บท 32: CHAPTER 31 - Time To Be Free (4)
"Are you sure about this?" Tomoko asked with a tinge of worry, her anxiety apparent in her voice. She feared that their plan might not unfold as smoothly as they hoped.
"What are you so worried about? Ryoma confirmed everything. Are you doubting your own son?" Hiroshi replied forcefully, determined to push forward with their scheme. Although he had reservations about the vague information Ryoma had provided, he chose to trust his son.
"Fine, as long as you get it done," Tomoko reluctantly conceded, retreating to their bed chamber. She preferred not to be further involved in the unfolding situation.
With a roll of his eyes, Hiroshi pulled out his phone and began making calls to certain individuals.
Meanwhile, Ichiro continued to work out in the courtyard, undeterred by his unhealed wounds. He refused to let his injuries become a hindrance to his training.
-Bench Press: 4 sets x 6-8 reps COMPLETED!-
-Pull-Ups/Chin-Ups: 4 sets x 6-8 reps COMPLETED!-
-Squats (Back or Front): 4 sets x 6-8 reps COMPLETED!-
Ichiro smiled through the pain as he successfully completed his daily workout regimen. Despite the discomfort, he pressed on, determined to make progress. Because he had already completed his run earlier, he didn't need to repeat it, thanks to the system detecting it as part of his workout routine.
Sitting on the porch of his house, Ichiro contemplated his next steps. He knew that Sona would have things prepared for him, and their only request was that he stay alive. It was a simple enough task, but Ichiro couldn't help but wonder what else lay ahead.
Inside his room, Ichiro realized that he hadn't yet tackled his school assignments. As he began to read through his textbooks, a nagging question resurfaced. It was something that had bothered him before but had slipped his mind until now. As he continued reading, the question gained clarity.
"System, who is your designer? What does 'the designer' mean?" Ichiro inquired, seeking answers to a mystery that had intrigued him.
-Error-
"Error? Why is that?" Ichiro wondered aloud as he received no response to his inquiry about the system's designer and their role. It seemed that this particular question was off-limits or beyond the system's capacity to answer. Ichiro decided not to dwell on it further for the time being.
Instead, he turned his attention to his schoolwork, seeking clarification on a topic that had piqued his interest.
-Genetics play a part in why some people have two or more affinities,- the system replied, providing him with some insight.
"But why is the chance of having multiple affinities so low?" Ichiro questioned further, intrigued by the subject.
-Report-
The system then presented him with a report, and to his surprise, it was about his cousin Ayami. He was puzzled as to how Ayami was related to the topic at hand and began to read the holographic report displayed before him.
"Ayami, what does this has to do with her?" As he delved into the report, Ichiro learned that Ayami had the potential to develop abilities similar to those of his mother, but she lacked the necessary knowledge to unlock these latent affinities. "How is that even possible?"
-She only lacks the necessary knowledge to meet the requirements for acquiring another affinity.-
As Ichiro continued to read through the information provided by the system, he discovered that it had gathered data about his family. This revelation left him both curious and somewhat apprehensive.
"Do you have information on Ryoma as well?" Ichiro inquired, wondering if the system had any insights to offer about his cousin Ryoma's abilities.
-Yes.-
Ichiro was taken aback as he reviewed the detailed report on Ryoma. The information confirmed what he had suspected to some extent: Ryoma was indeed more powerful than Ayami. However, the revelation that Ryoma possessed two affinities, just like Ayami, came as a shock.
"When did he..." Ichiro trailed off, his mind racing with questions. He wondered why Ryoma had kept his dual affinities a secret. Could it have something to do with Ayami? He feared that if Ayami were to find out, it might lead her to isolation and depression.
His attention was then drawn to a classification in the report: "Artificial Enhancement."
"What's that?" Ichiro wondered aloud, puzzled by the system's categorization of Ryoma.
-Second affinity was acquired by force.-
Ichiro's mind was abuzz with questions as he delved deeper into the information provided by the system. The revelation that Ryoma had acquired his second affinity by force left him both curious and concerned.
"By force? How did you find this out?" Ichiro inquired, wanting to know more about the circumstances surrounding Ryoma's hidden affinity.
The system's response was cryptic: "Further investigation is needed."
Ichiro couldn't help but wonder if Ryoma's second affinity was somehow artificial or temporary, which might explain why he chose to keep it a secret. But the system's reply dispelled that notion.
-No,- the system stated firmly, indicating that Ryoma's second affinity was indeed real and permanent.
"What? So it's real." Ichiro was intrigued and perplexed by the complexity of Ryoma's situation. It was evident that there was more to the story than met the eye. He decided to shift his focus to Akihiko and Emi, hoping to gather more insights about his newfound friends.
However, as he reviewed the reports on Akihiko and Emi, Ichiro found that the information didn't surprise him. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the holographic displays, realizing that there were certain things he didn't need to know at this moment.
"To think both of them are on the same level as Ryoma, and Ryoma even had an artificial enhancement," Ichiro mused aloud, contemplating the newfound knowledge about his cousin and his friends. It was a lot to digest, but he chose not to delve deeper into the system's capabilities. He had more pressing matters to attend to, such as his schoolwork for the following day.
With a resigned sigh, Ichiro picked up his textbook, holding it aloft as if seeking assistance from the enigmatic system. He posed a simple question, hoping for a straightforward answer: "Can you answer all of this for me?"
The system's response was cryptic as ever: -One effort can be the seed that sprouts the tree of strength.-
Ichiro's frustration grew. It was clear to him that the system was not going to provide the help he sought. With a resigned shake of his head, he muttered, "Nevermind." It was apparent that the system's usefulness was limited, providing information about life-threatening situations but little else.
Early the next day, the forest was cloaked in the gentle hues of dawn, and Ichiro moved with a sense of purpose. He had a mission, and he needed to gather the necessary ingredients to heal himself. Akihiko had provided him with a small window of opportunity, allowing him to purchase the required herbs and components in the early morning hours, before anyone would notice his absence.
As Ichiro ventured deeper into the forest, he kept his senses sharp, searching for the specific herbs and ingredients he needed. He knew the forest like the back of his hand, having spent countless hours exploring its secrets in the past. It was a place of solace, and now it served a different purpose.
His keen eyes scanned the underbrush, locating the first of the necessary herbs—crimson clover, known for its healing properties. He carefully plucked the delicate leaves and stored them in a small pouch, making sure to leave enough to ensure the plant's growth.
Moving further into the woods, Ichiro found a patch of ginseng, another crucial ingredient. He dug up the roots, handling them with the utmost care to preserve their potency. Each root was a step closer to his recovery.
By the time he decided to head back, his pouch was filled with a variety of herbs and ingredients. He felt a renewed sense of hope, knowing that he could rely on nature to aid in his healing process. This forest, once his sanctuary, had become his ally in a different kind of struggle.
As he returned home, he couldn't help but smile. "This should be enough," Ichiro declared to himself, a sense of determination in his eyes. He knew that the servants would report his actions to his uncle and aunt, but he was prepared to face the consequences. With the ingredients in hand, he was one step closer to reclaiming his strength and independence.
Ichiro's surprise grew as he found the servants waiting for him upon his return home. Their unusual behavior, coupled with the offering of food from his uncle and aunt, left him feeling uneasy. It was a stark departure from the usual indifference he faced from his family.
One of the servants spoke up, breaking the silence. "The master has sent some food for you."
Ichiro couldn't hide his astonishment. "For me?" He couldn't remember the last time his family had shown such concern for his well-being. Even as a child, he had been left to fend for himself, often going hungry when his mother was away on her missions.
The servant, however, didn't offer any explanation and simply placed the bento box on the porch before walking away, leaving Ichiro puzzled by the whole situation. He watched as they retreated, his sense of unease deepening.
As Ichiro cautiously approached the bento box, he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. He was apprehensive, fearing that this might be some sort of trap or trick. What if opening it triggered the appearance of a dangerous creature or an explosive device?
Despite his trepidation, Ichiro steeled himself and slowly removed the lid of the bento box. To his surprise, the contents looked entirely harmless—well-prepared dishes that seemed to have been crafted by a skilled chef. The aroma wafting from the box was inviting, making his stomach rumble with hunger.
However, right before him, a vivid red holographic warning sign materialized in the air. It was a jarring contrast to the ordinary appearance of the meal.
-WARNING!-
ของขวัญ
-- ได้รับของขวัญแล้ว สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง