Chapter 142: So Many

Gray’s eyes blinked several times at Richard’s words. For a moment, he froze—then burst out laughing.

"Interesting, this is really interesting. Alright, I’ll make the announcement to the city, but let me wash up and change first—it won’t take more than two minutes," he said.

Whoosh!

He moved quickly, not even bothering to close the door, which left it slightly open—enough for Richard to see Laura on the bed, hastily pulling the blanket up to cover her clearly naked body.

Richard, however, had no interest in watching. His mind was completely focused on his horse.

He leaned against the wall, waiting for Gray.

The man really did bathe fast—perhaps just enough to wash off sweat and tidy himself up.

He came out moments later in fresh clothes, adjusting his hair.

"I think I can just shout from outside. The news will spread quickly," he said, stepping out briskly.

With his lively personality, he was indeed more suited for this kind of task.

Richard naturally didn’t want to do it himself.

He followed Gray out of the inn.

Even at night, the capital was still bustling with people.

"Everyone—!" Gray suddenly shouted in front of the inn.

His voice carried far and wide, clearly amplified by his power.

His popularity had grown so high that people instantly recognized his voice.

But before anyone could even turn toward him, he had already begun announcing Richard’s message.

"Who among you wishes to join us in pursuing the thief who stole Richard’s horse? Richard promises that anyone who helps will receive his favor when he becomes a Grand Sovereign in the future. Even Luca Holystar will be joining us!"

His voice boomed louder as he said that.

Richard, standing beside him, was momentarily stunned to hear Gray claim that Luca Holystar would join them.

After all, there was no such thing yet.

Although Richard thought Luca might join—since the latter had been trying to get on his good side—this hadn’t happened.

"What?"

"What did he say?"

The crowd began to stir.

"Is he talking about that genius boy?"

"Of course. From what I know, Gray’s close with him."

"His horse was stolen? Who would dare do that?"

"I’ve seen him riding a winged horse several times—maybe that’s the one."

"By the way, isn’t that promise too easy? It only matters if he becomes a Grand Sovereign, but he talks as if it’s guaranteed. Becoming a Grand Sovereign isn’t that simple. Even geniuses shouldn’t make such claims."

"You’re not wrong, but his talent is beyond reason—something I’ve never heard of, not even in myths. Maybe he really will become the Grand Sovereign of this era."

"Sounds exciting enough to join!"

"..."

And just like that, people began to gather, declaring that they would join him.

Gray’s claim about Luca wasn’t dismissed as nonsense, because the young noble himself appeared not long after.

He probably came after hearing bits of information and only understood what was happening once he arrived.

As the king’s nephew, his presence naturally motivated many high nobles to participate as well—most of them young elites.

Not only them—several knights also came, including one familiar face: Commander Paul, leader of the Sky Armor Legion, who had once helped Richard.

Men like him rarely acted outside of royal orders, so it was likely that the king himself had sent him.

Richard quickly realized that things had grown far beyond his expectations.

The number of people joining was much greater than he anticipated.

Of course, most people had the sense to know their limits. Those who weren’t strong enough didn’t bother, leaving only the capable ones to join.

Even Sister Lisa, whom Richard had left at the inn, showed up in full armor.

She wasn’t weak—at least strong enough to be at the standard of the Life Aether Realm.

But with so many people coming, Richard was at a loss about how to transport them all.

His single airship was clearly not enough.

Just as he was trying to figure it out, five flying ships suddenly approached from the city center, astonishing not only him but everyone else.

The five ships looked empty—until an old man leapt down from one and landed right in front of Richard.

His presence alone made several nobles step back.

Of course, it was the royal butler.

"Sir Richard, my king sent me to help transport those assisting you," said the butler respectfully.

Richard, who had been worried about how to move everyone, immediately nodded.

"Thank you, Butler. Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty later," he said.

The butler smiled and gestured for the people to board the ships he brought.

Richard also summoned his own vessel, though only those close to him and the high-ranking nobles joined him aboard.

