Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

However, the fact that an entire militia was lying in ambush was still somewhat troublesome. Ryusha was not afraid of those thugs, but an overly prominent battle would attract the attention of the local church.

His behavior in Linhu Town was already quite conspicuous. For example, gunpowder was treated as alchemy, nutrition, herbal knowledge, and medical concepts were treated as witchcraft, and his excellent manual dexterity and talent for farming were all touted as the knowledge of a devilish professor! After all, he was an orphan with no manners...

Ryuka felt that the stake was very close to her.

"That's all?" Liu Xia's tone was indifferent. He knew Kania too well, from head to toe. This woman wasn't so honest. In the past, she would only tell him some useful information or interesting tidbits from the outside world after satisfying his needs. Today, she told him directly, so there must be more important information.

"Okay." Kania sighed, feeling wronged. There was something else she wanted to tell Ryuga after he satisfied her, as a reward for his efforts. Although Kania liked being treated coldly, she always wanted to try to tame this boy who was so aloof to her.

However, by then, she might lose interest in Ryuka.

“My father’s friend wrote that Linhu Town is going to be granted as the territory of a nobleman. They will be coming in a few days, and there will be some changes. However, I have persuaded my father to stay here.”

Liu Xia frowned. This was not good news. If Linhu Town and the surrounding land became the private property of nobles, his hunting would be illegal. And nobles were either mages or knights; he couldn't deal with them the way he dealt with the mayor.

Moreover, the town mayor and militia leader will definitely exaggerate and portray themselves as rebels and rioters in front of the noble lord. When a noble takes office, he usually makes an example of someone to show his authority, and he will definitely be the unlucky one to suffer the consequences!

Perhaps we should persuade Atina's father to leave with her. After all, Old Mya should know the destructive power of Atina's appearance, and she will suffer sooner or later if the nobles come.

Thinking of this, Liu Xia lost the desire to fool around with Kania, but Kania didn't want to let him go. She was going crazy after not seeing him for half a month!

"Looks like it's time to teach you a lesson, or perhaps reward you?"

Ryuka glanced at Kania, who was blocking the doorway, snorted, and pulled a vine from the woodpile in the mill.

Upon seeing the vine, Kania's eyes burned with desire. She obediently pressed herself against the door, lifted her skirt, and pulled her harem pants down to her knees, her lower back slightly arched...

"Hmm! One... Hmph! Two... Hmph! Three..."

A whooshing sound rang out, followed by crackling sounds. Kania bit her precious scarf in her mouth to prevent herself from screaming and being heard by the villagers, letting out muffled groans and indistinct numbers.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, radiating heat in the cold air. The girl's cheeks turned red, and tears and a few strands of snot streamed down her face, yet a sweet yet painful smile lingered on her lips.

After twenty strokes, Kania's legs were trembling, her plump thighs shaking, but she stubbornly maintained her posture. Ryusha threw down the rattan cane and pulled her away from the door.

After twenty strokes, Kania's legs were trembling, her plump thighs shaking, but she stubbornly maintained her posture. Ryusha threw down the rattan cane and pulled her away from the door.

"Is it over? What about the main event?" Kania looked at Ryusha with some dissatisfaction and grievance, far from being satisfied.

Ryusha couldn't break her promise to tutor Atina at noon, especially since the mayor had men lying in wait at the door. What if Atina went and she got angry? She didn't have time to waste on Kania's antics.

But he still needed to keep Kania calm, as he needed her to get information about the nobles.

Ryuka sneered, leaned in and bit Kania's earlobe, making her let out a soft, sweet gasp, while gently touching the wound she had just inflicted.

"Come find me tonight. I have something to do at noon, and I don't have enough time right now."

"Night... how am I supposed to get out? Hmm~" Kania's voice trembled, and her legs were about to give way. It was as if Ryuka's skills had some kind of magic, always managing to get her under control.

"I don't care, if you can come, you can do whatever you want all night long, but... there can't be anything else under your coat."

"On the way... I'll freeze to death..."

It's not about being cold, that would be too degrading! Just imagining it makes Kania almost faint with excitement.

"Suit yourself, if you don't want to, then forget it."

Ryusha left Kania's body, smiled mockingly, and left her in the mill.

