Chapter 1, Growth

"You are stealing my prey!" Richard suddenly understood what they intended to do, shouting in anger

A boy next to him laughed in agreement and said, "Children without fathers can only pick fruit"

Three big boys laughed heartily as they ran past the little boy towards the village, their steps light, showing no sign that each of them was carrying dozens of kilograms of prey. The little boy ignored the mockery and continued walking towards the village with his basket on his back. A middle-aged strong man sitting at the village entrance had already seen everything. He waved to the little boy, called him over, and then stuffed a piece of dried monster meat into the boy's hand, affectionately ruffled his hair, and asked, "Little Richard, aren't you angry that Piru and the others are bullying you like this? I'll go teach them a lesson later; even if they are just kids, they shouldn't speak too excessively."

This year, Little Richard is seven years old. At the age of seven, he learned the importance of perseverance in accomplishing tasks. If there is anything unpleasant in his memories of being seven, it is that dinner always consisted of breadfruit. This small matter ultimately became one of the indelible nightmares of his childhood

Setting traps is a skill that requires extensive experience, keen observational abilities, dexterous hands, and a bit of luck. In situations where only rudimentary tools are available, inexperienced individuals, aside from seasoned hunters, are likely to injure themselves while attempting to set traps. Young Richard demonstrated remarkable talent in learning, showcasing a significant advantage over the other boys in the village for the first time, and on his very first day of setting traps, he achieved great success, earning praise from all the adults in the village. Blacksmith Bobby, in particular, could not stop talking about it, expressing joy as if Richard were his own son. However, nearly everyone in the village was aware of his feelings; if Richard were to call him 'father,' Bobby would likely be willing to close his blacksmith shop for that.

"Then how did you come here to hunt wild boars?" Richard's retort left Piru speechless. They looked down on Richard's frail appearance, yet had to admit that he was indeed very clever; it was said that he could write many characters. However, the youths of Piru did not respect Richard for this, as being able to write did not help in hunting. What was the use of knowing so many characters?

As spring arrives, the land outside the village needs to be tilled, and seeds are sown for the grains that can be harvested in summer. Hunters begin to enter the forest; during this season, the magical beasts that have been hungry all winter gradually awaken and start foraging. They become extremely dangerous and highly aggressive. However, certain unique products from some magical beasts, such as glands that can be used as precious medicinal materials or spices, are at their best quality only at this time, allowing them to fetch the highest prices. Every year during this season, hunters suffer casualties, yet they continue to venture into the mountains as usual. Therefore, in the village of Hutu Luserlan, the forest and the goddess of hunting receive the most faith, for it is known that, apart from the Eternal Dragon, the deities and beliefs on the continent of Norland are as numerous as the stars in the sky.

However, Richard still had to pick fruits at the age when hunting began, as per his mother's request. Not only that, he also had to collect herbs, with four different types for each season, and then process them according to a predetermined and complex procedure. Half of the process had to be completed at the time of harvesting the herbs, while the other half was to be done after returning home. What he did not understand was that breadfruit also required similar treatment, and the procedures and time involved were considerably more. No family in the village had ever done this; breadfruit was the easiest food to obtain, naturally falling to the ground overnight once ripe, and could be picked up and eaten directly. What he did not understand was that breadfruit also required similar treatment, and the procedures and time involved were considerably more. No family in the village had ever done this; breadfruit was the easiest food to obtain, naturally falling to the ground overnight once ripe, and could be picked up and eaten directly. However, his mother insisted that breadfruit could not be picked from the ground but must be harvested from the trunk, with specific requirements for size and color, and a special method of picking. Richard did not understand why, nor did he notice any difference in taste between the breadfruit picked using the special method and those picked otherwise, but any breadfruit he did not pick according to the requirements would be discarded by his mother. However, his mother insisted that breadfruit could not be picked from the ground but must be harvested from the trunk, with specific requirements for size and color, and a special method of picking. Richard did not understand why, nor did he notice any difference in taste between the breadfruit picked using the special method and those picked otherwise, but any breadfruit he did not pick according to the requirements would be discarded by his mother. After several reprimands, young Richard no longer played tricks but instead earnestly completed each tedious step. It was not until winter, when he could no longer pick breadfruit, that his mother told him this was to instill perseverance in him. After several reprimands, young Richard no longer played tricks but instead earnestly completed each tedious step. It was not until winter, when he could no longer pick breadfruit, that his mother told him this was to instill perseverance in him

