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2024-10-29 19:42:56"Be quiet! It's better if you go to the horse stable now, and feed those horses!" shouted Hilda from behind the door.
Once she made sure her husband's voice wasn't audible, she gave Arte a meaningful look. Then she asked, "At this moment, is there anything you wish to do, young Arte?"
Responding to his mother’s query, Arte just bowed his head. With his sincere smile, he could feel the warmth of family from this incident.
"You remain silent and smile like that, instead of answering your mother's question," Hilda said, observing Arte's lack of response.
"But didn’t Mother say earlier that I should be quiet since I was constantly responding?" Arte remarked, still smiling.
"You’re right ... well then, go to your room. I will take care of your father, if he's not in the horse stable, he must have gone to the neighbor's house," ordered Hilda, who, it turned out, was quite concerned after scolding her husband earlier.
Arte nodded and began to leave. He walked slowly to his room, his legs a bit stiff from kneeling for so long.
He saw his mother leave the house in search of his father. He smiled briefly, before sinking into melancholy once again.
In what should have been a joyful childhood, Arte was aware that he was not the biological child of these foster parents. He realized this fact just a few days ago.
He grew up without resembling his adoptive parents at all. Even physically, his perfection, good looks, and his unique magic power set him apart.
Reaching his room, he murmured about these thoughts. “I found my baby basket. It says that I am the child of a God, is it possible? If so, where are they?”
Arte looked up at his room's ceiling, recalling a whisper during a quiet night, while he was asleep.
Unfortunately, that night he had a nightmare. A shadowy figure told him about it.
“You do not belong to this world, the parents you know now are not your true parents. And, you have a destiny that risks this entire world…”
That was the whisper Arte often heard. Everything became clearer when he saw the contents of his baby basket in the attic.
“I want to ask Mother and Father about this. But, I fear their response. What if my question hurts them? I'm not ready!" he murmured, staring at his ceiling.
Engulfed in thoughts about his origins, Arte felt drained and soon fell into a deep sleep until nighttime.
Unexpectedly, he woke up before dawn. It was a habit of his, knowing he could communicate with insects. He even considered them his truest friends.
He sat on his bed and casually spoke to the bugs that came bearing gifts for him.
"How are you both, Mr. Mosquito and Mr. Bee? Are you lonely?” Arte spoke, allowing the two insects to gracefully land on his shoulder.
They seemed to empathize with Arte, vibrating their wings as if to comfort the saddened boy.
“Can you sense my current turmoil?" Arte asked the fluttering insects before him.
Seemingly understanding Arte’s words, the bee and mosquito seemed to communicate back, and Arte responded,
"So, you occasionally feel the same way I do? And now, you all are trying to comfort me? You truly are kind creatures." Arte spoke enthusiastically.
He sighed deeply, looking at his wooden ceiling. “Yes, but I cannot continue with this uncertainty!”
"And do you also know that in my nightmares, that voice keeps saying I don’t belong to this world? I’m really confused about it."
Arte poured his heart out to the surrounding insects. Ever since he started hearing the mysterious voice in his dreams, his connection with the bugs intensified.
Soon after, Arte wanted to get off the bed, feeling quite thirsty.
He walked towards the kitchen but stopped right beside his parents' bedroom. He overheard something that deeply shocked him.
***
Meanwhile, Gunnar and Hilda were in their room.
“Did you hear it, my husband? Our ten-year-old innocently conversing with a mosquito and a bee,” Hilda whispered, leaning her head on Gunnar’s shoulder.
"Day by day, he's becoming a stranger, talking to numerous bugs," Hilda continued, worried about Arte.
"Indeed, especially now that he's begun to piece together his true identity, realizing he's not our son. Isn’t that shocking?” Gunnar replied, stroking his blonde wife's hair.
“I also overheard that Arte learned all this from an unknown figure. How can such a young boy think so deeply?" Gunnar pondered.
"He also mentioned that strange voice in his dreams. Could it be the same voice we both dreamt of?" Hilda asked in disbelief.
"Is it time for our dear Arte to understand all of this? This is beyond our expectations." Hilda said to Gunnar, looking sorrowful.
"If so, we cannot continue to hold back his destiny in this small village. We must show him the vast world. Let’s remember our promise to that voice in our dream," Gunnar said, looking deeply at his wife.
Hilda nodded in understanding. "I get it, our role is just to protect him. Little Arte isn't truly ours. I understand, but..." She couldn’t continue, tears streaming down her face.
