Morning light spilled over Eternal Sky Village, catching on rooftops and fields still wet with dew. A few thin trails of smoke rose from chimneys, and the sound of roosters echoed through the valley.
It wasn't a rich place — just a few dozen hut houses, with a small wooden house in the center, mud and pot holes everywhere you look and fields stretching as far as the eye could see. The kind of village that barely made it through each year but still called itself home.
Jonathan stood outside the hall, watching the fog lift off the fields. His hands were cold, but his mind was worse — heavy, restless and sad.It had been two months since his father disappeared.No one said it out loud, but everyone knew he wasn't coming back anytime soon.
Inside the hall, his uncles were waiting.
Jack, the older of the two, was short and had a unusual strong physique, Jack sat with his arms crossed but a faint smile on his face. His hair was already going grey at the sides, and he had the kind of eyes that always looked ready to laugh.
Across from him, Daren, the younger one, leaned forward with both elbows on the table. His face was sharper, his tone calm but cold.
"He's not ready yet Jack what don't you understand?" Daren said. "We can't just hand him the village chief position like it's candy this position has lives on the line"
Jack sighed. "He's not a boy anymore. He's sixteen. What better time to learn and lead than now plus it's not like he's alone we'll be there to help him on his journey"
"Look I just think one of us should lead till he becomes capable to take the lead" Daren said flatly. "And trusting someone doesn't make them ready."
Jonathan stepped inside quietly with a look of determination. "Alright stop arguing my ears are about to fall off from all your relentless arguing which has been going on for the last 6 hours. Look uncles I have decided that I will take the village chief position and strive to become the greatest leader "
Jack smirked " haha great that's what I'd expect from my nephew what now Daren you got anything to say do those eyes tell you he's not ready"
Daren looked up, meeting his eyes. "Humph alright then Jonathan we'll help you succeed but it takes more than just determination to lead this village"
Jack laughed "haha great now let's go make this official"
Daren sighed. "Alright I'll go gather everyone"
Soon an hour later all the villagers gathered around the small wooden house.Faces Jonathan had known his whole life filled the small square — the hardworking farmers, the elderly,hopeful children,his cousins all there
Now he was in charge of them.Their lives, their futures.The weight of it sat heavy in his chest, but his decision didn't waver.
Daren cleared his throat and started announcing. "By law and our bloodline, Jonathan Wraine, son of Thomas wraine, will now serve as acting chief until his father returns or the spirits take him.
Murmurs filled the crowd. Some worried, some happy, some doubtful.
Jonathan stepped forward. "Hi there people of Eternal Sky Village,I understand some of you may have doubts about me but I promise you I will crush those doubts and show you that you couldn't have asked for a better leader I will make sure this village will prosper for you and your children that is my promise to you!" he yelled.
Silence took over the village for a second before it burst out into cheers
Jack slapped him on the back . "That's the spirit, kid. Your father would've been proud."
Daren also smiled . "Just don't let that promise bury you kid."
Jonathan looked at both of them and nodded. "I won't and thank you uncles for always being there for me "
Later that night, Jonathan came home exhausted after getting to know everyone in the village.The room was silent…. The fire had burned low, leaving only embers. Jonathan sat alone, staring at his father's old desk.
He started sorting through the papers and tools left behind — some notes, a iron sharp knife, and a small wooden box carved with faint swirling lines.
Jonathan was curious as to what was Inside and opened the mysterious box, inside was a pendant a couple dozen copper coins and a mysterious stone glowing radiating warmth
Jonathan held it up, watching the light play across his hand. He'd only heard of such stones from travelers — said to hold spiritual energy used by cultivators. But here in the borderlands, cultivators were rare. Most people lived and died without ever seeing one.
He smiled faintly. "Guess you were full of surprises, huh, Dad?"
Jonathan then picked up the pendant and abruptly before he could react, warmth spread through his hand and up his arm. The pendant seem to sink and melt into his skin the glow grew brighter and the stone shattered into dust leaving Jonathan terrified and shocked as to what just happened.
Then a calm, distant voice echoed in his mind:
[Spending System Activated]
"To spend is to grow. To hoard is to decay. Spend, and you shall prosper."
Jonathan stared at the glowing text that appeared before him.
[Name:Jonathan Wraine
[Cultivation: none]
[Balance: 20 copper coins]
[skills: none]
The letters hovered in the air,leaving only silence.He sat there for a while, heart racing, until a quiet laugh slipped out.
"Alright," he said under his breath. "Guess the world's not done with me yet."
Author message: please give me feedback this is my first novel I will strive to do my best and make the best novel