ã€ŠCultivating Talentsã€‹


 Chapter 1: Connection Established

    Hector stumbled into the room, his mind ablaze. Memories from a life not lived swamped him. They were his memories, but they weren¡¯t. It was like he was another person. ¡°Who am I?¡± he muttered, dragging his feet as he stumbled around.

    He rested a hand on the wooden wall¡ªpart of the run-down building he called home. The smell from the Digby street sewage leaked in through the open window, and Hector gagged. The open sewer running down the middle of the street rarely bothered him, but today, it hit him like a truck.

    He wobbled over to the window, grabbing the frame and slamming it shut.

    These memories can¡¯t be mine; I¡¯ve never seen a building like that anywhere in Middlec.

    He thought back to when he had briefly visited the outskirts of central Middlec¡ªhis father had been visiting a friend. The buildings there were numerous and grand, but nothing like the steel and concrete behemoths in his memories¡ªnothing like Earth.

    Sighing, Hector wobbled over to his bed. He slumped down, the bed groaning beneath him, its wood screaming in protest. Hector had had the bed for many years¡ªit should break any day. At least, he hoped it would. Then, he could place the mattress on the floor and sleep on that.

    Hector grabbed his head and shook it. It wouldn¡¯t help, but he had to do something. The pain was annoying¡ªand sadly, this world didn¡¯t have paracetamol; the only thing that came close was quite root, something they didn¡¯t have. As he considered dunking his head into the bathtub, his vision flashed, and a screen popped up in front of him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Welcome¡­ Talent Cultivator system loading.

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    ¡°A system,¡± he mumbled. A white, almost translucent text box appeared before him with the title Talent Cultivator written on it. ¡°This can¡¯t be happening.¡±

    From the memories that flooded his throbbing head, knowledge about what a system was surfaced. But that was all fiction. People didn¡¯t get systems in real life; that was impossible. And yet, he sat in his room with a crisp white text box in front of him.

    I must have a concussion or something; I¡¯ll have to ask Lincoln¡¯s mum to have a look at me.

    Healers were hard to find in the slums of Middlec, let alone one as skilled as Valery. The image of a cheery old lady entered his mind, and Hector groaned. Catherine was also an expensive healer for someone in the slums. In the wealthier areas of Middlec, she wasn¡¯t much¡ªor so he¡¯d been told.

    Hector frowned at the prospect of paying for healing¡ªespecially for a headache. A headache that could be linked with something not seen in this world before¡ªat least he¡¯d never heard of anyone within Middlec with a similar ability. The screen shuffled.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: New user binding complete¡­ profile screen opening¡­

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    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Hector Jacaranda

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Cultivation level: [Gravity Forging - 1]

    Spirit Root: Moon

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    STATS

    ©À©¤ Body ©¦ Tier 0 ©¦ Level ( I )

    ©À©¤ Mind ©¦ Tier 0 ©¦ Level ( - )

    ©¸©¤ Spirit ©¦ Tier 0 ©¦ Level ( - )

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    EQUIPMENT

    ©¸©¤ None

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    TALENTS

    ©¸©¤ Tough Body +1 [??¡ð] (2/3)

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    TECHNIQUES:

    ©¸©¤ [Orion Fist] (Journeyman: 90%)

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    ///

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°A user screen? I must have a concussion; this can¡¯t be real. But then again, maybe that¡¯s what these memories are.¡± In the stories that contained systems in his past life, the main character had often been a transmigrator¡ªa person from a different world, taking over someone¡¯s body in the new one. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ve transmigrated.¡±

    Hector¡¯s eyes wandered around the room, landing on the purple necklace atop his bedside table. He couldn¡¯t be a transmigrator; he had memories of the here and now, and it wasn¡¯t like he¡¯d died. His father had told him the necklace was the last thing his mother left behind, and it was the only thing that could comfort Hector.

    He reached forward, picking it up and gazing at it briefly before slipping the necklace on. He needed the comfort it provided and the strength it would give.

    The system and the knowledge of his transmigration, while not scary in itself, still left him on edge and unsure of who he was. Hector Jacaranda, the slum rat, digging through garbage in the Middlec trash heap? Or Hector Smith, the fast-food employee from Earth?

    However, thinking about it, my old identity doesn¡¯t matter anymore. I¡¯m stuck here, and there¡¯s no going back. But would I even want to go back? My life wasn¡¯t exactly going anywhere.

    He gripped the necklace, its tooth-like form biting into his palm. A wave of certainty washed through him. He didn¡¯t need to decide on anything; all that mattered now was moving forward, and the system would help him do that.

    The panel floated before him, his stats laid bare on its surface. Everything it said made sense: Hector¡¯s cultivation level and spirit root, even the fact that he wasn¡¯t wearing any equipment. But he didn¡¯t understand what it meant by the word Talents.

    There were many people in this world with unique abilities, the Frostkeep Family being an example. Everyone knew that many of them had an incredible ability to control ice that went beyond a mere spiritual root affinity. It was as if ice had given birth to them; was that Talent or something else?Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Hector sighed. Getting distracted worrying about what was and wasn¡¯t a talent was pointless. The system would explain it; at least they did in the stories he read in his old world. He raised a thin finger and tried to press the Talent link but found his hand passing through the screen.

    He frowned at the screen, leaning back and sinking one hand into the dirty old sheets of his bed for support. If his hand went through it, it had to be voice-activated. Hector glanced towards the crappy old wooden door to his room, its hinge barely holding on. Mirae, his sister, was downstairs; she would most likely call him any second once dinner was ready. His sister wasn¡¯t one to judge, but the sight of him talking to himself would be hard to live down.

    ¡°Screw it. If she hears me, I¡¯ll say I was thinking out loud.¡± He looked towards the screen and took a deep breath. ¡°System, open Talents.¡±

    Another white screen, smaller than the first, appeared next to the first and displayed Hector¡¯s Talents.

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    ///: Tough Body: This Talent makes the wielder slightly more resistant to physical harm. [??¡ð](2/3)

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    Hector smiled as memories of previous fights surfaced. Getting into a scuffle was a common thing in the Middlec slums, and Hector had found he¡¯d always been just a little bit more resistant than some of the other kids growing up. ¡°Father always said I was a tough kid; I guess he was right.¡±

    The Talent explained where his toughness came from, and Talent Cultivator was the system¡¯s name, so that must mean he should be able to gain more talents. But how? And was there a limit? And what did the numbers mean?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: ¡°Once the user has subjugated a target, they may begin the Talent collection. Due to the user currently being in the Gravity Forging realm, the Talent capacity is set to 6 active Talents. But, the user may have an unlimited amount of non-active Talents. The number beside the Talent is the stack of said Talent. Once the stack is maxed, it can be fused, allowing the Talent to evolve. ¡°

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    Hector jumped in fright as the system spoke directly into his mind. He hadn¡¯t been aware that it would respond, not by voice. But this did clear things up, though only just a bit. What did it mean to subjugate the target? If he had to kill someone, this system wouldn¡¯t be too effective. He didn¡¯t want to become a murderer just for some strength; he wasn¡¯t an evil person.

    Hopefully, he didn¡¯t have to kill anyone; fighting would be doable. ¡°[Tough Body], huh? Judging by what the system said, if I find another one I should be able to evolve the Talent¡ªbut how do I find another one? It¡¯s not like a Talent¡¯s just going to fall on my lap.¡± Hector pressed his lips thin, bouncing off the bed, and getting to his feet. The crunch from the bed following his action was not too reassuring¡ªcollapsing was one thing, but he didn¡¯t need a stake through the back.

    He walked over to the window and looked through the cracked glass. Outside, a slow procession of people walked by. It was a cool day, with the sun partially hidden by the clouds. The slums weren¡¯t crawling with people, but for the inner Middlec slum, this was quite dense. Hector spotted a man stalking across the street, no different from the usual vagrants¡ªhe looked sturdy.

    Maybe I can just ask the system and it will tell me?

    ¡°System, does that man have a Talent?¡±

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    ///: No talents found.

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    Hector frowned and decided to pick a different target. A young brown-haired boy wearing slacks sat on the broken pavement across the street. He was poking at something between his legs with a frown on his face¡ªHector had a hunch it was something dead. ¡°System, what about him?¡±

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    ///: No talent found.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Hector continued for a few minutes, looking from person to person until, eventually, he found one.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Talent found: [Warding Charm].

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    Hector heaved a sigh of relief, shifting his weight and leaning against the window frame. It wasn¡¯t easy to find someone with a Talent¡ªif anything, from this small sample size, it seemed that having a Talent was rare.

    He flicked his white hair out of his eyes as he watched the haggard woman cradle a Deli fruit. It was a fruit similar to cauliflower in his old world but with a more sweet taste¡ªhe didn¡¯t like them much. Not that he could even afford one. The woman looked like she was bringing it home from the market. ¡°She has the Talent [Warding Charm]; I wonder what that does?¡±

    ¡°System, can you explain to me how [Warding Charm] works?¡±

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    ///: ¡°Not possible. The user must acquire the Talent to find out the function.¡±

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    Hector sighed. He couldn¡¯t just jump out his window, run across the street, and start attacking some random woman. Sure. He may acquire one Talent from it, but his father wouldn¡¯t be pleased to hear about his son acting like a thug. Always do good because it¡¯s too easy to do evil, and we should never do the easy thing, his father¡¯s words.

    He had shown Hector the good and evil in this world and always pushed him and his sister to do good. And he couldn¡¯t agree more¡ªwith all the gangs, crime, and poverty, there was too much suffering in the slum. The woman carrying the Deli fruit was one such example. Dressed in dirt-covered clothes that fit her like a sack, her hair was a mess, covered in what looked to be brown chunks.

    Hector didn¡¯t want to know what they were. Her eyes, her sad sunken eyes, spoke of depression commonly seen throughout the slum¡ªthough they didn¡¯t call it depression in this world. If people did acknowledge it, they¡¯d call the feeling hollowed¡ªand a quick trip to the tavern would fix that.

    Hector sighed, squinting his eyes as he regarded the woman. He could probably beat her in a fight if he had to. In the Mono-fist dojo, he¡¯d been coming along nicely¡ªthough that was only in technique mastery, and one technique at that.

    He glanced at a heavy wooden cart being pulled by three men. Mess movers¡ªthey had the unfortunate job of tending to the sewers. The smell was bound to decrease a little soon¡ªnot that Hector would notice. Going up one level in cultivation had made his sense of smell that much stronger. He looked back over at the woman.

    I don¡¯t even know how strong she is. So I guess it¡¯s a bit bold of me to assume I could beat her.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Acquiring target stats¡­

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///

    Cultivation level: [Gravity Forging - 2]

    Talent: [Warding Charm [?¡ð¡ð] (1/3)]

    ///

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    Hector¡¯s eyes went wide. The woman wasn¡¯t as defenceless as she seemed. A second-level gravity-forging realm, while not rare, was still out of the ordinary. The common folk in Middlec¡ªespecially in slums¡ªtended not to cultivate. The process could be excruciatingly slow if you didn¡¯t have a pure enough spiritual root¡ªsadly something he¡¯d experienced first-hand.

    It had taken him just over four years to break through to the first level of gravity-forging, and it would probably take him another four and a bit to go to the second level¡ªthe lack of access to mana pills played a huge part. And to make things worse, he didn¡¯t have time to sit and cultivate all day like he¡¯d heard some of the noble families did, with their resources and whatnot.

    A knock on the room door brought Hector from his thoughts. He turned his head away from the window, focusing on the room door. Raising an eyebrow, he called out, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Are still feeling ill,¡± his sister said through the door. ¡°If you¡¯re feeling better, there¡¯s some food in the kitchen¡­ it¡¯s grime-grain porridge¡ªI¡¯ve sprinkled some dried plums on it so it should taste good.¡±

    Hector cringed, shaking his head, but smiled shortly after. He hated grime-grain, but it was the only thing the family could afford in bulk¡ªso it was a wonder Mirae paused like she was delivering bad news. The fact that they had dry fruit to sprinkle on it today was a small mercy.

    Mirae had no doubt been talking to old lady Margaret down the street¡ªthe old herbalist would always give them something from time to time. She was a good woman. ¡°I¡¯ll be out in a minute, and yes, I¡¯m feeling much better. Thank you for asking,¡± Hector replied.

    He stepped away from his window and glanced around one last time. A plank towards the back of the room jutted upwards out of the ground at an awkward angle¡ªsomething he¡¯d been meaning to get around to. He would have to fix it at some point if he didn¡¯t want to be impaled by a rather large splinter. Later. Hector sighed, waving away the system and moving across the room to open the old rickety door.

    Upon opening, he met his sister¡¯s gaze. Her purple eyes¡ªmatching his own¡ªlocked with his as she played with the ends of her long, flowing white hair. She wore the same dirty tanned shirt she had worn yesterday and the same dirty brown shorts. Hector had told her she could wear the rest of her clothes, but she insisted that she needed to get the full use out of them before changing. It was a poor excuse, but they didn¡¯t have the money to go out and get a new set. They had to make do with what they had and repair what broke.

    His sister greeted him with a warm smile. ¡°Are you okay? You aren¡¯t just saying you are because you¡¯re worried. I¡¯ll worry.¡±

    ¡°Or tell Dad and he¡¯ll worry,¡± Hector added.

    ¡°And that¡¯s what makes me think you¡¯re lying,¡± she said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Dad can be overbearing, but if you¡¯re ill, please say.¡±

    ¡°Trust me. I¡¯m fine, little one.¡± Hector reached a hand forward and ruffled her hair before stepping by her and heading to the kitchen. ¡°Is dad back yet?¡±

    His sister huffed as she fixed her hair and followed behind him. ¡°I keep telling you to stop that¡ªand yes. He just got back a few moments ago. Though¡­¡±

    Hector stopped, turning back to face his sister. ¡°What is Mirea? Is everything okay? Did something happen to him at work?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But he¡¯s biting his lower lip and tapping the table.¡±

    ¡°Crap.¡± Hector closed his eyes and massaged his forehead¡ªhis father was stressed. Something must have gone wrong, but it didn¡¯t make sense. Last week, his dad was raving about a promotion at the death trap people called a refinery. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him about it. But you know how he is?¡±

    ¡°Please,¡± she said, gesturing for Hector to continue to the kitchen.

 Chapter 2: A Sisters Grief

    "Everything alright son? Your sister told me you had a headache. How is it, are you feeling better?.¡± Hector¡¯s father said looking up from the table, his bottom lip red from the chewing as his fingers continued to tap the table.¡±

    "I''m alright. It¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡± Hector stepped over to the splintering kitchen table, pulled out a chair and sat down. His sister then bought over a bowl of grim-grain porridge, with flakes of plum sprinkled on it.

    The thick grey grim-grain looked as unappetising as ever, but the dried purple plume flakes made up for it. Furthermore, his sister had cooked this with love and it would be an insult if he were to complain¡ªnot that he had the heart to, what would that even achieve? Hector picked up the spoon and scooped himself a mouthful, before looking at his father.

    "Is everything okay with you, I feel like something''s wrong?" Hector said, chewing. The bland taste smothered his tongue with the occasional burst of sweetness¡ªin a way it was a delicacy. . .

    Hector''s father chuckled. "I''m fine son, but what have I told you about talking with your mouth full.¡± He said, moving his arms out of the way as Mirae sat a bowl of grime-grain porridge on the table before him.

    "Really?¡± Hector said gesturing with his spoon at his dad''s fingers tapping the table. ¡°What''s going on Dad?¡±

    The tapping stopped and his father placed a mouthful of porridge into his mouth. ¡°It''s fine,¡± he said, globals of porridge sputtering out of his mouth.

    ¡°Dad,¡± Mirae chided. ¡°Didn''t you just say not to speak with a full mouth?¡± She placed her bowl on the table and grabbed the cloth wiping up the mess their father had made. She¡ªeven at her young age¡ªwas the mother figure of the family, always cleaning up after Hector and their father.

    Mirae was what Hector had assumed their mother would be like. He didn''t have many memories of her¡ªthe ones he did have were vague and unclear. But those few painted her as caring, and Mirae was exactly that. Even now as she wiped the table, she made sure not to disturb her father''s eating.

    She looked over at Hector, swiping a strand of white hair behind her ear and gesturing for him to continue questioning him. They needed to find out what was going on, the stubbornness of their father often left them slow to react when things came up¡ªwhich thankfully didn¡¯t happen often, but it was a problem when it did.

    ¡°Dad I¡ª¡±

    A crashing sound came from outside¡ªchoking back Hector''s words¡ªfollowed by several shouts. ¡°Cain, you dog waste, get out here now! You owe us and we''ve come to collect.¡±

    Hector''s father shot him a look.¡°Take your sister and go to your room,¡± He said stiffly; with a cold face, something Hector had never seen before. His father was always smiling or joking, never was he this serious.

    ¡°Dad, what''s going on?¡± Hector said standing up from his seat and moving over to his sister.

    ¡°The Collar Gang are outside, get to your room now.¡±

    Hector frowned. The Collar Gang the local thugs of inner-Middlec, what could they want from his dad? A debt? Sure they were poor but their father would never go and ask for money he would always insist on doing everything himself.

    Didn''t he get a promotion why would he be in debt with someone?

    Whatever the reason it didn''t matter now. Hector turned to Mirea, her purple eyes were wide with fear and she was frozen. He tugged her, ¡°Let''s go.¡±

    She didn''t move and simply shook her head. ¡°We can''t leave him, Hector. They''ll kill him.¡± She said, tears streaming down her cheek. She grabbed his hand, squeezing it and looking at her father.

    ¡°Mirae we have to go, now! Dad will be fine.¡± Hector said, scooping an arm around her waist, and attempting to pick her up.

    She started kicking and screaming, ¡°No, you''re wrong, they''re going to kill him, Hector. We can''t please, Hector.¡± The bowls on the table were knocked over sending porridge splattering.

    ¡°Quiet, girl.¡±, their father said, looking from Hector to her. ¡°We are just gonna have a small talk. There''s nothing to worry about, now go with your brother.¡±

    The muscles in Hector''s forehead tightened¡ªwhat was going on today, why were these two acting like this? The men outside didn''t sound like they wanted to talk, they didn''t sound like they were keen to see reason, and it sounded like they wanted to hurt someone.

    Hector¡¯s father was no slouch when it came to a fight. Hector once saw him fight off two first-level gravity-forging realm beggars¡ªheaven knows how a Mana-cultivator end up like that. But the Collar Gang was nothing like fighting a beggar.

    As Hector lifted his sister into the air and began shuffling back, the kitchen door crashed to the ground. There, in the door frame, stood a slim man with a scowl on his face. A large scar ran down his left cheek and he smiled, running a hand through his greasy black hair.

    ¡°Boss didn''t want to wait, and you''ll slow ass was taken too long.¡± The man stepped to the side allowing for a much larger bold man to step through the door frame.