However... the man ran his rough, dark hands through his hair, appearing somewhat perplexed. I thought he was afraid of those big boys and couldn't help but want to say a few words. Children in the mountains can lack many things, but they must never lack courage

At the age of eight, Richard learned resilience

With the arrival of a new spring, Rutherland Village remains unchanged. Blacksmith Bobby is still single, and Ilene's apothecary shop has not seen any improvement in business. The village chief is still robust, always at the forefront when faced with formidable magical beasts.

This is a delightful season. After a long, harsh winter, people can finally begin a new year, free from the biting cold, with food becoming more accessible and varieties gradually increasing. Therefore, the transition from winter to spring marks the most significant festival of the year. Not only humans, but also dwarves, orcs, elves, and even ogres celebrate their most important festivities in spring. Of course, the world is complex, and there are always exceptions, such as the inhabitants of the underground world, for whom spring holds little significance. Exceptions can reach extremes, as seen with the snow spirits, a race that despises spring the most. Nevertheless, for the majority of humans, spring is always a source of joy.

Richard slowly got up and saw that Piru had appeared with three young boys, though he did not know when they had arrived. Just moments ago, one of the boys had pushed him out forcefully. Piru was holding a hunting bow, looking quite pleased as he gazed at the poor Kamchatka wild boar. An arrow was embedded in the vital area of the boar's neck. Hitting the vital spot with a single arrow is no easy feat, even if the animal is trapped. The wild boar had been thrashing about wildly.

Upon hearing these words, the man could only continue to hold his head, grinning foolishly, and said, "Indeed, indeed."

In the evening, Elian looked at little Richard, who was covered in bruises, and tears flowed uncontrollably from her eyes. Instead, it was the boy who comforted her, saying it was nothing, just a little painful. After the medicine was applied, the boy looked at his mother and asked, "Still can't fight back?"

Days passed, and Richard had become proficient in handling several types of traps. He began to venture deep into the reserve, setting up several large composite traps. This area occasionally saw the presence of large magical beasts, and he wanted to test his luck. Richard's luck was good; a Kamchatka wild boar appeared in his line of sight and collided with the trap. The beast trap, constructed from thorns, vines, and iron nails, firmly clamped down on its front leg. Although the wild boar was powerful, Richard's trap was meticulously crafted, with a well-balanced distribution of forces. After a frantic struggle, it still could not break free. Richard, hiding nearby and observing, was so nervous that his palms were sweaty, and the hunting knife in his hand felt less reliable than ever. An injured wild boar could be extremely dangerous; although the Kamchatka wild boar was small in size and timid, he was still just a child.

Everyone here can attest that I shot this wild boar. How can you call it poaching? Just because you set a trap? Any good hunter knows that such traps are only meant for catching rabbits. " Piru said slowly, looking at Richard with disdain

The continent of Mondstadt is a land rich in resources, a land that reveres strength, and a land with a strict hierarchy

Life in Ruthland Village is calm and slow, with time passing by unnoticed, and before one realizes it, spring has arrived once again

The boy from the mountains has strength in every bone, and this beating is truly severe. Richard neither struggles nor resists, nor does he cry out for mercy; he simply endures in silence. The more Pilu strikes, the angrier he becomes, and his blows grow heavier. From Richard's silent reactions, he feels nothing but contempt.

Even in a remote and tranquil village like Ruthland, the marks of time are deeply imprinted. The villagers are simple and sincere, yet they also respect the strong and look down upon the weak. This small village, with only a few dozen households, nonetheless exhibits an implicit hierarchy.

