Dick's uncle, Taita, says: "Your father and I have studied it for over ten years, and we still don’t fully understand. But your mother was wise and knowledgeable. If she said it was useful, it must be." It seems that even Taita holds Dick's mother in high regard. Based on the timeline of her death, she died in battle shortly after Dick was born.

"Alright, you're the boss. Whatever you say." Dick fastens the jade pendant around his neck, hiding it beneath his clothing.

Taita nods approvingly at Dick's caution. If this jade pendant truly is a supreme cultivation treasure, it could attract unwanted attention. Perhaps even the baron covets it.

Ten years ago, during that treasure hunt, the baron killed a Level 4 magician and claimed many valuable items. The fact that Dick’s mother managed to hide such a small pendant without the baron noticing is entirely plausible.

"Taita, why is Senior Larson so attentive to me?" Having lived two lives, Dick couldn't fathom why a seasoned Level 6 warrior would take such a keen interest in him. In such a chaotic world where power reigns supreme, no one acts without benefit.

"Your vigilance is commendable, Dick," Taita says with satisfaction. "For someone not even ten years old, it's no wonder your father believes you'll thrive in the capital. Without cunning, one wouldn't even know how they met their end in a city like that."

Taita, having seen much of the world, adds, "I sense no malice from Larson. Perhaps he sees potential in your warrior talents? Who knows."

Taita wasn’t omniscient, after all.

"Rest assured, since your advanced battle qi technique is inherited through your bloodline, it's of no use to others. Larson likely has no ulterior motives. Having a master offer to mentor you is indeed a stroke of fortune."

That makes sense—Dick seems to have encountered a bit of good luck, meeting kind people.

As the convoy presses on, the road ahead becomes clearer.

“We’ll probably reach the capital in a day.”

“How do you know?”

“Simpleton, I’ve been to the capital before, duh!” Alina's lively personality shines through, despite losing the chance to make Dick her knight. She still treats him with warmth, which is a rare trait among noble children.

No wonder the road is widening—nearing the capital, everything becomes more refined. After all, the city’s roads reflect its grandeur.

Gradually, more travelers and convoys begin to appear along the path.

Dick’s eyes widen in shock. A colossal bird soars overhead, with numerous riders visibly perched on its back.

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“You’re such a country bumpkin!” Alina giggles. “That’s an ostrich beast, a flying spirit beast, most likely trained by a noble family. My family has one too.”

“If you have flying beasts, why are you riding in a carriage?”

“Experience and exposure, obviously! To become an exceptional magician, one must face challenges and broaden their knowledge. On this journey, I’ve already killed a Level 4 warrior and several low-level fighters. That’s all part of the process.”

Impressive! Meanwhile, I can’t even activate my battle qi. How pathetic.

Suddenly, a loud rumble approaches! A pack of nine enormous black wolves races past Alina’s convoy. Damn! More spirit beasts? Nobles really are something else.

“That’s a pack of Black Gold Wolves. Just Level 1 spirit beasts, nothing to be impressed by,” Alina remarks dismissively.

Perhaps, but the convoy’s animals seem unphased, clearly accustomed to the presence of spirit beasts, as the journey continues undisturbed.

"Where do all these spirit beasts come from?" Dick asks.

"Many are bred by noble families, originally wild beasts tamed over generations. The Magic Forest behind the capital's academy is full of magical creatures—dangerous ones too."

"Wait, the Magic Forest is right behind the academy? What if they attack the academy?"

"See that tallest structure in the distance? That's the Magic Tower, guarded by at least a Level 4 magician. It protects the capital. And though the forest is technically behind the academy, it's quite far—at least a seven or eight-day ride from here."

That Magic Tower must be formidable, no wonder magicians hold such high status, with the monumental task of protecting humanity.

Dick watches in amazement as Alina suddenly produces a staff. Oh, it’s called a magic wand.

“Such a bumpkin. This is from my magic pouch,” Alina says smugly, pointing to a small, inconspicuous bag at her waist. Space magic equipment from fantasy novels—amazing!

"Look, the crystal core in my wand is from a magical beast. It's just a Level 1 core since I’m a Level 1 magician, but it helps amplify my magic power and speeds up spellcasting. That's why these cores are so valuable."

Good to know. I really am a country bumpkin, so much is new to me.

“Um… are there many magical beasts in the Magic Forest? What happens if magicians run out of beast cores?”

“Magic gold from magic mines can be used too. The Magic Tower runs on magic gold. Our Yan Kingdom has only one decent mine near the capital… And powerful weapons for warriors require magical arrays powered by either crystal cores or magic gold to reach their full potential.”

“Alina, are magic gold weapons expensive?”

“They’re generally not as costly as magic wands. But yes, it depends on the level. Grandpa Larson’s weapon is made of magic gold, and it’s worth at least 100,000 gold coins.”

What? A warrior’s weapon costs that much?

“Only mid-level warriors qualify for magic gold weapons. Ha!”

“Why?”

“Only mid-level warriors can project their battle qi outside their body. Without that ability, what use is a magic gold weapon? Silly!”

Alright, I’m silly and a bumpkin, but I’m learning!

Dick glances at Taita.

“Don’t look at me, I can’t afford it!” Taita says with a grimace. “That’s for the wealthier nobles. I make do with good old steel. Besides, a well-made steel sword can also channel battle qi just fine.”

Fair enough, even without magic gold, a warrior is still a warrior. Taita has the right mindset—there’s honor in being resourceful.

“Here, take this,” Alina says, pulling a short sword, about a foot long, from her pouch. “At least it’s made from refined steel.”

“Well, I won’t refuse. Refined steel works for mid-level warriors too. It’s a good weapon.” Dick isn't about to turn down a gift from a wealthy noble. Alina likely doesn’t care about such things anyway. It’s no magic gold sword, after all, so he graciously accepts.

Taita, glancing at the sword, frowns slightly.