Chapter 17: I'm Still a Kid
Chapter 17: I'm Still a Kid
Rain was dashing through the forest, zigzagging to confuse his pursuer and maintain a high-speed escape. After a while, his stamina began to wane.
He slowed down, listening intently for any signs of pursuit. After a moment, it seemed like the coast was clear.
Rain quickly hid behind a large tree, panting heavily to catch his breath.
"Huff... Huff..." he breathed, cursing under his breath, "What bad luck! Why can't these meddling nobles mind their own business?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from beside him, "Not bad, young man! You're fast!"
Rain was stunned, his heart racing. "Damn! They're still after me? I thought I'd lost them!"
"Shit!"
[You have experienced a battle. Militia Profession Experience +8]
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Just then, Mint rushed over and gave Rain a tight hug.
Hamilton couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, thinking, "Still a kid? With your temperament, swordsmanship, and speed, I doubt most militiamen could match you!"
Hamilton spoke with a hint of jest.
Rain took a step forward and brandished the wooden stick he had picked up, charging at his opponent. If he couldn't escape, he'd fight to the death! Rain's lightning-fast attack surprised Hamilton, and his admiration for the boy grew.
"Hmm," Hamilton sighed, "You didn't do anything wrong by defending yourself against Drunk Jack. He attacked first."
"But for this case, we might need someone like Rain. It could be a unique solution!"
Rain knew Hamilton had him by the collar.
The gap in their strengths was too vast! Rain could only blame himself for his lack of power. But what he regretted the most were those eighteen silver coins! "My body is growing, and I had planned to buy some meat for nutrition. Alas, fate has other plans!"
Currently, Sheriff Hamilton had him by the tail. If it was just about cooperating to solve the child disappearance case, Rain could agree.
However, Rain had no choice but to reluctantly take out the dozen or so silver coins from his pocket and hand them over to Hamilton.
If he didn't, things might get ugly. Despite consecutively allocating skill points to Agility and Militia Swordsmanship, Rain was still no match for Hamilton, not even close to drawing out his true strength. This left Rain feeling somewhat dejected.
"Also, taking money from Drunk Jack is against the Imperial Law of Public Order."
"Yes, there's just one more thing—you attacked an Imperial Noble."
Seeing the shock on Rain's face, Hamilton's stern expression softened into a smile.
Even though Rain only used one move, he gained some experience.
"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know you were..." Rain could sense the goodwill in Hamilton's words.
[Your Basic Swordsmanship skill has improved. Experience +11]
"What? The holding cell?! You're the new sheriff?" Rain was taken aback, then quickly realized the situation was more complex.
It wasn't that Hamilton wanted to scare Rain.
In terms of strength, he was only slightly stronger than an ordinary militiaman. How could Rain be of any help? Rain immediately understood the situation. Should he refuse outright?
This was the matter at hand! Even in his past life, he despised human traffickers.
His face changed faster than a horse's gallop! And as a noble, you wouldn't miss a few silver coins, would you?
Basic Swordsmanship lv3 instantly improved to lv4!
"Huff... Huff..."
However, after some thought, Hamilton decided to reveal more to Rain, saying,
"I'm still a kid!"
In an instant, Rain made his decision, allocating his last skill point to Basic Swordsmanship.
Hamilton continued in a leisurely tone, "Don't worry, young man. I'll take care of that drunkard, Jack. I'll make sure he stays in the holding cell for a while, and he won't bother you again."
"Thank you," said Rain, relieved.
Hamilton smiled and shook his head. "Don't worry, it won't be beyond your capabilities."
"So, esteemed Sheriff, may I go home now?" Rain asked, his heart both excited and fearful, with a hint of regret. The night's events had been under his control, but he had the misfortune of encountering the new Sheriff, Hamilton.
"Eighteen silver coins!" Rain counted, his heart sinking as he realized the extent of his loss.
"This gap in strength is just too much!" Rain thought to himself.
As soon as Hamilton finished speaking, Rain darted off like a startled rabbit, leaving Hamilton shaking his head in exasperation at the clever young man.
Suddenly, Rain's entire demeanor changed, exuding a fierce aura.
"I'm not doing anything illegal!" Rain asserted, eyeing Hamilton warily.
With a heavy heart, Rain returned home, deciding to play along for now.
He sprinted towards his home, only slowing down once he reached the doorstep, his chest heaving.
The Sheriff's strength was overwhelming!
But why was the Sheriff so conscientious? Rain found himself disliking the man a little less.
Despite Rain's efforts, he couldn't budge the wooden stick, causing his spirits to sink.
"Ah!" Rain exclaimed in surprise at the Sheriff's sudden change in demeanor.
"I can't reveal the details yet, but you should know about the recent child disappearances. I'm keeping a close eye on the situation," Hamilton explained, easing Rain's worries.
"But considering your young age, I'll let you off with a warning. However, you must do a favor for me."
Soon, the family of four gathered around a simple dining table, sharing a humble meal.
"I need to improve my strength!" Rain thought to himself. "I'll do it, but I'm just a kid with limited abilities." He shrugged, feigning helplessness.
Hamilton had been caught off guard by Rain's reactions, not expecting such defiance, which left him unable to fully explain himself.
"You just drew a weapon on an Imperial Marquis and the Sheriff of Flashgold Town. How should I punish you for that?" Hamilton asked.
Strength!
Rain thought about it. The sword instructor, Humbert, wouldn't stand a chance against Hamilton. Only the noble boys' instructor, Master Perez, might be a match for him! Thankfully, Hamilton didn't seem overly strict.
Such talent, speed, and swordsmanship—what a rare gift! But when Rain struck with all his might, Hamilton merely extended his right hand and effortlessly caught the speeding wooden stick, holding it firmly in place.
The warm oil lamp illuminated the cozy atmosphere, dispelling Rain's sadness.
Money would come, he was sure of it!
End of Chapter
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