Right now, I need to think of a plan—how to find the bastard who killed our parents. But first, I need to gather any remaining belongings I can take with me.
I also need to think about the village we'll live in from now on. I can't stay here because there's nothing left but burned houses.
Although I could gather scraps and build a new home for my sister and me, I'm afraid the assailant who killed our parents will come back to check if there are any survivors.
I'm sure that bastard saw me that night.
So, the best move is to relocate, preferably to a nearby village or town. But I don't think we'll survive a day walking there on foot.
"Wahhhhhh." My infant sister's crying pulls me back to reality.
Worrying won't keep us alive; it's better to try than to sit here until we die.
I get up and grab anything useful. All I can find is an almost-burned sack of rice and two potatoes.
"How can we survive with this?" I sigh deeply and smile bitterly. The pain is still there, and I can barely feel anything else, but I must stay strong if I want us to live.
I pack everything we need and tear my clothes to create a carry bag for my sister. Once she's secured, I start walking.
She's sleeping soundly for now, but I know it won't last long. She'll be hungry soon, and I need to find a shop that sells milk for infants.
But first, we need to survive the journey to the next village or town.
I walk and walk, my head growing heavy. I feel like I could collapse at any moment. Then, I hear a noise—a horse-drawn carriage.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The sound is like a melody to my ears.
I look toward the noise and see a merchant's carriage coming our way. My plan is to jump onto it after it passes and get off before it reaches the next village. But the carriage stops in front of us, and a man steps out.
"Hey, kid, do you want a ride?"
I glare at him. He looks like a middle-aged man who hasn't known puberty since birth. He seems kind, but trusting him feels like digging my own grave. I don't know this guy, and he doesn't know me. Why is he being nice? Does he have an ulterior motive? Is he planning to sell us?
Before I can sink further into my thoughts, he speaks again.
"Ahhh, do I look like a creep to you?" he says, scratching his head and looking away. "I just want to help. You look like you have a baby with you, and it's safer in the carriage than walking on foot. It's okay if you don't want to; I'll understand."
He seems sincere, but I'm still not convinced.
"Actually," he continues, "you kind of remind me of my son and daughter who passed away months ago..."
His words shock me. Are we reminders of his deceased children?
"It's up to you if you want to hop in or not," he says. "I won't force you, haha..."
He's really willing to trust us despite knowing nothing about us. That's absurd. This kind of kindness will get you killed someday, old man. Still, if he truly wants to help, so be it.
"Why do you want to help us? What if I'm a thief and kill you to take all your belongings?" I test him, expecting him to back off.
But he just smiles.
"It's okay. I choose to trust you, knowing the risks. Besides, I want to give you some clothes and food before we part ways. Even if you kill me, I have nothing left to lose, haha..." His expression darkens, and I can feel the sadness in his words.
"Okay. We'll accept your kindness. Thank you, mister," I reply.
He smiles, goes to the back of the carriage, and prepares a spot for us.
"I'm sorry if it's not comfortable because of my luggage," he says. "This is all I have left of my children. Rest well; I'll wake you before we reach the town."
I nod, place my sister on a soft mattress I find in the carriage, and sit beside her. As I close my eyes, memories flood my mind. If only I had known what would happen, I might have saved my father.
Then, I hear a voice in my head.
- Do you want to acquire the epic skill, All-Knowing Guide to the World? Yes/No -
What the hell is this? Can it hear my thoughts? That's disturbing. Can I ask it questions?
- Yes, you can. But I will not answer all your questions unless you accept the skill. Do you accept the epic skill, All-Knowing Guide to the World? Yes/No -
I don't understand, but if accepting it will answer my questions, maybe it's worth it. "Yes, I accept," I say out loud.
The old man looks at me, tilting his head. "Kid, are you having a nightmare? There's water in that container; it'll help you sleep better."
I nod.
- Notice: Using your voice is invalid. You must respond with the voice of your mind. -
Ah, I see. So I can see this weird blue box in my mind, and I can only respond mentally?
