Chapter 16
A boy in thin linen clothes floated barefoot in front of Elphis' bed. Samuel crossed his arms, and his ink-black eyes reflected the young boy surrounded by bright white light.
The boy pulled the corner of his mouth, half smiling. He had never come into contact with magic, and didn't even believe in the existence of magic. But he could attract so many light elements with his physique, and even be said to be quite loved by the elements. It was really...
It's a pity that being born in a place like this, it's hard to have the opportunity to come into contact with magic - I don't know whether to say this kid is lucky or unlucky.
There were too many light elements that could not be absorbed into the body and could only rub around Elphis, which was slightly dazzling in the darkness. Samuel moved his fingers, and the darkness condensed around the boy, expelling the light that only he could see.
The darkness did not hinder Samuel's night vision at all. Recalling the conversation between Winster and him before going to bed, he looked at Elphis' innocent sleeping face with a little doubt.
A kid who grew up in the mountains and was brainwashed by the old pastor for many years, it would be fine if he was disrespectful to God, but he could actually say such insightful words?
Coupled with his mature attitude towards dealing with things, and his outstanding temperament that seemed to be good at socializing but was actually cold and indifferent and incompatible with this land, Samuel felt that Elphis was not a normal child.
He quickly went over the memories of the gods who had chosen to be reborn in his mind - there seemed to be no one like this kid who was so kind, good-tempered, and not stupid, and who made him feel less annoying.
Moreover, those guys will only choose to be reborn in places where it is conducive to becoming stronger, and will never come to this small, broken place.
Interesting! If he had encountered it before the era of the Fall of the Gods, he might have picked it up and raised it for fun.
The kid with shoulder-length hair had a sullen face. He was almost certain that the kid was abnormal, but he couldn't figure out the reason for the moment... There was no rush, just observe for a few more years.
However... if he wants to continue to understand this kid, or wants to continue to stay in this threat-free environment and grow up well, he can't rely on dreams to gradually open up his memory to his amnesiac self. If this continues, 'Winster' will run away for fear of hurting his good brother.
Samuel didn't want to let this body toss around, he couldn't even get enough food, and he couldn't come out for a long time.
Anyway, there is nothing urgent to do even if he wakes up completely, so let 'Winster' grow a few more years. When he reaches an age where he is not easily frightened, he can continue to open his memory.
Samuel was making a decision when he suddenly frowned in annoyance - he had a headache.
However, after being awake for only a short while, this useless body could no longer bear the memory of ten thousand years and began to reject complete consciousness.
If nothing unexpected happens, he won't appear again for a long time.
The child suddenly thought of something, and his face was full of dissatisfaction. He reached out and pulled the cheek of the sleeping Elphis in revenge.
If the dragon, who was beaten into a meat pie by Samuel with his bare hands, could see this revenge, he would surely be so angry that he would come back to life!
Samuel's unhappiness stems from the new memories he received.
Washing clothes, making fire and cooking would be fine, he was not the type to take advantage of others by eating and living for free after receiving a favor (except for fighting and robbery where strength is the key), and he was no longer a god who did not need to eat, so learning some survival skills would be fine.
But weaving bamboo and straw, drying goods, watering the vegetable garden, catching insects and pulling weeds, chasing birds in the berry garden, and cleaning the dirty rabbit pen???
He didn't even know he had such patience!
The problem is that the little money earned from doing these things is not for his own use. But Winster is thinking of saving it all to buy good things for his brother!
Samuel, who used to be annoyed by everyone and would rather fight and sleep when bored, was extremely uncomfortable with this feeling of valuing someone so much. If he had not been sure that he had occupied this body after the mother's death, Samuel would have suspected that this person who only cared about his brother was another soul.
However, no matter how cold-blooded and domineering Samuel was, he would not do anything to his little benefactor. At most, he would pinch his cheek, then swallow his anger and go back to sleep in frustration - little bastard, we have a long way to go.
Elphis was tricked and didn't feel anything when his cheek was pulled, and he slept exceptionally soundly that night.
He had no idea that he had the honor of being the first person to make the bad-tempered Dark God unhappy but temporarily helpless.
When he woke up the next day, Elphis was still refreshed and energetic, but Winster was the opposite.
The child had a splitting headache, but he didn't want to tell his brother and make him worry. He had no dreams last night, and although he felt uncomfortable, he felt relieved.
Elphis noticed that the child looked unwell and walked unsteadily. After asking, he found out that he had a headache and there were no other symptoms. Elphis assumed that Winster was under a lot of pressure recently and did not get enough rest.
This really touched a nerve in Elphis - wasn't it because he didn't get enough rest that he died suddenly?
The boy allowed the child to rest in the house without giving in. He was not allowed to do anything for two days, just eat and sleep, and read books when he was bored.
From that day on, Winster never had a nightmare again, and the idea of leaving Lisai Town to prevent his brother from suffering the same fate gradually disappeared.