    The man surveyed the room he''s gaze landing on Hector briefly before passing over him and focusing on Hector''s father. His eyes weren¡¯t friendly. ¡°Cain my friend, is this any way to greet a guest? Not even a cup of water prepared.¡± He said, smiling, his crooked yellow teeth on display¡ªwhich spoke of how much mana-infused ale he drank, as everyone in the Collar Gang was a cultivator, providing resistance to the usual decay of mortals.

    How strong is this guy?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Acquiring target stats¡­

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    /// Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    Cultivation level: [Gravity Forging - 4]

    ///

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Well, damn. This isn¡¯t good.

    ¡°If you''d give me more time, I could have prepared quite the welcome for you, Brulin.¡± Hector''s father said, eyeing the man. He had two fingers behind his back and was gesturing for Hector and his sister to leave.

    ¡°Is that a threat?¡± said a voice. It came from a rat-faced man who walked in, dressed in black rags with a dagger at his side. He had a thick moustache and a bald head much like the large man. ¡°Our boss doesn''t take kindly to threats.¡±

    The larger man, Brulin chuckled before walking over to the table and taking a seat. ¡°Come now Briggs, young Cain here would never threaten us,¡± Brulin said. His smile was that of a predator eyeing its food. ¡°He doesn''t have the gall.¡±

    He then glanced at Hector and Mirae, ¡°Are the children joining us? Or is this just between the adults?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re join¡ª¡±

    Hector''s hand slammed over Mirae¡¯s mouth, muffling her screaming as she kicked. But he couldn''t let her go. These men were dangerous and didn¡¯t seem worried at all. They seemed to be enjoying what they were doing, not putting Hector in their eyes at all. And they didn¡¯t seem too worried about his father''s strength.

    Hector¡¯s hand dug into Mirae¡¯s side as he pulled her back towards his room. Swallowing deeply as he fought back the rising bile. Whatever was about to happen he wasn¡¯t strong enough. And to stay, would put his dad in a worse position, he couldn¡¯t keep himself and them safe.

    His father mouthed a silent thank you as the two moved back through the hallway towards Hector¡¯s room. The stoic look on his father''s face did not give Hector the comfort it should have. He instead looked like a man facing an execution with as much courage as he could master.

    Tears streamed down the back of Hector''s hand as he and Mirae moved into his bedroom. The tears were fire against his skin. All of this was wrong. He should be out there standing with his father, but he was weak¡ªhis training at the dojo meant nothing. He couldn¡¯t compete with them.

    He released his sister, dropping her to the floor and slammed the door shut, pressing his back against it. ¡°I''m sorry, I''m so sorry.¡± He said as his sister dropped to her knees. ¡° Dad will be fine, I''m sure.¡±

    ¡°He won''t,¡± she said her voice barely a whisper. Tears bounced off the floorboards beneath her as she plunged her face into her palms.

    Hector sighed. It didn''t make sense why were the Collar Gang here? Did something at the refinery go wrong, did his father take money to pay for things that he needed? did he even work at the Refinery anymore? How could he not know all this, he lived with the man.

    Hector pushed off the ground but froze. Through the door shouts rang out, followed by crashing. The sound got more intense as what sounded like chairs were thrown and then several heavy thumps.

    Mirae¡¯s weeping intensified as the sound of violence grew. But Hector couldn''t find it within himself to go and comfort her. Could he say it would be okay, could he say he would do something? No. Like her, he was in this room unable to go and help the man who had raised them.

    Why am I so goddamn weak. If I put more time in the dojo if, I had put more work in none of this would be happening. None of it.

    Hector''s fists slammed the door, as he lowered back down and wept. He lamented the collar gang. The fear they brought to the people of the slums, and now the pain they brought his family. But as his emotion settled, he realised this was not new. There were evil people on earth, too¡ªhe could do nothing about it then. But this time, he could make a difference. He had an advantage.

    System, scan her.

    It wouldn''t help now but knowing, if his sister possessed Talent or not would allow him strategize. He had to get stronger, and he had to make sure the people around him got stronger too.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Talent Found: [Dreams of Time]

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    A bubble of confidence grew in Hector''s chest. She had a Talent. The name sounded impressive, but It didn¡¯t mean it was. It could be a simple ability that did something small to its holder. But what was important was that she had something.

    System, Is it possible to consider a target subjugated If they willingly submit?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: ¡°Yes, if the target is willing, the Talent manipulation process can begin.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The system''s voice rang hollow in his mind as he crawled over to his sister. "Mirae, I need you to listen to me. I need you to relax,¡± he said, resting a hand on her shoulder¡ªhe didn¡¯t know what he was doing, but it was important to take a step...

    System, start the talent manipulation process.

    The world around Hector melted away like paint washed off a canvas, and he found himself standing in darkness. He looked down to find his feet were submerged in what he could only assume was water. As Hector observed his surroundings, he noticed a red light shooting across the inky black sky. ¡°System, what''s going on?¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: ¡°This is the Talent Space. A space allowing the user to interact with Talents found within themselves and others they have subjugated. The current Talent manipulation limit is one every 24 hours. There is a chance of failure with unwilling targets, as their soul resists the change.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Well, I guess that¡¯s good to know.

    ¡°And is that a Talent," Hector said pointing at the shooting lights. There was nothing else in the blackness apart from that¡ªnothing apart from the water that went up to his ankles, that is.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: ¡°Yes, that is the Talent [Dreams Of Time]. Would you like to bring it down?¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    "what would happen if I did that?¡± Hector didn''t want to run around doing things willie-nilly if he somehow messed up and harmed his sister he would never be able to forgive himself.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: ¡°Bringing it down would allow the user to learn the Talents features and remove it from the target.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Hector frowned. ¡°I''d like to bring it closer but not remove it from her, is that possible.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: ¡°Calling down Talent: [Dreams of Time]. Note: Due to not learning the Talent, energy will not be consumed to process it.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The red light in the sky paused, then shot down towards Hector. It moved so fast that he had no time to dodge before it was in front of him. A floating red Orb with writing swirling across its surface, which he did not understand. Hector wouldn''t consider himself smart, but he had a good grasp of the basic everyday language his father had even taught him to read and write¡ªthe reading of writing from earth had become useless¡ªbut even with these basic skills for a mana-cultivator, the words made no sense.

    Hector reached forward and grabbed the orb, its weight settling in his palms. It was heavier than he¡¯d anticipated, its surface giving off a warm feeling. As he looked into the Orb, he found an understanding of what it was coming to him¡ªit was like the knowledge was always there...

    This Talent allowed his sister to see the future, though she could not control what she saw or when it occurred. Furthermore, she was limited to only thirty years maximum¡ªa long time for a mortal.

    Hector¡¯s mind thought back to a few years ago. His sister had approached him and said that he shouldn''t leave, boys would be looking for him, looking to hurt him. He had scoffed back then. She was barely old enough to leave the house by herself what could she have known about the slums? But she had been right, later that day, some boys had jumped him, beating him badly.

    Hector chuckled, releasing the Orb back into the air. He had been a fool then.

    The Orb floated back into the air before shooting into the sky and continuing its journey.

    She always seemed to have this knowing look whenever she did certain things.

    Slide smile tugged on Hector''s lips, but then froze, morphing into a snare. She had seemed certain earlier when she said their father was going to die. Had she seen it? Perhaps but then that would mean¡ª

    ¡°System bring me back, stop Talent manipulation!¡± He said, his heart pounding in his chest. The world melted away again and he was back in his room, his hand resting on Mirae¡¯s shoulder. Hector then jumped to his feet and charged out of the room.

    ¡°Dad, dad!¡± he yelled, his voice horse.

 Chapter 3: The Trash Life

    Hector charged into the kitchen. He had been a fool to leave his dad alone, he should have stayed. His eyes frantically scanned the room until they landed on a figure in the corner, covered by ruined pieces of what looked to be the kitchen table.

    Hector rushed over, dropping to his knees and clawing the wood off of his dad, not caring for the splinters that bit deep into his skin as he did. ¡°I''m sorry Dad, I''m sorry. I should have never left you alone I should have stayed.¡± He removed a large piece of wood covering his dad''s face, ¡°please be okay,¡± he said, his voice barely a whisper.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright son,¡± his dad croaked. His eyes were swollen with large black bruises and blood was running down his lips. His shirt was a complete mess, torn to shreds in places and hanging off in others, it was as if they were trying to kill him.

    "Don''t speak, Dad," Hector said, still clearing away debris. "Save your strength. I''ll clean you up."

    Soft footsteps sounded from the hallway behind Hector. ¡°Is he okay?¡± Mirae asked, her voice wobbling. ¡°I''ll go get a bucket and cloth.¡± Mirae¡¯s hurried footsteps filled the room, before stopping as she began rooting around the cupboard.

    Hector scooped his arm around his dad''s side, lifting him up. The man groaned as he did. Hector¡¯s father was in a bad way¡ªgoing off the mess, the table had no doubt been used on him. But Hector wasn¡¯t surprised. Angry. But not surprised. Brulin was in the fourth level of the Gravity-Forging realm. He was more than strong enough to deal with someone like Hector''s father, only in Gravity-Forging realm two.

    He will pay for this, I''ll make sure of it.

    Hector sat his father down on the chair his sister had brought over¡ªshe had gathered a small pile of old clothes and the old bucket they used to catch leaks in the roof. She knelt next to the chair with the bucket and cloth and began dabbing their father''s face as soon as Hector stepped back.

    ¡°Thank you, children,¡± their father said resting our hand on Mirae¡¯s arm. ¡°Your dad has unfortunately incurred some debts at work. Don''t worry I''ll clear it up.¡± The weak smile on his lips did nothing to reassure Hector. Why was he even smiling? He had just been beaten up and was looking to be in even more trouble if they didn''t pay, how could he smile?

    ¡°How much do we owe?¡± Hector said crossing his arms. If it was a smaller amount surely he could do something to gather it.

    ¡°Don''t concern yourself. It''s my responsibility, I¡¯m the one who should be fixing this. Just go about your day doing what you do.¡± his dad said, taking the cloth from Mirae and holding it over one of his swollen eyes. ¡°It''s not too much and ill it have paid by the end of the month. Don''t worry.¡±

    ¡°Sure you will,¡± Hector said turning away and heading back to his room. Even now his father was still holding things back and treating them as if they were kids. If his dad wasn''t going to allow him to help he would have to do it anyway.

    But first, he had to get to work.

    ***

    The late morning sun bore down on Hector''s back as he wiped sweat from his brow. Sorting through the trash of the upper crust of Middlec was dirty work¡ªand pay wasn¡¯t even guaranteed¡ªbut every now and then he would find something interesting.

    He rested one knee on a half-destroyed rotten pillow he had found and plunged his hand deeper into the garbage pile pulling at the mass beneath. A clatter of parts¡ªmetal and wood clogged with fabrics¡ªrained off of the pile as he sat it next to him and began sifting through it.

    ¡°Junk, junk, oh look at that more junk.¡± Hector sighed, twisting his body and landing on the pillow with a soft thump. The sweet sickening smell of garbage rushed from the pillow straight into his nose.

    Leaning back and took in the sights¡ªtoday was going to be one of those days. All around him were mountains of garbage that ran on for quite some time. Within the dump, other kids could be seen either in small groups or alone doing the same dirty work as Hector¡ªmost probably didn¡¯t even know what they were looking for.

    Those fellow slum rats that did, much like him, were looking for something to bring back home. Something that could help improve their situation if just for a day. Sure they could have looked for work somewhere else but that work tended to just be some form of crime that would get them either beaten up or arrested by the Middlec city guards¡ªif they were particularly unlucky they would be killed outright.

    Why do we have to sift through this filth while they prance about in their ivory towers?

    Off in the Horizon Hector could make out the tops of the grand palaces that housed the so-called Great Families. Beacons of power within the city at large.

    Power Hector didn''t have. He glanced at the top of the trash heap of which he sat at the bottom of. He could climb up there and proclaim himself king, no one would care¡ªunless it was some uptee fool who thought himself a boss of some sort, claiming great dominion over the dump.

    ¡°Well breaks over,¡± Hector said, standing up and dusting himself off.

    Hector walked up the trash pile, struggling to stand and wobbling. He dropped back onto a knee, with his pillow in hand. The good trash was often at the top of the pile¡ªafter all that was where it was freshest. Hector wasn¡¯t quite sure how it worked.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    But he knew that the trash was launched to the top from the carts that brought it to the dump. Thankfully they didn¡¯t bring the sewer filth here, that was taken deeper in. But he had been unlucky a few times¡ªnot every process was perfect.

    Hector had once found a golden ring in the dump. That had been exciting. He had thought it was perhaps a storage ring¡ªan artefact held by higher level of Mana cultivators that could store items inside it. But once he brought it home to his dad and showed him those ideas were dashed. It was nothing more than a standard golden ring, probably thrown off by some young noble during a pointless duel.

    He puffed as he crested the garbage mountain and set his pillow down. ¡°Alright here we go,¡± He said, brushing the loose strands of his white hair aside. Hector plunged both his arms deep in, grabbing a pial from beneath the trash.

    A sharp pain bit into his arm but he paid it no mind. His arm was already covered in cuts, what was one more? With a heave, he pulled out the trash and set it to the side before diving in and pulling out another. When he was done, four separate piles of trash sat around him.

    He could now move on to the next step, separation. Taking out what was completely useless and leaving aside what was good. It was a method taught to him by Emela¡ªa girl, now a friend that he¡¯d found searching around the dump a few months back. She had called his past methods wasteful and inefficient. According to her spending all day clearing trash like an animal would lead to a poor sense of self.

    Hector chuckled. To this day he still didn''t get it. If you were rolling in trash you were rolling In trash. How you did it didn''t make a difference? But he had to admit her methods did make finding actually useful things a lot easier.

    I''ll have to ask her where she got the idea. Most garbage diggers I know just dive in like a rat.

    On another trash pile a short distance away was a boy much like Hector. Watching him, Hector couldn¡¯t help but shake his head. She was right. The boy was covered in dirt and other crap as he dug through the trash looking eerily similar to a rat trying to dig a hole.

    Well, she definitely added some civility to this crappy job.

    Hector''s hands paused as he noticed a bright yellow object within one of the piles. He reached forward and scooped it up, a smile coming to his lips.

    If he wasn''t mistaken this was a pill, though the type of pill it was was unknown. It was not rare to find a pill in a trash heap¡ªthe refineries would often pump them out in bulk, and any trash or waste pills were thrown out and ended up in the dump.

    But those pills were often grey and cracked, signifying that they were waste and unable to be used. A pill like this. Its surface intact its yellow shimmer still going, it had to be defective. But that didn¡¯t mean that it couldn¡¯t be used.

    Hector had once heard of someone''s mana-cultivation soaring after ingesting one of the pills they found in the trash. Granted it did leave them bed-bound for at least three months, but that was a small price to pay for gaining some means of protection within the slums¡ªand a slum rat like him needed every advantage he could get...

    He glanced around, placing the pill into his dirty grey trousers pocket. If anyone saw that he had something like this there would be trouble. With one more check to make sure he hadn''t been spotted, Hector moved on to the next pile. But froze as he heard his name.

    ¡°Hector, there you are. I''ve been looking for you everywhere. I thought we agreed to meet over by the entrance of the dump.¡±

    Looking down Hector spotted his best friend, Lincoln, waving his long gangly arms as his short black hair bounced around. He was cleaner today, his grey pants not as dirty and his brown shirt more brown than it was black.

    The look of joy in his green eyes brought a smile to Hector''s lips. He had messed up yet the boy was still happy to see him. He had agreed to meet Lincoln by entrance but with everything going on at home he¡¯d forgotten. That shouldn''t have happened.

    ¡°Sorry. I completely forgot, how did you find me?¡±

    Lincoln tilted his head, squinting his eyes, ¡°Are you serious, you don''t go anywhere else within the dump. It''s always towards the back not far enough to see the city walls but just deep enough that you feel you could get lost within the dump itself.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Am I really that predictable?¡± Hector said scratching the back of his neck and adjusting himself so that he could see Lincoln properly at the bottom of the hill of trash.

    ¡°It''s one of the things I like most about you,¡± Lincoln said.

    "Oh, shut up, " Hector said, standing. "So you coming up then, or are you just here to watch?¡±

    Lincoln chuckled and clambered up the trash heap falling onto the knees of his dirty grey pants caking them in trash residue. ¡° I know the best things are at the top, but is it necessary to always climb up here?¡±

    Hector chuckled, scratching the back of his neck as he glanced around the dump. ¡° are you kidding me, you have to get to the good loot before anyone else. To tell the truth, I actually found something today.¡±

    ¡°Oh really,¡± Lincoln said pausing in his climb to flick his hair and looking up Hector. ¡°Tell me more?¡±

    "I will when you get up here. I''m sure the entire dump could hear your big mouth,¡± Hector said, smiling, as Lincoln continued climbing.

    System what are his talents?

    Growing up Lincoln hadn''t shown any particularly outstanding abilities. However, Hector had been checking everyone in the dump since he got here and had yet to find another person with a Talent. If Lincoln had one it would be for the best. Hector needed people. People with Talents and a strong level of cultivation.

    The stronger people were closest to him the more protected they were from threats like the Collar Gang.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: No talent found.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Crap,¡± Hector said as Lincoln reached the top of the trash heap. He wasn''t expecting much, after all finding a Talent seemed to be difficult. But if his friend had something it could have gone a long way to help strengthen those close to him.

    ¡°What, what''s wrong?¡± Lincoln said reaching forward, taking Hector¡¯s outstretched arm, and pulling him in for a hug. ¡°Not happy to see me make it up top or something?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I was hoping to see tumbled down a good few feet before making it to the top. Make my day just a bit better.¡± Hector said, chuckling and pulling back.

    ¡°Oh shut up,¡± Lincoln said lightly jabbing Hector''s arm. ¡°Anyway, what up, what did you find?¡±

    ¡°Not here.¡± Hector guided Lincoln over to his three remaining piles of trash. ¡°Take a seat.¡±

    Lincoln chuckled. ¡° I see you''ve been using Emela¡¯s trash sorting techniques. I don''t know why you do it, man, I find I''m just as effective even without it.¡± Lincoln said taking a seat on the trash.

    ¡°I''m sure you do,¡± Hector said joining him, but making sure to use his pillow. ¡° and what was it that you found last time that proved how effective you were?¡±

    ¡°I thought we weren''t gonna talk about that anymore?¡±

    Oh come on, Hector said and chuckled. ¡°Anyone could get a beast core and an odour pearl mixed up. There''s nothing to feel ashamed of.¡±

    Hector leaned back as Lincoln fixed him with a leer. He would never let Lincoln forget that one time it was how he could keep him humble, his head was big enough as is. The call of trash crows above took Hector''s attention off Lincoln. The birds were free, freer than he was. They could do anything be anything.

    ¡°Are you all right,¡± Lincoln said, looking from the sky to Hector.

