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Chapter 17 - Chapter 17. My Routine, Your Routine, Our Routine

he children's conviction filled the air — almost tangible.The entity raised its hands, extending one toward each sibling.

System, activate skill: Novice Instructor, Twig thought.

Almost instantly, both children felt a surge of energy rush through their bodies. A shiver of power, cold and electric, ran down their spines.

"What… what is this?" Aron gasped, staggering. His knees buckled, and he fell to the ground. Jenny fared no better — she dropped into a seated position, hugging herself, trembling as though thrown into icy water.

"The gift has been given," the voice said calmly. "Good luck, children. Stay strong… and work hard."

Then it was gone.

Twig's body slumped, his knees hitting the ground. His hands pressed into the dirt, his breathing shaky — a perfect imitation of someone recovering from possession.

"Huh? What… what just happened?" he muttered, voice trembling. "We were back there… and now… now I'm here. What happened?"

"Twig! Are you okay?" Aron cried, grabbing his shoulders. "What was all that?"

Twig blinked several times, still dazed."I… I don't know. I wanted to tell you something, but I didn't know how, and then… I don't even know what happened."

Jenny stepped closer and gently touched his shoulder."Twig… the Three-Eyed Raven. He controlled you. He spoke through you," she said softly. Her voice was calm, but her hands still trembled. "He told us everything — about the great evil beyond the Wall."

Twig feigned shock, widening his eyes."What? He can do that?" he asked, pretending awe. "He's… really powerful…"

He took a shaky breath, keeping the act."I didn't know how to tell you. But… I'm relieved now. At least you know the burden I carry."

He hesitated."What did you answer? Did you… accept or refuse? Honestly, I hoped you'd refuse. It's a huge responsibility."

Aron frowned, irritated by his tone."Of course we accepted! We're not cowards. If there's evil in the world, we'll do what we can to stop it."

Jenny, less certain than her brother, nodded quietly."Yes… we accepted."

"Ah, good," Twig said with a forced smile. "Then I guess it's good news that you accepted. Now I won't have to fight alone."

He looked at them, his eyes filled with relief — and something else, something deeper."We'll do it together, right? Fight battles, defeat evil… do what's right."

"Yes," Jenny said, a small smile on her lips."Obviously," Aron added with a grin. "We wouldn't leave you alone, man."

It was a strange sight — three scrawny, poorly dressed children, sealing a pact to protect the world. Yet their conviction made the moment feel grand.

Little did they know… Westeros would never be the same.

"Twig… now what?" Aron asked. "What do we do?"

Jenny leaned closer, curious.

Twig gave a half-smile."Well, you've seen what I've been doing these days — chopping wood, cleaning the inn, and training with swords to get stronger."

He paused, looking between them."I imagine we'll do something similar. Train the body, train the mind — become stronger, faster, smarter. That's how we'll be ready to fight."

Then, in thought:System, clarify something. How will Jenny and Aron get stronger? How will they gain experience and evolve like me? What's the difference between them and me?

[Ding!] Host, their evolution, at least until Level 5, will be similar to yours. The difference is that they cannot manually request experience distribution.Their experience will be awarded automatically once a quest is completed.

When they finish the last quest of the day, they'll also receive the completion bonus.In short: as long as they complete the same daily tasks as you, they'll earn 15 EXP per day — identical to your current rate — until Level 5.After that, quests will no longer grant EXP. They'll need to defeat enemies to grow stronger.

Alright, got it, Twig thought. So, they just need to do what I've been doing — sword training, chopping wood, organizing the inn.

He frowned slightly.Wait… Jenny doesn't chop wood. I'll have to convince her. But since I already told them about the Night King and the danger, it shouldn't be hard.

And the physical training… right. Push-ups, sit-ups, squats. I'll make them do those too.

He turned to his friends."Alright, here's the plan. We'll keep doing our daily work at the inn. The only change is that Jenny will have to chop wood with us — and both of you will start doing the exercises I do."

Aron's eyes went wide."What?! You mean those crazy moves where you roll on the ground like a madman every day? No way!"

Twig crossed his arms, smirking."You better believe it! That's how I got stronger. That's what the Three-Eyed Raven taught me."

Jenny giggled.

Twig grinned. "Come on, guys! Let's go! Time to practice with our wooden swords!"

"Let's go!" Aron said, grabbing his sword.

It didn't take long before they were swinging away again, laughing and shouting. Twig stood back for a moment, watching carefully.

Appraisal.

[Ding!]

Name: AronAge: 11Title: NoneRace: HumanJob: Novice – LVL [1/10] | Exp: 0/10Level: 1 | Exp: 0 / 10HP: 38 | MP: 5Attributes:STR: 3 | VIT: 3 | AGI: 2 | DEX: 3 | INT: 4 | LUK: 1Equipment: Nothing useful, but at least not naked.

Name: JennyAge: 10Title: NoneRace: HumanJob: Novice – LVL [1/10] | Exp: 0/10Level: 1 | Exp: 0 / 10HP: 35 | MP: 5Attributes:STR: 2 | VIT: 2 | AGI: 3 | DEX: 3 | INT: 5 | LUK: 1Equipment: Nothing useful, but at least not naked.

It worked, Twig thought, a smile forming. They've really got stats now.

But something felt off. Some data seemed to be missing.

[Ding!] Host, the system explained, since they don't possess a full interface, not all data is visible. Their stat points will be distributed automatically upon leveling up, based on combat style.

If they fight with strength and endurance, points focus on STR and VIT.If they fight swiftly and evasively, points focus on AGI and STR.The system ensures balanced growth — VIT, DEX, and INT increase as needed.Luck increases automatically by one point every five levels.You, however, can assign points freely — including Luck, which enables extraordinary feats.

Ah, I see, Twig thought. That's the difference. They'll grow naturally — but I can shape my evolution.

Even so, they'd become strong. The fact they could level up at all already placed them far beyond ordinary people.

System, he thought, help me understand these attributes better. How do they work in real combat?

[Ding!] Host, request acknowledged. Explaining attribute dynamics:

Strength (STR) — physical power.A person with 5 STR equals an average adult.10 STR grants the power of three men.Each ten points adds a cumulative bonus:10 STR → ≈3 men20 STR → ≈9 men30 STR → ≈27 menExponential growth applies.

Vitality (VIT) — endurance and health.5 = normal resilience.10 = double stamina and resistance; diseases are rarer.Each ten adds exponential durability.

Agility (AGI) — speed and reflex.5 = average reflexes.10 = triple reaction speed and movement.Improves both attack and defense timing.

Dexterity (DEX) — precision and control.5 = normal motor skills.10 = triple precision with weapons and hands.

Intelligence (INT) — memory, focus, and magical potential.5 = average learning.10 = triple mental clarity and mana capacity.

Luck (LUK) — fortune factor.Doesn't directly boost power but alters probability — success, discovery, survival.High LUK bends fate itself.

Interesting, Twig thought, impressed. This isn't a game system — it's practical. It affects reality itself.

He smiled faintly. Now I know how I'll train them — and how we'll all survive.

Aron noticed his silence. "Twig, aren't you joining the training?"

Twig scratched the back of his head and grinned. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming."

He picked up his wooden sword and joined them.Together, they trained until sunset — swords first, then physical exercises.

Twig corrected their stances, counting each movement like a teacher.

When the last light faded and the shadows stretched long, the three finally left the clearing — tired but smiling — and made their way back to the inn, ready to rest.

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