The night was draped in a velvety darkness, with a sprinkle of stars adorning the vast expanse of the sky. Ethan lay in bed, his mind swirling with thoughts and questions, like an orchestra tuning up for a performance. The moon cast a soft glow through his window, illuminating the room in a gentle silver light. It was during these quiet moments, when the world slumbered and dreams took flight, that Ethan's mind wandered to the mysteries that lay beyond the confines of his reality.
Lost in the depths of his thoughts, Ethan pondered the enigma of his existence. As he gazed at the ceiling, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to his being than met the eye. A nagging intuition whispered in his ear, suggesting that he might possess a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom from a past life. However, the realization dawned upon him that such knowledge was futile in this world, where the rules of the game were different.
With a resigned sigh, Ethan surrendered to the limitations of his current circumstances. The weight of unanswered questions pressed upon his weary mind, urging him to seek solace in sleep's embrace. The dreams that awaited him at the edge of consciousness offered a fleeting escape, a momentary respite from the enigma that consumed his waking hours. Closing his eyes, he embraced the unknown, hoping that the dawn would bring clarity to his restless mind.
Morning arrived with a symphony of golden hues, as sunlight spilled through the window, casting vibrant patterns upon the walls. Ethan emerged from the depths of slumber, the remnants of dreams still lingering in his thoughts. As the sun's rays painted the horizon with hues of gold, a new day greeted Ethan and his family. The familiar scent of breakfast wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of clinking cutlery and the warmth of familial presence. Ethan descended the stairs, where his parents, Thomas and Anna, awaited him at the breakfast table.
With a curious gleam in his eyes, Ethan couldn't contain the burning questions that had plagued him since the night before. He looked at his parents, the wellspring of guidance and love, and ventured into the realm of inquiry.
Seated across from them, Ethan's gaze flickered between his parents, the two pillars of his world. He could sense that they held knowledge, understanding, and the answers he desperately sought. With a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, he found the courage to voice his burning question.
"Mom, Dad," he began, his voice tinged with innocence and curiosity, "can you tell me about this world we live in? I want to know how everything works, why did they treat us like that yesterday?"
His parents exchanged a knowing smile, their hearts filled with both pride and a touch of sadness. They understood the thirst for knowledge that burned within their young son, a hunger to comprehend the intricacies of the world that surrounded them. With patient tenderness, they prepared themselves to navigate the delicate balance of truth and understanding. They knew that it was time to lift the veil and illuminate the path that lay before him.
With a deep breath, Thomas began to paint a picture of their world, its complexities and inner workings. He explained the presence of a leveling system, where one's strength and authority were intricately tied to their level. The higher the level, the greater the power one possessed and the more control they exerted over the world. It means that the highest level would be possibly to meet God or to become a God. His words carried a sense of wonder, describing how the level system works.
Ethan's eyes widened with awe as he absorbed the notion of power linked to levels. His young mind imagined the feats and adventures that awaited those who held such strength. But amidst the excitement, a question tugged at the corners of his thoughts.
"Dad," Ethan asked, his voice a mixture of innocence and confusion, "what about the highest level? You mentioned the God Level. What does that mean?"
Thomas paused, his gaze meeting his son's earnest eyes. He chose his words carefully, aware of the weight they carried. "The God Level, my dear Ethan," he explained, "is the pinnacle of power. It represents the greatest strength one can achieve in this world. Those who reach that level possess unimaginable abilities, shaping the very fabric of our existence."
Ethan's eyes widened in astonishment as he heard the mention of the God Level, the pinnacle of power and mastery. It was a concept that both intrigued and bewildered him. How could mortals ascend to such heights? What did it mean to reach the realm of gods?
