Chapter 13: Building Strength in the Shadows
It was quiet in the slave cabin that night, except for the creaking of the wooden beams. Adam sat cross-legged on his wicker mat. He held a Tier 1 Body Improvement Pill in his hand. The surface of the screen glowed, a gritty glow that revealed its powerful characteristics.
Adam examined it carefully. "Taxes like this will bring benefits to the outside world " he muttered, turning the bill between his fingers, but in its current form the property was worthless - the ability to hold on, pay, and then escape.
Without hesitation, Adam swallowed the bill and braced himself for the effects.
message: Taking level 1 fitness pills...medication...>
The body's body mass has increased slightly. The body's flexibility and endurance had improved. >
changes were almost immediate. Adam felt a wave of heat spread through his body, his muscles tightened, and his breathing deepened. His vision seemed sharper, his thoughts clearer about the world around him. He clenched his fists, marveling at the new strength coursing through his veins.
"Not bad," Adam muttered, flexing his fingers. Not a real improvement, but a start - a foundation he could build on.
He leaned against the wall with his mind Competition and the forces of the system proved to be a powerful tool, but not an all-powerful one. If he wanted to rise from his position, he would have to add value to his intelligence and wisdom.
days later, Adam resumed his work with renewed vigor. His advanced body made it easier to endure physical labor, and he used this opportunity to gather information. All the passing information, even the stray information, was probably a sign of his attempt to control Yin family
As Adam was cleaning the floor of the main hall, he heard two guards talking about the upcoming feast.
One of the guards said in a low voice, "Lady Yin Bao's birthday is in two days. "The family does everything. Even the patriarch is there."
Adam's ears perked up. The patriarch of the Yin family was a figure shrouded in mystery. A strong man of cultivation with a reputation for cruelty, he rarely left his home. his presence At the party, they had drawn all the members of the household, leaving some parts of the property with very little protection.
Chances are, Adam thought, his mind had already worked out the plan.
That night Adam slept after the other slaves had. Using charcoal, he drew a rough map of the country on the back of an old piece of paper. The map was burned into his memory after his years of slavery, but it was a visual aid that helped him plan.
the banquets were in the Great Hall, a lavish room in the heart of the grounds. Far from the slave quarters, it meant that most of the guards and administrators were busy with the gathering. Adam marked a few important places on the map: the kitchen, the dining room, and the private family wing.
He wanted to avoid stealing—not in the traditional sense. What would he seek to influence: secrets, incriminating evidence, or anything else that would compromise. The Yin family power structure
Objective: Stimulate the party without being detected. Bonus Objective
: Get a large prize from the special wing.
Reward: [Level 2 Random Item].
Adam's lips curled into a smile. The Level 2 reward was definitely worth more than anything he had ever earned. If he could do it, he would make great progress in his plans.
"Time to prepare,"
he whispered to himself.
public holidays came, and the palace was bustling with activity. Servants ran out with trays of food and decorations. The servants were given other tasks to ensure that every corner of the palace was spotless. Adam was very busy and careful not to draw attention to himself.
When the procession began, Adam moved out of the main hall. The guards stationed around the servants' quarters were smaller than usual, their attention focused on the grand celebration. Adam moved quietly. Out of the shadows, his enhanced body could move around the property with ease.
His first destination was the kitchen. Entering, he found a wine glass for the banquet. Adam swallowed the wine using a small glass of the spicy herbs he had prepared earlier. These plants were not poisonous, but they caused nausea and mild dizziness - enough to create a situation without any surprises.
Adam walked happily to the private wing. This place was very large It was small, but tonight the usual patrols were gone. Adam crept along the lit corridors and the path of his mind.
In one of the rooms he found a lacquered box decorated with intricate carvings. The lock was still attached, but Adam had forgotten this. He went to work making a small wire that he would use as a wild lock.
After some time of confusion, the lock opened, and Adam lifted the door. But inside, a collection of books and jewelry One thing stood out: a small jade diamond whose surface was covered in lace that glowed in the dark.
Message: Received a valuable item. Analyzing...>
[Jade Spirit Pendant]: Increases the speed of spirit healing by 10%.
"A champion of all money," Adam thought, tucking the pen into his robe.
closed his chest, and left the room as quietly as he had entered. His work was done, but not by night.
Chaos began since the time of Adam He returned to the slave house. The white man had arrived at the feast, and then the effects began. The guests complained of nausea and vomiting, while the guards tried to keep the situation under control. The patriarch's sharp voice stopped the commotion and demanded an answer.
From a corner of his home, Adam watched the lights around the mansion glow. He leaned his back against the wall, a smile on his face.
He whispered: By walking. "One one smile at a time"
End of Chapter 13