The late afternoon sun dipped in warm gold over Ian City as Nathan and the newly met boy , Ash walked through the narrow back alleys. The boy carried his stolen loaf of bread in both hands as if afraid someone might snatch it from him.
Ash moved like someone who had spent his life on the streets:
silent steps, tense shoulders, sharp eyes.
Nathan observed quietly.
Potential 68.
A hidden genius living like a stray animal.
He exhaled softly.
"This world really wastes talent," he murmured.
Ash glanced up. "Huh?"
"Nothing," Nathan said with a small smile. "Just thinking."
They emerged into a busier marketplace. Shouts of vendors filled the air, the aroma of roasted meat drifted past, and colorful fabrics hung from shop stalls like flags dancing in the wind.
Nathan stopped near a quiet corner and turned to Ash.
"So," he asked gently, "what were you going to do with that bread?"
Ash hugged it closer. "Eat it… maybe save some for later."
Nathan nodded slowly.
"Do you have parents?"
Ash stiffened.
"…No."
"Anyone who looks after you?"
Ash shook his head.
"I'm alone."
Nathan felt something tighten in his chest.
He knew the tone — the practiced indifference, the quiet resignation of someone who didn't expect life to offer anything.
"Well," Nathan said simply, "you're not alone anymore."
Ash's eyes widened.
Nathan placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You're my disciple now."
Ash froze.
"M-Master… s-seriously?"
"Very," Nathan replied confidently. "But before we go anywhere, there's something more important we need to handle."
Ash blinked. "What?"
Nathan crossed his arms.
"A starving disciple can't cultivate anything except misery."
Ash's stomach growled loudly, proving Nathan right.
Nathan chuckled.
"Exactly."
Ash frowned shyly.
"But… Master… you don't look like someone who carries money either."
Nathan smiled a slow, knowing smile.
"Money is never a problem when you understand how the world works."
Nathan gestured toward a nearby stall — an apothecary run by an elderly man with a long white beard. Glowing herbs and glass vials lined the shelves.
"Come," Nathan said confidently.
Ash followed, confused.
The stall owner looked up as they approached.
"Hmm? What do you need, young man?"
Nathan reached subtly into his Inventory and pulled out one Qi Restoration Pill. It rested in his hand like a warm gemstone.
He placed it on the counter.
The old man's eyes widened.
"Hoho… this is a decent-quality qi pill! Where did you get something like this?"
Nathan kept his expression relaxed.
"Picked it up earlier. I'd like to trade it for coins."
The old man stroked his beard.
"Three silver for it."
Nathan tilted his head.
"Four."
"Three and a half."
"Deal."
The old man handed over several coins.
Nathan pocketed them and Ash stared at him like he had just witnessed divine magic.
"You can just… sell pills like that?"
Nathan winked.
"When you stay calm, you'll find the world much easier to handle."
(World Currency):
1 Gold = 10 Silver
1 Silver = 100 Copper
1 Copper = Enough for cheap street food
10 Copper (0.1 Silver) = Basic meals
1 Silver = A good meal or basic equipment
10 Silver = A week's stay in a decent inn
Gold Coins = Large transactions, martial manuals, artifacts
Three and a half silver was more than enough for a hearty meal.
---
Nathan led Ash toward a humble food stall where a woman stirred a pot of thick beef stew over a clay stove.
"One large bowl," Nathan said, placing silver coins on the counter, "and one for the boy."
Ash tugged Nathan's robe.
"M-Master… this is too much… I'm not worth—"
Nathan cut him off with a single firm glance.
"Ash. Eating properly isn't a luxury. It's your new minimum standard."
Ash fell silent.
When the food was served, Ash hesitated only a moment before hunger overcame pride. He devoured the stew like a starving wolf, though he tried to eat politely because Nathan was watching.
Nathan ate more slowly, smiling softly behind his bowl.
By the time Ash finished, color had returned to his face.
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Thank you, Master… really…"
Nathan rested a hand on the boy's head, gently ruffling his messy hair.
"Get used to it. A master takes care of his disciples."
Ash's lips curled into a small, unsteady smile.
When they stepped back onto the street, the city lights flickered as lanterns were lit for evening.
Ash walked beside Nathan with a new spring in his step.
"Master," Ash said quietly, "are you… really looking for more disciples?"
"Yes," Nathan replied. "Three, in fact."
Ash nodded thoughtfully.
"In the northern district… there's a big martial training arena. Lots of stronger people gather there. Maybe… maybe you can find someone."
Nathan's eyes lit up.
"Ash… that's a brilliant idea."
Ash reddened slightly under the praise.
"I want to be useful…"
Nathan smiled warmly.
"You already are."
They began heading toward the northern side of the city.
Nathan scanned people as he walked.
Potential: 12
Potential: 41
Potential: 26
Nothing useful.
He sighed.
"Finding geniuses is harder than I expected."
Ash suddenly spoke:
"Master… what's potential?"
Nathan glanced at him.
"Potential is the talent a person is born with. Some people have low ceilings. Some can reach the heavens. You… can reach very far."
Ash blinked slowly.
"No one ever said that to me…"
Nathan's expression softened.
"Well, start getting used to that too."
As they reached a crossroads leading toward the northern district, a faint ripple of energy brushed past Nathan — not strong, but sharp like a blade hidden in silk.
Nathan stopped walking instantly.
"Master?" Ash asked.
Nathan narrowed his eyes.
"That presence…"
It wasn't accidental.
Someone nearby had just released the slightest trace of aura — subtle, controlled, dangerous.
Someone young.
Someone strong.
Someone… interesting.
A slow smile spread across Nathan's face.
"It seems we might be closer to our next disciple than I thought."
Ash looked around nervously.
"Another genius?"
"Perhaps," Nathan replied, his robe fluttering in the wind.
"Or something even more complicated."
Nathan took a step forward, the thrill of the hunt rising in his chest.
"Let's go, Ash. Our next encounter is waiting for us."
Together, Master and disciple headed toward the unknown presence — unaware that this meeting would shape the future of the sect Nathan had yet to create.
Their journey was only beginning.