Anna, sensing Ethan's overwhelming emotions, took his hand in hers, providing a reassuring touch. She continued their narrative, delving into the realm of magic. She described how Mana, the lifeblood of magic, flowed through the veins of those gifted with the ability to wield it. It was a force that could be cultivated within one's body, granting them extraordinary abilities and shaping the very fabric of their world. Anna, recognizing the intensity of Ethan's curiosity, interjected with a gentle touch of reassurance. "But my sweet child," she said, her voice filled with warmth, "remember that true power doesn't always lie in the highest level. It's the journey, the growth, and the wisdom gained along the way that truly matters."
And so, with each passing word, the secrets of the world unfurled before Ethan's eyes. He learned of the intricate levelling system that governed their society, where strength and authority were determined by one's level. The revelation of magic, of Mana flowing through the veins of those with the gift, sent sparks of fascination coursing through Ethan's being. He imagined a world infused with wonder and enchantment, where possibilities bloomed like vibrant flowers in a magical garden. The allure of magic and the possibilities it held within its grasp were like a siren's call, captivating his imagination. But the weight of truth soon followed, as his parents shared the harsh reality of their world.
Plebeians, like Ethan and his family, were confined by societal restrictions. They were forbidden from leveling up beyond a certain threshold, with the limit set at level 10. Beyond that point, further progress was granted solely based on one's rank, be it worker, noble, or king. The government, fearful of plebeians surpassing their ranks, enforced this restriction to maintain control and prevent upheaval that could topple the kingdom.
The oppressive decree forbidding them from levelling up beyond a certain threshold sent ripples of discontent through his core. How could knowledge and growth be denied to those who yearned for it, he wondered, his mind swirling with thoughts of injustice.
The revelation struck Ethan like a blow, an unjust system that curtailed the growth and potential of countless individuals. The walls that surrounded him felt suffocating, a cage constructed by those in power. But amidst the darkness, a ray of hope pierced through, emanating from his parents' words.
"There is a school," Anna said, her voice filled with determination and defiance. "A place where knowledge thrives, and the hunger for understanding is nurtured. It is a place we hope to send you, Ethan, so you can explore the depths of this world and unleash the fire of curiosity within you."
Ethan's heart raced with excitement, his mind buzzing with possibilities. The idea of a school, a sanctuary of learning, seemed to breathe life into his aspirations. But as quickly as his anticipation soared, a shadow emerged.
"The nobles," Thomas interjected, his voice tinged with caution. "They fear the plebeians gaining too much knowledge, for it threatens their privileged status. That is why knights may come, scrutinizing our every move, even when we simply seek to purchase books."
Ethan's determination blazed brighter in the face of adversity. The challenge only strengthened his resolve to defy the imposed limitations and grasp the opportunities that lay ahead. With each passing moment, the flames of his curiosity burned brighter, a beacon guiding him toward the doors of knowledge that awaited him.
Ethan knew that the journey would be arduous, fraught with obstacles and resistance. But in his heart, he carried the spirits of countless dreamers who had dared to challenge the boundaries of their world. The time for action had arrived, and he would not allow himself to be confined by the shackles of a flawed system.
As he rose from the breakfast table, Ethan's eyes gleamed with determination, his voice filled with a newfound purpose. "I will go to that school," he declared, his words resounding with courage and defiance. "I will learn, understand, and transcend the barriers that bind us. This world may be flawed, but together, we can forge a different destiny. Let knowledge be the catalyst for change and let us redefine the possibilities that lie before us."
His parents, witnessing the fire that burned within their son, felt a mixture of pride and concern. They knew the path he was embarking upon would be strewn with obstacles, but they also believed in his strength and resilience.
And so, with the morning light illuminating their way, Ethan set forth on a journey that would not only transform his own understanding but also challenge the very fabric of their world. The road ahead was uncertain, but armed with curiosity, passion, and the unwavering support of his parents, Ethan stepped into the realm of possibilities, ready to unlock the secrets that awaited him at the school of knowledge and beyond.
Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the morning scene. Ethan's parents, Thomas and Anna, moved about the kitchen, tidying up the remnants of breakfast. The clinking of dishes and the swish of a broom filled the air, creating a familiar symphony of routine. They always left Ethan at home while they went to work, believing that their child's place was not among the toil and labor of the day.
