That morning was different from the others. The children had to wake up much earlier than usual — travelers from the caravan were leaving, and the three of them had to help carry luggage. Jenny couldn't stay idle either; she was sent straight to the kitchen.
After the caravan departed and they were finally free again, Aron and Twig went to chop firewood, as usual.
Once again, Aron noticed the difference in Twig's work — faster, stronger, and far less tiring. Or rather, he still got tired, but much less than before. Twig's excuse was always the same: his training was paying off, becoming more and more efficient. Aron wasn't fully convinced yet, but the evidence was becoming impossible to deny.
Back at the inn, after stacking the firewood, they met Jenny, ate their hidden meal from her secret stash, and rested a bit before heading to their usual practice spot near the woods by the well.
This time, Twig didn't need to tidy up the inn's rooms — he'd already done it early in the morning before the caravan left, so that task was completed.
Once again, the day came to an end. Night was falling. When they returned from their wooden sword practice, Saul didn't even look at them."Take some leftovers, go to your room, and blow out the candles," he said flatly. "No need to waste oil for light."
They ate a few crumbs and went to bed. It had been a productive day, at least by their standards.
Twig was eager — tonight he would level up again. He had completed all his daily quests and earned the bonus.
"System, release my experience for today."
[Ding!] Of course, Host. Releasing experience from completed quests.[Ding!] Activating Completed Quest Reward!
Congratulations, User!You gained 10 experience points, plus a 50% bonus for completing all quests without missing any.Total Reward: 15 EXP.
[Ding!] [LEVEL UP] +1[Ding!] [JOB LEVEL UP] +1[Ding!] Congratulations, User! You reached Level 4. Your Job has also reached Level 4.
"I'll distribute my stats right away, same as before — balanced."
[Distribute points]1 point in Strength, 2 in Vitality, 1 in Agility, and 1 in Dexterity.
Open Status.
[Ding!][— USER STATUS —]Name: Robert Nilig (Twig)Age: 11 (+21)Title: NoneRace: HumanJob: Apprentice – LVL [4/10] | Exp: 0/50Level: 4 | Exp: 0 / 60HP: 59 | MP: 15
Attributes:STR: 5 | VIT: 8 | AGI: 5 | DEX: 5 | INT: 10 | LUK: 1
Resources:Stat Points: 0 | Skill Points: 0 | Zeny: 0
Equipment:Nothing useful, but at least he's not naked.
Twig felt his power rising — a thrilling energy spreading through his body. If it weren't so late at night, he would've shouted aloud:"AHHHH! I'm turning Super Saiyan!"
Laughing quietly, he remembered, Ah, I have a new skill…"Open skills!"
[Ding!] User, accessing Skills menu…
[— USER SKILLS —]Job: Novice – LVL 3 / 10
[Novice Basic Skill] [Level: 1]Name / Function: AppraisalDescription: Allows examination of items, objects, and living beings, revealing basic information and properties.
[Novice Basic Skill] [Level: 2]Name / Function: Enhanced RestDescription: Sitting restores double HP and SP. Sleeping fully restores HP and SP.
[Novice Basic Skill] [Level: 3]Name / Function: Novice InstructorDescription: Can teach others to become Novices, granting them a semi-status similar to a System User. Risky to use — may create powerful enemies.
"What the hell is this?! System, for God's sake, explain!"
[Ding!] Host, this skill is powerful — and dangerous. It should not be used lightly. It allows you to select a living person and grant them access to a limited version of your system. However, their evolution will not be identical to yours.
[Ding!] They will grow weaker overall. Active skills won't be available, and they won't have menus or control over their stats. Their evolution will be passive — automatic level-ups and skills, but no autonomy to allocate or develop attributes.
"So you're saying I can make Jenny and Aron 'players' like me?"
[Ding!] Yes, Host. That possibility is real. But be absolutely certain before you grant this power. You'd be giving someone the potential to become powerful — possibly powerful enough to challenge you someday.
"That's true…" Twig thought. "It's a huge responsibility. Do they even want something like this? Still… this world is so cruel. People die every day for nothing. Here, a life's worth less than a copper coin."
He sighed. "If I give this to them, it'll be a gift."
Then, frowning, he added softly, "But how selfish… to force this on them. System, I want to give them this power, I'm sure of that. But how can I make them want it? How do I explain it to them?"
[Ding!] Host. Understood. Calculating plan of manipulative influence on friends.
"No, System — that's not what I meant! I don't want to manipulate anyone. I want to offer them the choice, honestly."
[Ding!] Perfect, Host. Understood.Analyzing presentation options... aligning new information with existing beliefs or experiences. Since the goal is to introduce a supernatural concept, we'll assume some awareness of magic already exists.
Suggested Strategy: Present a known threat — a servant or manifestation linked to the Night King — as a symbol of evil, and associate the power you offer with a force that opposes it. Framing your offer as a chance to fight for good increases acceptance. Even if they refuse, their response will be genuine.
"That's a good idea, System. I still feel like I'm manipulating them, but at least I'll give them the freedom to choose."
[Ding!] Correct. The difference lies in intent. You're not controlling them — you're giving them agency. Free will remains intact.In this world, few ever get to choose their fate. Offering them a choice is a gift.