The young boys gradually ceased their actions, and it took Richard a while to slowly get back on his feet. Piru threw down a few harsh words and then carried the wild boar away with a flourish. Once they had completely walked away, young Richard collapsed under the tree, resting for a long time before struggling to stand up and make his way home

Richard got up, his small face flushed red, tightly gripping the hunting knife. In that moment, the sudden surge of his aura made several boys feel an inexplicable chill. The hunting knife ultimately did not come out; in a moment of hesitation, Piru had already kicked him in the stomach. The boys rushed forward, snatching the hunting knife away, followed by a flurry of punches and kicks. Piru even stepped on Richard's head, forcing his face deep into the dirt. The hunting knife ultimately did not come out; in a moment of hesitation, Piru had already kicked him in the stomach. The boys rushed forward, snatching the hunting knife away, followed by a flurry of punches and kicks. Piru even stepped on Richard's head, forcing his face deep into the dirt

Hmm! Elian gritted her teeth and nodded vigorously.

This year, Little Richard is six years old. At the age of six, he learned to be happy

He is nearly a head taller than Richard, and his physique is noticeably stronger. Moreover, his strength is actually greater than that of his peers, almost comparable to that of an adult. This is because Piru is the son of the village chief, who, as a retired sergeant, often hunts powerful magical beasts from the mountains. The meat of these magical beasts is very beneficial for building a strong body.

Ruthland is situated at the foot of the Coast Mountains, a rather inconspicuous point within this vast mountain range that stretches for thousands of miles, and it is also one of the countless human settlements. This area falls under the domain of Baron Tuck and is part of the territory of the Holy Alliance Empire. However, even in a straight line, the distance from the baron's castle to here is nearly over 300 kilometers. It is only during the autumn harvest each year that the villagers see the baron's tax officials. At this time, the lord has a negligible presence. The baron's tax is light, merely collecting some local specialties unique to the mountains, which hardly affects the daily lives of the villagers. However, the village's output is limited, and if the tax burden were to increase significantly, it would lead to issues of survival.

Starting from this year, Piru began to have nightmares. Later, every time he hit Richard, he would have nightmares for several days. Richard never resisted or struggled, and Piru grew stronger, causing the size difference between the two to widen. However, every time Piru saw Richard, he would be met with the boy's calm and serene gaze, which would lead to several days of nightmares. Piru was also puzzled as to why Richard did not go to his father to complain. If the boy had done so, Piru would have certainly faced a few lashes. Yet, from the beginning to the end, Richard never mentioned the beatings to anyone in the village.

Richard can finally learn to set traps. At this time, Piru and the others have already begun to carry short bows and follow the village hunters into the mountains. Having crossed the threshold of ten years, they can now be referred to as youths, and their tall stature would lead one to mistakenly believe they are fifteen or sixteen if seen in the city

The little boy shook his head and said, "No need, I am not angry"

The middle-aged man named Bobby is the blacksmith of the village, and the boy's mother is said to be an apprentice in magic. When she arrived alone in Ruthland Village, little Richard was still in swaddling clothes. She was not a particularly beautiful woman, yet she was gentle as water. Her arrival brought a fresh atmosphere to the small Ruthland Village; for the first time, there was a physician in the village, eliminating the need to travel dozens of kilometers to the town for minor ailments or to simply endure them until they healed naturally. Her name was Elaine, and she opened a small apothecary on the edge of the village. Although she could only produce the most basic potions, she saved more than one villager's life in her first year. Therefore, the village chief and the elders decided to allocate a piece of land to Elaine, formally accepting her as a member of Ruthland. In the small Ruthland Village, the most numerous were the hunters, with only three professionals: the blacksmith, Elaine who also served as the doctor, and the retired sergeant who was the village chief. These three individuals supported the entire operation of the village.

