Lyra's sharp eyes met Rylan's across the cozy kitchen, holding his gaze with an unexpected intensity. There was no shyness, no immediate deference, just a clear, unwavering scrutiny. She was Kael's daughter, Rylan realized, from her resemblance to the elder, but she carried herself with a self-possessed air that set her apart. The Harem System's "Independent, Resourceful" description was accurate.
Elder Kael, oblivious to the subtle currents between the two, continued his narrative. "The Baron's tax collectors are due next week. Always a tough time. They take what they want, and sometimes, a little more." He sighed, his gaze distant. "The Jade Empire ensures our protection, but their hand is heavy."
Rylan absorbed this, filing away the information. Taxes. A local lord. The Jade Empire. This was the structure he'd need to navigate, and perhaps, eventually, dismantle.
"Lyra, dear, fetch some more water from the well for our guests," Anya, Kael's wife, suggested gently, noticing the empty pitcher.
Lyra nodded, her gaze briefly flickering back to Rylan, a hint of curiosity now mixed with her earlier assessment. "Of course, Mother." She picked up the pitcher and left the house, her movements efficient and practiced.
As she departed, Rylan turned back to Kael, maintaining his facade of a grateful survivor. "Elder Kael, I mentioned I'm willing to work. What tasks are there in Oakhaven for a strong pair of hands?" He needed to ingratiate himself, to observe Lyra, and to find an opportunity to fulfill the System's "Demonstrate superior strength" requirement.
Kael stroked his chin. "Hmm. Well, the harvest is nearly upon us, always need help there. Or perhaps, tending to the livestock. But for two able-bodied folk, perhaps the greatest need right now is clearing the old path to the North River. It's overgrown, and a few minor beasts have been spotted there lately. Makes it hard to get to the better fishing spots."
"Minor beasts?" Rylan asked, a subtle glint in his eye. This sounded promising.
"Aye. Nothing serious, mind you, mostly aggressive wild dogs or small boars, but enough to make travel risky for the women and children," Kael affirmed, unaware of Rylan's recent encounter with a Forest Boar. "No one's been eager to tackle it."
"Then consider it done," Rylan stated, a confident edge to his voice. "Elara and I will clear the North River path. We're indebted to your hospitality."
Elara, who had been quietly eating, looked up, a flicker of apprehension in her eyes at the mention of beasts, but she remained silent, her trust in Rylan now paramount.
Kael's face lit up with surprise and gratitude. "Truly? That would be a great help, young Rylan! We'll provide you with tools and ample food for your efforts."
Later that afternoon, after a hearty meal and a brief rest, Rylan and Elara walked towards the North River path. Rylan carried a sturdy axe and a large clearing knife provided by the village, while Elara held a smaller bladed tool. The path, as Kael described, was indeed heavily overgrown. Thorny bushes choked the way, and low-hanging branches obscured the sun.
"Master Rylan," Elara began tentatively, "Are you sure about this? What if there are... bigger beasts?"
Rylan gave her a reassuring look. "Do not worry, Elara. I will protect you. Besides, this is an opportunity. For both of us." He didn't elaborate, but the System's prompt for Lyra's conquest was heavy on his mind: Demonstrate superior strength. Clearing this path, especially if it involved dealing with some beasts, would be a public display.
They began to work. Rylan moved with powerful, efficient strokes. The axe, heavy in a normal man's hand, felt light and balanced in his. Spiritual energy subtly flowed through his limbs, adding force to his swings. Bushes parted, branches snapped, and dense undergrowth was cleared with remarkable speed. Elara, inspired by his steady work, also applied herself diligently, her own nascent Qi Gathering energy making her surprisingly effective with her smaller tool.
As the afternoon wore on, a figure appeared on the path behind them. It was Lyra, carrying a fresh basket of berries she must have picked from a nearby grove. She paused, observing their progress. Her initial surprise quickly turned into grudging admiration. The path they had cleared in just a few hours was significant.
"You work fast," Lyra stated, her voice calm, devoid of flattery. "Most men take days to clear this much."
Rylan paused, wiping sweat from his brow, a confident glint in his eyes as he looked at her. "Necessity is a strong motivator. We need to repay Elder Kael's kindness."
Lyra merely nodded, her eyes lingering on his form, perhaps sensing the subtle power emanating from him. "Be careful," she cautioned. "I saw fresh tracks this morning, bigger than a boar's. Something moved through here last night."
Just as she finished speaking, a guttural snarl echoed from deeper within the overgrown path. The bushes rustled violently. A creature emerged, larger than a Forest Boar, with shaggy fur and glowing red eyes – a Dire Wolf, its fangs bared, its powerful legs tensed.
Elara gasped, shrinking behind Rylan. Even Lyra stiffened, her hand instinctively going to a small, hidden knife at her belt. Dire Wolves were a serious threat, even to experienced woodsmen.
"Stay behind me," Rylan commanded, his voice devoid of fear, his eyes fixed on the approaching beast. This was it. His chance to truly demonstrate strength.
The Dire Wolf lunged.
End of chapter 8