Chapter 4: clever !

Reincarnation of the magicless!

"No magic?, No problem!"

Chapter 4: clever !

Rolien and Lyra walked through the bustling market, gathering various components for his latest invention. After a productive morning of shopping, they headed to Mr. Yohan's blacksmith shop. Rolien carried a small package containing a bottle of expensive wine, a gift for the blacksmith who had been instrumental in helping him bring his ideas to life.

As they entered the shop, Mr. Yohan looked up from his workbench, his face smeared with soot. "Hey, brat! I already finished the first part of that thing you're describing to me. Are you sure it's gonna work?" He nodded toward the contraption behind him, a complex assembly of pipes and gears.

Rolien's eyes lit up as he approached the device. "Yes, of course, sir! You trust me, right? After that, our city will no longer suffer from water shortage!" The device in question was a water pump, designed to draw water from the nearby river and distribute it throughout the city. It utilized a combination of pistons and valves to create suction and pressure, allowing for efficient water flow.

Mr. Yohan chuckled, handing Rolien a small, intricately carved wooden component. "I've got to admit, kid, your designs are always interesting. But I've got to ask, what's with the fancy wine?" He nodded toward the package in Rolien's hands.

Rolien smiled, handing over the package. "Just a small token of appreciation, sir. I couldn't have done it without your help."

Mr. Yohan unwrapped the wine, his eyes widening in surprise. "This is some fine stuff! You're spoiling me, kid."

As they chatted, Mr. Yohan's expression turned serious. "I was told your awakening ceremony is near. How do you plan for that?"

Rolien shrugged, laughing. "Well, to be honest, sir. I don't have any plans. I'm just gonna go there and receive my magic, that's all." He grinned mischievously.

Mr. Yohan pinched Rolien's nose, chuckling. "You're a strange kid, you know that? Most people would be nervous or excited about receiving their magic attributes. But you... you're just breezing through it like it's nothing."

Rolien shrugged, still smiling. "What's the point of worrying about it? I'll just see what happens and go from there."

Mr. Yohan shook his head, smiling. "I have a feeling you're going to surprise everyone, kid."

As they continued to discuss the water pump's design, Mr. Yohan couldn't help but steer the conversation back to Rolien's upcoming ceremony. "You know, most kids your age would be excited to discover their magical attributes. Are you sure you're not a little... apprehensive?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Rolien shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Well, it's not like my parents aren't expecting a lot from me, but they just want me to live happily. So that's what I'm gonna do. But while I'm doing it, I'll improve everyone's life, right?"

Mr. Yohan chuckled, impressed by Rolien's confidence and determination. "You're a unique kid, Rolien. I like your spirit. You've got a good heart, and I'm sure you'll make a difference in this world."

As they wrapped up their discussion, Rolien gathered his things, preparing to leave. "Thanks again, sir. I'll come back soon to check on the progress of the water pump."

Mr. Yohan nodded, patting Rolien on the back. "I'll have it ready for you soon, kid. And don't forget, I'll be thinking of you during your ceremony. Who knows, maybe you'll surprise us all."

With that, Rolien bid Mr. Yohan farewell and headed out into the city with Lyra, the sun beginning to set over the rooftops. As they walked, Lyra turned to him with a curious expression. "Master Rolien, you're really something special. I'm glad I'm your nanny."

Rolien grinned, feeling a sense of contentment. "Thanks, Lyra. I'm glad you're my nanny too."

As Rolien and Lyra rode in their carriage, heading back to the manor, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills and dense forests. "Man, this is problematic. Tsk, I wish I could ride a car—" Rolien's words were cut short as the carriage's pace slowed, and the driver's panicked voice shouted, "Bandits! They're attacking the carriage ahead of us!"

The sound of screams and clashing steel filled the air, and Rolien's eyes widened as he peered out the window to see a group of rough-looking men assaulting another carriage. The bandits were dragging a young boy out of the carriage, kicking and screaming. Rolien's instincts kicked in, and he muttered, "Damnit, I forgot to bring my air gun..."

"Stop them!" Rolien ordered his knight, Sir Reginald, who was riding alongside the carriage.

