Kael trudged back through the dirt path that wound between the forest and the small cluster of homes that made up Vance. The sun had already dipped low, painting the horizon with streaks of crimson and violet. The boars he dragged by rope scraped furrows in the earth, their tusks clattering against stones as their weight pulled heavily at his shoulders. Sweat streaked his brow, but a small smile tugged at his lips.
For the first time, he wasn't just bringing back game—he was bringing back proof of what he could do. Proof that the strange gift given to him was real.
At the sight of him, voices rose in greeting. Villagers waved, some nodding with approval at the day's haul. A few children ran past, eyes wide at the sight of the boars. To them, Kael was simply a young hunter following in his father's footsteps. None could guess the truth—that the three beasts were only part of the reason for his heavy steps.
When he reached his family's home, Ifrit was already waiting by the door. The man's arms were as thick as tree trunks, his skin darkened and scarred from years at the forge. He raised an eyebrow at the boars, then at his son.
"Well, you've been busy."
Kael grinned despite his exhaustion. "Thought we could use a feast."
Ifrit clapped him on the shoulder, nearly knocking him off balance. "Aye, you've done well. Bring them in."
Inside, the smell of warm bread and stew filled the air. Shiva, her apron dusted with flour, poked her head out from the kitchen. Her eyes widened at the sight of the boars. "Kael! Three? By yourself? Gods, you'll feed half the town at this rate."
Kael laughed, scratching the back of his neck. "Just got lucky."
Christy peeked around the doorway, her small hands clutching the frame. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she said nothing, only watching as Ifrit hauled the game onto the butchering table with practiced ease.
The blacksmith's knife moved quickly, his hands precise and efficient. The skin peeled away in long strips, and soon the savory scent of fresh meat filled the room. Kael's stomach growled loudly, earning a chuckle from Shiva.
"Go wash up. You've earned your meal."
Dinner was hearty that night—stew rich with vegetables and tender boar meat, bread warm and soft from the oven. Kael ate until his belly was full, savoring the rare sense of satisfaction that came with a successful hunt. For a moment, everything felt normal. Ordinary. Safe.
But as the plates were cleared, Kael leaned forward. "I have something to show you both tomorrow. A surprise. I'll need you, Father, to come with me into the forest."
Ifrit raised a brow. "A surprise, eh? What are you scheming, boy?"
Kael shrugged, feigning casualness. "You'll see in the morning."
Shiva rolled her eyes but smiled. "As long as it doesn't get you both killed, I'll allow it."
The rest of the evening passed in quiet contentment. Christy, still shy, listened more than she spoke, though Kael noticed the way she followed his every word with rapt attention. It was as if she were memorizing each detail of his life, carefully piecing together what kind of person he was.
Later that night, Kael lay on his bed, staring at the wooden beams of the ceiling. His limbs felt heavy, almost sluggish. A strange fatigue pulsed through him, deeper than simple exhaustion. He closed his eyes and focused on the strange blue light he had glimpsed earlier in the day.
It was faint now, like dying embers.
Is this… connected to the system?
The thought gnawed at him. The divine energy that coursed through him during his creation—was it finite? If so, what would happen when it ran out?
He sat up and whispered, "System."
At once, glowing words unfurled before his eyes.
Status
Kael – Level 3
Strength: 4
Agility: 5
Vitality: 4
Intelligence: 5
Available Points: 3
So it was true. The fatigue wasn't just in his head. That blue aura—prana, the system called it—was tied directly to his growth. Every time he used the Pen of Idea, every time he drew forth innovation, he drained it.
Kael exhaled slowly. "Then I need more prana."
The answer came quickly. Intelligence. That was the key. If his prana was fueled by mental clarity and imagination, then increasing Intelligence would allow him to draw deeper from the well.
He hesitated for only a moment before deciding. "Allocate all points to Intelligence."
The status shifted.