Behind the little boy, three youths, each a head taller than him, appeared in a group. They carried hunting bows and short forks in their hands, with short knives sheathed at their waists, and behind them were deer and rabbits among other game. Although they were not yet ten years old, they were already capable of hunting in the mountains. Their prey was certainly not magical beasts, but rather some docile animals, and their hunting methods primarily relied on traps, yet this was no easy feat. At this time, the commoners and noble youths in the town were mostly still learning and training under the wings of their parents.

Just as Richard was certain that the prey could not escape and was preparing to charge out, a sudden force from behind pushed him violently forward. Richard fell heavily to the ground, feeling dizzy, with a metallic taste in his mouth and nose. He heard the sound of a bowstring, followed by the anguished cries of a wild boar. Several cheers erupted nearby, their voices strikingly familiar.

In the days that followed, Piru sought trouble with Richard several more times, the process invariably involving severe beatings. However, during the most intense encounter, until everyone was exhausted from the fighting and Richard could no longer rise, Piru did not receive the boy's surrender or pleas for mercy, nor did he even hear a groan. Each time they grew tired and prepared to leave, Richard would slowly get back up and quietly gaze at Piru. That calm and steady gaze suddenly sent a chill deep within Piru's heart. Each time they grew tired and prepared to leave, Richard would slowly get back up and quietly gaze at Piru. That calm and steady gaze suddenly sent a chill deep within Piru's heart. That look was as if he were staring at a corpse.

The little boy said with a smile: "Although I do not have a father, I have the best mother!"

The number of times the boys from www.hetushu.com troubled Richard gradually decreased. On one occasion, when a boy had blood at the corner of his mouth yet smiled at them, the boys scattered in a rush. That was also the last time they troubled Richard

The little boy hummed a tune, carrying a large basket, and bounced joyfully towards the village. At this moment, the shadow that had lingered in little Richard's heart had long been dispelled, and he felt happy again. This was because his mother had told him that no matter the circumstances, he should always strive to be very happy

When the warm and humid air currents laboriously crossed the coastal mountains and reached the village of Rutherlan, the villagers knew that spring had arrived

Are you still unconvinced? The young men are becoming increasingly forceful, and Richard feels as if his body is no longer his own, merely allowing them to beat him. Before long, Piru became frightened. He feared that he might seriously injure Richard, and upon returning home, he would certainly face a severe beating. The village chief's temper is as explosive as his strength, and Ilene has always had a good reputation in the village

However, Richard's retort infuriated Piru. He swung his hand fiercely, and a young man beside him circled behind Richard and forcefully pushed him to the ground

Spring

"Very well, I will not retaliate, but I will not yield either"

Little Richard has grown taller by more than ten centimeters, looking similar to a child of eight or nine years old. According to the traditions of Ruthland Village, he should have already begun learning to make and set traps to hunt rabbits and other small herbivorous magical beasts. In a forest not far from Ruthland Village, there is a large population of such small magical beasts, while large magical beasts are rarely seen. This area serves as a training ground for the village's children. Hunters never hunt the small animals there, but they do patrol the area regularly to clear out any dangerous large magical beasts that occasionally wander in from the depths of the forest. However, every few days, Little Richard still carries a basket up the mountain. The basket on his back no longer appears disproportionate, indicating that he is still foraging for fruit. Breadfruit is not particularly tasty, and it grows abundantly on the mountain, while the villagers prefer the delicious meat of magical beasts. Even disregarding the taste, it is food that can help build strength.

A small figure appeared outside the village; it was a boy carrying a basket on his back that was nearly as tall as he was, filled with breadfruit. In spring, the winter reserves had mostly been depleted, and the new crops were not yet ready for harvest. This fruit, which did not have a particularly pleasant taste, was nonetheless an important staple food. It was easily obtainable, requiring only a trip to the woods beside the village to gather.

Life in the mountains is not particularly difficult; as long as one works diligently for a year, that is sufficient

The boy at the forefront suddenly shouted, "Hey, Richard, where is your father? Didn't he teach you how to hunt? By the time I was your age, I was already going into the mountains alone to set traps for rabbits!"