Chapter 6: First Steps in a Long Journey
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The soft glow of dawn filtered into Alen's room, casting gentle shadows across the floor. Alen stirred from his sleep, his small body still curled up under the covers. At just over three years old, he was beginning to understand the world around him better, but there was still so much to learn.
He had been practicing with the system for a while now, small tasks that nudged him toward growing stronger, but his true power was still dormant, waiting for the day of his awakening. As usual, the system stirred within his mind as soon as he awoke, bringing with it another daily task.
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**[Mini-Quest Alert: Focus on Mana Sensitivity.]**
_Task: Sense and gather mana from the surrounding area for 20 seconds._
_Reward: Slight increase in mana sensitivity._
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Alen sat up, blinking the sleep from his eyes. He had grown used to these mini-quests, small challenges that pushed him to develop his abilities. Though he was still young, the system had been guiding him step by step, helping him tap into his potential without overwhelming him.
Taking a deep breath, Alen focused inward, reaching for the faint hum of mana that always seemed to linger just beneath the surface. It was like a warm thread running through his body, connecting him to the world around him. Slowly, he began to pull at that thread, gathering the mana around him as the system instructed.
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**[Quest Progress: 15 seconds… 10 seconds… 5 seconds…]**
**[Quest Complete!]**
_Reward: Mana sensitivity slightly increased._
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A small smile tugged at his lips. These tasks were becoming easier, and though the rewards were subtle, he could feel the difference. His mana was more responsive now, easier to control, even if only by a little.
Just as Alen began to relax, the door to his room creaked open. His mother, Queen Seraphina, stepped inside, her long silver hair catching the light of the morning sun. She smiled warmly at him, her red eyes gleaming with pride.
"Good morning, my little one," she said softly, crossing the room to sit beside him. "Did you sleep well?"
Alen nodded, smiling up at her. "Yes, Mother. I did."
She ran her fingers through his hair, her touch gentle. "You're growing so quickly, Alen. Soon, you'll be even stronger than I can imagine."
Alen beamed at the praise but remained quiet. He had not told his mother about the system or the quests it assigned him. Though she was the Demon Queen, with power that far surpassed his own, Alen felt that the system was something he should keep to himself, at least for now.
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As the weeks passed, Alen's days became a routine of training, playing, and spending time with his mother. He would follow her through the palace, watching as she ruled with both strength and grace. The palace staff doted on him, and the guards always smiled as he passed, but Alen knew there was a certain weight to being the son of the Queen. Expectations, both spoken and unspoken, surrounded him.
During the afternoons, when the palace was quieter, Alen would slip away to practice in the gardens. He had found a small secluded corner where he could focus on the system's tasks without interruption.
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**[Mini-Quest Alert: Improve Stamina.]**
_Task: Run around the garden for one minute without stopping._
_Reward: Minor increase in endurance._
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Alen stretched his legs, preparing for the task. Though it seemed simple, the system was always careful to push him just enough to improve but never enough to cause injury. He started running, his small legs pumping as he moved through the garden, his breath coming in short bursts.
His heart pounded in his chest, but he refused to stop. The system's encouragement in the back of his mind spurred him on.
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**[Quest Progress: 30 seconds… 20 seconds… 10 seconds…]**
**[Quest Complete!]**
_Reward: Slight endurance increase._
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Panting, Alen slowed to a stop, placing his hands on his knees as he caught his breath. It wasn't much, but each small improvement felt like a victory. He could feel his body getting stronger, little by little, and even though he was still so young, he knew he was on the right path.
After a few moments of rest, Alen made his way back inside the palace. He was greeted by the familiar sight of the grand hall, with its towering columns and gleaming marble floors. His mother stood at the far end, speaking with one of the palace advisors. She glanced over as he entered, giving him a knowing smile before returning to her conversation.
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The days continued to pass, and with them, Alen's quiet growth. He was still a child in the eyes of those around him, but inside, he knew he was different. The system was his secret, guiding him toward a future he could only glimpse in his dreams. And though his journey had only just begun, Alen felt a quiet determination burning within him. He would grow stronger, little by little, until the day of his awakening, when the world would finally see the power that lay within him.
But for now, he was content to train in secret, honing his abilities with the system's help, and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
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