Sir Reginald charged toward the bandits, his sword drawn. However, he was vastly outnumbered, and the bandits quickly surrounded him. Despite his valiant efforts, Sir Reginald fell to the ground, mortally wounded.

Lyra quickly grabbed Rolien and pulled him into her arms. "We have to get out of here, now!" She carried Rolien and ran toward the nearby forest, the bandits hot on their heels.

As they fled, the sounds of pursuit grew louder. Lyra's breathing grew ragged, but she didn't dare stop. She knew the bandits wouldn't hesitate to harm them if they were caught.

"Hold on, Master Rolien," Lyra whispered, her voice trembling with fear. "I'll keep you safe."

The forest grew denser, the trees closing in around them. Lyra dodged low-hanging branches and leapt over roots, her eyes fixed on finding a safe haven. But the bandits were relentless, and their pursuers were gaining ground..

As Lyra and Rolien fled through the forest, the bandits closed in, their footsteps and shouts growing louder. Just as all hope seemed lost, Rolien spotted a glint of water in the distance - a river that flowed in the direction of their manor. With a swift motion, he pushed Lyra toward the river, shouting, "Go, Lyra! Get to the manor!"

Lyra's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't hesitate. She tumbled into the river, the icy water enveloping her. Rolien, meanwhile, stood his ground, facing the bandits.

The bandits surrounded him, their leader, a burly man with a scar above his left eyebrow, sneering at Rolien. "You guys made us run far, heh." He slapped Rolien across the face, but Rolien didn't flinch, his expression unyielding.

The bandit leader's eyes narrowed, surprise and admiration flickering across his face. "You're quite a different kid. Alright, grab this brat. We're heading to the hideout."

As the bandits bound Rolien's wrists and ankles, his gaze fell upon the young girl they'd abducted earlier. She looked pale and frightened, her eyes wide with fear. Rolien's instincts told him that there was more to her than met the eye, but for now, he focused on assessing their situation.

His mind began to whirl with calculations, taking stock of their surroundings, the number of bandits, the leader's tactics, and the equipment they carried. His military training kicked in, and he began to formulate a plan.

Rolien's eyes locked onto the girl, and he made a mental note to protect her. He needed to wait for the right moment to act, but he was determined to save her and escape.

The bandits dragged Rolien and the girl away, deeper into the forest, toward their hideout. Rolien's eyes never left the girl, his mind racing with possibilities. Little did he know, their fate was about to take a dramatic turn.

As they journeyed deeper into the forest, Rolien continued to assess their situation, taking note of the bandits' movements and the terrain. The young girl, still visibly shaken, caught his eye, and he offered her a reassuring glance.

The bandit leader, Grimgar, seemed to notice Rolien's gaze and sneered. "Don't get any ideas, kid. You're coming with us, and you'll do as we say."

Rolien shrugged, his expression neutral. "Well, not like I can do anything. I'm just a kid. An 8-year-old kid. A normal one. So it's practical to follow you. Please lead the way."

Grimgar's expression faltered for a moment, seemingly taken aback by Rolien's response. Then, he laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "We'll see about that, kid. Let's get moving."

Rolien's expression remained neutral, but his mind was working overtime. He counted the bandits, noted their positions, and observed their behavior. He also took in the girl's demeanor, searching for any clues about her identity or motivations.

As they approached the hideout, Rolien's senses went on high alert. He surveyed the surroundings, taking note of potential escape routes and vulnerabilities in the bandits' defenses.

The hideout itself was a ramshackle collection of tents and makeshift shelters, surrounded by a crude wooden palisade. Grimgar led them inside, where a burly man with a thick beard sat on a throne-like chair, flanked by two heavily armed guards.

"Ah, Grimgar, you've brought the kid," the bearded man said, his voice dripping with malice. "And... something else."

Grimgar nodded toward the girl. "This one's from a fancy carriage. Might be worth something to the right people."

The bearded man's eyes lit up with interest as he gazed at the girl. Rolien's instincts told him that this man was the leader of the bandits, and he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

Rolien's eyes locked onto the girl, and he made a mental note to protect her at all costs. He would wait for the right moment to act, but he was determined to escape and uncover the truth about the girl's identity.

