Chapter 5: A Spark of Ambition
The morning sun bathed the village in a golden hue, but Adam was at work. The fresh air carried the scent of fresh earth and wood smoke. For most villagers it was the beginning of a tiring day, but for Adam it was a stepping stone to something greater.
He sat in a quiet corner near the village square, his hand tracing the outline of his next plan. Before him sat two piles of goodies: one of coins fluttering in the wind, the other a mixture of things he had picked up at the market. These are the items—a broken sword, a withered scroll, and a bunch of herbs that have passed away from a time long past.
"This must be done," Adam whispered with sharp, calculating eyes.
The feedback system has proven its effectiveness, now it will be even stronger. If he can turn a rusty hammer into a product, why increase it?
The risk increases with size. Perhaps more about the mistake >
The The bright words hung before him, their brilliance calling for attention. Adam's face touched, desire welled up.
"Mistake?" He whispered, turning the word over in his mind. "This is something new." "
He looked at the items again, his mind still sharp. "Nothing worked, nothing gained. Let's see what you have for me."
He put his hand to the lamp and took a deep breath.
the return rate system...>
in progress...> Warm, golden The light covered the items, breaking them into pale electric particles. Adam's breathing quickened as the light grew stronger, like a thread weaving into something new. completed. Response factor: Activated 4 times. > As the light faded, Adam found himself looking at the fruits. A polished sword with a gleaming silver blade, a living scroll that radiated a faint energy, and a bouquet of pure herbs, rich and strong in scent. Adam laughed, poking his fingers into the carvings. "Not bad. Not bad." But before he could bask in his success, a shadow fell over him. Adam's gaze rose, his instincts sharpened. A man stood, tall and wiry, with sharp eyes that gleamed like iron. His clothes indicated that he was a traveler, not a native - a ragged cloak over weapons that had seen better days.
"You have a knack for making junk look expensive." The man said: His voice was small but sharp.
Adam's body stiffened. He put a polished sword in his hand, hiding his sadness with a simple smile. "I don't know what you're talking about, stranger."
The man laughed, rolling his eyes. "Calm down, boy. I'm not here to spoil you. It's just...curious." He pointed to the shiny book "Where did that come from?"
Adam was startled, his thoughts racing. This wasn't the first time he'd seen him. Was this man a random soldier? Or was it something more sinister?
"I have my property," Adam replied calmly. "Why do you care so much?"
The man laughed. "Let's just say I'm looking for a place. And you… look like someone just starting out."
Adam was not only in his appearance, but there was sadness in him. He expected the system to respond, but it was faster than he expected.
"I'm not a special person," Adam said as he walked past the man. "Just a poor boy trying to find my way"
The man did not follow him, but called out to him: "Son, or else, watch your back, the people around don't like quick success. "
Adam's steps slowed for a moment and headed towards the house.
When we arrived at the house, it was brighter than before. Zhang Chen was lying on the floor playing with a small toy he had sewn together from metal. Mei Hua hummed as she ate the fresh herbs Adam had brought her Her cheeks were brighter than they had been in the past few weeks.
"Husband!" Zhang Chen shouted and jumped up. "Did you get anything interesting today? Maybe something for me?"
Adam laughed, ruffling his brother's hair. "I found something." He pulled a small, polished stone from his pocket—a stone he had cleaned using the system.
Zhang Chen's eyes lit up. "Oh! What?"
"It's a lucky charm," Adam said wearily. "Just keep it close, maybe it will bring you good luck"
Zhang Chen smiled and held the stone as if it were the most precious thing in the world.
Zhang Li silently watched the conversation, and his expression softened. When Adam met his gaze, the elder nodded - a rare affirmation of trust.
In the evening Adam sat outside, the moon shining brightly on the village. The sword sat on his chest, the blade blazing. He turned it over in his hands, deep in thought.
The stranger's words echoed in his mind. "People don't take kindly to quick success."
Adam clenched his fists. It wasn't just him. His family was vulnerable, and everything he did was going to fly out. The feedback system was flawed, but it was a problem he couldn't ignore.
"I need to move harder," Adam muttered. "It's not just about making money, it's about creating something that lasts - something that no one can destroy."
When the sun rose Adam's sword shone in the light, and a spark of desire burned in his eyes.
A new challenge tomorrow, but he's ready. After all, he has a family to protect—and a future to forge from this cruel world.