"Could it be that my son is a genius?"
With this thought in mind, Bruno could no longer contain the excitement bubbling within him. He trembled as he asked, "Kerr, how exactly did you defeat Master Clark?"
"I already told you, he's nothing but a joke of a master! He couldn't even withstand my simplest spell, 'Embrace of the Skeleton.' What a waste of such a big pig!" Link replied, still not looking up.
"'Embrace of the Skeleton'?"
Upon hearing the name of the spell, Bruno's body shook in surprise. He exclaimed, "Isn't 'Embrace of the Skeleton' the 'contract magic' you used to summon those skeletons?"
"Contract magic? I guess... maybe?"
Link looked utterly confused, having no idea what Bruno meant by "contract magic."
However, he was fed up with Bruno's incessant questioning and impatiently asked, "Dad, are you going to eat or not? If you don't hurry, this pig's tail will be burnt to a crisp!"
"You can keep it for yourself!"
Bruno shook his head with a wry smile. Given his status, he certainly wouldn't stoop to Link's level!
But the fact that Link, who had just reached level 3, easily defeated Clark was undeniable!
This made Bruno's usually dull mind start to churn!
After all, the Lawrens family, while a hereditary viscount family in the "Radiant Empire," had its roots in commerce!
And the Roland Continent was a harsh world where strength reigned supreme, and might made right!
It was no exaggeration to say that the law of the jungle, where the weak were devoured by the strong, played out every moment on the Roland Continent!
The reason the Lawrens family had managed to remain safe and sound over the years was that their past leaders had the self-awareness to stick to their small territory of Radiant City, living off their past glories, rather than stepping into the high echelons of the "Radiant Empire" to vie for power with those renowned families of strong warriors!
They knew that without a capable warrior in their ranks, they had no right to compete!
But as long as one is human, ambition and dreams are inevitable!
Bruno was no exception!
As the current head of the Lawrens family, he dreamed of securing a place in the upper echelons of the "Radiant Empire," commanding respect and influence; he longed for the day when a true powerhouse would emerge from his family, clearing the path for their rise!
Link's appearance undoubtedly reignited the long-extinguished flame of hope in his heart!
With this thought, Bruno immediately formed a plan!
"Kerr..."
He opened his mouth, looking at Link, hesitating as if organizing his words.
"What's wrong?" Link asked curiously while munching on the roasted pig.
Finally, Bruno gritted his teeth and said solemnly, "I've made up my mind. Tomorrow, you will set off for the capital of our Radiant Empire, 'Central City.' With your talent, you shouldn't waste any more time at home!"
"What? So soon?"
Link frowned in confusion and asked, "Dad, isn't the 'Imperial Academy of Cultivation' opening in half a month? Why should I go so early?"
"Kerr, as the saying goes, a fledgling eagle must eventually spread its wings. How can it conquer the skies if it remains in the nest?"
Bruno earnestly advised, "The reason I want you to leave early is twofold. First, the journey from 'Radiant City' to 'Central City' is long, and you must set off early to avoid missing the entrance examination for the Imperial Academy."
"Secondly, I want you to take this opportunity to gain some experience outside. After all, with your current strength, you should be able to protect yourself even in the Monster Mountain Range!"
"I'm not going!" Link shook his head decisively at the suggestion!
What a joke! He had already made up his mind to be a slacker, and staying at home to eat and wait for death was much better, right?
Besides, even if he couldn't go against his father's wishes, he planned to leave for Central City just before the school started. Why would he want to spend an extra half month roughing it outside?
"You!"
Bruno was nearly furious at his refusal, never expecting that after all he had said, Link would still remain unmoved!
But then, a glimmer of inspiration struck him, and he decided to drop a bombshell!
"If you obediently listen and leave tomorrow, I'll give you 500 gold coins as living expenses for your studies!"
"Not going... wait, what did you just say?"
Link was about to refuse again, but upon hearing the latter part, he immediately changed his mind!
"You said you'd give me 500 gold coins?"
"Exactly!"
Bruno nodded heavily. He had long been aware of Link's late-night escapades involving the family's finances!
As a shrewd businessman, Bruno could easily guess that Link was in dire need of gold coins.
Though he didn't know what Link needed the money for, he understood that given Link's laziness, he wouldn't have gotten up in the middle of the night unless it was absolutely necessary...