As Jaken and I walked down the dusty dirt road, the scorching sun beat down upon us, casting long shadows over the remote village nestled in the heart of southern Asia. The air was thick with the familiar scent of spices, and the sounds of bustling activity filled our ears as locals hurried along their daily routines. The vibrant colors of market stalls lined the streets, their wares a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Amidst this lively scene, memories stirred within me—a blend of nostalgia and yearning for simpler times. Despite the hardships I had faced in my previous life, there was a strange comfort in returning to this place, where every sight and sound spoke of resilience and community.

Suddenly, as Jaken and I strolled past our neighborhood, a group of mischievous children emerged from an alleyway, their faces grimy and their ragged clothes signaling their life on the streets. They glared at us as they approached, their eyes alight with mischief.

"Look who's here, outsiders!" one of them exclaimed, pointing at Jaken and me. The children quickly surrounded us, their curiosity mixed with a hint of challenge.

"What are your names, outsiders?" another one asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

I exchanged a knowing glance with Jaken before replying, "I'm Dio, and this is Jaken." The children burst into giggles, their whispers filled with amusement. "Dio? What kind of name is that? Sounds funny!"

Before I could respond, one of the children lunged forward, attempting to snatch the fish hanging from my belt. I sidestepped the child's grab and clasped their wrist firmly. "Hands off! Get your own fish!"

Jaken's voice cut through the commotion as he stood protectively beside me. The children closed in from all sides, their eyes gleaming with hunger and determination.

One kid made a grab, but I deflected their grasp, feeling the heat of the sun beat down on my back. My pulse quickened as I realized I might have to step in to defend our possessions. Jaken and I reacted instinctively, our fists swinging in quick, desperate arcs. We pushed back against their relentless advances, their small bodies darting in and out with surprising speed.

Dust swirled around us, our feet kicking it up in a chaotic cloud. The shouts and cries of the children filled the thick air, creating a cacophony that heightened the frantic energy of the scuffle.

Sweat trickled down my forehead as I ducked and weaved, each movement a battle to keep the fish in our possession. The hot sun blazed overhead, casting harsh shadows that danced wildly with our every move. The intensity of the moment surged through me, a raw mix of adrenaline and determination fueling my actions.

Jaken and I stood back to back, our fists clenched tightly. In a sudden move, I delivered a swift punch, sending a particularly bold child tumbling backwards. Meanwhile, Jaken deftly maneuvered, using his leg to trip another kid attempting to grab at our belongings.

Dust clouds swirled around us as the skirmish continued, shouts reverberating through the narrow streets. With every punch thrown and dodge made, our determination burned hotter. Bruised and exhausted, Jaken and I stood victorious amidst the scattering children, their defeated cries echoing through the village.

Gasping for breath, we exchanged weary smiles, our bond strengthened by the shared struggle. Despite the hard-won victory, the respect of the villagers now lay firmly in our grasp.

As the settling dust cleared, a notification flashed before my eyes, signaling my level-up to level 2. Excitement surged through me, knowing the game had just gotten more interesting. Now, it was time to allocate my upgrade points wisely. With careful consideration, I chose to bolster my Strength to 20 and Charm to 10, feeling the newfound power surge within me.

After catching our breath from the intense skirmish, Jaken turned to me, a grin spreading across his face, eyes alight with excitement. "Dio, how about we head over to prepare those fish? My place or yours?" he asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

Pausing to glance around the bustling village, I considered Jaken's offer. Though tempted, my home wasn't the ideal setting. "Actually, Jaken," I replied, choosing my words carefully, "let's go to your place. Mine's a bit crowded these days."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Understanding flickered in Jaken's eyes as he nodded in agreement. "Sure thing, Dio. Let's head to my place. It's not much, but it'll be quieter," he said with a sympathetic smile.

Grateful for his understanding, I followed Jaken through the winding village streets, looking forward to a moment of respite.

As Jaken and I arrived at his house, we were greeted by a humble structure weathered by time. The walls of the shack were worn and weathered, patches of rust clinging to the corrugated metal roof overhead. Stepping inside, I immediately noticed the cramped quarters. The living space was sparsely furnished with threadbare chairs and a rickety table, adorned with faded photographs and mementos that whispered stories of struggle and triumph.

