Inside the dining room.
Lin Tianhao was about to ask what was going on when his gaze swept over Lin Mo, and he too was taken aback, his eyes nearly popping out.
"Level 3?!"
He jumped up in disbelief.
"No, Mo'er, you were still Level 1 before going to bed last night, how are you Level 3 now?"
Facing the shocked looks of his parents, Lin Mo's heart skipped a beat.
Oh no, he was so caught up in the thrill that he forgot how to explain it.
Should he say his skill went out on its own to kill monsters?
No way, that's too unbelievable.
In this world, skills developing self-awareness is unheard of.
Once exposed, he couldn't predict what consequences might follow.
Moreover, this was his greatest trump card, something he absolutely couldn't reveal easily.
Lin Mo's brain worked rapidly, and in just a fraction of a second, he put on a slightly embarrassed yet somewhat stubborn expression.
"Dad, Mom, actually..."
Lin Mo scratched his head and sighed, "After dinner last night, I lay in bed thinking, and I just didn't feel right."
"Even though I'm just a Basic Mage, I'm still the son of Lin Tianhao and Su Wan."
"So last night, after you went to sleep, I sneaked out to train a bit."
At this point, Lin Mo's eyes were clear, and his tone sincere:
"Dad, Mom, don't worry, even without Elemental Affinity, I'll work hard to get stronger. Even if I'm just a clumsy bird, I want to try taking a few steps first."
The dining room was silent for a few seconds.
Lin Tianhao and Su Wan exchanged a glance, and their eyes instantly reddened.
Look! Look!
Who said our Mo'er is a slacker?
This child is so considerate it makes one's heart ache!
He talks about relying on his parents, but secretly he trains all night just so we won't worry!
As for how Lin Mo managed to reach Level 3 overnight, his parents didn't find it strange at all.
Their son always received pocket money in handfuls, so he must have hired a few high-level Classholders to help him level up.
Though extravagant, for the Lin Family, is that even a concern?
"Good! Good child!"
Lin Tianhao was so moved that he slapped Lin Mo on the shoulder, "With this determination, Dad is content! Since you want to train, Dad will fully support you!"
With that, Lin Tianhao waved his hand and called out towards the door:
"Hongyu!"
As soon as he spoke, a brisk figure pushed the door open and entered.
It was a young woman dressed in tight black leather armor, tall and striking, with curves in all the right places.
Her long wine-red hair was tied into a high ponytail, making her look valiant and spirited, her eyes sharp as knives.
"Commander."
The woman bowed slightly, her voice cold.
Lin Tianhao nodded slightly, then looked at Lin Mo and said:
"Since you're determined to level up, don't sneak around, it's not safe."
"After breakfast, let Hongyu take you to the wilderness, train however you want, but safety first!"
Lin Mo glanced at Ye Hongyu, who his father had called over with just one shout.
He knew her too, she was his father's loyal subordinate, quite formidable.
Sigh...
Looks like he had to go to the wilderness after all.
If he stayed home, Fireball would definitely throw a fit wanting to go out and kill monsters.
Then it would be impossible to explain why he could level up just by lying around.
Oh well, going out it is.
After all, Fireball killing monsters doesn't drain his mental energy, so lying down anywhere is the same. He might as well take it as a stroll.
"Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Mom!"
Thinking of this, Lin Mo immediately flashed a bright smile.
"Eh, eh, good, good, good..."
Lin Tianhao looked at his promising son, also showing a gratified smile.
Su Wan also urged Lin Mo to sit down and eat.
Just as he picked up his chopsticks again, Lin Mo suddenly remembered Fireball's message.
Fire Elemental food?
Could it be that his skill needed a constant supply of corresponding elemental energy, so it didn't consume his mental energy in battle?
Lin Mo thought for a moment and looked at his mother, Su Wan.
"Ahem, um... Mom."
"Is there anything for breakfast today that's rich in Fire Element? Like Flame Fruit or Crimson Flame Beast steak?"
Su Wan was taken aback, then her smile grew even wider.
Her son must be trying to compensate for his lack of "Fire Elemental Affinity" through food.
Though this method was like a drop in the bucket compared to innate talent, this "wolfishness" and "drive" were truly commendable!
"Yes! Of course, we have!"
Su Wan immediately turned to instruct the butler:
"Quick, bring that box of 'Lava Crimson Heart Fruit', and the batch of Blazing Flame Rhino tenderloin that just arrived yesterday, have the kitchen grill it right away!"
"As long as Mo'er is willing to eat, even if it's Fire Dragon Liver from the sky, Mom will get it for you!"
...
Ten minutes later.
Plates of expensive food were laid out in front of Lin Mo.
The rich Fire Elemental aura even made Ye Hongyu, standing to the side, glance over.
The value of this breakfast was equivalent to a year's expenses for an average family.
Lin Mo didn't hold back, picking up a Lava Crimson Heart Fruit, which looked like a small tomato, and popping it into his mouth.
Boom!
A surge of heat flowed through his body instantly.
At the same time,
Lin Mo could clearly feel the skill icon for Fireball becoming agitated.
[Ding! 'Fireball' has tasted high-purity Fire Element!]
