Chapter 12: STEAL
Back in the Forest — Aric's POV
Sarah and I packed our bags early and made our way toward the forest once again. This time, we weren't wandering like fools. We had a destination in mind — an area I scouted before with trees that had enormous, broad leaves. The kind of trees no one cared to cut, since their wood was cheap.
She looked up at the towering trees with curiosity.
> "What kind of trees are these?" Sarah asked, brushing her hand against a leaf as big as her head.
I smiled awkwardly. "Uh... I didn't really read about them."
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "You always say weird things like that."
I waved it off. "Let's focus. These woods aren't worth much — only half a copper per log — but they're easy to cut. So, it's good practice for you. Just focus on cutting what you can. I'm heading deeper."
> "Wait, you're leaving me here alone?" she blinked.
"Obviously," I smirked. "I'm going to collect some real wood. These won't fill our stomachs."
Thanks to the slight influence of my system's ability — her Slave Will at 60% — she didn't protest. Instead, she nodded reluctantly and began trying her hand with the axe. I knew she could probably cut three or four logs at most, but it didn't matter. I had a bigger plan.
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