I heard the familiar voice of Mrs. Anderson, the head of the orphanage, calling me to join the others for breakfast. I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from this life, knowing that I now possessed extraordinary abilities and a chance to change my destiny. As I made my way down to the dining area, I wondered how I could use the System to its fullest potential.
As the morning sun gently filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the kitchen floor, Mrs. Anderson, in her late 60s, who used to work in a church as a nun in another city, began her daily ritual of preparing breakfast. The familiar clatter of pots and pans accompanied her movements, creating a symphony of sounds that had become the soundtrack to her mornings.
Wearing a comfortable apron that had witnessed countless culinary adventures, Mrs. Anderson moved with a practiced grace around her kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the subtle fragrance of herbs and spices as she prepared a hearty breakfast.
Sitting at the long wooden table with the other children, I felt like I was in a different world. They chatted about their dreams and aspirations, while I contemplated the possibilities that the System had opened up for me. It was then that I realized I needed to keep my newfound abilities a secret. If others found out, it could bring unwanted attention and danger to this peaceful place.
During breakfast, I listened to the conversations around me, learning about the other kids' ambitions. Sarah wanted to become a doctor, and John aspired to be a scientist. It was heartwarming to hear their dreams and ambitions. As far as I remember, Sarah was to become a nurse due to financial circumstances, and John had established a small company that moved products from one city to another. This time, I might help them achieve their dreams with my newly founded abilities. I couldn't help but think about the countless universes and worlds I could explore with my abilities.
After breakfast, I returned to my room, locked the door, and activated the System once more. I began to familiarize myself with its functions and options, understanding how to earn and spend System points. The world seed intrigued me, offering a path to immortality and power, but I needed to tread carefully. For now, I decided to focus on strengthening myself gradually and secretly.
My first step was to utilize the Akshaya Patra. It could provide me with limitless sustenance, eliminating the need to worry about food. With a sense of awe, I watched as the divine item manifested itself, a beautiful, intricate bowl. Testing it, I placed a simple apple into the bowl, and to my amazement, it never seemed to finish; as soon as I picked up the apple, a new one appeared in its place. This newfound convenience would allow me to divert my attention to more important matters.
I contemplated my next move, realizing that I could unlock my latent potential and develop my abilities. I didn't want to attract too much attention to myself by suddenly displaying extraordinary powers, so I decided to start by enhancing my physical attributes gradually. I spent some System points to increase my Strength, Agility, and Intelligence, albeit modestly, to avoid suspicion.
My thoughts drifted to the Crucible of Mixture I had purchased. The prospect of creating a new bloodline fascinated me. It was a path to unlocking untapped potential within myself. However, I needed to find a secluded place where I could safely undergo this transformation without anyone noticing the significant blood loss. It was a risky endeavor, but the rewards were worth it. And I knew where that would be. There is a forest not too far away from our orphanage, hardly about 30 minutes of walk.
I heard it was a property of a rich businessman who grew fruits for themselves to consume. There were a variety of fruits ranging from apples and pears to exotic ones like passion fruit and dragon fruit. The orphanage, nestled on the outskirts of town, found itself in the welcoming proximity of this lush forest, providing a natural haven for the children. And I am going to buy the property and make a safe haven for myself in that forest.
As I closed the System interface, I glanced around the room, my heart torn between my former life and this new world of possibilities. I knew that my journey had only just begun, and I was determined to make the most of the incredible opportunities that lay before me. The memory of the Goddess Juna's smile as she sent me here served as a constant reminder that I had been given a second chance, a chance to change my fate, and to make the most of it.
"Arthur, come on, you're going to be late for school!" Mrs. Anderson's voice once again pulled me back to the present. I knew I had to balance this new life with my old one, at least for now. And so, with a renewed sense of purpose and a secret that could change the world, I stepped out of the room and headed for the life that lay ahead.