- Correct. Will you accept the skill? Yes/No -
Yes, I will. But why do I feel like she's mad?
- Notice: It's just your imagination. Acquiring the skill All-Knowing Guide to the World. -
- [All-Knowing Guide to the World
Epic Skill - Support
Skill Effects:
• Vast Knowledge of the World (not infinite; upgrade the skill for deeper knowledge)
• Thought Acceleration (5-minute time dilation for mental tasks; does not slow fatal injuries or death)
• Skill Manipulation (Merge, de-merge, or sacrifice skills to create new ones)
• Auto Battle Mode (Command the skill to take over your body for combat or escape)]
What is this? It feels like I have a servant/butler in my mind.
- That's one way to look at it, hmph. -
She sounds annoyed.
- Notice: Would you like to view your status window? -
Status window? Sure, let me see it.
- [Name: Daemon Osborne
Age: 15
Sex: Male
Class: Abyssal Enchanter
Stats:
Strength (STR): 5
Defense (DEF): 5
Speed (SPD): 7
Intelligence (INT): 10
Stamina (STA): 2
Vitality (VIT): 2
Charisma (CHA): 10
Luck (LUK): ???]
What are these stats for? Can you explain it more?
- Certainly. But first, can you give me a name? -
A name? I open my eyes and look around. My name is Daemon, and my sister's name is Daeri... Darya. Your name is Darya.
- Notice: That simple name will suffice. -
Does she not like it? Never mind she asked me for it.
- My name is Darya, and here is a thorough explanation of your stats:
Strength (STR):
It measures raw physical power—the ability to exert force. High strength allows for heavy lifting, breaking obstacles, and dealing significant damage in close combat.
Speed (SPD):
This reflects how fast you can move and react. High speed enables dodging attacks, chasing enemies, and landing multiple strikes in quick succession.
Defense (DEF):
It represents your ability to withstand or reduce damage. High defense means you can endure multiple hits and protect allies.
Intelligence (INT):
This measures your cognitive abilities, magical power, and strategic thinking. High intelligence allows mastery of complex spells, solving puzzles, and outwitting enemies. Not that you need much of this, since you have me, heh.
Am I just imagining things, or does she sound smug even without a face?
- Heh. Now, continuing the explanation:
Stamina (STA):
Your endurance—how long you can sustain physical or magical activities.
Vitality (VIT):
This measures your overall health and life force, directly impacting survivability.
Charisma (CHA):
This influences how well you interact with others. While not tied to combat, it can affect negotiations and relationships.
Luck (LUK):
This determines critical hits, item drops, and the randomness of outcomes. It also increases the success rate of skill manipulation.
- That's all. -
I take it all in. Every stat feels crucial for survival. I'll have to work on each one carefully.
My thoughts drift as exhaustion overtakes me. I didn't notice how sore my body was until now. Slowly, my eyes close, and I fall asleep.
I wake up to the gentle rocking of the carriage and the sound of the old man calling out, "Kid, wake up. We're nearing the village."
Rubbing my eyes, I glance at my sister, who is still sound asleep. I pick her up carefully and look outside. The sight of the village ahead fills me with both hope and uncertainty.
"Thanks, mister," I say, genuinely grateful for his help.
"Don't mention it," he replies, his face softening. "Take care of yourselves, and... stay safe. And also take this clothes and some food, uhmm how to say this... If you are having a hard time, find me in this address I plan to stay in this village for good because staying on my previous home just reminds me of my deceased children...."
As we step out of the carriage, I watch him drive off. I know I have a long journey ahead, but for now, I need to focus on finding food, shelter, and a way to protect my sister.
- Notice: Would you like assistance planning your next move? -
Darya's voice echoes in my mind again. For some reason, her tone sounds less formal, almost... friendly.
"Yeah," I think to myself, "I'll need all the help I can get."
- Understood. Let's survive together, Daemon. -
Her words are oddly comforting, and for the first time since that night, I feel like I'm not entirely alone.