"But why choose me? I understand you think I might have potential, but sir, let me be clear: I was born in a slum, so I don't believe I have any promising future ahead," Ethan asked.
That's a valid question. I didn't anticipate it coming from him.
I had initially thought he was naive, but it's good to see he still has some brain.
Maybe because of that "cautious" personality trait.
That's promising.
"It's just my gut feeling that tells me you're destined for much more than you believe, Ethan. And trust me, my gut has never been wrong," I assured him, looking directly into his eyes.
"So, now that I've answered your question, what do you think of my offer?" I asked immediately, not waiting for a response.
A range of emotions played across Ethan's face—doubt, hope, and a hint of excitement. "I... I don't know what to say, sir."
I was right... So, he's basically saying no.
But now that I think about it, I rushed into trying to recruit him.
He probably got suspicious right away when I told him why I wanted him.
Ugh, I should have come up with a better excuse.
Regardless, I'll make sure he joins me before anyone else finds him or tries to recruit him.
"Think about it," I suggested, sensing his uncertainty. "Take your time. But remember, the offer stands. I believe in you, Ethan."
He nodded slowly, gratitude evident in his expression. "Thank you, sir. I will think about it."
With that, Ethan bid me farewell once more and began to walk away.
As I watched Ethan walk away, a sudden realization struck me.
I knew I had to stop him before he disappeared for good. "Hey, Ethan!" I called out, catching his attention.
He turned back with a curious expression, waiting for me to speak.
"Now what, sir?" Ethan asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a white card, tossing it towards him.
It fluttered through the air before landing gracefully in Ethan's hand.
His eyes widened in surprise as he examined it.
It was no ordinary card—it was one of the Frostburne family's Appointment cards, known to all humans.
My father had used these cards frequently in TV interviews and various public engagements.
Ethan looked up at me, clearly taken aback.
"Sir, are you... are you really Michael Frostburne?" he stammered, disbelief evident in his voice.
'Jackpot!'
I had a feeling that this guy might have confused me with fake Michaels, and it turns out I was correct.
I raised an eyebrow. "You didn't know?" I replied, genuinely pretended to be surprised.
Ethan vigorously shook his head. "I had no idea. This is... surprising."
Suddenly, Ethan dropped to his knees before me. "Please, sir, forgive me. I didn't know it was really you. I beg you, please forgive me," he pleaded earnestly.
But, why is this guy asking for forgiveness?
What did he do wrong?
Does he think I am like those young master who would kick some random people's ass just because he didn't recognise me?
That seems to be the most understandable reason.
"Okay, okay, stand up," I said, trying to suppress a smile. "I forgive you."
Ethan rose to his feet, his eyes filled with determination. "Sir, please take this card. Make me your subordinate. Please, sir," he implored.
'That's my boy.'
I chuckled inwardly, proud of Ethan's eagerness.
"Alright, Ethan," I said aloud, nodding approvingly. "Consider yourself under my wing. We have a lot of work to do."
Ethan's face lit up with gratitude and excitement. "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down," he promised earnestly.
I clapped him on the shoulder. "I believe you," I said with conviction. "Take this card and go back to the human domain for some rest. Tomorrow, visit me to the Frostburne family's office and report there, alright?"
Ethan nodded fervently, clutching the card to his chest. "Thank you again, sir. I'll see you tomorrow," he said, his voice filled with unknown gratitude.
He turned and ran off, disappearing quickly into the forest.
I watched him go, a faint smile playing on my lips.
Got him...
After Ethan vanished from sight, I took a deep breath and opened my character profile to check my progress.
Name: Michael Frostburne
Race: Human
Current Rank: Iron
Progression to Gold Rank: 24.4% (610/2500 essences)
Seeing my essence count climb to 610 with the last two essences collected a few minutes ago, I felt a surge of satisfaction.
This was a good progress for now...
I scrolled through my messages, searching for the chain quest notification.
After a few moments, I found it and clicked on it.
The system screen flickered, and the chain quest details unfolded before me.
Chain Quest: [Death March!]
