Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

Within minutes, thanks to their efficiency, more figures appeared in the fifth-floor hall. Four of them—Frano, Lorin, Kules, and Tardel—stood in awe, staring at the glowing red text on the ceiling. After learning about the origins, tier, and basic content of the movement technique from Rhett and Tucker, they were overwhelmed with astonishment. Wasting no time, they cherished the opportunity and focused intently on learning.

Tucker stood by, offering advice, "Everyone, when practicing this technique for the first time, be careful not to exert too much force, or you'll easily strain yourself. Also, pay close attention to the changes in your ankles while channeling your battle energy. During frequent route adjustments, any stiffness could be detrimental, and..."

As Tucker shared his experience, the four listeners gradually gained some understanding. They glanced at him gratefully, their respect for the usually carefree eldest son of Deep Rock Fortress significantly increased. They quickly began moving their steps, trying out the technique.

An hour passed. The four of them, exhausted and breathing heavily, sat on the floor, massaging their legs to alleviate the soreness. Despite the grueling difficulty of practicing this intermediate-level technique, their eyes gleamed with excitement. They could sense the immense potential within the technique. Mastering just the first level would already provide a substantial boost to their combat prowess. What would it be like if they could reach the second level?

Frano muttered to himself, "This doesn't seem like the effect of an intermediate technique. Just the first level surpasses my Swift Wind Walk. If the second level goes even further... could it be an advanced technique?"

The atmosphere froze at his words. The other three instructors held their breath, their hearts pounding as the mention of an advanced technique left them stunned. Intermediate techniques were already considered luxurious in their eyes, and an advanced technique was something they had never even dared to dream of.

Tucker didn't deny it. Instead, he furrowed his brows, deep in thought. After a moment, he exhaled and said, "The answer to that will have to be discovered by us. Until we fully master the first level, we won't know what the second level holds."

Rhett smiled and added, "As I said before, as members of Eagle Town, I look forward to seeing you all grow stronger. And I'm equally eager to see what kind of spectacular effects might emerge if this really does reach the level of an advanced movement technique. Don't disappoint me."

"My lord, your generosity is as vast as the sky," Tardel praised sincerely, feeling immense pride in having chosen the right lord.

"We won't let you down, Lord Rhett," Kules responded solemnly.

"If this technique is so powerful, it's a shame it doesn't have a name. My lord, why don't you give it one?" Lorin suggested with a smile.

"Indeed, it wouldn't be proper to pass it on to the trainees without a name," Frano agreed.

"A name, huh... that's not a bad idea." Rhett gazed up at the ceiling, where the red glow was fading. After a moment of thought, he said, "How about calling it Phantom Retrace?"

"Very fitting. Moving backward at such speed would make one look like a phantom. I think with enough practice, achieving that should be possible," Lorin remarked with curiosity in her eyes.

The others nodded thoughtfully, and no one raised any objections. Thus, the technique was officially named. Although this was their first day of practice, with Tucker's guidance, they had memorized the training method through hands-on experience and could now continue practicing on their own.

Meanwhile, on the first floor of the castle, a few maids watched the three men and one woman, all visibly exhausted, leave the castle. Their curiosity flared, and they were about to start gossiping.

"Look at them! They just came down from the lord's room, and they all look so tired," Scarlett said excitedly.

"Ahem." Swita emerged from the kitchen, holding a bottle of blueberry juice. He wasn't deaf, and he had heard their impolite remarks.

"You lot should know better than to gossip about matters related to the lord. As punishment, you'll skip dinner tonight to help you remember." Swita's voice was stern as he slapped his hand down on the table.

"Yes, Mr. Swita, we won't do it again," the maids said, their faces full of regret. They watched Swita ascend the stairs before pouting in frustration.

"Scarlett, your dinner this month will be black bread only!"

"What?!" Scarlett's eyes filled with regret. Black bread was so hard that it could be used to prop up a table leg! Even dogs would find it tough to chew. But Swita's authority was second only to that of the lord and the young masters, so she had no choice but to accept her punishment tearfully. She resigned herself to a month without dinner...

"Lord Rhett, here's your chilled blueberry juice," Swita said as he climbed the stairs. When he reached the top, he found the lord seated on a bench, staring out the window, lost in thought.

"Thank you, Swita. Please pour me a glass," Rhett said casually as he continued to gaze out the window.

As Swita poured the juice, Rhett asked in an offhand manner, "Swita, how old are you this year?"

"Fifty-one, my lord," Swita replied, unsure of why the lord was asking.

Rhett nodded thoughtfully. "Have you ever thought about getting married and having children? At your age, if you don't act soon, you might have regrets when you're older."

"My only wish is to serve you, my lord. Even if I grow old, I will have lived a fulfilling life," Swita replied, shaking his head.

"Your father, Yaff, lived a fulfilling life too, didn't he?" Rhett sipped the juice, savoring its sweet taste. "But Yaff still had you. You inherited his skills in managing the castle perfectly. However, it seems you haven't inherited his desire to leave behind a legacy."

"Do you mean that you want me to have a son, someone to take over as your future assistant?" Swita asked, finally understanding Rhett's intent and beginning to consider it seriously.

"Oh no, that's not it," Rhett quickly waved his hands. "What I'm saying is that I believe your life could be more complete. Devoting your entire life to Deep Rock Fortress is too harsh for you."

Swita trembled with gratitude but then suddenly bowed deeply. "My lord, please don't say that. I am a part of Deep Rock Fortress, one of its closest members. Not dedicating my life here would be ungrateful to the kindness the Greem family has shown me since childhood."

"Do you see this place as your home? Then you should have a family of your own too..." Rhett sighed, knowing that changing Swita's mind would be difficult. "Alright, you are an exceptional steward. Let's leave this matter for now. Swita, in a few days, I will be taking Tucker, Rayleigh, and Taylor with me on a trip. We might be gone for about a month. During that time, I'll be relying on you to manage the territory."

"Please rest assured, my lord. I will do my utmost," Swita promised.

...