Ethan watched his parents' diligent movements, their actions reflecting a lifetime of hard work etched into their features. Their eyes held a glimmer of fatigue, but also a glimmer of hope. They had dreams for their son, dreams that transcended the boundaries of their own humble existence.
As Thomas wiped down the table, he glanced over at Ethan with a mixture of love and concern. "You know, son," he began, his voice laced with tenderness, "we want more for you. We want you to have a different life than ours. Your mind, your incredible knowledge and wisdom, it sets you apart. We want you to study hard, to upgrade yourself, so you can become a noble one day if you're recognized."
Anna nodded in agreement, her eyes shimmering with a mother's love. "You have a gift, Ethan," she added, her voice soft yet resolute. "We want you to have opportunities we never had, to explore the depths of your potential. You deserve more."
Ethan listened attentively, his gaze shifting between his parents. He understood their aspirations for him, their desire to see him rise above their station in life. But a fire burned within him, a yearning that deviated from their well-intentioned plans. While his parents dreamed of nobility and recognition, Ethan's mind was captivated by the enchanting possibilities of the world beyond their doorstep.
In his heart, Ethan longed to delve into the realms of magic and leveling up, to explore the intricate systems that governed their world. He wanted to master skills and uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the pages of books. The thirst for knowledge coursed through his veins, urging him to follow a different path.
The sun began its ascent in the sky, casting a golden hue over the meadow that stretched before Ethan's humble abode. His parents, Thomas and Anna, stood at the threshold of their home, their work attire dusted with the remnants of the fields they tended. Love and concern radiated from their eyes as they bid farewell to their young son.
"Take care, Ethan," Anna said, her voice laced with motherly worry. "Remember, stay safe and study hard. We'll be back as soon as we can."
Thomas placed a gentle hand on Ethan's shoulder, his voice filled with a father's warmth. "Listen to your mother, son. We're doing this for you, so you can have a better life. Make us proud."
Ethan nodded, his gaze shifting between his parents. "I will, Dad," he replied earnestly. "I'll make the most of this time alone. Don't worry about me."
With one final wave, Thomas and Anna ventured into the vast expanse of the meadow, disappearing from Ethan's sight. As their figures receded into the distance, a sense of solitude settled over the young boy, mingled with an eager anticipation for the hours that lay ahead.
With a subtle sigh, Ethan retreated to his sanctuary, a cozy corner of the room where a pile of books lay waiting. His parents had purchased them before the ban was imposed, their love for their son evident in those precious tomes. They knew that books held the key to unlocking his potential, to allowing him to soar beyond their own limitations. With each turn of a page, Ethan's thirst for understanding was quenched, his imagination ignited.
On this particular day, Ethan's curiosity led him to a weathered book that delved into the history of their world. As he leafed through its yellowed pages, he discovered a tale that spoke of the gods who had shaped their existence. It told of a supreme being, the God of all, who had crafted the world and implemented the levelling system that governed their lives.
The history book unveiled the intricacies of the levelling system, its purpose and its limitations. Tablets and teachings left by ancient civilizations were available, but strictly reserved for the noble class. Plebeians, like Ethan and his family, were educated through simplified tablets that imparted essential moral values, laws, and rules.
Magic, a concept that had always fascinated Ethan, was confirmed within the book's ancient words. His mother's earlier words rang true, and he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. The world held not only wonders but also dangers—magical beasts, monsters, and chaotic entities that threatened the harmony of their existence.
The levelling system, the book explained, restricted the potential of plebeians to a maximum level of 10. Adventurers, who were considered workers, were granted a higher cap of 30. To prevent them from advancing further while still fulfilling their duties, adventurers were required to wear special accessories that halted the accumulation of experience points.
Another page revealed a fascinating insight into their kingdom's governance. The Emperor, revered as a holy being with a divine connection to the God of all, held absolute authority over the realm. Their decrees were akin to the word of God, and anyone who dared to challenge or disobey them faced dire consequences.
