Xavier and Travis stepped out of the bakery, each carrying a small paper bag filled with their favorite buns. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, and the sun was beginning to cast a warm, golden hue over the town.
Travis led the way as they made their way to a grassy hill located just on the outskirts of town. It was a quiet and serene spot, a hidden gem that only a few locals knew about. As they climbed the hill, the fresh scent of the buns filled the air, making Xavier's mouth water with anticipation.
After struggling to survive in life with the little income of a handyman, even cheap buns like this can be considered a luxury. While he is still alive he might as well enjoy the few good things of life that he can afford.
Once they reached the top, they settled on a patch of soft grass overlooking the entire town. It was a breathtaking view, with the town's buildings and streets sprawled out below them. Xavier couldn't help but marvel at the sight.
With buns in hand, they sat down, and the warm aroma of the freshly baked treats filled the air. Xavier took a bite of his bun, savoring the soft, fluffy texture and the sweetness of the filling. It was a simple pleasure, but in that moment, it felt like a small piece of heaven.
Travis, with his mouth full, began talking between bites. "You know, Xavier, I've got a feeling the future is going to be a lot brighter for us."
Xavier raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Travis's optimism. "Oh? And how do you figure that?"
Travis swallowed his bite and looked out at the town below. "Well, I can't say for sure how it's going to happen, but I just have this gut feeling that something extraordinary is waiting for us. We might not have any special skills or connections, but I believe in miracles, mate."
Xavier couldn't help but roll his eyes. He had stopped his meal to listen to his friend expecting to hear something factual but this happened. But Xavier couldn't refute it, nothing about his meeting with the cosmic phoenix or the system is factual.
"As long as the miracles involve more buns and coins, I don't mind," Xavier said before tossing another bun into his mouth.
Travis's eyes sparkled with unwavering hope. "I can't explain it, Xavier. Call it blind faith, but I believe in our luck. We might not see it now, but one day, something incredible will come our way, and it'll change our lives forever."
Xavier fell into a momentary silence, contemplating Travis's words. He couldn't help but think back to the strange encounter with the Cosmic Phoenix and the enigmatic system. The memory of the cosmic spirit's words echoed in his mind, but he kept it to himself. Involving Travis in his strange experiences would only complicate their already challenging lives.
After a pause, Xavier finally spoke, his voice tinged with a hint of skepticism. "You know, Travis, I really believe something good will happen soon. But for now, I think I'll settle for enjoying these buns and the view."
Travis grinned and nodded, appreciating Xavier's support. They continued to eat their buns in companionable silence, gazing out at the town below.
As the sun rose on another day in Xavier's life, he found himself standing in the courtyard of the Mercenary guild, alongside his friend Travis. The past month had brought about significant changes in his daily routine, all thanks to the mysterious system that had appeared in his life.
Xavier had diligently followed the daily workout routine prescribed by the system. Each morning, before the sun had fully risen, he would push himself through a series of exercises, working on his strength, endurance, and agility. The effort had paid off, and the results were evident. His once lean frame had become visibly more muscular, adding to his stature.
Today was a special day, marking the completion of a full month of following the system's regimen. It had been a challenging journey, but Xavier had persevered. The sweat and effort had not been in vain, as he had accumulated enough experience points to level up the system to level 2.
[Name: Xavier]
[Race: Human]
[Level: 2]
[Number of Lives: 3/3].
[Abilities]
[Enhanced Vision: Host's sight is superior to that of the average human.]
[Territory: Host gains strength in hotter environments]
[Basic Fire Manipulation: Host is capable of generating and manipulating a fairly limited quantity of fire.]
[Experience points: 40/100]
As Xavier stood there in his handyman uniform, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his achievements. He had become physically stronger and more capable, a far cry from the unsure young man he had been when he first joined the Mercenary guild.
Beside him, Travis, too, had noticed the change in Xavier's appearance. He clapped his friend on the back and grinned. "You've been hitting those workouts hard, haven't you?"
Xavier chuckled, feeling a newfound confidence. "Yeah, it's been tough, but It's not something I can't handle."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the mercenary guild teams that would lead them in today's job. Xavier and Travis, along with the other handymen, lined up, ready to receive their instructions for the day. It was another day of hard work and uncertainty, but Xavier felt better prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The courtyard of the Mercenary guild bustled with activity as the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting its warm golden light over the gathering mercenaries. Two distinct groups emerged from the guild building, each comprising three members, forming two well-organized hunter teams. They were a diverse bunch, their appearances as varied as their skills.
The first hunter team captain was Baelin, a grizzled veteran with a salt-and-pepper beard, Baelin stood at the forefront of his team. His weathered face told tales of countless battles, and the scar running across his left eye was a testament to his experience. He wore a leather duster and had a pair of crossed swords strapped to his back.
Lyra the Archer has flowing auburn hair and a keen eye, she was the team's expert archer. She carried a sleek longbow, and her quiver was filled with arrows of various types. Her green cloak helped her blend seamlessly with the surrounding foliage, and her presence was a reassuring one for her comrades.
The last member of the first team is Kaldur the Tracker. Kaldur was a beast of a man, both in stature and demeanor. His rugged appearance, clad in furs and leather, made him the ideal tracker. He carried a massive double-bladed ax on his back and exuded an aura of primal strength.
Meanwhile, the captain of the second hunter team is Seraphina who is the embodiment of grace and power. Her armor gleamed with intricate engravings, and her long, silver hair cascaded down her back. She wielded a gleaming, two-handed sword with an air of authority. Her piercing blue eyes held a fierce determination.
There was also Fenrir the Beastmaster. Fenrir had an uncanny bond with animals, evident by the wolf that stood loyally by his side. His rugged appearance, clad in pelts and leather, was a stark contrast to his gentle demeanor. He was a master of traps and could tame even the wildest of creatures.
The final member of the second hunter team was Sylas, a master of stealth and assassination. His black attire allowed him to blend into the shadows effortlessly. Dual daggers rested at his hips, and his quick, precise movements made him a deadly foe in close combat.
The mercenaries watched in anticipation as Captain Baelin from Hunter Team 1 stepped forward to address the assembled handymen.
"Listen up," he began, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Today's mission is a simple one. We're hunting beasts. Our teams will go ahead and eliminate the threat. You handymen will follow at a safe distance, and your job is to collect the valuable parts from the carcasses. There's a good coin to be made if you do your part. Understood?"
The handymen nodded in agreement, some eager, others apprehensive, but all ready to fulfill their roles.