Bill

Potionry, Smithing, and even Runeology.

As those lofty skills flashed through Colin's mind, the greed in his heart erupted uncontrollably. If the system could truly learn these skills, then everything would change.

"Phew!" Colin let out a long breath and forcibly suppressed the greed in his heart. Then he bent down to set aside the container and paper, picked up his shirt, coat, and leather shoes, put them on, and waited quietly for it to end.

After an unknown amount of time, Colin heard a door opening. His heart stirred, but he did not rush out. Only when a series of doors began opening did he twist the metal doorknob and step outside, arriving at the entrance of the longhouse.

Ms. Anna stood calmly with her arms folded beneath her ample chest, while the pair of long legs beneath her leather skirt drew the attention of many male students.

Even more students were whispering among themselves, unable to hide their excitement.

"Mil, I feel like my strength and speed have both improved tremendously. What about you?"

"I feel much more energetic. Our family's bloodline focuses on improving vitality."

Colin turned to glance at the two male classmates on his left. They seemed to be sons of wealthy merchants.

"Colin, how do you feel?" Bill's voice sounded from the right. Colin turned around, and the scent of women's perfume immediately filled his nose.

"My strength has improved somewhat," Colin said impassively. He did not intend to tell anyone his secret, even though Bill was his friend.

"Strength, huh?" Bill rubbed his smooth chin and said, "What improved for me was speed."

"This is the power of bloodlines. It is precisely because we possess all kinds of bloodlines that we knights have developed so many different kinds of powerful people." Colin pretended to sigh with emotion.

"Yeah." Bill nodded heavily.

Not long afterward, Ms. Anna led them away and back to Class Five's classroom. The morning consisted of etiquette and literature classes, while the afternoon had oil painting, riding, and swordsmanship.

Whether it was academic classes or riding, swordsmanship, and physical training, Colin worked extremely hard. He absolutely could not let down Linda and Smith's sacrifices. He had to strive to become a knight.

The academy, however, did not test the students' bloodlines. The students merely boasted to one another about their increased strength, agility, and vitality.

It seemed as though nothing had changed, but in truth, everything had changed greatly. It was not apparent in academic classes, but during riding, swordsmanship, and physical training, the students' obvious improvement in strength could be seen.

The students were all showing off the power they had gained.

Colin, however, had not improved at all. Still, he had always been a peripheral figure, and few people paid attention to him. He had not been exposed on the first day, but over time, he would definitely be found out.

But Bill saw through Colin.

After school, close friends left the classroom side by side, carrying their backpacks and Training Greatswords. Colin and Bill did the same, quickly arriving at the school gate.

Their homes lay in opposite directions, so whenever this happened, they would greet each other and part ways. But today, Bill hesitated before saying to Colin, "Colin, I want to buy some books at the bookstore. Come with me."

"Sure." Colin gave Bill a deep look, then nodded.

The two headed together toward a familiar bookstore. The sun was slanting westward, stretching their shadows long and longer. As they moved farther from the academy, there were fewer and fewer fellow students around them, until there was no one left nearby.

Bill still carefully looked around before turning to ask Colin, "Colin, did your bloodline fail to improve?"

"Yeah." After watching his classmates boast about their improved strength that afternoon, Colin had known it would be impossible to conceal it completely. He would settle for the next best thing and refuse to reveal the system no matter what. He would simply treat it as a failed bloodline enhancement.

"I'm sorry." Although Bill had already guessed, hearing Colin say it himself still made him very sad.

"It's fine." Seeing Bill's dejected expression, Colin felt warmth in his heart and reached out to pat Bill on the shoulder.

Bill hesitated again before finally saying, "Colin, didn't you ask me before whether there was any part-time work available? There's a job that pays very well and is quite comfortable. Do you want to give it a try?"

Colin froze. He had indeed asked Bill before, since Bill had many connections. But Bill had always said there was nothing available. Why today?

Colin was not actually very interested in work anymore. He now hoped to learn more about the system as soon as possible and acquire useful skills.

But before he learned any skills, making some money seemed like a good idea too.

What kind of job paid well and was comfortable?

"What job?" Colin asked curiously.

"Don't ask. I guarantee the pay is good, and it's comfortable." Bill began stammering, then lifted his head and quickly said, "I'll come find you at your house on Saturday."

Like Blue Star, the Empire had seven days in a week. The academy had holidays on Saturday and Sunday.

"Alright." Seeing Bill stammer so unusually, Colin grew even more curious about what kind of job it was, but he did not press the matter and merely nodded.

"Don't be sad, Colin. The extraordinary isn't everything in life. Even if you aren't extraordinary, life can still be wonderful." Bill hugged Colin, then let go and waved. "Goodbye, Colin."

"Goodbye, Bill." Colin nodded and watched Bill turn away, gradually disappearing into the distance. Then Colin turned and headed home.

After arriving home, Colin took off his leather shoes, bent down to pick up his blue slippers, and put them on. Hearing the movement, Linda came out and enthusiastically hugged and kissed Colin, but Colin's response was rather cold.

"You seem to have something on your mind?" Linda tilted her head and examined Colin, then revealed a teasing smile. "Could it be that you have someone you like?"

Colin stumbled, nearly falling flat on his face. His sister's train of thought was rather bizarre. He had indeed been distracted, but he had been thinking about how to learn skills.

Colin shook his head like a rattle and said, "Of course not. I'm only twelve. How could I possibly have someone I like?" After saying that, Colin hurried upstairs at a jog.

Linda was terribly persistent. If he did not run quickly, she would definitely keep pestering him.

"Hehehe. Little Colin, don't be shy. It's perfectly normal to have someone you like at twelve, okay? When I was eight, I pinned down a handsome boy and kissed him." Linda's bell-like laughter rang out behind him.

Veins bulged on Colin's forehead. And you have the nerve to say that? You hooligan. Eight years old!!!

After arriving in his room, Colin took off his coat, set down his Training Greatsword, placed his backpack on the desk, then dove onto the bed and quickly lay down.

How am I supposed to use my Skill Points to learn skills?