Chapter - 4: A Memorable Birthday! The Giftbox's Prize!

On a warm, sunlit morning, Kai's birthday had finally arrived. Excitement buzzed through the orphanage, where every room seemed brighter and filled with anticipation. The caretakers had lovingly decorated the place, hanging colorful ribbons, balloons, and a large banner that read "Happy Birthday, Kai!" But this year, the celebration would hold something even more special—Kai would share it with his friend, Tang Wulin, whose birthday fell on the very same day.

As the morning wore on, the gate creaked open, and Tang Wulin entered with his family. They carried gifts wrapped with vibrant paper and wore expressions of joyful anticipation. Wulin's parents, a humble and kind-hearted couple, exchanged warm greetings with the caretakers, who welcomed them into the decorated halls. Their voices mingled in soft, friendly tones, discussing how wonderful it was for both boys to share this day together.

"It's so lovely that they get to celebrate together," one of the caretakers said with a bright smile.

"Yes," replied Wulin's mother, her eyes fond as she glanced at her son. "Wulin has been so excited since he found out. They've become like brothers."

The orphanage's director, a gentle woman with silver-streaked hair, chuckled softly. "It seems they've found family in each other. Kai has always been such a bright presence here, and now, with Wulin by his side, there's even more joy."

As the adults chatted, Kai and Wulin were already in their world, laughing together as they admired the decorations. Aran and Lei La joined them, their eyes wide with excitement as they handed Kai and Wulin small gifts wrapped in colorful paper. The children gathered close, speaking in hushed tones as if sharing secrets, their voices bubbling with the laughter and innocent joy only children possess.

"This place looks amazing!" Wulin exclaimed, his eyes bright with wonder. "You're so lucky to have such a big party, Kai!"

Kai grinned, nudging his friend. "And now we both get to enjoy it! It's like a double birthday, right?"

Lei La clapped her hands excitedly. "This is going to be the best birthday party ever!"

The children moved to a large table set up in the center of the room, decorated with plates full of sweets, bright candies, and two cakes—one for Kai and one for Wulin. Their eyes sparkled as they took in the sight, their laughter filling the air. The cakes were topped with candles, ready to be blown out, and the caretakers gathered around, waiting for the boys to make their wishes.

"Make a wish, you two!" Aran urged, his face lit with excitement.

Kai closed his eyes, his face serene as he silently made his wish. Next to him, Wulin closed his eyes, the faintest of smiles playing on his lips. After a few seconds, both boys opened their eyes and, grinning at each other, leaned forward to blow out the candles together.

Cheers and applause erupted from everyone gathered, the caretakers clapping along with Tang Wulin's family, who smiled proudly at their son and his friend. Wulin's father approached the boys, placing a gentle hand on each of their shoulders.

"You both are growing up so fast," he said warmly. "Make the most of these moments and always look out for each other."

The boys beamed up at him, nodding enthusiastically. There was a quiet understanding between them—something deeper than friendship, more like a bond between brothers. As they cut the cakes and served slices to everyone, the chatter resumed, filling the room with warmth and laughter.

The children gathered around a corner of the room where a pile of toys, games, and small wrapped presents awaited. Aran and Lei La passed each gift to Kai and Wulin, giggling each time they unwrapped something exciting—a set of colorful markers, a puzzle, a small toy sword. Each gift seemed to carry with it a small piece of the love and care that filled the orphanage.

While the children played, the adults continued their quiet conversation. Tang Wulin's mother looked around, admiring the way the orphanage had created a loving environment despite the children's circumstances.

"It's a beautiful place," she remarked softly to one of the caretakers. "You've given these children such a wonderful home."

The caretaker nodded, her gaze softening as she watched Kai and his friends laughing together. "They are our family," she said gently. "We may not be related by blood, but the love here is no different."

Wulin's father nodded, his expression one of understanding. "It shows," he replied, "and it's a rare thing to see a place filled with so much joy."

As the day wore on, the children played games, from hide-and-seek in the courtyard to a spirited round of tag that had everyone breathless with laughter. Kai and Wulin were at the center of it all, running and laughing as though nothing else in the world mattered. Their friendship was evident in the way they worked together during team games, each encouraging the other, sharing victories, and lifting each other's spirits.

In a quieter moment, as the sun began to set, Kai and Wulin sat side by side on a small bench in the garden, catching their breath. The golden light of the evening softened the world around them, casting long shadows and a sense of calm over the day's festivities.