Her affection for Arte was genuine, just like any mother's for her child. But she had to accept that she wasn't his real mother.
One day, she would have to let Arte go, in search of his biological parents, as the mysterious voice had told her in her dreams.
“I’m still not ready to let go, my husband!” Hilda whispered, unable to contain her emotions any longer. Raising Arte had brought so much joy and pain.
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ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM 007 - INTENSIVE MAGIC TRAINING
That voice was none other than the Eternal Insect System, now activated within Arte. It was the grand legacy of the God Artemis to his true-born son. The Mysterious Voice in question was the very figure who had approached Arte. The Voice told Hilda and Gunnar that it was time for Arte to know the truth, as destiny awaited. Arte shouldn’t be forced to stay here, believing he is the child of Gunnar and Hilda. This belief would bind him and make him too pampered given the harshness of this magical world. “If it's indeed the time, we must take action!” Hilda and Gunnar exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. These foster parents had decided to prepare Arte. However, before revealing the truth to Arte, they waited for the right moment, at least until he was ready to accept his true identity. "You're right. Before that day comes, let's make the most of our time, imparting to him all the knowledge of our world! We'll also pass on our Magic and Combat Skills to him," Gunnar decided. "
ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM 008 - SWORD, SPEAR, ARROW
In the daytime, the training continued, led by Hilda with lessons on the sword, spear, and arrow. It was an intense session that had always been part of Arte's training regimen. "My dear Arte! Would you like to rest for a bit after practicing with your father earlier?" Hilda offered, having witnessed her son conjure a massive Fireball. It consumed a considerable amount of Magic Mana. Thus, she wanted to give her son a brief respite. But Arte's reply was decisive. "It's alright, Mother! I still have the stamina to practice swordsmanship! Let’s begin your training!" Arte responded confidently. "You truly are gifted, my son! In that case, let’s not delay any further. Let’s start with this sword!" explained Hilda, tossing a wooden sword to Arte. "A skilled swordsman trains in various offensive and defensive movements, combining speed, precision, and agility to defeat their opponent. That's the essence of wielding a sword!" Hilda began her explanation. She continued, demonstrating a s
ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM 009 - RECURRING NIGHTMARES
The rigorous training went on, and before he knew it, Arte Balder was now 20 years old, blossoming into a fearless, handsome young man. All the skills possessed by his parents had been passed down to him entirely. Nothing was left out. However, he still needed to boost the capacity of his mana. Arte had even mastered the four fundamental elements of magic simultaneously, and there wasn’t a magical weapon he couldn’t control. That's who he had become. His most significant achievement was integrating magic with weapons. This placed him alongside the genius wizards of this continent. "This is your last training day, Arte Balder, my son!" Hilda exclaimed with joy. “We have nothing more to give. Perhaps, it's only the world that can provide you with valuable lessons!” she added softly. Gunnar, having just arrived, handed over a magical staff and the finest sword to Arte, treasures of the highest caliber in the World of Magic and Swordsmanship. "You've always wanted a genuine sword, ri
ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM 010 - SAVE OUR SON
Hundreds of witches in this operation are immensely powerful. All of them had trained precisely to launch both ranged and close-quarters attacks. Their combined assault was flawless, with not a single miss. They then attacked Gunnar from all sides, giving the old man no space to move or retaliate. They managed to lock him up with a powerful sealing spell. Meanwhile, Hilda grabbed Arte's hand and tried to flee the scene, following Gunnar's earlier instructions. She did not want her son to be caught by those scoundrels. "We need to get out of here now! Trust your father with everything here! He's strong, he won't be defeated!" Hilda tugged at the somewhat stunned Arte, who was overwhelmed by the inexplicable battle unfolding before him. Arte snapped out of his daze, declaring with conviction, "We should fight alongside Father, Mother! I won't leave him alone! I've become strong, and I'll fight to help Father!" Hilda stopped in her tracks as her pull on Arte had no effect. She looked
ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM 011 - PARENTAL CONSPIRACY
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ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM 012 - HILDA'S STRATEGY