Next, it's time to deal with the town mayor and militia who are lying in wait right outside my door!

Along the way, the adults in Linhu Town had varying attitudes towards Liu Xia. Some greeted him warmly, while others avoided him like the plague, pointing and gossiping after he had walked away. (The last sentence appears to be a nonsensical string of characters and doesn't translate directly.)

Heretics, wizards, children of the devil—that's what they keep saying.

A few more people, upon seeing Ryūka, lowered their heads and ran towards her house. Ha! The mayor's spies!

Liuxia was used to it. In this backward and ignorant village, which was like the Middle Ages, anyone who was different from others in any way would be ostracized.

For example, the small house in the distance, the home that Liu Xia built from scratch, naturally required the help of villagers. But this house is different from the low, dilapidated wooden box houses in the village; it's more like the rural houses in Liu Xia's ancestral home in China.

The spacious courtyard had windows covered with thick paper that let in plenty of light. The walls were thick and warm, made of mud bricks and smoked wood, and the roof was covered with dark red tiles. Although they were a bit crooked, Liu Xia only had an impression of the survival building videos on a certain small website. She tried to make a batch of them but then gave up.

He felt he wouldn't stay in Linhu Town for long; after all, it was a magical world with dragons, and while the boy was here, his heart had already flown outside.

At this moment, Liuxia climbed to a high point and looked out at her home, her eagle-like eyes scanning the surroundings.

"Four at the corner of the road, two at the door, three by the woodpile, and the mayor... oh, he's hiding there with his dear militia captain~ This might be our last time playing before the nobles arrive."

The other side didn't bring any swords or knives, just some sticks and clubs. Liu Xia thought to herself, "They're smart."

Chapter 4 The Proof of Leadership

Although he had anticipated his opponent's moves, Ryuka did not want to be overconfident. His opponent only had sticks and clubs, and he could not use any lethal weapons, but he would be at a disadvantage if he went unarmed.

Thinking it over, Ryuka entered a meditative state...

Four towering stone walls appeared in his mind, carved with intricate patterns, but most of the details were shrouded in mist.

This is the manifestation of the [Proof of Leadership] ability. These four stone walls represent the four levels of the ability. In addition to the murals, there are also textual explanations that Ryusha does not recognize but can understand directly.

Level 1 [Superior]: Followers have a certain level of recognition for you and are willing to acknowledge you as their 'big brother', 'superior', 'teacher', 'employer', etc. By maintaining a distance of five kilometers from them, you will continuously gain [Superior Points], which can be used to enhance your abilities.

Comment: Being a kid leader counts as being a leader, doesn't it? Why not try other roles? Becoming a lord can earn you a lot of points!

This is the only clear section; the mural contains portraits of Atina and other children, which can be viewed and switched according to Ryukatsu's thoughts, much like a game interface.

The next three levels were shrouded in thick fog, with only a few lines of description visible through the gaps in the fog.

Level 2 [Someone's Hero]: Followers are steadfast in their loyalty to you in some respects, but the relationship is not strong, and there is a risk of losing followers if you violate their position and interests.

The name of "Points" will change, and they will have more uses, perhaps including rewarding followers and rapidly boosting their abilities!

Depending on the followers you have, you might even unlock some amazing abilities—who knows? Go collect higher-level followers! Strengthen your bond with them!

Tier 3 [Lord]: Followers clearly understand that you are the one they believe in and follow, like a king and his subjects, a lord and his vassals, a master and his loyal servant. You are an absolutely trustworthy leader. Even without the investiture or recognition of others, you have become an indisputable lord, after all, even kings and emperors are just lords of a larger rank.

Additionally, slave contracts with powerful magical constraints also fall into this category.

At this level, you can do a lot with [points]! Hehe! Mei Youyou, you're in the empty Mei Youyou, haven't thought about it...

Level 4 [Unknown]: You will become the sole faith of your followers, their god and master. They will have no wavering loyalty to you in terms of values ​​and emotions, and will even willingly offer their lives and souls for you. As for your title, perhaps you will have to decide that yourself.

As for the abilities at this level, we'll find out then!

Looking at the writing on the stone wall, Liu Xia was speechless and a little scared. He always felt that the stone wall seemed to have its own thoughts and could see into his life.

