The sun hung high over Greenhollow, and the village buzzed with excitement. Today marked the annual Harvest Festival, a day of celebration, food, and games. For most villagers, it was a time to laugh, forget hardships, and enjoy the bounty of the season.
T Ken, however, had little time for frivolity. His Ω∞D System pulsed faintly in his mind, a constant reminder of the legacy he now bore. Yet, seeing the villagers preparing, the baked bread, colorful banners, and children running with laughter, he allowed himself a small smile.
Carrying baskets of vegetables for his family's stall, he moved carefully, making sure not to spill a single carrot or potato. Villagers watched, some sneering as usual.
"Still playing the hero, T Ken?" a boy mocked, tossing a small pumpkin at him.
T Ken caught it instinctively, a flicker of the system's energy guiding his hands. The pumpkin remained unharmed, balanced perfectly as he set it aside. His cheeks flushed, not from embarrassment, but from frustration. He had learned to ignore ridicule, but every insult stung, a reminder of the long road ahead.
The festival's festivities drew him to the village square, where games were being held. T Ken's eyes immediately found Princess Elara, who had arrived with a few of her attendants. Even in the simple festival attire, she radiated grace. Her green eyes scanned the crowd, and when they met his, a small smile brightened her face.
Heart pounding, T Ken bowed slightly. "Good morning, Princess Elara."
She giggled softly. "Good morning, T Ken. Are you helping with the festival?"
"Yes," he replied, adjusting the baskets on his arm. "I… I help wherever I can."
Before she could respond, a commotion erupted near the edge of the square. A group of outsiders, rough-looking men and women, had arrived. They pushed through the crowd, knocking over stalls and stealing goods. Villagers screamed, scrambling to protect their belongings.
T Ken's heart raced. He knew he could easily stop them with the Ω∞D System, but he needed to act wisely. Summoning his shield, he activated a barrier tool, protecting both himself and the nearest villagers.
The outsiders drew weapons, and a tense standoff began. T Ken's hands hovered over the system interface, glowing softly as it presented various options: subdue, neutralize, or create distractions. His mind raced. He could unleash devastating power, but the villagers were nearby.
"Protect, not destroy," he reminded himself. With careful precision, he deployed binding nets and temporary stasis fields, immobilizing the attackers without causing serious harm. Within moments, the threat was neutralized. The villagers stared, wide-eyed, some whispering in awe, others in fear.
Princess Elara rushed to him. "T Ken! Are you… are you alright?"
"Yes, Princess. Everyone is safe," he said, breathing heavily. The system pulsed in acknowledgment, a subtle glow around his hands.
Hyung Fyi appeared quietly at the edge of the crowd, observing. His expression unreadable, he finally spoke. "Good. You acted with wisdom, restraint, and courage. That is how the system chooses its heir."
T Ken swallowed, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. The system was more than a tool — it was a reflection of his character, his morality, and his choices. Every decision he made shaped its guidance and the extent of his power.
As the festival continued, T Ken returned to his family's stall. Villagers whispered, pointing at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear, respect, and curiosity. For the first time, he realized that he had changed their perception. He was no longer merely the poor village boy; he was someone capable of protecting, guiding, and defending.
That evening, T Ken walked toward the edge of the village, seeking a quiet place to reflect. The forest awaited him, serene under the fading light of dusk. He activated a small training simulation within the Ω∞D System, allowing him to practice combat, strategy, and decision-making without risking harm to real creatures or people.
The system introduced new tools and abilities: enhanced perception, tactical foresight, and defensive wards. Each tool was a test, challenging him to think creatively, act decisively, and maintain his moral compass.
Hours passed, and T Ken felt a surge of accomplishment. The system had responded to his intent, guiding him, but never controlling him. It was a partnership, a reflection of who he was and who he aspired to be.
As night fell, T Ken returned home. The festival lights twinkled in the distance, laughter and music drifting on the breeze. He thought of Princess Elara, of his family, and of Hyung Fyi's guidance. The journey ahead would be perilous, filled with tests of courage, morality, and strength, but for the first time, he felt ready.
> "I will not fail," he whispered to himself. "I will master this system, protect everyone I care about, and honor the legacy entrusted to me. One day, I will be strong enough for Princess Elara… and for all those who depend on me."
The Ω∞D System pulsed warmly in his mind, as if acknowledging his determination. And somewhere, unseen, Hyung Fyi watched, a faint smile hinting at approval.
The poor village boy had taken his second true step toward greatness, and the path of heroism, power, and destiny lay before him — vast, uncertain, and filled with limitless potential.
End of Chapter 4.
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