章節 2: Chapter:2
Character's Age: 5
Date: 253 BCE
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Early in the morning, the village's overweight overseer bellowed as usual, waking us up with his grating voice. As soon as we opened our eyes and sat up, he stomped toward us with heavy steps. Slamming his staff into the ground, he issued his orders in a sharp tone:
"Piao! Show the newcomers the field and teach them how to dig! The work must be finished before winter. After you've mastered digging, you'll learn to make sandals. Now, no slacking off!"
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The Field's Appearance and Harsh Conditions
Located on a rocky slope just outside the village, the field's challenging nature was evident at first glance. The soil was dark brown, but it was riddled with stones and wild weeds. Clearly, this was not fertile land, yet it had to be prepared for planting before winter for the village to survive.
In one corner of the field, a few rusty pickaxes and shovels were haphazardly piled up. Before starting work, we lined up to grab these tools. This was where Piao stepped up.
"Everyone, take a pickaxe. Listen carefully," he said, his voice calm but firm. "We must work together here. If we don't, the field won't be ready, and we'll all starve come winter."
The field was surrounded by thorny bushes, making it hard to move around while working. A strong wind blew across the area, scattering soil and pelting our faces with dust and grit. Everything about the scene screamed that this would be grueling work.
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Phase One: Clearing the Stones
Piao picked up a pickaxe and turned to address the group:
"Before we can start digging, we need to remove the large stones from this field. If we don't, the soil won't soften, and it won't be suitable for planting."
Clearing the larger stones first required removing the weeds and smaller rocks on the surface. Our tools were rusty and heavy, but we had no other options.
Shin hefted his pickaxe and swung it at a stone. The first hit dislodged it slightly, but it took several more blows to fully remove it.
"These stones are stubborn, but we can't leave them here," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow.
I began thinking about how to make the process more efficient. My "Genius Mind" ability was slowly starting to manifest. Observing how the stones were embedded, I said to Piao and Shin:
"We could create a lever effect by digging under the stones and using the pickaxes to lift them out. It's more efficient than just hitting them."
"Lever?" Shin asked, furrowing his brows.
"Yes," I explained. "If we wedge the pickaxe under the stone and apply force upward, it'll come out more easily than if we just keep striking it."
Piao decided to try the method. Sliding his rusty pickaxe under a large stone, he pushed down with all his strength. The stone slowly lifted and eventually rolled free.
"This works!" he said, a faint smile on his face.
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Phase Two: Digging the Soil
After clearing the stones, it was time to dig the soil—a task that proved even more difficult. The ground was hardened, and our pickaxes barely left a mark. Starting from the far corner of the field, Piao demonstrated the technique:
"When you dig, angle the tool straight down and lift to loosen the soil. If you strike at an angle, you'll exhaust yourself without breaking enough ground."
Following his lead, I stabbed my pickaxe into the soil. The ground was so tough that it took several tries to pull the tool out. Shin, as usual, was throwing his full strength into it but was moving erratically.
"Shin, slow down. You're wasting your energy," I said.
"My job is to work hard, not talk!" he snapped but seemed to take my advice to heart.
As the hours dragged on, fatigue set in. Blisters formed on our hands, and splinters from the pickaxe handles dug into our palms. Yet stopping wasn't an option; we knew the consequences of failing to meet our quota.
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Strategic Thinking on the Field
As we worked, I began analyzing the layout of the field and the soil's characteristics. Some areas were softer, while others were much harder. The tougher sections required more effort, sapping our strength quickly. I suggested a plan to Piao:
"Let's divide the field into three zones. We can rotate workers in the harder areas to conserve energy. If we start with the softer sections, we can reduce the overall workload before tackling the difficult spots."
Piao found the idea logical. "This could work. Shin, since you're the strongest, focus on the tough spots. The rest of us will handle the softer areas," he said.
This system made our work more efficient. Shin would rest when he tired from digging the hard soil, while the rest of us focused on easier sections. By noon, we had managed to dig through a significant portion of the field thanks to this teamwork.
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Break and Rest
The sun was high in the sky, and we were exhausted. With the overseer's permission, we took a short break. Shin collapsed onto his back, breathing heavily.