As someone who awakened a cheat ability upon transmigrating, Liu Xia couldn't possibly not use it, but not understanding why it existed still made her somewhat uneasy.

Ryūka looked at the first stone wall, which was originally shrouded in mist and he couldn't find a way to unlock it. By chance, he obtained his first 'little brother', and the stone wall revealed its true nature. Only then did Ryūka understand that its name was [Proof of Leadership].

It seems that unlocking the next few blocks depends either on the number or quality of followers.

On the stone wall of the "Superior," it is displayed that the "Superior Points: 501" are displayed.

Under natural growth, each child will only gain 1 point per day. However, if they are unhappy or temporarily disown their 'big brother' status, they will not gain any superior points for that day.

Atina can provide 10 superior points every day, and she has never missed a day since she 'accepted' herself.

Furthermore, if a follower gains an advantage because of Ryūka, points will be awarded in return, such as by teaching them to read or perform handicrafts. However, Atina awards ten times more points than others.

Although Ryuka won't treat them differently because of this, in terms of the [Leader's Proof] ability, Atina, an SR, is more useful than a bunch of Ns combined.

As for the use of [Superior Points], there will be a skill tree-like panel behind each follower's portrait, where you can add points to gain an amplification.

Most of the children's skill trees are quite short, consisting mainly of strength, stamina, energy, and observation, which have all been gradually maxed out over the years. Aside from the daily 1 point, John and the others can no longer provide any further boosts to Ryukyu.

Ryuu had tested it and found that even if some of his 'little brothers' stopped recognizing him as their 'big brother,' the bonus would still apply, but their avatars would turn gray, and he would no longer receive points or be able to check their status.

The only skill tree that wasn't maxed out was the one brought by Atina, which was much larger than others'.

[Military Combat Techniques] requires 500 Superior Points.

Although Atina's father, Maya, had served in the military, why is this skill in Atina's skill tree? Ryuka has never seen this quiet girl use any fighting skills before.

In addition, besides the [regular skill tree], Atina also has a grayed-out skill tree that is not lit up.

【magic】

The lack of redemption points might mean that Atina has the aptitude to learn magic, but it hasn't been unlocked yet, hence the grayed-out skill tree. This is also why Ryūka wants her to apply to a magic academy or a military academy; she has the potential to become a magician, which is an unimaginable dream for a poor family.

Now that the superior has enough points, after completing the [Military Combat Technique] skill, the three extended directions are just ordinary attribute points. Although the points consumed are not more than 500, it is still very uneconomical.

Since they're all just ordinary attribute points anyway, I might as well recruit a new underling, even though Linhu Town already has all the children willing to get close to me.

Unfortunately, you can't see what the next level is until you unlock it. Considering Atina is just an ordinary little girl, she probably won't have any special skills, right? Ryuka is still looking forward to her [Magic] skill tree unlocking...

With the activation of [Military Combat Techniques], some combat knowledge appeared in Liuxia's mind. Now, with just a wooden stick and his already terrifying physical abilities, Liuxia was confident that he could subdue the mayor and his henchmen.

As for proficiency, Ryuka will need to practice more on her own. Hopefully, the goddess will bless them and prevent them from accidentally breaking their joints.

Rehearsing the actions in her mind, Ryuka exited the meditation...

"Mayor! That kid's at the crossroads ahead! He killed three wild boars again today! And those poor brats divided them up again!"

Mayor Niebuhr shivered, looking displeased. The bald, middle-aged, overweight man wore an old woolen overcoat and decent-looking but worn-out leather boots with obvious wear and tear on the edges.

Linhu Town is a poor place. Apart from the forestry officer and his family who live in the city, and the priest in that small church, even the town mayor is poor.

Three wild boar hides are enough to buy a pair of warm new boots. How many good things has Liuxia missed out on?

"Be quick-witted when he comes over, and beat him up! But don't beat him too badly; he's the only good hunter in town, it's not worth damaging him!"

Mayor Niebuhr hid behind a house next to Ryusha's, issuing orders to the militia thugs.

"Mayor, who do you want to beat up?"

"Who should we beat up? Of course, it's that little bastard Ryuka! You idiot!"

