Built

Early the next morning, the owner of the building materials shop sent someone to notify Ang that the construction crew leader had returned and asked him to come over for a meeting. Ang told Aida and Aisha to stay at the inn, promising that he would be back soon.

At the building materials shop, Ang met the construction crew leader. He described his construction requirements in detail and said he hoped the work could be completed as quickly as possible. After listening carefully, the crew leader said they could meet Ang's requirements and guaranteed that construction would be finished promptly. Ang paid the deposit and confirmed every detail once more.

The shop owner told Ang that the materials were being prepared and would all be ready in a few days. At that time, the construction crew would depart for Oak Village together with the materials. The owner asked whether Ang wanted to leave with them, and Ang agreed, saying that he would remain in River Bay City for the next few days.

After taking care of these matters, Ang returned to the inn and told Aida and Aisha that everything was progressing smoothly. The three of them decided to stay in River Bay City a few more days and properly enjoy the bustling city.

Over the next few days, Ang took his younger brother and sister around River Bay City, letting them sample all kinds of food and experience the local customs. Ang also continued studying inscriptions with Ina, using this time to improve his skills.

Through these days of study and exploration, Aida and Aisha not only broadened their horizons but also became more sensible. Ang felt deeply gratified. He knew that only through constant learning and hard work could he give his family a better life.

During this time, Ang also bought a flatbed cart to transport supplies. He purchased some necessary provisions as well, including rations, seasonings, and tools. In addition, he bought several tents to provide lodging for the construction crew during the work.

Ang knew that during the renovation of the house, he would need to handle the construction crew's food and lodging. To ensure the workers could focus on their work without worry, Ang made thorough preparations. He not only bought a large amount of ingredients, but also purchased several large pots and cooking utensils, intending to prepare meals for the crew himself throughout construction.

After buying these supplies, Ang returned to the inn again and told Aida and Aisha to prepare to return to Oak Village. The three of them packed their belongings together and loaded all the supplies onto the flatbed cart. Ang even checked everything over once more to make sure every supply and tent was ready.

On the day of departure, the construction crew and Ang's group set out from River Bay City together. The flatbed cart carried their supplies, pulled by a draft horse as it traveled along the road back to Oak Village. Along the way, Ang chatted and laughed with the construction workers, discussing the plans and details for the new home.

When they arrived at Oak Village, Ang arranged for the construction crew to set up camp in his family's yard. He pitched the tents he had bought, ensuring that everyone had a comfortable place to rest. The ingredients were also properly stored inside the house for easy access.

The construction workers thanked Ang for his considerate arrangements and immediately began work on the new home. Ang's parents busied themselves preparing food, making sure everyone had enough drinking water and nourishment.

After more than ten days of hard work, the new home had been completely transformed. The main structure was built with sturdy stone bricks, with oak beams running through it, making it both more attractive and durable. The entire house looked solid yet warm. Ang had specifically requested that a platform be built on the sloping roof, along with a convenient ladder for climbing up and down, creating more usable space.

The wood from the old house was reused to reinforce the yard walls, and dedicated sheds were built for the cattle and horses. The new home's design was very practical, divided into two floors. Upstairs were the rooms for their parents and Aisha. Their rooms were spacious and bright, giving them greater privacy and comfort. Ang and Aida's rooms were downstairs, making it easier for them to handle daily affairs.

To accommodate visitors, Ang had also specifically designed a guest room, ensuring that overnight guests would have a comfortable place to rest. Every detail of the new home reflected Ang's care and affection for his family.

When the last stone brick was set in place and the final oak beam secured, Ang and his family stood before their new home, their hearts filled with pride and joy. The completion of the new home was more than the finishing of a building—it was the result of their family's shared efforts, symbolizing their hopes for a better future.

Half a month had passed since the renovations to Ang's new home were completed.

During this time, Ang had specially invited Ina to visit his home and showed her the sights of Oak Village. Since Ina was busy with work, Ang did not keep her long, but he had already taught her everything he could.

Now, Ang was able to independently make Water Gathering Rune Boards, and he had made a new Water Gathering Board for the family.