[Mood: Joyful (like drinking a cold Coke on a hot day)]
['Fireball' roars: Awesome! This is the taste! I feel full of power! Where are those damn monsters? Let me out! I want to burn them to ashes!]
"......"
Lin Mo paused while cutting his steak.
This Fireball was way too hot-headed.
He couldn't let it out just like that...
"Fireball, calm down, calm down, as my skill, can't you have a bit of composure?"
Lin Mo couldn't help but soothe this fiery guy in his mind.
['Fireball' scoffs: Can composure be eaten? Stop talking nonsense, take me to the wilderness! My big knife is itching for action!]
Lin Mo shook his head helplessly, silently thinking:
"After breakfast, but we need to set some ground rules first."
"First, when we get to the wilderness, don't stray too far from me, stay within 500 meters, got it?"
['Fireball' lets out a disdainful snort: Tch, such a hassle. Fine, for the sake of this meal, I'll listen to you. Hurry up and eat, let's get to work after!]
"And the second point."
Lin Mo continued in his mind, "You need to act the part. Other people's fireballs explode and disappear after one shot. But you, after one shot, you're still floating around looking for the next target, does that make sense?"
"So, you need to learn to disguise yourself. After firing a shot, you need to disappear immediately, understand?"
['Fireball' instantly flares up: You want me to hit and run? I'm destined to become a Forbidden Spell, how can I do something so sneaky? I want to float in the sky and make those monsters tremble in fear!]
Lin Mo: "......"
This skill was really hot-headed and full of adolescent delusions...
"No way! If you keep floating outside, it'll be easy for people to realize something's up with me. If I get caught and dissected for research, who will get you this top-grade Demonic Beast meat?"
Lin Mo said, deliberately using a fork to pick up a sizzling piece of Blazing Flame Rhino meat, waving it near his mouth.
"See this? This piece of meat costs tens of thousands. If you don't behave, I'll just eat plain porridge every day and not let you have a single spark!"
['Fireball' fell silent.]
The previously aggressive icon flickered twice, seemingly in a fierce internal struggle.
It was a battle between dignity and gourmet food.
A few seconds later.
['Fireball' conceded: Fine, fine, as long as there's enough meat, anything goes!]
['Fireball' grumbled: But remember, this isn't cowardice, it's... it's a tactical retreat! It's for the sake of longer-lasting slaughter!]
"......"
Lin Mo's mouth twitched, then he put that piece of Fire Elemental steak into his mouth.
Alright, retreat it is, slaughter it is, as long as you're happy.
"That's more like it, Fireball."
"As long as you behave, not just Blazing Flame Rhino, I'll even get you the heart meat of a Crimson Flame Fire Dragon as a snack in the future."
['Fireball's anger value instantly dropped to zero, status changed to: Expectant.]
Done!
Lin Mo was in a great mood, quickly finishing the food on his plate, wiping his mouth, and standing up.
"Dad, Mom, I'm full."
"Sister Ye, let's go, to Gloomwood Forest."
Hearing the words "Gloomwood Forest," Su Wan paused with the utensils in her hand.
"Gloomwood Forest?"
"Mo'er, that's a mixed leveling area for Levels 3 to 5, not only are there packs of Shadow Wolves, but also poisonous spiders..."
"You don't have much combat experience, and you're a fragile mage..."
Su Wan looked at her son with some concern.
Before Lin Mo could speak, Lin Tianhao laughed heartily and waved his hand carelessly:
"Oh, honey, you're worrying too much!"
He pointed at Ye Hongyu standing to the side, his tone full of trust in his subordinate:
"With Hongyu accompanying, what are you afraid of?"
"Hongyu is the youngest elite captain of our Jianghai City Defense Army Special Operations Battalion, extremely capable."
Hearing the commander's praise, Ye Hongyu bowed slightly.
Though her face remained expressionless, her eyes exuded absolute confidence and composure.
"Madam, please rest assured."
Ye Hongyu's voice was cold and firm, "As long as I have a breath left, I won't let the young master suffer any harm."
Su Wan looked at Ye Hongyu, then at her husband and son, and finally sighed helplessly.
"Alright then."
She gently reminded:
"Since your dad said so, go ahead."
"But Mo'er, remember, there's no need to push yourself too hard. If you encounter danger, hide behind Hongyu, don't try to be a hero, understand?"
Lin Mo nodded obediently:
"Don't worry, Mom, I'm very cautious."
Seeing this, Lin Tianhao laughed heartily, then turned to Ye Hongyu.
His previously cheerful expression instantly turned a bit more serious, revealing the authority of a commander:
"Hongyu, I'm entrusting Mo'er to you."
"If you encounter uncontrollable danger... whether it's human or monster, eliminate it without reporting!"
As he said the last part, a fierce and murderous aura flashed through the dining room.
"Yes, Commander!"
Ye Hongyu stood at attention and saluted, her gaze sharp as a blade.
"Alright, let's not make it seem like a farewell."
Lin Mo couldn't stand the atmosphere, waved his hand, and headed towards the villa's main door, "Dad, Mom, see you later! Tonight I want stir-fried Crimson Flame Fire Dragon!"
['Fireball' drooled, mood: Excited and expectant, damage +100%]
"Alright, alright, Mom will have it prepared right away!"
Su Wan called out from behind.