Chapter 50: Improvement And Return
As Roderic walked out of the bandit den, the guards moved rapidly around him.
Some were carrying out chests filled with luxurious items and coins, while others were helping the captives to the gathering area outside.
Roderic glanced around briefly before nodding in satisfaction.
’Looks like everything is going smoothly.’
There wasn’t much left for him to do personally.
The bandits were dead, the civilians were safe, and he couldn’t help his knights carry chests outside even if he wanted to.
’Ugh,’ he thought, stretching his arms over his head. ’Let’s just go back to the carriage.’
Roderic made his way across the clearing towards his carriage.
He’d barely reached it when Edmund hurried over from behind.
’’Young master!’’
Roderic stopped and glanced back.
’’What is it?’’ he asked, raising an eyebrow.
’’We’ve gotten word from the Baron,’’ Edmund replied, slightly out of breath. ’’We are to escort you back to the estate immediately.’’
Roderic’s eyebrow rose slightly.
’’Immediately?’’ he repeated slowly. ’’What’s the rush?’’
Edmund raised his shoulders, unsure himself.
’Probably because I have to leave in two days,’ Roderic thought, letting out a sigh. ’You’d think I have more than enough time, considering we’re only four hours away from the estate... but I guess he really doesn’t want me skipping the gathering somehow.’
Noticing Roderic’s difficult expression, Edmund completely misunderstood the situation.
’’Don’t worry, Young Master,’’ he said, placing a hand on his chest. ’’I’ve selected several of our kindest knights to remain here and take care of the civilians.’’
Snapping out of his thoughts, Roderic glanced at him.
After a moment, he just shrugged it off.
’’Alright,’’ he muttered. ’’Let’s just get going.’’
Edmund bowed slightly right away.
’’Yes, young master,’’ he replied with pride in his voice.
Roderic climbed inside and dropped into his seat.
Not even ten minutes later, the carriage began moving.
As the bandit hideout disappeared behind them, Roderic finally relaxed against the cushioned seat.
’’Alright,’’ he muttered, glancing at the blue screen in front of him. ’’Now I can finally claim my rewards in peace.’’
After pressing a few buttons, several messages popped up in front of him.
[Territorial Quest Reward Claimed!]
[1000 Throne Coins acquired.]
[Advanced Trait: Ambidextrous acquired.]
The moment the final message appeared, a strange tingling sensation spread through Roderic’s arms.
’’Hm?’’
Roderic raised both hands curiously.
Nothing was visibly changing, yet it felt like snakes were crawling under his skin.
After a few seconds, the strange feeling faded away again.
Roderic opened and closed both hands several times.
’Now this is something,’ he thought, his eyes widening slightly.
Ever since his senses had increased, he’d started feeling a slight discomfort in his left hand, as if it was a little less natural.
But that discomfort was completely gone now.
It was as if both hands were exactly the same.
’How nice,’ he thought as a wide smile grew on his face. ’System, show me my status.’
Several blue screens popped up right away.
—————Status—————
Strength: 32
Agility: 29
Aura: 43
Mana: 1
Talent: Supreme Aura Constitution
Minor Traits: [Minor Poison Resistance], [Noble Bearing], [Light Sleeper], [Sharp Memory], [Strong Lungs], [Deep Focus]
Medium Traits: [Eagle Eyes], [Medium Pain Resistance], [Skilled Horse Rider]
Advanced Traits: [Ambidextrous]
—————
Roderic’s smile only grew wider and more satisfied.
’’Amazing progress,’’ he muttered quietly.
He’d gained several points in strength and agility over the month.
But his aura was far more ridiculous.
’It’s increased by thirteen points over the last month,’ he thought. ’Once it reaches fifty, I’ll probably be ready to form my next aura seal.’
He’d gradually felt the engraving on his chest grow larger and fuller.
It really wouldn’t be too long anymore!
Roderic clenched his fists lightly.
’Everything is going much faster than I’d expected...’
His gaze finally fell on the last part of his status.
The traits he’d gained had proved themselves time and time again.
Most weren’t even that ridiculous, only providing a few light buffs compared to ordinary people.
’’Strong Lungs and Eagle Eyes are definitely my favorites though,’’ he muttered, leaning further into his seat.
One increased his stamina just by breathing more efficiently, while the other had enhanced his eyesight to a whole other level.
’’Ah,’’ he suddenly said. ’’I guess Ambidextrous is also going to be part of that now.’’
Roderic could already imagine how much easier wielding both hooked blades would become.
With that thought, he closed his eyes.
’Four more hours... might as well get some rest.’
...
Several hours later, Roderic’s eyes suddenly snapped open.
’Hm?’ he thought, raising an eyebrow.
His head lifted from the carriage wall as he wondered what’d woken him up.
Then he suddenly heard it.
’’YOUNG MASTER RODERIC!’’
’’WELCOME HOME!’’
’’THE WHITEMANE KNIGHTS ARE BACK!’’
Loud cheering echoed out from somewhere outside.
Roderic blinked several times, utterly confused.
’What the hell?’
He immediately pulled the curtain aside and looked through the window.
As he stared outside, his mouth slowly fell open.
The carriage was already moving through the streets of Whitemane City.
But unlike the last time he’d passed through here, nearly a hundred people had gathered along both sides of the road.
Men, women and children crowded together as the carriage passed.
Some waved excitedly while others simply shouted their praises.
’’THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING US!’’
’’...’’
As the shouting continued, Roderic glanced at the knights who’d accompanied him.
At first, they just waved awkwardly... but pretty soon, they began smiling as they enthusiastically received the people’s praise.
Roderic himself also couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
After hesitating for a moment, he pushed the curtain further aside and raised his hand.
The moment the people noticed him waving, the cheering grew even louder.
Chuckling faintly, Roderic couldn’t help but feel a warmth run through his body.
’This actually feels pretty good,’ he thought.
Roderic knew that solving these problems would increase his reputation.
But until now, he’d mostly looked at it from a practical perspective.
Actually seeing this many people cheering for him and his knights was completely different.
’I truly... never expected it to feel this good,’ he thought, his smile growing slightly wider.