Just Entering Third Grade, and I'm a Cursed Dragon Knight?

Heaven.

So that's what she meant by "far away."

Lucas turned to look at Sophia's round, sweet face. "What about your dad?"

Sophia's small hand traced over the man in the photo, hesitating before saying, "Sister says he doesn't count as our dad."

Her voice dropped low, "After Mom left, he stopped caring about us."

The atmosphere grew heavy. Lucas hadn't expected the seemingly innocent little girl to have such a background.

No wonder Sophia was so timid - family environment was a crucial factor.

That meant her sister was the family's sole provider.

It also explained why Emma seemed so socially adept and diplomatic.

"That's incredible."

Lucas patted Sophia's head, speaking sincerely: "You and your sister, you're both incredible!"

Sophia lifted her face, giggling silly, "Thank you, Lucas."

There was no sadness or pain visible on her face.

Perhaps partly because she'd moved past that stage, and partly because her sister had protected her so well.

She waved her little fist, "That's why, if I learn kickboxing, I can protect sister from being bullied!"

Lucas pinched her cheeks, "Your sister's so capable, who would bully her?"

Being able to support a family at such a young age was beyond what most people could do.

Hearing this, a rare shadow crossed Sophia's face. She looked at Lucas, lowering her head, seeming to hesitate whether to tell him.

Lucas realized there must be more to the story, but since it was family business, he didn't want to pry, so he said, "It's okay if you don't want to tell me. You can tell me whenever you're ready."

Sophia looked up, quickly shaking her head, "No, no."

She explained, "It's Dad. Sometimes he comes really late at night when he's drunk, asking sister for money. When sister doesn't give it to him, he yells at her and tries to hit her. Sister always ends up giving him the money."

Lucas frowned, "Your dad..."

Seeing Sophia's cautious expression, he stopped himself.

Indeed, it wasn't something to be proud of.

It was hard to judge.

"Lucas."

Sophia suddenly said quietly, "Do you look down on me?"

She lowered her head, "I can only hide in my room watching him bully sister. I feel so useless."

Lucas felt anger rising, grabbed her head, and looked into those clear bright eyes, saying seriously:

"Sophia, remember this - none of what you've been through is your fault. You're amazing, your sister's amazing. If anyone's to blame, it's that man for not being worthy of being your father, understand?"

"So no one has the right to look down on you, including me. If anyone does, punch their ugly faces in."

Sophia nodded repeatedly in confusion. She might not fully understand Lucas's words, but she heard his praise.

Looking at Lucas's face so close to hers.

She felt dizzy with happiness, saying cheerfully, "Also... also, if I learn kickboxing, not only can I protect sister, but I can help you when you fight with others!"

Lucas suddenly froze, asking after a moment of silence, "Is that what made you decide?"

Sophia blushed, hugging the photo frame, chirping, "Yep!"

She tilted her head, "Aren't good friends supposed to help each other?"

Lucas released her head, "Have you considered that learning this would mainly help protect yourself from being bullied?"

Sophia seemed to realize this belatedly, chewing her finger thoughtfully, "Oh yeah."

"Does your sister approve?" Lucas asked.

Sophia nodded then shook her head, "I don't know, I'm planning to tell her tonight."

She looked at Lucas hopefully, "So Lucas, do you think I can do it?"

Lucas shook his head.

Sophia's face fell, looking hurt.

But Lucas immediately added, "It's not that you can - you definitely will. Whatever you want to do, you'll definitely succeed."

Sophia immediately brightened up, giggling, looking increasingly silly.

Lucas pinched her cheeks, "Stop being so silly, it makes you easy to bully. Remember, be fiercer."

Sophia froze, agreeing obediently, "Mm-hmm, I'm not smart at all."

She was actually quite clever.

Because she only acted silly in front of Lucas, and Lucas didn't know!

Sophia thought, secretly glancing at Lucas's profile.

Of course, she had some little secrets she never dared to tell.

Like how, actually...

She waited at that corner every day.

Actually...

She wasn't afraid of dogs at all.

"Hehe."

...

[After exploring this hidden sanctuary, you've gained much insight, not only learning of the young sorceress's difficult past but also earning her guardian's approval. Though in your prime her power would be negligible, in your current weakened state, having such an ally is fortunate.]

[Yet concerns remain in this sanctuary. Though you wish to help, you lack the power. Once your dragon vessel recovers, you can suppress all dark forces.]

After a hearty lunch.

Lucas left Sophia's home.

Sitting in the car, watching the tiny figure still waving at them disappear around the corner.

Lucas reached into his pocket, took out the milk box, and drank.

[Life Force +1, Power +1]

[As expected of you! In mere days you've raised your life force by 10 points. Your weakened dragon vessel is about to manifest its first trace of dragon power, randomly activating one of your ancient runes.]

Lucas felt warmth inside, as if something truly mysterious was being born, flowing through his blood vessels and organs.

He had to admit, this bug- no, this system actually had something to it.

A flash of majestic authority passed through his eyes.

[Dragon power crystallization complete, ancient rune randomly activated]

[Seeds of Destiny: Before becoming a dragon knight, you used this to establish destiny bonds with ancient powers, subtly transferring their fortunes to yourself. Now bearing dragon fortune, this rune's effects have slightly changed]

[One, those you plant destiny seeds in can share your dragon fortune]

[Two, when your destined one's abilities increase, you receive corresponding skill feedback]

[Three, the dragon's grace is vast - the other party must be truly sincere and loyal to enjoy this gift]

Lucas looked at it, feeling familiar.

Investment returns?

A bit old, but workable.

[Due to dragon power crystallization, your vessel slightly recovers. Pure essence potions now have minimal effect. Next power crystallization and rune activation requires 20 more life force points. You ponder whether it's time to seek legendary potions.]

Lucas yawned, choosing to lean back and take a nap.

Meanwhile.

Having helped clean up the dishes, Sophia sat on the sofa, looking at her sister who had just stopped to rest, gathering her courage to say, "Sister, I want to learn kickboxing!"

Emma looked surprised but didn't question it, just ruffling her little sister's head with a gentle smile.

"Alright, if little Sophia wants to learn, sister can teach you."

Sophia: ?

...