Larin sat at the edge of the spring, gazing into its shining depths. The water's surface reflected the bioluminescent glow of the Redsprout tree above, casting faint patterns onto his face. His mind churned as he tried to process the enormity of what Cindris had told him. The weight of the world seemed to press down on his shoulders—responsibilities stretching far beyond what he had ever imagined.

Oakenna came up silently, her footsteps making no noise on the soft moss. She looked at Larin for a moment, her green eyes full of curiosity. Then, with an elegant movement of her arms, she began tracing shapes in the air, her movements precise and deliberate. It was as if she were weaving invisible threads. Suddenly, information flooded into Larin's mind.

Larin

Age: 18

Art: Sinlung Art

Breathing: Sinlung Resonance

Body: Human

Parts: Left and Right arm empowered with foreign blood

Stage: Proto-True Magi

Mana: 400/500

Strength: 30

Agility: 32

Intelligence: 38

Designation: Magi of Sinlung

Natural Spring: Stage 1

Credit: 1000

Larin blinked in shock, the rush of data momentarily leaving him dazed. He stared at the floating numbers and descriptions before him, his mind racing to try to decipher what it all meant.

"These are your stats," Oakenna said, her voice calm but with a hint of amusement. "They are an estimate of your current state and capabilities."

Larin furrowed his brow, his finger tracing the numbers in the air as he thought aloud. "Mana… 400 out of 500. Is that bad? And 'Proto-True Magi'? That makes me sound like a half-baked spellcaster."

Oakenna tilted her head, clearly bemused. "Stats are not objective truths but assumptions. They offer a rough estimate of your potential. Do not rely on them too heavily. And your mana indicates your capacity, every second regaining and every spell and magic used exhausting it"

Larin looked at her, grinning. "So basically, I'm a work in progress?"

"Exactly," Oakenna said, her voice as stern as ever, though there was a flicker of mischief in her eyes. "A flawed but functional being."

Larin pretended to gasp, clutching his chest. "You wound me, Oakenna. I thought we were friends."

She blinked, her expression neutral. "I did not mean to harm you. My words were intended as an observation.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

The sincerity in her voice made Larin laugh out loud. Oakenna watched him, her head tilting once again in confusion. "Did I misspeak?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

"No, no," Larin said, waving her off as he struggled to catch his breath. "It's just… you're refreshingly honest. I appreciate it."

Oakenna thought on his words for a moment before nodding. "Honesty is necessary for growth. I will continue to give it.

Still grinning, Larin looked back at the info floating in his line of vision. Oakenna didn't even let him utter another word when she raised her hand and a new screen popped up.

"And now, your missions," she said, and her voice grew formal.

1. Maintain Healthy Relationship with Sinlung.

(Minimize your carbon footprint and refrain from being cruel. Help human and animal, be balanced but heed Sinlung's advice. Monthly reward: 1000 credits.)

2. Produce and Generate Knowledge. (Sinlung will pay you for research and experiments. Rewards could be paid per work or depending on the effort Sinlung deems worthwhile.)

3. Protect Your Natural Spring. 10,000 credits per year.

4.Do good

These are mandatory," Oakenna said. "Knowledge production and Doing good, however, is optional and flexible."

She paused, allowing Larin to digest the information. "Sinlung may also issue missions when needed. You may decline or accept as you wish, but if no agent accepts within six hours, urgent tasks will be assigned to the nearest Natural Spring."

Larin nodded, though his mind was still racing. "That's… a lot to take in.

Oakenna offered a small smile. "You will adapt. Now, onto the [Exchange System]."

She summoned another screen, its ethereal glow illuminating the clearing. "You will be provided with two important totems. The first is the Sensory Totem, which acts as your eyes and ears over the land. The second is the Gift of Sinlung Totem, which blesses the land and all its inhabitants—yourself included.

She approached closer, and her expression relaxed. "The upgrade system is dynamic and depends on the Natural Spring. You can ask Sinlung for advice or even propose your own plans, which Sinlung will decide upon. Suggested upgrades include improving the soil but you can trade credits to gain materials, energies, and essences as well."

Larin gazed at the display as the full scope of what he had just received sunk in. "This… this is a huge responsibility.

Oakenna tilted her head again. "You carry the trust of Sinlung. It is not a burden; it is an honor."

Larin nodded slowly, his thoughts swirling. He glanced at Oakenna, who was watching him intently. Her presence was calming, grounding him in the reality of his situation.

"I guess I should get started, then," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Oakenna's green eyes glimmered. "Indeed. But do not forget to seek joy in your work. The land thrives when its caretakers are content."

Larin chuckled softly. "I'll keep that in mind."

As the screens disappeared, Oakenna turned her attention to the spring, her hands brushing over the water's surface. The glow intensified for a moment before settling into a steady pulse.

This spring is a reflection of your connection to the land," she said. "Nurture it, and it will nurture you.

Larin watched her, a sense of calm washing over him. Despite the enormity of his responsibilities, he felt a flicker of hope. The path ahead was daunting and he could only whisper to himself ,"Why me, why now."