Adam sat in a dusty corner of the library, nestled between two shelves long forgotten. Before him lay a thick tome titled:
"An Introduction to the Combat Structure of Humans and Other Species."
His eyes devoured each line, desperate to piece together the logic of this strange world.
"Level," he read, "is a universal measure used to assess the overall strength of beings—humans, monsters, and some magical races."
For humans specifically, power was categorized through the Knight System, from the First to the Tenth Level.
He whispered to himself, studying a detailed illustration within the book:
"There are ten main levels, and each one is divided into five stages: Low, Intermediate, High, Peak, and Apex."
Then he read the classifications in order:
Initiate Knight: Commoners.
Level One Knight: Regular soldiers.
Level Two Knight: Fighters.
Level Three Knight: Professionals.
Level Four Knight: Elites.
Level Five Knight: Commanders.
Level Six Knight: Heroes.
Level Seven Knight: Legends.
Level Eight Knight: Guardians.
Level Nine Knight: Emperors.
Level Ten Knight: Transcendent beings.
Adam smirked sarcastically as he read about the final tier:
"Capable of leveling cities… turning the tides of war alone."
"Beautiful," he muttered. "And I don't even have a single skill point."
He flipped the page and arrived at the section on Innate Talents:
"Talent" is a natural-born gift, determining the individual's potential. Some are born with speed, others with endurance, and a rare few with magical prowess.
And some… are born with nothing.
"Just like the owner of this body," he whispered bitterly.
Next came the section on Skills:
Acquired through training, experience, or magical artifacts. Skills could be physical, mental, or magical.
"So… talents are inherited, but skills are earned."
He closed the book after hours of intense reading. His mind spun with theories and strategies.
"Talents are rare… but [The Gift] I possess can overcome that. I can choose the talented, and elevate them. I can craft power… even if I can't own it myself."
He rose from his spot, left the library, and stepped into a sky painted in gold and crimson. The city hummed around him.
He headed toward the local market, buying what he could afford—stale bread, cheap cheese, and a handful of dates—then returned to the alley where he'd last seen Pedro and Ana.
They were still there, huddled in the same corner. Their clothes were torn, their eyes wary. But this time, something had shifted in their gaze: a flicker of curiosity… and hope.
Adam approached and offered them the food bag.
"I've returned—with an offer that could change everything."
Ana stared at the bread with suspicion, and Pedro remained silent.
"If you want more than just food… follow me."
They exchanged a brief glance before silently rising. Hunger and curiosity pushed them forward.
He led them through narrow streets until they reached a small wooden shack on the city's outskirts.
Adam opened the creaky door and motioned them inside:
"From here… our story begins."
Inside, he lit an old candle and placed it in the center of a rickety table. He sat down, his voice calm but firm.
"Listen closely. I have no gold, no fame, no soldiers. But I have something else—a chance."
He looked at them both, his tone growing steadier: "I have the ability to make you stronger. Not in words… in truth. I can raise you. Shape you."
Pedro eyed him skeptically.
"And what's in it for you?"
Adam didn't hesitate:
"I need people I can trust. I want to build something. Not a kingdom of bloodlines… but of choice."
Ana spoke, her voice soft, uncertain:
"If we accept… are we your slaves?"
Adam's expression softened.
"No. You'd be my companions. Yes, you'd be linked to me—but I won't control you. I'll guide you. I'll fight for you."
Silence. The candle flickered, casting shadows on their worn faces.
Pedro clenched his fist.
"I'm tired of hunger. Of fear. Of being worthless."
He looked to his sister, then to Adam.
"If you're honest… I'm with you."
Adam extended a hand. Pedro hesitated—then gripped it firmly.
Ana looked at them, her eyes wavering.
"I'll try. But if you lie to us…"
Adam smiled gently.
"You'll be the first to judge me."
And so, in a broken-down shack on the edge of civilization, a new kingdom began—not of stone or steel, but of trust… fear… and hope