A floorboard creaked behind him. The door swung open, and Amanda stepped into view. "What are you doing outside, Leo?"
His breath hitched. He froze—did she see anything?
Cold sweat trickled his neck—he swallowed before turning to Amanda.
Her hair fell in bedraggled strands, and one strap of her camisole had slipped off her shoulder.
He forced a grin. "I couldn't sleep, so… just getting some air. I'll head in soon."
Amanda yawned and stared at him for a moment before turning back inside. "Okay, but be sure to lock the door later," she said. The door creaked slowly as it closed behind him.
Leo breathed out as if he held it for a long time. Does that mean only I can see my system? He crossed his arms, his forehead knitted—
Wait—did the screen disappear on its own?
Nice one, system dev! He nodded enthusiastically grabbing the handrail as he ascended.
Anyway, guess I'll pick this up tomorrow.
Morning light leaked through the windows as Leo, still buzzing from the night's events, told Amanda he needed a break for the day.
He went to the top of the hill where Ranna's office stood just behind their house. At the hilltop, Leo turned toward the sprawling farm below, taking in the sight of every field and the dense forest that bordered it.
Around the hill, a never-ending line of thick trees made it hard to imagine any village hidden within.
Leo reached the office and knocked before going inside.
Ranna was writing on a table across the room with pile of papers on both her side. She looked up and greeted him with a question, "What brings you here, Leo?"
"Good morning, Ranna," he replied.
"I wanted to ask for a break today," as he walked towards her and stopped at a map on the wall just before Ranna's table. "I just wanted to stroll around, maybe I'll be able to be awaken this time since I just turned into an adult—"
Ranna, burst into laughter.
"I'm sorry Leo," she continued her heartfelt laugh before she breathed out.
"Go on and take your break, you deserve it,"
"And you know that's just a myth, right?" she lifted her arm before placing on the table. Her hand settled beneath her chin as she stared at him.
Leo laughed nervously and said, "Ah, yes—"
"I might encounter another Forest Sprite before I even believe that thing…"
Ranna laughed again tapping her table this time, "I remember that time,"
"you're weeping your ass out as you ran back to the farm." She wiped her eyes and breathed out one more time. "You don't need to strain yourself about not be awaken."
"Some of us tend to awake after years of adventuring." She said as she pulled in her chair, its feet slightly scratching the wooden floors.
"Thanks Ranna." He said on his way to the office door.
I don't know if Amanda and Ranna are just being nice,
but I already heard countless of times from the adventurers she hires to guard the farm that adventurers without awakened skills is like going into the dungeon with pike.
But having a system here is like winning the lottery's grand, GRAND price!
He reached their house and immediately went and sat to their table.
Leo opened his system and a familiar blueish light glow reflected on his face. His fingers slightly trembled as he navigated to the system's inbox. His eyes zeroed out to the message: What a fortune, the gods send their regards!
He tapped the message and his heart raced as notifications appeared—
[System Notification] Opening God's gift.
[System Notification] You have received Otherworldly treasure chest!
His breathe hitched as the notifications continued to pour.
[System Notification] Otherworldly treasure chest activated!
[System Notification] Please select anything on the list that you want to transfer.
"Transfer?" he muttered, not sure of what the message meant—until he scanned the displayed list. He flicked through the list spotting different random things.
Physical features
Physical strength
Status
The list seemed endless but something clicked in his mind. He held his breath as he continued to scroll through the items.
"Please be here,"
"Please be here—"
And then he saw it. He almost passed out as he saw the item he was looking for.
World assets
"If this what I think it is, moving to the capital is just a tap away!" he exclaimed, the surrounding started to slow down for him as he tapped the item. Another message appeared.
All assets will be converted into this world's currency, do you want to continue?
He nearly jumped with excitement as his hunch was confirmed. Leo quickly tapped "Okay" and watched closely as another notification appeared.
[System Notification] Starting assets transfer, please wait...
The screen displayed a progress bar the inched forward slowly. Leo's eyes twinkled as he continued to watch his system screen. His legs moved back-and-forth before he eventually stood up. The chair creaked as it was pushed back. If all his hard-earned assets from his previous life were now converted into this world's currency, the advantage would be monumental.
He could invest in better equipment, secure a safe and comfortable living for himself and Amanda and even start building a network of contacts and allies.
As the transfer continued, Leo's thoughts drifted to his past life. He remembered the countless hours he spent working, saving, and investing. All the sacrifices he made in the hopes of securing a better future. The irony was not lost on him—those very sacrifices were now about to give him a head start in a completely different world.
The progress bar almost reached its end, and Leo found himself walking in circles around the small room—the wooden floor creaking beneath his feet. The anticipation was almost unbrearable.
[System Notification] Assets transfer completed!