SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 569: A Familiar Scent

Trafalgar remained utterly silent.

The ring had suddenly become active.

This was the very first instance of it activating since he had obtained it, so it was certainly not an event he had anticipated, especially not within the confines of a nondescript orphanage in Velkaris. Nevertheless, his outward appearance revealed absolutely nothing. Cynthia, far too preoccupied with regaining her composure after the overwhelming embarrassment Sister Alena had bestowed upon her, failed to notice anything unusual about him.

She eventually took a determined step forward, making her way towards the young boy positioned by the window.

He stood there, gazing out at the descending sun and the bustling streets of Velkaris visible through the glass. Trafalgar remained rooted to his spot, his mind relentlessly replaying the same perplexing point over and over as Cynthia steadily approached the child.

'Why did it activate now? What exactly is this? It's the first time this has ever occurred, and I am utterly bewildered. This is not akin to the sensations I experienced with Rhosyn or Dravok. Not even remotely close. Therefore, he does not possess Primordial blood. However, if the ring reacted, it unequivocally signifies that he is far from ordinary!

His focus shifted towards Cynthia as his thoughts continued to churn.

He hadn't truly perceived her before due to the overwhelming presence of people, the constant movement, and the cacophony of voices filling the room. Now, with only the three of them present, he was finally able to observe her with clarity.

She was adorned in what appeared to be a light, spring-like dress, its hue so pale that it harmonized perfectly with the color of her hair. It suited her wonderfully. More than that, he observed the gentle manner in which she knelt beside the boy, engaging him with a warm smile—a sight he hadn't been fortunate enough to witness frequently.

In Trafalgar's considered opinion, she ought to smile more often.

While her typical formidable temperament possessed its own distinct allure, this particular facet of her personality exuded a far more tender quality. Today, unfettered by the academy's influence and devoid of that guarded demeanor she so frequently adopted, this softer side was permitted to shine through more prominently.

A reciprocal smile spread across the boy's face in response to Cynthia.

The lingering melancholy that had previously settled upon his features by the window gradually began to dissipate as Cynthia continued to converse with him. He was likely still too new to this environment for everything to feel anything but alien. A new room. New adults. New children. The absence of parents.

'Poor child.'

Trafalgar didn't require intricate details to grasp that specific sentiment. It was invariably a somber indication when a child of such tender years found themselves residing in an orphanage.

A brief interval later, Cynthia and the boy stood up, commencing their return journey. She still maintained that radiant smile, and now, the child mirrored it.

Trafalgar waited patiently at his current location. As they drew nearer to the exit, he inquired, "What is it that you find so amusing?"

Cynthia responded without the slightest hesitation.

"Oh, I simply informed him that you pledged to engage in a game of ball with him for a short while. Do you not recall? You mentioned it just moments ago."

Trafalgar, as it turned out, had made no such declaration.

He also instantly recognized the impossibility of refusing her request at this juncture. Cynthia had astutely chosen her moment, and the boy was already gazing at him with undisguised anticipation. To rebuff such an innocent expectation would be to cast himself in the role of a heartless brute without necessity, and while he harbored no aversion to adopting such a persona when circumstances demanded, this was hardly a contest of arms, nor was the child his adversary.

Thus, he allowed the matter to proceed.

"Ah, yes," he conceded. "It had slipped my mind. Very well. Let us proceed."

The boy's spirits lifted instantly.

The trio stepped out into the open air. The child retrieved a ball on their way, and they made their way to the rear grounds. The area presented a more improved appearance compared to his previous visit, now that the renovation efforts had progressed. Sections of the terrain had been meticulously cleared, some of the weathered wooden borders had been replaced, and the entire vicinity exuded a less weary atmosphere than it had during Trafalgar's initial encounter with the place.

Their activity began simply, involving the gentle passing of the ball back and forth using their feet.

The boy exhibited a certain clumsiness, yet he readily laughed at his own missteps, which consequently made it easier for Trafalgar to guide him. Trafalgar maintained a relaxed tempo, subtly directing the ball towards the child, demonstrating precisely when to halt its progress, when to execute a kick, and when to refrain from rushing impulsively simply because the ball had arrived within his vicinity.

"Gain control first," Trafalgar instructed. "Avoid propelling it away the instant it reaches your feet."

The child furrowed his brow in concentration, managed a rather awkward trap of the ball, gave chase for a half-step, and still managed to kick it back.

"Was that satisfactory?"

"It was rather ungraceful," Trafalgar commented, "but yes, that is the general idea."

Cynthia subtly concealed a smile with the palm of her hand. "You truly possess a knack for delivering encouragement in a rather unappealing manner."

"I am merely stating the unvarnished truth."

The boy chuckled. "Big brother is quite amusing."

Trafalgar chose not to address this remark either.

Cynthia initially remained seated in their vicinity, observing their interaction under the guise of having no intention of participating. Trafalgar took note of this but remained silent. After a few more exchanges of passes, he sent one with a deliberate wide trajectory, causing it to roll in her direction.

She glanced downwards at the ball, then shifted her gaze to him.

He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Are you not joining us?"

Cynthia appeared somewhat taken aback by the direct question.

"What do you mean?"

"You heard my inquiry."

She stood up after a brief moment, lightly brushed down her dress, and approached them with an expression that conveyed a clear intention to demonstrate that she would not falter or embarrass herself in front of either of them.

The boy's face lit up with delight. "Sister Cynthia is going to play as well?"

"Just for a moment," she responded.

Her initial kick was unexpectedly powerful.

The ball streaked across the yard at a low, rapid trajectory, heading directly for the child.

Cynthia's expression shifted instantly.

Trafalgar reacted.

[Severance Step]

He had been several paces away one instant, and the next, he stood before the boy. With one arm, he caught the child, while his other hand intercepted the ball before it could strike either of them.

The entire event concluded almost before the child could fully process what had transpired.

Cynthia stood motionless.

The boy, however, did not.

If anything, the child appeared astounded.

"That was incredible!" he exclaimed, gazing up at Trafalgar with undisguised awe. "Big brother, you're truly powerful. I will become like that someday too."

Trafalgar released the ball from his grasp and gently set the boy back on his feet.

"Indeed," he affirmed. "Provided you train diligently."

Cynthia released a prolonged breath she had evidently been holding.

"Thank you, Trafalgar."

He acknowledged her with a slight wave of his hand, nothing more.

The boy continued to stare at him.

This time, it wasn't due to his movement.

"Big brother," the boy said, his voice now softer, "you have a very familiar scent."

A shiver traced its way down Trafalgar's spine.

That statement penetrated his defenses far quicker than it should have. It wasn't the ring reacting once more; it was something else entirely, something within the child's tone, something residing in the conviction behind his words.

'Familiar? What could he possibly mean by that?'

Trafalgar bent slightly, reducing the height difference between them.

"Are you quite certain you aren't mistaken?"

The child emphatically shook his head.

"No..." He furrowed his brow, attempting to articulate his thought. "I saw you with my father not too long ago. There was another man with you then as well."