    ¡°Yeah I''m good, I have to tell you something. But first, look at what I''ve found.¡±

 Chapter 4: Rumble in the Dump

    ¡°You are not joking, right? The collar gang actually broke into your house and attacked your dad," Lincoln said rolling the pill between his fingers. Hector had given it to him to have a look at and also told him about what had happened with his father. He needed Lincoln''s help if he was going to clear the debt, even if his dad felt he could do it alone.

    "Yeah, why would I lie about that?¡±

    ¡°I''m not saying you are, it''s just the Collar Gang are usually¡ª¡±

    ¡°Ruthless, ignorant, animalistic. What, Lincoln, what? They are a terror in the neighbourhood, it doesn''t matter what they are usually like.¡±

    Lincoln frowned raising his arms in defeat. "I know, I know. look I''m not sure I should be saying this but I might have a way to help you out with the debt,¡± Lincoln said throwing the pill back to Hoctor and leaning forward, his eyes scanning around and looking from one area of the dump to another.

    "How? " Hector said pocketing the pill and focusing on Lincoln. ¡° I can''t exactly find a substantial amount in this dump.¡±

    ¡°Well¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hey you, Ghost! Get down here and pay your taxes.¡± A voice said, coming from the bottom of the trash heap.

    Hector groaned. One of the would-be kings of the dump had arrived and he was in no mood to play with them¡ªespecially when he had bigger fish to fry.

    ¡°Crap, it''s Adrian and his starving dogs,¡± Lincoln said as he crawled to the edge of the trash heap. ¡°Yep it''s him alright, and his three buffoons are indeed with him.¡±

    ¡°Don''t make me come up there, Ghost. And bring your little friend too you guys need to pay up.¡±

    What''s with everyone demanding payments from my family today?

    Hector sighed and grunted as they stood. Working the trash heap did not do wonders for you the back. Mirae always told him to do stretches¡ªanother thing she was right about. ¡°Get up Lincoln let''s go deal with these guys. Then you can tell me about your idea.¡±

    Lincoln nodded and scrambled to his feet. ¡°If they are enough of a challenge, you might get to see me use Orion Fist. I''ve recently achieved the Journeyman rank with it.¡±

    "Oh, you finally caught up to me,¡± Hector said as he walked down the trash heap, kicking up random droplets of trash juice. He then skidded down the trash pile¡ªone of the only fun things about working in the dump.

    ¡°Caught up? I think you''ll find I surpass you. I could even beat Jodie on the fundamentals.¡± Lincoln said, trailing behind Hector. ¡°Watch you''ll see.¡±

    Hector raised an eyebrow at Lincoln''s statement. No one had better fundamentals than Jodie, the girl''s battle insight was unmatched within the dojo. However, in an actual fight, insight could only get you so far.

    ¡°I can''t wait to see you go against her then,¡± Hector said sliding to a stop and coming face-to-face with Adrian. ¡°So what do you want exactly?¡± Hector, crossing his arms, eyed the boy with a hint of disgust.

    Adrian scowled then his chubby face pulled into a sneer and he chuckled. ¡°Don''t play dumb with me Ghost, you know the rules. I turn up. You pay. Simple.¡± He then shoved his hands into his pockets as one of his dump guards¡ªas he liked to call the starved young boys that followed him¡ªstepped forward.

    ¡°Pay up Ghost,¡± the boy said, reaching an emaciated hand forward. His voice was dry and haggard. He was practically a walking skeleton. Nothing but skin, bone and the clothes on his back¡ªexactly the type Adrian loves to keep around. Weak and ready to do anything to eat, and if they complained Adrian had the weight and Mana-cultivation advantage.

    ¡°I don''t have anything,¡± Hector said as the cacophony of crow calls overhead intensified. It wasn''t clear how, but it was as if these birds could smell a fight. If you stayed knocked out for too long you might wake up with a finger missing.

    Hector glanced at the boy¡¯s hand, before looking back at the boy¡¯s face. ¡°So I won''t be able to pay today.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense, we had a tip-off that you seemed to have looked interested. Something on top of that trash heap caught your attention now what was it?¡± Adrian said wiping his nose and gesturing towards the top of Hector¡¯s trash heap. ¡°You can give it up peacefully or we can beat it out of you and leave you both for the crows.¡±

    ¡°Adrian, I''d watch what I say if I were you, you know where we train,¡± Lincoln said stepping forward. The idea that the Mono Fist dojo would keep Adrian at bay was laughable, but Hector couldn''t blame Lincoln for trying.

    ¡°So what, you know where I train,¡± Adrian said, taking a hand from his pocket and cracking his knuckles. ¡°I don''t know about you boys, but I think these guys need it beaten out of them.¡±

    Hector chuckled then rested a hand on Lincoln''s shoulder. He gave him a reassuring nod before focusing on the four in front of him.

    System, what are their talents?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: No talent found¡­///: No talent found¡­///: No talent found¡­///: No talent found¡­

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Talent found [Tough Body[?¡ð¡ð] (1/3)]Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Hector smiled. Things were actually looking up, someone with a talent had rolled right up to him. Perhaps it was life''s karma finally paying off, after all, your day could only be bad for so long.

    ¡°You take the three in the back. I¡¯ll take this one,¡± Hector said to Lincoln gesturing at the group.

    ¡°You¡¯re brave Ghosts you think you can take me on alone,¡± Adrien said, raising an arm and whipping his fingers through the air. His dump guard followed his command and surrounded Hector and Lincoln blocking off their escape.

    ¡°I don''t think, short stack. I know,¡± Hector rushed forward and planted his fist squarely across Adrian''s jaw. He then swivelled and hooked his leg around Adrian¡¯s neck before slamming him onto the ground¡ªlike the large slab of meat he was.

    Hector spared a glance for Lincoln before leaping on top of Adrian. He¡ªmuch like Hector, used a series of punches and leg hooks to down two dump guards in quick succession, before charging at the last two. It was apparent he had made it to journeyman level with the Orion fist. He was catching up.

    A rain of fists fell onto Adrian''s face, bloodying his lips and blackening his eyes. Each blow carried the pain of the day. He had no right to try and take from him, he had no right to threaten him he had no right to make Hector feel weak.

    Hector reeled back before landing the final blow. The boy''s face was a mess, bruised beyond recognition. Adrian was a cur, but perhaps he''d gone a bit too far.

    System, start the Talent manipulation process.

    The world melted away again and the screams of Adrian¡¯s dump guards faded with it. They were never a match for Lincoln¡ªif he was alone, and with the help of Adrian, they could have given him some trouble. But with the two of them. Not a chance.

    Hector brought his mind from the fight and focused on the black space before him. A white light raced across the inky black sky overhead. ¡°System bring the ability down and take it.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: ¡°Talent inbound.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The white light in the sky jerked to a stop, before shooting down, hurtling through air like a comet, and stopping in front of Hector. He appreciated the writing inside the orb with a smile even if he couldn''t understand it. Reaching forward he grabbed the orb and took in the information. There was nothing new as it worked the same as a tough body skill he already had.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: ¡°Would you like to merge the skill with the other skills?¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Yes begin merger,¡± Hector said and the Orb floated from grasp. It began to orbit him as two more orbs bubbled from his chest. It was surreal, he''d heard of the powers that those in the higher realms could use¡ªNot that this was that. But this was the first time he glimpsed what was possible.

    The three orbs orbited overhead, and as their speed got faster. A subtle hum slowly filled space, their moment blending their orbits into a thick ring. The ring then began to undulate and pulse, before going tighter and tighter, coalescing into an orb above Hector''s head.

    The orb then moved towards Hector¡¯s chest as it released a low buzz, with steam emanating from its surface. It had taken on the green colour, no longer the White of the previous [Tough Body] Talent.

    Hector grabbed it. His palms rested firmly against its smooth surface, which emanated a subtle warmth. With it resting against his skin information began to flow from the Orb and into him. The new Talent was called [Hearty Body]. It was an upgrade of [Tough Body] allowing him to reduce a more predictable amount of damage.

    "It''s nothing fancy but it will do for now. I just need to find someone that has another [Hearty Body] Talent, or scour this city for more [Tough Body] Talents,¡± Hector said resting a hand on his hip. The space was now empty Adrian had lost his Talent and there was nothing left to see. ¡°system, end Talent manipulation.¡±

    The blackness melted away and reality replaced it, putting Hector back in the dump still on top of the unconscious Adrian. The screams then the thump of a dump guard hitting the trash-covered floor caught Hector''s attention. They all lay unconscious in a ring around Lincoln, and he stood in the centre panting.

    ¡°You look a little tired there Lincoln, have you been slacking on your stamina training,¡± Hector said climbing off of Adrian and dusting himself off. ¡°Remember it''s key to pace yourself.¡±

    ¡°Oh shut it, I pummeled these fools by myself, of course, I¡¯ma little tired,¡± Lincoln said walking over and standing next to Hector. He looked down at Adrian and cringed, ¡°Threaten to wipe out your family or something, what did you do to his face?¡±

    Hector frowned and scratched his cheek, ¡° about that. Let''s just say I got a little carried away.¡±

    ¡°Carried away¡ªare you sure he''s even alive,¡± Lincoln said reaching down to check Adrian''s pulse.

    ¡°I''m sure he is,¡± Hector said looking towards the sky as the crows still circled overhead¡ªif he and Lincoln didn''t do anything the crows would begin their meal a few minutes after they left. ¡°Lincoln it looks to be heading towards the afternoon, I think it''s time we meet up with the others.¡±

    ¡° Yeah, yeah,¡± Lincoln said, dusting his hands off, standing up and stepping away from Adrian. ¡°He''s alive by the way.¡±

    Hector grunted.

    ***

    Hector fanned the collar of his shirt, attempting to cool himself down¡ªthe summer heat had become unbearable since leaving the dump with Lincoln. Walking along the cobblestone streets didn''t make it any better. The heat seemed to bounce straight off the floor and onto the surroundings cooking everything.

    ¡°Lincoln, have you got a water skin on you?¡± Hector asked. Something to cool down wouldn''t go a miss and his friend always had water skin, or at the very least a fan¡ªhis mom, Catherine, wouldn''t let him leave the house without them.

    Lincoln chuckled, kicking a loose stone from the failing cobblestone path, sending it down the street nearly hitting a homeless man crouched in a corner. ¡°Crap,¡± he said with a hiss looking away. ¡°Yeah I have something, give me a sec.¡±

    He walked to the other side of Hector, using his body to obscure himself from the homeless man. ¡°He didn''t see me did he? Also here,¡± he said as he moved his hand behind him and brought back a raggedy old water skin.

    Hector snatched the water skin from Lincoln''s hand, took a big gulp and shook his head ¡°Why are you hiding from him? The man probably doesn''t even Mana-cultivate.¡±

    Lincoln frowned, the look in his eyes speaking volumes. ¡°Have you not heard about sleeping Dragons, for all I know that man could be in the Mana Ignition realm just waiting for someone to make him angry. Then I''m dead. I mean look at him.¡±

    The man''s dark brown hair¡ªnot a typical colour for someone in the Mana Ignition realm, was rugged and his clothes were more rags than actual clothes. This man was not a sleeping dragon. A sleeping rat, maybe. But not a dragon¡ªbesides what self-respecting Mana Ignition realm Mana-cultivator would live on the street as a beggar?

    I swear Lincoln can be an idiot sometimes.

    ¡°That man is homeless, that''s it,¡± Hector said taking one last gulp from the water skin and handing it back to Lincoln.

    The two of them had made it to the end of Digby Street, leaving behind its ramshackle houses barely held together by loose brick and mortar, and into the better-kept Hilda''s Square¡ªthe meeting place for their little group.

    ¡°Well, we''ll see about that,¡± Lincoln said taking one final glance down Digby Street then almost stumbling as they transitioned from failing cobblestone to a well-kept stone-tiled plaza.

    Hector reached out and steadied Lincoln, before glancing around and looking for the others. Hilda''s Square much like usual was a buzz of activity, vendors lined the edges hawking their wears as pedestrians milled about killing time or looking for something to buy.

    ¡°Thanks, Hector,¡± Lincoln said giving Hector a nod. He then began to walk deeper, heading towards the central plaza fountain, ¡°Come on, I think I can see Jodie¡¯s hair from here.¡±

 Chapter 5: A Little Get Together

    Hector smiled as he approached the fountain, his gaze drawn to the cascade of ginger hair that seemed to catch every stray beam of light. Lincoln was right. Jodie could be spotted from almost anywhere¡ªas long as she wasn¡¯t in a room filled with Mana Ignition cultivators with fire affinity¡ªbut the Great Families were more likely to collapse before something like that happened.

    He weaved through the crowd following behind Lincoln, and as he got closer to the fountain, he spotted Marcus a few feet away from Jodie. Marcus¡¯s long brown hair was tied up in the usual bun, and he wore the raggedy set of clothes he liked to call a suit.

    Hector had often asked him why he wore it, and Marcus claimed it made travelling in the area closer to the centre of Middlec easier as the guards thought he was a roughed-up noble. But he never would say what he was doing near central Middlec¡ªit no doubt had something to do with his father¡¯s business.

    ¡°Oh, and there¡¯s Emela and Nyx,¡± Lincoln said, drawing Hector¡¯s attention to the two girls.

    Emela sat on the fountain¡¯s marble edge, absentmindedly combing her fingers through her long blonde hair. Her main attention seemed to be on something on her brown breeches. Hector couldn¡¯t make it out. But a moment later she frowned and flicked at something on her poorly chosen white tunic.

    Hector did not understand how anyone from the slums could wear white. He glanced at Lincoln¡ªthe prime example. Anything the boy wore would be covered in dirt by the end of the day. Hector would often see Lincoln come back with a bruise¡ªno doubt from his mother, furious at his treatment of his belongings.

    But somehow Emela had always kept her clothing clean; it was rather impressive. Beside Emela stood the ever-reserved Nyx, sporting the usual black bob. Unlike Emela, she preferred to wear black. Black tunic, black waistcoat, and black leather pants¡ªif she had dirt on her, they wouldn¡¯t know.

    System scan all of them.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: No talent found...///: No talent found...///: No talent found...

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Talent found: [Freezing Touch[?¡ð¡ð] (1/3)]

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Well, damn. Emela has a Talent. I knew there was something special about her. How come she¡¯s never said anything?

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± Hector said, sliding his hands into his trousers¡¯ pockets.

    ¡°Hector,¡± Marcus said, walking over with his hand outstretched. ¡°I take it you are just coming back from the dump?¡±

    Hector took his hand and gave it a firm shake as he nodded at the others. ¡°Yeah, got into a little spat with Adrian, but¡ª¡±

    ¡°It was a bit more than a spat,¡± Lincoln said. ¡°You would have thought Hector was trying to kill him.¡±

    Hector frowned at Lincoln. Did he have to over-blow it? Sure, he had pummeled Adrian pretty badly, but he¡¯d be fine¡ªas long as they got up before the birds got to them, it was nothing more than a spat.

    ¡°Are you okay, Hector?¡± Emela said, crossing one leg over the other as she reclined on the fountain¡¯s edge. ¡°I don¡¯t go to the dump much anymore, but I remember Adrian being quite the brute.¡±

    ¡°I¡ª¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s more than okay. He laid Adrian out flat,¡± Lincoln said, nudging Hector¡¯s arm. ¡°You should have seen it. One punch sent Adrian to the floor, and then this beast climbed on top and started destroying his face.¡±

    Hector scratched his cheek and found an unusual interest in the ground. He hadn¡¯t intended to go that far with Adrian; he just snapped.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like Hector,¡± Marcus said, resting a finger on his chin. ¡°Now if you said Jodie, I could see that.¡±

    ¡°You trying to take a swim?¡± Jodie said, stepping over to Marcus and gripping his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve been practicing my throws recently, and I¡¯m eager to try them out.¡±

    ¡°Calm down, both of you,¡± Emela said, brushing her breeches and turning to Nyx. ¡°Do you have my comb on you?¡±

    Nyx nodded, reached into her leather trousers, and pulled out a black comb. ¡°Here.¡±

    Hector glanced at the comb and then shook his head. For some reason, Nyx acted almost as if she was Emela¡¯s shadow. She would trail behind her and do what she said when she said it. It wasn¡¯t abusive at all; it was just strange. But they both seemed happy with the relationship.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Hector said, gesturing for Jodie and Marcus to sit. ¡°I have something serious to talk about.¡±

    ¡°Something the matter?¡± Jodie asked, brushing her ginger hair aside. ¡°If it¡¯s another fight, I don¡¯t mind jumping in. As I said, I¡¯ve been working on my throws.¡±

    Hector sighed. Jodie always seemed ready to go at it; it was no wonder she had such good battle-sense. ¡°No, nothing like that... Well, not yet anyway,¡± Hector said, throwing a glance around the square. While the Collar Gang was strong, that was only in certain parts of the slums, but it could never hurt to be careful. ¡°My family is in trouble with the Collar Gang.¡±

    ¡°Trouble?¡± Marcus asked, leaning against the fountain¡¯s edge and shoving his hands into his suit pockets. ¡°What kind of trouble?¡±

    ¡°They attacked my dad this morning and demanded that he pay a debt.¡±

    ¡°By the Great Lake, I¡¯m sorry to hear that,¡± Emela said, leaning in. ¡°Is he okay?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he was okay when I left. But he did not want to tell me how much he owes to the gang. I can¡¯t figure out what¡¯s wrong with him,¡± Hector said, running his hands through his hair.

    ¡°He probably just wants to keep you safe, you know,¡± Marcus said. ¡°I mean, my dad keeps things from me all the time. But I know it¡¯s because he thinks I¡¯m not ready to hear them.¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Lincoln chuckled. ¡°No offense, Marcus, but I would keep things from you too.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that meant to mean?¡± Marcus asked with a frown.

    ¡°Never mind that. I need your help, guys,¡± Hector said. He didn¡¯t need this conversation going off-topic. Not now.

    Lincoln scoffed and rested a hand on Hector¡¯s shoulder, his fingers drumming with barely contained energy. ¡°I¡¯ve told him that we should hit up one of the farms. I¡¯ve recently learned where they keep their profits. We break in and take what we need.¡±

    ¡°You agreed to this, Hector?¡± Emela asked, her frown deepening the shadows that played across her face. She crossed her arms and looked between Lincoln and him, her gaze sharp as winter frost. ¡°I would advise against it. While not a strong connection, everyone knows the Glademoors have some stake in all the farms in the city.¡±

    Nyx leaned down to Emela and whispered into her ear, her black-clad form a shadow against Emela¡¯s pristine white, then returned to her position, leaving Emela with a contemplative frown.

    ¡°At the very least, those who pay more attention to what¡¯s going on around them would know this,¡± Emela said, looking pointedly at Lincoln, her words carrying the weight of unspoken knowledge.

