Just Another Unforgettable Day

A dilemma takes root in his mind as he considers the risks and benefits of interrupting his investigations to respond to the call. The risks clearly outweigh the benefits, but curiosity is an irresistible force of human nature. Driven by his insatiable hunger for knowledge, Johnny decides that he should at least explore the situation or, at the very least, observe it.

With caution, he sets aside his current investigation and moves toward the desperate cries, eager to discover what the new world has in store for him this time.

"But first..." Johnny mutters to himself as his mind works to find a way to act without compromising his current camouflage.

Without hesitation, Johnny plunges into a nearby mud puddle, covering his body with a dark, wet substance to eliminate any scent that might betray him. Once satisfied with his makeshift cover, he moves skillfully through the shadows of the trees, approaching the origin of the desperate cries.

...

The boy is clearly terrified, his voice trembling as he tries to maintain composure in the face of his captors. His blue eyes, similar to those of the village lord, reflect the desperation and determination of someone willing to fight for their life. Disheveled brown hair falls over his forehead, and his clothes made of sackcloth are dirty and tattered.

The bandits, on the other hand, show little or no remorse. They ride in circles around the boy, wielding their ropes with nooses in a sinister dance that slowly closes in on him. Their weather-beaten faces and tattered brown clothing resemble worn-out overcoats, giving them an air of wrongdoers who have lived on the fringes of society.

Johnny, hidden in the forest shadows, observes the scene with a calculating expression. While most people would act on impulse in a situation like this, he chooses a cold and analytical approach. His mind curiously weighs the risks and benefits of intervening.

"Kidnappers exist in every world, apparently," he comments to himself in an almost inaudible suggestion. His curiosity is sharpened by the unfolding narrative, and he assesses that intervening in the situation would bring more risks than clear rewards.

The bandits, however, seem to disregard any sense of ethics or morality, determined to fulfill their objectives at any cost. The leader of the bandits issues orders to capture the boy!

Without hesitation, one of the bandits dismounts and removes his gloves, revealing hands calloused and marked by a life of crime. With determined steps, he approaches the fallen boy, his clear intent to punish him for his audacity.

The boy, however, displays surprising courage. With a quick movement, he unsheathes his small blade and hurls it toward the approaching man. The strike is swift, but the bandit, with reflexes honed by constant danger, manages to dodge in time. The blade hits his leg, causing a small laceration that begins to bleed but is far from fatal.

The boy, without relenting, uses a momentary distraction caused by his attack to flee, rolling away from the bandits and standing ready to fight or flee. Johnny, still watching closely, admires the boy's tenacity, studying the situation that becomes increasingly tense.

The kidnapper, furious at the boy's resistance, ignores the blood running from his leg and advances with the goal of delivering a hard slap to the boy's face, hoping to silence him once and for all. His face contorts in a cruel expression of contempt as he prepares the blow.

The strike is delivered with force, and the sound of its impact echoes through the area. "Plaft!" The boy's face is struck, and the pain is immediate. The boy, still trying to resist, staggers backward, but the force of the blow is overwhelming.

Instantly, the boy loses consciousness, his eyes closing, and he collapses to the ground. The bandit leader, with a triumphant smile, looks at his comrades.

As the bandit leader observes the unconscious boy, he turns to Jorge, the man who had attempted to slap the boy and now has a cut on his leg. "Jorge, how much of your talent's power did you use? How long will he remain unconscious?" The leader asks, concerned about the possible consequences.

Jorge, still nervous and feeling remorse for his lack of care, replies, "Two days, chief!" His voice wavers a bit, revealing his realization of making mistakes once again.

Johnny, observing the scene with interest, begins to understand the nature of Jorge's talent. "A sleep-inducing talent, or something similar," he whispers to himself. He notes that, like his own talent, Jorge needs to touch the target to activate his ability. This realization leads him to think that talents are somehow related to physical contact with the target.

The leader of the bandits gives a disapproving look at Jorge's leg and admonishes, "Jorge, you idiot! I told you to be careful. We don't know if this child may have the talent of hemorrhaging! Luiz, try to heal him. If it turns out to be the worst-case scenario, there's nothing in the world that can save him!"

Luiz, the man in question, dismounts and approaches his injured comrade with a serious expression. He removes his gloves, revealing skillful and determined hands. With a firm gesture, he positions his hands over Jorge's leg wound. A mysterious green light bursts from the injury site, and Luiz closes his eyes, focusing on his healing ability.

The atmosphere in the forest becomes tense as Luiz works to stop the bleeding. The green light seems to pulse in sync with the boy's heartbeats. The other bandits watch with anticipation, aware that the fate of the child is now in Luiz's hands and his unique talent.

"Chief, this kid could be a gold mine! But this blood is going to cause problems. We'll leave a blood trail back to the camp, which is not good at all," Luiz warns, his voice tense and concerned.

"Gulp!" Jorge swallows hard, clearly apprehensive about the situation and realizing the gravity of his impulsive actions.

"I don't want to die!" Jorge says, his voice trembling, fearing the possible repercussions from the chief.