My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 449: First challenge survived
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That night, Ethan slumbered profoundly within the forsaken temple.
Since his rebirth, this marked the initial instance when his form fully relaxed. No scheming. No training. No plotting for endurance. Simply rest.
As morning light emerged, faint beams pierced the fissures in the ancient stone barriers. Particles of dust drifted idly through the atmosphere. Avian calls echoed from beyond.
Ethan's eyes fluttered open.
For a brief moment, he gazed upward at the roof without a word.
He extended his small appendages and rose to his feet.
A loud rumble emanated from his belly.
Famine could no longer be quelled through vital flow. In this realm, he possessed no cultivation foundation, nor would he ever acquire one. He remained forever mortal, experiencing pangs of hunger, requiring slumber. Yet he would rise to great strength.
Securing the sacred fruit was essential before his vitality waned completely.
He exited the temple and gazed toward the far-off settlement.
During his traversal of the woods two days prior, he had gathered certain berries en route. They retained sufficient freshness for barter.
He secured the modest parcel in his grasp and began his trek.
The earthen path leading into the hamlet was rough. Wagons had carved profound ruts into the soil. Fowls scampered about unrestrained. Wisps of fumes ascended from hearth vents.
Ethan appeared utterly like a wanderer without home.
His garments bore layers of grime. His locks were disheveled. His frame resembled that of a toddler aged two and a half years.
Even should his own sire appear before him, recognition would elude.
Inhabitants of the village cast inquisitive looks as he proceeded past.
Some displayed bewilderment.
Some showed apathy.
A handful exhibited wariness.
Before long, he located the humble trading area. It was unpretentious. A meat seller's stand. A produce merchant. A bread shop wafting the comforting aroma of newly baked loaves.
His gut rumbled once more.
He neared the bakery's serving area.
"Pardon me, ma'am," he uttered in a gentle, juvenile tone. "I possess some berries. Might you exchange a loaf of bread for them?"
The lady at the counter halted briefly.
She appeared in her upper thirties. Plain attire. Weary yet compassionate gaze.
She examined him with scrutiny.
"Child, who might you be? You're unfamiliar to me."
Ethan cast his sight downward and compelled moisture to his eyes.
"My folks deserted me here two days past. They promised a swift return. Yet they remain absent. I'm famished greatly."
His tone quivered sufficiently to ring authentic.
The lady's face softened abruptly.
Maternal drive proved a formidable force.
Unfortunate soul, she pondered. Perhaps forsaken without full comprehension.
"Approach, child," she spoke tenderly. "Take a seat. I'll prepare something for you."
Ethan's gaze brightened.
"My gratitude, ma'am."
He ascended a timber seat.
Shortly thereafter, she set before him a substantial chunk of bread alongside a basin of steaming veggie broth.
Vapor ascended from the vessel.
The scent almost overwhelmed his senses.
He seized the bread and consumed it as one deprived of sustenance for days.
Which neared the reality closely.
He gulped down the broth too, scarcely halting for air.
In former existences, he had endured deprivation, yet this differed. His present vessel was genuinely delicate.
Upon completion, he deposited the berries upon the surface.
"I lack coinage at present," he admitted forthrightly. "Yet someday I'll repay you. Might these berries suffice for now?"
The lady offered a gentle smile.
"Fret not over payment. Whither shall you venture next?"
Ethan paused briefly.
"I'm uncertain. To sustain myself with meals, labor is required. Could you procure tasks for me? I can tidy areas."
She observed him intently for an instant.
"Would you labor here?" she inquired. "Wages I cannot provide. But three daily repasts and shelter with me await. I possess no kin myself."
Within his thoughts, Ethan queried softly, "Yumiko, does she speak truly?"
[Yes, Master.]
He inclined his head.
"Truly, ma'am? I vow not to let you down."
She grinned, charmed by his swift faith.
Yet no ulterior motives lurked within her.
"My dwelling lies adjacent to the establishment," she stated. "Bathe yourself. I'll acquire garments for you."
She shuttered the premises briefly and guided him to a compact abode linked at the rear. It was simple yet immaculate.
Ethan cleansed himself meticulously.
As he removed the filth, silent reflections occupied him.
"Mother departs in this existence. For the present, I'll safeguard this lady in her stead."