"At this pace, we'll finish the field in a week!" he said, smiling through his sweat-covered face.
Piao remained quiet but looked proud of our progress. As for me, my mind kept racing with ideas. This fieldwork was only the beginning—a harsh introduction to the realities of life as a slave. But I knew that one day, I would have the strength to change these circumstances.
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Closing and System Notification
That night, as I lay on my mat, a notification appeared in my mind:
"Host is making progress. Strategy development and physical endurance are improving. The system will activate at age 7. Continue observing and learning in the meantime."
This filled me with renewed motivation. I knew these hardships were temporary
. Once I turned seven and the system fully activated, I would take far greater strides in this world.
Return to Work
The break ended sooner than we'd hoped. The fat overseer approached us, scratching his belly and grinning his disgusting grin.
"Hey, you lazy dogs! You're not done yet. Clear the weeds from the ground you've dug. If you don't remove those weeds, you can't plant anything!"
His voice lashed at us like a whip. None of us dared to speak back; opposing him was as good as a death sentence.
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Clearing the Weeds
After digging, the field was covered in wild weeds and roots. These weeds were a major obstacle for planting, and if we didn't remove the roots, they would grow back, making the field useless.
"Alright, now we'll clear these weeds," Piao said quietly but firmly.
We were handed rusty knives and blades. On our knees, we started working on the roots. Some extended deep into the soil, and it took minutes to pull a single one out. Shin was yanking the larger roots with all his might.
"These weeds are as stubborn as rocks," Shin said, drenched in sweat.
Piao, on the other hand, worked more methodically. "Speed isn't important. If we're careless, the weeds will just grow back."
Meanwhile, I observed the weeds' structures and root systems. Some had deep-reaching roots, while others spread along the surface. "Understanding how these roots grow might come in handy for planting crops later," I thought to myself.
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First Conflict in the Field
After hours of grueling work, Shin stopped and, panting heavily, burst out, "This job never ends! Why do we have to work so hard as slaves?!"
The fat overseer overheard Shin's outburst and stormed toward us.
"What did you just say? Huh? Don't like your job?" he growled, brandishing his staff.
Shin took a step back but then clenched his teeth. "I'm just… we're just so tired," he muttered.
The overseer advanced, raising his staff to strike. Before he could, I stepped forward.
"Sir, we will finish the field on time. But we need water to work faster," I said quickly.
For a moment, the overseer hesitated, his attention shifting. He glared at me. "Water? Hmph. Fine, but this is the last time. If the work isn't done, all of you will pay for it!"
As the overseer walked away, Shin looked at me. "Why did you do that? That staff could've come down on you," he said.
"Getting angry doesn't change anything," I replied. "But that water will make things easier for all of us."
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Softening the Soil
When the water arrived, it made the soil noticeably easier to work with. Sprinkling water over the dug areas softened the ground, allowing us to pull roots out more quickly and with less effort.
Shin noticed the improvement and turned to me. "You were right. This helps. But it's still frustrating."
"We're all frustrated," I said. "But for now, we have to endure."
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Results and End of the Day
By the end of the day, we had cleared most of the field. The overseer inspected our progress and seemed pleased.
"Hah! Not bad for a bunch of slaves. But you're not done yet. Tomorrow, you'll finish the rest!" he barked.
Exhausted, we were drained but slightly proud. Life as a slave was harsh, but today we'd achieved a small victory. By working together, we had nearly finished clearing the field.
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Thoughts Before Sleep
That night, Piao, Shin, and I sat on the thin mats we used as beds. Shin, as always, complained about the day's work.
"This slave life is ridiculous. If I ever get free, the first thing I'll do is teach that fat overseer a lesson!" he declared.
Piao sat quietly, staring at a stick in his hand. It was hard to tell what he was thinking, but there was a depth to his silence.
As for me, I was filled with anticipation for the day my system would fully awaken.
"Surviving in this world isn't just about hard work," I thought. "I have to be smarter. I need to make plans. Escaping this slavery is only possible if I use my mind."
I fell asleep with plans forming in my mind. Deep down, I knew this life was just the beginning. The real battle hadn't started yet.
