It was as if Finn had sunk into the depths of contemplation as he stared at the blue flame dancing gently around Poll's small hand.
He could hardly believe what he was witnessing, for right now, before his very eyes, was one of the rarest types of alchemy flames—the Blue Alchemy Flame, revered almost like a divine blessing by Alchemists who could only ever harness lesser-quality flames.
This place was considered by the people of the towns and cities to be an abandoned, remote place of the kingdom. Who would have imagined that here, of all places, a ten-year-old boy would possess such a rare alchemy flame?
It was a Blue Alchemy Flame. Even Morris, together with the Alchemist Association under his command, and the Noble Clans themselves, would do anything to secure a child like this—to raise him, to shape him, to claim him.
Poll's flame was no different from Brien's. They were both Blue Alchemy Flames, and it was possible this boy possessed an equally formidable talent in alchemy.
The Blue Alchemy Flame was unlike any low-tier flame. Its medicinal properties were far superior, capable of refining higher-grade potions and pills with astonishing effectiveness. Many kingdoms and powerful clans dreamed of someday seeing a child born among them bearing such a gift.
Indeed, any alchemy flame, no matter the grade, could transform the life of a struggling Adventurer once he stepped onto the path of alchemy. It was one of the most prestigious professions in the world—and one universally respected.
Because of what he'd seen, Finn realized there must be countless hidden villages and isolated hamlets just like this, where some unknown soul unknowingly carried the seeds of greatness.
He remained silent, watching the tiny blue flame that curled in wisps around Poll's palm. He dared not disturb the boy's delicate moment of focus. He could feel the faint but steady rise of Poll's power. He found himself nodding in quiet approval.
By his estimation of this village's strength, none of these people had ever tasted true treasures before. They were surrounded by Vicious Beasts, and they struggled even to defend their borders. Escaping these forests to reach the towns and cities beyond was all but impossible.
Thankfully, the territories of the Third Grade and Second Grade Vicious Beasts were too distant to threaten them. As long as they didn't stray too deep into the wilderness, they faced only minor dangers.
Their lives were akin to those of prisoners in an open cage—free to wander, yes, but never truly unshackled. Perhaps their days were filled with a simple happiness born of innocence, but their existence could never be called prosperous. They lacked proper food and could not fulfill even their basic needs as Adventurers. This was why, even after so many years, the strongest among them had never surpassed Silver Rank.
But now that they had eaten food prepared by a Soul Chef, everything had changed. Their levels had risen dramatically. The lone Silver Rank was no longer alone—their ranks continued to swell. Logan remained the strongest among them, and now, his power had soared to 7th Level Silver Rank.
Just from eating a single meal, Logan's power had climbed six levels—from 1st to 7th Level Silver Rank!
Yet such a leap was only natural. Logan was an elder with the deepest experience. His spirit and discipline had been tempered by decades, so the moment he tasted true treasure, his foundation surged upward without hindrance.
As Finn continued to sense the changes in the village, his gaze drifted back to Poll. He noticed that the boy's advancement had finally come to a stop. Within that small, ten-year-old body, he could feel the aura of a 4th Level Bronze Rank Adventurer. A gentle smile rose to his lips.
Poll had only advanced by two levels, but that did not mean he lacked talent. He was, after all, only a child—just beginning his journey as an Adventurer, just like the others.
Poll slowly lifted his gaze, meeting Finn's eyes, though he looked uncertain what to say. In those dark eyes shimmered a jumble of emotions—gratitude, embarrassment, joy.
Only moments ago, he had thought of Finn as a dangerous outsider. He had been wary, even hostile. And yet instead of punishing him, Finn had shared priceless treasures with him—and with everyone in the village.
His small mouth opened and closed a few times, but no words emerged.
Of course, Finn sensed all of it and understood. So he took the initiative to speak, voice warm and reassuring.
"Congratulations on your breakthrough, Little Poll. Make sure to stabilize your foundation first, so you don't struggle to control your soulforce later. Understood?" Finn said with an encouraging smile.
Poll was quick to catch that smile. He beamed in return—wide, pure, unguarded. Then he stood and bowed deeply, hands clenched in front of him in a show of respect.
"Thank you so much, Big Brother! I—I don't have anything to repay all you've done for me and for everyone here, but when I grow up and become strong, I'll repay your kindness with everything I have!" he declared, head still bowed low.
Finn let out a quiet laugh, struck by how earnest and spirited the boy was. He rose to his feet and affectionately ruffled Poll's hair.
"For now, just call me Big Brother Finn," he replied, his tone gentle yet somehow solemn. His gaze met Poll's bright eyes, and he continued, "Your journey as a young Adventurer has only just begun. You'll face many trials from here. The road ahead will be harsh, but it's those very hardships that will forge your spirit. You must stay resolute and brave to overcome them."
His voice softened, almost wistful. "No matter what happens…my only wish is that you will always choose to be kind and wise."
Poll nodded over and over, listening intently. He didn't fully grasp every word—he was still too young—but he could tell Finn was speaking from experience. And he knew, deep in his heart, that Finn was the strongest Adventurer he had ever met.
Silence fell for a moment as Finn's expression grew thoughtful. He took a slow breath and asked the question that had been lingering in his mind.
"Little Poll…do you know anything about that blue flame that appears in your palm?" Finn asked curiously.
Poll froze, then slowly raised his hand again. In an instant, that tiny, dancing blue flame sparked to life.
"Is this what you mean, Big Brother Finn? We don't really know what it is. Even our ancestors never spoke of it. When I asked Grandpa, he couldn't give me any answers," Poll explained innocently.
