NOVEL WEB Chapter 11: 11 Preparation, Resistance, Journey
Interrupted by the crowing of a rooster signaling the dawn, as the first light embraced the cold and radiated its glow, bringing life anew...
"Art, time to eat!" called Uncle Jack in his usual booming voice.
"Yes, Uncle, just a moment!" Arthur replied quickly.
"Seems like we'll have to continue this discussion later," muttered Arthur, still curious.
Unbeknownst to Arthur, the "artificial intelligence" and the "system" that had integrated a fragment of his soul were deep in discussion within his subconscious, deliberating over something. Meanwhile, Arthur approached Uncle Jack, who was busy preparing breakfast.
"You rarely make food this early in the morning!" Arthur remarked with curiosity.
"Well, this morning I'm heading to Nouding City to learn how to sell the harvest," Uncle Jack replied calmly.
"What?! Then I want to come too!" Arthur exclaimed excitedly.
"No! I'm not going there for sightseeing. If you tag along, you'll just get bored," Uncle Jack said firmly.
"But Uncle, this is a chance for me to get to know Nouding City! I need to get used to the urban atmosphere!" Arthur argued confidently.
After losing the debate to Arthur, Uncle Jack finally relented and allowed him to come to Nouding City—at least to observe city life and acclimate to a new environment.
"Alright! We leave in an hour. You should get ready first. I'll head to the village gate ahead of you," said Uncle Jack.
"Got it! I'll be there before the scheduled time!" Arthur replied, dashing off toward the bathroom.
"What?! Shouldn't you eat first? I already had my meal earlier!" Uncle Jack shouted, grabbing Arthur before he could escape to the bathroom.
After that, Arthur quickly ate and bathed to make it on time to the horse-drawn cart. The cart carried the remaining produce from yesterday's harvest, specifically meant to teach Uncle Jack how to trade in a new location—far from their usual spot, to avoid any mistakes.
"Finally, the "Awakened One" has arrived! I'm surprised Jack let you come to the city. But after hearing his explanation, it seems you really do need to get used to the urban life," greeted one of the merchant team members accompanying Uncle Jack.
Their job was to teach him how to turn a profit and avoid being scammed by shady traders. Though there were only two of them, they were highly experienced in selling harvests and dealing with fraud.
"Alright! Since everyone's here, let's head straight to Nouding City!" announced the other man, who turned out to be the cart driver.
With a gentle breeze and falling leaves accompanying them, Arthur was about to witness city life and prepare for the challenges awaiting him at the academy. And it seemed… the artificial intelligence and its system had finally reached an agreement!
To be continued...
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