    ¡°Yeah...¡± Jodie said, her ginger hair catching the late afternoon light as she glanced between Emela and Lincoln. ¡°I¡¯m not exactly keen on breaking into a farm and attacking some innocents. And I love fighting.¡± She then focused on Hector, her gaze softening. ¡°Besides, that¡¯s a situation where we put ourselves at risk, just for you.¡±

    ¡°Jodie,¡± Marcus hissed, his raggedy suit rustling as he shifted uncomfortably.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Jodie said, raising her hands in a placating gesture. ¡°I love each and every one of you guys, but what you¡¯re suggesting, Hector, is incredibly reckless.¡±

    ¡°I know, and that¡¯s why I haven¡¯t agreed to it,¡± Hector said, as he started to pace up and down, his footsteps echoing against the worn stones of the plaza. ¡°It was more of a last-resort kind of thing. I wanted to come to you guys and see if you could help me figure something out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m more than happy to help,¡± Marcus said, his voice carrying the steady reliability that had become his trademark.

    Hector smiled and gave him a nod¡ªMarcus was always dependable like that. Among the group, he probably had the most patience, a virtue that Hector deeply admired.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll help,¡± Jodie said, pushing off the fountain with fluid grace. ¡°But what we do has to benefit everyone here. As I said, I love you, but everyone needs to be invested in this. Hell, I have some debts I need paid as well.¡±

    The plaza hummed with the ambient sounds of commerce and life as Hector frowned but nodded. Jodie¡¯s words rang true¡ªhe wasn¡¯t the only one wrestling with the weight of survival in these harsh streets. If they could all benefit from any group action, it would be for the best. He wouldn¡¯t just be using his friends. ¡°So does anyone have any ideas?¡± Hector asked, his voice barely carrying over the market¡¯s drone.

    Silence passed through the group, the sounds of the shoppers in The Plaza and the sellers hawking their wares filling the air with a tapestry of urban life.

    ¡°Just pick-pocket,¡± Nyx said.

    The group turned to her, but she looked blankly back at them.

    ¡°That¡¯s actually not a bad idea,¡± Lincoln said, his eyes lighting up with possibility. ¡°Especially with the Hida¡¯s festival coming up. There will probably be a bunch of nobles just walking around, waiting for their fat pockets to be picked.¡±

    ¡°But isn¡¯t that festival going to be crammed with Middlec Guards and a few of the Phoenix Company mercenaries?¡± Marcus asked, glancing between everyone, his anxiety visible in every movement. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that just make it all harder?¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Jodie said.

    ¡°It could work,¡± Emela said, studying her nails with practiced nonchalance that belied the sharp calculation in her eyes. ¡°If I recall correctly, isn¡¯t your father running a stall at that festival, Marcus?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he is...¡±

    ¡°So we can use that as a base camp,¡± Emela said, her words measured and precise. ¡°We will run the pick-pocketing operation from there. That way, we won¡¯t have to move past the perimeter guard, and we¡¯ll have a cover job.¡±

    ¡°You want to help my dad out at the festival?¡±

    ¡°No, you idiot,¡± Jodie said, smacking Marcus across his head. ¡°She wants to use working with your dad as a disguise to pickpocket the nobles at the festival.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. But I don¡¯t think my dad would allow us to do that,¡± Marcus said, fidgeting with his hands.

    ¡°Are you planning on telling him what we¡¯re going to do?¡± Jodie asked, her smile taking on a predatory edge.

    ¡°No?¡±

    Jodie¡¯s smile widened as she patted Marcus on the shoulder. ¡°Then I don¡¯t see the problem.¡±

    Emela watched as Nyx jumped down off the fence, her movements as fluid as a shadow across water. Having spent a good half an hour winding through the alleys, they were coming to the end of their journey for the day. Emela¡¯s thoughts drifted back to when she first entered the slums, searching for her lost heirloom.

    The memory was made all the more poignant by the fact that she had to go to the disgusting dump to search for it. Though she had met Hector and her new friends then, so it had been worth the sacrifice.

    ¡°Are you alright, mistress?¡± Nyx said, her dark eyes tracking the movement of someone closing their shutter window¡ªno doubt retiring for the night.

    ¡°All is well. I am just thinking back to the past.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean when we first came to the slums? I remember telling you it was a mistake. I¡¯m glad to have been mistaken,¡± Nyx moved past Emela, walking further into the alleyway and bending down to a sewer grate. ¡°Are you ready, mistress?¡±

    I am never ready to set foot in that blasted sewer. Sometimes I wish I could leave the slums normally after splitting up with everyone. But I guess it¡¯s still too risky.

    Frowning, Emela sighed. For the last few months, she had been searching for a better way to enter the slums discreetly but had had no luck¡ªit was as if the heavens wanted her to dirty herself. She pinched the edge of her white tunic and shook her head.

    She would need to use another warding talisman. They weren¡¯t expensive¡ªat least not for her¡ªthough her friends in the slums would probably say otherwise. Even Marcus, whose father owned a talisman store.

    ¡°Mistress?¡± Nyx tilted her head and raised an eyebrow, her black bob catching the dim light. ¡°Are you coming? It¡¯s getting late, and we may miss our opportunity to get back unseen.¡±

    Nodding, Emela strode over and stood at the edge of the sewer grate. Nyx popped it off with little effort¡ªnot surprising considering she had firmly established herself in the fourth realm of gravity forging.

    She then looked up at Emela, ¡°Your turn, mistress.¡±

    ¡°I suppose.¡± Emela stepped to the edge of the sewer hole and sighed. She drew upon the mana in her body as she leapt into the hole. The smell of unspeakable things hit her nostrils, their rot threatening to consume her. She popped a warding talisman in her pocket, causing a thin blue membrane to cover her body. The mana she had channeled entered her feet and, before she could touch the disgusting sewer water, it froze around her.

    ¡°Nyx, it¡¯s okay to come down now,¡± Emela said, glancing up through the hole.

    ¡°Yes, mistress.¡± Nyx leapt into the hole and landed to the side of Emela. The clang of the sewer grate sounded seconds later.

    ¡°You do time those throws excellently, Nyx. Though I do worry you will miss one day.¡±

    Nyx shrugged. ¡°And if I do, I can just jump back up and correct it.¡±

    Emela nodded, then walked deeper into the sewer. Every time she made it to the edge of the frozen area she created¡ªtypically expanding the length of her wardrobe door¡ªher next step would create a new one. She did this three times before reaching their exit grate. In many ways, the sewer would be both a curse and a boon.

    A boon because it let her practice her family¡¯s inborn ability, and a curse because it cost a warding talisman each time she entered the dreadful place.

    ¡°Shall I?¡± Nyx said, stepping next to Emela.

    ¡°You know the drill. I¡¯m not doing it.¡± Emela crossed her arms and stepped out of the way, waiting for Nyx to pop open the sewer grate above.

    Nyx nodded and stepped forward. She lunged upwards, striking the grate with her palm, knocking it into the air. Before landing back on the ice, and bouncing back up, shooting out after it.

    ¡°Show off,¡± Emela said with a chuckle, leaping out of the sewer and into the alleyway above.

    The two girls then left the alleyway and headed deeper into the clean streets of central Middlec. The streets were paved with polished marble, creating pristine pathways to the finely constructed houses. The golden lampposts washed the area in their subtle warmth, filling the atmosphere with comfort¡ªit was a far cry from the rundown Hilda square with its disrepair¡¯d fountain.

    The two stuck to the shadows as they looked out onto the street.

    ¡°Now, the hard part,¡± Nyx said.

 Chapter 6: Family Matters

    Emela and Nyx moved from shadow to shadow, careful to avoid the eyes of any of the pedestrians on the street. It was late in the evening so the chances of them being spotted were low¡ªany Mana-cultivator walking the streets at this time already had a set destination. They wouldn¡¯t be paying too much attention.

    There is nothing like a nighttime run.

    Under normal circumstances, her family would lose their minds if they saw her doing something like this. As a lady of the Frostkeep family you act with poise, her father would say¡ªif he acknowledged her at all. And to a certain extent Emale did, but when it came to the art of freedom, of being herself. Nothing could compare.

    ¡°We are coming close to the compound walls,¡± Nyx said, racing along at Emela''s side. ¡°make sure you have enough momentum to leap.¡±

    ¡°Don''t worry, I know. Besides, it is far easier for me to clear the wall than you.¡±

    Nyx set her jaw and continued running forward. When the two of them reach the end of the street''s pavement they lept into the air. Emela sailed higher than Nyx¡ªwhich was a given, she had a higher mana cultivation level after all.

    The two landed with a soft thud at the edge of the Frostkeep compound. Emale sighed. They had made it, not that she doubted it. All they had to do now was get past the guards.

    Gulken, the captain of the compound guard and a fourth-level Core Formation mana cultivator would be on duty tonight, so it should be easy enough to get back into her room¡ªthe man liked to ensure that the main exits and entrances were heavily guarded and was laxer with the perimeters.

    ¡°Ready,¡± She said turning to Nyx.

    The girl nodded and stalked forward and Emela followed, making sure to keep low and sticking to the bushes. The manor of the Frostkeep family sat in the middle of this forested compound¡ªa design choice all of the Great Houses chose. They know doubt thought, it made them seem a bit more ethereal.

    Emela stopped as Nyx held up her hand, she pointed forward gesturing to a moving light in the distance. A torch. A patrol of Frostkeep guards was a head¡ªone of the few they had to avoid on the way back.

    The two of them waited, for them to pass. If they rushed they would increase the chances of getting caught. A snap of a twig sent, a shiver down Emale¡¯s spine and she whipped around, finding a squirrel bouncing out of a bush.

    Oh, its just a rodent. It¡¯s fine.

    Nyx looked back at her and frowned, then shook her head and gestured for them to continue on.

    The two of them bound through the dense shrubbery with ease, stopping as they spotted another patrol. Emela never understood, why their family had so many guards running up and down, they were in the centre of Middlec. No one could touch them here, the main reason she and Nyx had even got this far was because they had the correct mana signatures to enter and exit the formation at the compound''s edge.

    ¡°They¡¯re almost gone, get ready,¡± Nyx said. Her blue eyes focused on the passing guards.

    A bush rustled and Emale whipped around as her heart hammered in her chest. Only to frown as a badger trundled out of the bush shaking its head furiously. The cute creature spotted the two and turned heading deeper into the forest.

    A lot of creatures out tonight, Emela thought, as she watched it disappear into a bush.

    ¡°Time to go,¡± Nyx hissed shooting forward. Not wanting to get left behind¡ªnot that Nyx could. Emela stuck close sailing through the bushes just behind her.

    Nyx had an affinity for the night. One of the many skills that she had displayed growing up with her. It was an unexpected boon for Emela, allowing her ever-loyal Nyx to help her with escapades, during the hours of the night.

    Furthermore, Nyx was a serious person much like Emela herself. She would help to ensure Emela didn¡¯t go too far off course and upheld her appearance as a lady of the Frostkeep family¡ªeven if her friends in the slums weren¡¯t aware of her true origins.

    The two continued to zip through the forest, approaching the left side of the manor where her room window was located. Smiling, Emela noted the family guards'' absence, which could only mean that the hard part was over.

    ¡°We are almost there mistress Emela,¡± Nyx said glancing back at her. ¡°Shall I run you a bath when we get back?¡±

    Emela nodded. A bath would do her good. Her friends, as lovely and free as they were, lived in a place surrounded by filth. And as the saying goes. If you play with mud don¡¯t be surprised when you come back dirty. These were words, Emela strived to adhere to.

    She glanced, down at her still white tunic, the warding talisman having kept all the muck of the swerve off of her. She wore pieces of white clothing every time she went to the slums as a test¡ªand as proof¡ªthat no matter what, no matter where. Her environment would never sully her.

    ¡°Mistress,¡± Nyx said pulling Emmel from her thoughts.

    ¡°Yes, sure. Run me a bath.¡± She said as they stopped in some bushes. Her room window could be seen two stories up from the bushes. ¡°You did leave it unlocked didn''t you?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Are you ready?¡± Nyx¡¯s body tensed, before she shot into the air, like an arrow and touched down on the windowsill.

    A wave of calm washed over Emela. The trek home had been uneventful as usual, and she was glad for that. She tensed her body and leapt into the air, arcing onto the windowsill as Nyx pushed the window open. ¡°Did you leave, my garments out before we left?¡± Emela asked.

    ¡°Yes, Mistress.¡± Nyx hopped off the large windowsill and raised a hand for Emela to take, ¡°I¡¯ll start the bath now, and then help you get dressed.¡±

    Emela reached forward, taking Nyx''s hand, and hopped down onto the frost-white carpet of her room. A wave of satisfaction washed over her as she relished the fact that, again, she had made it back and no one was any the wiser.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    With a sigh, she slipped her sandals off and padded over to her bed as Nyx went to the side room to start her bath. Emela smiled, anticipating the warmth that would soak her tired muscles and the sweet smell of roses. She ran her fingers along one of her braids resting on her chest as she glanced down at the garments laying on her white sheets.

    They had been a gift from her mother. A white silk dress customary for a lady of the Frostkeep family, embroidered with the family crest on its breast and accented with ice-blue patterns on the cuff. It was beautiful.

    "Allimon is truly a splendid designer. Isn''t he?" Said a voice.

    "Yes, that''s why it''s one of¡ª"

    Emela froze as the colour drained from her face. That voice. She turned her head slowly, dreading what she would find.

    How had I not noticed, how long had she been following me? It didn''t make sense; there were no signs. You have to be kidding me.

    She turned, and standing by the windows with a playful smile on her face, dressed in white form-fitting leather was her mother. She stood with her arms crossed and her blonde hair tied up into a bun, her blue eyes seeming to see right into Emela''s soul.

    "Hello, my love," she said, tilting her head to the side. "You look surprised to see me."

    More than a little surprised, you''re meant to be asleep, Emela thought.

    "No, no mother," she said, taking a step back on the carpet. "I was simply, startled is all."

    "Oh, so you knew I was following you?"

    "Ah," Emela said, glancing back at the side room. Nyx was still in there running the bath, but she could really use her help. She had to get her mother to leave but without her figuring out where she went, she didn''t want to lie to her, how could she? A lady''s word was important. "I wouldn''t say I knew, but you are here. So." She cringed¡ªwhat did that even mean?

    "Damn," her mother said with a sigh, shaking her head as she glanced out the window. The moonlight reflected off her snow-white skin. "And here I had thought that the squirrel and the badger might have outed me."

    She looked back at Emela and her eyes steeled as a pressure exploded from her and bore down on Emela, causing her knees to bend a little. "Where were you today, my darling? Your father has been looking for you."

    "I¡ª"

    The door to the side room burst open and Nyx ran in with a panicked look on her face. When she saw Emela''s mother she froze and glanced between them. "Mistress Catherine, what brings you here tonight?"

    "I''m here to see my daughter, Nyx. You may carry on with your duties." She fixed Nyx with a glare and some of the pressure on Emela lessened. Nyx''s face seemed to tighten as the pressure was spread to her.

    Emela took another heavy step back on the carpet¡ªshe had to get out of her mother''s orbit. Even though she wasn''t going full force, this small pressure from someone who was at least at the third level of the Core Formation realm was suffocating. "Mother, father was looking for me," she said, hoping to pull her focus back on her, this wasn''t Nyx''s fault.

    The woman sighed and casually glanced back over to Emela. "Yes, he had an announcement to make. Something to do with your engagement."

    Its already decided? I thought I had at least another month left. How can Father have decided already and to who?

    "But that''s not important," her mother said, looking her up and down. Her eyes seemingly analysing Emela''s body. "Where have you been?"

    "How can you say that, this is my future we are talking about," Emela said, taking another step back. The pressure had begun to loosen. From her studies, she understood that a Core Formation mana-cultivator at her mother''s level typically had an orbit of about two meters. So she had to be close to the edge by now.

    Her mother narrowed her gaze at her and smirked. "My dear I love you, but you''ve known this was coming for a long time. You are nowhere near as talented as your siblings and you are better off finding your place in a lesser house."

    A pain welled up in Emela''s chest, dull and throbbing. It was one thing to hear this from others, but her own mother. "I¡ªI, well... who is it I am to marry?"

    "For that, you can wait until tomorrow to find out. Your father is having them come to the meeting hall tomorrow to announce it to the rest of the family." Her mother''s gaze relaxed and the pressure on Emela dissipated as if it were never there in the first place. Emela let out a breath and moved over to Nyx''s side as her mother continued. "You don''t have to tell me where you have gone, but you will be punished for coming in so late."

    Her form flickered and she appeared by the bedroom door, "Be thankful, that it was I who discovered you. Anyone else, and you would be having this discussion with your father. And I trust you know how that would end."

    Emela nodded at her mother''s words, lowering her head.

    "Get some rest, my dear, you have a long day tomorrow. And I should have your punishment ready for you after the announcement tomorrow." With that, Emela watched as her mother opened the door and glided out of the room.

    "Well, that could have gone worse," Nyx said, brushing a loose strand of black hair from her eye. She turned to the side room door and gestured towards it, "Are you ready to go and wash up?"

    Emela sighed and slumped her head onto Nyx''s chest, muffling her voice. "Thanks, Nyx. What would I do without you."

    <hr>

    The early morning sun beat down on the dry dirt of the training ground as Emela stood in the middle of the grounds with her sword pointed forward. The cool morning wind rippled through her bangs as birds sat on the training ground walls and sang their summer song.

    "Keep the sword straight, girl. If I see it slacking, that will be ten laps around the field," said Captain Shallowcold, standing at the end of the training ground with her arms crossed next to a training dummy. The long scar across her right eye from a battle she never talked about was particularly menacing. The sunlight seemed to intensify it as well as her cold grey eyes.

    The captain''s gaze narrowed as she watched Emela. She shifted her weight onto her other foot as a light breeze buffeted her battle robes. "You have still yet to make any progress past the novice stage with the Frost Ice Dance technique, while your siblings are already pushing the adept level."

    Why am I not surprised? I''m sure they would reach the grandmaster rank if you pushed them a little more.

    She glanced over at Nyx who stood at the side of the field by the stone archway. She had her usual blank look on her face as if all of Emela''s suffering was unrelated to her. Emela sighed, refocusing on her sword, and taking a step forward.

    She kicked off with her back foot, the tip of the sword piercing the air with a whistle, and as she channelled her mana into the blade¡ªthe technique fell apart. Her sword shot forward, sinking into the dirt with a clang as she staggered, barely able to stay on her feet.

    Shallowcold let out a heavy sigh and strode over to Emela, "What in the great lake¡¯s beauty was that young lady? Have you no control over your mana?"

    "I did, it simply¡ª"

    A sharp cackling from the other side of the field caught Emela and the captain''s attention. The ugly wench Noella, Emela¡¯s half-sister, and her toad of a maidservant had arrived. The girl wore another new battle dress no doubt paid for by her mother and Emela made out the family crest embroidered on its left breast.