1st Quest: [Change the Destiny!][Completed]
2nd Quest: Opened
3rd Quest: Locked
4th Quest: Locked
5th Quest: Locked
I clicked on the open option, and a new page with quest information appeared in front of me.
2nd Quest: [Hope Or Despair!]
Survive till the sunrise...
Objective: Survive 0/1.
Reward: Knowledge to the Entrance to the Lost Continent
(Accept/Reject)
'Survive till the sunrise... What does that mean?'
I wondered.
Since it's morning now, I guess it means I have to survive until tomorrow morning. But survive from what?
I don't even know who my enemy is, so how can I plan ahead?
The system is really... Bit-never mind.
I sighed...
It always gives me little to no hints about the quest objective and expects me to figure it out on my own.
I pushed those thoughts aside and glanced at the reward section.
Lost Continent? So, there's another continent besides this one.
Interesting, very interesting...
Once I learn more about it, I'll have to travel there before anyone else find it.
While I was examining the virtual window, a faint noise caught my attention.
"Huh? What's that noise?" I muttered, trying to listen carefully. "Where is it coming from?"
I quickly closed my system and focused on the noise, which was getting louder and closer. I turned my head towards the sound, squinting into the distance.
To my surprise, I saw a white-haired boy with malnourished skin.
His face still had some childhood roundness but showed signs of starting to mature.
It was Ethan, running frantically towards me.
Behind him was a pack of monsters.
Why do those monsters look familiar?
Have I seen them before?
As the gap between us shrank, I recognized the creatures chasing him.
I finally understood why they looked familiar...
Those boar-like faces with rhino horns.
The memory of my first battles in this world flooded back.
How could I forget them?
"Ethan, this guy... He's definitely a trouble maker," I muttered, watching him close the distance between us.
He was shouting too, his voice desperate. "Sir, please save me once more!"
The distance between us was down to about a kilometer. Ignoring Ethan's frantic shouts and expression, I concentrated on the charging monsters.
I had to find out their ranks and weakness.
I activated my appraisal skill to assess the rhino-like creatures I was about to face.
The results appeared quickly:
**Two-Horn Boar**
Height: Approximately 5 feet tall at the shoulder.
Weight: Estimated at around 500 pounds.
Strength: Massive tusks and strong, charging attacks.
Weakness: Vulnerable underbelly and slow maneuverability.
Critical Body Parts: Eyes, throat, and underbelly.
Rank: Lesser-Rank Monster
Probability:- There's a 99% chance of winning against these monsters.
I quietly said to myself, "Lesser rank, huh? This should be manageable," as I swiftly assessed the other boars pursuing Ethan.
All of them indeed showed as Lesser-Rank monsters.
'I guess twenty essences isn't too bad,' I thought, feeling relieved by the prospect of the task ahead.
But my focus shifted to a newly added feature, "Probability."
I was really curious about how it works. How does it calculate so accurately? Could it predict the future...?
I had so many questions that needed answers.
I wonder about this 'Probability' feature," I mused aloud, addressing the system. 'System!'
(Yes, host!)
'Can you explain more about this 'Probability' feature? How does it work? Is there a formula to calculate it?' I asked, intrigued by the accuracy displayed.
(Sorry, host, but your rank is insufficient to access details about the 'Probability' feature.)
'What? Even here I need higher ranks to access information? How restrictive can you get?' I exclaimed, frustration creeping into my voice.
The system ignored my frustration and reiterated.
(Sorry, host, but this is the rule. I cannot break any rules.)
'Fine,' I sighed deeply, trying to calm myself. 'Okay, get lost.'
I thought, dismissing the system and attempting to rein in my emotions.
I closed my eyes briefly, focusing on regulating my breathing and pushing aside the irritation caused by the system's limitations.
"Ethan, keep running toward me! I'll handle them!" I yelled, drawing my daggers and preparing for the incoming fight.
As Ethan continued to sprint towards me, I steadied my breath and positioned myself for the battle ahead, ready to take on the monsters and collect essences once more.
I have to kill them first before they become troublesome for me.