As Kael finished reading the inscription – "From the earth, we draw our strength. From the stars, our inspiration." – a translucent blue panel shimmered into existence before him, its appearance now so familiar, yet still capable of startling him.
**[Builder Class Hidden Potential Discovered]**
**[Current Progress: 0.02%]**
**[Further exploration and construction may unlock additional abilities.]**
Kael stared at the notification, his mind reeling. Even in this world reshaped by the System, there were still secrets, hidden depths to his own Class that he hadn't even imagined. 0.02%… it was a tiny fraction, barely a sliver of progress. But it was enough to ignite a spark of excitement within him. What other hidden abilities lay dormant within him, waiting to be unlocked? He knew now that his journey as a Builder was far from over. It was just beginning.
He left the mine, Shadow trotting beside him, the image of the inscription and the System notification burned into his memory. The setting sun painted the sky in streaks of fiery orange and deep violet, a stark contrast to the muted greys and browns of the ravaged village. As he made his way back towards his rudimentary shelter, he noticed a figure in the distance.
He squinted, trying to make out the details. The figure was clad in what looked like… armor? As he got closer, the details became clearer. The armor was battered and dented, its once-gleaming surface now dulled by dust and grime. But it was unmistakably armor, the kind worn by knights of old.
Kael approached cautiously, Shadow growling softly at his side. The figure turned, revealing a man with a weathered face and piercing blue eyes. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his posture suggesting a warrior's training. He carried a longsword, its blade chipped and scarred, but still radiating an aura of deadly purpose.
"Greetings," Kael said, keeping a safe distance. "I'm Kael."
The man nodded curtly. "Sir Gareth," he replied, his voice rough and weary. He was a Knight, Kael realized, a warrior of the Battle Class.
"I haven't seen anyone else around here," Kael said. "Are you… alright?"
Sir Gareth let out a hollow chuckle. "Alright? In this forsaken world? Barely. I've been wandering for days, searching for… something. Anything."
Kael sensed a deep weariness in the Knight's voice, a hint of despair. He knew that feeling. He'd felt it himself, not long ago.
"I've set up a small camp nearby," Kael offered. "You're welcome to join me. We can share what little food I have."
Sir Gareth hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I accept your offer, Kael. I am in your debt."
As they walked back to Kael's shelter, Sir Gareth told his story. He had been part of a knightly order, sworn to protect the realm. But the Eclipse had shattered their order, scattering them to the winds. He had lost his brothers-in-arms, his home, and his purpose. He spoke of a broken oath, a failure to protect those he had sworn to defend. The pain in his voice was palpable.
Kael listened, his heart aching for the Knight's loss. He understood the importance of purpose, of having something to fight for. He, too, was searching for his purpose, trying to find his place in this new, brutal world.
They reached Kael's shelter, a small, one-room structure built from scavenged stone and lumber. It wasn't much, but it was a haven, a symbol of Kael's resilience.
"It's not much," Kael said, "but it's home."
Sir Gareth nodded. "It's more than I have," he replied.
Kael shared his meager rations with Sir Gareth, the two men eating in silence. The bond between them, forged in shared hardship and a mutual understanding of loss, grew stronger with each passing moment. Kael knew that Sir Gareth could be a valuable ally, a strong warrior who could help him defend his growing settlement. But more than that, he sensed a kindred spirit, a man searching for redemption, just as he was searching for his own path. He felt in his heart that their paths were destined to intertwine.