Hilda and Arte, having skillfully evaded each of the enemy's assaults and taken refuge on a tree branch, saw no other choice but to counterattack. Especially when they witnessed the sorcerers relentlessly bombarding the dense forest, launching various attacks, causing fires to blaze sporadically. The enemies seemed indifferent to such destruction. Their sole focus now was capturing Valkyrie Hilda Inggrid. Witnessing this, Arte no longer had room for doubt. With a heavy heart, he finally said, "I will do it, but can you promise me that you will live for a little longer?” "I swear I will find both of you, father and mother, soon after I've acquired what I need from my forthcoming journey. I will search for both of you relentlessly!" "Can you promise me that, Mother? I won’t be gone long, I will surely–” But before he could finish, he was embraced in a warm final hug by Hilda. A contented smile appeared on Hilda's face, hearing Arte's response. She could see her son's calm demeanor
ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM 013 - THE SLAVE IMDAL AND FREYA
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ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM 014 - THE BATTLE OF TWO SIDES
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- ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM
029 - THE ARROGANT ADVENTURERS
That morning, as the sun just began to rise over the Flame Mountains, Arte, Imdal, and Freya prepared to continue their journey. They planned to delve deeper into the mountains to find the legendary Phoenix Ashes. However, their plans were abruptly halted when Arte received an urgent notification from the system within him. [It's urgent, Master Arte! Your shop in the city is facing serious trouble. It seems some people are causing problems. You must return immediately!] Arte, surprised by the sudden notification, paused and stared into the distance. "We need to return to the city now," he said with a serious tone. "Our shop is in trouble." Imdal, who was checking his equipment, turned quickly. "Trouble? At our shop? What happened, Arte?" Freya, who was gathering the last of the herbs from the ruins of Dragon Steel, also looked shocked. "Our shop? We need to get back immediately. Who dares cause trouble there?" Without any delay, the trio quickened their pace back to the city. The
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028 - A BOUNTY OF REWARDS
Still in the valley of the Flame Mountains, the battle between Arte, Imdal, and Freya against the herd of Dragon Steel reached its climax. Each of their attacks struck with incredible force, creating blinding explosions and lights. Imdal's first attack, "Blade Storm," created a whirlwind of swords pelting the steel skin of the Dragon Steel. Each blade struck with fierce speed and power, making a loud clanging noise upon hitting their steel skin. Though hard, the skin of the Dragon Steel began to show signs of cracking. Freya, with her "Eternal Blizzard," enveloped the battlefield in a bitter ice storm. The ice assaulting the Dragon Steel's bodies produced a deafening cracking sound, momentarily halting their movement. The glowing eyes of the Dragon Steel now emitted smoke, a sign of the burning rage within them. Arte, using "Shadow Strike," leaped high and swung the Time of Death Black Sword with precision. Each of his sword strikes created shadows slicing through the air, targetin
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027 - DRAGON STEEL, SLAIN?
As Arte, Imdal, and Freya continued their struggle against the increasingly enraged Fire Golem horde, the system's voice within Arte brought good news. [Master Arte, you have now successfully defeated twenty Fire Golems. Each Golem is worth 10 Experience Points & 1 System Point. You have accumulated 200 Experience Points & 20 System Points, and... congratulations on your initial success!] Arte, hearing the notification in his head, couldn't hide his satisfied smile. "Thank you, system. I have indeed made significant progress today," he murmured to himself while continuing the battle. Meanwhile, Imdal and Freya were busy harvesting Crystal Hearts from the bodies of the fallen Golems. They worked efficiently, storing the precious hearts in their bags. "Look at this, Imdal. These Crystal Hearts will surely be useful for our new weapons and potions," said Freya, her eyes sparkling at their harvest. Imdal, lifting one of the Crystal Hearts with his sturdy hand, laughed. "Yes, this wi
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026 - THE MASSACRE OF THE FIRE GOLEMS!
[Master Arte, remember! These Fire Golems are enormous creatures, clearly made of hot stones and flowing lava, towering in the valley of the Flame Mountains, yet they are vulnerable, and you and your guards can win!] This was the voice of the system within Arte, which continued, [With their massive bodies rumbling with each movement, they seem like the volcano itself is speaking. So, good luck on your first hunt!] Their eyes, glowing with embers, surveyed the vast surroundings vigilantly. Every move they made was filled with the power to shatter anything in their path. Arte, Imdal, and Freya now observed from a distance, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their foes. "They are strong but slow. We must use our speed and cunning," whispered Arte, his eyes focused on the nearest Fire Golem. Imdal, with his heavy sword ready in hand, stared at the Fire Golem, as if challenging it. "I'll attack from the front, drawing its attention. You two take that chance." Freya, her magic s
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025 - THE FLAME MOUNTAINS | GOLEM?
