My phone's clock read 10:30 a.m., a perfect time to start the day in my opinion. As I walked through the city, I noticed a variety of people dressed in an even wider variety of clothes. Some wore armor, some casual clothes, and even some who wore cosplays... okay, maybe not cosplay in this world, but that's what it looked like to me.
What I appreciated the most was that despite these various differences, there weren't any blatant hate crimes or violence. I was positive that if I looked, then I would definitely find it, but I didn't plan on looking for any of it. Another thing from my aimless walking is that I never found any unhealthy person. Everyone was fit to a certain degree, with a few being in a slightly bigger weight class but none really being medically obese at a glance.
These things showed a lot about the city I was in. This city was a clear gathering point of those with ambition and those who believed in keeping themselves healthy. If this wasn't a good starting point for myself, then I didn't know what else could be. I was surrounded by mostly similarly-minded people.
Pa~
As I was lost in my observations, I felt a little weight hit my leg. Looking down, I saw a little girl with black hair and eyes with a red tint to her tiny nose on the ground.
"I'm sorry. Are you okay?" I knelt down to her level so I wouldn't intimidate her. She stared at me with a little reluctance, but I just kept smiling. She seemed too young to be roaming about without her parents, and I didn't want anything bad to happen to her. This city seemed safe for the most part, but one could never be too careful.
"Hm." She nodded without saying anything else.
"Are you alone?" I asked.
"Hm." She nodded again but still didn't say anything at all.
Tilting my head, I followed up, "What are you doing traveling the city alone?" My tone was very gentle and not at all accusing. I just wanted to make sure I didn't step on any landmines. I found it weird that no adult was with her, and it could be for a variety of reasons, but I didn't want to mention family until I at least knew she had some.
"I-I need to buy groceries for the week."
"I see. Are they for yourself?"
"Y-Yes sir. Mommy and Daddy haven't come back yet."
"How long have they been gone?" From the sadness in her eyes, I don't think I really had to ask. But I did nonetheless to confirm things, as it was dangerous to assume.
"t-two years."
"..."
This girl looked about 10, so that would mean that she had been alone since she was 8. I felt doubt enter my mind as to how she was getting money, but then it hit me. Her parents probably left her a will, or she had other family members helping her.
"Do you have an aunt or uncle? Grandma or Grandfather?" I hated acting like this was an interrogation, but it felt wrong to leave such a sad, very grief-stricken child like her alone.
"N-No sir."
"I see, then how do you afford your groceries?"
"I-I don't know either, but Daddy gave me a card before they left. He told me that if I ever needed anything to use it."
"Wow, you're really something!" I could tell from her personality that she didn't needlessly spend. She was clearly a smart girl who knew that it wasn't wise to just use the card her dad gave her on splurging. She had proper budgeting and money management skills, clearly! Her parents had raised her very properly.
Patting her head, I thought for a moment. I obviously couldn't just inject myself into her life without it being strange, but I wanted to make sure she was doing okay at least. I didn't have to at all, but it just felt like the right thing to do.
"Do you have a phone?"
"Hm."
"Let me put my number in there, okay? If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"A-Are you sure? Y-You won't try to bully me?"
"Absolutely not! I assure you that I won't mistreat you. I just want to make sure that you stay alright. At least until your parents get back."
"I-I-I don't think they-"
"Shhh. It's best to not think like that. Now, let me see your phone, okay?"
"Y-Yes sir."
I took her phone that looked similar to mine but an older model. It was taken very well care of, which just proved further that she was a truly good girl.
"Here. My name in here is Ren. You can call me whatever you like, but just remember this is my number."
"Y-Yes sir."
"I won't hold you anymore. Remember—"
"C-Can you help me buy things? Every time I go, the adults look at me weirdly."
My original plans weren't going to proceed like I had originally intended, it seemed.
"Sure. Would you like me to carry you?"
Her eyes lit up, a very stark contrast from her sad and anxious look from before. The her now looked like a proper child, making me smile a bit deeper. This look of hers was what she should be giving all the time.
[Individual "Meiomi Nightingale" has been recognized as a disciple.]
'Huh?' My golden eyes stared in disbelief at the text before me. The feminine voice of the system came at a really unexpected time.
[Before you ask. A disciple doesn't necessarily mean you teach them magic skills or cultivation. A disciple just refers to someone receiving a certain amount of care and energy from you. It also takes into account the individual's age, their feelings towards you, and if there is a certain fate compatibility.]
'Wow.'
[You can now see disciple Meiomi Nightingale's status.]
'Show me.' With the said person in my arms, I started walking under her directions while also making sure not to act weirdly. Her little body fit perfectly in my arms, and she rested her head on my shoulder with her little arms pointing where to go with each turn. The atmosphere was very peaceful, which was great. This child didn't need to have that sadness return to her eyes.
[Meiomi Nightingale]
- Age: 10 -
- Mana Realm: Peak Mortal-
- Body Realm: Peak Mortal-
- Talents: Five-Elemental Spiritual Root -
- Special Skill: Adaptive Mind (S) -
[...]
My mind blanked seeing her status. It felt a little like fate to some degree. Not only did she get recognized as my disciple, but I also had an inheritance related to the five elements. My brain instantly went to it because wasn't the only correct answer to invest in her with this!
No matter what, I would get 2× the return, but this inheritance seemed to fit her more than me!
'Hey system?'
[Yes, host?]
'Why didn't I have any spiritual root or a talent marker for that matter?'
[That's because since you have me, your spiritual root is a Limitless Spiritual Root. You aren't bound to a specific category because of me. In a way, I'm your spiritual root.]
'Thanks for the explanation!' It felt nice that the system was so nice.
[Of course, Host. Also, do be aware that if knowledge exceeds a certain threshold, I won't be able to explain until you are stronger.]
'Gotcha.'
I closed the system screen with my mind and focused back on little Meiomi in my arms.
"H-here we are, big brother." She still had her shyness, but I knew now why she got accepted as my disciple. She was seeing me as a big brother—someone who gave her support much like a blood-related one would.
We went into the store and got to shopping. The inside looked much like I'd thought it would.