.
He hadn't expected his father to be so generous.
(End of this chapter)