I sit on a comfortable rug with my guitar in hand, engrossed in my practice. I couldn't help but notice that the sound slightly out of tune. Rather than being discouraged, I decided to make do with it the sound may not have been perfect, I guess I need to look up the string creation a little more.

As I finished my practice, I put the guitar down and took a deep breath. My mom is sitting comfortably on the couch, her belly gently protruding. I kneel down beside her, holding a bottle of scented oil in one hand. With a warm smile, I gently apply the oil on my hands, ready to give her a soothing massage.

Ethan: Let me help you relax a bit. You deserve some pampering during this special time.

Sarah: Oh, Ethan, that's so sweet of you. Thank you.. you finish practicing?

Ethan: I’m … not getting the right tone...

Sarah: Don't feel rushed. You'll figure it out.

The first time Sarah saw the instrument, she was stunned—it was truly one-of-a-kind. She was puzzled by the sound of the guitar; for her, it sounded melodious and soothing. And when she asked Ethan about the source of his creation, he always maintained a poker face and simply replied, "Oh, it's just trial and error."

Sarah: (curious) I overheard you and your friends talking about introducing those nuts at the festival.

Ethan: Yep...the boys helping me with the setup. I hope everyone enjoys the nuts as much as I do he he he.

Sarah: (smiling) I have no doubt they will.

When I was giving my mom a massage and having a little chat, she told me that the baby inside her tummy was being all active. It was like the baby was moving around and letting us know it was there.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

People began to arrive at Treebrook Village, the festive atmosphere grew livelier. I noticed Mr. Quinto setting up his own stall nearby, adding to the excitement of the event.The village square was adorned with colorful decorations, and the sweet aroma of various foods filled the air. It was heartwarming to see families and friends coming together, chatting and laughing, as they explored the different stalls and attractions.

Novn, Vondle, and I were busy with our own stall, preparing the flaming nuts. We wanted to make sure everything was perfect for the festival-goers to enjoy. The anticipation of sharing our creations with the villagers made the preparations even more thrilling.

Xame: I've never tasted anything like this before.

No name hunter: I can't stop eating them!

Vondle: I can already see Flaming Nuts Take Over the Treebrook!

Novn: (proudly) That's the magic touch of the Firesprout!

Lianee stood near the stall, her anticipation grew with every passing moment. She couldn't help but fidget and glancing around the festival grounds to catch a glimpse of her brother Liam returning from his solo rite. She finally spotted her brother Liam returning from his solo rite. It had been three hours since the rite began, and her heart swelled with pride as she saw Liam walking confidently towards her, carrying his hunting spoils.

Liam's face was beaming with a mix of exhaustion and triumph, and he proudly displayed the results of his successful hunting expedition. The forest seemed to have been generous to him, as he brought back an impressive bounty of game. Lianee rushed to greet him, unable to contain her excitement and curiosity about his solo rite adventure.

Lianee: Liam! You're back! How was it? Tell me everything!

As Liam and Lianee stood at the stall, my father approached them with a proud smile on his face. He patted Liam on the back, acknowledging his successful solo rite.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Travis: That's a good catch, Liam. I'm proud of you.

Liam: Thanks, Uncle Travis!

Lianee stood beside them, feeling a mixture of emotions as she looked at her brother. The memories of their late parents flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness.

Travis: You both have grown so much since your parents passed away. I know it hasn't been easy, but I want you to know that all the villager is here for you, always.

Liam: We appreciate everything you and the villagers have done for us.

Travis: You're like family to all of us.

As the conversation took a heartfelt turn, I decided to lighten the mood with a playful remark.

Ethan: (grinning) Alright, alright, let's not get too serious now. Time for some delicious distractions—introducing the one and only, flaming nuts!

Liam: How did people react to the flaming nuts at the festival? Did they love them?

Liam: Everyone was curious about the spicy twist, and when they tried them, they couldn't get enough. Some were surprised by the heat, but they still kept coming back for more! It was a big hit!

Lianee spotted Olivia coming over with a triumphant look on her face, holding some hunting spoils.

Olivia: (excitedly) I managed to collect quite a bunch of nuts. I thought it could be a great addition to your stall.

Ethan: (impressed) Thanks for bringing them, Sister Olivia!

