Chapter 222: Approaching Holiday
Lolan Hill had been diligently practicing the skills and abilities associated with the Angel Sequence recently.
Generally speaking, the inscriptions and networks formed during the condensation of Extraordinary Cores differ, leading to distinct Extraordinary Professions. Each profession has its unique abilities or strengths that cannot be acquired through learning alone.
However, skills can be obtained through postnatal learning, such as swordsmanship techniques, magic manipulation, and spells.
The magic energy of the Magic Sequence is relatively flexible and can be used to derive skills related to fire, wind, and lightning. Some professions specialize in particular abilities; for example, Lanlili’s Magic Sequence 5 · Thunderclap Grasp specializes in lightning-related skills, while Cui Na Sha’s research on Magic Sequence 7 · Annihilating Crimson Lotus focuses on flame and explosive capabilities.
Lanlili can also use her magic energy to perform wind-related skills, but without the boost from an Extraordinary Profession, the effects are rather ordinary, so she rarely uses them.
After quickly catching up on the skills related to the Angel Sequence, Lolan Hill felt slightly relieved. She then began refining her magic energy in preparation for advancement.
—
In the central school building, on the racetrack.
On the lush green field, the intense sunlight made it hard to keep one’s eyes open. The sound of neighing horses echoed continuously.
“Softly, yes, start slowly, don’t scare the horse.”
“The first step in riding a horse is to get familiar with each other, especially for those learning for the first time.”
“Even though everyone is an Extraordinary Being and much stronger than ordinary people, when learning to ride, try to do it like ordinary people would.”
“Don’t use your Extraordinary Magic Energy to scare the horse, nor force it with brute strength.”
“Try to approach it with a friendly attitude.”
The teacher was explaining the essentials of horseback riding and the precautions for beginners on the empty ground in front of the racetrack.
Although riding lessons were not the main course, they were still a required subject because they were essential skills for long-distance travel, with wide-ranging applications. Whether marching into battle or trading adventures, they were very necessary.
While Extraordinary Beings had much stronger physical endurance than ordinary people, long-distance travel by walking was too exhausting and could not carry many belongings. Until reaching Sequence 6, most Extraordinary Beings relied mainly on horses or low-level Demonic Beasts.
Riding Demonic Beasts was more challenging than riding horses, so new students started with horses.
After the explanation, the teacher demonstrated. Once the students memorized the basic steps, they led them to the fence to pick their own mounts.
“These are warm-blooded horses from the Gaodan Plain. They have a gentle and stable temperament, making them easier to handle for beginners.”
After the introduction, the staff brought out the horses one by one for the students to try riding.
“Lohil, do you know how to ride a horse?” Florasia stood next to Lolan Hill. Today, she tied up her golden curls and wore a hunting outfit, with a light brown vest and white pants.
“Just a bit,” Lolan Hill replied.
She had learned some basics at the Callithes Chamber, perhaps because her horse understood human nature well, and she rarely needed to worry about it, as it would turn and run smoothly on its own, maintaining stability and paying attention to her feelings. It could be considered a well-mannered horse.
At the chamber, she occasionally fed it some tasty beans and rode around. But since she had only ridden one horse, the others might not be as obedient.
“Don’t be too nervous, it’s not that difficult,” Florasia whispered. The two stood at the back of the line, while ten or so students ahead had already started picking their horses.
“Our family’s coat of arms is the unicorn. I had contact with the unicorns raised at home when I was young.”
“In fact, unicorns live similarly to horses, but they are more proud. However, if you earn their recognition, they will become loyal companions.”
Florasia recounted her childhood experiences, being the eldest daughter of the Unicorn Duke, even having her own contracted unicorn currently kept in the forest by the eastern lake.
The four ducal families held statuses equal to the king, although they did not show any obvious preferential treatment, they had numerous privileges behind the scenes.
Most adult unicorns were at Sequence 5, with a few reaching Sequence 6, making them relatively stable Demonic Beasts. The unicorns of the Landsworth family were a crucial branch, forming knightly orders with unicorns and subspecies, galloping across vast territories. They were symbols of honor and power, guardians of order and prosperity.
Just as Lohil asked about riding and its essentials, the queue reached them.
“Two beautiful ladies, which one would you like to choose?” The staff member introduced them, wearing a fur cap, looking like he came from the grasslands.
There were not many horses left, about fifteen or sixteen. Lohil hesitated, finding them all similar.
“Choose that one.” Florasia pointed to a black stallion.
“But, it seems quite proud,” Lohil looked up at the strong and tall black horse in the distance, its smooth coat glistening in the sunlight.
“Yes, but conquering the hardest one first makes it easier later on.” Florasia smiled, sunlight illuminating her face, her golden hair almost transparent.
“There’s no way to teach a newbie like this,” Lohil teased.
“I believe you can do it.” Florasia continued to encourage Lohil.
“Alright, I’ll give it a try.”
Being Extraordinary Beings, the freshmen, although excited, were not afraid. Lohil slowly approached the black stallion.
Following the teacher’s instructions, she approached the black horse from the left. The horse snorted, seemingly noticing her, and stomped its foot. This made Lohil slow down, waiting until the horse calmed down before approaching.
“Hello there.” She murmured softly, then grasped the reins. The black horse turned its head to look at her, then licked her hand with its tongue.
It tickled a little, feeling the warmth and moisture from her palm, but it went smoothly. It seemed the horse had no hostility.
She tried mounting the horse, but handling it was a bit awkward.
“Lightly squeeze the horse’s belly with your calves, and tap lightly,” Florasia’s voice came from behind. She rode a white horse, stopping beside Lohil, guiding the silver-haired girl.
“Okay.” Lohil tried moving her calves, and the black horse slowly moved forward.
“That’s right,” Florasia encouraged her from the side. Then the two rode side by side.
On the large racetrack, the freshmen began to learn how to ride around the field.
As they ran a few laps, everyone gradually found their rhythm, and the bond between horse and rider grew, easing the initial tension.
Seizing the moment, after a brief rest at noon, the freshmen went to eat, then returned to feed the horses some soybeans to strengthen their bond. In the afternoon, they continued practicing.
The scorching sun slowly descended from the sky, and by the time it neared sunset, the air became refreshing.
The deep purple sky was cloudless, pristine, and the golden twilight shone from the horizon. On the dry and tidy large hay stacks, two girls sat, one with golden hair and one with silver, their hair flowing behind them.
“It’s not as hot lately,” Lohil stretched out her finger, feeling the breeze through her fingers.
“Yes, it’s almost time for the holiday,” Florasia invited.
“Do you want to visit my place? At Cui Star Plain, I have my own grape estate, the scenery is nice, and there’s a large lavender field.”
“Thank you, but this time I need to go home. Maybe next time, Florasia.”
Lohil shook her head. Although she wanted to see it, her current strength was insufficient. The urgent mission from the system weighed on her mind. She had to return to the Tei Shan Mountains to find ways to enhance her strength. Passive waiting wouldn’t work anymore.
“Oh,” Florasia felt a bit disappointed.
“Next time, you must come.”
“Mm, I will.”
“Alright, let’s race again on horseback,” Florasia said, feeling somewhat relieved. It seemed she could only invite Lohil next time.
Under the setting sun, with the evening breeze blowing, the hooves thundered, long hair fluttered, and the students laughed and chatted amidst the glow.
Thank you, Lazy Bottom, Moonlit Stars, Fatty Li from Naruto, Devouring Solar Eclipses, Book Reader 20200807101900686, Book Reader 20200830082018978, and the six generous contributors.
End of Chapter