    The seventh child of Emela¡¯s father and the most annoying by far. Noella was a terror to be around.

    What does she want now? Emela thought, walking over to her sword and plucking it from the dirt.

    "Mistress Noella, I have no training scheduled with you today. What brings you here?" Captain Shallowcold said. Emela could see the confusion on her face. She had no idea why this annoying girl was here either, and Emela hoped that would mean she would send her away.

    "No, no, captain. I was passing by is all, and I noticed Emela seemed to be struggling with the novice stage of her technique," Noella said, with a sly smile directed at Emela.

    "We all know that''s a lie," Nyx said as she arrived at Emela''s side and stared down Noella. "You only came here to cause trouble."

    "Shut up, you filthy street urchin," spat Noella''s maid, Matilda.

    Emela took a step forward, but the captain stood in her way. "If you are here to help as you say perhaps a spar is in order?" The captain said, looking between Emela and Noella.

    "That''s a wonderful idea," Noella said, clapping her brutish hands. She acted as if coating them in white dust did anything other than make her look desperate for attention¡ªnot that Emela¡¯s father starved her of any.

    "It''s decided then," Shallowcold rested her gaze on Emela and smiled. "Best get into position then."

 Chapter 7: Dueléˆ¥æªš Of A Feather

    Emela flew back and slammed into the floor with a grunt, as her sword clattered to the side. Standing a few feet away, Noella looked at her with a contemptuous smile. ¡°Oh come now, dear sister. I barely even touched you.¡±

    That¡¯s what you call barely, you toad.

    Emela pushed off the ground and staggered over to her sword as Noella watched on. She was enjoying this; she always did. It was as if she wanted to punish Emela for the simple fact that she was older. Who the hell raised her?

    Emela walked forward and got back into position. She didn¡¯t need to ask who raised her, as the apple never fell too far from the tree. The girl was exactly like her trash heap of a mother, Yulara. Emela raised her sword, readying for another round.

    All she needed to do was land one hit without getting knocked back. That would be more than enough to hurt this toad¡¯s pride. It might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but she would have something to smile about tonight as she went to bed.

    ¡°Begin,¡± Shallowcold called from the side of the training grounds as she stood with the two maids.

    Emela charged forward, the wind rushing past her ears. The morning sun glinted off her blade, its edge thrusting towards her sister. A burst of mana shot through her spine and into the sword. She wouldn¡¯t hit her using the little knowledge she had of the technique. No. But she could with something Noella wasn¡¯t expecting.

    Noella stood with a smile on her face, lightly raising her sword and preparing to unleash her technique again.

    But that smile froze as mana raced through Emela¡¯s hand, causing it to buckle with pain as her sword shot forward, darting towards her.

    Noella¡¯s eyes went wide as she dived to the side, narrowly avoiding Emela¡¯s blade, which pierced into the ground a few feet behind her.

    ¡°Are you trying to kill me!¡± she screeched, hopping to her feet and leveling her sword at Emela. ¡°If that¡¯s the game you wish to play, dear sister, then I shall oblige you.¡±

    Emela¡¯s eyes went wide as her sister charged at her, her eyes fierce with intent. She was going to stab her, and it wouldn¡¯t be as simple as the spar intended.

    But as Emela closed her eyes, a gust of wind tickled her cheek. The clang of metal forced her eyes open. And there, before her, stood Captain Shallowcold. A small dagger rested in her hand as she casually blocked Noella¡¯s blade.

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Shallowcold asked, her eyes boring deep into Emela. ¡°What did I say earlier about your control of Mana? Now here you are using that in a battle. I don¡¯t know whether to call you resourceful or an absolute idiot.¡±

    Hopefully, a bit of both, Emela thought as she lowered her head.

    A smile came to her lips. She¡¯d seen Noella¡¯s face as she jumped to the floor like the toad she was. The girl was scared, and she felt shame. Emela had gotten her goal; at this point, not being run through by her was a bonus.

    ¡°And you,¡± Shallowcold said, fixing Noella with an intense glare. ¡°Were you seriously trying to harm your own sibling? Do I need to inform the master of this?¡±

    ¡°So what if I try to harm her? She is a talentless waste; the family would be better off if she was gone.¡± Noella said, sliding her sword back into its scabbard and fixing Emela with a glare. ¡°The only value she has to the family now is that of an alliance tool. Don¡¯t forget your place, dear sister, because someone will remind you of it. Don¡¯t forget the lesson our dear brother Drion gave you last time.¡±

    As Shallowcold went to respond, Noella turned around and stormed off across the training grounds. The pathetic maid Matilda scrambled behind, eager to soothe her mistress¡¯s temper as per usual.

    ¡°Are you pleased with yourself?¡± Shallowcold said, stowing away her dagger. Her gaze followed Noella as she passed through the archway before turning to Emela. ¡°I hope you realize that you have just earned yourself twenty laps around the training grounds.¡±

    And it was more than worth it. But she frowned as she marched off to the side of the training grounds to meet up with Nyx.

    ¡°What happened? Did you lose control of your mana again?¡± Nyx asked as Emela set her sword down on the bench.

    ¡°No. I did it on purpose this time. I needed a win, even if it was a little pathetic.¡±

    Nyx furrowed her brow but said nothing as she picked up Emela¡¯s sword and cradled it in her arms. Emela wasn¡¯t sure what the girl was thinking, but knowing her, she was evaluating whether it was even a good plan. It wasn¡¯t¡ªthe throbbing pain in Emela¡¯s hand reminded her of that.

    ¡°Okay, I have to go and do twenty laps of the training grounds now. Would it be okay to ask you to bring me some water?¡±

    ¡°Of course, mistress. It will be here when you return.¡±

    <hr>

    Hector eyed up his opponent before him. Jodie was in good form today, her ginger hair tied in a bun, her green eyes shining with a fierce light. She was in her prime, but that did not mean much to him. After all, he was her opponent today, and he would not yield.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡°Ready?¡± squeaked a voice from the dueling mat¡¯s edge. There, with one arm raised in the air, was Able. A short boy with a tuft of blonde hair, he wasn¡¯t much of a combatant. Hector had learned as much when he sparred against him a few months back. The poor boy could hardly handle one punch¡ªit was unknown why instructor Kambel even kept him in the dojo.

    He must be his illegitimate son or something. If you squint, they kind of have the same eyes.

    Hector threw a quick glance out of the window. His sister stood outside selling her little basket of flowers. He nodded. The fight shouldn¡¯t take too long, and she looked alright. More importantly, Fangdale street wasn¡¯t exactly known for its crime¡ªthe fear brought about by the dojo kept most vagrants at bay. Most but not all. The Collar Gang didn¡¯t fear the dojo.

    His lips pulled into a tight smile, and he nodded at Able. The boy then lowered his arms, signaling for the fight to begin.

    Jodie took a step back. She was starting the same way as usual, always one to analyze and wait for the opponent to make a mistake. But Hector rarely made mistakes. He shot forward; the wind rushing past him as he opened with a punch.

    She took a step back again, anticipating the kick he threw a second later. A mere distraction. Hector swiveled on his heels, hooking her arm with his leg and tugging her forward. She reeled as he slammed a fist into her chest, staggering her.

    His feet slid across the mat as a smile came to his lips. ¡°You can¡¯t be leaving yourself open like that, Jodie. People like me punish you for it,¡± he said, sparing a quick glance out the window to check on his sister.

    ¡°Oh, shut it. The fight isn¡¯t even halfway over.¡± She charged towards him, and he laughed. Now was not the time for her to lose her cool. Hector punched forward, aiming for her face, but frowned as he felt a foot in the gut.

    With a grunt, he staggered back and narrowed his eyes at the smiling Jodie. He looked to Able, whose mouth hung open¡ªhe apparently barely noticed what happened himself. But when was that not the case? ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll give you that one,¡± Hector said, lowering into his stance and throwing another glance out the window.

    His sister had a bubbly smile as she completed a transaction. The hard work she¡¯d put into raising those plants had actually paid off. But it wouldn¡¯t go far in repaying their father¡¯s debt. ¡°Okay!¡± Able said, raising his arm. ¡°A point apiece.¡± The boy had a smile on his face as if he was the one on the mat fighting. ¡°Ready¡ª¡±

    The training room door slammed open. Leading a group of students was instructor Kamble. He had a fierce look on his face as he stormed over to Hector and Jodie. ¡°I¡¯ve just heard the news, and I am as furious as you are. We¡¯re going to fix this.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Hector said, throwing a look at Jodie. ¡°Who told you?¡±

    ¡°Most of the slum is talking about it, boy. How could I not hear?¡±

    I mean, they did attack us quite publicly. But I didn¡¯t think anyone in the slum really cared.

    He looked at the instructor with warmth in his eyes. The old man had more of a heart than he realized, but Hector didn¡¯t wish for him to do anything reckless. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re planning, sir, but I wouldn¡¯t recommend getting involved. The Collar Gang are tricky to deal with.¡±

    ¡°Huh? What does this have to do with the Collar Gang?¡±

    Hector frowned. ¡°It was them who beat my father yesterday morning.¡±

    The righteous anger in Kamble¡¯s eyes faded, and pity replaced it. ¡°Oh, my dear boy. I didn¡¯t know about that. Sorry. I was talking about the fact that Dale has reached the journeyman stage with the Phoenix Barrage Kick.¡±

    An awkward silence settled into the room as Hector turned to Jodie, who shook her head and then massaged her temple. He spared another quick glance out the window to check on his sister before turning back to his instructor. ¡°I see. I didn¡¯t even know he was practicing the Phoenix Barrage Kick.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, it was news to me as well.¡± Kamble scratched the side of his neck and coughed. ¡°About your father. I¡¯m sorry to hear what happened. But I fear I won¡¯t be able to help much where it concerns the Collar Gang. A few low-leveled thugs I can handle, but they are a bit different. It won¡¯t mean much to you now, but in the future, you¡¯ll understand.¡±

    I understand that you¡¯re weak and don¡¯t want to get your butt kicked. But I can¡¯t blame you.

    Kamble was only in the sixth level of gravity forging realm¡ªto an average Middlecean slum dweller, he was to be feared. But with more organized groups such as the Collar Gang, he didn¡¯t amount too much. So there wasn¡¯t anything he could do to help Hector.

    The instructor clapped his hands, and the group behind him dispersed, forming a line at the edge of the training room. ¡°No, Lincoln today?¡± he asked, looking between Hector and Jodie.

    ¡°No,¡± Jodie said, rolling her shoulders and wiping the sweat off her brow. ¡°He said he had some errands to run for his mother today.¡±

    ¡°Shame,¡± the instructor said, striding to the edge of the mat and getting into a stance. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll be teaching the new technique to you two, then.¡± He gestured to the group lining the wall. ¡°That lot will take a bit longer to learn it, and I feel you two will pick it up the fastest.¡±

    Hector glanced over at the group lining the wall and activated his system. It had taken him some time to get into a habit of scanning everyone he came across, as the system was something he hadn¡¯t fully grown accustomed to as of yet. It was there, but he had other pressing issues¡ªbut that needed to change. After all, he wasn¡¯t the same Hector he was before.

    He had scanned Abel earlier, and he came back with negative results, and sadly, this group did as well.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: No talent found¡­///: No talent found¡­///: No talent found¡­

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Why is it so hard to find anyone with Talent in this slum?

    He had somehow managed to find four yesterday. But today, even though it was still early, he hadn¡¯t managed to find any.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Sufficient scans have been completed¡­Upgrade of System now initiating.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Oh, maybe I should have been scanning more people. If I had known it would get an upgrade, I wouldn¡¯t have wasted so much time.

    ¡°Alright, both of you watch me closely,¡± Kamble said, steadying his breathing. ¡°This is called Orion Leaping Strike. It is normally used to catch opponents off guard. I¡¯m sure it will give you an edge in the upcoming competition, especially if you face Dale.¡±

    Focused, Hector watched the instructor as he moved around the mat. He analyzed his moves, feet placement, fist placement, where his head went and where it wasn¡¯t. He soaked it all in, committing everything to memory. If he could master this move, then it was one more card to play, especially in the pick-pocketing operation in the coming days.

    As the instructor moved, soaring through the air and doing a double kick amidst the cheers and excitement from his fellow disciples, Hector spared a glance out of the window and frowned. A young man was talking to his sister, not suspicious by itself. After all, maybe he wanted to buy something for his girlfriend, but this transaction was taking too long.

    ¡°And that¡¯s how you do the technique, any questions?¡± The instructor said with an expectant look.

    ¡°No,¡± Hector said, striding over to the edge of the mat and putting on his slippers. ¡°One second, instructor. I just have to go take a look at something.¡±

 Chapter 8: Donéˆ¥æª› Touch The Flower

    ¡°Oh, come now. Don¡¯t you have anything better than this? I need something beautiful for the girl that I¡¯m going to bed tonight,¡± the man said. Hector couldn¡¯t see the man¡¯s face as he stood facing his sister, but the clumped-up brown hair and dirty slacks spoke of his hygiene level. His mud-brown shirt had a few stains, no doubt from eating the garbage scum like him usually dined on.

    He was a waste.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But this is all I have. If you come back tomorrow, I could have something more to your liking.¡± His sister¡¯s shaking body sent waves of something violent through Hector, but he couldn¡¯t let it out, not like he did in the dump yesterday. Control was needed. But this fool was antagonizing her, and he couldn¡¯t be allowed to get away with it so freely.

    ¡°Listen, I need something now. Where do you get these from? I can follow you there. Perhaps I¡¯ll find something I like,¡± the man said with a sickening chuckle¡ªit was as if a chicken was choking in his throat.

    Hector drew up to the man, cracking his knuckles before resting a hand on his shoulder. ¡°As she said, you can come back tomorrow and perhaps there¡¯ll be something you like.¡± The man turned with a scowl on his pock-marked face. ¡°But to be honest, I don¡¯t like your attitude, so I don¡¯t want you near her ever again.¡±

    ¡°And who the hell are you?¡± the man said, slapping Hector¡¯s hand to the side. ¡°Don¡¯t come over here messing with my business and don¡¯t touch me. Now if you don¡¯t mind, I was in the middle of something, so you can go piss off before I make you.¡±

    That¡¯s exactly what I was hoping to hear. System, scan him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: No talent found¡­

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Figures,¡± Hector said, smiling. As instructor Kamble always said, they should use their techniques to defend themselves and the innocent, and this man had just threatened him¡ªa form of violence. Defense was his only option now.

    Hector squinted at the man, willing the system to acquire his stats. The last thing he needed was to recklessly attack someone in a higher realm than himself¡ªhe¡¯d need to use his head, if that was the case. But looking at the man, he doubted he even cultivated.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Acquiring target stats¡­

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///

    Cultivation level: None

    Talent: None

    ///

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The system¡¯s message brought a smile to Hector¡¯s lips as he looked past the man and nodded at his sister. She frowned, her eyes narrowing at him as if to say, don¡¯t do what you¡¯re about to do.

    ¡°Hey,¡± the man said, jabbing a dirty finger into Hector¡¯s chest. Hector scowled, crinkling his nose, as a pungent smell wafted through the air. His movement seemed to have released the odors trapped within his clothing. ¡°I told you to piss off. Imma count to ten, and if you aren¡¯t gone, you¡¯ll be in a world of trouble.¡±

    Hector nodded as his sister¡¯s mouth fell open. She understood what this idiot did not¡ªhe¡¯d crossed a line. Threatened twice, and attacked once. Hector had more than all the justification he needed. A surge of energy rushed through his body as his muscles tensed.

    A crisp thump snapped through the air as his fist slammed into the man¡¯s jaw, sending him sprawling onto the cobblestone. The force of the blow put him on the ground with a thud, as if he were no more than a sack of potatoes. He stilled. His face was one of absolute shock, seemingly not believing he¡¯d been laid out. The glazed look began to fade from his eyes, but Hector¡¯s ears pricked as he heard footsteps thundering down the cobblestone streets of Fangdale.

    ¡°You little dirt wallop. How dare you lay hands on one of my boys,¡± said a man as he charged down the street, two more scruffy-looking men following behind him.

    ¡°Was that really necessary?¡± Mirae said, adjusting her basket with both hands and looking at him for an explanation. ¡°We¡¯re meant to be avoiding trouble. Being good, what would father think?¡±

    He wouldn¡¯t think much at the moment. Too preoccupied hiding secrets he thinks we can¡¯t handle.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault. You saw it. He attacked me,¡± Hector said, rolling his shoulders and getting ready to meet the coming fight. He didn¡¯t have time to try the new technique that instructor Kamble had shown him. Now would be a good time¡ªhe¡¯d need all the practice he could get.

    How did it go again?

    Images played in his mind. The feet spacing, the movements, all of it laid out bare in a simple and easy-to-follow format. For a technique that would give an edge, it seemed rather trivial. But then again, looks could be deceiving. The man laid out on the cobblestone had learned that the hard way; he had probably thought Hector was nothing more than a brat coming to play hero.

    Hector took in a deep, refreshing breath of slum air¡ªthe vile taste making him want to gag¡ªand Mirae took a step back as the group of men drew closer. Across the street, he spotted Able at the dojo window. His eyes were wide as he looked from Hector to the approaching group of thugs. He then turned and scampered away, probably off to go and tattletale to instructor Kamble.

    Seems I won¡¯t have much time. System, scan them for Talents.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: No talent found¡­ ///: No talent found¡­

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Makes sense, Hector thought. He frowned. He didn¡¯t get his hopes up, but it was still a little disappointing. At the very least, it got him into a habit, so there was that at least. He moved his focus to the last man and scanned him with the system.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: Talent found [Quickening Brace[?¡ð¡ð] (1/3)]

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    It seems I spoke too soon.

    The man on the right of the leading man had a talent. While Hector didn¡¯t know what it did from its name, he guessed it had something to do with speed. Though he wouldn¡¯t think that from his gaunt face and stick-thin arms and legs. A stiff wind would probably blow him over.

    A man like that was no doubt like the fools that followed Adrian. He was just looking to survive. It seems the man at the front of the group provided that¡ªhim or the guy Hector had laid out on the floor.

    As the first man closed in, Hector made his plan of attack. The lead man would have to go down first; he was bigger and more well-fed, which meant he had a lot more energy to fight than the other two. Hector cursed, wishing Lincoln was here¡ªthey could split it as they did before. But now he¡¯d have to put in some effort.

    He kicked off the cobblestone and launched towards the big man. The man swung his fist back, giving Hector the perfect opportunity to slip to the side. Hector slammed his palm into the man¡¯s shoulder, knocking his momentum.

    The other two men went for a tackle, but he slipped them and launched into the air, hooking his leg around the big guy¡¯s neck and throwing him into one of the smaller ones. They clattered to the floor in a heap as he turned his attention to the man with the Talent.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t waste the good opportunity.¡± In an instant, Hector lowered his stance, power ballooning in his legs before he exploded forward. His knee cracked into the man¡¯s chin, sending him head over heels through the air. The man slapped onto the wet cobblestone with a pained groan¡ªthe idiot wouldn¡¯t be getting up any time soon.

    I think that was wrong. Kamble¡¯s one was more of a double kick.

    Hector spun as a large fist filled his vision. His knees bent and the big man¡¯s punch brushed past his face with a whistle. If that had hit, it could have been bad. Not wasting a second, he flipped backward, his foot slamming into the man¡¯s chin, sending him stumbling backwards.

    ¡°What is with this kid?¡± The big man said, rubbing his chin. He glanced at the two men on the floor and then to the one man left at his side. ¡°What are you waiting for? Grab him.¡±

    The man¡¯s eyes went wide, seemingly pleading with the big man, who shrugged. He then took a step forward, rushing past the man before swiveling and grabbing him by the collar of his tattered brown shirt. The man screamed as he was launched through the air towards Hector. Poor unfortunate fool. Hector wouldn¡¯t catch him, and the floor was more than eager to. He ducked out of the way, readying himself. That was clearly nothing more than a distraction.

    As he looked to where the big man stood, he hadn¡¯t moved. Instead, he stood with a smile on his face, as if he¡¯d caught something in a trap.

    ¡°Hector, behind you!¡± cried Mirae, but it was too late.

    Pain exploded from his side as he staggered forward. The first man he¡¯d laid out on the floor had gotten up at some point. ¡°How dare you sucker punch me!¡± he yelled.

    Before Hector could reply, a fist crashed into the side of his face. He¡¯d been distracted, and the big guy had wasted no time. He crashed to the floor and heaved as a foot slammed into his side, throwing him back across the cobblestone and slamming into a wall.

    Okay, how are they playing fair? I mean when did I even sucker-punch him? That was a full-on knockout blow.

    His sides ached with pain as his head throbbed. He may have had one cultivation level on these guys, but boy could they hit hard. ¡°I should have focused on the big guy. I need to stop wasting opportunities,¡± he muttered, tasting the blood and dirt in his mouth.

    ¡°Now it¡¯s time to end this, you little dirt wallop,¡± the big man said, striding towards him with a proud look on his face. What was there to be proud of? He was a grown man attacking a teenager.

    The man approached Hector, his shadow looming over him like a mountain of muscle. ¡°First I want you to apologize, and then I¡¯ll deal with you nicely,¡± he said, cracking his knuckles.

    Hector spat a glob of blood onto the cobblestone and looked up at him as if he was an idiot. Why would he waste his time apologizing to someone like them? The fight was done, and even if it wasn¡¯t, the apology would not be enough. So they could go and choke.

    ¡°What, not feeling in the mood to talk? Don¡¯t worry, I can beat it out of you.¡± As the man readied his foot for a stomp, a small figure barreled into his side, achieving nothing. His sister bounced off the man and crashed onto the cobblestone, her basket of flowers spilling across the ground. ¡°Wait your turn, little one. I¡¯ll get to you.¡±

    Over my dead body. You big bull.

    Energy rushed through his body as he struggled to his feet. His sides ached and his face was beginning to swell, but that would not stop him. The man had attacked his sister and that would cost him. His feet shifted in place as he played back the instructor¡¯s movements.

    ¡°I see you are ready for another round, being welp. Let¡¯s¡ª¡±

    In an instant, Hector¡¯s body shifted forward in a blur, his knee cracking into the man¡¯s nose, disintegrating it into nothing but a lump of skin and fragmented bone cartilage. He landed on the ground and hopped back as the air stilled, before the big man crashed to the cobblestone with a loud wet thud. Blood leaked from his nose profusely, coating his face like a red mask.

    That still wasn¡¯t right, Damnit. I need to figure this out.

    ¡°What... crap,¡± Hector¡¯s original target said. He took one look at the man, glanced at Hector, and then turned, running down the street amidst the stares of onlookers.

    ¡°Well, it seems you got the beginning of the move down,¡± Kamble said, approaching with the small crowd from the dojo. Jodie was a few steps behind him, with a frown on her face. Kamble glanced over the unconscious bodies and shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t recognize these guys; they must be new to this part of the slum. Idiots.¡±

    That¡¯s the beginning of the move. Well, all right. I just have to keep practicing.

    Jodie walked over to Hector and gave him a light punch in the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re ahead of me for now, but I¡¯m going to reach adept level with this technique before the competition even begins, so you better stay focused.¡±

    Hector chuckled, wincing at the spike of pain from his side. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I was never one to fall behind, anyway.¡± He then lowered his voice to a whisper. ¡°Besides, anything that can help with the upcoming operation will definitely have my focus.¡±

    Jodie probably didn¡¯t need telling, but it would be good to keep her mind on what was important at the moment. The competition was fine, but his family¡¯s debt came first. He turned to Mirae. She was bent over with her basket, collecting flowers. ¡°Are you all right, Mirae?¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t be better. I¡¯m more upset about the flowers¡ªand that horrible welt on your face. But mostly the flowers,¡± she said with a huff. ¡°But I hope you¡¯re pleased with yourself.¡±

    ¡°Come on Mirae. Don¡¯t be upset, I was just protecting you.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± She stood up and adjusted the basket, leaning it against her waist. The flowers that had spilled had all been placed neatly back inside. ¡°I just feel pathetic. I mean, I have to stand out here just so you can keep an eye on me.¡±

    ¡°You should start cultivating,¡± Jodie said, stepping forward. ¡°I¡¯m sure instructor Kamble is eager for more students, especially with the current hardships of your family.¡± Jodie turned, eyeing the instructor with a provocative look.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have the funds,¡± Mirae said, her voice barely a whisper, but those with cultivation could pick it up with ease.

    ¡°Instructor, surely there¡¯s a place in our dojo for the sister of one of our greatest fighters. No expenses, right?¡± Jodie narrowed her gaze at Kamble as she raised an eyebrow.

    The man looked from her to Hector, and then to Mirae. His eyes held a conflicted look as he swallowed and wrung his hands. ¡°I¡ª¡±

 Chapter 9: Organising & Strategizing

    Hector smiled as he walked down the street, looking over his stats. Jodie and Mirae followed behind him. It was a hard fight, but it had been more than worth it in the end.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Hector Jacaranda

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Cultivation level: [Gravity Forging - 1]

    Spirit Root: Moon

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    STATS

    ©À©¤ Body ©¦ Tier 0 ©¦ Level ( I )

    ©À©¤ Mind ©¦ Tier 0 ©¦ Level ( - )

    ©¸©¤ Spirit ©¦ Tier 0 ©¦ Level ( - )

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    EQUIPMENT

    ©¸©¤ None

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    TALENTS

    ©¸©¤ Hearty Body +0 [?¡ð¡ð] (1/3) ¡ª Quickening Brace +0 [?¡ð¡ð] (1/3)

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    TECHNIQUES:

    ©¸©¤ [Orion Fist] (Journeyman: 90%) ¡ª [Orion Leaping Strike] (Novice: 20%)

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Hector had acquired the Talent [Quickening Brace]. And it was as he thought. The skill was related to speed. Specifically, when he had the intention of striking a target, time would seem to almost slow down, allowing him to deal another physical blow on his enemy. It was a strong Talent, though it did have the downside of taking an hour to become usable again. But that could be remedied by finding another [Quickening Brace].

    Hector kissed his teeth as he sidestepped a man lugging his cart of goods down the main street. The streets weren¡¯t packed, but there were definitely a good handful of people. Probably not the best place to stand and gawk over his stats.

    But he couldn¡¯t help himself; he was growing. And when the system finished upgrading, he would grow even more. A thought then came to his head: when he was fighting that group, the man hadn¡¯t used his Talent once. It didn¡¯t consume mana, but he seemed not to even realize that he possessed the Talent. It was strange¡ªperhaps one had to train themselves in order to use it, or at the very least be aware that they could.

    I¡¯ll have to do some testing in the future, Hector thought.

    He glanced at his side, and a smile came to his lips. Mirae walked beside him, lugging her basket along with both hands clasped firmly around its handle. She had a determined look on her face. No doubt her future journey as a Mana-cultivator had sparked a fire within her.

    ¡°Thanks again, Jodie,¡± Hector said, turning his head to his other side with an appreciative look. ¡°You¡¯ve given us¡ª¡±

    ¡°Oh shut it,¡± Jodie said, brushing her ginger hair behind her ear. ¡°You¡¯ve spent too many years training while staring out that window. It¡¯s a distraction to you and to the rest of the dojo. This way, you can focus on actually getting better. Or one day I¡¯m gonna surpass you and you¡¯ll never catch up.¡±

    Hector¡¯s mouth hung open amidst Jodie¡¯s chuckle as she gracefully sidestepped another pedestrian. The idea of her surpassing him wasn¡¯t far-fetched, but it was uncomfortable. Not because he didn¡¯t think she could, but because with her battle insight, she could very well do it.

    A gust of wind blew down the street, blowing through Jodie¡¯s long ginger hair, which she had let down after leaving the dojo. She frowned and cursed, grabbing her hair before looking at Hector. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I doubt I¡¯ll be surpassing you anytime soon.¡±

    ¡°I¡ªmost definitely will,¡± said Mirae, grunting as she hefted the basket so it could more comfortably rest on her hip. ¡°... Brother, you know I love you, right?¡±

    ¡°Give it,¡± Hector reached forward and took the basket from her, and she cheered and jumped, hugging his arm.

    ¡°See, this is why I love you.¡±

    ¡°Okay, whatever. Come on, we have to hurry up¡ªwe don¡¯t want to keep the guys waiting.¡±

    <hr>

    Hector placed the basket down, resting it up against the wall of Hilda¡¯s fountain. He didn¡¯t need to hold it in his hands, and Mirae didn¡¯t want to hold it on her lap. But that was fine. She¡¯d had a tough day and if she didn¡¯t want to hold her flower basket, she didn¡¯t have to.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    I hope we don¡¯t forget it here. It¡¯s not much, but these flowers could pay for our next bowl of grime-grain.

    His mouth went dry at the thought. They wouldn¡¯t always have plums to combat the dry taste. He slumped down onto the edge of the fountain, careful not to kick the basket, and looked at his friends. ¡°So, about the pickpocketing operation? We have the general plan, right?¡± he asked, inclining his head to Marcus. ¡°We meet up at his dad¡¯s stall. Then go about our separate ways, picking the pockets of anyone we come across¡ªbut especially nobles.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, about the plan. I¡¯m having my doubts,¡± Lincoln said, wringing his hands. His gaze darted about as he stammered. ¡°I didn¡¯t mind at first. I mean, the festival or the farm, it didn¡¯t matter. But thinking about it again, it¡¯s the Hilda festival we¡¯re talking about. Are we forgetting that the place will be crawling with Phoenix Company initiates, just looking to make themselves look good?¡±

    Hector frowned and regarded Lincoln¡ªhis hair was a mess, and his tunic was tattered. Not any different from how he usually was, but his behaviour was strange. Sure, it would be harder with the Phoenix Company present, but that didn¡¯t mean the operation should be scrapped. ¡°So, what are you suggesting?¡±

    Lincoln glanced at Jodie before looking straight to the ground and taking a breath. ¡°I think we should reconsider the farm.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Jodie said, shaking her head. ¡°We discussed this last time.¡±

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°But what, Lincoln?¡± Jodie snapped, taking a step forward on the cracked plaza tile. ¡°If you are so desperate to go and beat up some Farmhands, go and do it. But no one here is going with you.¡± Jodie¡¯s eyes scanned the group as if looking for someone to challenge her.

    Emela cleared her throat and gestured towards Lincoln. ¡°I think he¡¯s just worried about our safety. The Phoenix Company are no pushovers. Even if it¡¯s the initiates, we should still be careful. Actually, it leads into what I wanted to bring up with you all today.¡± She strode over to the fountain¡¯s edge, gently set herself down next to Hector, and crossed her legs.

    Nyx walked up to Emela and stood at her side with her usual placid look. Emela again cleared her throat before she continued.

    Is she getting sick or something?

    ¡°I think there are people and places at the festival that we should avoid targeting. Specifically, high-end areas,¡± she said, giving a pointed look to Jodie. ¡°Not everyone is a target we can handle, and some areas will be worse for us than others.¡±

    Hector tapped his foot on the tile, resisting the urge to stand up and pace. She was right, and to a certain extent, so was Lincoln. The Hilda¡¯s Festival, while not the biggest event in Middlec¡ªthe Middlec tournament was still at least two years away. The festival was no small street party. The Phoenix Company paid for a lot of it and would certainly want to ensure that it went off without too much of a hitch.

    Hector rested a hand on the fountain¡¯s edge and looked first to Lincoln. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to do this, I get it. But I have to help my dad. To be honest, taking part in this operation goes against what he¡¯s taught me. But I can¡¯t sit around and do nothing.¡± Lincoln nodded and looked to the ground like a disappointed child.

    Hector then brought his attention to Emela. ¡°You seem to have a plan already if you¡¯ve been thinking about who to avoid.¡±

    ¡°Well¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, Nyx leaned down and whispered something into her ear. Emela pursed her lips and seemed to reconsider whatever it was she was about to say. ¡°I haven¡¯t got too much of a plan. I want to avoid some people and areas, that¡¯s all.¡±

    Okay, that¡¯s kinda weird. But then again, it¡¯s Nyx and Emela.

    He sighed as he pushed off the rim of the fountain and walked over to Marcus, placing a hand on his back while gesturing to sit in his now vacant spot. Marcus had been getting more and more anxious as the conversation continued, and Hector didn¡¯t need him zoning out while they all tried to come up with a plan.

    Emela raised an eyebrow at his actions but said nothing, while his sister gave Marcus a bright beaming smile and nudged the flower basket out of the way with her foot. The basket almost tipped over, but before it did, she hefted it onto her other side and thumped it down onto the plaza tile.

    ¡°So we don¡¯t have a serious plan, but a general one. I can¡¯t say I like that,¡± Hector said, frowning as he began to pace back and forth. Each step loosened, the tightening anxiety twisting in his gut. ¡°We need roles, we need operation sites, we need to have an escape route in case it all goes to hell.¡±

    ¡°Hell?¡± Jodie asked. ¡°Where is that?¡±

    Hector shook his head as he continued pacing. ¡°Never mind that. I want us all to establish roles now.¡± He looked at all five of the people before him and considered what he knew about them.

    ¡°I can bring lunch,¡± Mirae said enthusiastically. ¡°It¡¯s not much, but a few hard-dough sandwiches made from the fruit in our garden should be alright.¡±

    You know what? I¡¯d rather she do that than be involved with anything else.

    He nodded at his sister and gave her a warm smile. ¡°So, we have our chef, good. Anyone else got any roles they want to fulfill?¡±

    Jodie cocked her head and rocked back on her foot as she crossed her arms. ¡°I don¡¯t want to sound rude, but aren¡¯t we just taking people¡¯s money and running off¡ªif we¡¯re seen? If not, walk off. No need to draw attention.¡± She smiled at his sister. ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone needs a defined role aside from our sweet Mirae.¡±

    She then turned to Hector. ¡°What I think we should be discussing is how we are going to split the loot.¡± She glanced at everyone, her gaze looking eerily similar to instructor Kamble when he wanted to make sure everyone was paying attention. ¡°I don¡¯t mind having it, so sixty percent of the total haul goes to Hector. As he¡¯s said, he¡¯s in a bit of a pickle right now, and I¡¯d rather not hear about Mr. Jacaranda being beaten to death.¡±

    A brief silence passed over the group as they let what Jodie said settle in. Mirae let out a low whimper, and Hector walked over to comfort her. Memories of what she¡¯d said in the kitchen surfaced in his mind. She¡¯d seemed so certain he would die, and it looked like she hadn¡¯t gotten over that.

    ¡°Jodie,¡± Emela said, narrowing her eyes at the ginger girl. ¡°Can you not be more careful with how you phrase things? It¡¯s not ladylike at all.¡±

    Jodie huffed and shrugged her shoulders. But Hector couldn¡¯t blame her¡ªJodie¡¯s brashness was sometimes needed. She would often be the one to jump in and help with a fight, no questions asked. Though he was sure, that was mainly because she loved to fight.

    ¡°No, no. I agree with Hector,¡± Marcus said, playing with the ends of his suit. ¡°We will be using my dad¡¯s booth as a meeting spot, but we won¡¯t know where anyone will be going or doing. If something bad happens, how will we know where to look for the others? I think we need a clear plan and contingencies.¡±

    ¡°I agree as well,¡± Emela said, giving Marcus a quaint smile. ¡°I think we should pair up. With each pair working in a specific area of the festival.¡±

    ¡°That sounds good,¡± Hector said. ¡°Anything else?¡±

    ¡°I think one of the areas we should avoid pickpocketing in is the central area of the festival,¡± Marcus said, looking up from playing with the ends of his suit coat. ¡°Specifically, the area with my dad¡¯s stall. If something goes wrong there, then it¡¯s over and my dad will kill me.¡±

    ¡°That would be the least of your worries if they link your dad¡¯s stall with the operation,¡± Jodie said with a chuckle, but still nodding at the end. ¡°That has to be one of the areas we avoid doing stuff in. We don¡¯t want to draw the guards or the Phoenix company to our HQ.¡±

    Hector smiled and nodded. It seemed that ideas were starting to flow, even from Jodie. He looked up at the mid-afternoon sun. There was still some daylight to burn¡ªit was time to get a concrete plan.

    ¡°Alright, guys, I want to hear what everyone thinks,¡± Hector smiled at Lincoln, giving what he hoped was reassurance. ¡°Especially you Lincoln, we need to work together on this.¡±

 Chapter 10: The Chains Of Family Would Break Hollower Bones

    Hector¡¯s meeting with the group drew to a close amidst the chattering of the market crowd. They had come up with a concrete plan for the festival. Even Lincoln had contributed in the end, choosing to take a more active role.

    It had been decided that all six of them would split up into pairs and take a direction¡ªmoving around as one large group would draw too much attention. Emela and Nyx would take the east, Hector and Lincoln would take the west, and Marcus and Jodie would take the south.

    The pairs would allow each person to cover the other¡¯s back. The guards could be anywhere, and having someone nearby to keep a lookout could prove invaluable. Furthermore, with each taking a specific direction, it would be easier to locate each other if something went wrong.

    Hector slumped down onto the edge of the fountain and let out a sigh. Mirae smiled at him with a bright beaming smile, and around him, each of his friends stood in silence amidst the winding down of the plaza market.

    ¡°Well then,¡± he said, his eyes drifting past his friends and to the streets leading away from the square. ¡°I guess we have it all figured out. If anything does happen, we will have to adapt on the fly.¡±

    ¡°I know we¡¯ve already been over this, but are we sure that we want to do this?¡± Lincoln said, looking between each member of the group.

