Pedro and Anna's Perspective – While Adam Registers at the Guild
When Adam left for the market, he gave clear instructions: "Continue training until I return."
Pedro sat on the ground, exhausted, breathing heavily after spending a long time punching the tough tree trunks, while Anna sat on a nearby rock, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Do you think we really have a talent?" Anna asked, her voice tinged with doubt and exhaustion.
"I don't know, but there's one thing I'm sure of… Adam is the first person who's treated us kindly since our parents died. So, I'll trust him… and I'll trust myself. I won't disappoint him. What about you?"
"Well, you're right."
Pedro and Anna looked at each other, their smiles growing, and a look of determination sparkled in their eyes.
"Now, let's continue training, Anna."
"Yes, brother!"
Pedro and Anna quickly immersed themselves in training, unaware of the passing time.
Pedro continued to punch the tree trunk with the same speed, angle, and force, as if he were an unceasing machine. But as he focused on his training, he felt something inside him about to explode… he concentrated on that feeling until he could control it.
"Haaah!!"
A loud sound came from Pedro, and it was as if a bubble had burst inside him, making his punches stronger than ever. He quickly shut his eyes, trying to feel this strange change, grasping what had happened.
Anna froze in place when she heard her brother's loud sound. Then, when she saw the power in his strike and his sudden calm, she knew he had unlocked his talent.
"Damn… I can't fall behind!"
Anna quickly turned her head and threw herself into her training, pushing herself as hard as she could, determined to awaken her talent… and not be left behind by her brother.
It didn't take long, and perhaps it was the competition with Pedro that pushed her beyond her limits. Suddenly, she felt a change in her body, and she became faster than she had ever been. She stopped for a moment and sat down, like her brother, trying to absorb this new sensation.
Adam's Perspective – Returning from the Guild
Adam returned to the slums with calm steps. The sun had completely set, and the evening chill was creeping through the narrow alleys. In his pocket was his small metal necklace, and in his hand was the leather book he had received from the guild. Despite the simplicity of what he had gained, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction.
"The first step... but it will lead me farther than anyone can imagine."
As he approached the small cottage where Pedro and Anna were staying, he sensed something different. The air was still, and the sound of steady breathing came from inside. He quietly pushed open the wooden door and saw a scene that stopped him in his tracks.
Pedro and Anna were sitting on the floor, both surrounded by a faint aura barely visible… but palpable, as if they were pulses of dormant power beginning to stir.
Pedro had his eyes closed, breathing calmly, his muscles tense as if he had just emerged from battle. Anna sat beside him, her eyes gleaming with vitality and focus.
"Adam!" Anna called, suddenly rising to her feet.
Pedro opened his eyes too and stood up, a smile of confidence on his face that Adam had never seen before.
"We did it," Pedro said, his voice a mix of exhaustion and joy.
Adam studied their faces… then smiled.
"You've unlocked your talents?"
"Yes!" Anna replied eagerly, clenching her fist. "I felt it suddenly… like my body remembered something that had been dormant."
"I feel the same..." Pedro added. "My talent... strength. I can feel it in every muscle. Something inside me has changed."
Adam approached them, as if he were seeing a rare treasure.
"Two talents awakened without any direct intervention from me... it seems that willpower and trust play a bigger role than I thought."
"I'm proud of both of you," he said sincerely, then took out the mission sheet and waved it.
"What's this?" Anna asked.
"I've registered with the Adventurer's Guild… and this is our first mission."
Pedro quickly grabbed the sheet and read its contents.
"A mission to gather herbs... and the reward is two silver coins."
"Can you read?" Adam asked with mild surprise.
Pedro smiled shyly and said, "Yes, sir."
A brief silence filled the room, a hint of sadness in the air. Adam immediately sensed it but chose not to comment, instead changing the subject gently.
"Since you've both worked hard, it's time for your rewards."
Pedro and Anna's expressions changed the moment they heard the word "rewards," and bright smiles appeared on their faces.
"Who awakened their talent first?" Adam asked.
"I did, sir!" Pedro replied eagerly, while Anna's smile faded a little.
"Then, I'll reward Pedro today. But don't be sad, Anna… you lost today, but win tomorrow, understood?"
"Yes, sir!" she said with a smile, her eyes glowing with determination.
"Pedro, come and give me your back."
"Alright, sir."
Pedro sat down in front of Adam, presenting his back. Adam placed his hand on his back and murmured:
"Happiness, activate."
Just like the previous day, Adam felt the energy being drawn from him, turning into one point of charisma. This time, he decided to use it to increase Pedro's endurance.
A faint light radiated from Adam's hand and entered Pedro's body, who immediately felt a warm, refreshing energy spread inside him, strengthening his muscles and revitalizing his body.
"How do you feel?" Adam asked.
"It's... amazing! It's like I have endless energy!" Pedro said with a wide smile.
Adam laughed lightly, "Don't overdo it, it's just an illusion created by your rapid strengthening."
Then Adam activated the "Inspection" skill:
Name: Pedro
Age: 16 / 70
Talent: Green (Not bad)
Level: None
Strength: 4
Speed: 3
Endurance: 3 ← 4
Skills: Strength (Innate)
"Good... your endurance has increased from 3 to 4."
Adam quickly stood up, leaving Pedro behind as he pretended to be strong in front of his sister. He then sat in a corner of the hut and carefully opened the book he had taken from the guild. The book was leather-bound and covered in a light layer of dust, as if it hadn't been opened in a long time. The title was clear in golden letters: "The Basics of Sword Fighting for Beginner Knights."
He took a deep breath before opening the book to the first pages, which contained illustrations showing how to hold a sword, along with detailed instructions on the basic stances for duels. The text was small but neatly written, explaining how to cut, dodge, lunge, and defend with the sword in simple yet effective ways.
"Not great, but good for something free. Pedro will benefit from this a lot. As for Anna, I'll teach her archery, it'll suit her better, and it aligns with her speed talent," Adam thought to himself as he ran his fingers over the pages.
He closed the book and placed it next to him. "Now, you should both rest and sleep early. Tomorrow, a new adventure awaits us."
"Yes, Sir." Pedro and Anna replied simultaneously, preparing to sleep.
Soon, all three lay down, each lost in their thoughts. But despite the different thoughts running through their minds, they shared one common feeling: a great excitement for what the future held. Each one of them dreamed of a new adventure, new challenges, and a fresh start in this world full of possibilities.