The night of the Treebrook festival was enchanting as all the villagers and visitors gathered around the central area. The aroma of the various dishes filled the air, and the lights from the Moxi tree added to the magical ambiance.

The adult proudly combined all the participant's solo rite hunting spoils and other delicacies, creating a grand feast that was fit for a celebration. The tables were filled with an abundance of delicious dishes, showcasing the skills and efforts of each individual during their solo rite.

For me, the hunting spoils and delicacies felt like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold. There were some ingredients and flavors I had never tried before, making it a feast of exciting discoveries. The variety of fruits and other unique items showcased the rich diversity of our forest and its offerings.As the feast was ready, everyone took their place, and Mr. Kusack, as the representative of this festival, stood up to give a heartfelt toast.

Mr. Kusack: (raising his glass) Friends, fellow villagers, and esteemed guests, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and joy. Today, we gather here at the Treebrook festival, not only to celebrate the harvest but also to cherish the spirit of the solo rite participants have proven their skills and maturity, bringing back bountiful spoils from their expeditions. Their accomplishments are a testament to their dedication and determination. Let us raise our glasses to their achievements!

(All raise their glasses)

Everyone: Cheers!

With the festivities still in full swing, the music filled the air and the children's laughter echoed throughout the village. The vibrant atmosphere encouraged me to take a bold step and make my way to the center stage. As I stood there, facing the eager crowd, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. But I reminded myself that this was just a celebration, and there was nothing to fear.

Ethan: (taking a deep breath) Good evening, everyone! I hope you're all having a fantastic time tonight.

As I mentioned the piece I was about to play, a puzzled silence fell over the audience.

Ethan: (smiling) I'm gonna play "Canon in D". Hope you enjoy it!

And the last note faded, the audience erupted into applause and cheers. I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and joy, knowing that music had touched their hearts in some way. (Thank you, Mr. Johann Pachelbel!)

Ethan: Let's keep the festivities going! Dance, laugh, and enjoy this wonderful night!

Mr. Quinto: You're really talented with your hands, Ethan! I'm truly impressed! And are you planning to sell these flaming nuts?

Ethan: I might consider selling them in the future

Mr. Quinto leaned in for a closer look at the guitar, his expression turning to one of curiosity and amazement.

Mr. Quinto: This is truly one of a kind

Grandpa Hamme: Ahem! these are the strings?

Mr. Yox: Ethan, the wooden parts turned out beautifully...

Grandpa Hamme: Ahem! I believe I can make some improvements to the string. Why don't you send it back to me, and I'll work on it for you?

Ethan: Don't you have a lot of tasks ahead Grandpa?

Grandpa Hamme, Mr. Yox, and Mr. Quinto stood around me, examining the guitar. They seemed truly fascinated with the finished instrument.

Travis: I hope you're not neglecting your training while indulging in this thing...

Sarah: He's been working hard, and music is a beautiful form of expression. I'm sure he'll find the right balance...right?

Ethan: hehehe yes dad.

Grandma Monne: (enthusiastically) The music was truly wonderful.

Olivia: Ethan, you are... so...

Lianee: (suggested) You should play all the music pieces!

Grandma Monne and Olivia: (surprise) Are there more music pieces? Play it!!!!

With a grin on my face, I couldn't ignore their enthusiastic request, so I picked up my guitar once again and started playing some other pieces.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back from the festival, that night was one of the toughest I've ever experienced. I had a high fever, and my body felt like it was engulfed in intense heat. The sensation was overwhelming, and I could hardly open my eyes. My brain seemed to be pulsating, and I feared it might explode from the pressure. In my weakened state, I could still hear my dad's soothing voice as he spoke nearby. I could feel my mom's gentle hand on my forehead, supplying comfort and reassurance. Despite my efforts, I couldn't manage to open my eyes. The fever had taken its toll on my body, leaving me feeling incapacitated.

I tried to relax and take slow, deep breaths, trying to find some relief. It was challenging to focus, but I knew relaxation was key to managing the discomfort. Gradually, the pain became more bearable. I continued to breathe steadily, trying to ease the intensity of the fever. The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, and each moment felt like a battle against the fiery sensation within me. As the night wore on, my fever eventually subsided, and I could feel some relief from the intense heat that had engulfed me.

System: Ding! Ethan Harveston's data has been successfully synchronized. Level up... level up...

Ethan: Urgh Uh level up...? Urghh my brain...