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The Ongoing Struggle
The next day would bring a new challenge: finishing the field, planting the seeds, and starting
on sandal-making. Until then, we would keep surviving and holding on to our resolve.
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After 10 Days of Hard Work
After ten grueling days of digging, clearing stones, and removing weeds, we finally finished preparing the field. During this time, Shin's strength, Piao's patience, and my strategic thinking combined to help us function as a team. Despite collapsing from exhaustion each evening, we managed to get back up and face the next day.
"I've never worked this hard in my life," Shin said, wiping sweat from his brow. "But it's over now, right?"
Piao nodded slightly. "It's over… but I'm sure there's more work waiting for us," he muttered.
At last, we finished digging the final section of the field. The soil was now ready for planting. The fat overseer inspected the results, and for once, his face showed a rare hint of satisfaction.
"Well, you finally managed to do a decent job! Looks like if I apply enough pressure, even you lot can get things done," he said mockingly.
Then, to our surprise, he said something completely unexpected:
"I'm giving you three days off. This isn't a reward—if you don't rest after such heavy labor, you'll end up useless to me. But remember, after these three days, a new job awaits you. Don't forget it!"
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First Break: Not Knowing What to Do
The idea of a three-day break was almost unbelievable for slaves. Neither Shin, Piao, nor I knew how to use this free time. Normally, our days were filled with non-stop work and following orders, leaving no room for personal choices.
Shin, bored within the first few hours, sat on the ground. "So, this is what a break feels like? Doing nothing is tiring in its own way," he grumbled.
Piao quietly retreated to a corner, carving a stick he'd found. Curious, I approached him.
"What are you doing?"
"I don't know," he replied. "I just feel like I need to do something."
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Exploring the Village Surroundings
That day, we decided to use our time to explore the area around the village. Shin, with his usual energy, suggested, "Let's go out and look around! There's got to be more to this place than just the village."
Piao and I agreed, and the three of us set off. The village was situated in a small clearing, surrounded by hills and dense forests. As we wandered deeper into the woods, we came across various plants, small animals, and even a stream.
When we reached the stream, Shin splashed his face with water and let out a satisfied sigh. "This feels amazing!" he exclaimed.
Piao, on the other hand, studied the clear water with a thoughtful expression.
I took the opportunity to examine the plants in the area. Some looked poisonous, while others seemed like they might have medicinal properties. Ideas began forming in my mind about how these plants could be useful.
"One day, these plants might come in handy," I said to myself.
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Talking About Dreams
As the afternoon waned, we sat by the stream, taking in the rare tranquility. Shin, with a wide grin, broke the silence.
"One day, I'm getting out of here. I'll become a great general, and everyone will know my name!"
His words reminded me of Kingdom's story. Shin's determination mirrored Xin's unwavering drive. While his ambitions inspired me, they also made me reflect on my own.
Piao smirked at Shin's bold claim. "A great general, huh? First, you'll have to figure out how to escape this village," he said dryly.
Shin bristled slightly at the comment. "What about you, Piao? What's your dream?" he asked.
Piao remained silent for a moment before shrugging. "I haven't had time to dream. But it would be nice to be free someday."
He then turned to me. "What about you? What do you want?"
I hesitated for a moment. Until now, surviving had been my only concern. But I spoke from my heart.
"I want to escape this life too. But just escaping isn't enough. I want to be strong. I want to make a difference."
Shin nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Then we all want the same thing. Freedom and strength."
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New Plans
The three-day break gave us much-needed physical and mental rest. It also deepened our understanding of the value of freedom and survival. While slavery had brought us closer, we also realized we needed to take action to change our situation.
When the break ended, the fieldwork was done, but the overseer assigned us a new task: making sandals. This would be an entirely different challenge. However, we were stronger and more motivated than before.
We knew that as long as we worked together, there was hope for a better future.
Starting Sandal-Making
After finishing the fieldwork and completing our three-day break, the fat overseer gathered us again to assign a new task: sandal-making. This was essential for the village's economy, and as slaves, we were responsible for gathering materials, cutting them, and assembling the sandals.
The overseer pointed at Piao and barked, "Piao! Teach these two fools how to make sandals. If they mess up, it's on you!"
This placed extra pressure on Piao, but he tried not to show it.