    ¡°Lincoln, I swear I¡¯m going to hit you,¡± Jodie said, cracking her knuckles.

    Hector sighed and shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ve got this people.¡±

    <hr>

    Emela stood with her back straight before the great oak doors of the Grand Hall. The door was intricately carved with various runes which hummed with power, symbols of the protection array that covered most of the building.

    Okay, this shouldn¡¯t be hard. I just have to explain to Father that I can do more for the family unmarried than I can if I¡¯m married.

    She glanced at her side. Nyx stood ever vigilant, eager to put down any threat that may occur¡ªthough the only threat here was Emela¡¯s own family. But she would be of no use in the upcoming battle of words against Emela¡¯s father and the rest. She was but a maid, after all.

    Nyx patted down her frock¡ªa piece of clothing she seldom wore¡ªand smiled. ¡°Are you nervous, mistress?¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I be? After all, the rest of my life is about to be decided for me.¡±

    Nyx tilted her head as she bunched her lips. ¡°I suppose so, but whatever happens, mistress, I will be by your side through all of it.¡±

    ¡°I sure hope that is the case.¡±

    The soft crackle of the surrounding lamps filled the silence that followed.

    Emela had been waiting for some time now. Not one person had come to inform her as to why she was waiting so long, though that spoke of how much the family valued her. She opened her mouth to comment, but froze.

    In the corner, by the door, a burst of icy wind and mist flooded out of nowhere, breezing in like a torrent of ice. And from this mist stepped her mother, Catherine. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re on time, my love. I had feared that you would be late, but I¡¯m glad to see that the other night was nothing but an accident.¡±

    ¡°As am I mother,¡± Emela said, flexing her fingers as her mother¡¯s cold aura washed over her. A layer of frost formed on the carpeted floor, and she took a step back, not wanting to be within her orbit again.

    A coy smile came to her mother¡¯s lips as she crossed her arms and locked eyes with her. ¡°I¡¯ve come up with a suitable punishment for you. As I said last night, it will be administered after your father¡¯s announcement.¡±

    Dread crawled up Emela¡¯s throat, threatening to choke the words as they came out of her mouth. ¡°And what will my punishment be, if I may ask,¡± she said, throwing a quick glance at Nyx, who had taken a step closer to her with a look of concern. It was appreciated, though ironic that it was levied against her mother¡ªthe person meant to protect her.

    ¡°No, my dear. I think I will keep that piece of information to myself. Besides, it¡¯s time to go in,¡± she said, turning.

    The heavy oak doors creaked and let out a low rumble as they began to open. Waves of mana flooded through the hallway as the array circuit was broken. Emela¡¯s fringe whipped about as Nyx held down her frock. All the while, her mother stood calm, like a sturdy rock in a wild lake.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Moments later, the wind settled, and a deep voice boomed out of the meeting hall. ¡°You may enter.¡±

    Her mother turned to her, nodded, smiled and walked in, a light shroud of mist in her wake.

    ¡°Come along Nyx, let¡¯s get this over with,¡± Emela said, following behind her mother.

    As Emela entered the great hall, a crowd of eyes fell on her. Elders, enforcers and various members of her family that held more power than they deserved. But even the weight of this crowd was nothing compared to the man who sat at the end of the hall on his elevated seat with blue crystal-like stairs leading up to it.

    She could feel the pressure he was giving off even upon entering the room. She had long entered his orbit. Her skin prickled as the mana in the air seemed to fall still. Waiting. Her father¡¯s power was unquestionable.

    In his orbit, he was law. Even her mother¡¯s mist had retracted to a thin layer that hovered just above her clothing. His orbit covered the entire hall, and probably a bit more. This was the power of a Mana Ignition cultivator.

    As she walked down the hall, her heart racing more than she¡¯d hoped, she glanced at the stands running along either side of the hall. Murmurs, at first a little, then they picked up as more and more of her so-called family recognized her.

    ¡°And here I thought she had been shipped off to Escal. Time as a serving woman would have done the girl well,¡± said a voice. Her gaze flickered to it. An Elder¡ªone that caused her gut to twist with disgust as she locked eyes with him.

    Grandfather to her perfect first brother, Drion. Elder Garen held no love for her. He would often comment that she was nothing more than a waste of resources, which would have been better spent strengthening his genius of a grandson. The man was a pathetic old fool.

    She swallowed and continued forward, resisting the urge to look back to Nyx for support. Instead, she let her mind wander. Thinking of the Middlec slums and the freedom she had there. Thinking of Hector and her other friends. The plans they¡¯d made, and the relief she would have when she could go back there.

    After a few moments of walking amidst the murmur of the crowd, she came to a stop a few paces away from the crystal-like stairs. She looked up at her father, sitting high above, and waited for him to speak.

    But instead of speaking, the air began to tingle as she felt a pressure on her chest. It was light, intended to make her pay attention. The hall immediately fell silent, and the pressure receded. ¡°Emela Frostkeep. I have brought you here to recognise officially your engagement to the Muddust household. Do you have any objections?¡±

    A wave of murmurs once again washed through the hall. Her chest tightened, eyes narrowing as her lips contorted with disgust. The Muddust house. A low to medium-ranked family in the city that specialized in refining average standard pills in bulk. Their pills weren¡¯t widely used in the central parts of Middlec, but it was not hard to find a cultivator in the outer parts of the city that didn¡¯t use them.

    No. Not only am I to be married, but to such a lesser house. Why would Father do this?

    Her gaze flickered to her mother. She frowned, and Emela noticed a look of confusion crossing her features. ¡°Lord Patriarch, surely you do not mean the lower house headed by Blaine Muddust. They are a middling family at best. Would it be wise to¡ª¡±

    ¡°Your thoughts are appreciated, Catherine,¡± said a voice. It came from one of the balconies within the stands that stood out with its ornate blue crystal dragon, running along its edges acting as railings. And sitting in the balcony was first elder Rodrick, second only to the Lord Patriarch himself. ¡°But this has been decided by the inner family. Your words and opinions are not needed.¡± Rodrick combed his bony fingers through his short, slicked-back white hair and regarded her for a moment. ¡°I believe the patriarch is still questioning Emela.¡±

    The man may have worn beautiful blue and white robes trimmed with gold, but there was nothing beautiful about him. Whether it was his scrawny nose or callous appearance, he was a man who had little love for things he could not use.

    Emela gulped and focused on her father¡¯s cold blue eyes, his features like a block of ice, cold and sharp. ¡°I¡ªI do not wish to marry the Muddusts,¡± she said, forcing the words out of her mouth.

    ¡°If you are not to marry, we have no use for you, girl,¡± said another voice from the opposing stand. They sat in a similarly ornamented balcony to the first elder. Elder Margaret. She was the mother of Drion and the Lord patriarch¡¯s first wife. ¡°You have failed to make progress, and if we continue to waste resources on you, it would be an embarrassment. So marriage seems to be your only option.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, Emela. In marrying the Muddust, you would also be serving your family,¡± the first elder said, narrowing his eyes at her. He reached to his side and brought up a cup, taking a sip, never moving his eyes from her. ¡°If you do not wish to serve the family, then you are not part of the family.¡±

    Her mother went to speak, but a look from the first elder evaporated any words she may have had. She looked back at her daughter, frowned, and lowered her head. It had become clear she could do nothing to help.

    ¡°So, Emela, do you wish to be a part of this family?¡± The first elder said.

    I wouldn¡¯t even keep my name. Would I even be part of this family? I just want to go back to the slums.

    She grit her teeth and shifted her weight on the carpet beneath her.

    ¡°Oh come now, dear sister,¡± a voice said from behind her. She turned. The doors to the great hall were still open, and through them she could see two men walking towards her. The one who had spoken was perhaps the person she wanted to see the least. Drion.

    With a cocky smile on his face, he strode into the great hall, his long white hair trailing behind him. He wore his usual blue and white battle robes, clean and trim, displaying the house insignia. A few paces behind him was a boy she had never seen before¡ªhe had brown ruddy hair and wore battle robes that were a mix of brown and black, though she did recognize the house insignia. He was a Muddust.

    ¡°I have just been speaking to Ulrich here,¡± Drion said, gesturing to the boy behind him. ¡°And he seems quite excited to be your betrothed.¡± Drion had a look on his face that said he was enjoying every bit of her suffering. She supposed that with Talent such as his, and the pressure that came with it, she was a good outlet.

    ¡°It is good that you are here, Drion,¡± her father said. For the first time since she¡¯d entered, some interest seemed to have been sparked in him. He then glanced back at her. ¡°Your betrothed is here. Do you accept marriage? Give me an answer?¡±

 Chapter 11: Do You Know What It Takes to Be A Father?

    Emela searched around the hall, looking for what? She did not know. The only people who may have supported her could say nothing¡ªNyx was but a maid and her mother didn¡¯t have much weight against these giants.

    She looked to Ulrich, to the modest smile that graced his lips. It was fake. He could not hide the lust that lurked just beneath the surface, the disregard for who she was as a person. He would not be a good husband.

    What choice do I have? If my family were to abandon me, where would I go?

    The slums were not an option¡ªas soon as they found out who she truly was; she did not doubt that Hector and her friends would abandon her. The Great Houses and, to a certain extent, all noble families saw the people of the slums as nothing more than slum rats and treated them as such. So, they had no love for the nobles. If anything, they would gladly put a sword in the back of any noble.

    Furthermore, with no support from her family, she had no resources. As a cultivator, she would be able to get by to a certain extent, but she didn¡¯t like her chances as an abandoned Frostkeep. Family members now could turn assassins in the future, as she became an eyesore to a glorious family name.

    Her lips trembled as the urge to throw up coiled inside of her. But the words. She had to say them. She had no option. ¡°I¡ªI accept the marriage.¡±

    A small smile passed over the first elder¡¯s face as he nodded to Drion¡¯s mother. They had gotten what they wanted. Murmurs passed through the crowd as Drion strode past her and whispered, ¡°Make sure to be a good wife now, sister. The family is watching.¡± He then continued, walking past her and stopping right before the crystal-like steps.

    Her father¡¯s voice boomed through the hall. ¡°You are dismissed.¡±

    The mana in the air seemed to come alive. It swelled around her, churning into a tornado of mist and frost. Her body became light. Weightless. Then with a thud, her feet landed on soft carpet, and the mist and frost cleared.

    She now found herself standing outside the Great Hall. The oak doors were now closed, with runes humming along their surface. Nyx stood next to her and her mother a few paces away.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my love. I knew you were to be married, but not to them. If I had known...¡±

    Emela sighed and looked absent-mindedly at the great oak doors. ¡°There was nothing you could do Mother, there was nothing anyone could do.¡±

    ¡°Mistress,¡± Nyx said, taking her hand and squeezing it. ¡°I will be with you, don¡¯t you worry.¡±

    Emela smiled and squeezed her hand back before turning to her mother. ¡°About my punishment, do you think¡ª¡±

    ¡°No, my love, if anything, I have more of a reason to do this. You are going to need strength for what comes next.¡±

    Silence fell as the lamps running along the hallway crackled. It was going to be a long night.

    <hr>

    ¡°So grime-grain and sprouts for dinner, huh?¡± Hector asked. He and Mirae walked into the kitchen and he placed the flower basket on the table with a thud. The stale smell from the sewage outside leaked into the room as he walked over and closed the kitchen window.

    ¡°Do we have to?¡± Mirae asked with a pout as she walked out of the kitchen, her long white hair bouncing behind her. She was heading to her room and Hector was eager for an answer, so he followed. ¡°I should have something in the garden, right?¡±

    ¡°I mean, even if you do, there¡¯s no guarantee that it¡¯s ripe.¡± Hector walked behind her until she entered her room. He stopped at her door and leaned against its frame as she began to rifle around her drawers. Mess. One thing that she often made, but she would always clean it up straight away.

    ¡°Yeah, but still. I feel like my skin is starting to be made of grime-grain,¡± she said, pinching her forearm. She then shook her head and continued searching through the drawers, looking for something. She paused, looking up with a frown. ¡°Didn¡¯t you once say that as a cultivator you need more than grime-grain to become stronger? Stands to reason that the same would apply to me.¡±

    Hector sighed, lightly slapping his forehead and dragging his hand down his face. He had said that with a lot more confidence back then. But time had proven that grime-grain was not what was holding him back. A lack of talent was. But now he had the system. Things were different. ¡°Okay, okay. If you are quick, you can go see what we have in the garden.¡±

    Mirae let out a cheer, and Hector levied a serious gaze against her. ¡°Make sure that it¡¯s ripe. I don¡¯t want to spend all of tomorrow on the bucket again.¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    The girl nodded and ran towards him. She jerked, stepping past him, and continued full pelt down the hallway. The mess she had made of her drawers long forgotten.

    She¡¯ll clean it up, I hope. System, how long till the upgrade is complete?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: update progress... 99.89%

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    A smile came to his lips. He pushed off the door frame and made his way back to the kitchen. The update would soon be complete¡ªhe could have a look at it after dinner and see what it had unlocked.

    He entered the kitchen and made his way to the cupboard on the far side of the room, pulling it open. A stale scent assaulted him, forcing him to crinkle his nose as he reached for his target. An old heavy brown sack filled with the dry sandpaper-like flakes known as grime-grain.

    Now I¡¯m kinda hoping she finds something. I don¡¯t think I can eat another bowl of grime-grain.

    He gripped the sack and tugged. The sack scratched across the wood before falling to the ground with a heavy thud, kicking up a plume of flakes. He shook his head and made his way over to the sink, grabbed the pot from the cupboard beneath it, and whipped it onto the stove with a clang.

    The pot¡¯s rough exterior, marked with years of use, looked at him as he considered it. If she brought back something good, perhaps the grim-grain could be a palate cleanser. That would mean that he wouldn¡¯t need to make too much.

    As he nodded his head, a loud bang and a crash caused him to freeze. He turned, frowned, and made his way over to the window of the kitchen, looking outside with concern. It couldn¡¯t be Mirae. She was in the back garden, but then...

    His eyes went wide as he watched his father¡ªhaggard, clothes torn, and face bruised¡ªstumble up the dirt and cobblestone path. He had already slammed through the front gate and was fixing to do the same to the front door if Hector didn¡¯t do something.

    Hector slammed the bottom of his fist on the counter¡ªthis was getting bad¡ªbefore rushing over to the front door and opening it for his father. His father fell into his arms as soon as the door opened and hacked as Hector held him.

    ¡°S-sorry about that, son. I didn¡¯t think you guys would be home yet.¡± He let out a few more coughs, patted Hector on the chest and stood up, his legs shaky.

    ¡°Dad... what happened?¡±

    He looked at Hector with a weak smile and gently shook his head. Silent. He then turned and walked over to the far cupboard and pulled out a bottle of whisky.

    ¡°Do you really think that¡¯s a good idea right now?¡± Hector said, eyeing him. The bruises on his face were new. ¡°You should get some rest before you start drinking.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only a sip. You know, a small drop to cool the pain. I¡¯m not aiming to get drunk or anything. Don¡¯t worry.¡± He fetched himself a glass from the adjoining cupboard before making his way over to the new table¡ªfreshly collected from the dump this morning¡ªand slumping into the chair. He cocked his head to the side as he poured himself a glass. ¡°Making dinner, are we?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hector said, walking back over to the stove and lighting the fire underneath. He glanced back at his father. ¡°Mirae is outside fetching some stuff from the garden¡ªwho did that to you, was it the Collar Gang?¡±

    ¡°Hector.¡± He frowned, taking a swig of his whisky before slamming it down on the table. ¡°Drop it,¡± he said, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡°Why won¡¯t you trust me? I¡¯m almost an adult, for crying out loud. When will you let me help you and stop leaving me in the dark like I¡¯m some child?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not having this discussion with you. I said drop it.¡± His father then set his jaw and looked out the kitchen window as the sound of the crackling fire from the stove filled the room.

    Why are you such a stubborn old fool at times? How am I meant to help you if you don¡¯t tell me what¡¯s going on?

    Silence settled in. Hector brought the pot over to the sink and twisted the nozzle. A small mana array triggered at its underside, and a bout of water gushed out in a wave, slamming into the pot and filling it in moments. He twisted the nozzle, then brought the pot back over to the stove and left it to boil.

    A few strained silent moments later, Mirae bundled in, carrying a basket filled with fresh vegetables. Tomatoes, carrots, and even a whole cucumber. A few bell peppers rested on top of the pile, their coloured skin making his mouth water. It wasn¡¯t much, but they could definitely make a soup from it.

    ¡°I brought the best-looking ones. I could have brought a little more, but you said only ripe ones¡ªoh, hey Dad.¡± She said, smiling at their father as she hefted the basket onto the table. He smiled at her, the past conversation forgotten. She brushed a strand of white hair from her face as she regarded him. ¡°Drinking? Isn¡¯t it a bit early for that?¡±

    ¡°Well, you know, a sip a day keeps the healer away.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure it does, and you look like you could use one,¡± she turned to Hector with a pointed look, as if asking what happened. He shook his head and moved over to look through the basket.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a few bumps and scrapes, nothing too serious. Don¡¯t worry your little head about it one bit,¡± their father said with a grin.

    Does he think she¡¯s stupid? Smiling like everything is okay isn¡¯t going to mean anything.

    ¡°If you won¡¯t tell me about what happened, can you at least say how work was?¡± Hector said, picking up a carrot and examining it. ¡°I remember the other day you said you got a promotion.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yeah, the promotion.¡± His father took another swig of the whiskey before slamming the cup down onto the table. ¡°I thought I had the promotion, but apparently Zehira gave it to someone else. Something to do with attitudes at work, damn Muddusts. Those sewage wastes don¡¯t appreciate anyone. But I got to keep my job, so there¡¯s that at least.¡±

    Hector glanced at his sister and raised an eyebrow before moving back over to the sink with a handful of carrots and the cucumber. ¡°So no promotion. Good to know you are still stuck sorting herbs.¡±

    Is that what happened? Did he take a loan, thinking he would receive a promotion?

    ¡°Anyway, enough about me,¡± his father said, glancing at his sister. ¡°How were the flower sales today? Did Pippa join you like she said she would?¡±

    ¡°Um, about that,¡± she said, glancing from Hector to their father. ¡°Yes, I sold flowers, no, Pippa didn¡¯t turn up, and I¡¯m now training to be a Mana-cultivator.¡±

    Their father coughed and sputtered, splashing spittle over the table. ¡°You¡¯re doing what now?¡±

 Chapter 12: On The Hunt

    Hector sighed, slumping onto his old rickety bed in a puff of dust. The food had been good, though his father hadn''t taken his eyes off him the entire meal. His sister''s free education as a Mana-cultivator seemed to not make him too happy. But that didn''t matter.

    With a grunt, Hector rolled over onto his front and gazed out the window at the dimming sky. His sister was going to be a Mana-cultivator; that was something to be celebrated. Especially by their father¡ªhe was always saying how they should do good. But that was hard to do when you were weak and untalented.