The sudden sound from behind made Niebuhr raise his voice, and he turned around angrily, only to have his large head bump into a solid wooden stick.

Chapter 5 The Principles of Territorial Investiture

Thump! A pleasant sound is a good sign; a red bump appeared in the center of Niebuhr's forehead.

Behind him was Liu Xia, who had crept up stealthily. Even the most alert wild rabbit couldn't detect his footsteps, let alone the few oddballs in front of him.

However, Ryūka didn't actually attack. He simply carried his steel fork, handle pointing towards Niebuhr, and as he turned, his head bumped right into it. (Mei Youyou, in my Lin Kongmei, didn't even think about it...)

Of course, Ryūka did it on purpose.

"I'm so sorry, Mayor Niebuhr, your head hit my fork."

To Niebuhr, Ryusha's smile at this moment looked like that of a little devil. The forgetful mayor had never gotten away with anything from him before, and it seemed that today would be no different; his ambush plan had been exposed once again.

Niebuhr, of course, had no idea that besides Ryusha's own formidable strength, there was also a little fairy who had been tipping him off.

"Get moving!"

Niebuhr retreated hastily to the back of the crowd, while militia leader Black charged forward with a roar, club in hand.

Black had never been involved in the conflict between the mayor and Ryūsha before. He had heard of this skilled young man, but never took him seriously. It wasn't until Niebuhr won him over with a good meal and lavish flattery that he decided to come and meet Ryūsha in person.

This kind of battle is at most a brawl; both sides tacitly agree not to use knives, since upgrading weapons is a criminal case. According to the strict imperial laws, even if a word gets out, neither side will have a good outcome.

Ryusha flicked the end of the steel fork, striking Blake's chin like a whip. Only then did Blake's dazed mind realize that something was wrong.

What incredible speed! Although Blake wasn't a trainee knight who had mastered battle aura, he was only a little short of having the talent for it. In this remote and impoverished place, he was confident that he wouldn't lose to anyone.

Ryuka simply used the steel fork once, then threw it to the ground with a clanging sound. Before anyone else could react, she rushed into Blake's arms, punched him in the ribs, and then easily disarmed him using the disarming technique of [Military Combat].

The so-called group fight is to create a situation where one-on-one fights occur in certain areas. These techniques are different from hunting, but they are not uncommon in military combat techniques.

With a short stick in hand, Ryuka used Blake's body to dodge and move around, combining his fighting skills with overwhelming power and speed to knock down the surging militia one by one.

Joints, airways, soft ribs—Ryuga specifically targets these areas, and almost every strike can render a person incapacitated without causing serious injury, allowing them to recover in a few days.

They weren't so stubbornly evil or stupid. After being beaten, they understood that Ryūsha had shown mercy and wouldn't listen to Niebuhr's orders again next time.

Soon, after a third of their men fell to the ground groaning in pain, the remaining men gave up the idea of ​​attacking.

After all, the militia of Linhu Town were nothing but a bunch of scoundrels. There was nothing in this remote town that needed the protection of a regular militia. The fighting spirit of these people was not even as strong as that of a farmer with a pitchfork.

"You little bastard, just you wait! When my nephew, who's a trainee knight at the military academy, comes back, you'll be sorry! You've evaded taxes and assaulted an imperial official! You just wait!"

Niebuhr quickly led his men away, dragging the wounded away, not forgetting to shout threats as they left.

The town mayor who was "elected" is nothing but a nobody among the imperial officials. It seems he doesn't know that Linhu Town is going to become a noble territory. I'm afraid he won't be the town mayor for much longer.

Liuxia nodded, pushed open the courtyard gate, and placed the hunting tools on the woodpile. There were also some carpentry tools piled up there, which Liuxia used to make furniture and household items.

This was also how I made a living when I first arrived in this world: weaving baskets, building tables, doing odd jobs, begging during the day and working at night, gradually building my fortune from scratch. Then, I used small favors to win over children and become their leader, gaining stronger physical abilities and senses through the [Leader's Certificate] to protect my wealth.

There was also a small vegetable garden in the yard. Although no livestock were raised, there was a shed next to the toilet where farmyard manure was piled up.

"Feudal society really is a good place to toughen people up!" Ryuka sighed again.