His mind made up, Alaric turned to the elder of Oakwood Town, adopting the demeanor of a lofty master.
"Something stirred within me two days ago," Alaric stated calmly. "I sensed a destiny-bound connection here in the mountains of Oran. I came to investigate, never expecting to find that person here, in this very town." As he spoke, he looked toward Thor, who was tugging the dog's tail by the entrance, and sighed inwardly. Others get to be faction leaders with readymade followers, but I have to play the 'guide' first. The thought of future geniuses like Thor becoming his personal disciples and vanguards for his faction slightly improved his mood. This is the first one.
The elder was taken aback, following his gaze. "You mean... him?"
Alaric nodded, weaving his tale. "I once had a personal disciple. He failed to overcome his inner demons during ascension and was reincarnated. I've searched for a century, and only today have I found him."
The elder was stunned, looking at Thor in disbelief. "He... is your disciple's reincarnation?"
Alaric nodded, his gaze toward Thor softening with feigned affection. But he detected wariness beneath the elder's shock, a hand subtly signaling Thor to refuse behind his back. Can't force it, Alaric thought. Need a slower approach.
"Thunder," Alaric addressed Thor, using the fabricated past-life name, "will you return to my service?"
The elder's hidden hand was almost shaking with urgency. Thor scratched his head in confusion. "I'm Thor. I don't wanna leave town."
The air grew stiff. The elder tensed, ready for a fight. Alaric sighed softly. "Your past-life wisdom remains dormant. I will not force you. But our fates are still intertwined. We will meet again." He produced a Thunder Amulet and offered it to Thor. "Throw this at your enemies if you're in danger. It will protect you." With that, he turned and left. Passing the elder, he shot him a knowing, almost mocking glance, but said nothing more.
The elder broke into a cold sweat, realizing his secrets were seen through. Yet, he couldn't gauge Alaric's cultivation level (a passive system benefit: Alaric's depth remained hidden unless he acted). He dreaded that the man might be a Qi Refining or even Core Formation stage grand elder.
Once out of sight, Alaric activated the Stealth Technique he'd bought for 100 Faction Points and slipped back into Oakwood Town. The elder's odd reaction nagged at him; he needed to investigate.
Oakwood was far livelier than the gloomy Blackstone Tribe. Animal carcasses littered the central clearing, and villagers laughed freely. Alaric stealthily approached the elder's house. He saw Thor sipping milk from a small bowl, drawing teasing from other children: "Still drinking milk at three and a half!" Thor, embarrassed, covered his face. "You saw wrong! It's water!"
Ignoring the childish banter, Alaric eavesdropped by the stone house.
"He's three and a half now," the elder's voice came from inside.
"Making him refuse that elder... could it bring trouble?" an old woman (the elder's wife) asked worriedly. "What if he really is the reincarnation?"
"I thought that elder was from the Black Raven Gang, coming to eliminate the root of the problem," the elder mused. "But now he seems different. As for reincarnation... Thor was born with the Qi Refining Stage and a Supreme Earth Spiritual Root. It's plausible to call him the reincarnation of a grand elder."
The old woman sighed. "A pity his root was stolen by Darius! And he's Thor's own cousin! Thor wasn't even half a year old then..."
"I promised his father I'd protect him," the elder said gravely. "That elder's origins are unknown. We must be cautious. Thor's origins must never be revealed, or it will mean danger."
Outside, Alaric's eyes lit up. So that's why his Spiritual Root is 10! He was born with a Supreme Root, but it was stolen! He theorized that Thor's root might regenerate, or perhaps cultivating the lightning codex could help him rebuild a supreme foundation.
Alaric quietly retreated to the mountain path outside Oakwood Town. He pulled out nine purple Thunder Crystals bought for 150 Faction Points and arranged them in a specific pattern—this was the route the Blackstone Tribe would take if they attacked. Being a 'guide' is truly no easy task, he sighed. (Faction Points: 300 - 50 (Robe) - 100 (Stealth) - 150 (Crystals) = 0)
As he pondered his next move, a deafening roar erupted from deep within the mountains, followed by a pillar of violet light shooting into the sky—the mountain treasure had emerged (corresponding to the earlier strange mountain activity mentioned by the Blackstone Tribe). Alaric stared, dumbfounded. Is this prepared for Thor? His 8 Luck stat is no joke. A cunning grin spread across his face as he dashed toward the violet light.
✅ SYSTEM:
Faction Points depleted.
Objective updated: Investigate the Mountain Treasure phenomenon.
Note: Target [Thor Stone] background updated. 'Supreme Earth Spiritual Root (Stolen)' added to profile.