They all wanted to be near him.

Richard’s ship led the fleet, soaring swiftly through the night sky.

Above the ships, everyone looked eager and filled with anticipation.

"Richard, where is this thief’s location?" Gray asked him.

Among the many people there, only he and Laura could easily talk to Richard—they were the only ones close enough to him.

"Star Lake," Richard answered, his gaze fixed ahead.

Upon hearing the name, the nobles exchanged uneasy glances. Even Luca furrowed his brows.

Richard noticed their expressions and wondered what was wrong.

Gray looked confused as well. Being from outside the capital, he had no idea.

"Is there something about it, Luca?" Gray asked.

They weren’t exactly friends, but they had fought before. Even though Gray had lost, he didn’t see himself as weaker—so he had no trouble talking to Luca.

"Richard, Star Lake hasn’t been safe recently. A Giant Black Snake King suddenly appeared there. It’s an incredibly powerful serpent—at Tier 50. Its vitality is so terrifying that even Magi at the Grimoire Realm couldn’t kill it," Luca explained.

"Ohh..." Richard slightly furrowed his brows.

He wondered if that serpent had anything to do with the theft of his horse.

"Hahaha..." A raspy laugh suddenly echoed.

Richard turned to see an old, short man standing among the nobles—the only one who didn’t look noble at all, dressed in a tattered robe.

Even the nobles seemed shocked to see him.

"Boy, don’t worry about the Giant Black Snake King. I’ll deal with it," the old man said.

Richard couldn’t help but frown again—someone had just called him boy.

"And who might you be, old man?" Richard asked, looking him up and down.

He was slightly surprised—he couldn’t sense any aura from this man.

"Of course, I’m Master Alex," the old man replied casually.

Richard immediately recognized the name. Anyone who dared call himself Master must have an extraordinary reputation.

He saw the nobles’ reactions—they were visibly shocked, and several quickly bowed respectfully.

"So you’re Master Alex! My grandfather always spoke of your greatness in the past," said one young noble.

"Hahaha, if you’re taking action, Master Alex, even the Giant Black Snake King won’t stand a chance," another added.

Even someone like Luca greeted him respectfully.

(’Do you know who he is?’) Richard asked Gray through his Sixth Sense.

(’I think I’ve heard the name—he’s said to be the King’s teacher.’) Gray replied.

The King’s teacher. That title alone surprised Richard.

The King was a strong man. For this old man to be his teacher, he had to be even stronger.

"So, do you know who I am now, boy?" the old man asked, clearly unconcerned by the nobles’ greetings.

Richard nodded in acknowledgment.

"I’m honored that a legendary figure like you has faith in my future," Richard replied calmly.

"Hahaha! I wouldn’t say I’m that optimistic, but I do hope that the one I’m helping today will become the Grand Sovereign of this era," the old man said.

"As long as you hold good hopes, I’m already grateful," Richard replied.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The flying ships quickly left the capital behind, gliding straight along the massive river below, which barely curved.

The farther they went, the wider the river became.

Small villages stood along both banks, each with ports and large ships.

Richard remained composed. He stayed quiet but kept observing.

At such high speed, it didn’t take long before the end of the river came into view—where a vast lake stretched out, surrounded by valleys and forests.

From above, Richard thought that if he hadn’t known better, he might have mistaken it for the sea.

Even a large vessel floating on it looked like a small piece of wood.

"Look! Look! The Giant Black Snake King is there!" one of the nobles suddenly shouted, pointing toward the edge of the lake.

Looking that way, Richard saw a massive black serpent—so enormous that even from a distance, it appeared gigantic.

He narrowed his eyes to see more clearly.

In terms of appearance, it didn’t seem particularly unique—except that its scales looked more like layers of steel.

He tried to estimate its length, only to realize that it was likely over two kilometers long.

That was far too massive for a mere Beast.

Of course, it may also have a King Bloodline given that its name has the word King.