    Talent. Smiling, Hector tapped his sheets. Talent was something that he wouldn''t lack soon enough. The system would give him it in spades. He brought his attention to his golden finger.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: System update complete. Would you like to take a look at your new abilities?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: +++ [Yes] / [No] +++

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Hector struggled to hold back the smile that came to his lips but in the end, he relented as he mentally clicked yes. He rolled back onto his back and hopped to his feet as the contents on the translucent screen morphed.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: [Talent Garden]

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: This ability allows the user to collect Talent Fragments off a Talent holder. Once the threshold of Talent Fragments is achieved, the user can then form a Talent Seed to be placed in the Mind Garden. Once fully grown the seed will produce a number of Talents one rank lower than the seed''s level. The minimum rank being Common.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Holy crap, Hector thought. I can now grow Talents, that''s insane.

    He raced across his ramshackle room and bounded out of his door, making his way to the street¡ªhe needed to test this out right now. If he could gain any edge in the upcoming operation, he needed to take it.

    "I''m heading out," he yelled, bounding through the kitchen and leaving the house. He didn''t wait for a reply from Mirae or his father; she would be home when he came back and his dad would be up to who knows what. If Mirae needed anything, he wouldn''t be too far¡ªit was just a quick trip around the area.

    <hr>

    Hector walked around the street taking in the surroundings. The cobblestone streets of the Middlec slums echoed with the hollow footsteps of the desperate and the damned. But he moved through the throng with purpose, his eyes scanning the faces of those he passed, searching for Talent holders.

    The system, or to be precise his new ability, had said nothing about restraint or incapacitation, so perhaps he could get the Talent fragments without having to fight this time.

    As he navigated the cramped alleyways, the stench of rotting refuse and human misery hit his nostrils. Many times he would walk down an alleyway and then stop, being forced to turn and leave due to the stench. The slums were a festering wound on the city''s underbelly, a place where hope came to die and dreams were crushed beneath the iron heel of poverty.

    But in a way there had been a comfort to that, knowing that he didn''t need to try. Just go to the dojo, eke out a good Mana-cultivation level and he could claw someplace in this hell hole for himself. But that wasn''t enough anymore.

    The system has given me the opportunity to rise well above all this.

    Hector frowned as he walked down the street. Ramshackle buildings leaned precariously against one another, their timber frames groaning under the weight of too many souls crammed into too little space. His gaze swept over the crumbling facades, taking in the gaunt faces peering from grimy windows and the hollow-eyed children huddled in doorways.

    He had never been that bad, thankfully. His father had made sure of that, working long shifts at the Muddust family refineries for a company that didn''t appreciate him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: No talent found... No talent found x 4

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Talents truly are sparse. I''m glad I can at least grow them. If I had to continue at this rate, it would take forever to get anything good.

    His mind drifted to his cultivation, to his level and lack of talent; the slow and sometimes unsteady progress he had been making was at times frustrating. His muscles were stronger than the average person''s due to the fact that he was in Gravity Forging realm one. But it wasn''t enough, far from it. That was made more than apparent when the Collar Gang broke down their door. He needed strength and fast.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    At this point, he was just hoping that there was talent out there that could give what he was looking for. He paused as he came to the end of the street, looking on as a small crowd of people continued to march about their day. It wasn''t late but at times it felt like the time of day didn''t matter to the slums.

    Hector glanced across the road and spotted Diana''s bakery.

    The bakery''s faded sign swung gently in the breeze as the aroma of sweet loaves danced through the area, a refreshing performance for his nose. It was a much needed break from the constant stink that filled the rest of the slums.

    Continuing to watch the shop, he considered what to do next. He had still not found anyone with a Talent and it was going to start getting dark soon. He didn''t need to make Mirae worry more than she had over the past few days.

    It was a problem: Carry on, or go home and try again tomorrow?

    But before he could decide, the door to Diana''s bakery jingled as it opened. And there, emerging from the shop with a small, paper-wrapped package, was Lincoln.

    What a lucky guy. I haven''t had anything from Diana''s in months.

    His lips quirked up with a smile. Lincoln was no doubt running another errand for his mother. A pang of sadness washed through Hector''s chest as a distant memory surfaced. "Mother," he said. The words tasted stale.

    Shaking his head and putting back on a smile, he took a step forward. But a moment later, he jerked to a stop. At the other end of the T-junction, down the street, shouts came from what looked to be a vendor with his little cart turned over. A group of around four people had cornered him and were shouting in his face. Hector recognized one immediately. Adrian.

    He would recognize his round rump anywhere. It seemed as if Adrian and his dump guard had finished at the dump today and were now doing a little cashing in on the vendors that were closing. It would seem that this one had been unable to pay.

    The young man cowered on the floor as Adrian and his three cronies stood over him. The wares from his cart littered the ground around him, small trinkets and what looked to be some incense. Vital commodities to ward off the stink of the slum.

    Hector frowned as he began to walk over. He had already taught Adrian a lesson once this week¡ªmaybe the idiot would give up without a fight. After all, he loved to prey on the weak, and compared to a poor hapless vendor, Hector was to be feared.

    He threw a glance to Lincoln who still watched from the bakery door with a frown on his face. It took him a moment to spot Hector but when he did he gave him a nod and made his way over, but Hector raised his hand. He gestured for Lincoln to stop, signalling that he would handle it. The fight from last time had shown that he was more than enough to handle Adrian and his goons.

    As he approached, he assessed Adrian and the three other boys. He had taken Adrian''s talent last time, so it stood to reason that he would be weaker than in their previous conflict in the dump. And Hector had even acquired another talent, one that was sure to give him an edge in the coming conflict.

    Not that there would be much of one.

    Hector took in a deep breath before shouting, "Adrian, you worthless mutt. What are you doing?"

    The chubby boy turned, his pudding-like cheeks red with anger. "Who the ¡ª Ghost. Why am I not surprised."

    "Maybe because I live around here," Hector said, raising an eyebrow and coming to a stop a few feet away from him. He glanced at the three other boys around Adrian¡ªthey were gaunt, emaciated, and no doubt starving. Just the way Adrian liked them.

    "What do you want Ghost?" Adrian crossed his arms and scanned him. "I don''t know if you can tell but I''m a bit busy right now."

    "I see that," Hector said, gesturing towards the vendor. "But I think the man has had more than enough so why don''t you and your other mutts back off."

    Adrian sneered as he uncrossed his arms and chuckled. "The other day at the dump must have been quite the confidence boost for you. I can''t believe one lucky punch has got you making demands of me. That''s hilarious." He fixed Hector with a glare. "Get lost Ghost, before I have to hurt you."

    Is he forgetting how I laid him out?

    He looked to Adrian''s goons; each of them had a look of confidence on their faces. They actually thought that they were a threat. Then Hector realized: these guys weren''t the same ones from the dump; the fool had somehow convinced some more people to join his little gang.

    It wasn''t a surprise¡ªthe hungry were a lot easier to convince than those with full bellies. "Hey, it was a fair fight. It''s not my fault that I dropped you in one punch," Hector said, watching how the three grunts reacted. If they heard that Adrian had already lost to him maybe they would reconsider.

    At least if they are smart they will reconsider. Though something tells me the hunger has stripped them of all rationality.

    The three other boys seemed to not even register what he had said, as they looked at Adrian as if waiting for something. A smile crept to Adrian''s lips, and he let out a bark of laughter. "You didn''t lay me out. We both know that. I let you and your freak of a friend leave with your lives. It seems I may have been a bit too forgiving."

    Hector scowled but found the anger he was beginning to feel give way to some humour.

    He''s truly pathetic. I almost feel sorry for him. Though I get it, you can''t look weak around starving dogs.

    "Okay Adrian, this is how it''s going to go. I''m going to count to ten, and if you and these starving idiots aren''t gone by the time I''m done, I''ll refresh your memory of what happened last time. How does that sound?"

    The boy''s face somehow became redder as he jiggled with anger. His eyes flickered around as if looking for something. Whatever it was, a smile came to his face and he crossed his arms. "I don''t need a ten second warning. Get him, boys."

    This guy has lost his mind.

    He dropped his stance as the moves for Orion Fist played through his mind. The starving boys charged him as one, which was good for them as anything less and they stood no chance. He shot forward and delivered a knee to the first boy''s empty stomach.

    Before the second and third could react, he hooked a leg around one of their neck, swivelled and slammed him to the floor with a crunch. The power of Quickening Brace activated and time seemed to crawl.

    He wasn''t moving any faster, but his thinking had increased. He could see where he would end up, giving him an idea. He slowly adjusted himself, lining his fist up. And when time snapped back into motion his fist slammed cleanly into the jaw of the final boy, laying him out with a thud.

    Hector stood in place with the boys littered around him like discarded trash, locking eyes with a wide-eyed Adrian. "Your turn," he said, unable to stop the smile from coming to his lips.

    Adrian growled, then roared as he charged towards Hector with his teeth bared. Hector ducked to the side but wasn''t quick enough as Adrian grabbed the side of his tunic and dragged him in. Hector kicked off the cobblestone and delivered a knee to his gut. It did barely anything¡ªhis knee sunk into Adrian''s blubber, losing most of its energy. It did stagger him, giving Hector a moment to back up, but it was ineffective.

    It seems I''ll have to aim for his head if I want to do any damage.

 Chapter 13: Are we always blind to whats right in front of us?

    Hector and Adrian stood across from each other, as a strong wind blew the stink of the slums down the street. The vendor was still at the side, watching on unable to move, as the three of Adrian''s grunts lay a short distance away.

    "I''ll give you one more chance Adrian," Hector said, as he began circling him. "Your dump guards are knocked out, you can go and collect some new ones from whatever trash heap you find them."

    "Shut up, Ghost," Adrian snarled. He lowered his stance, gripping the cobblestone with his sandeld feet. He then exploded forward.

    Hector pulled on the still lingering effect of [Quickening Brace]. The world slowed. Adrian was going to charge him, and once he was close enough he''d grab for him again. It was impressive that Adrian could think that far ahead, though he did have to control a gaggle of starving dogs, so it tracked.

    But what could Hector do? His mind reeled¡ªthe effects of [Quickening Brace] would end soon and he had to do something. Though Adrian probably expected him to dodge, he could also be expecting him to attack.

    Throwing caution to the wind, Hector prepared himself to deliver an Orion Leaping Strike. But this time he would not aim at Adrian''s stomach. The world snapped into motion and he shot forward, sailing through the air and aiming for his chest.

    Adrian crossed his arms to block. Hector smiled, as he kneed into Adrian''s arms he used the force to launch himself into the air. He swivelled, then came crashing down with an Orion Fist straight to Adrian''s head.

    Adrian crumpled beneath Hector''s fist, letting out a shout as he collapsed to the ground. Hector flipped back creating some distance between them. He watched as Adrian didn''t get back up, his body lay slumped on the floor, his chest rhythmically rising and falling.

    That''s the second time I''ve laid him out flat. I hope he actually remembers next time.

    Hector spared him one more glance before turning to the vendor. He made his way over and held out a hand. The man grabbed it, smiling as Hector pulled him to his feet. "Thank you, my friend, I thought I''d have more time before they came." He scratched his arm with a sad chuckle, looking at them with embarrassment on his face. "But I guess I mistimed."

    "It wasn''t your fault, these guys are a bunch of clowns," Hector said, gesturing to Adrian''s crew laying on the floor like the trash they were. He bent over and began helping collect the vendor''s wares. He then tipped his cart upright and shuffled everything in. "It''s best you get going. Them I can handle, but I am not sure about anyone else."

    The man chuckled. "You should give yourself more credit, I''ve never seen anyone do what you did. The name''s Brick by the way," he said reaching a hand forward. "If you ever need any incense or ghost-warding charms. I''m your man."

    "Brick," Hector said, tasting the words in his mouth as he shook his hand. "It''s nice to meet you. Now get going."

    The man nodded and then made his way to the front of his cart. He buckled it in place and pulled it along, making his way further down the street. Lincoln gave the man a nod as he strode past him.

    Hector glanced over at Adrian. Memories of the past conflicts he''d had with him played in his mind, the constant abuse, the constant tyranny. Adrian had seemed like an insurmountable mountain before, but now after advancing mana-cultivation and gaining a few talents, he was a lot... less.

    The world seemed to have moved on. Adrian still bullied the weak while Hector now had to consider bigger things. Not that robbing a bunch of people of their belongings was something to be proud of¡ªif Hector''s father found out he''d kill him. But the world did seem a lot bigger than the pond known as the Midlec dumps.

    The world is a lot bigger than just the slums. I need to keep that in mind.

    Hector swept his gaze around the slums. The dilapidated buildings, the open sewers running alongside the streets, the hollow-faced residents¡ªall that served as a reminder of what he had to overcome. And one day he would.

    "You handled yourself pretty well there," Lincoln said, as he strolled up clutching his brown paper bag. "I mean you could work on a few things, but I have to say you did well."

    Hector playfully punched him in the shoulder. "You wish you could do what I just did."

    "I know we ain''t sparred in a while but, don''t get too cocky."

    Hector smiled, throwing his arm over his friend''s shoulder. "Speaking of sparring, you really need to make sure you come to the dojo more. I know your mom''s got you running errands, but with this upcoming operation everyone''s gotta be at their best."This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Yeah I know," Lincoln said with a sigh. He looked down at Adrian and his group, and his lips moved as if he had something to say but he held the words back. He then turned and looked at Hector. "What are you doing anyway, are you heading home?"

    "I wasn''t planning to initially but then I saw these guys," Hector gestured to the unconscious trash resting on the cobblestone. "But now I''m feeling a bit worn out." His glance stopped at the reddening sky, masked with thickening clouds, and he nodded.

    It''s probably going to rain and I can''t get back too late. Mirae will give me an earful again.

    "Shall we then?" Lincoln gestured in the direction of home.

    The two of them walked, talking casually about their day. Lincoln''s was mostly filled with running errands for his mother, as one of few healers in the slums she didn''t have much time for housework. But even as they talked, Hector found himself distracted. He needed to find Talent fragments, and sadly talking to Lincoln wouldn''t bring them any closer.

    By the time they reached Lincoln''s house, Hector had a tight frown on his face. Not one person had a Talent fragment, let alone a talent. If they were the same level of rarity in this place, then thank goodness he had the ability to grow them. Otherwise, even with this system, his journey to amounting to much would be arduous at best.

    "All right then Hector, I guess I''ll see you tomorrow," Lincoln said, giving him a nod. He backed up, with his bread using his back to push his gate open. His house much like the rest of the street was dilapidated, a wooden structure held up by the mercy of an unknown power. But it was his home, and Hector wasn''t exactly in a position to judge.

    "I''ll see you tomorrow¡ªand make sure you come to the dojo. If not I''ll come right back here and drag you there myself."

    Lincoln chuckled and shook his head, kicking the gate closed with his feet. It gave a soft thump shaking the decaying wood, causing Hector to chuckle and shake his head.

    I''m sure that gate probably wouldn''t last much longer.

    Hector turned to walk to his home but paused. The soft heat that filled the slums like a warm release of gas suddenly gave way to a light chill. In the distant horizon, amongst the darkening clouds, snakes of lightning rampaged through the sky.

    Now I really need to get home.

    Hector broke off into a brisk stride, his eyes still scanning the faces of those he passed. Even if it was going to rain, he needed to find Talent fragments.

    The first fat droplets of rain began to fall, splattering against the cobblestones and raising a haze of dust and grime. In the distance, a fork of lightning split the sky, illuminating the slums in a brief, harsh glare.

    Hector cursed, breaking into a run. His house was not too far from Lincoln''s so it wouldn''t take him much longer to get home. He had missed his chance today, but tomorrow he would find something.

    A few minutes later, Hector pushed open the door to his house and strode into the kitchen. Water droplets peeled off him and splashed onto decaying wood, forming a small puddle around him.

    "Hector, what are you doing get out of those clothes now!" Mirae said, hustling over with a bundle of rags. "You''re gonna catch a cold come on hurry up. What were you even doing outside so long?"

    "Mirae I¡ª"

    As he went to speak the system interrupted him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///:  Talent fragment found, would you like to harvest?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ///: +++ [Yes] / [No] +++

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    "Yes," Hector said, raising his voice as a bright smile came to his face. How could he forget that he''d already had someone with the Talent? Maybe that was it, Talent fragments came from those with talents. But then why couldn''t he produce any?

    "Yes?" Mirae said, squinting her eyes as her mouth fell open. "What does that even mean? I asked you what you were doing! I swear Hector sometimes I don''t understand." She continued to scramble around him, dabbing him with rags and urging his clothes off.

    "It''s okay I''ve got it," Hector said taking one of the rags off of her. "I can dry myself."

    "Sure you can. Now answer my question. You didn''t even say goodbye earlier. What if something had happened? What if the Coller Gang¡ª"

    "I was just meeting up with Lincoln. Now can you hand me that rag?"

    <hr>

    Mirae''s heart raced as she approached the Orion fist dojo, her fingers absent-mindedly gliding through long white hair. The familiar weight of Hector''s hand on her shoulder brought her some comfort. It steadied her.

    She had done this walk many times, walking to Fangdale Street to sell her flowers, but this time was different. She wasn''t going to simply stand outside the dojo as her brother practiced. She would be in there, starting her journey to become a Mana-cultivator.

    "You feeling nervous?" Hector asked, with a warm smile. "If you are we can head home right now. You don''t need to do something you don''t want to." His voice was tinged with worry.

    But Mirae flashed him a bright smile and shook her head. "Are you kidding me, I was born ready. You watch, after today, instructor Kamble will be calling me his top student."

    "You think so?"

    "I know so," Mirae said as they rounded a corner, turning onto Fangdale Street.

    Mirae sighed, looking on. The difference between this street and the rest of the slums, while not huge, was certainly unmissable. The cobblestones seemed a little straighter, the buildings, while still in disrepair, didn''t look like they could collapse at any moment. And the overall smell, while not refreshing, was certainly more bearable.

    And the crowning jewel of Fangdale Street was no doubt the Orion Fist dojo. The surrounding buildings, in comparison, seemed to slouch under the weight of their relative poverty and neglect, while the dojo stood as a beacon of order and purpose. Its walls, though weathered, were clean and well-maintained. The cobblestones leading to its entrance were swept clear of the usual detritus that clogged the nearby gutters.

    It was almost as if the building dared her to look at it. It represented a truth known in the world¡ªlike mana cultivators in general, it was above those in its environment¡ªeven if that environment was the slums.

    As Mirae approached the dojo, she took notice of the small garden out front. Nestled against the dojo''s wall, a few feet from the entrance, was a garden she had helped create and work she was proud of. Bright flowers¡ªmarigolds and ruby-flowers¡ªadded splashes of colour to the otherwise drab surroundings.

    "It took you two long enough, I thought I''d have to stall the instructor for you."