Two months later, at the training ground.
[
The second stage of the Earth Breathing Technique is complete.
Strength increased by 0.4
Agility by 0.5
Constitution by 0.5
]
[Helag Merlin: Strength 2.0, Agility 1.6, Constitution 2.2, Spirit 1.2]
[Body data has reached genetic limits.]
After completing the thousandth session of the Earth Breathing Technique, Helag reviewed his stats.
Most of the past two months had been spent in rigorous training.
Initially, there were occasional raids from the Beharad territory, stealing some food and valuables. But then, suddenly, the attacks ceased, and they no longer targeted Dur Valley.
Baron Buck was annoyed by the harassment from Beharad, always having to defend against their fly-like disruptions. His forces, numbering around three hundred, were barely enough to defend the territory, let alone attack Beharad.
Moreover, Beharad was suffering from famine and had no valuable resources worth plundering.
With the territory no longer under threat, Helag and the other guards had some downtime, no longer needing to patrol constantly.
"Helag, how's it going?" Emil asked, approaching the training ground to check on Helag's progress.
"I still don't feel what you described. I don't think I have any hope of becoming a knight," Helag replied.
His stats were now comparable to a knight's, but without awakening the life seed, he couldn't become a true knight.
According to Deep Blue's analysis, he had reached his genetic limits, making it unlikely he would become a knight.
Emil reassured him, "Don't rush. Keep training consistently. Many knights awaken their life seed unexpectedly during their training."
Helag nodded silently, knowing his strength came from Deep Blue's assistance, not from innate talent.
"Emil!" A melodious female voice called from the edge of the training ground.
Emil looked up, visibly surprised and flustered. He quickly bowed and said, "Miss Melissa, when did you return?"
Melissa, Baron Buck's eldest daughter, walked gracefully in a luxurious golden gown, her fair skin and exposed cleavage drawing attention.
She sneered, "Surprised to see me? If I told you when I was coming back, would you have found an excuse to patrol the territory?"
Emil kept his head down, explaining, "The territory has been unsafe lately. If I knew you were returning, I would have come to escort you."
Melissa laughed, "I'm a student at Northon Academy, my mentor is Scholar Claude, and my father is a great knight. Who would dare harm me?"
"Better safe than sorry…" Emil muttered.
"Look at me! Why won't you look at me? Do you know why I came back?" Melissa demanded, her voice trembling with emotion.
Emil reluctantly looked up, meeting her eyes briefly before looking away.
"I'm here to get married! My father is marrying me off to the Duke of Tulip's son!" Melissa cried, tears streaming down her face.
Emil was silent for a long time before saying, "That's good. The Duke's territory is vast. You'll have a good life."
"Is that all you have to say?" Melissa asked, her eyes red with anger.
Emil remained silent.
"I love you! You love me too! We both know it! Why can't you be brave and be with me? Who says a knight can't marry his lady? To hell with those outdated rules! We're young, and my mentor said we should take charge of our lives! My father values you. If you ask him, he'll agree!" Melissa shouted, crying.
Helag stood awkwardly nearby, the only other person in the training ground.
Too close to leave, he remained silent, trying to be invisible.
"I…" Emil struggled to speak but ultimately chose silence.
It was the first time Helag had seen Emil so flustered.
Slap!
Melissa slapped Emil hard and ran off, crying.
Emil stared after her, silent for a long time.
Eventually, he left too, leaving Helag alone in the training ground.
Helag felt like he had witnessed something significant and hurried to the back garden.
Old Henry's health was deteriorating. Deep Blue's scans showed he had several common elderly ailments, and it was uncertain if he would survive the winter.
"Tell Mary if you need anything. I've given her the funds," Helag said, sitting by the bed.
Old Henry lay there, his breathing uneven.
Mary was an old maid in the castle, hired by Helag.
Helag's recent performance and good relationship with Emil had elevated his status in the castle.
When Helag mentioned Old Henry needed care, Emil immediately arranged it, though Helag had to pay for it.
Helag chatted with Old Henry about recent events in the territory until the old man fell asleep.
He instructed Mary to take good care of Old Henry and returned to his cabin.
No longer living in a leaky shack, he now had his own house.
He even had a few gold coins, a reward from the baron for his bravery.
Even if he couldn't become a knight, his combat skills made him a top guard in the castle.
An ordinary person might be content with this life, but Helag wasn't satisfied. He knew he still lacked control over his destiny.
With the knight's path nearly closed and wizards only existing in legends.
He felt lost.
***
The news of Melissa joining the Tulip family quickly spread, bringing joy to the territory.
Everyone understood the significance. Dur Valley would no longer fear harassment from other territories.
Unless invaded by a foreign country, no lord in the Norton Kingdom would dare attack Dur Valley.
No one knew how Baron Buck connected with the Duke of Tulip, but Beharad's raids had indeed stopped.
"Helag, for the next two months, you'll join me in guarding the Pumpkin Farm," Emil said, arriving early with his gear ready.