"Hah, I'm almost there!"
That was what Arthur said a week ago before realizing that the true technique of control was to use as little energy as possible—without any disruptions that would waste it—and to prevent losing focus, which was the foundation of his training.
"Why is this so hard? The animation made it look so easy!" Arthur grumbled in frustration.
Truthfully, Arthur had already managed to stick a leaf to his forehead, but it wasn't enough. In his eyes, his spirit energy consumption was still too high. So, for the past week, he had been practicing attaching leaves using spirit energy, aiming to control it as efficiently as possible.
"Arthur, look! Your 'part-time student acceptance letter' has been confirmed!" Uncle Jack exclaimed, running toward Arthur with excitement.
Yes, the recommendation letter Arthur received hadn't been sent to the academy yet because it wasn't the right time for new admissions. Even though the letter now clearly stated "part-time student," Arthur would still have to wait three more months before officially entering Nouding Academy.
"When did you send the recommendation letter, Uncle? As far as I remember, you haven't left the village lately," Arthur asked curiously.
"You brat! Instead of being shocked that you got accepted, you're asking when I sent it? I entrusted it to someone who sells crops in Nouding City every month!" Uncle Jack retorted, annoyed.
After asking a few more questions, Uncle Jack invited Arthur for lunch and showed him some books given by the person who delivered the recommendation—basic arithmetic and writing books, as well as the duties of a part-time student at Nouding Academy.
"Hahaha! I just bought a chicken from the neighbor to celebrate your acceptance!" Uncle Jack said cheerfully.
"In that case, I want grilled chicken! And this time, make it extra good!" Arthur replied enthusiastically.
"Alright then! Let's divide the tasks—I'll prepare the seasoning, and you gather firewood and twigs for the grill!" Uncle Jack instructed.
After splitting the work, Arthur and Uncle Jack got to it. Before long, Arthur returned with firewood while Uncle Jack finished marinating the chicken.
"This is going to be so delicious, Uncle!" Arthur said, his eyes sparkling.
"Of course! Who do you think prepared the seasoning? Hahahaha!" Uncle Jack laughed proudly.
Once the bonfire was lit and the chicken was seasoned, they began grilling. The crackling of the fire and the mouthwatering aroma filled the air. They devoured the meal heartily, accompanied by birdsong and the shade of drifting clouds.
The warmth they felt wasn't just from the bonfire or the sun—it was the warmth in their hearts, a simple happiness that reminded them of what family truly meant.
After a warm lunch, Uncle Jack decided to give the items left with baby Arthur at night. He found them on the front porch of his house!
That evening, in Uncle Jack's house, in Arthur's room... Uncle Jack sat on the edge of Arthur's bed, his voice calm yet tinged with unease.
"Art , do you know why I named you Arthur? I originally planned to tell you this when you were older... but it seems you've already matured so much, even though you' only just awakened your 'Wuhun spirit'!"
"What do you mean, Uncle? The name Arthur didn't just come to you? Something made you choose that name for me?" Arthur asked curiously.
"Yes, at first, I was going to name you 'Xiao Chen'... but I changed my mind when I saw a piece of paper with the name 'Arthur' written on it. I don't know why, but I felt compelled to name you exactly as it was written. Besides that paper, there was also an item wrapped around your wrist—something like a necklace..." Uncle Jack said as he handed over the baby basket containing the paper and the necklace-like object.
After receiving the items, Arthur thanked Uncle Jack for his honesty all these years. Hearing Arthur's words, Uncle Jack felt relieved—it seemed his assumption was correct. Arthur truly had grown up.
"Alright, it's late now. Get some rest. Don't try to train—sometimes, taking a break is just as important!" Uncle Jack said.
"Yes, Uncle. I'll rest," Arthur replied calmly.
That night, Arthur fell asleep just as Uncle Jack had asked—without examining the items he'd been given!
"I woke up at 4 AM again... I should check what's inside the basket Uncle Jack gave me!" Arthur muttered, his curiosity getting the better of him.
First, Arthur picked up the paper with his name on it. He could sense this wasn't an ordinary piece of paper—but he had no idea how to use it. Then, he took out the necklace from his baby basket.
"A necklace? What is this? Just an ordinary accessory... or a spirit tool for storing items?" Arthur wondered aloud.
"Half right, Master! But I'm not just some storage device!" a mysterious voice declared proudly.
"What?! So you're an artificial intelligence that can talk to me?" Arthur asked, bewildered.
"Huh? I thought you'd be a little more surprised!" the AI replied, sounding almost disappointed.
"I'm not that easily shocked. I already have a simulation system in my subconscious," Arthur said calmly.
"What?! You have a system? Maybe I can sync my consciousness with yours!" the AI exclaimed excitedly.
But before Arthur could respond— "Cock-a-doodle-doo!!" The crow of a rooster interrupted them, and sunlight began streaming through the window cracks... signaling the arrival of dawn, bringing warmth and life to Saint Village!
What will happen next? Can Arthur merge his system with this mysterious AI? And what secrets lie behind the paper bearing his name?!
TO BE CONTINUED...!