My forehead was covered in veins and wrinkles as my eyebrows arched upon hearing that information. "Give it back!" I shouted at the screen that only I could see. It was nighttime, and no one was listening to me, even though I was in the middle of town
[System message]
Are you challenging me?
"I don't care if I'm challenging you or not; give me back what belongs to me!" I was clenching my jaw tightly, waiting for the system's response. A smile formed on the system screen I was looking at, which only made me angrier. "Answer me, you piece of shit, for one fucking goddamn time already!" A swear word came out of my mouth, along with some saliva. In my precious memories of my family, my father always shone. He never swore, even when my mother or my brothers did. He would just sigh, stroke our heads with his big hands, and say in a compassionate voice, "Don't do that again." {He was my hero, and now he's disappearing because of a system I don't know anything about? I won't allow it.}
[System message] :)
"Ah! My head! It hurts!" I knelt down while screaming. There was a very strong pressure in my head, as if someone were hammering my head nonstop, but I could see the faces of my family, their names, our happiest moments, and our misfortunes. "I remember everything." I was so happy that I couldn't help but shed a few tears.
***
[System message] [Mission] Destroy the village marked on your map: Reward 1000 gold coins. [Yes] [No]
[System message] [Mission] Destroy the village marked on your map: Reward 1000 gold coins. [Yes] [No]
[System message] [Mission] Destroy the village marked on your map: Reward 1000 gold coins. [Yes] [No]
[System message] [Mission] Destroy the village marked on your map: Reward 1000 gold coins. [Yes] [No]
Four identical messages were sent to four bandit leaders, and all four leaders accepted.
"We need food."
"We need women."
"We are very bored."
"We need money."
Each leader had 200 soldiers, both men and women, while the village only had 300 men. Is it even possible to win?
***
Over the next few days, I spent my time training the men, helping as I always do, and in my spare time, I gradually gained better control over Hal, and it is paying off. I also visited the blacksmith and bought a helmet, breastplate, gauntlets, and greaves. It all cost me thirty silver coins, but I didn't have enough money, only 15 coins. The blacksmith said to me, "So you don't have any money. Well, you can pay me later." "Thank you very much." We shook hands, and as I was about to leave the shop, I heard a voice say, "Wait, I've heard a lot about you. I have a gift for you." He gestured for me to come closer, so I did, and he gave me a copper shield and sword. The armor was also copper, but that didn't detract from its value. "Thank you again." I hugged him. "I should be saying that. Everyone in this town owes you something. Consider this payment." Adapt." The blacksmith's hands glowed, and my orange armor became a little heavier. He smiled, he lifted it, and he hugged me. I left the smithy with armor that wasn't as good as the previous one, nor as flashy, but it was armor and a gift I had to pay for. I felt even safer in this armor than in the other one, which was more robust and larger. "Good trade!" The townspeople showered me with compliments. I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. In the short time I had been here, I was already so loved that it made me extremely euphoric.
I decided to return home to show Lin my change, but all I got were harsh words. "You're wearing something useless." Her beautiful appearance, coupled with those harsh words, made me feel bad. "It's not useless. Besides, it's a gift," I said as I took off the armor. "That armor won't protect you. It's better to throw it away." He didn't care if his words hurt me. "You should be more respectful. You live in my house." I left my house, picking up a large hood that had been given to me.
Now I was sitting in the large green moor where I cried. This place was so relaxing, and I usually slept here or at my friends' house. I lay down on the grass, closed my eyes.
Heard voices in the distance.