The Reluctant Small Villain

Chapter 29

Aria is using the tree as a backrest then he put his hands at the back of his head. After, he took in the tranquil surroundings.

Aria can't associate the current peacefulness to the chaos just a while ago. It still feels a little unreal to him. Right now, he can't help thinking what if he suddenly wakes up and find himself back at the library? What if this is all a nightmare? But then the sense of feelings is so real.

Aria sighed. He doesn't know how many times he sighed in just a day.

The three of them each took this time to relax and regain their energy for the remainder of their journey.

Ding!

[Absorbable!]

Aria was startled. He was about to close his eyes to rest a bit but suddenly stood up. He looked back and forth, searching for the source of the sound. It wasn't Jun or Robin's voice.

He glanced over at Jun, who was sprawled comfortably nearby. Aria's curiosity got the better of him.

"Jun," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "Did you hear that?"

Jun looked up with a puzzled expression. "Hear what?"

"There was a noise," Aria replied, his eyes darting around the room. "It was like a soft thump or a scrape. I thought it might be something—or someone."

Jun stay silent and tried to listen around him. He raised an eyebrow, glancing up from where he lay against the tree trunk.

" I didn't catch anything. Maybe it was just an animal or something."

Aria frowned, still listening intently. "It sounded like a faint, rhythmic clicking. Not quite like anything natural-"

As he spoke, it suddenly dawned to him. Wasn't this the system the legendary "golden finger" that most transmigrators have? The realization sent a jolt through him. This was no ordinary noise. It was something far more significant.

This can change everything.

Aria was overcome with a whirlwind of emotions. There is surprise, joy, excitement, and nervousness all at once. The possibilities seemed endless. His mind raced with thoughts of what this system could offer, what challenges it might present, and how it could change everything he knew.

He took a deep breath, carefully masking his feelings. He didn't want to reveal his excitement. 

This kind of secret must remain solely his own. He can't share it with anyone. His grandfather had once warned him that in this world, even the strongest bonds of blood, loyalty, and love can falter when the glitter of treasure tempts the heart. The allure of wealth has a way of unraveling the most steadfast commitments and principles, making discretion not just wise, but essential.

 Instead, Aria returned to his spot against the tree, his heart pounding with anticipation. The realization had ignited a spark within him, and he was eager to explore what lay ahead.

"Uhm, maybe it really is just the wind," Aria said, trying to sound casual.

Robin suddenly interjected, "There are people who can go crazy when they're traumatized."

"Aria," Jun called out, his voice tinged with concern. He sounded worried about his new friend, as though sensing something was amiss.