Jaken's parents welcomed us with warm smiles, their faces etched with the lines of years of hardship. Despite the poverty that surrounded them, there was an aura of resilience in their demeanor, a quiet strength speaking volumes about their determination. In the kitchen, Jaken's mother bustled about, preparing a simple meal from whatever ingredients were at hand. The worn countertops and patched cabinets told their own tale of making do with what little they had.

Amidst the modest surroundings, an undeniable warmth and hospitality permeated the air. Jaken's parents embraced us warmly, their laughter filling the cozy space as they shared stories and reminisced about days gone by. As we sat down to enjoy the freshly cooked fish, a wave of gratitude washed over me. In the face of adversity, Jaken's family had found happiness and contentment, teaching me that true wealth lay not only in money or in material possessions but in the love and support of family and friends.

Seated at the modest table in Jaken's humble home, surrounded by the love of his family, a pang of sadness gripped my heart. Memories from my past life surfaced, haunting me with regrets. I couldn't shake the remorse as I recalled Jaken's attempts to reconnect through Scoop book, messages I had callously disregarded in my pursuit of wealth and status in my past life.

Now, sitting in the presence of Jaken and his family, a profound sense of regret washed over me. I realized that I had abandoned a true friend, someone who had stood by me through thick and thin, all for the sake of shallow connections that left me feeling hollow and isolated. As Jaken's parents engaged us in cheerful conversation, my mind wandered back to those missed opportunities, the moments where pride had overshadowed genuine friendship.

With a shared understanding passing between us, Jaken and I gradually lightened up. Despite the looming separation, we fell back into the easy banter of old friends. Laughter filled the modest room as we reminisced about shared adventures and inside jokes, momentarily setting aside the weight of my unspoken regrets.

"So, Dio," Jaken teased, a mischievous glint in his eye, "are you sure you're ready to leave? I mean, who's going to keep me out of trouble without you around?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Don't worry, Jaken. I'm sure you'll manage just fine. Besides, you've always been the troublemaker in this duo."

Jaken feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart in mock hurt. "Me? A troublemaker? I'm wounded, Dio. Truly wounded."

I laughed, the sound echoing through the small room. "Alright, alright. Maybe we're both a little guilty of stirring up trouble now and then."

Their laughter echoed through the humble home, filling the air with a contagious joy that spoke volumes about the strength of our friendship. As we swapped stories and revisited our shared adventures, I felt a deep gratitude for the bond Jaken and I had built over the years. Amidst all the uncertainties ahead, having Jaken steadfastly by my side gave me a sense of reassurance, a constant amidst life's ever-changing currents.

In the midst of our lively conversation, Jaken and I reveled in the fleeting happiness of our camaraderie, savoring each moment spent together. As the echoes of our laughter faded and dusk settled over the room, a familiar voice interrupted our warmth.

"Dio! Where are you? It's time to come home!"

My uncle's urgent tone held both concern and impatience as he stood at the doorway, a reminder of the lateness of the hour. I sighed inwardly, sharing a regretful glance with Jaken. "I better go. Uncle doesn't like me out late."

Jaken nodded understandingly, his disappointment tempered with empathy. "I understand, Dio. If those new kids give you any trouble, you know where to find me."

With a nod and a thankful smile, I bid farewell to Jaken and his family, carrying with me the lingering warmth of our shared laughter as I made my way home under the watchful eye of my uncle. Dio grinned, a sense of determination sparking in his eyes. "Don't worry, Jaken. I won't let them push me around. I've got you to thank for that."

With a final wave and a promise to reunite soon, I bid farewell to my friend and followed my uncle into the night. The winding streets of the village stretched out before us, each step resonating with a growing sense of anticipation. I embraced this feeling, allowing it to fuel my determination for the challenges ahead. Glancing back at Jaken's modest home, gratitude welled up within me. His friendship had become a pillar of strength, akin to that of a brother-in-arms. Remembering Jaken's reassuring words, I squared my shoulders and embraced the path ahead, ready to confront whatever challenges the future held in store for me.

Dio Stat's Info

Lvl: 2

Strength: 20

Agility: 8

Intelligence: 5

Endurance: 7

Charm: 10