Capítulo 2: The Blessings Begin
Chapter 2: The Blessings Begin
Nathan woke early, the soft light of dawn filtering through the small window of the room he shared with three other children at the Azure Orphanage. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted up from the kitchen below, and the quiet chatter of younger children stirred a sense of calm within him.
Despite the bizarre circumstances that had brought him here, Nathan had slept soundly. Perhaps it was the warmth of the orphanage, or maybe it was the exhaustion from his encounter with the wolf-like creature, but either way, he felt more rested than he had in years.
He swung his legs off the bed and stretched. His body still felt strange to him—short limbs, youthful energy, a lightness to his movements—but it was becoming more familiar with each passing day.
"Hey, Nathan! Breakfast!" came a voice from the doorway. It was Jared, one of the older kids in the orphanage. His dark hair and mischievous grin reminded Nathan of the farmhands he used to hire back on Earth.
"I'm coming," Nathan replied, his voice startlingly high-pitched. He dressed quickly in the simple clothes Clara had given him the night before and followed Jared down to the dining room.
***
The dining area was alive with the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation. Children of all ages crowded around the long wooden table, laughing and chatting as Clara and Robert moved between them, serving plates of eggs, bread, and fruit. Nathan slid into an empty seat next to a small, quiet girl with red hair who was nibbling on a piece of bread.
"Morning, Nathan," Clara said warmly, placing a plate in front of him. "Looks like you're a growing boy."
Nathan smiled shyly and began eating. The food was simple but hearty, reminding him of the meals he'd made on the farm. He caught sight of the red-haired girl glancing at him, her sharp emerald eyes curious, but she didn't say anything.
"Hi," Nathan said after a moment. "I'm Nathan."
"I know," she replied softly. "I'm Redsky. But you can call me Scarlet."
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Redsky? That's an unusual name."
She shrugged. "Clara said it's because of my hair."
Nathan nodded. "Nice to meet you, Scarlet."
She offered him a small smile before turning back to her food.
***
After breakfast, Clara asked Nathan to help her in the garden. The orphanage had a modest plot of land behind the house where they grew vegetables and herbs. It wasn't as vast as Nathan's fields back on the farm, but it was enough to stir memories of home.
"You seem like the type who enjoys being outside," Clara said as she handed him a small spade.
Nathan nodded. "I do. I used to... well, I helped my grandpa on his farm."
Clara tilted her head and studied him thoughtfully. "You're quite mature for your age, Nathan."
Nathan froze for a moment, then forced a smile. "I guess I grew up fast."
As they worked, Nathan noticed something strange. Whenever he touched the soil or plants, a faint warmth spread through his fingers, as though the earth itself was responding to his touch.
System Notification:
Your actions resonate with the Blessings of Nature.
Experience gained: +5.
The glowing window appeared in front of him again, startling him. Clara didn't seem to notice, her attention focused on pulling weeds from the garden.
Nathan frowned. He hadn't done much—just planted a seedling and watered it—but the system had taken note.
"Interesting," he murmured under his breath.
***
By midday, Nathan had learned more about the orphanage and the village it was nestled in. Warden's Hollow was a small, self-sufficient settlement, surrounded by dense forests and rolling plains. The villagers, mostly farmers, hunters, and craftsmen, led simple but peaceful lives.
The orphanage relied on the goodwill of the villagers, but times were tough. Donations had dwindled in recent months, and Nathan overheard Clara and Robert discussing their tight budget while he helped clean up after lunch.
"That explains why they're so frugal," he thought.
He felt a pang of guilt. Clara and Robert had taken him in without a second thought, and yet they struggled to provide for the children in their care. Determined to help, Nathan resolved to learn as much as he could about the strange system he'd inherited.
***
That evening, Nathan snuck out to the garden. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow across the grounds. He crouched beside the vegetable patch and placed his hand on the soil, focusing on the warmth he'd felt earlier.
System Notification:
Would you like to access the Blessings of Nature skill tree?
Nathan hesitated. "Skill tree? Like a game?"
He nodded, and a new window appeared before him, displaying several glowing icons connected by delicate lines.
Blessings of Nature Skill Tree:
1. Seedling Bond (Level 1) – Bond with plants to increase their growth rate.
2. Nature's Whisper (Locked) – Hear the voices of plants and animals.
3. Greenfinger (Locked) – Enhance the vitality of crops and herbs.
4. Nature's Shield (Locked) – Summon a protective barrier using natural energy.
The descriptions were simple, but each one hinted at the vast potential within the system.
"How do I unlock the others?" Nathan wondered aloud.
System Notification:
Skills unlock as you gain experience through interacting with nature and completing specific tasks.
Nathan glanced at the vegetable patch, an idea taking root in his mind. "Let's see how this works."
He placed his hand over a small, wilted carrot plant. Focusing intently, he envisioned the plant growing strong, healthy, and vibrant.
A faint green glow surrounded his hand, and the plant seemed to respond. Its leaves straightened, and its color deepened, the life returning to it.
System Notification:
Seedling Bond activated. Experience gained: +10.
Nathan grinned. "This is incredible."
***
The following days were a blur of experimentation. Every interaction with nature—whether watering plants, tending the soil, or even sitting under the old oak tree—granted him experience points. He worked in secret, though Scarlet occasionally caught him mumbling to himself. She never asked, but her curious glances made him wonder if she suspected something.
One afternoon, while reading a book in the treehouse Robert had built for him, Nathan decided to test something new. He plucked a small wildflower from the ground and held it gently in his hand.
"Nature's Whisper," he murmured, focusing on the locked skill.
To his surprise, a soft voice echoed in his mind.
"Thank you for the water," it said, faint but filled with warmth.
Nathan nearly dropped the flower in shock. "Did... did you just talk to me?"
The voice didn't respond, but Nathan's heart raced with excitement.
"This is bigger than I thought," he muttered.
***
As the days passed, Nathan's life at the orphanage grew busier. He balanced helping Clara and Robert with playing with the younger children, all while secretly leveling up his skills. He quickly earned the admiration of the villagers, who were impressed by his work ethic and enthusiasm.
But in the back of his mind, a lingering thought persisted: this peaceful life wouldn't last forever.
Whatever power had brought him to this world had given him a purpose—though he didn't yet understand it fully. And Nathan was determined to be ready for whatever lay ahead.
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder