Liam stood beside him, nearly holding his breath. He saw Theo not following a textbook, but performing a ritual practiced thousands of times.

  "Alignment accuracy 98.7%. Adequate for splint application," G analyzed.

  Theo took the thin oak branches Liam had brought, using vine tendons to bind them tightly, creating a perfect fixation splint to prevent Pidgey's wing bone from shifting during recovery.

  In less than ten minutes, the minor surgery was complete.

  Theo sensed G's power. The 250 ACP had bought not just knowledge, but the experience of a skilled physician. That knowledge was transmitted so authentically that complex chemical and biological formulas were now mere natural reflexes.

  He applied a bit of Rough Fast-Restore Compound solution directly to the laceration, then bandaged the outside.

  "Surgery successful. Now Pidgey only needs rest and recovery medicine twice daily. Within three days, the bone will begin stable healing," G announced, voice full of satisfaction.

  Theo placed Pidgey back in the cage, providing it with a bowl of clean water and several Oran Berry Alphas to support micro-recovery. Pidgey gently rubbed its head against the cage—a gesture full of gratitude.

  "Done," Theo said, breathing steadily. He turned to Liam, who remained stunned.

  "What the hell did you just do, Theo? Where did you learn all that?"

  Theo looked straight into his friend's eyes, his usual calm now carrying an indescribable mystique.

  "I think... I've awakened something, Liam," Theo said softly, creating a solemn atmosphere. "A miracle hidden deep in my bloodline."

  He continued explaining, drawing on ancient tales and legends villagers still believed: "You know, in the Age of Reborn Powers, to safeguard their authority, the Powers granted certain humans or their emissaries special skills or strength. Though most were lost over time, they still exist today."

  Theo paused, letting the story sink into Liam. "As you know, sometimes it manifests: like great strength, bronze skin and iron bones, or... superior knowledge and superhuman memory."

  This explanation made perfect sense to Liam, who'd witnessed Theo's differences since childhood—from uncanny archery to cold precision when hunting. Doubt dissolved, replaced by admiration and reverence for his friend.

  "Amazing... You're a 'Primal Seed,' Theo?" Liam whispered, eyes blazing bright.

  "This is a secret, Liam," Theo emphasized, voice turning serious. "A secret that could drive all of Oakhaven mad. If exposed, we'll be hunted by nobility or sought by mercenaries. You know 'Primal Seeds' are highly favored by nobles for enslavement."

  "I swear!" Liam said immediately, placing hand on chest, eyes flashing with determination. At this moment, Liam's aura was completely different—no longer hasty or impulsive. Those eyes manifested the will of someone who would use their life to fulfill what they decided.

  Theo completely trusted Liam's oath. He knew Liam's nature—once showing those eyes, he'd pursue to the end. After all, in the past, that madness had dragged both of them into truly dangerous situations.

  Theo immediately laid out an action plan.

  "Listen. We have two main objectives: First is earning money, second is training harder, and specifically I'll train Pidgey to coordinate with us in combat," Theo said.

  "For money, we'll use the medicine we just made. This Rough Fast-Restore Compound is quite comprehensive, and materials are much easier to obtain than nobles' rare medicines. It can sell very well."

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  Liam, a blacksmith's son, relatively sharp in small business matters, immediately grasped the idea: "The name's too long! How about Swift-Heal Potion? We can sell it for two Order-Silver per small vial—incredibly cheap for medicine that recovers wounds so fast, and it works on humans too!"

  Theo nodded, agreeing with Liam's price. Two Order-Silver was a large sum compared to villagers' daily income, but for mercenaries it would likely be suitable. He revised the medicine's name: "Call it Minor Potion!"

  Liam winked, having no other opinion than Theo's—he trusted Theo had his reasons: "Not bad either, short and clear."

  "I'm giving you full sales rights and customer acquisition," Theo decided. "You know how to persuade people to buy. As for me, I'll handle manufacturing and upgrading this medicine. Regarding materials, the eastern forest is too dangerous now, so we'll prepare and collect together, never go alone."

  Finally, Theo didn't forget the long-term goal:

  "Don't forget training. Our plan is to leave Oakhaven with the mercenaries, leave the safe place that's nurtured us so long. We can't bring an injured Pidgey with a weak body along. Return to train immediately after you finish selling the first batch."

  Liam smiled brilliantly, excitement overshadowing all wounds. "Excellent! I'll go right now! I'll make Minor Potion the hottest commodity in Oakhaven!"

  After agreeing on the plan and product name—Minor Potion—Liam immediately became energetic.

  Theo shook his head, suppressing Liam's lingering excitement, slowly saying:

  "But now help me clear the grass around the shack area. Need a small plot to plant Oran Berry Alpha—it's our main material source. I'll make medicine for you to take to market."

  "I'll go now," Liam said, eyes blazing, stepping outside the shack with a small knife in hand. "Won't take long."

  Not taking much time, the two young men finished their tasks. Theo quickly took a small amount of Crude Anesthetic Compound to apply to Liam's wound (helping reduce pain when moving) that had reopened from excessive activity, then gave him five vials of Minor Potion carefully packaged in small bamboo tubes sealed with beeswax.

  Liam ambitiously declared: "I'll make a round of Oakhaven market and you'll see—Minor Potion will be what they fight to buy!"

  "Be careful," Theo cautioned. "You can sell them for two Order-Silver per vial. Don't reveal ingredients, and only sell to those who truly need them. If mercenaries ask, say this is a family formula from a skilled craftsman in the village."

  Liam nodded vigorously, stowed the precious medicine vials in his leather pouch, and dashed from the shack toward the noisy town.

  Watching Liam's figure fade behind dense foliage, he felt some worry for his friend, but this was also an appropriate way to temper Liam—he needed these experiences in his life; it was how boys evolved into men. Theo wouldn't prevent that. Shaking his head to avoid letting worry affect his calculations, he picked up tools—he still had to plant the Oran Alpha trees in the cleared area. This was also no small project.

  Smiling at the completed garden, Theo was satisfied with this morning's labor. Returning to the secret base, he checked Pidgey once more, ensuring it lay comfortably with adequate water. With 50 ACP remaining, Theo decided it was time to invest more wisely in knowledge.

  "G," Theo thought. "Currently, I have 50 ACP. I've bought the 'Foundation Library' package. Now I need to prepare for dealing with mercenaries and Beasts."

  "Analysis," G replied. "Objective: Survival and departing Oakhaven. Current assets: 50 ACP. Urgent recommendation: Environmental and survival knowledge."

  Theo recalled his promise to Liam about training. He needed a skill that would give him a significant advantage over ordinary hunters.

  "I need some combat or hunting skill," Theo thought. "With 50 ACP, what can I buy?"

  "Optimization: I can provide you with 'Basic Theory of Concealment and Movement'—a special combat technique originating from ninja, summarized and simplified by Master Koga for more versatile combat application. This skill includes transmitting muscle memory about movement methods, breathing techniques, concealment and combat methods, optimized for traceless movement in natural environments or avoiding detection by Beast and human senses. Price: 50 ACP for theory, or if you have 450 ACP for Knowledge Transfer."

  Theo didn't hesitate. Survival depended on whether enemies could find him, and whether he could hide from dangerous threats.

  "Transaction. I choose 'Basic Theory of Concealment and Movement.'"

  "Transaction complete. Balance: 0 ACP. You can read it anytime. Sweet recommendation: host can find an empty, soft plot of land to effectively apply according to the skill's instructions!" G rang out with excited, delighted voice.

  Theo spent the remaining time organizing the Foundation Library and the newly purchased 'Basic Theory of Concealment and Movement,' caring for Pidgey and reading through all this knowledge—it would take considerable time.

  Now he understood he should focus on survival and combat techniques—survival would be top priority. Once Liam returned, the two could train the new skills. This technique would elevate their survival to a new level.

  While Liam was rushing about the market, Theo leaned against the shack wall, absorbed in reading. It had been so long since he'd felt true learning. In this world, information was limited, books scarce. The books in the village chapel were mainly legends and beliefs—hardly interesting. But now, seeing scientific text and diagrams appearing before his eyes, he felt comfortable and free.