(Samuel's POV)
As I walked down the stone-paved streets, I couldn't help but admire the architecture around . Grand arches, towering spires, intricate carvings on every building—it was just like the Imperial World.
I ran my fingers across the rough stone of a nearby wall, feeling its ancient texture. "Damn... it really feels like I've stepped back in ti."
People bustled around , dressed in elegant tunics, heavy cloaks, and armored guards patrolling the roads. Horse-drawn carriages rolled by, rchants called out from their stalls, and the scent of freshly baked bread mixed with the distant aroma of burning incense.
A blacksmith nearby hamred away at a blade, sparks flying as he shaped the glowing tal.
I smirked. "If this world has a dieval aesthetic, I wonder if their technology is equally outdated or if there's hidden advancent sowhere."
As I continued walking, a group of noblewon in ornate dresses whispered as I passed by, stealing curious glances. So giggled, others looked away when I t their eyes.
"Hah... guess I'm already drawing attention."
A kid suddenly bumped into . I looked down to see a small boy with ssy brown hair staring up at with wide, nervous eyes. He clutched a loaf of bread tightly against his chest.
"Sorry, mister!" he yelped before darting past .
I chuckled. "A street rat, huh? Just like old tis."
But just as I turned the corner, two armored guards ca rushing through the crowd. "Stop that thief!" one of them yelled.
I sighed, shaking my head. "Well, looks like this place has its fair share of problems."
I debated whether or not to step in. But before I could make a decision, a familiar system notification popped up.
---
[New Quest Alert!]
Quest: The Street Rat's Dilemma
Objective: Decide the fate of the young thief.
Option 1: Help him escape. Gain reputation with the underground faction.
Option 2: Hand him over. Gain favor with the Imperial Guards.
Option 3: Buy the bread for him and send him ho safely. Gain respect among the commoners.
Reward: Depends on the choice made.
---
I stared at the system quest, smirking. "Why should I pick one of the options the system gave ? I'll handle things my way."
Without hesitation, I turned around and walked toward the two armored guards chasing after the boy. The kid was small, too young to be a criminal, and clearly desperate. There had to be a better way.
"Hey!" I called out, stepping in front of them.
The guards, both burly n in their early thirties, stopped abruptly. "Step aside, outsider," one of them barked. "That brat stole from Lord Faulkner's bakery. He must be punished."
I shook my head. "I get it, stealing is a cri, but look at him." I pointed toward the boy, who was trembling near an alley, clutching the loaf of bread like his life depended on it. "He's a child, barely past ten. What do you think throwing him in a cell will accomplish?"
The second guard hesitated, glancing at the boy. "Law is law, stranger. If we let one go, others will follow."
I crossed my arms. "And if you throw him into prison, what will he beco? A hardened criminal? A desperate runaway? Maybe even a killer one day?" I sighed. "Look, I know it's your duty, but there's another way. Rather than punishing him, why not guide him?"
The first guard frowned. "What do you an?"
I smirked. "Instead of jail, why not send him to the Knight Academy? Train him to be soone who protects instead of steals."
Both guards exchanged looks, clearly considering my words. The second guard sighed. "You think that kid has what it takes to be a knight?"
I turned to the boy. "Hey, kid!"
The boy flinched, looking like he was about to bolt. I held up my hand. "Relax, I'm not here to hurt you."
Hesitantly, he took a step forward. "W-What do you want?"
I crouched down to et his gaze. "What's your na?"
"...Leo," he mumbled.
"Leo, listen to . You don't have to steal to survive. There's another way. What if I told you there's a place where you can learn how to fight, earn respect, and never go hungry again?"
His eyes widened. "A place like that exists?"
I nodded and looked at the guards. "If he joins the Academy, he won't be a burden on society. He'll contribute. He'll beco soone people respect, instead of soone they chase through the streets."
The first guard sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Damn it... I hate it when outsiders make sense."
The second guard smirked. "Fine. Kid, consider yourself lucky." He looked at . "Since you're so interested in his fate, why don't you take him to the Knight Academy yourself?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Hah... didn't see that coming."
I turned back to Leo, smirking. "Well, kid, looks like you just got yourself a new future."
Leo hesitated, then for the first ti, he smiled. "Thank you, sir!"
As I walked forward with the boy beside , I couldn't help but chuckle. "Guess I just recruited my first little apprentice."
Reviews
All reviews (0)