My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 449: First challenge survived
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That night, Ethan slumbered profoundly within the forsaken temple.
For the first time after his rebirth, his form completely relaxed. No strategizing. No training. No plotting for endurance. Only rest.
As morning light emerged, faint beams of sun pierced the fissures in the ancient stone barriers. Particles of dust drifted idly through the atmosphere. Avian calls echoed from beyond the structure.
Ethan awoke.
Briefly, he gazed at the overhead surface without a word.
He extended his small appendages and rose.
His belly rumbled fiercely.
Starvation could no longer be ignored through mere energy flow. In this realm, he possessed no cultivation foundation, nor would he ever. He remained forever mortal, experiencing pangs of hunger, requiring slumber. Yet, strength awaited him.
The divine fruit had to be located before his vitality waned completely.
Exiting the temple, he directed his sight to the far-off settlement.
During his traverse through the woods two days prior, he had gathered certain berries en route. They remained sufficiently ripe for barter.
He steadied the modest package in his grasp and began his journey.
The earthen path leading to the village proved rough. Wagons had carved profound ruts into the soil. Fowl scampered about unrestrained. Wisps of smoke ascended from hearth vents.
Ethan appeared utterly like a wanderer.
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 evade.
As he progressed, locals cast inquisitive looks his way.
Certain expressions showed bewilderment.
Others displayed apathy.
A handful revealed wariness.
Before long, he reached the humble market area. It was unpretentious. A meat seller's stand. A produce merchant. A bread shop wafting the inviting aroma of newly baked loaves.
His gut protested once more.
He neared the bakery's serving area.
"Pardon me, ma'am," he uttered in a gentle, juvenile tone. "I've got some fruits. Could you trade me a loaf of bread for them?"
The lady at the counter halted momentarily.
She appeared in her upper thirties. Plain attire. Weary yet compassionate gaze.
She examined him closely.
"Child, who might you be? You're unfamiliar to me."
Ethan cast his eyes downward and willed tears to well up.
"My folks abandoned me here two days back. They promised a quick return. But they've not shown. I'm starving."
His words quivered subtly to convey authenticity.
The woman's face softened abruptly.
Maternal drive proved a formidable force.
The poor soul, she pondered. Perhaps forsaken without grasping the full truth.
"Come closer," she invited warmly. "Take a seat. I'll prepare something for you."
Ethan's gaze brightened.
"Many thanks, ma'am."
He ascended a wooden stool.
Shortly after, she set down a substantial chunk of bread alongside a steaming bowl of veggie broth before him.
Vapor curled upward from the container.
The scent almost overwhelmed his senses.
He seized the bread and consumed it ravenously, as if deprived of sustenance for ages.
A situation close to reality.
He gulped down the soup too, scarcely halting for air.
In prior existences, he had endured famine, yet this felt distinct. His present vessel was genuinely delicate.
Upon completion, he laid the fruits upon the surface.
"I lack coin at present," he admitted forthrightly. "Someday, I'll repay you. Will these fruits suffice for now?"
The woman offered a tender grin.
"Forget about payment. What's your next step?"
Ethan paused briefly.
"Uncertain. To sustain myself, labor is needed. Might you know of tasks? I can tidy up."
She observed him thoughtfully.
"Care to labor here?" she inquired. "Wages I can't provide. But you'll have three daily meals and a place to stay with me. I'm without kin too."
Within his thoughts, Ethan queried softly, "Yumiko, does she speak true?"
[Yes, Master.]
He inclined his head.
"Truly, ma'am? I vow not to let you down."
She beamed, charmed by his swift faith in her.
Yet, no ulterior motives lurked in her.
"My dwelling lies behind the establishment," she explained. "Go cleanse yourself. I'll procure garments for you."
She shuttered the shop briefly and guided him to a compact abode linked at the rear. It was simple yet tidy.
Ethan bathed meticulously.
While scouring away the filth, he reflected inwardly.
"Mother's absent in this existence. For the moment, I'll safeguard this lady in her stead."
Come afternoon, the business bustled anew.
Residents arrived seeking loaves and stew.
Numerous eyed Ethan with interest.
"Who's the lad, Lilia?" one queried.
The woman replied with a faint smile.
"I've sort of taken him in. His parents deserted him."
"Is that so? He's quite striking. Tread carefully. Suppose he's a banished aristocrat's offspring? Trouble might follow."
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]
His prowess now rivaled a second-tier martial fighter.
In appearance, he seemed about six years of age.
Such rapid development defied norms.
Lilia had observed the change.
Initially, she dismissed it as fancy.
Yet, no youth expands so dramatically in mere days.
Nevertheless, this realm held peculiarities.
Spirit wielders roamed. Odd occurrences were commonplace.
That afternoon, as Ethan wielded the broom, she whispered, "Ethan, do you hail from nobility?"
He denied it.
"No. My parents traded goods."
She creased her brow.
"Ethan, you ought to depart the village shortly."
He ceased his cleaning.
"Why so?"
"You're unusual. Should locals inform the headman, rumors could spread to the lord. And the lord commands formidable retainers. Complications may arise."
Ethan had foreseen this.
Concealing his advancement wouldn't last.
He prepared to reply when resounding steps resounded from without.
Not solitary or paired.
A multitude.
The entrance burst inward.
"Lilia! Produce the youth. Surrender him."
The village head loomed with a cadre of followers.
Ethan assessed them steadily.
Most hovered at novice martial stages.
Several qualified as true martial adepts.
Still within control.
"Headman," Lilia voiced anxiously, "what's your intent?"
She hinted discreetly at the rear exit, urging Ethan to flee.
The headman scoffed.
"Cease the feint. That youth is a fiend. His expansion defies nature. He faces death or enslavement to the lord."
Avarice sparkled in his stare.
Demon tales were mere pretexts.
They coveted his mystery.
Lilia advanced boldly.
"You're deranged. He's merely a boy."
Ere tensions boiled over, a silhouette shifted.
Ethan had resolved.
Dialogue proved futile.
From countless past incarnations, he discerned cupidity at once.
They aimed to vivisect him for truths.
He darted like a shadow.
Swiftly, he snatched the cleaver from the workspace.
Though diminutive, his actions struck true.
The initial foe crumpled unaware of the strike.
The next attempted a cry.
Futile effort.
In moments, the enclosed area fell hushed.
Crimson marred the ground.
The village head sprawled amid the fallen, gaze bulging in shock.
Lilia remained petrified.
Her fingers quaked.
Gradually, her eyes met Ethan's.
"Are you truly a fiend?"
Ethan cleansed the blade methodically.
"No. I'm human, just like you."
He peered through the pane.
"Time's short. Reinforcements will arrive. We must depart."
She wavered but an instant.
Then affirmed with a nod.
He clasped her palm.
They dashed toward the woodland.
Vanishing was essential before links formed.
Upon breaching the foliage border, an alert resounded in his psyche.
[You have endured the initial trial of life and death.
100 strands of divine energy have merged into your form.]
Ethan fluttered his lids.
"That counted as a trial?"
He chuckled inwardly.
"Logical. In this life, I'm scarcely ten days along."
Then another shift occurred.
The bound Law of Infinity within quivered.
A formerly idle filament stretched forth.
It measured ten centimeters now.
Of which, five centimeters solidified distinctly.
The hundred divine strands integrated seamlessly.
No surge of might erupted.
Yet, he comprehended.
The essence gathered steadily.
Upon the game's conclusion, with bonds released, the amassed force would erupt fully.
Progression wouldn't be incremental.
Elevation would strike abruptly.
Ethan cast a final look at the obscured settlement beyond the boughs.