Ch3- Quests

Ch3- Quests

After Dudley and Vernon left, first for school, second for work, Harry started to clean the table. Vernon often took sick paper for Harry, at least in the legal amount he could, so he could stay back. Lest he spread his "freakness" and embarrass them, and also to do the chores. As Harry was working on the table, Nigel reminded him, "Look at your Aunt. Due to the fight last night, she is upset. It is a good entrance point. For now, she will not even listen to you, but if you brew her tea, light a scent, and massage her, she will at least listen to you. Then, you can plant seeds of doubt about Vernon into her mind. In exchange, elevate your own worth."

Harry paused, considering Nigel's words. "That sounds... manipulative," he said hesitantly.

"Master Harry, in the grand tapestry of human interaction, every thread is a form of influence," Nigel replied, his tone philosophical. "You're simply choosing a more benign and constructive form. Besides, it's high time your aunt saw you in a different light."

Taking a deep breath, Harry began to brew a pot of tea. He carefully selected Aunt Petunia's favorite blend, hoping the familiar aroma would comfort her. He then found a scented candle in the living room and lit it, its soft fragrance spreading through the kitchen.

As the tea steeped, Harry approached his aunt, who was sitting at the table, her posture stiff, her face drawn. "Aunt Petunia, I've made you some tea," he said gently, setting the cup in front of her.

Petunia looked up, surprised. "Why are you doing this, Harry?" she asked, her voice a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

"Just thought you might like some," Harry replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "And I found this candle. Thought it might... well, lighten the mood."

Petunia's expression softened ever so slightly, a hint of gratitude flickering in her eyes. She took a sip of the tea and sighed. "Thank you, Harry."

Seizing the moment, Harry offered, "I can give you a shoulder massage if you'd like. You seem tense."

Petunia hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, but just for a bit."

As Harry gently massaged her shoulders, Nigel's voice echoed in his mind. "Now, Master Harry, while tending to her, speak in a soft, reassuring tone. Mention how you understand that Uncle Vernon can be... overwhelming at times. But be subtle, don't push too hard."

Harry followed Nigel's advice, making small talk about the household and delicately hinting at Vernon's overbearing nature. He could feel Aunt Petunia relaxing under his touch, the tension easing from her body.

"You're quite good at this, Harry," Petunia murmured, a note of genuine appreciation in her voice.

"Thank you, Aunt Petunia," Harry replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I just want to help out, make things easier for you."

As he continued, Nigel chimed in, "Excellent, Master Harry. You're planting the seeds of a more positive relationship. Remember, consistency and patience are key."

Eventually, Petunia pulled away, looking somewhat refreshed. "That was nice, Harry. Thank you," she said, a rare warmth in her voice.

Harry nodded, pleased with the progress. "You're welcome, Aunt Petunia. If you ever need anything, just let me know."

As he finished cleaning up, Nigel praised him. "Well done, Master Harry. You've navigated that interaction with a deft touch. Remember, small steps lead to great distances."

Nigel then said, "It is time to step out. Go and ask your Aunt if you can go for shopping, as you want to cook something special for them tonight." He added with a hint of intrigue, "I will give you your first mission."

Harry focused on the recipe, and to his amazement, the details imprinted themselves in his mind, as clear and vivid as if he were viewing them on a screen. "Wow, this is... incredible."

Nigel's response was laced with dry humor. "Ah, the delight of discovery. Yes, every event, every detail, stored with the precision of a well-oiled library. Makes one wonder how you ever managed without it."

Harry tested this newfound ability, recalling a distant memory. It played back in his mind with astonishing clarity, as if he were reliving it. "This is like watching a video. Even things I barely remember are clear now."

"Quite so, Master Harry," Nigel remarked. "The Memory Bank is not just a storehouse; it's a time machine of sorts, allowing you to revisit the past with the clarity of the present. A handy tool, especially for those with a penchant for nostalgia or, in your case, learning from past experiences."

Harry was on a tight schedule, so he ran instead of walking, his mind focused on the new quest Nigel had presented to him. The quest screen appeared before him, its text crisp and clear:

Mission: Book Scanning Sprint

Objective: Scan 100 books about crafting at the bookstore within the allotted time. Don't be late returning home.

Rewards: 40 points for scanning 100 books, plus an additional 3 points for every 10 books scanned thereafter.

Time Limit: Must complete before returning home for chores.

Harry's breath quickened with the prospect of the challenge. "A hundred books, Nigel? That's a lot, especially with the time constraint."

Nigel's voice was both encouraging and laced with his typical dry humor. "Indeed, Master Harry, but I have every confidence in your abilities. Besides, consider it an excellent exercise in time management and speed reading."

Arriving at the supermarket, Harry was relieved to find a bookstore section. He headed straight for the crafting aisle, his mind racing. Pulling out book after book, he scanned them quickly, the Technology System efficiently storing every detail.

Nigel's voice chimed in, "Remember, speed is of the essence, but accuracy is paramount. No skimming, Master Harry. Every page, every word."

Harry worked feverishly, his eyes darting across the pages. "Got it, Nigel. Focusing."

As he progressed, the counter on the quest screen ticked up steadily. 20 books, 40, 60... Harry's pace was unrelenting. He could feel the weight of the time ticking away, pushing him to move faster.

"Master Harry, a reminder: haste is productive only when coupled with efficiency," Nigel advised, his tone a mix of sternness and support. "You're doing splendidly, but do keep an eye on the clock."

Harry nodded to himself, sweat beading on his forehead. He had never imagined a trip to the supermarket could turn into such an intense endeavor.

Finally, as he scanned the 100th book, a notification popped up on the quest screen, accompanied by the satisfying sound of points being added to his account. "Quest Completed: Book Scanning Sprint. 100 books scanned. 40 points earned."

Breathing heavily, Harry glanced at his watch. Time was running out. He had to hurry back.

As he dashed towards the checkout, Nigel's voice was a blend of praise and urgency. "Exemplary work, Master Harry. But now, the second part of your quest: returning home on time. The clock is ticking."

Harry paid for the shepherd's pie ingredients and hurried out of the store, his mind already on the next task at hand. The Technology System's capabilities continued to amaze him, and with Nigel's guidance, he felt like he was unlocking a part of himself he never knew existed.

"Quickly now, Master Harry," Nigel urged. "No time for dawdling. The Dursleys await, and we wouldn't want to add fuel to their already fiery disposition towards you."

Harry increased his pace, his legs pumping as he ran through the streets of Little Whinging, the weight of the groceries in his arms a constant reminder of the urgency of his mission. The quest had been a success, but there was still much to do.