Chapter 6: Shadows in the Village
The village square was bustling with morning activity - merchants shouting, children running between stalls and villagers carrying goods. Adamu walked through the chaos, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Despite his outward appearance, he could feel a watchful eye beneath his skin, a wave of darkness he couldn't shake.
He stopped at a blacksmith's shop, his attention diverted by a collection of iron tools. His attention was focused on the shadow that loomed at the edge of his vision - the terrifying Unknown from the day before
"You're still looking at me, aren't you?" Adam muttered under his breath, careful not to let his appearance betray his thoughts.
He didn't act immediately. Instead, he let the man's presence melt in his mind as he worked at the blacksmith.
"How much is a sickle?" Adam asked as he took the rusty blade and the inert air.
"Two copper coins," the blacksmith growled, not looking at him. He threw a piece of glowing metal at the tray.
Adam laughed. A deal was struck and he and Das left. As he was out of sight, he stepped into the quiet alley and placed his hand on the device.
the return rate system...>
completed. Return factor: 3x activated. > The knife flashed, the ring disappearing as it transformed into a brilliant blade. The front edge of the blade shone like a mirror, the edge sharp enough to cut. Through the intricate handles, Adam marveled at his handiwork before placing the tool in his bag.
When he returned to the main road, the stranger was gone. But the lingering feeling of being watched did not leave him.
When Adam returned home, he found Zhang Chen lying in the yard, drawing intricate battle scenes in mud and wood. His younger brother, Zhang Ling, was sitting nearby, carefully arranging a bundle of dried herbs into a neat pile.
"Big" Brother!" Zhang Chen jumped up and swung the cane like a sword. "Are you going to town today?" "Maybe something interesting will come up!"
Adam laughed, ruffling his older brother's hair. "Not today, hero. I have something else on my mind."
Zhang Chen shouted, although this false anger did not last long. "Okay...but next time, bring something scary!"
Adam walked inside and saw his mother sitting behind an old wooden table sewing with her needles. In a torn dress, Mei Hua's hands stood up as Adam placed the knife on the table.
"This should help Dad in the fields,"
said in a calm but proud voice.
Mei Hua's tired eyes widened as she followed the flawless surface of the screen. Her fingers brushed against the smooth metal, as if afraid of losing it. "Adam...how can you afford this?" she asked in a hesitant but surprised voice.
"I'm doing well in the market" Adam replied without hesitation. She met his gaze, hiding the truth behind a smile. The look of doubt on her face didn't escape her, but she chose not to continue.
Mei Hua finished speaking in her soft voice, "Your father will be very happy." "Then... it will be easier."
Adam nodded, letting himself go, leaving his mother to appreciate the gift.
That night Adam sat outside on a tree stump, the stars scattered like shards. The glass above the village sky dropped into the silence of the night, broken only by the bark of a distant dog or the rustle of the wind in the trees. Adam's feelings, not the wind.
The stranger's sharp gaze held him, lingering like a ghost in the shadows of his mind. who was he A random passerby? A soldier? Or someone connected to the hidden evils of this world? The things that each person can turn in someone else's head. Darkness from the past
His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar sound of the system.
Improved ability to return. >
Adam's lips curled into a smile. "So you want me to dig deeper, huh?"
He stood, drawing his hand toward the sharpened sword in his hand. The moon shone sideways, a silent promise for the road ahead.
It was not for him alone. The tree had grown, and The fruits of his labors would flow beyond himself. Adam pulled the deep string and the burden fell on his shoulders.
By the martyrdom of the moon, Adam swore to silence. He wanted to show the truth and ensure the safety of his family at any cost.