The morning sun spilled over the quiet countryside, painting the tiled rooftops in a soft golden glow. A rooster crowed outside the inn, its voice sharp and insistent. Steven stirred awake, stretched lazily, and sat up. The air smelled of fresh hay and damp earth, so different from the smog of the city.
Before heading out, he spent a few minutes with Toki. He filled half a bucket with water, gently placing the little turtle inside. Toki immediately swam about, circling joyfully, before climbing onto an upside-down mug Steven had set as a platform. It basked lazily, head tilted up toward the sunlight.
Steven chuckled. "You really are the boss of your own little world, huh?"
He tore off a thin slice of a cloud peach, letting Toki nibble eagerly, then tucked the turtle back in the drawer with another piece of fruit.
Satisfied, he got dressed and went downstairs.
Most of the students were already seated for breakfast, the aroma of fried eggs and milk tea filling the inn's hall. Laughter drifted between tables, but it stilled the moment Arnold stood up, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention.
"Alright, everyone! Listen up!" he declared, wearing his signature arrogant grin. "Today's plan—horseback riding! Who's ready to experience the thrill?"
Silence answered him.
Students exchanged uncertain glances.
"Horseback riding? Seriously?""Is that even safe?""My cousin broke his arm falling from a horse once.""I… don't want to die on this trip."
Arnold's grin stiffened. "Come on, don't be ridiculous. These horses are docile, trained for tourists. This is the best activity we can do here!"
Still, the doubt lingered.
Steven, sitting near Veronica, smirked. He tapped the edge of his teacup and said casually, "Oh, Arnold… heir to the great White family, and you still can't even convince a bunch of classmates to follow you? What a bleak future for your household."
A ripple of laughter passed through the students. Arnold's jaw clenched.
"You!" His voice dripped venom. "What would you know, trash? You got lucky with some money, but you'll never have the class of true elites!"
"Yeah, yeah," Steven said with a shrug. "Whatever helps you sleep. But since no one's convinced—how about an alternative? I saw a game café in the market yesterday. Looked empty. Why not support a local business?"
Immediately, students perked up.
"Ooh, yes!""Let's play Dreadfang!""I still need to clear that dark forest area.""Steven can give us more tips!"
Arnold's face reddened like a boiling kettle. "No! We're going horseback riding. I already arranged everything. You'll do what I say!"
"Don't push it, Arnold," one student muttered."Yeah, stop bossing us around," another agreed.
Even the teachers shifted uncomfortably, whispering among themselves.
Finally, Veronica rose, her calm voice cutting through the tension. "Guys, relax. If you're not comfortable riding, you can just watch. No one's forcing you."
Reluctantly, the students agreed. Thanks to Veronica's calming influence, they followed Arnold to a nearby estate.
They walked together down a winding dirt path until the estate came into view. Rolling fields stretched under the sun, dotted with fences and trimmed hedges. A stable stood proudly at the center, the whinnies of horses carrying in the air.
A young man with sun-kissed skin waved as they approached.
"Arnold! Long time no see!"
Arnold smirked and strode forward. "Pitt, old friend. I brought my classmates to ride. Can you arrange everything?"
"Of course," Pitt said warmly. "These horses are well-trained. Feel free to choose."
Arnold turned, smug again. "See? I told you. Perfect activity."
But at that moment, a familiar chime echoed in Steven's mind.
Arnold grinned and strode toward the stable.
At that moment, a notification buzzed in Steven's mind.
[Rich Lord System – Task: Ride a horse]Reward: $5,000,000, Ownership of Old Billy's Stable, Ownership of Silverline Race Circuit, 5 Assistants, A Bugatti Chiron, Limited Edition Aston Martin Valour, Lamborghini Urus.Note: All vehicles are currently parked at Silverline Race Circuit.
Steven's eyes widened. "Wait... Old Billy's Stable? Isn't that this place?" His heart raced. These were insane rewards for just riding a horse— it was practically a tycoon starter pack.
He immediately browsed the system shop. There was no individual "horse-riding" skill, but a bundle caught his eye:
[Noble Aristocrat Secret Skillset]Includes: Horseback Riding, Etiquette, Mixology, Luxury Driving, Classical Music Performance, and Eye of Absolute (detailed insight into targets).