Maybe it's just like my brother said, the more he fears something, the more he dreams about it.
After learning that his brother was not afraid of demons that night, he felt less stressed and no longer had those strange dreams.
In a blink of an eye, the second winter since the two men met had passed. Winster had grown noticeably taller. Fortunately, Elphis was also at the age of growing taller, so he was always a head taller than the child.
Winster has always kept his hair long, but now he can tie it up like Elphis.
The boy had his long dark amber hair tied up with a cloth strip. He wore a simple gray-white top, brown trousers, and boots that covered his calves. He had a dagger on his waist.
His simple dress does not make him indistinguishable from the crowd, just because he has a striking appearance, but no one would describe him as 'cute'. Although he is not very old, the lines on his small face make him look handsome in a somewhat aggressive way.
Winster's expression was as gloomy as ever, and despite his young age he had an aura that made him seem untouchable.
Elphis, who rode the same horse with him, was dressed similarly to Winster. When others saw the two of them, they once again sighed in their hearts that Pastor Kevin really knew how to pick up children. The two children were not only smart and sensible, but also handsome.
This is the second summer that Elphis has been raising a child.
Today, eight people, including the two of them and Uncle Will, are going into the city.
Elphis went there mainly to check the accounts and see if there were any business problems.
The other young and middle-aged men were all members of the caravan. They carried big swords on their backs. Regardless of whether they were good at fighting or not, the group looked intimidating and ordinary robbers would not approach them.
As for Winster who sneaked into the team... he was not there to help. It was because Elphis wanted to take his good kid to the city for a stroll.
Winster sat in the front and took the reins from his brother, "You hold on to me and I'll drive the horse." The rope was rough and would hurt his brother's hands.
Elphis just thought that the child was just looking for novelty and excitement, liking the feeling of galloping on horseback, so he loosened the rope indifferently. He believed in Winster's riding skills.
It has been four years since Elphis entered the catering industry in Raphael City. In addition, the goods sold in the specialty store are easy to transport over long distances, which has attracted many outsiders to come here to eat, drink or purchase goods.
In order to attract wave after wave of outsiders to come and make money for them, Elphis had to pay attention to the overall attractiveness of Raphi City.
Due to limited resources and technical level, Elphis could not add all kinds of new things to the city of Raphi. He just asked Moon to pass on the message and discuss with the city lord who came to the restaurant for dinner, asking him to pay attention to the hygiene conditions in the city and build some flower beds along the walls so that travelers can feel comfortable looking at them.
Make the roads smoother and put a few benches on each street for people to rest. It would be best if there were guards patrolling the city to prohibit theft and fighting so that travelers can feel safe.
These small matters can be dealt with with just a single order and do not require any money. The city lord is of course willing to give face to his largest taxpayer.
Besides, he also knew that the tourism industry could bring huge profits, so after hearing the idea, he did not delay at all and quickly sent people to carry it out.
Elphis asked Moon to buy the shop opposite the tavern and convert it into a hotel. The layout and configuration were strictly in accordance with his requirements. After it was completed, it naturally became the most popular accommodation place for travelers.
More travelers will naturally boost the economy, and merchants in Raphael City who do other businesses have also become passionate about their own industries.
Those who sell clothing have become more innovative, those who sell wine have started to blend different tastes, those who make clay containers have started to figure out other exquisite shapes...even the girls in brothels have dressed up better.
All the shops in the city, regardless of their business, bought bamboo lanterns from Lise Town. They would hang them at the door and light the lights as soon as it got dark, and they wouldn’t have to worry about the fire going out if blown by a slight breeze.
Many travelers like to take a walk under the dim light, which is quite interesting. They even think that it is better than the lighting beads monopolized by the nobility and the Church, as well as those exquisite and expensive glass lamps. After all, everyone can afford this kind of lantern!
Before long, Raphiel City gained other nicknames such as Wanxing City, Minghuo City, and Food City, and its reputation had spread to a small area.
Nowadays, the environment and atmosphere of Raphael City are good, and the conditions for food, drink and accommodation are even more comfortable than those in the Royal City. You can even take some interesting things with you before leaving.
Apart from the remote location with no teleportation array, no precious magical materials, and even no advanced magic potions, there are no other major disadvantages.
Of course, people like Elphis, who only went into the city once in a while and left after doing business, had no chance to hear such shortcomings.
——
"Master Al, you are here. I will tie up the horse. Please go in and sit down."
With sufficient nutrition and money to buy potions, after a few years, the eleven-year-old Mona had grown into a very healthy girl.
The girl with two pigtails smiled sincerely at Elphis, but only greeted Winster politely - she, like the other children in Lise Town, didn't like this boy who appeared out of nowhere and became Elphis's younger brother.
If Winster had a likable personality, he might be accepted by his peers, but he is always cold and boring in front of others. He seems to have a bad temper and is difficult to get along with. The children all think that he is a big trouble that Al's brother/master accidentally got into.