By midday, activity resumed in the shop.
Locals entered seeking loaves and stew.
Numerous cast curious glances at Ethan.
"Who is that boy, Lilia?" one queried.
The lady responded with a faint smile.
"I've sort of taken him in. His parents forsook him."
"Is that so? He's quite striking. Tread carefully. Suppose he's offspring of banished aristocracy? Complications may arise."
She dismissed their concerns with a gesture.
"No need for alarm."
Time elapsed.
After seven days.
In his consciousness, the display materialized.
[Master: Ethan Hunt
Physique: 2.5 tonnes
Spirit: 2.5 tonnes
Talent: Infinite Comprehension]
He now rivaled a warrior of the second martial tier.
Physically, he resembled a youth of about six years.
His developmental pace was extraordinary.
Lilia had observed the anomaly.
Initially, she dismissed it as fancy.
Yet no youth expands so markedly in mere days.
Nevertheless, this realm deviated from the commonplace.
Masters of spirit were known. Peculiar occurrences abounded.
During the afternoon, as Ethan wielded the broom, she whispered, "Ethan, do you hail from nobility?"
He denied with a shake.
"Nay. My parents traded goods."
She furrowed her brow.
"Ethan, you ought to depart the hamlet shortly."
He ceased his cleaning.
"For what reason?"
"You're atypical. Should locals inform the headman, rumors could reach the lord. And the lord commands formidable retainers. Turmoil may ensue."
Ethan had pondered this already.
Concealment of his advancement proved fleeting.
He prepared to reply when resounding steps resounded without.
Not solitary or paired.
A multitude.
The entrance burst inward.
"Lilia! Produce the lad! Surrender him."
The hamlet headman loomed with a cadre of followers.
Ethan assessed them coolly.
Most hovered at novice warrior status.
A select few qualified as true warriors.
Still within control.
"Headman," Lilia uttered anxiously, "what is your intent?"
She discreetly indicated the rear exit, urging Ethan to flee.
The headman scoffed.
"Cease the feint. That lad embodies evil. His expansion defies nature. Execution or delivery to the lord as thrall awaits him."
Avarice flickered in his stare.
Demonic origins they dismissed.
They coveted merely his mystery.
Lilia advanced boldly.
"You're deranged. He's merely a youth."
Ere tensions mounted higher, a silhouette stirred.
Ethan had resolved firmly.
Bargaining proved impossible.
In prior incarnations, he had witnessed ample cupidity to identify it promptly.
They sought to vivisect him for truths.
He darted like a shadow.
In a single fluid act, he seized the culinary blade from the ledge.
His stature was diminutive, yet his actions honed to perfection.
The initial assailant crumpled ere grasping the event.
The subsequent attempted outcry.
Futile delay.
In mere heartbeats, the enclosed area fell mute.
Crimson marred the ground.
The headman sprawled amid the fallen, orbs agape in shock.
Lilia remained petrified.
Her limbs quaked.
She turned her gaze to Ethan gradually.
"Are you truly malevolent?"
Ethan cleansed the blade steadily.
"Nay. I'm human akin to yourself."
He peered through the pane.
"Time presses. Reinforcements approach. Flight is imperative."
She wavered but an instant.
Then affirmed with a nod.
He clasped her palm.
They dashed toward the woodland.
Vanishing before linkages formed was vital.
As they breached the foliage border, an alert resounded in his psyche.
[You have endured the inaugural trial of life and demise.
100 threads of celestial vitality have merged into your form.]
Ethan's lids flickered.
"Thus, that constituted a trial?"
He chuckled inwardly with mild amusement.
"Logical. In this incarnation, I'm scarcely ten days into existence."
Then another shift occurred.
The confined Principle of Eternity within quivered.
A filament once inert stretched forth.
It measured ten centimeters now.
Of which, five centimeters solidified distinctly.
The century of celestial vitality integrated silently into his essence.
No surge of might erupted.
Yet comprehension dawned.
The vitality gathered steadily.
Upon this pursuit's conclusion, with bonds released, the amassed potency would erupt collectively.
Gradual elevation eluded him.
Instant transcendence awaited.
Ethan cast a final look at the obscured hamlet beyond the boughs.