After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at a secluded room. Max recognized it as the place where Granny Romina used to meet with visitors in private.
Smith spoke, "Sire Max, please feel comfortable to speak. Why have you come to this countryside?"
Max felt a bit awkward, as he was not accustomed to people addressing him with such respect. He replied, "You can call me simply Max."
"Sure," Smith nodded in understanding and continued the conversation.
"I'm actually a close friend of David's, and I'm truly saddened to say that he passed away a few months ago," Max explained with a genuine look of sorrow on his face. "He had mentioned to me a few times that he hailed from Sun Care Orphanage in Dani village." Max had planned this approach from the very beginning.
Smith nodded a hint of sadness on his face. "Indeed, he was a fine young man. Always eager to support our orphanage and truly cared for everyone. I believe you shouldn't have come here alone to convey this, Mr. Max."
"Indeed, he was a wonderful man, and a good friend" Max replied, his sadness apparent. "I didn't come here alone, though. I have plans to provide financial support to Sun Care Orphanage in David's memory. He meant a lot to me, and I'd like to help continue his legacy of love and support for the orphanage." Max was pleased with how smoothly the conversation was going.
Upon hearing Max's words, a mix of happiness and concern played across Smith's face. Max could clearly read the emotions in Smith's expression.
"Uncle Smith, please rest assured," Max began, determined to clarify the situation. "This money was arranged by David through his hard work, and I am here solely to deliver it to the orphanage."
Smith's concern began to ease as he understood Max's genuine intentions. "Thank you, Max. David was always a kind soul, and I'm sure he would be happy to know that his efforts are supporting the orphanage."
The weight of the situation seemed to lift a little as they discussed David's efforts, and Smith felt reassured by Max's presence and words.
After handing over the money pouch to Smith, Max refrained from disclosing the contents.
Suddenly A blue prompt from the system appeared before him, indicating that Max had successfully completed the system's main quest.
However, Max was not in a position to check it at that moment, as he had other matters at hand.
Max said "By the way if it was not inappropriate may I ask is there everything going on well in the orphanage"
Smith, with a somber expression, continued to divulge the dire circumstances that had befallen the orphanage and the village.
"Max, we are in a very precarious situation. Both our orphanage and our head, Miss Romina, are not in good health,"
he began. "It all started about two months ago when the bandits near our village began kidnapping children. What's worse, a few children from our orphanage fell victim to these abductions.
When we lodged complaints with the village chief, he made no effort to address the issue. Instead, he has been increasing the taxes in the last few months.
Additionally, Miss Romina's health has been deteriorating, and we find ourselves in much trouble. I hope your support can alleviate some of the burdens we are currently facing."
Smith's face bore the weight of these troubles as he revealed the grim situation to Max, who listened attentively.
Max pondered for a moment and then spoke with determination, "Uncle Smith, if it's possible, I'd like to offer any help I can provide. I am also a 1st circle magician, though I may not appear to be one."
Smith's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope at this revelation, but Max had another surprise in store.
Max continued, "If it's possible, I'd like to see Granny Romina. I have a number of health recovery potions that could be of great assistance to her."
Upon hearing this, Smith came to see Max as a guardian angel sent from the heavens to aid them in their time of need.
Before Max could utter another word, a sudden voice from the system interrupted him.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[Ding]
Sudden Mission: Assistance for Sun Care Orphanage
Information: Sun Care Orphanage is under threat from nearby bandits who have abducted several children. Your assistance is required to aid the orphanage and rescue the kidnapped children.
Time Limit: 24 hours
Rewards: Your performance will determine the rewards provided by the mission host.
Consequences of Failure: The Sun Care Orphanage will suffer severe repercussions.
Note: Congratulations, this marks the beginning of your first covert assignment. You have the choice to become a hero or remain a bystander.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
As the conversation progressed, Max couldn't help but reflect on the situation. He thought to himself, 'Sometimes when you truly need something, the universe conspires to provide it.' Max was determined to assist the orphanage, whether the system assigned him a mission or not.
He understood the significance of their struggle and felt a profound connection to their cause.
With a heart full of compassion and a newfound purpose, he was ready to face the challenges ahead and do whatever he could to help.
In the process, Max was bound to discover new opportunities, forge valuable relationships, and further unlock his potential in this magical world of Aiden.
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[Author's Note: Hello, everyone. I wanted to share that I haven't been feeling my best over the past few days, which may result in a slower release of chapters in the coming days. I genuinely appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging period. Your cooperation means a lot to me as I navigate through this journey. Rest assured, I am committed to bringing you more content as soon as I am able to. Your patience and encouragement are invaluable, and I'm grateful to have you as readers. Thank you for being a part of my journey, and I'll be back with more chapters soon.]