"Mom, why don't we look alike?" I asked
Irene observed the shadow of uncertainty in Jade's eyes and swiftly moved to reassure her. "Jade, my love, there's no cause for worry," she spoke, her tone as comforting as a lullaby.
"Yes, your mother is right, you are truly our child," Lily affirmed, pulling me into an embrace that felt like home.
"But then why don't I look like either of you? Have you adopted me?" I challenged, my words laced with a hint of anger.
"No, Jade, you are not adopted, I assure you of that," Lily replied, her face betraying a flicker of concern.
"You are indeed our true child, and the unique essence you carry is because we sealed half of your powers. It's this very seal that gives you your distinctive appearance," Irene explained, drawing closer before both my mothers wrapped me in a hug, their love enveloping me in a warm embrace.
"We did it to protect you, to ensure you could grow at your own pace without the burden of your full abilities overwhelming you," Lily said, her eyes soft with affection.
Hearing this, I couldn't help but smile inwardly, though outwardly, my expression remained somber. So, it meant that I, too, would be 'overpowered' in time.
"Are my powers really that strong?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"Oh, you can't even begin to imagine the extent of your powers," Irene said with a knowing smile.
"I think I'm quite grown up now; why not lift the seal?" I suggested eagerly.
"Absolutely not, you're not ready. You still need more experience and growth," Lily stated firmly, leaving no room for argument.
I didn't press further. After setting down my bag, I went to change into more comfortable clothes before returning to the living room. I found my two mothers watching TV, looking very close, almost on the verge of a kiss when I interrupted them.
"Mom, I'm going to train outside," I announced, stepping out without waiting for a reply.
Breathing in the fresh air, I looked around, realizing it had been two weeks since I arrived in this world. A lot had happened, especially with Raven, which made me glance at the bracelet and smile. But just as I was about to dwell on those thoughts, the system interrupted me.
[Dear host, why are you smiling like a fool at that bracelet?]
"Always interrupting at the worst possible moment, huh, System?" I grumbled, my irritation simmering just below the surface.
[It's not me who's grinning foolishly at a necklace. Besides, I find your relationship with Raven peculiar—it doesn't seem like mere friendship.]
"What do you know about it? You're not even human," I retorted sharply.
[Must I remind you that before your transmigration, you had only one friend? You've never been in a relationship in 20 years of existence because you preferred books over human beings.]
The System's words felt like a dagger to my heart.
"You didn't have to be so blunt, System. I feel insulted," I said, a sting of hurt in my voice.
[I'm merely stating the truth. You're a hopeless case in friendship and love. It's no wonder you managed to befriend Raven; you're alike in that regard.]
Choosing to ignore the System's provocations, I started my physical training. As usual, after two hours, I was done.
[Congratulations to the host for completing the daily quest. You have obtained 5 free attribute points to use. A gentle reminder: you have yet to claim the reward from your last quest.]
"Oh, right, I had completely forgotten. Thanks for the reminder, System," I said, opening the system panel and navigating to the quests section.
[The Forest Challenge quest completed. To view rewards, click on the quest.]
I tapped on the quest tab.
[Reward:1,000 Gold Coins.
Skill: Inferno's Embrace: This advanced skill amplifies your Flame Mastery, allowing you to summon a protective aura of fire that incinerates incoming threats.
Blaze Bind: This skill allows you to create fiery chains that can immobilize your foes, rendering them unable to move while they suffer burn damage over time.
Special Item: Amulet of the Salamander: This enchanted amulet provides resistance against fire-based attacks and enhances your fire magic potency.
For defeating a wyvern, you have gained a water affinity.]
[For the item you've just received, you can find it in your inventory.]
This time, the rewards are indeed generous. For once, the system isn't stingy. I tap on the inventory tab and spot the amulet. Clicking on it, the Amulet of the Salamander materializes in my hand. It's a remarkable piece, with a medium-sized, fiery red gem at its core, pulsating like a living ember. The silver frame cradling the gem is wrought to mimic petite, intricate flames, creating the illusion of an eternal blaze. The chain is robust silver, dotted with tiny red gems that catch the light and glisten. It's a potent charm and a stunning ornament.
"Wow, this is truly a beautiful necklace," I say, draping it around my neck. A gentle warmth spreads through me, a soothing sensation, and I feel a slight boost in my fire magic.
I conjure a fireball in my palm, and it's twice the size it usually is. But I refrain from hurling it, remembering the last time I used magic near the house.
"Status," I command, and the system's interface pops up.
[Name: Jade Smith
Age: 5
Race: Half-human, half-dragon
HP: 2000/2000 >2400/2400
MP: 2500/2500 > 3000/3000
Magic: 24 > 28 (power sealed)
Strength: 20 > 24 ( power sealed)
Intelligence: 28 > 30
Appearance/Charisma: 26 > 28
Affinity: Fire , Water
Skills: Cooking (B), Escape (C+), Running (B), Pain Resistance ( D> D+), Fire Magic (C >C+): Fireball, Fire Arrow, Fire Explosion , Inferno's Embrace , Blaze Bind
Attribute points: 20 > 30
Item : Amulet of the Salamander
Gold coins: 0 > 1000]
Surveying my attributes, I can see that in just two weeks, I've made significant progress, even if my stats still pale in comparison to Raven's. Now, the system indicates that my powers are sealed, sparking a sudden inspiration in me.
"System, is it possible for you to break the seal on me?" I ask, my voice brimming with eagerness.
[It is beyond my capabilities to break the seal, I am sorry, host.]
"Alright, if you can't break the seal, can you at least tell me how to do it myself?"
[Access Denied: Unauthorized Command.]
The refusal from the system sends a ripple of frustration through me, but it's quickly replaced by a sense of determination. If the system won't help me, I'll find another way.