"You know," Wulin began, glancing at his friend, "this was the best birthday I've ever had."

Kai nodded, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "Me too. Having you here made it even better."

They sat in comfortable silence, a quiet understanding passing between them. It was as though they both knew that this was the beginning of something special—something that went beyond the simple joy of a shared birthday.

As they stood up to return to the party, Kai turned to Wulin and said, "Let's do this every year. We'll always celebrate together."

Wulin grinned, nodding eagerly. "Promise?"

"Promise."

The laughter and chatter continued long into the evening, the two boys side by side as they blew out their candles once more, sealing their promise with shared joy and hope. The caretakers and Tang Wulin's family watched with fondness, grateful for the bonds forming between the children.

And so, as the celebration drew to a close, the warmth of friendship and family lingered in every corner of the orphanage, leaving a lasting memory for both Kai and Wulin—a memory they would carry with them for years to come, binding them closer as friends, as brothers, forever.

As the evening fell, the birthday celebrations moved indoors, where the orphanage's dining hall had been transformed into a cozy space for a shared dinner. The table was laid out with a feast prepared by the caretakers, with dishes ranging from savory vegetable stews to warm, fluffy rolls. The children's eyes sparkled with delight as they took in the spread, their laughter still echoing from the games and excitement that filled the day. Tang Wulin and Kai took seats side by side, with Aran and Lei La close by, all eagerly chattering about their favorite parts of the celebration.

As dinner began, Tang Wulin's parents sat nearby with the caretakers, a comfortable space that allowed the adults to exchange smiles and conversation while keeping a watchful eye on the children. Wulin's mother, Mrs. Tang, expressed her appreciation to the caretakers for the day's thoughtful celebration.

"It's wonderful to see Wulin so happy," she said, her voice soft but warm. "We couldn't have asked for a better way for him to celebrate his birthday."

The head caretaker, Ms. Lian, nodded with a smile, her gaze lingering on Kai, who was engrossed in an animated conversation with Wulin about their next big adventure. "Kai is like family to us here," she replied. "Seeing him make such good friends has been a gift for all of us."

Mr. Tang joined in, his voice thoughtful. "The way you care for each child here is extraordinary. There's a strength in the way they support each other—it's as if they know they're all part of a larger family."

Ms. Lian nodded again, her smile deepening. "We may not be able to offer them everything, but we strive to give them a sense of belonging. It's heartening to see Kai and Wulin find such a strong friendship."

As the adults spoke, the children continued to revel in the joy of the evening. After everyone finished eating, the caretakers brought out a dessert—a soft, fluffy cake topped with fresh fruit. Kai and Wulin exchanged delighted looks as they each received a slice, savoring the sweet treat as they planned their next game.

Once dinner was cleared, the children decided to continue with their games. They formed two teams and dove into an enthusiastic game of charades, where Kai and Wulin took the lead, making exaggerated gestures that sent everyone into fits of laughter. Aran tried to imitate a dragon, much to the amusement of the others, and Lei La took on the role of a graceful butterfly. The room was filled with the sounds of joy, each child's laughter mingling with the others.

Seeing the children so content, Wulin's parents shared a quiet glance, silently agreeing to spend the night at the orphanage. They approached Mrs. Daya, who immediately understood their desire to extend the night for the children's sake.

"We'd love to stay, if that's alright," Mrs. Tang said. "This night is so special for Wulin and Kai—they'll remember it forever."

Ms. Lian smiled warmly. "Of course. It means the world to Kai and the others to have you here."

Later, as the evening began to wind down, the children found themselves gathered in a cozy corner, wrapped in blankets and sharing stories of fantastical adventures they dreamed of embarking upon together. Wulin recounted a story about a legendary dragon, while Kai added his own twist, saying that one day they'd both find such creatures and become the greatest adventurers in the world. Aran and Lei La eagerly joined in, each adding details to their imagined future.

As the lights dimmed, the children drifted off to sleep, tangled in a circle of shared warmth and comfort, Kai and Wulin side by side as if they were lifelong brothers. The orphanage fell silent, with only the soft breathing of the children and the murmured conversations of the adults in the hall. Wulin's parents stayed up a bit longer, their expressions filled with a deep contentment as they watched their son asleep among friends who had quickly become his extended family.

The next morning, the children woke early, their excitement from the night before still lingering. They quickly prepared for school, their steps light as they walked together down the familiar path. As they entered the classroom, Kai, Wulin, Lei La, and Aran couldn't help but continue talking about the party, their voices full of laughter and excitement.