As usual, Elphis took Winster to the backyard of the tavern to rest.
The young boy combed his brother's long hair that was messed up by the wind, "Are you tired after riding the horse for so long? Let's go to the hotel across the street to rest for a night, or we can go back tomorrow."
Winster's bones and flesh ached, but he didn't care much, but his brother must have been tired...
"Well, I want to go back tomorrow."
The two brothers chatted for a while, and Uncle Gray, who had become fatter and fatter over the years, came over with a smile.
"Al, you two brothers came at the right time. The City Lord's Mansion has arranged a talent test these past two days. It happens every three years. Al didn't go into the city last time, so this time is just in time. You two can go touch the crystal ball after dinner."
The corner of Elphis' mouth twitched. He just passed by a place with a long queue. From newborn babies to young people in their twenties and thirties who had taken the test several times and never gave up, they lined up for two blocks in the scorching sun. There were also many people watching the fun near the testing point.
No matter how small or remote the city of Raphael is, it is still a city. There were enough people participating in the magic talent test, but not one of them made the transparent crystal ball move at all - Elphis didn't think it would move either, it was just a cover for the powerful to make money.
That’s right, each person has to pay thirty copper coins when taking the test. It doesn’t sound expensive, but when the money paid by so many people is added together, the City Lord’s Mansion can make a lot of money this time.
The boy took a leisurely sip of the fragrant tea and said, "I'm too lazy to queue up. I definitely don't have any talent."
He doesn't want to be taken advantage of.
Uncle Gray rubbed his hands and looked at him expectantly: "The siblings, Mon and Mona, went to test the magic crystal early in the morning, but unfortunately there was no movement. However, we all think that if it were you, you would definitely make the crystal light up!"
Several people truly believed that Elphis was omnipotent, and they would not be shocked even if he was tested to have an extremely high magical talent.
Elphis asked with amusement, "You have lived in the city for more than 30 years. You have seen so many talent tests. Have you ever seen a crystal glow?"
Unexpectedly, Gray's eyes lit up. "There was one time, when I was a teenager. The city lord's brother turned the crystal red. I heard that he had a sixth-grade fire talent. Then he was sent to the royal city very soon."
Elphis would rather believe that the couple was going to send the child to the royal city to develop, and just put on a show before leaving.
"Hey, I don't know if the rumors are true. Only the descendants of magicians have a greater chance of awakening their talents. For those of us whose ancestors were commoners, is it really true that only one miracle can happen among tens of thousands of people?"
Elphis: “…” What? This kind of talent is mainly inherited through genes?
Gray sighed, then smiled and said to the boy, "Al must be the miracle. Oh, by the way, little Winster also seems to have talent. What do you think? Do you want to give it a try?"
Elphis looked at him helplessly, seriously suspecting that Uncle Gray judged talent by appearance - you have only met Winster three times, and you didn't talk much, so you are not familiar with each other at all.
"No."
Winster sat quietly beside him. He was not interested in this matter. Besides, if he really had a talent for magic, it must be the dark type, so he should avoid contact with magic-detecting crystals.
Gray sighed in disappointment and started chatting with Elphis.
"I have seen two magicians and several sword masters in the store this year. In the past, they would not have made a detour to come to a small place like ours. Hey~ Thanks to the good things made by the folks in Ai'er and these delicious foods, many outsiders have been attracted."
The young man raised his eyebrows and became interested: "How do you know that there are magicians coming? Did you see them use some magical methods?"
Gray shook his head regretfully. "That's not the case. There was no fight. They had no reason to attack. I recognized them by the robes they were wearing and the staffs they were holding."
Gray, Morn and others believed that Elphis had a talent for magic, not only because he was too outstanding and seemed to be able to do anything, but also because his temperament was somewhat similar to that of the magicians...
Although Al looked gentle, he always had a strong aura that was incompatible with the common people, which made him dare not really treat people as children. Oh! Little Winster also gave him the same feeling.
It’s obvious that these two brothers are different from ordinary people. Even if they don’t have a talent for magic, they might have a talent for swordsmanship!
Perhaps it was because he had heard too much and was influenced by it. When Elphis was a child, he did not believe in the existence of magic, but now he has some expectations for it. When he heard Gray's answer, he didn't know whether he was more disappointed or more expectant.
Alphis didn't know how much confidence others had in him. He had lunch with Winster, went to the hotel to sleep for a while, and then went to the specialty store on the same street to check the accounts.
As for the rest of the caravan, after buying what the townspeople needed, they went back early.
Elphis still remembered to ask them to tell Grandpa Kevin to go home tomorrow.
Tsk, it’s my first time spending the night outside, and I’m kind of happy.
The specialty shop is doing good business. Not only travelers, but also citizens of Raphael like to come here to buy things.
Just as Elphis was about to step into the door, a woman came out. When they met, they were both surprised...
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