CHAPTER 29: PHENOMENON

"Mother!" The young girl, Grace, greeted Rebecca respectfully.

Rebecca had always wanted to raise her own child, but it was clear she lacked the talent for it.

Between her and Grace, things were stiff and distant.

Even if Grace had been her biological daughter, perhaps it would have been the same.

"I want to tell you that there is a boy your age who has already reached the Realm of Aether Will. Even if he relied on something, or stumbled upon a stroke of luck, it doesn’t change the fact that his achievement surpasses yours," Rebecca said, bringing up Richard.

Grace was slightly startled at her words, but since she was used to wearing a cold expression, her surprise lasted only a moment and was barely visible.

"I intend to recruit that boy to my side once we discover his identity. And afterward, you will be engaged to him," Rebecca continued.

Though only seven, Grace had received the finest education. Her insight was higher than that of most adults.

She understood what the future demanded—that during her childhood, she must work tirelessly so that, once grown, she could secure a good life.

Knowing she was merely Rebecca’s adopted daughter pushed her to work even harder.

Even so, she found it difficult to stay calm when her marriage was being arranged now, with someone she had only just heard of and had never met.

Unfortunately, she had long been conditioned never to defy Rebecca’s orders.

Without realizing it, she nodded.

"I am forcing you, yes. But if you truly have the ability, you can refuse," Rebecca added, giving Grace a path to determine her own fate.

But it was a path she could only walk with her own strength.

"You may go," Rebecca waved her hand dismissively. Grace left, burdened with countless thoughts.

Rebecca watched her go, the faintest smile curving her lips.

"If you cannot be the best, then you must help me bring the best to my side," she murmured softly.

She wanted a really strong adopted daughter. Grace was the best he could find.

If only she found Richard, she would naturally choose him as her adopted son.

As she was alone and started reading the information in the letter again, she suddenly showed a doubtful expression.

"Richard, 7 Years..." she said in a quieter voice, finally remembering the baby she had given birth to.

Hasn’t it been 7 years since then?

When she thought about it, she couldn’t help but have the strange thought that this boy might be her son, but a moment later she shook her head.

"What a stupid thing to think," she said to a quiet laugh which was unusual considering she almost never laughed.

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Richard hurried back to Purple Rose Village with Athena.

He wasn’t troubled by what he had done in Apple Town, but in truth, he worried that Sister Lisa—or his ancestor—might be concerned because he had been gone too long.

After all, he hadn’t told his ancestor about this. Surely the old man must be wondering why he hadn’t shown up in days.

At noon, the journey was easier for Athena. Her pace was faster than at night, and the upward paths didn’t tire her at all.

As they passed through other villages, Richard finally noticed how much more prosperous they were than Purple Rose Village—especially Red Wheat Village. Around each village stretched vast fields of wheat, glowing crimson, their quality far superior to ordinary grain.

Richard had to slow Athena because the roads were crowded with children playing.

Many of them were his age, but perhaps because their lives were comfortable, with parents and families, they seemed far more childish than the orphans.

Richard couldn’t be bothered to watch them. He rode past, gaze wandering over the scenery. The children, meanwhile, stared at him in awe—a boy so small, yet riding such a massive horse.

"Old Joe..."

To Richard’s surprise, someone suddenly called out to Mr. Joe.

It was an elderly man—tall, but extremely fat—wearing a robe that looked far too luxurious for a villager, more befitting a noble.

"What is it, Old Bear?" Mr. Joe asked, his expression showing clear displeasure.

Richard didn’t know if that was truly his name, but it suited him well enough—tall, fat, like a bear.

"Old Joe, I didn’t expect you to still hold a grudge against me for losing at gambling," Old Bear replied, which only made Joe’s face darker.

"I only wanted to tell you—this morning, a flock of birds descended from the mountain, as if migrating en masse. Ten years ago, the same thing happened, and two days later a horde of terrifying beasts appeared around your village. You and your people should evacuate quickly."

"What!" Joe’s eyes went wide. "That’s impossible. Old Bear, don’t joke about something so serious."

"Don’t accuse me of lying. Do you think I would lie about this?"

The fat old man looked deadly serious, enough that Richard furrowed his brows.

Before Joe could say more, Richard tugged Athena’s reins, urging her forward.

"Old man, what kind of beasts appeared ten years ago?" Richard asked.

"Similar to the beasts in the Dark Forest—some even worse. Fortunately, Lisa was still a member of the Sky Armor Legion back then. She sensed something was wrong, so she called her comrades in time. Otherwise, the entire village might have been slaughtered," Joe answered breathlessly, panic creeping into his voice.

"Do you know what caused their appearance?" Richard pressed.

Beasts weren’t unheard of near Purple Rose Village and its neighbors. At night, their howls could sometimes be heard. But overall, these mountains were considered safe. Most beasts here were only Tier 1, rarely Tier 1+, and often hunted by adventurers—making them even scarcer.

The mountains themselves were protected by the kingdom, as they produced valuable crops.

There had never been a large-scale beast horde.

Surely something unusual had triggered this.

"Mm... I don’t know the cause. Perhaps Lisa does," Joe muttered, staring ahead.

Richard stopped asking—this old man knew nothing. He was merely a witness to past events.

From Red Wheat Village, it wasn’t long before they arrived at Purple Rose Village.

Old Bear hadn’t been lying. The villagers were clearly restless. Everyone stood outside their homes, though the children still played, ignorant of how terrifying even one beast could be—let alone a horde.

"Get down here!" Richard ordered Joe to dismount.

After that, he went straight to the orphanage.

The children inside were carrying on with their usual activities. Richard asked where Sister Lisa was, and they said she was inside.

When Richard stepped in, he found Sister Lisa herself, her face clouded with worry.

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