The bearded man leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the girl. "Tell me, little one, what's your name?"

The girl hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sophia."

The bearded man nodded, his expression unreadable. "Alright, Sophia. You were riding in that fancy carriage. Who were you with?"

Sophia's eyes darted to Rolien, then back to the bearded man. "I... I don't know. I was just a passenger."

The bearded man raised an eyebrow. "A passenger? In a carriage with such fine decorations? You're not telling me the whole story, little one."

Rolien watched the exchange, his mind working overtime. He knew the bandits had been hired to abduct Sophia, but they didn't know anything about her identity or purpose. He wondered who could have hired them and why.

The bearded man turned to Grimgar. "Take them to separate cells. We'll deal with them later."

As the guards dragged them away, Rolien's eyes met Sophia's, and he gave her a reassuring glance. He knew he had to protect her, but he needed more information about their situation.

As the guards led Rolien and Sophia away, Rolien carefully observed their surroundings, taking note of the passageway's layout. He counted the number of steps they took, the turns they made, and the guards' positions.

"Left turn, 10 steps, right turn, 15 steps," Rolien mentally noted, his eyes scanning the area. "The corridor seems to lead to a larger hallway, and I saw a window about 5 steps back. If we can create a distraction, we might be able to make a break for it."

Rolien's grip on the dagger tightened, his mind racing with escape plans. He glanced at Sophia, who looked pale and frightened. He gave her a reassuring smile, trying to convey that he had a plan.

The guards stopped in front of a cell door, and one of them pushed it open. "In you go," he growled, gesturing for Rolien and Sophia to enter.

Rolien's eyes locked onto the guards, his mind working overtime. He knew they had to act quickly, before the guards grew suspicious or the bearded man decided to interrogate them further.

As they stepped into the cell, Rolien's eyes scanned the small room, taking note of any potential tools or weaknesses. He knew their escape plan had to be swift and precise.

As the guard left and the cell door creaked shut, Rolien's expression transformed from innocent to intrigued. He opened his hand, revealing the small pile of magic-absorbing stones he had snatched from the table.

The girl's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the stones. "What are those?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Rolien's grin grew maniacally wide. "Man, oh man, somebody's trash is someone's treasure!" He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he examined the stones.

The girl's concern turned to alarm. "Aren't you scared? These stones are full, and if they're not handled carefully, they might explode!"

Rolien's grin never wavered. "Well, it won't do any good if I cry and panic. So, I calmly accept it, wouldn't I?" He said, his eyes scanning the stones. "Fire (x3), Water (x2), Wind (x2), Earth, Lightning... These are some high-quality stones. Whoever hired these bandits really wants to keep you under wraps."

The girl's eyes remained wide with worry, but Rolien seemed unfazed, his focus on the stones. "These could be very useful... or very deadly. Let's just hope I can handle them correctly," he joked.

With a calm and deliberate motion, Rolien began to disassemble his attire, starting with his shoes. He removed the soles, revealing a thin, flexible metal plate hidden within. Next, he unbuckled his belt, extracting a small, intricately carved metal tube from its hollow core. Finally, he carefully removed a thin, ornate panel from the underside of his expensive doublet, revealing a small, coiled spring mechanism.

As he slowly assembled the parts, Sophia watched with curiosity and concern. Rolien's hands moved with precision, his eyes gleaming with focus.

With a soft click, the makeshift air gun took shape. It was a small, compact device, roughly the length of Rolien's palm. The metal tube served as the barrel, the metal plate as the stock, and the spring mechanism as the propulsion system.

Rolien's plan became clear as he carefully loaded one of the magic-absorbing stones into the tube. He would use the stones as projectiles, harnessing their explosive potential to blast through their captors or create a diversion. The air gun's compact size and silence made it the perfect tool for their situation.

With the air gun assembled and loaded, Rolien's eyes met Sophia's, a hint of excitement and determination sparkling within. He nodded, as if to say, "Now it's time for the waiting game!"

To be continued...