After Domingos' suggestion, Lucas became intrigued by the idea of participating in a race. His interest was sparked, bringing a bit of excitement to his expression.
— A race? What kind of race? — Lucas asked, curious.
Domingos smiled, realizing that his suggestion had piqued the young man's interest.
— It's an annual competition that takes place in this region of the desert. We call it the "Burning Sands Race." — Domingos said, running his hand through his beard. — This year is somewhat special, as the grand prize will be the meat of the desert seal.
— Meat of the desert seal? — Lucas asked, not having heard of the name before.
— There is an animal in this desert that resembles a seal but has managed to survive in this terrible place through its own strength. — Domingos explained, recalling the details. — It's extremely rare to find it, and its meat possesses highly elevated water and ice properties.
— Water and ice properties? What are properties?
— Eh? — Domingos looked surprised at Lucas and asked. — You don't know about properties... Do you, at least, know about AEs?
— AEs? — Lucas asked again, growing more doubtful.
— How have you lived until now? You don't even know the basics of this world!
— Well... No one ever taught me.
Domingos looked at Lucas with pity, which annoyed the young man a little.
— Since it's like that... I'll explain a little to you. — Domingos said as he set his plate aside, having just finished his meal. — Let me start by explaining about AEs.
As he said that, Domingos extended his hand, and a small water sphere appeared just above his fingers.
— This abbreviation stands for Autoridade Elemental (Elemental Authority). Elemental Authorities are those who absorb the elemental essence of the world to enhance their physical abilities and even gain control over the element. — He finished speaking, making the water sphere disappear. — The properties I mentioned, in fact, refer to the elemental essences. In other words, there is a large amount of water and ice essence in the meat of the seal.
Lucas listened attentively to every detail from the old man before asking.
— So, could I become an AE?
— Well... — Domingos looked closely at Lucas, letting out a slight sigh. — No, it seems not. If you could, you would be absorbing the elemental essence even unconsciously, but it appears you can't do that.
— Ah... — Lucas sighed disappointedly. — Are there any other ways to gain power besides AEs?
— Yes, there are several, but AE is the most popular on this continent, and I find it unlikely that you'll find anyone using another method around here. — Domingos commented as he began gathering his plate to take it to the kitchen. — But don't worry too much about it for now, as you can make a fortune by selling that meat and even leave the continent in search of other methods. — He tried to reassure him.
— Alright... — the young man said as he gathered his plate and took it to the kitchen.
Both of them placed their plates in the sink and took the opportunity to wash them. Despite not having many tools on the boat, Domingos compensated with his AE to do the cleaning.
After they finished, they returned to the table, and the old man continued.
— Now, speaking about the race, this will be one of the most fiercely contested, with the participation of some of the most powerful families in the country.
— So, we don't have a chance of winning...
— I have a few tricks up my sleeve to win the race, but let me explain it to you.
As soon as he finished speaking, Domingos made a droplet of water appear on the tip of his finger and started drawing on the table with the water.
— This will be a boat race taking place in the city of Miragemar, and we will traverse the desert along a long path... — Domingos replied, recalling the race's route.
Lucas listened attentively, feeling the excitement growing within him. He had never participated in a race before, and the idea of winning and obtaining the meat of the desert seal seemed very appealing.
Domingos continued explaining the race while drawing on the table with the water he conjured. The race would start in Miragemar and go to the neighboring city, which was about 200 km away. Along the way, the competitors would face various obstacles, such as sandstorms and dangerous desert creatures.
— And how can we win this race? — Lucas asked eagerly.
— Well, that's a secret that will only be revealed during the race — Domingos replied, winking at the young man.
Lucas felt that maybe it wasn't a good idea to enter this race, especially since it was highly contested and had many dangers, like the fish he saw before, and he also didn't completely trust the old man in front of him.
— I feel like I should think it over...
[Mission: Win the boat race]
[Rewards: 10 General Points in the store + One randomly summoned character.]
The young man looked at the message in front of him, and his eyes began to shine with excitement as he thought to himself.
— ... I want that reward.
Lucas's curiosity about the system was greater than his fear, as he hadn't seen the race yet. Somewhere in the young man's mind, something told him it should be safe since it was the system's first mission and several families were participating.
Therefore, in the next moment, Lucas stood in front of Domingos.
— ... I'll participate! But what should I do?
— I'll explain during the race...
After saying that, Domingos went to the outer part of the boat, and Lucas followed him.
— Look, just ahead is Miragemar. — the old man said, pointing to a city on the horizon.
As the boat approached, Lucas began to notice the details of the city. Miragemar was a circular city with several roads branching off in different directions and had a bluish barrier around it. On one of the northern roads, a large number of boats were parked, with many people around.
— The race will take place to the north, but today we'll stay in an inn to the south, where the city is quieter. — the old man said, controlling his boat to go slower as they entered the city.
Observing the city, Lucas noticed that its streets were huge, mainly because of the boats the size of Domingos. There were many large boats anchored in the wider streets of the city, while smaller boats and dinghies navigated through the smaller streets. The young man was fascinated by the city's unique architecture, with its buildings mainly made of stone and with blue details resembling the ocean.
— They use boats as if they were cars... — he murmured, appreciating the new perspective.
Although it was a city in the desert, Miragemar had some trees and plantations, as well as a central lake that seemed to be the city's water source.
— Or they might be using AEs to obtain water... — he thought for a moment, trying to understand the cultural difference.
— The city is much busier today since tomorrow is the big race. — Domingos explained, watching the young man look curiously around.
— Tomorrow? Do we still have time to register?
— Ah, don't worry, I'm already registered.
— So you were going to participate anyway...
A few moments later, Domingos' boat stopped at a boat parking lot near an inn. As they disembarked, he explained that they would be staying at this inn for the night, and when morning came, they would set off for the race.
Upon reaching the inn's entrance, they came across a lively tavern where several people were excitedly discussing the next day. However, Lucas and Domingos didn't pay much attention to the buzz and continued on their way.
After bidding farewell to the old man, Lucas made his way to his room and, as a priority, took a shower to freshen up. Then, while relaxing, he decided to take the opportunity to wash his clothes. To his surprise, they dried within minutes, thanks to a mysterious red stone whose functioning he still didn't understand. Finally, the young man lay down on the bed and tried to sleep.
— Ahh... I need something to distract myself. — he murmured, looking up at the ceiling.
It had been a day full of emotions for the young man, and even now that he was safe and well, he was still restless inside.
— System, don't you have any sleeping medication?
[Owner does not have enough points]
— Tch... Should I stay up all night? — he said, as if it were a common occurrence.
Lucas got up from the bed and looked out the window. He could see the city of Miragemar illuminated by the faint light of the stars, and he noticed that some of the smaller streets were empty, while the main ones were filled with people preparing for the Burning Sands Race.
— It's been how many years since I last saw a festival like this? I can't even remember if I've ever participated in one...
Thus, the young man continued watching until the break of dawn for the race.
[To be continued...]
??? — Well, it seems like the system's first mission has emerged.
??? — The first mission should be easy, right?
??? — Considering it's the system... hard to say.
[The system only assigns missions that the owner is capable of completing]
??? — Meaning, as long as he's capable of completing it, the mission can be a nightmare.
??? — Hmm... And about the AE, that's something new, isn't it?
??? — Yes, it was something the author created for another story, but now he decided to include it in this one.
??? — It's not like he was going to lose it anyway.
??? — Indeed... even though we can't...
[Spoiler Alert]
??? — Hey, later you're asking me for spoilers, but you almost let one slip!
??? — Sorry...