NOVEL WEB Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Solid as a Rock
The next day, early in the morning.
The camp was already bustling with activity. Aemon forced to, got up and went to wash up.
There was something important to do today, so he couldn't afford to sleep in.
Before leaving, he opened the [Magic Essence Panel].
[Aemon Targaryen]
Talent: Dreamer (Gold)
Bloodline: Dragon King of Old Valyria (23%)
Skills: High Valyrian (Proficient), Archery (Proficient)...
Magic Card: None
Pet: Golden-nosed Rat (Blue)
Evaluation: "Healthy and growing human cub, slightly overweight."
Aemon glanced at it, froze, and his expression immediately changed.
What do they mean by "slightly overweight"?
You're either overweight or you're not. What's this "slightly" nonsense? Sounds like someone's trying to sugarcoat it.
"Tsk, just wait. When I grow up, I'll charm the hell out of you," he muttered, flipping to the card panel.
[Beast Feeding Pills]: Feeding pets and mounts increases intelligence, strengthens the body, and improves intimacy.
The card was emerald green, with a pill drawn on it.
[Steel Longsword]: High-quality weapon.
The card was also emerald green, with a longsword emitting a cold gleam.
[Solid as a Rock]: "The skin hardens, like stone."
This one was a blue card, with a little gray-white figure posing in a strongman stance, numbers like +1, +1 appearing above its head.
Each card was labeled with a price:
Green cards: [60 Essence], [55 Essence]
Blue card: [150 Essence]
"Hey, it's back again."
Aemon had taken a liking to [Solid as a Rock] the first time he saw it. Without hesitation, he tapped it like a young noble flaunting his wealth.
Pop—
The blue card shattered instantly, turning into a pale gray-white stream of light that swirled into his chest.
Aemon shuddered. His fair skin tightened all of a sudden, and a surge of strength welled up in his fists.
The panel sounded in his ear:
[Solid as a Rock +1], minor increase to physique, strength, and endurance. Basic physical defense acquired.
The panel classified the defense as "basic"—enough to resist ordinary blades and strikes, and offering some resistance to impact and falls.
It could be upgraded further later for higher defense.
Aemon patted his chest in amazement. "It really doesn't hurt."
He picked up the knife from a nearby fruit plate and cut his pale arm—only a mark remained.
It had truly turned into tough-as-stone skin.
"If I hit the battlefield like this, I wouldn't even need armor. Wouldn't I just mow people down?"
He instantly pictured himself charging forward, majestic and unstoppable.
And this was just the basic defense. If he upgraded it, it might become nearly indestructible.
After basking in that happy thought for a while, the smile on his face faded.
Next to the golden hourglass: [Essence Remaining: 67]
In the dragon cave, thanks to over a dozen dragon eggs, Dreamfyre, and Syrax, he had reached a total of 268 essence points.
He spent 60 points on "Empty Hands," and the three dragon eggs from Dreamfyre had only provided 9 points.
He had just spent another 150 points on [Solid as a Rock].
Now there was barely enough left for one green card.
"I can't stop here. Time to head to the Royal Forest."
Aemon perked up and set off with vigor.
Royal Forest
Aemon arrived in a hurry.
He was riding a white horse with Ser Steve, followed by a three-man guard unit including Gunthor.
Behind them rode ten knights from the Vale.
Rhaenyra had been waiting at the designated meeting point. When she saw the scene, she was taken aback.
"Aemon, why are you bringing so many people?"
Aemon was helped down from the white horse and waved dismissively. "Nothing much. Catching the white deer is more important."
"Then you really should talk to my father. He's leading the team that's tracking the white deer," Rhaenyra said with a helpless look.
Aemon just smiled without responding and looked over the group following behind her.
Besides the ever-present White Knight Cole, there were more than a dozen young "talents" from various noble houses.
Well… let's call them talents for now.
The most eye-catching was Lord Jason, dressed in flamboyant clothes with golden hair styled in a showy manner. He didn't look like a lion—more like a peacock.
Aemon frowned and commented lightly, "Shouldn't he be with Uncle?"
"Mmh, who knows," Rhaenyra shrugged.
She couldn't exactly say they had all rushed here to join her team after hearing she was forming one.
Though, truthfully, she had planned to pick a few decent ones out.
"Let's go. It's a beautiful day for a stroll in the forest," Rhaenyra said like a big sister, taking Aemon's hand.
Then she paused, surprised. "Aemon, your skin is so smooth and pale?"
"I slept well last night," Aemon replied smoothly, trying to brush off her suspicion.
As they walked toward the Royal Forest trail, Aemon narrowed his eyes and scanned the so-called "young talents" one by one.
There were a few decent ones, but none worth getting close to.
Just a pack of beasts drooling over Rhaenyra's looks and status. The big ones were already circling.
He was too young for that table—better to make friends at the kids' table for now.
"Lord Jason, why don't you send someone ahead to scout?" Rhaenyra suggested, clearly wanting some peace and quiet.
Lord Jason smiled, bowed slightly, and said, "As you wish, Your Highness."
He probably thought he was being a gallant gentleman.
Aemon waved his hand, signaling the ten Vale knights to fan out and start looking for the white deer.
He then pulled the golden-nosed rat from his backpack and rewarded it with a bunch of grapes for its wages.
"Squeak."
The golden-nosed rat ate one grape, carefully stored the rest in the backpack, and scurried into the bushes.
Aemon picked one grape and popped it in his mouth.
The team was gathering, about to move out.
Aemon turned his head and noticed a handsome man with brown hair and eyes, and a prominent lion-like nose.
The man was tall and muscular, currently polishing his sword while sneaking glances at Rhaenyra.
Rhaenyra followed Aemon's line of sight.
The man's face lit up—he lowered his head to act deep, then lifted it with a confident smile.
To the siblings, it looked like a creep grinning foolishly.
Aemon's eyelid twitched. He recognized him by his face and felt instantly disgusted.
Perfect. He'd been looking for a target to test his strength on.
In that instant, Aemon pointed at the man, and before he could stop himself, blurted out, "Look at you!"
His voice was loud and clear, like an innocent greeting.
Harwin Strong: ...
Rhaenyra was stunned and quickly whispered, "Aemon, what are you doing?"
What's wrong with this kid?
That little mouth of his—chirping like birds and blooming like flowers.
Aemon whimpered, but was quickly dragged away.
Harwin's smile vanished. His expression was awkward and humiliated.
This was hard to deal with.
If it had been an adult or a teenager with a sword, he could have relied on martial skill to save face.
But facing an eight-year-old?
Totally powerless.
By now, Aemon had been bundled away.
Rhaenyra swung onto the white horse, hoisted Aemon up onto the saddle, handed him the reins, and galloped off.
She was an excellent rider—fast and smooth.
"Let me go! I'm gonna fall!" Aemon struggled, clearly feeling it was a missed opportunity.
Harwin "Breakbones" had a decent temper and some patience.
He swallowed the insult without a word.
But if the guy had dared to talk back, Aemon would've ordered Gunthor to beat him up.
Then he'd skip looking for the white deer altogether and run off to hide in a bucket.
Probably flee back to Runestone City overnight.
- - - - - - - - -
You can get advance chapters on my patreon
Patreon(.)com/izan24
•TIER 1 you'll get +15 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
•TIER 2 you'll get +40 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
•TIER 3 you'll get +60 ADVANCE CHAPTERS