"That was the best birthday ever!" Kai declared, his eyes shining as he remembered the decorations, the games, and the time spent with friends.

"Yeah," Wulin agreed, a smile spreading across his face. "I don't think I'll ever forget it. And the food was amazing!"

Lei La giggled. "And Aran's dragon impression was the funniest thing I've ever seen!"

Aran grinned sheepishly, scratching his head. "I was trying my best! Next time, I'll do it even better."

The teacher's arrival quieted the room, but even as they took their seats, the children exchanged glances, each one holding onto the memories of the night. The sense of belonging, of family and friendship, stayed with them, filling their young hearts with a happiness that would last long beyond that single day.

As Kai and Tang Wulin strolled out of the academy, the day's warm glow mirrored the smiles on their faces. The two boys were brimming with excitement, knowing they were getting closer to their long-awaited Martial Soul awakening. Kai glanced at Tang, his eyes shining with curiosity and hope.

"Hey, Tang," Kai began, grinning. "What kind of Martial Soul do you think you'll get? You always talk about wanting a dragon."

Tang Wulin nodded vigorously, his face lighting up. "Oh, definitely a dragon! I can feel it. My dad says we have dragon blood in our family, so I think it's bound to happen." He chuckled, though there was a hint of eagerness in his tone. "Imagine if I could control fire or something. That would be amazing! What about you, Kai?"

Kai looked thoughtful. "I'm not exactly sure. Part of me hopes for a powerful body-type Martial Soul, something that could boost my strength or speed. But who knows?" He shrugged, his eyes sparkling. "Maybe I'll get something unique, like a sword or something no one's seen before."

Tang laughed, nudging him playfully. "Kai with a sword? You'd look like some kind of hero straight out of a story. Or maybe you'll get something that lets you master the elements!"

They both shared a laugh, imagining their futures as powerful Spirit Masters, each weaving dreams of strength and adventure. After a few more words, they finally parted ways, promising to meet up early the next morning to discuss their Martial Soul awakenings.

Later that night, Kai lay in bed, thoughts swirling with everything Tang had said. He replayed their conversation, the excitement bubbling in him like a quiet thrill. He closed his eyes, ready for sleep. But suddenly, he was startled by the familiar blue screen of the Gaia system illuminating his room.

[Good evening, Kai. I have exciting news for you.]

Kai blinked, pushing himself up slightly. "Gaia, what's going on?"

[You now have a unique opportunity. It's time to spin the Wheel of Fortune! This will determine the number of Martial Souls you can awaken… and even the type.]

His heart raced as he took in the words, feeling a surge of nervous energy. "The Wheel of Fortune… So, this could decide everything?"

[Precisely, Kai. This wheel will shape your destiny according to you. Are you ready to spin and find out what lies ahead?]

The Wheel of Fortune shimmered in front of Kai, emanating an otherworldly glow that filled his room. The anticipation in his heart was overwhelming. Gaia's words echoed in his mind: Kai had to rely on his own strength, unaided by any divine or lucky influence, to determine his fate. The wheel was divided into four segments—ninety percent was marked for a single Martial Soul, nine percent for a twin Martial Soul, and a slim one percent sliver for the elusive triple Martial Soul. Kai knew he had a slim chance, but he was determined to give it everything he had.

Taking a deep breath, Kai summoned every ounce of strength in his body and thrust his hands forward, spinning the wheel with all his might. The wheel spun, and its pace picked up until it was a blur, racing faster and faster, unaffected by anything but the force of his own effort. Thirty seconds passed, each tick of time stretching out as Kai's eyes remained fixed on it, his heart pounding with a mixture of hope and fear. Gradually, the wheel began to slow, and his anticipation soared as it neared the final stretch.

With his heart in his throat, Kai watched as the wheel ticked past the single Martial Soul section, barely slowed at the twin section, and seemed to hesitate ever so slightly. Finally, it clicked into place, stopping right at the edge of the twin Martial Soul section. Kai stared in disbelief before a wide smile broke across his face. He had done it—he had managed to land on the twin Martial Soul segment, one of the rarest and most coveted results in Soul Master history.

Gaia's voice sounded, filled with unmistakable pride and excitement.

[Congratulations, Kai. You've awakened a twin Martial Soul. Your twin Martial Soul marks you as a rare and extraordinary talent.]

Kai's heart swelled with pride. He knew that a twin Martial Soul was an incredible rarity, a blessing that few in history had ever possessed. It meant boundless potential and strength that would set him apart from others. Just then, Gaia's words sparked another realization within him.

