Morning sunlight filtered softly through the small window as Nick sat at the breakfast table. A modest meal waited for him: a slice of bread, some fruit, and a mug of warm milk.
"Dear… are you sure you're okay? You don't have to work today. You could just rest," his mother said, concern lacing her voice.
Nick smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "It's fine, Mom. I don't need to play with other kids. I just need to clean the stables. I get fifteen shillings for the weekend anyway, so it's okay."
Melinda's lips pressed together, a mixture of worry and pride reflected in her gaze. She knew she couldn't stop him.
His father, George, as always, remained silent. Expressionless. His responses minimal, clipped: "Yes," "No," "Later," or sometimes nothing at all. That cold detachment had been Nick's reality since he could remember in this world.
After finishing breakfast, Nick stood up. "Mom, see you later. I'm going to work."
Hours later, after finishing his chores at the stables, Nick bid the old man goodbye and prepared for his quest.
From behind a cluster of bushes near the stable, he sensed someone watching.
"Hmmm… why is that dumbass leaving earlier than usual?" a familiar voice murmured.
Giselle Vermillion, the niece of the stable owner, narrowed her eyes as she observed him from a distance.
Nick ignored her. He had bigger concerns. The Wasted Forest awaited, and the cave he had made was already calling him.
Inside the hidden cave at the edge of the woods, Nick removed his shirt and kicked off his shoes. His three-year-old body was small and fragile, but determination burned brighter than his physical limits. The quest demanded a 500-meter run, a challenge even for an adult—let alone a toddler.
Minutes crawled into an hour. Sweat dripped from his forehead. Barefoot and shirtless, Nick's legs ached, his lungs burned, but he didn't stop. He pushed himself to the very edge of exhaustion and finally crossed the invisible finish line.
Panting heavily, he shouted, "STATUS WINDOW!!"
QUEST COMPLETION
REWARD: Modification
You can only pick one:
+2 maximum count of Magicule Add 1 element to Magicule (Fire, Ice, Earth, Air, Dark, Holy, Soul) Change the size of Magicule to 50 mm Magicule can be thrown and increase projectile speed Magicule returns to you automatically +5 to all stats, -2 LUK
Nick rested a hand on his chin, contemplating the choices.
Great… this is the modification system. Perfect for me. I can create the ultimate unique skill. But most options are useless for now—my raw Magicule just passes through objects. Only options 2 and 6 matter.
He grinned and selected option two.
A small blue window blinked as he chose the Fire element.
Nick extended his tiny arm and focused. A small, fiery orb sparked into existence, hovering in front of him. He directed it at the dead tree trunk he used as a chair in his cave. The orb hit solid wood and burned it, leaving a tiny scorch mark.
It worked. His raw Magicule, which had once passed harmlessly through everything, could now interact with the physical world—even if only in the smallest way.
Excitement bubbled inside him. Progress was small, but it was enough. The possibilities stretched before him like an infinite horizon.
This is just the beginning. Next quest… next skill… next step.
Nick wiped sweat from his brow, grabbed his shoes, and whispered to himself, "Let's go home for now."
With a burst of energy, he sprinted through the forest, the thrill of discovery and the promise of power carrying him forward.