"Uh... My name is Krillin, and I'm a little monk from Orin Temple," Krillin said nervously, scratching his bald head. He still couldn't understand why the necklace around the bird's neck was speaking, and how it was projecting a 3D map of the mountain range... just like reality! It was unbelievable. Growing up in the secluded environment of Orin Temple, he didn't understand these technological things and had little concept of them.
However, as he grew older, he began to have more opportunities to encounter new things. For example, not long ago, he learned about the world-renowned World Martial Arts Tournament and the Earth Martial Artists Association. Additionally, he had heard a little about the three ways to join the Martial Arts Association.
The first way was through the association's yearly examination, but the pass rate was extremely low, and he had no ability to travel alone down the mountain, much less travel across the country for an exam... not to mention, he had no money for the journey. He might starve before even getting there... or worse, be caught by bandits or wild beasts along the way.
The second way was for disciples of martial arts sects to be nominated internally and sent to the association. Krillin thought for a moment, and this seemed even more unlikely. He hadn't even learned the basics of martial arts, and the temple didn't really approve of the Martial Arts Association, so it felt like a far-off possibility for him.
The third way was through the Babata auxiliary device, which allowed for three years of self-training, automatically joining the Martial Arts Association. Not to mention that Krillin couldn't afford the Babata device from the Virtual Earth Network Company, even if he wanted to.
Sigh, it was really pitiful, he thought to himself.
The Phoenix stared at Krillin as he introduced himself, only to watch as Krillin seemed to fall into his own little world. Krillin's eyes glazed over, seemingly lost in thought. The Phoenix was frustrated and almost wanted to flap its wings and knock him out of it.
However, Jarvis, having activated the scanning function, also took note of Krillin's subtle facial expressions. With its vast database and powerful computing and analysis capabilities, Jarvis made billions of inferences about Krillin's mental state in a fraction of a second.
"It seems you are dissatisfied with your current situation, and you want to resist or escape," said Jarvis, its calm middle-aged voice emanating from the necklace around The Phoenix's neck as it retracted the projected map of the Orin Mountains.
Krillin, feeling a bit safer, relaxed his tension. He took off his backpack, threw his machete inside, and sat down on the hillside, pouting as he said, "What can I do about it? I'm just an orphan, taken in by the temple since I was young. I have no parents, no wealth, and no skills. Resistance? Escape? It's not that simple..."
Thinking the bird wasn't dangerous and that the voice in the necklace wasn't coming from a human... maybe the person on the other end wasn't even a monk from the temple? Krillin lay back on the hillside, gazing up at the blue sky and clouds, pouring out his feelings.
Jarvis seemed to be considering the pre-set plans set by Taro, and after a while, the necklace around The Phoenix's neck flickered. Jarvis spoke to The Phoenix, "Cinder, give this necklace to the human. He will need me in the next three years."
"Eh?" The Phoenix landed on the ground, flapping its wings.
Jarvis had gathered enough data on The Phoenix's calls to understand some of its meanings. The sound just now clearly conveyed dissatisfaction, confusion, and reluctance.
In response, Jarvis simply said, "I've just contacted Mr. Taro, and he agrees with my judgment. Phoenix, I hope you understand. After you return, you can ask Lady Hathaway to have another necklace made for you from the Virtual Earth Network Company. As for the Purple-Furred Bear you want to eat, you can either stay in this mountain range for a while longer or frequently fly here to check. This human... should be able to find it for you soon. At that time, you'll be able to eat it."
The Phoenix opened and closed its beak, seemingly contemplating. It kept glancing at Krillin lying on the hillside, its eyes rolling around as it pondered if this little bald human could possibly have any qualities that could make its master Taro care about him.
Krillin heard Jarvis lowering his voice as he conversed with The Phoenix. He turned his head, confused, "What's going on?"
After a bit of internal conflict, The Phoenix finally agreed.
The wind from the flapping wings startled Krillin, and a shadow loomed over him. Krillin saw The Phoenix landing next to him. The pressure it gave off was intense, so he hurriedly moved aside, swallowing nervously as he said, "W-What are you going to do?"
The Phoenix angrily flapped its wings, making a few calls.
From the necklace, Jarvis spoke, "Krillin, it's asking you to take the necklace off."
Krillin opened his mouth in confusion. "Why would I..."
Before he could finish, Jarvis said directly, "Don't rush to refuse. Let me tell you this: this necklace can be used as a 'Babata' auxiliary device from the Virtual Earth Network Company. Do you know about it? The way to join the Martial Arts Association through the 'Babata' device?"
The virtual assistants in the Virtual Earth Network were part of Jarvis's computational resources, and the "Babata" device was like a speck of dust compared to Jarvis's vast capabilities.
"I've heard a little about it, but I'm not sure about the specifics... I think you have to buy the device and train at home?" Krillin scratched his head.
"Yes, that's roughly it. I'll explain more details later. Just know this: if you take the necklace from The Phoenix, you'll have this opportunity. You can join the Martial Arts Association through your own perseverance and effort. You can leave Orin Temple, no longer suffer their bullying. You'll have access to various resources and conveniences from the Martial Arts Association. You can train on your own, gradually getting stronger, and perhaps even have a chance to participate in the 'World Martial Arts Tournament'..."
The Phoenix? So this bird's name was Phoenix?
Krillin was still lost in his thoughts, feeling as if the voice in the necklace was tempting him like a devil. His heart raced, a mix of excitement and fear. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he stammered, "The 'World Martial Arts Tournament'?! Did you just say 'World Martial Arts Tournament'?!"