As Ethan absorbed the words, a sense of awe and trepidation washed over him. The teachings of the kingdom, passed down through generations, instilled a deep fear of defiance. Death, it seemed, was the consequence of those who dared to challenge the absolute rule of the Emperor.
The world Ethan inhabited was a tapestry woven with magic, hierarchy, and untold histories. The revelations within the book stoked his curiosity, urging him to delve deeper into the labyrinth of knowledge that lay before him. The ban on purchasing new books could not extinguish his thirst for understanding. And so, with renewed determination, Ethan continued his solitary exploration, determined to unravel the secrets of his world and carve out his own destiny amidst the shadows of its ancient tales.
The sun had begun its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow that bathed Ethan's sanctuary in a soft, comforting light. Closing the book on the history of his world, he sighed softly, a mix of disappointment and amazement tugging at his young heart. The tales of the ancient gods and the reign of the Emperor had left him with a sense of longing for a world that seemed both extraordinary and flawed.
With a deep breath, Ethan pushed himself up from his chair, his small frame stretching as he realized the time had slipped away from him. Afternoon had crept in, reminding him that his parents wouldn't return home until dusk. His gaze shifted to the table where his meal awaited him, and he knew that it wouldn't do him any good to consume it cold. He was aware of the importance of nourishing his body properly, even as his mind hungered for knowledge.
Ethan deftly maneuvered around the room, his steps purposeful and gentle. He carefully reheated his meal, taking care to ensure that each bite would offer him the sustenance he needed. Satisfied with his small feast, he reached for a pitcher of water and a cup, placing them next to the stack of books that had become his companions.
Sitting back down in his cozy chair, Ethan's gaze drifted to the window, the world outside momentarily forgotten. He whispered to himself, the words carrying a hint of self-reflection and caution. "I must remember that I am still a child, and this body is delicate. I must take care of it, so that I can navigate this world with strength and wisdom as I grow."
Drawing from the wisdom he had accumulated in his previous life; Ethan understood the importance of self-care. He recognized that his young body was not equipped to withstand the strain of consuming vast amounts of knowledge without rest. And so, he made a conscious decision to implement self-care measures, ensuring that he stayed hydrated and took breaks when needed.
With a sip of water, Ethan allowed his mind to wander, reflecting on the peculiarities of this new world. At just four years old, soon to be five, he found himself with an uncanny ability to comprehend and learn at an accelerated pace. It was a gift that both fascinated and alienated him, setting him apart from his peers. His thirst for understanding and the limitations of his current knowledge made him acutely aware of the importance of books as his sole source of information.
"This world may lack scientific advancements," Ethan mused, his voice barely a whisper. "But it possesses something my old world did not—magic and a levelling system. These elements make it a realm of mystery to me, yet I am determined to uncover its secrets. Knowledge is my gateway to this world, and books are my guide."
Leaning back in his chair, Ethan closed his eyes, a sense of determination settling within him. As he embarked on this journey of self-discovery and understanding, he vowed to make the most of every moment, balancing his thirst for knowledge with the need to nurture his young body. With a renewed sense of purpose, he continued his exploration, knowing that each turn of the page would bring him closer to unraveling the enigmatic tapestry of his new home.
With a renewed sense of curiosity, he returned to the realm of knowledge, this time delving into the fascinating world of animals and monsters that inhabited his current reality.
As he flipped through the pages, a mixture of familiarity and strangeness washed over him. The animals in this world shared similarities with those of his old world, but there were distinct differences that piqued his interest. A chicken, for instance, lacked wings but possessed small claws and robust legs. Some chickens even had wings, earning the peculiar title of "big birds." It was a peculiar blend of similarities and disparities that left Ethan both perplexed and intrigued, his mind trying to reconcile the information with his pre-existing knowledge.