Cost: 10 points.
Without hesitation, Steven purchased it. Knowledge surged into him like muscle memory—his back straightened, posture refined, and he suddenly felt as though he'd spent years at equestrian clubs.
"Heh. With this, there's nothing I can't master," he thought confidently.
Arnold called out with a smug tone. "Hey Steven, why don't you ride too? Or are you scared like the rest of this useless bunch?"
Steven raised an eyebrow. "You're really digging your own grave, Arnold." He walked over to the stables.
Calmly, he selected a sleek black stallion and approached it with ease. The horse responded to his presence, nuzzling his shoulder gently. Steven mounted it smoothly and guided it into a graceful trot, circling the field with practiced finesse.
The students gasped.
"Wow…""He looks like a prince.""Since when could Steven ride?"
Steven stopped in front of Veronica, extending his hand.
"Want a ride?"
Veronica blinked, caught off guard. His confidence, the way the horse obeyed him—he looked… dazzling. Like a nobleman out of a film. She smiled faintly and placed her hand in his, climbing up behind him. Her cheeks flushed as her arms wrapped around his waist.
Arnold's face turned crimson.
Arnold watched, his jaw tightening. Steven looked like a noble from a movie scene, while Veronica clung to him like a heroine.
Frustrated, Arnold stormed over to Mira. "Get on," he said brusquely.
Mira raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
Before she could reply, Leon appeared on a calm brown mare. "Mira, would you like to ride with me instead?" he asked politely.
Mira smiled brightly. "Sure." She climbed on, ignoring Arnold's glare.
Arnold's fury mounted. Desperate, he turned to Lisa—the girl with too much makeup, always chasing wealth. "Lisa, ride with me."
Lisa, eyes gleaming at the chance to be with the rich heir, nodded eagerly.
Soon, three horses took off across the open field. The students cheered and clapped as Steven and Leon rode effortlessly, gliding like professionals.
Arnold, however, was a mess. He awkwardly yanked the reins and even punched the horse's side to urge it forward.
The animal whinnied in distress, then suddenly reared up—throwing both Arnold and Lisa off its back.
The horse bolted away.
Everyone froze. Steven and Leon quickly slowed their horses, dismounted, and rushed over with Veronica and Mira following.
Arnold was mostly fine, but Lisa lay on the ground, crying in pain. Her arm hung at an unnatural angle, and blood streamed down her cheek.
"What the hell were you thinking?" a teacher snapped, pushing through the crowd.
Arnold scowled and barked, "It's her fault! She couldn't even sit properly!"
"Enough, Arnold! Shut up!" the teacher shouted. "She's already injured."
Pitt pushed his way through and knelt beside Lisa.
"Let me help." He examined her arm, then with practiced ease, adjusted it back into place. Lisa screamed, then fell silent, breathing heavily.
"She needs proper treatment. That cut is deep," Pitt said firmly. "She has to go to the hospital."
Several students and teachers helped Lisa up and escorted her away.
The field fell quiet. Most students hovered in awkward silence.
Just then, Pitt's phone rang. He answered quickly.
"Yes, Dad? What? Someone bought the property?" His eyes widened. "What! Already here? Yeah, sure. Send me a picture."
Arnold, still dusting himself off, looked over. "What happened?"
Pitt turned to him. "Someone named Steven Blake bought this property. My dad says he's already here. I need to find him."
A tense silence settled.
Pitt's phone buzzed again. He checked the photo and looked up slowly, staring at Steven in disbelief.
Then, he smiled, stepped forward, and extended a hand.
"Mr. Blake, it's an honor. Thank you for purchasing our estate. My family's truly grateful."
Steven shook his hand with a calm smile. "It's nothing. I liked this place and saw the 'For Sale' sign. It just felt right."
Gasps rippled through the remaining students.
"What?!""Steven… bought this place?""No way!"
And Veronica, still astride the black stallion, looked at Steven with wide eyes. In that moment, under the sunlit sky, he seemed untouchable—someone destined to stand above them all.
Arnold clenched his fists until his nails dug into his skin. Humiliation seared through him like fire. But deeper still was the fear—fear that he would never catch up to Steven Blake.