Summer vacation began, and Sophia left for her grandmother's house that afternoon.
As for Lucas.
After sharing a meaningful stare with his pile of summer homework.
He decided to show mercy and let them off the hook.
The final battle could wait until the last night of summer vacation.
One pen, one lamp, create a miracle.
[Life Force: 18, Dragon Power: 18, Charisma: 10, Insight: 8]
Over the past month, the diplomatic relations between the Lucas and Sophia's families had stabilized.
Thanks to this, Lucas often received "magical treats" and "enchanted fruits" at Sophia's house - which were really just snacks and fruit.
His Dragon Power and Life Force had grown considerably.
He had probably reached "Peak Novice" level.
Lucas went downstairs to the park behind the residential complex.
Many elderly folks were doing their morning exercises.
Lucas joined them, quietly practicing his magical combat forms amidst the crowd performing Tai Chi and Bagua.
[Observing this realm's combat arts, you gain insights through comparison, Insight +1.]
"This young lad's movements are quite proper," an elderly man noticed Lucas, stroking his white beard with an approving smile.
"Not bad, shows real potential. Come, practice with grandpa. If you do well, I'll teach you a few special moves," another lean old man said eagerly, excited at finding talent.
Lucas finished his form and politely declined.
He was just farming Insight points from these NPC elders.
As for sparring, what if an elder suddenly had an "accident" and fell? That would be trouble.
The group of elderly men sighed, lamenting how some magical academy's student showed such talent, and what a shame they couldn't take him under their wing.
[Your travels in this realm have been fruitful. Who knew this seemingly ordinary place concealed many retired master mages? They've recognized your exceptional magical potential.]
[Alas, their magical perception is limited, unable to see your Dragon Emperor potential. Otherwise, they would bow in respect and pass on all their life's teachings.]
The System was having its daily moment of excitement.
Lucas left the park and went to buy two beef buns from the bakery as usual.
Since Sophia was at her grandmother's house.
The friendship fee had temporarily stopped.
Lucas thought for a moment.
Then asked the owner for a bottle of pure milk.
After being fed by that silly girl for so long, he'd somehow gotten used to it...
No, he was drinking this stuff because he needed to grow, obviously.
Lucas took a sip while waiting for the traffic light.
Suddenly.
[Oh? You've encountered a young sorceress from a hidden magical academy on her training journey! Otherworldly and elegant, her mere presence radiates mystical light. She seems to carry a legendary artifact - this could be a great opportunity!]
[However, this young sorceress appears to be in some trouble. Will you help or simply observe?]
Lucas instinctively looked around.
Then he suddenly spotted a striking figure among the crowd.
It was a clearly high-born young girl.
Wearing a crystalline princess-like dress, her skin fair, features bright, making her face extraordinarily beautiful.
Yes, beautiful.
Not cute in the way Sophia was, with her doll-like features.
But beautiful.
One look and you could tell this girl would grow up to be a stunning beauty.
She stood quietly by the roadside, her expression cold and noble, like an exquisite porcelain doll.
The light turned green.
A thin man in a suit tried to take her small hand.
The girl shook her head in refusal.
The man's expression turned awkward, but he still led her toward the other side of the street, coaxing, "The place you're asking about is just over there, very close. I'll take you there."
The girl's voice was clear and lovely, responding with just a faint "Mm."
A flash of viciousness and strange desire crossed the man's eyes, but was quickly concealed.
Lucas stood still, watching their figures disappear around the corner across the street.
From his perspective, wasn't this just a normal interaction between a young lady and her servant?
As for their conversation, there was too much traffic and crowd noise. He couldn't hear clearly.
Lucas turned to leave.
[Terrible! It's a dark mage trying to lure away the young sorceress! She's too innocent and believed his lies, completely unguarded. If she goes with him, she'll likely meet a tragic fate, alas!]
Lucas's steps halted as he suddenly turned around, recalling the previous scene and understanding what was happening.
A kidnapper?
Or a molester?
He thought for a moment, then quickly walked to the bakery, "Owner, can I borrow your phone?"
...
The man led the girl through a maze of turns into a dark alley where sunlight couldn't reach, even in daytime.
The girl finally showed some confusion, "Why are we going this way?"
Walking behind her, the man chuckled, "This is a shortcut. Once we get through here, the amusement park is just ahead."
The girl stopped, refusing to walk further, saying coldly, "I want to go back."
She turned around.
Only to see the previously friendly "uncle" had somehow transformed into a sinister expression.
"Go back?" the man sneered, "Why go back? Didn't you want to visit the amusement park? Uncle will show you something much more fun than those silly rides and carousels."
The girl frowned, shaking her head, her expression distant.
"You lied to me. I only asked for directions. I don't want to play with you."
The man gave a savage laugh, revealing his true nature, his eyes burning with lust, "That's not up to you!"
He reached out.
But then.
"Slurp...slurp."
The sound of someone sucking on an empty milk carton came from behind.
"Hey, mister, kidnapping and molesting children is illegal, you know."
A calm voice spoke.
The man turned around to see a young boy standing with one hand in his pocket, continuously sipping from a milk carton.
"Slurp... mister... slurp..."
Lucas held up his phone, "I recorded everything you just said and did."
"Nosy brat!" The man's face flashed with panic, realizing things had gone wrong.
But he quickly composed himself, changing to a smile, "Uncle was just joking with you and little sister. Come on, be good, give uncle the phone, and I'll buy you some treats."
Lucas's eyes held mockery, "Mister, didn't you say you'd show her something more fun? Can you show me too?"
The man slowly approached, wearing a gentle smile, "Of course, come here, uncle will take you there."
Lucas actually walked straight toward the man, appearing completely unguarded.
The man's eyes lit up with delight.
These kids were really so easy to fool.
Getting closer and closer.
The distance was just right!
The man's smile instantly transformed into viciousness as he lunged at Lucas!
Lucas gave a light laugh.
Stance shift, kick!
Those days of magical combat training hadn't been for nothing.
Time to mute the world and listen to the sound of cracking eggs.
"Thwack!"
A direct hit on target.
"Ahhh!"
The man fell from mid-air, transformed into a member of the crotch-grabbing clan, letting out a piercing scream as his body curled up like a shrimp, writhing and twitching on the ground.
Just looking at it hurt.
At this moment.
Behind Lucas.
The bakery owner finally rushed in, wildly waving an iron shovel, shouting in panic: "Where's the bad guy?! Is anyone hurt?! Who's screaming?!"
Lucas calmly tugged at the owner's clothes, pointing at the man wailing on the ground, "He's right there."
The owner froze.
He'd brought an iron shovel just in case.
But this little kid had already handled everything?
At the same time.
Police sirens sounded from outside the alley.
Lucas looked up at the beautiful girl across from him.
The girl was already looking at him.
Those eyes, clear and bright, rippled like water.
...