Discovery and Determination

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Ethan followed Lila through the narrow, winding streets of Astralon. The city was unlike anything he had ever seen, filled with towering spires, bustling markets, and the faint glow of magic that seemed to permeate everything. Lila led him to a small, cozy cottage on the outskirts of the city. It was a modest place, but it radiated warmth and safety.

"Come in," Lila said, opening the door and gesturing for Ethan to enter.

Ethan stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The cottage was filled with books, strange artifacts, and the comforting scent of herbs. Lila motioned for him to sit by the fire, and he gratefully sank into the soft cushions of a worn-out armchair.

"You must have a lot of questions," Lila began, sitting opposite him. "I can't promise I have all the answers, but I'll do my best to help you."

Ethan nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "Why did they summon me if I'm so weak? Why am I here?"

Lila's expression softened. "Summonings are unpredictable. Sometimes, people with hidden potential are brought over, even if it's not immediately apparent. I believe there's more to you than meets the eye."

Ethan looked down at his hands, feeling the weight of his low stats and the ridicule of his classmates. "But my stats are so low... how can I ever become strong enough to help?"

Lila smiled gently. "Strength comes in many forms, Ethan. And sometimes, the most extraordinary abilities are hidden beneath the surface. Let's see if we can uncover what makes you unique."

She stood and retrieved a small, ornate mirror from a shelf. Holding it up to Ethan, she chanted softly, and the mirror began to glow. Ethan's reflection shimmered, and new information appeared beside his image.

Ethan Cole's Current Status:Name: Ethan ColeLevel: 1Strength: 1Agility: 1Intelligence: 1Skills:Hidden Buff: 9999x ExpTame (Any Mammals, Beastmen, Elves, and Demihumans)

Ethan's eyes widened as he read the new information. "Tame? What does that mean?"

Lila's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Tame is a very rare and powerful skill. It means you have the ability to form bonds with mammals, beastmen, elves, and demihumans. They can become your allies, and you can communicate with them on a deeper level. This could be the key to your strength, Ethan."

Ethan felt a glimmer of hope. "So, I can make friends and allies who can help me?"

Lila nodded. "Exactly. And with your hidden buff, you'll gain experience at an incredible rate. You may start out weak, but you have the potential to grow faster than anyone else."

For the first time since arriving in this world, Ethan felt a surge of determination. He wasn't alone, and he had a chance to prove himself. "What should I do first?"

Lila stood and began gathering supplies. "First, we need to train you and help you understand your abilities. I'll teach you how to use your Tame skill, and we'll work on improving your basic stats. It will take time and effort, but I believe in you, Ethan."

Over the next few weeks, Ethan immersed himself in training. Lila was a patient and knowledgeable teacher, guiding him through exercises to improve his physical strength, agility, and intelligence. She also taught him the basics of magic, helping him to understand the principles that governed this new world.

One day, as they were practicing in the forest near the cottage, Lila decided it was time for Ethan to test his Tame skill.

"See if you can call a creature to you," she suggested, her eyes filled with encouragement.

Ethan took a deep breath and closed his eyes, reaching out with his mind. He felt a strange, tingling sensation, as if he were extending an invisible hand into the forest. Moments later, he heard a rustling in the bushes.

A small, timid deer emerged, its eyes wide with curiosity. Ethan felt a connection form between them, a warm, comforting presence in his mind. He approached the deer slowly, speaking softly.

"It's okay," he murmured. "I won't hurt you."

The deer stepped forward, nuzzling his hand. Ethan felt a surge of joy and accomplishment. He had done it—he had used his Tame skill successfully.

Lila clapped her hands, smiling proudly. "Well done, Ethan! This is just the beginning. With practice, you'll be able to form bonds with more powerful creatures and allies."

Ethan spent the following days practicing his Tame skill, forming bonds with various animals in the forest. Each successful attempt boosted his confidence and strengthened his resolve. He knew he still had a long way to go, but he was no longer the weak, bullied boy from his old world. He was growing stronger every day, and he had Lila's unwavering support to guide him.

As weeks turned into months, Ethan's progress was nothing short of remarkable. His stats slowly increased, thanks to rigorous training and his hidden buff. He also began to form bonds with more intelligent and powerful beings, such as elves and beastmen who lived in the surrounding areas.

One evening, as Ethan and Lila sat by the fire, she handed him a small, intricately carved amulet. "This is a token of your progress," she said. "It will help you channel your abilities and protect you on your journey."

Ethan took the amulet, feeling its comforting weight in his hand. "Thank you, Lila. For everything."

Lila smiled warmly. "You've come so far, Ethan. I'm proud of you. But remember, this is only the beginning. There are still many challenges ahead, and I believe you have the potential to become a true hero."

Ethan nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "I won't let you down. I'll keep training and growing stronger. I'll protect Astralon and prove that even the weakest can become powerful."

Ethan Cole's Current Status:Name: Ethan ColeLevel: 5Strength: 10Agility: 10Intelligence: 10Skills:Hidden Buff: 9999x ExpTame (Any Mammals, Beastmen, Elves, and Demihumans)

With his newfound abilities and determination, Ethan was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The journey would be long and difficult, but he was no longer alone. He had allies, he had a purpose, and most importantly, he had hope.

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