Chapter 6: Label Labyrinth and the Drool-Fueled Deduction
Ethan stared at the spot where the shadow had writhed, his tiny heart pounding. He may be trapped in a baby's body, but his mind was racing. He needed more information.
He refocused on Lady Elara, determined to get a clearer reading.
Above her head, the usual label floated serenely:
[Lady Elara - Dutiful Mother. Level 30]
He focused harder, trying to penetrate whatever veil was obscuring the truth. He imagined the label glowing, intensifying, revealing its hidden secrets.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the text flickered, distorting into a jumbled mess of letters.
[L@dy E|@r@ - Duti>u| M0th3r. Leve| 30]
Ethan strained to decipher the distorted text. It was like trying to read a corrupted file. He realized that the shadow creature was actively interfering with the system's ability to display accurate information.
He needed a different approach. He couldn't rely on a direct reading of the labels. He had to deduce the truth based on the available evidence.
He glanced around the nursery, his eyes scanning for any clues. The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. The air itself seemed heavy, charged with a strange energy.
He remembered the "Purifying Spit" skill in the shop. If he could acquire that skill, he might be able to cleanse Lady Elara of whatever influence the shadow creature had exerted.
But "Purifying Spit" cost 20 Reputation Points. He currently had only 11.
He needed to find a way to earn more points, and fast.
Then, he noticed something. Sergeant Gruff was standing just outside the nursery door, his brow furrowed in concentration. He seemed to be listening intently to something.
Above his head, the label read:
[Sergeant Gruff - Loyal Caretaker. Level 25]
Ethan focused on the label. He knew that Sergeant Gruff was loyal, but he also knew that he was easily distracted by displays of strength and courage.
An idea began to form in his mind. A daring, potentially disastrous idea.
He started to cry. Loudly.
Sergeant Gruff immediately rushed into the nursery, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "What is it, little lord? Are you in danger?"
Ethan continued to wail, pointing towards the window with a trembling finger. He made a series of frantic, incoherent baby sounds, emphasizing the "danger" aspect.
Sergeant Gruff peered out the window, his eyes scanning the garden. "I see nothing, milord. Are you sure…?"
Suddenly, Ethan stopped crying. He focused his mental energy, summoning a large, super-heated droplet of drool. He aimed it at a nearby potted plant.
Then, he launched.
The droplet struck the plant, singeing the leaves and sending a plume of smoke into the air.
Sergeant Gruff gasped. "Milord! What are you doing?"
Ethan, maintaining his innocent facade, pointed at the window again and made a series of aggressive, saliva-infused baby noises. He was trying to convey the message that he had detected a threat and neutralized it with his… unique abilities.
Sergeant Gruff stared at the singed plant, then back at Ethan. A slow smile spread across his face. "You… you saw something, didn't you, milord? You protected us!"
He puffed out his chest, his eyes gleaming with pride. "A true warrior, even in infancy!"
Suddenly, the SYSTEM chimed in.
SYSTEM: ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED!
SYSTEM: "DEFENDER OF THE REALM (BABY EDITION)" - CONVINCED SERGEANT GRUFF THAT A POTTED PLANT WAS A THREAT AND SUCCESSFULLY NEUTRALIZED IT WITH STRATEGIC APPLICATION OF SALIVA. REWARD: 5 REPUTATION POINTS! (BONUS FOR SHEER AUDACITY)
Ethan blinked. "Sheer Audacity"? The system was starting to develop a sense of humor.
He now had 16 Reputation Points. He was getting closer to "Purifying Spit."
But as Sergeant Gruff patted him on the head and praised his bravery, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that he was playing a dangerous game. He was using his baby-like innocence to manipulate those around him, and he was doing it to protect them from a threat that they couldn't even see.
And he had a feeling that the shadows were watching. Waiting.
The SYSTEM remained silent, but the distorted label above Lady Elara's head flickered ominously in the corner of his vision.
End Chapter 6