The sun hung high in the sky over Rovia, casting a warm glow on the small town that Jack had called home for most of his life. Rovia was a quaint place, nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, with cobblestone streets that wound through clusters of charming houses. Market stalls lined the main square, filled with vibrant fruits, colorful fabrics, and the chatter of townsfolk going about their daily routines.
As Jack walked through the town, he felt the weight of curious eyes upon him. Whispers followed him like shadows, and he could sense the mixture of intrigue and fear in the air. After all, he had been a recluse for years, training alone in the outskirts of town, away from the laughter and camaraderie of his peers. Now, with his newfound powers, he was suddenly the center of attention—a spectacle that made him uncomfortable.
He glanced down at the device strapped to his wrist, a sleek piece of technology that pulsed with a faint light. It had been customized at the guild, and as he activated it, a holographic display flickered to life. The screen showed his rank: F. Jack frowned, feeling a twinge of disappointment.
"F rank," he muttered to himself. "Just like I expected."
The device was designed to reflect his abilities in real-time, but he knew that this was only the beginning. As he engaged in battles and took on jobs, his rank would eventually change to reflect his true potential. For now, though, he remained an F, the lowest rank in the guild's hierarchy.
Jack had spent years training in martial arts, honing his physical skills, but without powers, he had never been able to challenge even an F rank. He had left his village and family at fourteen, feeling the sting of inadequacy as his peers awakened their abilities. The isolation had been painful, but it was a choice he had made to escape the constant reminders of his failure.
As he continued through the bustling streets of Rovia, he couldn't help but notice the way people reacted to him. Some stared in awe, while others exchanged nervous glances, whispering among themselves. Jack felt a mixture of pride and discomfort. He had always been an outsider, but now he was a curiosity—a boy who had finally awakened powers that had eluded him for so long.
"Look at him," a woman whispered to her friend, her voice barely above a murmur. "He's finally got his powers. I wonder what he can do."
"Do you think he's dangerous?" her friend replied, casting a wary glance in Jack's direction.
Jack quickened his pace, the whispers echoing in his mind. It was nothing new; he had always felt like an outsider. But now, with powers that could potentially elevate him, he felt a growing sense of ego. He had the chance to prove himself, to show everyone that he was capable of greatness.
As he approached the edge of town, the scenery shifted. The cobblestone streets gave way to a dirt path that led into the dense forest surrounding Rovia. The trees loomed tall and ancient, their leaves whispering secrets in the gentle breeze. Jack felt a thrill of excitement as he stepped into the shade, the coolness of the forest air refreshing against his skin.
He paused to take in the surroundings, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. This was where he had trained for years, where he had pushed himself to the limits, and now it felt like a second home. But there was no time for nostalgia; he had a mission.
Jack made his way to the guild, determined to select a job that would allow him to test his abilities. As he entered the building, the familiar smell of parchment and ink filled the air. The guild was bustling with activity, adventurers and aspiring heroes milling about, discussing their next quests.
He approached the job board, scanning the various postings. Most of the jobs were suited for higher ranks, but there was one that caught his eye: "Clean Up the Forest: Dispose of Trash." It was marked as an F rank job, and he couldn't help but smirk at the simplicity of it.
"Perfect," he muttered to himself. "I'll show them I can handle this."
Jack selected the job, feeling a rush of determination. This was his chance to prove himself, to start climbing the ranks and finally earn the respect he had longed for. He felt the device on his wrist vibrate slightly, confirming his selection.
As he stepped outside, he could feel the weight of expectations on his shoulders. He was no longer just Jack, the boy who had been left behind. He was Jack, the wielder of powers, ready to take on the world.
With a newfound sense of purpose, he headed toward the forest, ready to tackle the task ahead. The path was familiar, but this time it felt different. He was no longer just a boy training in isolation; he was a contender, and he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
---
As he entered the forest, the sounds of nature enveloped him—the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the gentle crunch of twigs underfoot. Jack felt a thrill of excitement coursing through him. This was his territory, and he was determined to make the most of it.
With each step, he could feel the anticipation building within him. He was ready to prove himself, to show the people of Rovia that he was no longer the boy they had once known.