[Additionally, Kai, due to your twin Martial Soul, you are awakening with full Spirit Power—a rank ten soul scholar. When your Martial Soul will awaken, you'll be totally ready to be prepared to enter the Soul Master realm once you obtain your first soul ring.]

The thrill of Gaia's words sent a rush of energy through him. Innate Full Spirit/Soul Power meant he'd start at the peak of his rank with highly Innate Soul/Spirit Energy aptitude which only very few would be born with.

Kai stood in awe, staring at the thousands of cards laid out before him, each one representing a different kind of Martial Soul Type. Food-type, Plant-type, Body-type, Avatar-type, Weapon-type—every type imaginable was there. This wasn't the actual awakening yet, just a glimpse of what his Martial Soul type would be, but the excitement in his heart was undeniable.

The system's voice echoed, advising him to trust his instincts. Kai wasn't one to overthink things, so he simply chose his lucky numbers. The first card he picked was number one hundred and eight. As he flipped it, the shimmering title "Weapon-type Martial Soul" appeared, glowing softly.

Then, without hesitation, he reached for his second card—number eight. This time, as he turned it over, the words "Body-type Martial Soul" lit up in front of him.

The cards faded, and Kai's heart raced. The combination of a Weapon-type and a Body-type Martial Soul could make him incredibly versatile. Body-type Martial Souls were known for enhancing the wielder's physical abilities, turning them into powerful warriors with immense resilience and strength while Weapon-Type Martial Soul were a type of Martial Soul that allowed manifestation of weapon that one had awakened.

With this all, Kai returned to bed, his mind racing with excitement.

Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new chapter, and Kai couldn't help but wonder what kind of martial soul he would gain. His mind raced with possibilities, but suddenly, a memory surfaced—a hidden reward that the Gaia System had granted him when he reached the peak of the Spirit Connection realm. Recalling this reward, a random gift box, he realized he had forgotten about it amidst his other things. Eager to check on it, Kai summoned his status window, but a pang of worry struck him as he noticed there was no inventory option in sight.

Confused, Kai thought perhaps the reward was lost, but the Gaia System soon clarified:

[Dear Kai, do not worry. The reward has not been lost. There is no inventory function for it because all rewards are stored in system space, which is accessible only to me. I can store your rewards and provide them when needed, but I cannot store anything from your physical dimension.]

Relieved, Kai nodded, glad that the reward was safe.

Then the Gaia System asked him; [Would you like to accept the random gift box?]

And Kai readily agreed.

As soon as he confirmed, a gift box image appeared before him, and as it bursted, three options were presented: Evolved Martial Soul, Random Martial Techniques or War Techniques, and Random Card. Considering his options, Kai carefully weighed his choice. He dismissed the martial techniques option, knowing he intended to join the Tang Sect, where he would learn techniques directly. As for martial soul evolution or fusion, he didn't feel the need for it just yet. That left only one choice: the random card.

Trusting in his luck, Kai selected the random card option. Immediately, nine cards materialized before him, each shining with a brilliant white glow, descriptions hidden. The cards spun and shuffled at a rapid speed, and Kai realized he would need to make a choice quickly. Just as he focused, a card seemed to break from the others and zoomed directly toward him. Instinctively, Kai reached out and grabbed it, his excitement peaking. As he held it, the card's description appeared before him in glowing letters: [Copy].

The Gaia System then explained: [This is a Copy Card. It holds the unique ability to copy blessings or bloodlines. You may select one of these two options. This card allows you to replicate qualities from others, such as a specific blessing or bloodline. However, you aren't taking anything away from them; you're simply creating a duplicated version for yourself. This includes even rare or godly blessings, as long as they belong to this universe. But note, if the original is sealed, the copied version will carry that seal too. Furthermore, although it will resemble the original, it won't be fully identical—it will be a slightly altered, or mutated, version.]

Kai listened intently, his mind racing with the potential uses of such a card. This opportunity felt like a rare blessing in itself, a chance to potentially enhance his own abilities with extraordinary traits. The Gaia System continued: [This card's strength lies in its ability to grant you specific traits or qualities. After this initial gift, your growth will depend on your own choices and efforts. Consider this a helping hand for the path you're eager to walk.]

Kai's mind swirled with ideas and possibilities as he thought about the different ways he could use this card. And so with those countless thoughts, Kai fell asleep.

To Be Continued...