Twig nodded. "Alright, System. Help me plan it out. Tomorrow, during sword practice, we'll be alone — it'll be the perfect moment."
He yawned, already exhausted. "Until tomorrow then. I need some sleep before my head explodes."
The night didn't last long. Twig opened his eyes — it was morning already.
The three got ready as usual. Twig was quieter than normal, but the others didn't question it. The "old Twig" had always been reserved, after all.
Their day passed as usual — breakfast in Jenny's hiding spot, firewood chopping with Aron, chores in the inn, cleaning, and sweeping. After lunch, they rested briefly before heading to the woods to train.
The System had already prepared everything — the script for Twig to present the offer to his friends.
On the way to the clearing by the well, the siblings were chatty, laughing and joking. Twig, though, stayed silent — distant, distracted.
Finally, Aron couldn't hold back his concern."What's going on, Twig? You're too quiet today. You seem… off. Sad, even."
Jenny frowned, worried. "Are you okay, Twig? Did something happen? Did we do something wrong?"
"Everything's fine, Jenny. You didn't do anything. Neither did you, Aron," Twig said, lowering his gaze. "It's just… there's something on my mind. A secret. I didn't want to tell you."
He hesitated, voice faltering."Actually… I'm afraid you'll think I've gone crazy. And if you do believe me, I'm afraid you'll want to carry this burden with me — and I don't know if I want that for you."
Jenny covered her mouth in shock. Aron stepped closer."If it's serious, tell us," he said. "We're your friends. If it's hard, we'll help. If it's heavy, we'll share the weight. You can trust us."
He glanced at his sister. "Right, Jenny?"
She nodded.
Twig exhaled. "That's the problem. From what I know… we're all in danger. And if I tell you, your lives will change forever."
The air grew cold and tense.
"What are you talking about?" Aron asked. "Danger from what?"
"It's complicated," Twig began — but before he could continue, a deep, adult voice echoed through the clearing.
"But I can explain."
Jenny froze. Aron's eyes widened. Twig's posture changed — his expression hardened, and when he spoke again, his voice was no longer his own.
"Who are you?" Aron demanded. "What did you do to him? Are you some kind of spirit?"
"No, boy," the deep voice replied. "I am merely using this body as a vessel. My true form is elsewhere — only my voice manifests here."
Jenny trembled. "Who are you?"
Aron stepped protectively in front of her.
Twig took two steps back and began to speak — his tone calm but commanding.
"I am one who stands against the great darkness of this world. You've heard of the Wall in the far North — older than most kingdoms."
He paused. "Beyond it lies all the world's remaining magic… and the source of its greatest evil."
"The Dark Sovereign — known as the Night King — gathers his power there. He commands death itself, raising the fallen to serve his will. His army grows with every life it takes."
Jenny turned pale. Aron gripped her hand tightly."That's impossible…" he stammered. "That can't be real."
"You doubt magic?" the voice challenged.
Twig's small body moved with eerie grace. He picked up a heavy stone — one no child could lift — and held it effortlessly.
"See the strength I have given this vessel," said the voice. "And this is only the beginning."
"I granted this boy my teachings. His strength, health, and knowledge grew through me."
"Now I bring you the same offer. The vessel has already accepted his destiny — to fight for the living, to resist evil. I offer you the same chance. Decide for yourselves: will you seize this path, this purpose?"
Jenny's fear faded. The being's words echoed through her, reminding her of the tale Twig once told — the story of Xena.
"Was it you?" she asked softly. "Did you tell Twig about Xena?"
"Yes," said the deep voice. "I know all stories — for I am the one they call the Three-Eyed Raven. I see the past, the present… and glimpses of what is to come."
"Xena, the warrior who saved the weak and fought evil greater than herself — her courage is but one thread in the vast tapestry I weave."
Aron, emboldened, asked, "Why are you called that? The Three-Eyed Raven?"
"That name was given to me as a servant of the Old Gods. They grant power to the First Men — the ability to project one's spirit into animals. I do the same with ravens. Through their eyes, I watch the world."
"So when you see a raven flying above you, or perched nearby," the voice said, "it might be me — watching every step you take."
The idea sent chills down their spines.
"Now, children," the voice continued, "time is short. I need your answer. If you have questions, ask them now. Otherwise… simply say yes or no, and I will leave."
Jenny looked at her brother; he met her gaze. Then Aron asked the final question.
"If we say yes… will we have to pay a price? Our souls? Our safety? What do you want in return?"
The voice let out a low, amused rumble."You are bold, boy. I offer gifts — knowledge, power — and you ask the price. You're wiser than you look."
"I do not want your souls, nor your dignity. I want nothing from you, except this: if you accept, never lose your kindness, your will to live, or your desire to do good. When you face the world's cruelty, do not lose your essence. That essence is what drew me here — to give you the gift of choice."
"So, children," the voice said, "what is your answer?"
The siblings exchanged one last look. Their hearts raced. In their eyes burned both fear and hope.
They turned to Twig — or rather, the being that spoke through him — and answered together, their voices firm and clear:
"YES!"