Further into his exploration, Ethan stumbled upon a creature that captured his imagination—a bull adorned with not one, but three majestic horns. He marveled at the image, his mind conjuring images of this formidable beast roaming the lands. A pig with razor-sharp teeth and a dog-like creature resembling a wolf also caught his attention. These animals, deemed too ferocious to be domesticated, were often labeled as beasts. However, noble families and farmers occasionally formed pacts with them, forging a lifelong bond of companionship through the use of magic. It was a fascinating concept, one that enticed Ethan's longing for connection and adventure.
The notion of forming a pact with a lone wolf intrigued him. While they were not allowed to form packs due to the inherent hierarchy, plebeians could still establish a bond with them using low-level magic, provided they reached a minimum level of 5. Although rare among commoners due to their wild nature and the lack of power, some individuals would take in wolf pups or injured wolves, nurturing them and forming a bond that defied societal norms.
But it was the mention of a cat with four tails that truly captivated Ethan's imagination. These feline creatures were revered for their intellectual prowess, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge. While they couldn't be domesticated, a select few had managed to form pacts with them. However, the requirements were more demanding compared to the wolves. Medium-level magic and a minimum level of 15 were necessary to establish a bond with these enigmatic beings. Despite their potential as loyal and understanding companions, their haughty nature made them unapproachable to most.
The room was bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, casting a gentle glow upon the worn pages of the book Ethan had just devoured. The book, a treasure trove of information about the fearsome monsters that roamed this world, had stirred a potent mix of awe and curiosity within him. His mind buzzed with thoughts of forming a pact with one of these creatures, envisioning a steadfast companion by his side.
With a wistful sigh, Ethan closed the book, its weight in his hands a testament to the knowledge he had gained during his two-hour reading. He reached for the cup on the table, savoring the cool touch of the water against his parched lips. Quenching his thirst, he felt a tingling sensation in his limbs—a gentle reminder that his small, fragile body demanded rest.
Weary yet content, Ethan stretched out on the soft cushions of his reading sanctuary. His eyelids grew heavy, and as sleep claimed him, he surrendered to its embrace, his dreams entwined with visions of fantastic beings and the thrill of forging unbreakable bonds.
When Ethan finally stirred from his slumber, he found himself cradled in the loving embrace of his mother's arms. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he met his mother's eyes with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. She laughed heartily, her voice a melody that filled the room and washed away any lingering self-consciousness.
"Oh, my precious boy," his mother cooed, her fingers gently ruffling his hair. "You've grown so fast. It feels like just yesterday you were but a tiny bundle in my arms."
Ethan's father joined them, his eyes brimming with affection and nostalgia. He leaned in, his voice tinged with a tender warmth. "Ah, yes. I remember the sleepless nights, the endless diaper changes. We were so worried, so careful with you. But look at you now, my little man."
The trio sat there, basking in the glow of familial love and shared memories. Their laughter filled the room, mingling with the aroma of a home-cooked meal being prepared in the adjacent kitchen. The scent of spices and simmering ingredients wafted through the air, a comforting embrace that enveloped them all.
As they reminisced about Ethan's early years, stories flowed like a cherished tapestry, woven with anecdotes of first steps, infectious giggles, and milestones reached. It was a time of reflection, a tender reminder of the unwavering bond that had carried them through the years.
Finally, as dusk painted the sky with hues of purple and gold, the family rose from their nostalgic reverie. They exchanged knowing glances, their hearts full with love and gratitude. It was time to gather around the table, to share a meal that would nourish both their bodies and souls.
Ethan's eyes sparkled with anticipation, his mind still abuzz with the possibilities unlocked by the knowledge he had gained from his books. As he joined his parents in the bustling kitchen, his heart whispered of the adventures that lay ahead—the monsters he would encounter, the bonds he would forge, and the world that awaited his exploration.
In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of familial love and the aroma of a home-cooked meal, Ethan felt a surge of determination coursing through his veins. He would honor his parents' wishes, studying diligently to pave the path to nobility. But within his heart, a spark of rebellion flickered—an unyielding yearning to discover the secrets of this enchanting world and carve his own destiny, one pact at a time.