Finn nodded slowly. It didn't surprise him at all that no one here understood the nature of an alchemy flame. This place was too remote, cut off from the flow of knowledge and information. Their ignorance was simply the product of their circumstances.
Even so, Finn didn't press the matter further. He still had other responsibilities waiting for him—those of a son, a brother, and a clansman. Those came before everything else.
There would be time for this later. But for now, it was not yet the right moment.
"One more thing, Little Poll," Finn began again. "Your Village Chief mentioned that you have a copy of Xuan's map—he said you made it while he was still here. Could I see it? Just for a moment?"
Poll looked surprised by the question, his brows knitting into a frown when he heard the name of that despicable, greedy old man.
"You don't have to worry. He's my enemy too. I'm here to collect the debt he owes me," Finn added with a thin, meaningful smile.
Poll didn't entirely understand what Finn meant, but his expression changed at once when he realized that their benefactor also saw Xuan as an enemy. A glimmer of hope and excitement sparked in his eyes. It felt as though, at last, someone was on their side—that perhaps, with Finn's strength, vengeance was finally within reach.
And Poll believed with all his heart that Finn was strong enough to make it happen.
"I do have a copy, Big Brother Finn, but it's inside my house with Grandpa. I'll get it right away!" he said brightly, voice high with determination.
Before Finn could even reply, the boy was already running off toward the cluster of houses. Finn let him go without objection.
Noticing Poll's departure, Logan and Matias quickly approached. Both men bowed slightly, gratitude etched on their weathered faces.
"Sir Finn, please forgive my harshness earlier—" Matias began, voice low with regret.
But Finn shook his head before he could finish. "There's nothing to apologize for. I understand—your village has suffered at the hands of outsiders. Let's put that behind us. For now, allow me to congratulate you all. You've grown stronger today—far stronger."
Logan now stood at 7th Level Silver Rank. Matias had risen all the way to 5th Level Silver Rank. Five whole levels in a single meal.
"All of this is thanks to your boundless generosity, Sir Finn. Without you, our journey tomorrow would have been far more difficult," Logan said, smiling despite the emotion in his voice.
Finn fell silent, remembering he'd overheard their plans to leave this place. His gaze grew distant for a moment.
Then he sighed softly and lifted one hand to his interspatial ring.
Five enormous beast corpses materialized behind him. Gasps rose everywhere as villagers froze in place. Even those who'd been chatting fell silent, all eyes fixed on the monstrous remains.
Poll came dashing back into view, clutching a folded piece of paper. He squeezed through the gathered crowd to stand between Matias and Logan, staring wide-eyed at the slain creatures.
"Village Chief," Finn called calmly. "How many families live here?"
"Twenty…one," Logan whispered, unable to tear his gaze away.
Finn nodded, touching his interspatial ring again. Twenty-two small interspatial bags appeared in the air before him.
Everyone looked bewildered by the tiny pouches, having never seen such items in their lives.
"These are called interspatial bags," Finn explained. "You can store supplies in them—each one holds the space of a small room. No need to overcomplicate things. Could you distribute them to each family? As for the four Third Grade Vicious Beasts and the Fourth Grade one behind me, I leave them in your care. Even though the meat won't be as effective once you cook it yourselves, remember: only Silver Rank cultivators should consume the flesh of a Fourth Grade Vicious Beast. If you—"
PLOP!
PLOP!
PLOP!
He fell silent. One after another, the villagers dropped to their knees before him, leaving Finn the only person still standing.
"What…what are you doing?" Finn asked, brow furrowing.
"Sir Finn…all this kindness…we can never repay it. Please…accept our kneeling as a token of our gratitude and respect. Next to our ancestors, you are the greatest benefactor of our lives," Logan choked out, voice breaking.
Tears welled in nearly every eye. Finn had given away treasures he could have hoarded, shared blessings with strangers. His face and name were now etched into their hearts.
Finn stared at them, stunned. Then, after a moment, he sighed and smiled faintly. "Please…stand up. I still have things I must do. Little Poll—there's an extra interspatial bag. That one…I prepared just for you."
His smile was gentle as he met the boy's gaze.
One by one, the villagers rose, still sniffling. They wiped their tears, streaking grease across their cheeks.
Finn noticed Poll's tears and snot dripping down together, and he couldn't help but laugh softly at the sight.
Poll made no move to wipe his face clean. Instead, he held out the paper he'd fetched, offering it with both hands.
Finn accepted it and unfolded the map.
It was more detailed than he'd expected, with markings that drew his attention at once. A large X had been drawn over a spot near the forest. His thoughts churned—was there a treasure there? Was that where Xuan had fled?
A knowing smile tugged at his lips. He slipped the map into his interspatial ring, ruffled Poll's hair, and bent slightly so their eyes met.
"When I catch that old man, I'll come back here and bring you the good news myself. And I'll make sure he pays for everything he's done to you," Finn said, voice quiet but resolute.
Poll nodded again and again, still crying. He tried to speak through his sobs, but the words came out garbled.
Finn understood anyway. He smiled back and nodded.
Before stepping onto his Silver Flying Sword, he took a final moment to teach Logan how to use the interspatial bags properly, reminded him again of the dangers of the Fourth Grade beast meat, and, most importantly, urged him to ensure no one ever spoke of what had happened here.
Their gratitude followed him in a chorus of thanks and tearful waving as he rose into the sky.
"Father…Mother…Meiyin…Ashe…and all of you… Soon…I'll be home."