4 Years Later
*grunt* huff huff
[System Prompt: Host Leo Ignacius has completed 'Beginner's Quest'.]
[System Prompt: Host Leo Ignacius has received 10 Stat Points.]
[System Prompt: Host Leo Ignacius has a new available quest.]
"Damn, really? A 4-year quest for 10 stat points? How incredibly petty. I thought that there would be some hidden reward after I complete it, but it really was just 10. Damn."
Leo grumbled as he summoned his quest window.
"Quest."
And so it appeared, a panel similar to his status appeared in front of him, displaying his available and ongoing quests.
[Beginner's Quest]
[Achieve at least 5 points in every stat.]
[Progress: 5/5]
[Reward: 10 Stat Points]
Leo nodded in satisfaction as he wiped himself with a towel. He dedicated himself to rigorous training, doing nothing but madness every day - he pushed himself with grit until he eventually overexerted himself and collapsed from exhaustion.
Leo was now taller, standing at about 4 feet, and although still small, it was considered quite tall for a kid his age. His body was also quite defined for a kid; you could see some muscles forming, but that was it - the constraints of being a kid limited his growth.
Although Leo was still considered young at the age of 4, he knew that being active and constantly pushing his body to its limits would greatly contribute to his physical development.
Moreover, a semblance of both his parents' features was present in his appearance. He was extremely handsome, perhaps rivaling his mother's looks if he were to be a girl.
So why was Leo trying so hard? It was because he yearned for action. His previous life was mundane and peaceful, where people slaved themselves away for money.
Although he wasn't exposed to many things related to violence, he wanted to be ready as he still considered the possibility of dying in this world - no, dying here was even more likely compared to his world!
Knowing that he was part of a world full of unknown dangers greatly thrilled him with both fear and excitement.
"Status."
[Name: Leo Ignacius]
[Race: Human] [?]
[Level: 1] [0/100 Exp]
[Class: —]
[Job: —]
[Health: 20/20] [Mana: —] [Aura: —]
[Strength: 5] [Agility: 6] [Stamina: 5]
[Intelligence: 9] [Dexterity: 7]
[Stat Points: 10]
"I wasn't able to gain even a minuscule amount of experience all this time, which I could probably get by either finishing quests or fighting, but at least today would be the day I change that."
Leo thought to himself with glee as the stats he currently possessed were achieved through his own blood, sweat, and tears.
"Come down here, Leo, lunch is ready!"
"My birthday also seems to be close, just on time for me to determine my future!"
Leo thought as he made his way downstairs to eat.
At the dining table, seated were Leo and his parents, chatting while merrily filling themselves with appetizing food. It was rare for them to have time like this together due to the work Leo's parents did.
Suddenly his father interrupted and looked at Leo with a serious expression.
"Leo, your birthday is near, and it will determine the very course of your life. I know you weren't idling around all these years... in fact, we're both proud of you. Our beloved child has been investing all his time for something that would benefit his future unlike any other kids."
The world he was in had this fascinating tradition. At the age of 4, people would have themselves evaluated. This would be beneficial as it would help people prepare for the path they would take at an early age.
Leo's mother had also begun to teach him during those years, which quickly surprised both Leo and his mother at how fast he was learning everything thrown at him.
His mother was amazed at his son's intellect and couldn't help but wear a bright smile every time they studied, which was about the world and some general knowledge of magic.
What's more, he found out that in this world, they measured mana, affinities, aptitude, and potential!
Suddenly, Leo's mother chimed in and followed -
"I agree, Leo. Although we are honestly very happy with this, are you happy with what you're doing? Do you feel forced to do what you're doing? I'm worried that you might one day regret this. Being a kid, Leo, you see... it's something you only get to experience for a very short while."
Leo was silent and just listened as his parents said what they wanted to. All what they said was understandable as it was really abnormal - Leo being matured at such an early age must've been an entirely weird feeling for both his parents.
Not that he couldn't act like a kid, but he chose to show this temperament as he thought that showing the signs of a genius would be beneficial in the long run. However, he would only selectively show that to other people when he deemed the situation beneficial.
Leo wryly smiled at his parents as he fully understood their worries. Despite the predicament he's in right now, it only showed how much his parents loved him from this world. Perhaps that was also one of that old man's gifts... just maybe.
"I'm alright, Mom, Dad. I understand both of your worries, but I'm having a lot of fun with what I'm doing, really! I really love improving myself and all the things in this world just...really excite me!"
"Learning all sorts of magic, the physical abilities of knights, the adventures this world has to offer - I just can't wait!"
After saying all that, Leo's parents had a worried expression. They both knew... as they too were once adventurers. So how strong were they? They really didn't show, nor did Leo have any clue.
After saying all that, both Leo's parents now had a worried expression and just looked at their child.
"It seems our desire to seek the world had been passed on, right, hon?"
Leo's mother sighed with reluctance and wore a worried smile.
"I guess so. It's not like we can stop him from his desire. It's his, and only just for him to fulfill."
Leo looked at his parents and smiled as they acknowledged his dream.
"Thanks, Mom. Dad."
Leo's parents looked at their child with a soft smile and said nothing. They all knew that they were going to support Leo towards his goals.
With a smile, Leo continued to eat, and so did his parents.
After eating, Leo went outside the house and informed them that he would be back after some time.
"Now, time to check that new quest!"
Leo excitedly summoned his quest window along with the details for the new quest.
[Explore]
[Explore the surrounding forest and achieve a completion rate of 100%.]
[Progress: 0%]
[Reward: Unlock 'Mana']