The bakery's early preparations had kept his parents busy all morning. Mira was experimenting with new recipes, carefully adjusting measurements and noting results, while Raghav was buried in spreadsheets, calculating startup costs and projecting daily revenue. Arin watched them from a corner of the room, a small smile on his face.
They're finally chasing their talents, he thought. I need to chase mine too.
With his parents occupied, Arin decided it was time to resume his Talent Hunt. His mind whirred with possibilities. Who should he target first? Should he start with someone familiar, or look for rare and extraordinary talents?
He wandered through the nearby park, his Observation skill active, scanning people his age and slightly older. He moved carefully, noting small gestures, posture, and expressions, but none stood out. Then, from across the field, he froze.
There was a man—a middle-aged figure standing tall, exuding authority without saying a word. His posture, the way he surveyed the surroundings, and the firm set of his jaw gave off an unusual aura. Arin's system buzzed in his mind:
[Talent Detected – Legendary]
Talent: Judgement
Description: An extraordinary ability to assess situations, people, and actions with near-perfect clarity. Decisions are fair, precise, and almost impossible to challenge. Potential for leadership and influence is unparalleled.
Arin's heart skipped a beat. Legendary? Godly-level talent… I can't let this one slip away.
Without thinking, he sprinted across the park. His Movement Mastery and Hard Work skill worked in perfect synergy as his tiny legs carried him forward. The man noticed him immediately, his sharp eyes following Arin's rapid approach.
As Arin reached him, the man bent slightly to meet his height, concern in his expression.
"What's the matter, kid?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.
Arin froze. What should he say? Should he lie? Ask about the talent directly? Before he could carefully craft his words, an impulsive thought escaped his mouth.
"Are… are you a lawyer?" he asked.
The man's eyes crinkled as a smile spread across his face. "Yes, I am."
Arin's mind raced, and without hesitation, he blurted out, "I… I want to be a lawyer too!"
The man chuckled warmly and reached out, patting Arin gently on the head. "You will be, someday. But it takes patience, study, and practice. Are you ready for that?"
Arin nodded eagerly. "Yes!"
The man smiled again, crouched down slightly, and extended his hand. "Then shake on it. A promise between us."
Arin's hand met the man's in a firm, decisive handshake. The system chimed in his mind immediately:
[Talent Copy – Completed]
Talent: Judgement
Description: Can analyze situations, people, and actions with extraordinary clarity. Effective in decision-making, leadership, and conflict resolution.
Cooldown: 1 year
Arin's heart raced with excitement. His first major talent copy was complete. He could feel the power settling into his system, ready to be honed and practiced.
He looked up at the man, a mixture of awe and gratitude on his face. "Thank you… I'll work hard."
The man nodded, smiling again. "I believe you will. Now go, chase your path."
Arin ran back toward home, barely containing his excitement. This… this changes everything. Now I can truly train with not just effort, but also these legendary abilities.
Even as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the park in golden light, Arin's mind buzzed with possibilities. Who's next? What other talents exist in this world?
One thing was certain—his journey had taken a new turn. The Talent Hunt had officially begun.