Chapter 4: Nathan's Trials

Ethan got back to his room and noticed the game time was synced up with real time.

When he clicked on his family tree and selected Nathan, the game interface switched to a new environment, showing everything but the location of the clan. Up in the right corner, it flashed "Map - Mystic Boar Forest."

The screen was set in a dense forest where Nathan's animated character appeared, surrounded by a few wild boars.

The bottom right corner had a big note about Nathan's actions, saying, "Some wild boars keep wrecking the veggie patch, Nathan's got skills now and is out for revenge."

Ethan sped up the game time a bit, but then slowed it down again. A pop-up appeared: "Special Event: Descendant Nathan has encountered the Boar King in battle and got slightly injured. Would you like to use 'Forebearer's Blessing'?"

Options included:

1,Love of the Forebearer

2,Charge, my children

...

15,Revive my descendant

"What in the world is this mess?" Ethan scratched his head and quickly checked the options. It seemed like these were powers he could use as a Forebearer by spending 'Spiritual Tribute' when his descendants faced enemies.

Right now, he could only use "Love of the Forebearer," which cost 2 Spiritual Tribute points and would slightly heal his descendant. The option "Revive my descendant" was way too expensive and complicated.

Without hesitation, Ethan spent some Spiritual Tribute to heal his only descendant. "Forebearer to the rescue again!"

Nathan's character was visibly grateful. Soon after Ethan sped up the game time, he saw Nathan bowing at the altar again. "Nathan is grateful for the Forebearer's Blessing. Spiritual Tribute +2."

Ethan breathed a sigh of relief. Nathan was his only descendant; if he died, it would be game over. "Is this what it feels like to be a Forebearer? Always worried about continuing the bloodline. My grandpa was just like this. I was just in high school, and he was pushing me to be the school tough guy, telling me to find a wife..."

Ethan chuckled at the memory, then felt a bit melancholy, "Wonder how the family's doing in the other world?" He shook his head, not wanting to dwell on it.

He then grabbed a flat bench, took a high-grade Energy Stone, and sat down to cultivate psychic powers while watching the game. Time in the game slowly passed.

Nathan's humble abode turned into a stone house, the garden began to sprout, and thanks to his hunting skills, there was more and more dried meat. Nathan even started raising a dozen pigs.

By the third year, Nathan had advanced to the second level of Foundational Energy. During this time, Ethan gained 4 more Spiritual Tribute points. This kid wasn't slow at all; Nathan started from scratch, had poor talent and no resources, but he was making the most of his diligent efforts.

Suddenly, while meditating, Ethan's eyes snapped open, his gaze brightening. "Nathan's in town selling animal hides, planning to swap some for money to buy pills that help with cultivating psychic powers, and he's met a farmer's daughter. They've taken a liking to each other."

"Smart move, kid! Don't just like her, marry her and get to the honeymoon!" Ethan wasn't worried whether she was a farmer's daughter or a rich girl, as long as Nathan was happy. Ideally, he'd become a baby-making expert on the spot and continue the Blackwood Spiritual Tribute!

The scene shifted quickly. On the screen, Nathan was holding a girl's hand, standing in front of the family altar. Both were dressed in red wedding attire. "Unfilial descendant Nathan marries Luna Bennett from the Bennett village today, earnestly requesting the Forebearer's Blessing!"

Blessings, lots of blessings! Ethan was overjoyed and immediately found the "Forebearer's Blessing" on the interface, spending 2 Spiritual Tribute points to use "Love of the Forebearer."

"Forebearer to the rescue again!"

"Thanks to the Forebearer for making this happen!"

As Nathan bowed in thanks, the scene quickly turned to night, and Blackwood's only descendant was having his wedding night. "Today Nathan gets married. Spiritual Tribute +4."

The house was decorated with festive symbols, clearly setting the stage for a sleepless night. Ethan watched the screen, more excited than if he were the groom himself. "Go make babies, my boy, make them fiercely, let the world see the might of the Blackwood!"