At the moment when silence enveloped the Sacred Dragon-Drake Shop, Arte, Imdal, and Freya surrounded a large map spread out on an old wooden table. Their eyes sharply scoured it, seeking the perfect location for their upcoming hunt. Candlelight cast their shadows on the wall, creating a mysterious aura that enveloped the room. "What do you think about the Flame Mountains?" Arte asked, his finger firmly pointing at the map. "Rumors say, there lies Phoenix Ashes and Dragon Steel, both ingredients we need for our new potions and weapons." Imdal, with his sturdy posture, nodded. "The Flame Mountains, a place full of challenges. I'm confident we'll find what we need there. But we must be cautious, the fire monsters there are no easy foes." Freya, her gaze sharp, added, "Also, if I'm not mistaken, there's the legendary Fire Golem. Its power is tremendous, but if we defeat it, we could obtain the rare Crystal Heart, essential for our magic potions." Arte pondered over these facts, weighi
- ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM
024 - TOMORROW WE HUNT!
Henry Pendragon sat behind his desk at the Trade Association. The large window beside him provided a perfect view of the city center, including the Sacred Dragon-Dragon Store that was beginning to assert its dominance. Sunlight streamed through the window, perfectly illuminating his room and casting delicate shadows on the marble-floored surface. With a sharp gaze, Henry observed the activities surrounding the store. "He truly is extraordinary!" he murmured, "how did Arte and his two subordinates manage to swiftly transform the face of Blue Dragon City, all starting from a shop I granted them? They are immensely talented!" He smiled in satisfaction, but that smile quickly faded as his eyes landed on an object atop his desk. It gleamed with captivating colors. An ancient artifact called the ‘Nyxion Prism’. An epic-grade artifact resembling a prism, beautifully engraved with a dragon symbol at its center and rare gems on each of its sides. These gems could refract light in a magnifi
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023 - "THE SACRED DRAGONS" SHOP
With meaningful eyes, Henry replied, “I admire your confidence. But remember this, through diplomacy, showcasing, and respecting their game rules, you can easily prevail.” He then stood up and walked over to the large window, gazing at the city shimmering under the moonlight. “Always bear in mind, every noble has secrets, every family has vulnerabilities. You must learn to observe and listen, turning that knowledge into a formidable weapon!” “Never reveal everything, but always be prepared for any possibility. Play your cards right, and you can acquire power, wealth, and most importantly, live peacefully in this city,” he added with ambition. Freya inquired curiously, "Lord Pendragon, why share all this with us? It seems your relationship with the Firestone Family isn't in good standing, is it?" Henry offered a thin smile. "The Firestone family and I share a long history, filled with conflicts and collaborations. I tell you this because I see potential in the three of you.” “I wag
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022 - LORD HENRY PENDRAGON
On the fifth floor of the Trade Association, silence dominated the grand and lavish room. Crystal chandeliers shimmered overhead, casting a gentle and soothing light. This room bore silent witness to countless transactions and negotiations in the Blue Dragon City. Henry Pendragon sat majestically in his mahogany chair, fixing his sharp gaze upon the three individuals before him. Arte, Imdal, and Freya stood confidently, but their demeanor conveyed respect. Henry took a deep breath and then said, "Three strangers coming into this city with a high-grade Artifact surely have specific intentions. So, tell me, what are you really after in this Blue Dragon City?" Arte glanced at Imdal and Freya, then sighed lightly. "We come with sincere intentions, Lord Pendragon. We merely wish to set up a shop here, conducting our business peacefully. This artifact is merely a sample of the quality goods we possess." Henry's eyes narrowed. He could sense something being hidden by the trio. "Many peopl
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021 - THE FIRESTONE FAMILY
When Orion Firestone's threat echoed across the floor, his burly and valiant guards quickly moved towards Arte's dining table and his two subordinates. They all stepped forward confidently, acting as if nothing could obstruct their mission to retaliate for the impudent remarks made by Arte and Imdal earlier. Their sharp eyes, like hungry wolves, glared at Arte with full rage. It was clear they wouldn't hesitate to attack. They shouted fiercely. "You commoners are but trash in front of our noble Firestone Family. So, don't blame us if we get rough!" declared one of the guards. "Oh, then try it!" Arte's voice remained calm, now standing tall beside his table, seemingly challenging the guards. He stood firm, knowing he was up against the Firestone Family's elite forces. But just as the guards prepared to charge, two shadows swiftly darted in front of him. Imdal and Freya, Arte's subordinates, with surprising agility and speed, stood between Arte and the advancing guards, ready to co