"Alright, I'll show you how it's done," he said calmly.
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The First Lesson: Preparing the Materials
The basic materials for making sandals were wooden soles, ropes, and leather straps cut from animal hides. Piao laid everything out on the table and carefully demonstrated the process.
"First, take a wooden sole," he said, holding one up. "Then cut the leather into small strips and weave the ropes and straps through the wooden base to secure everything. That's it. But be careful—if you don't do it right, the sandal will fall apart."
Piao's hands were quick and precise. He finished the first sandal in just a few minutes. Turning to us with a small smile, he said, "Now it's your turn."
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Using the Genius Mind for Sandal-Making
I carefully observed every step Piao demonstrated. In my mind, I mapped out the entire process as if it were a blueprint. My Genius Mind ability made learning this kind of task almost instantaneous. Picking up a wooden sole, I neatly cut the leather straps and methodically tied the ropes. Soon, my first sandal was complete.
Piao examined it closely, his eyes wide with surprise.
"This… is perfect. How did you manage to make it so well on your first try?" he asked.
I shrugged, hiding my true abilities. "I guess I'm a good observer," I said nonchalantly.
Meanwhile, Shin was a disaster. His first attempt was so poorly made that the sandal almost fell apart in his hands.
"Hey! This isn't as easy as it looks!" he shouted, frustrated with his failure.
I couldn't help but suppress a laugh, but Piao patiently coached him through the process. Finally, on his tenth attempt, Shin managed to produce a decent sandal.
"Finally! I did it!" Shin exclaimed, holding the sandal triumphantly in the air.
"Congratulations on your persistence," I said with a grin. "But you should work on being a bit more careful."
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Piao's Surprise: Wooden Swords
After finishing the day's sandal-making work, Piao went to a corner and opened a small wooden chest. From it, he pulled out three wooden swords. Both Shin and I stared at him in surprise.
"So, this is what you've been working on," I said. I had guessed what he was up to but still wanted to hear it from him. "What are the swords for?"
Piao held up the swords, a faint smile on his face. "To learn how to fight. If we're going to escape this place, we need to know more than just how to make sandals—we need to know how to defend ourselves," he explained.
I approached to examine the swords. They were well-crafted, with smooth surfaces and balanced weights. Piao must have spent a lot of time preparing them.
Shin grabbed one immediately and began swinging it through the air. "This is amazing! I feel like a real swordsman already!" he said excitedly.
I admired Piao's initiative. "This is a brilliant idea," I said. "With these swords, we can train and become stronger. It'll help us build our skills and our bodies."
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Beginning Sword Training
Piao started teaching us the basics of handling and using the wooden swords. "It's not just about swinging the sword," he said. "You need to maintain balance and learn the proper stance. If you lose your balance, your enemy will exploit your weakness immediately."
He demonstrated a basic attack stance with calm and controlled movements. One by one, he called us over to correct our stances. At first, even holding the sword felt awkward, but after a few tries, I began to adapt to its weight and feel.
Shin, however, was swinging wildly. "Come on! We need to attack! Like this!" he shouted before losing his balance and tumbling to the ground.
"If you want to be strong, you need patience," I said, offering him a hand to help him up. "The first step is mastering the technique. Strength will come with time."
Grumbling, Shin nodded and started paying more attention to Piao's instructions.
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The Power of Working Together
That evening, after spending the day learning sandal-making and practicing with the wooden swords, I reflected on the importance of teamwork. Piao was clearly more experienced with the sword than either of us, but Shin's strength and my strategic thinking complemented his skills.
"If we keep working together, we can survive here—and maybe even escape this life one day," I said, raising my wooden sword.
Piao smiled faintly. "Yes, but this is just the beginning. We have so much more to learn."
Shin, as enthusiastic as ever, shouted, "One day, we'll use real swords and fight in great battles! Just watch!"
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Closing and New Goals
That night, as I lay down to sleep, I thought about how productive the day had been. We had learned to make sandals and taken our first steps in swordsmanship. These skills weren't just about surviving as slaves—they were the first steps toward becoming stronger and,
eventually, free.
This was just the beginning. A brighter, more powerful future awaited us.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票