After dinner one day, his father Baron asked Ang about his plans for the future. Baron mentioned that quite a few villagers had recently come to introduce potential brides. Seeing the tremendous changes in Ang's household, many hoped to marry their daughters to him.

Ang replied that he was now a Level 1 Warrior, and that the road ahead was still long, so he did not intend to consider marriage for the time being. However, he suggested that the family could start arranging introductions for his younger brother Aida in advance.

The moment he heard Ang's words, Aida immediately blushed. Aisha joined in the teasing from the side, making the atmosphere light and cheerful. When Baron learned that Ang had become a Level 1 Warrior, he excitedly rose to his feet, his face full of pride.

During his military service, Baron had only reached the level of an Intermediate Squire. Although he had been fortunate enough not to encounter an invasion by evil ghosts, Ang reaching such strength made him deeply relieved and proud.

Ang told his father Baron that he planned to further his studies at the Warrior Academy in Tanaster Province. On the way back, Ang had already gathered the relevant information and planned to set out after some time. However, Ang decided to wait until his younger brother Aida had completed his military service before leaving.

Aida would turn sixteen before long and would soon have to perform military service. Ang explained that in one month, the towns and villages under River Bay City's jurisdiction would all conduct talent tests. Boys of the appropriate age would be tested, and those with magical talent would be sent to the River Bay City Mage Academy to study or directly assigned to military service. The age range for magical talent testing was fifteen to sixteen, because that was when a child's ability to sense the elements matured.

Ang said that he would take Aida and Aisha with him for the testing to make sure they did not miss any opportunities. After hearing this, Baron nodded, understanding and supporting Ang's decision while also looking forward to Aida and Aisha's futures.

As Ang explained, the family all voiced their support and understanding. Although Aida was somewhat nervous about his upcoming military service, he was also filled with anticipation and determination. Aisha, meanwhile, was curious about the coming talent test and eagerly imagined the possibilities ahead.

During this time, Ang helped out around the house. At the same time, he taught his younger brother Aida how to use a shortsword every day and told him about things he would need to pay attention to during military service. Through their time together, Ang discovered that Aida had no interest in magic at all and pestered Ang every day to teach him swordsmanship. Aisha, on the other hand, was very interested in magic. After teaching Aida, Ang would take out the Wilderland Compendium of Magical Materials and teach Aisha the relevant material.

Time passed bit by bit, and soon it was time for River Bay City's major event—the magical talent testing and military service registration for youths of eligible age. Young people throughout the city and their families flocked into town, hoping to secure a good opportunity for their futures through this testing and registration. Ang brought Aida and Aisha with him, his heart full of anticipation and nervousness.

In the city square, testing stations had been set up one after another, and young people stood in long lines waiting to be tested. Aida and Aisha stood in line as well, while Ang encouraged them from the side. Though Aida had no interest in magic, he still underwent the test according to the rules. Aisha, meanwhile, was filled with anticipation, hoping that she possessed magical talent.

After the test, Aida indeed had no magical talent, but he performed exceptionally well and earned the soldiers' praise. Aisha, however, was confirmed to possess magical talent. She could sense the water element, though her talent was weak and she could only barely perceive it. Still, that was enough for her to enter the River Bay City Mage Academy to study. Upon hearing the news, Ang was proud of his younger brother and delighted for his younger sister.

Ang spoke with the mage in charge of the testing and expressed his wish to undergo another magical talent test. The mage looked at him in surprise and asked, "Have you never been tested before?"

Ang answered honestly, "I was tested before. I only had warrior talent and no magical talent. But now I can sense magical elements. I don't know whether my talent has changed, so could I be tested again?"

Seeing Ang's persistence, the mage agreed to his request, but reminded him, "Generally speaking, if magical talent isn't detected during the first test, it won't change afterward. You should prepare yourself mentally."

Even so, the mage decided to give Ang a chance. His intuition told him that the young man before him should be quite powerful, but he was also curious. Shouldn't someone with such strength be in the military?

Ang stepped onto the testing platform and took a deep breath, sensing the fluctuations of the surrounding elements. The mage activated the testing device, which emitted a faint glow. A moment later, the mage's expression turned solemn.