Adam continued training Pedro and Anna from morning until well past noon, without pause. The exercises were harsh, filled with both physical and mental challenges.
"Alright..." he finally said in a calm but firm tone, "Take a break."
As soon as the words left his mouth, both of them collapsed to the ground as if their bodies could no longer hold them. They were exhausted, drenched in sweat, their chests heaving with heavy breaths—yet neither uttered a word of complaint.
They had come to understand that pain was the price... and that Adam wasn't tormenting them, he was shaping them.
"Head back to the cabin. I'll go get some food."
They both responded in hoarse, weary voices:
"Alright."
Pedro and Anna nodded, leaning on each other for support, sharing both the weight of their bodies and the warmth of their will. They walked slowly back to the cabin. Their steps were heavy, but their hearts were light… for the first time, they had tasted transformation.
Adam watched them disappear into the cabin, then turned and left the slums behind.
The marketplace was a bit of a walk, but his steps were steady. He passed by crumbling alleys and homes that barely stood, until he reached the heart of Greenwood—where life pulsed with unending noise.
The markets were crowded, filled with the scent of spices, bread, and sweat. People moved from stall to stall, negotiating, shouting, children weaving between legs.
Adam passed a musician strumming an old stringed instrument, and a woman calling out to sell her goods, before stopping at a stall to eye the neatly stacked fruits.
"I need real food... not just scraps."
He pulled out the few remaining coins he had.
"I can't return with just bread. If they're going to be the first seeds of my power… then I must feed them like warriors."
He asked the vendor:
"How much for the meat? And how much vegetable can I get with these coins?"
The vendor looked him over, taking in the worn clothes, and replied coldly:
"That won't buy you much more than scraps."
Adam gave a faint smile, replying with quiet confidence:
"Scraps for today… and a feast for tomorrow. Just give me what you think is fair."
He took what he could afford, then made his way back, carrying the food. It wasn't much—but it would be enough for today.
Adam returned to the cabin near sunset, holding a small sack from which warm steam rose, carrying the scent of cooked meat, onions, and spices. He knocked gently, opened the door, and found Pedro and Anna lying on the floor, still drained from the day's effort.
He lifted the bag with a smile:
"Late lunch… or early dinner. Call it whatever you like."
The three of them sat in a small circle, eating in silence at first. Then Pedro began devouring the meat like someone who hadn't eaten in days, while Anna was calmer, watching her brother as she ate slowly.
"This is the best food I've ever tasted..." Pedro mumbled with a full mouth.
Adam chuckled softly:
"It's the simplest meal you'll have—if we succeed."
Once they finished, Adam stood up and wiped his hands on his tunic:
"Break time is over. Let's pick up where we left off."
Anna blinked in surprise:
"Now? We barely managed to eat!"
Adam's tone remained firm:
"If you want to awaken your talents, you must pay the price."
Pedro stood first. He swayed from fatigue, but the determination in his eyes said it all.
They stepped outside again, into the training grounds, where the sky blazed with orange hues from the setting sun.
Adam faced them and said:
"We're changing the training method a bit. I won't be with you for a while… I have something to take care of."
Pedro frowned slightly:
"How are we supposed to train without you?"
Adam nodded toward him:
"Pedro, there are old tree trunks at the edge of the slums. Bring one back and keep punching it until it breaks. Don't stop—until it falls."
"Got it," Pedro replied, clenching his fists.
Adam then turned to Anna:
"You'll keep running around the training field. The obstacles will train your balance and reaction time. Run until your legs give out."
Anna nodded silently.
As soon as he gave them their instructions, Adam left the slums without delay.
He walked through the streets of Greenwood, lost in thought.
"Money… that problem won't solve itself. I've only got one silver coin left. I need to find a way to earn steady income."
As he pondered the issue, he found himself unintentionally back in the market.
The noise of the crowd pulled him from his thoughts, and just before he looked ahead, he caught a conversation that piqued his interest:
"Good, we've completed the guild quest. Let's go turn it in and collect the reward."
"Yeah, then we hit the tavern and enjoy ourselves."
Adam froze, eyes focusing in the direction of the voices. Two men were walking by with a relaxed gait.
He muttered:
"Inspect."
Name: Rafah
Age: 30/60
Talent: Gray (Weak)
Level: Apprentice Knight
Strength: 10
Speed: 7
Endurance: 9
Skill: Basic Swordsmanship (Minor Achievement)
Note: A man who has taken his first step toward strength
Adam raised an eyebrow in mild surprise:
"First time seeing an Apprentice Knight… the stats are decent. But at thirty years old, with a gray talent… no wonder he hasn't advanced further."
He was no longer interested in the man's stats. What truly caught his attention was their talk…
"The guild..."
He whispered, eyes lighting up:
"From all the fantasy novels I've read, this must be the Adventurer's Guild… And aren't I looking for a way to make money?"
Without hesitation, Adam followed them.
His heart pounded with excitement.
An opportunity stood ahead…
And he was ready to take his first step out of the shadows.