Determined Thorps

For Vili,the[Beginner Hunter]title couldn't have come at a better time.

The hunting knowledge would help him navigate the dangers deep within the Mors Forest more confidently,and the additional 0.3 attribute points would further enhance his physical abilities.The once daunting Mors Forest seemed a little less intimidating in his eyes.

Vili walked over to the sparrow,retrieved the bolt from its body,and wiped the bloodied tip clean with a thick leaf from the ground before returning the crossbow and bolt to Vitente.

"It's a truly remarkable weapon,"Vili said with a smile.

"It's saved my life more than once,"Vitente replied,taking back the crossbow and bolt with a sigh.

By this time,Vélin and the others had also gotten up and packed their things.

"Let's keep moving,"Vitente commanded once more.

As they rode through the dense forest,Vili sat behind Vélin,feeling the jolts of the horse's movement and occasional contact with her back.

However,since Vélin was wearing light armor,Vili didn't experience anything particularly pleasant.

Vili brought up his title and attribute panel again and allocated the 0.3 attribute points entirely to his Strength.

[Vili Fellen—Strength:1.3;Intelligence:1.2;Remaining Attribute Points:0]

Intelligence wasn't particularly useful at this stage,and given his current situation,Vili decided to focus on enhancing his physical capabilities.

In an instant,Vili's already adult-like physical strength increased by another thirty percent.

He felt an urge to roar and unleash the surge of power coursing through his muscles,but considering they were in the Mors Forest,where a loud shout might attract terrifying creatures,he forcibly held back.

"Are you alright?"Vélin suddenly noticed that Vili's breathing had become a bit rapid behind her,and the warm breath on her neck was ticklish.

Vili also realized the issue and felt slightly embarrassed."It's nothing.Maybe I'm just a bit nervous about venturing deeper into the forest."

Vélin smiled,as if she didn't quite believe Vili's explanation,but she didn't press further.After all,in this place,danger and accidents could happen at any moment,and she needed to focus all her attention on what might occur.

Meanwhile,in Diamond Town,at Baron Kels'noble estate.

Thorps jogged out of the estate during a shift change.He had just received word that his father,Lake,had come to visit and was waiting for him outside the manor.

Thorps could guess why his father had come;it likely had something to do with the message he had sent via Cole earlier.

Thinking of this,he felt a wave of guilt.In truth,Thorps had regretted sending that message almost immediately after it was delivered.

He was well aware of his family's financial situation.Although they managed to get by in the countryside,coming up with five gold lumens to help him pass the junior squire assessment was nearly impossible.

This selfish and foolish decision would place an enormous financial and psychological burden on his parents.It would also mean that his two younger siblings,who were so well-behaved,would go without white bread for a long time.As the eldest son and the eldest brother,he had been incredibly irresponsible.

Perhaps this time,his father had come to give him the last two or three gold lumens the family had saved.After that,the entire family would have to survive on pickles for a while.

Thorps had already made up his mind to give up the opportunity to take the junior squire assessment.

Soon,Thorps arrived outside Baron Kels'estate.Under a tree not far away,he saw Lake,looking somewhat anxious.

"Father!"Thorps hurried over.

Upon seeing Thorps,Lake felt a sense of relief and loosened his grip on the cloth bag at his waist.

"Father,I..."Thorps was about to express his thoughts when he saw his father take out seven gleaming gold coins from the bag at his waist.

Seven gold lumens!A full seven gold lumens!

Thorps'eyes widened in disbelief.He knew his family's financial situation well;it was impossible for them to come up with seven gold lumens at once.What had happened?

"These should be enough to help you pass the junior squire assessment,"Lake said,looking at his strong eldest son with a hint of pride.

"Father,where did this money come from?"Thorps'hand trembled slightly as he took the seven gold lumens.These coins were the guarantee for his leap in life.

Faced with Thorps'question,Lake furrowed his brows and sighed,"Two of these gold lumens were saved by your mother and me over the years.As for the remaining five...they were earned by your brother,Vili."

"Vili?"Thorps couldn't believe it.How could his honest and introverted younger brother have come up with so much money?

Seeing Thorps'doubt,Lake explained gravely,"This morning,some outsiders came to the village.They wanted to venture deep into the Mors Forest and were looking for a guide..."

"So Vili became their guide and entered the Mors Forest?"Thorps'eyes widened,and his right hand,clutching the seven gold lumens,tightened until the veins in his knuckles stood out.

"Yes,"Lake said,a look of shame crossing his face."Your mother and I shouldn't have told him about your situation."

Thorps was stunned,and a wave of guilt and gratitude washed over him.

These seven gold lumens were earned by his meek and seemingly timid younger brother,who had risked his life for him.His lips trembled,and after a long moment,he spoke slowly but firmly:"Father,Vili will come back safely."

Lake nodded and fell silent.

"It's about time for me to get back to my post,Father,"Thorps said,trying to compose himself."I will pass the junior squire assessment.I will."

His resolve had never been stronger.

Mors Forest.

The sun had set,and the dense foliage of the forest had cast the area into deep twilight.

In a thicket,several figures were carefully parting the dense undergrowth,seemingly searching for something.It was Vitente's mercenary team.

They had been in the depths of the Mors Forest for half a day.During this time,Vili had used his knowledge of gathering and hunting,along with the residual memories in his mind,to help Vitente's team avoid several dangerous areas.They had reached their current location with some difficulty.

As the guide for this expedition into the Mors Forest,Vili's excellent performance had earned him praise from the entire Vitente mercenary team.Even the usually silent Caril thought the five gold lumens had been money well spent.