NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 49: The Boy with Affinity for All Things
Chapter 49: The Boy with Affinity for All Things
Thor's thoughts swirled as he took another look, eventually suppressing the cold glint in his eyes and turning his gaze back to Ryan.
“Have the slaves been delivered?”
His words were tinged with anticipation.
Compared to dealing with a fool, he was far more interested in the boy with the "affinity for all things."
“They have been delivered. We also found the boy named ‘Allen.’ Do you wish to see him?”
Ryan nodded and spoke respectfully.
“Let him in.”
Thor pondered for a moment before nodding.
Soon, a frail-looking boy of about fifteen or sixteen was brought in.
“Master!”
Allen, looking nervous, quickly knelt before the noble young man in the room.
“Rise.”
Thor's gentle voice sounded as he looked at the boy.
“Allen, do you want to become a free man, or even a knight?”
Thor's soft voice seemed to carry an allure.
Allen, who was initially anxious, was stunned, and his eyes widened. He lifted his gaze to look at the nobleman.
“You... you mean it?”
“Master, I... can become a free man? A knight?”
Allen's voice trembled with disbelief.
“Of course! But it will require your hard work.”
Thor nodded with a smile.
“What do I need to do, Master?”
Allen asked straightforwardly, lying prostrate with a trembling voice.
“Work for me. I have a herd of unicorns that need to be cared for. If you do well, I will free you and your parents from your contracts, making you free men. And if you do exceptionally well, such as helping the unicorns advance, I might even teach you the knight's breathing technique and have you trained by a proper knight.”
Thor spoke seriously, his gaze steady on the boy.
He had investigated everything about Allen after acquiring the slaves. The batch included Allen and his parents, but no one had noticed Allen's innate talent for "affinity with all things."
“Master!”
Hearing Thor's words, Allen's body trembled, his eyes filled with shock.
Thor’s simple words carried a lot of weight. Allen knew his new master might have discovered his secret—a secret even his parents didn’t know. He could help creatures advance.
Allen was stunned and didn’t know how his master had found out or what he wanted. His anxiety grew.
“Don’t worry. In this vast continent, there are always those blessed by the Goddess of Life. You are not unique. Just do your job well, and I will keep my promise.”
Thor seemed to sense Allen's unease, chuckling softly before speaking seriously again.
“Serving you is my honor, Master!”
Allen, feeling slightly relieved by Thor’s words, prostrated himself again, his voice filled with unprecedented respect.
“Stand up.”
“Do well, and with me, you will have a future as grand as an eagle’s.”
Thor nodded with a smile.
“Yes, Master!”
Allen stood up quickly, his eyes filled with anticipation.
His previous anxiety and nervousness vanished. He had kept his secret buried, fearing it would bring disaster. Finally being able to share it lifted a great weight off his shoulders.
For Thor, having Allen’s full loyalty was crucial. If Allen continued to hide his power, it would hinder the development of Thor’s territory. Now was the perfect time to start preparations for capturing and raising unicorns.
The unicorn leader had the potential to advance to a Tier 3 magical beast. Although rare, with Allen’s talent, the odds were better.
If the unicorn advanced to a Tier 3 magical beast, it would be comparable to a human Earth Knight. Contracting it would significantly enhance his territory and personal power, establishing a strong presence in the Northern Province.
As for his promises, they weren’t empty words. Thor had already established a merit system in Eagle Ridge. As long as Allen earned enough merit, becoming a free man and a knight wouldn't be a problem.
With Allen now loyal, Thor began final preparations to leave. There was still some time before the wheat harvest, necessitating the purchase of large quantities of food and other supplies, including materials for magical crystal cannons. Most of these were available in Loren City, and it took about two days to procure everything.
On the third day, the group finally left Loren City. The city's bustle faded as many pioneering knights, lords, and nobles departed. The streets grew quieter.
Thor’s return journey was slower than his departure. It took them nine days to reach Eagle Ridge.
In the span of days, Eagle Ridge hadn’t changed much; everything continued in an orderly fashion.
After settling the five hundred serfs, Thor began handling administrative duties and dispatching the Thunder Stone to the iron mine.
Having secured the primary material, the next step was to craft magical crystal cannons. Both Eagle Ridge and the iron mine needed to be prepared to prevent any unforeseen events.
Once everything was in order, Thor's focus shifted to the unicorns. Earlier, he had no means to care for magical beasts. Without the right capabilities, attempting to raise them would be a significant loss. But now, with Allen’s help, that was no longer an issue.
As for Colin Emerson, there was no rush. Thor had time to let his strength grow before dealing with him. The Northern Province was chaotic, with frequent orc raids. A territory being worn down wouldn’t attract much attention.
After all, Thor Dresrosa’s possessions weren’t easily taken.