As Broken strolled through the town, he noticed the townspeople watching him from a distance. Suddenly, a five-year-old boy came running down the street, heading straight toward him.
“Branko! Don’t run around on the streets!” a woman, likely the boy’s mother, shouted.
Before anyone could react, the boy stumbled and fell right in front of Broken.
“Branko!” the mother cried, rushing after him, her expression shifting to alarm as she realized the Baron was present.
Broken bent down, gently helping the boy back to his feet. “Hey, are you alright?”
“Ye-Yes…” the boy stammered nervously, glancing at his mother.
“Branko…” His mother quickly took hold of his arm as she bowed deeply. “My Lord, I apologize for my son’s behavior,” she said, her voice trembling with fear, clearly worried about the consequences.
Several onlookers exchanged nervous glances, some swallowing hard as worry spread among them.
“Surely this won’t end well for that mother,” one person whispered.
“Yeah, she picked the worst time to run into the Baron,” another added.
“But do you think the Baron will be angry?”
“Most players are arrogant,” someone muttered. “Even though this Baron has been different from the others, who knows how he’ll react? He might not like being interrupted like this, especially while he’s out walking.”
Broken responded in a way that surprised everyone. “No worries, I was just helping him up,” he said to the boy’s mother.
Then, he patted Branko on the shoulder with a kind smile. “Hey, you like to run, and you’re pretty fast. Do you want to be a Knight when you grow up?”
Branko looked up at him, his eyes wide with admiration. “Yes, My Lord. I want to become a Knight and take care of my mother when I grow up.”
“Good,” Broken nodded. “I’m sure you’ll become an incredibly strong Knight and bring honor to this kingdom.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Branko replied.
With a final nod, Broken turned and continued walking, leaving behind a relieved mother and a crowd stunned by his unexpected kindness.
[Name: Branko]
[Swift Strider (S) | Charge Resistance (A) | Bravery (B)]
Broken muttered softly to himself as the boy’s talents flashed before him. “I had no idea the children in this town had such immense potential.”
He thought for a moment, considering the potential across the town.
“Do I need to conduct another inspection to uncover all the talents of the citizens? Perhaps I can find extraordinary talents among them that could be beneficial to this town.”
As Broken walked away, the townspeople began to murmur amongst themselves about what they had just witnessed.
“The Baron was surprisingly kind,” Branko’s mother remarked.
“Yeah, the Baron was really cool,” Branko added, still in awe.
[The mother’s face lit up with joy as she witnessed the Baron’s kindness in aiding her son, who had tripped. She was grateful and thanked him profusely.]
[You received 17 Reputation Points.]
[The Baron’s generosity inspired the little boy, who was now more determined to make his dreams come true. He thanked the Baron for being a role model.]
[You received 15 Reputation Points.]
“Oh… So, doing small things like this for the townspeople can earn me Reputation Points?”
He paused, considering the new realization. “I think I could spend a few hours collecting some more Reputation Points,” he thought with a smirk, feeling like he’d just unlocked a hidden strategy.
After deciding to continue helping the townspeople to earn more Reputation Points, Broken noticed a man in his 40s struggling to lift a heavy sack. Without hesitation, he approached the man and offered his help.
“Let me help you with that.”
The man, clearly irritated, replied, “What are you doing? Let me work, don’t bother me.”
“Come on, let me help you lift this thing,” Broken insisted.
By now, several people had gathered around, curious about the Baron’s actions.
“What is the Baron doing?” one of them whispered.
“I have no idea,” another replied. “But his behavior is… odd.”
“Should we help that man?”
“No way, I don’t want to get involved and end up in trouble with that Baron,” someone else muttered.
Ignoring the crowd, Broken took hold of the sack and slung it over his shoulder with ease. “Where are you taking this?”
The man, still confused by the unexpected offer of help, pointed toward a distant spot. “Over there… way over there. And I need it done quickly.”
“Got it,” Broken said with a nod and began carrying the sack, the man trailing behind him as the townspeople watched in surprise.
As Broken began walking away with the heavy sack, a sudden scream echoed from the other side of the street.
“The thief! He stole my things!” a woman’s voice cried out.
The townspeople instantly turned their attention to Broken and the man he was helping.
“Are you saying the Baron took your item?” one person questioned, confused.
“Are you out of your mind?” another shouted. But amidst the chaos, the crowd’s focus shifted, and a chorus of angry voices rose up, “Let’s go after the thief!”
The crowd surged forward, chasing after Broken.
The man beside Broken urged frantically, “My Lord, please run faster. I must deliver this item
without delay!”
Broken tried to pick up his pace. But as he noticed the large group running in his direction,
confusion clouded his mind.
“What’s happening?” he thought, his steps quickening.
Suddenly, his path was blocked by Igor and Karl, two knights who had swiftly stepped in front
of him.
“My Lord, you’ve helped us catch the thief,” Igor said firmly.
Before Broken could react, Karl grabbed the man Broken had been helping and pinned him to
the ground, forcing him face down.
“Thief?” Broken murmured. “Are you saying this man is a thief?”
The man, desperate, called out, “Help me, My Lord… I’m not a thief!”
At that moment, the crowd reached Broken, and the man leading them rushed forward,
slightly out of breath.
“My Lord, I apologize for misjudging you. I thought you were helping this thief escape, but it turns out you’re a noble person who helped us catch him!” they said gratefully.
Broken grinned awkwardly, realizing he had nearly assisted the thief. “Ah, yes… haha, glad I
could help.”
“My Lord, you truly are a wise leader,” the other continued.
[Miklos had originally thought you were a foolish leader, but now sees your kindness. You
gain 16 Reputation Points.]
[Zoltan is ecstatic that their new leader is just and fair. You are rewarded with 17 Reputation
Points.]
[Darijo is pleased with the newfound safety in the city. You are awarded 15 Reputation Points.]
[…]
Broken’s grin widened slightly as the notifications rolled in, his Reputation Points climbing thanks to his unintended heroism.