5 Meeting the Protagonist

Aur's eyes glinted with a strange light as he spotted the golden-haired boy hiding in the shadows. 

He watched patiently, feeling a strange sensation like his intelligence was dwindling just by looking at him. 

Despite his normal thought process, Aur felt his mental clarity slipping the longer he observed the youth. He quickly activated his blue panel, thinking, "Muscle system."

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[Muscle System]

[Name: Aur Cromwell/ Auriel]

[Talent: Future Seer]

[Muscle: 0.89](+)

[Blood and Qi: 0.77](+)

[Intelligence: 1]

[Stat Points: 3]

[Quest: Daily (running)]

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Seeing no immediate change after activating the panel, Aur frowned. "Was I imagining things?" he wondered. Nevertheless, he shook his head and continued to silently observe the golden-haired youth.

Comparing himself to the boy, Aur noted that the guy was comparably handsome like him; however, he emitted a somewhat more feminine, while his muscular build lent him a more masculine handsomeness. 

In contrast, the youth possessed a striking beauty, though more slender and shorter than Aur.

Estimating their ages to be similar, Aur remained patient, refraining from any action as he watched the youth examine the surroundings with a strange animal hide in hand, adorned with intricate carvings.

After an extensive search, the golden-haired boy's eyes brightened as he discovered a specific spot on the ground, setting aside his map. With bare hands, he began to dig fervently, fueled by excitement. Despite the toll on his slender frame and the resulting calluses, he persisted tirelessly, his determination unwavering.

His arms grazed against rocks, drawing blood, yet he continued like a relentless machine. Finally, his efforts paid off as he unearthed something solid, his excitement evident.

"I have found it!" he exclaimed as he carefully extracted a box-like object from the pit. The box emitted an eerie aura, unsettling to behold.

With some difficulty, the youth lifted the heavy box, his hands trembling. Despite the challenge, he managed to open it, revealing an unlocked interior. 

With a mix of anticipation and apprehension, he gazed at the contents, whispering, "Finally, I've found the treasure."

William's eyes widened as he peered into the box, revealing a single paper emitting an ominous aura. Disappointment clouded his expression as he retrieved the paper, pondering its significance.

But before he could unravel its mystery, a chilling voice echoed from the forest, startling him. Three youths emerged, accompanied by a guard in distinctive armour bearing a scar over his left eye. The lead youth said with a smug smile "William, I didn't expect you were bold enough to steal my stuff."

Caught off guard, William frowned at the intruders. "What are you doing here?" he demanded.

The lead youth's eyes glinted with greed. "How dare you steal my treasure!" he accused, his tone icy.

"You…" William's jaw tightened.

"You either give it to us with no violence, or you will die trying to secure this treasure," he coldly interrupted William.

William's expression shifted reluctantly, a mixture of injustice and resignation evident in his eyes. He hesitated before adopting a resigned demeanour.

"Hahahaha, just as I expected from a bastard born of a mistress," Felix taunted, his words dripping with disdain. "You're destined to be my servant. So why not embrace it and serve me instead of dreaming about becoming stronger?"

As Felix's laughter echoed, William's suppressed anger simmered. With quiet determination, he approached Felix.

"Must I truly spend my life as his servant?" his heart filled with grievance.

Felix's proud demeanour faltered slightly as he exchanged glances with his companions, their sneers fueling his arrogance.

"He's nothing but trash," one of the youths mocked. "I doubt he'll even have the talent to become a wizard."

Felix nodded in agreement, a dangerous glint flickering in his eyes. "If he's still alive tomorrow, maybe then we'll see if he's worthy of becoming a wizard."

William clenched his teeth, his frustration palpable. "Are you satisfied now?" he muttered through gritted teeth.

Felix grinned triumphantly as he snatched the paper from William's hand. But his expression hinted at further intentions as he opened his mouth, ready to deliver another blow.

"Oh, and I'll be taking your sister too. I need a new servant girl," Felix announced casually, his words dripping with cruelty.

"Bastard!" William's patience snapped, unable to endure any more injustice. Without hesitation, he landed a punch squarely on Felix's face.

"Pitiful weakling," Felix sneered, effortlessly dodging William's slow punch and delivering a powerful blow in return.

The impact sent William crashing to the ground, his eyes wide with horror.

"Don't worry, your sister won't need a brother where she's going," Felix taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice as he motioned to his companion.

"Yes, young master," the scarred man with the sword responded obediently.

"You wouldn't dare—" William began, but his words were cut short as the scarred man drew his sword, ready to carry out Felix's command.