Chapter 34: Leimeng's Fear

After leaving Damia Great Knight Leader's office, Robin went straight back to his own room.

He carefully placed the Apprentice Breathing Method Secret Medicine on the table, then opened the System Panel to check his status:

【Name】: Robin

【Occupation】: Knight Apprentice

【Level】: Junior Knight Apprentice (Mid-stage)

【Skills】:

First-level Swordsmanship: sword attacks gain +10% power, Experience: 41/2000

First Rank Hand-to-Hand: close‑combat attacks gain +10% power, Experience: 45/2000

First-level Archery: arrow attacks gain +10%, Experience: 24/2000

Archery Skill: Earth Explosion Arrow (condenses Earth Primordial Force Archery, explodes on impact, consumes heavily)

Soil Dragon Breathing Method: accelerates life recovery, Apprentice Level Experience: 512/1000

【Equipment】: Fine Longsword, Leather Armor

Global Experience: 45

Robin's gaze lingered on the Soil Dragon Breathing Method for a moment, silently calculating how to use this secret medicine.

"Rest for a day first, and use the secret medicine after fully recovering," Robin muttered softly. He decided to follow Damia Great Knight Leader's advice, not to rush, but to advance steadily, step by step.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

Robin opened the door and found Lily, Eric and Tomson standing outside, their faces lit with excited smiles.

"Robin, I heard you were summoned by the Lord?" Lily asked impatiently, curiosity shining in her eyes.

Robin smiled and nodded: "Yes, the Lord gave me a Knight Apprentice badge and also awarded me an Apprentice Breathing Method Secret Medicine."

"Great!" Eric said excitedly, "Robin, your status is now far higher than ours!"

Tomson scratched his head and laughed, "Robin, you'll have to look out for us more from now on!"

Robin shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness: "We're a team; no one is above another. Only by working together can we go farther."

Lily, Eric and Tomson listened, all nodding, determination flashing in their eyes.

"By the way, Robin!" Lily suddenly said, "We just found a strange cave outside the city; it seems to contain some odd runes. Want to go check it out together?"

A spark of interest flashed in Robin's eyes, and he nodded: "Alright, once I'm recovered tomorrow, we'll go together."

"You're not in good shape today; let me make the broth," Lily volunteered.

Robin nodded and went to measure the herbal ingredients.

He also taught Eric and the others how to portion the herbs, explaining their properties.

The next morning, news that Robin had been awarded the Bloet Family Knight Badge spread through the camp like a winged messenger.

Knight Apprentices gathered in groups of three or five, chatting animatedly, their expressions varied—some envious, some jealous, some scoffing.

"Did you hear? That kid Robin was personally given a family knight badge by the Lord!" a Knight Apprentice whispered, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

"Hmph, just luck," another sneered, "If he hadn't hit the Earth‑Berserk Bear's eye, he wouldn't have gotten any spotlight."

"Can't say that," someone retorted, "Robin's strength is indeed not weak. His archery and cultivation speed are excellent; it's reasonable the Lord favors him."

While the crowd debated, in a corner of the camp Leimeng's face turned dreadfully grim.

He clenched his fists, knuckles whitening from the pressure, his eyes flashing a mix of anger, jealousy, and a barely concealed regret.

"Ha ha, Leimeng, seeing your brother become the Lord's family knight makes you happy?" a rival Knight Apprentice deliberately stepped before him, tone dripping with sarcasm.

Leimeng snapped his head up, his gaze slicing like a blade, voice low and icy: "Shut up!"

The apprentice flinched at Leimeng's stare, but quickly regained composure, sneering: "What? Your brother's doing well and you're not happy? Is it because you drove him out years ago and now you regret it?"

Leimeng's face darkened further, his fists cracking. He sprang to his feet, yanked the other's collar, voice seething: "I told you to shut up, didn't you hear?"

Nearby Knight Apprentices gathered, some trying to mediate, others watching for sport; the scene turned chaotic in an instant.

"Enough!" a cold shout rang from outside the crowd, and everyone stepped aside, clearing a path.

Malizi Knight Captain strode forward, his gaze sweeping the crowd sternly, "No private fights inside the camp! Do you want to be locked up?"

Leimeng released his grip, and the apprentice slunk away, head down, silent.

Malizi Knight Captain approached Leimeng and said coldly, "Leimeng, come with me."

Leimeng gritted his teeth and followed the Malizi Knight Captain away from the crowd.

The two reached a secluded corner; Malizi Knight Captain halted, turned to Leimeng, voice tinged with disappointment: "Leimeng, you were once my pupil, and I had high hopes for you. Today's conduct disappoints me."

Leimeng lowered his head, voice edged with resentment: "Knight Captain, I just…"

"Just what?" Malizi Knight Captain cut him off, "Because you're jealous of your brother and cause trouble in the camp? When did your heart become so narrow, Leimeng?"

Leimeng remained silent, his fists clenching even tighter.

Malizi Knight Captain sighed, his tone softening slightly: "Leimeng, I know you have a history with Robin. But understand, jealousy and resentment only lead you astray. If you're truly dissatisfied, prove yourself with strength, not by throwing a fit here."

Leimeng lifted his head, a flicker of struggle in his eyes: "Knight Captain, I…"

Malizi Knight Captain patted his shoulder, voice encouraging: "Go, think over my words. The camp doesn't need internal strife; we need unity."

Leimeng's steps felt heavy in the Black Forest, his mood heavier than his stride.

He didn't call any old friends, because he needed to be alone to clear his mind.

He truly envied Robin's achievements, but more so feared—fear of Robin's retaliation, fear of losing everything he had now.

"As soon as Robin breaks through to become a Formal Knight, he'll have the right to reclaim that big house and those thirty acres…" Leimeng muttered, his voice trembling.

Those properties originally belonged to their father—Knight Gabriel.

As Knight Gabriel's youngest son, Robin also has inheritance rights.

(End of Chapter)