Chapter 10
Chapter 10: Trait: Evil-Breaking Force
With the werewolf completely slain by Li Kainan, the danger that had long threatened the village was finally resolved.
Having escaped with nothing more than a fright, Branny and her grandmother were overflowing with gratitude toward Li Kainan and thanked him profusely.
Seeing that his story mission was now complete, Li Kainan took the opportunity to extend recruitment invitations to Branny's grandmother and the old hunter.
Branny's grandmother was a witch—a magic-type talent.
The old hunter excelled in hunting, hound training, and tracking, with combat strength that was no small matter either—a combat-type talent.
For Li Kainan, whose team was only just getting started, he was naturally eager to attract talented individuals.
However, when faced with Li Kainan's recruitment offer, Branny's grandmother still declined.
Branny's grandmother's expression turned apologetic as she refused:
"I am deeply sorry, my lord—but the village residents still depend on my protection. Without it, they cannot go on living in Reyp Forest, where wild beasts and evil creatures roam……"
The reason Branny and the villagers had been able to live peacefully deep within Reyp Forest was entirely due to Branny's grandmother's protection.
If Branny's grandmother truly accepted the recruitment and left with Li Kainan, the villagers clearly could not continue living here……
Hearing Branny's grandmother decline, the old hunter immediately shook his head as well:
"My lord, I am already getting on in years. After everything that has happened, I feel I should stay by Bona's side to help her—so that no further accidents may occur!"
If Bona wasn't going, then he wasn't going either……
……
Li Kainan gave a nod, then fell silent.
In truth, failing to recruit these 2 wasn't a significant loss—he had only extended the invitations on a whim, a nothing-to-lose attempt.
But young Branny was a system-designated important NPC—the kind whose successful recruitment came with a reward!
With Branny's grandmother and the old hunter both unwilling to come along, recruiting just this one young girl on her own felt rather odd.
And just as Li Kainan was turning it over in his mind, deliberating on how to bring it up, Branny's grandmother spoke up of her own accord:
"My lord, I cannot leave the village—but might you be willing to allow Branny to follow you?"
"She is young, but she has inherited my witch bloodline, and the magical power within her has already awakened……"
At this, Branny's grandmother added with careful, earnest appeal:
"Branny has exceptional magical talent—you need only invest a little in nurturing her, and she will surely not disappoint you!"
Branny's grandmother understood very well that for ordinary witches like themselves, being able to follow a person of standing was already an excellent path forward!
Powerful kings and great nobles generally recruited witches to serve them.
The Kingdom of Cape, for instance, had once patronized 12 witches, known collectively as the Twelve Fairies.
When the kingdom's princess had been subjected to an inescapable death curse, these 12 witches had used the power of their blessings to hold the princess's life together against all odds……
Witches under patronage would be at the command of kings and great nobles, but they could also use those worldly connections to gather all manner of resources and obtain rare and precious magical texts—making them far more powerful than independent witches like Branny's grandmother.
There were even some witches who chose to marry kings and great nobles in order to gain their full support……
……
In Branny's grandmother's eyes, Li Kainan was an incomparably noble figure with an illustrious bloodline—a great noble of the highest order.
What's more, he was wise and decisive, merciful yet valiant—an excellent person to follow.
Though she was reluctant to part with her young granddaughter, if Branny could follow Li Kainan, she would surely have a bright future ahead!
Faced with Branny's grandmother's proactive request—when he had himself been deliberating on how to bring up the very same recruitment—Li Kainan's eyes lit up immediately.
He turned to look at Branny, whose expression carried a trace of apprehension, then stepped forward 2 paces and extended a sincere invitation:
"Branny, come with me."
Faced with Li Kainan suddenly drawing closer, Branny felt her breath catch—she even turned her gaze away in a slight panic, not daring to meet his eyes.
A girl of her age was filled with deep attachment to her family, yet inevitably yearned for the world beyond as well.
Faced suddenly with Li Kainan's recruitment invitation, it was only natural that she felt uncertain.
Seeing this, Branny's grandmother patted Branny gently on the back with affection and said softly:
"Branny, you only need to follow what your heart tells you!"
Follow what her heart told her?
Branny didn't know what crossed her mind, but her fair, pretty face flushed faintly red—and she pressed her lips together and said:
"Lord Kainan, I am willing……"
Seeing Branny finally agree, a smile immediately broke across Li Kainan's face.
The reward is mine!
【With your imposing, handsome appearance and extraordinary charm, you hold an immensely powerful attraction for an innocent young girl.
What's more, you appeared in the guise of a hero at the most critical moment of peril for this young girl, causing the innocent and naive Branny to become completely captivated by you—she deeply wishes to be with you……】
【Detected: "Little Red Riding Hood" Branny's favorability has reached 90%, conquest progress complete!
The innocent young girl has developed feelings of admiration for you. Perhaps tonight you could take advantage of Branny's naivety and innocence to make various demands of her, savoring the sweetness of an innocent young girl……】
【Reward Trait obtained: Evil-Breaking Force (You now possess the power to overcome all evil. Henceforth, no evil curse, poison, or evil creature can cause you harm……)】
……
【***** extraordinary charm, ***** powerful attraction.
**** appeared in the guise of a hero at the most critical moment of peril, causing Branny ****** and she deeply wishes to ****……】
【Detected: ******** favorability has reached 90%, ***** progress complete *******……】
【Trait obtained: Evil-Breaking Force (You now possess the power to overcome all evil. Henceforth, no evil curse, poison, or evil creature can cause you harm……)】
Hmm—not a bad reward.
While it didn't provide any particularly notable boost to combat strength, he would no longer have to fear being poisoned or assassinated.
And in a world with witches and all manner of evil creatures, this Trait would also prevent Li Kainan from being caught off guard by all kinds of bizarre curses!
At the very least, something like being cursed by a witch and turned into a great big frog was now entirely out of the question for Li Kainan……
……
Having successfully recruited Branny—a growth-type NPC with considerable potential—Li Kainan stayed on for another two days, primarily to allow Branny the time to properly bid farewell to her family.
Branny's parents were reluctant to part with their daughter, but they harbored no suspicion or concern toward Li Kainan whatsoever.
For one, Branny's grandmother—who held considerable authority in the household—had very smoothly persuaded her daughter and son-in-law.
For another, whether it was the magnificent armor Li Kainan wore, his aristocratic bearing of refined tastes and fastidious habits, or his extraordinary charm—all of it convinced people that his origins were of the most distinguished nobility.
Branny's mother appeared to have no magical talent—she and her husband were simply two ordinary commoners.
So in their understanding, being able to work for a noble was already a leap up the social ladder!
Once a daughter had secured a promising future, even the most reluctant of parents would not stand in the way……
……