Chapter 7: A Glimpse of Power
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As the seasons passed, the world outside the palace shifted from the warmth of summer to the cool embrace of autumn. The palace gardens bloomed with colors, but even as nature prepared for its rest, Alen's journey had only just begun. He had now grown a few months older, just over three and a half, and each day, the system continued to nudge him forward with small tasks and challenges.
Today was no different. As he stood at the edge of the royal courtyard, staring out at the expansive horizon beyond the palace walls, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
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**[Mini-Quest Alert: Advance Physical Conditioning.]**
_Task: Perform 20 jumping exercises._
_Reward: Slight increase in physical strength._
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Alen let out a small breath, preparing himself. He had learned not to underestimate the system's tasks. Though they always seemed simple, they demanded both focus and stamina. His small body could feel the strain of the continuous training, but the rewards were real—he was stronger, more agile, and his mana control had become sharper with every task.
With a determined expression, Alen started the exercise, his feet leaving the ground in rhythmic jumps. The palace courtyard was quiet, save for the sound of his small feet hitting the stone. Alen's heart raced as he focused on completing the task. Though he was still a child, the system had taught him the value of persistence.
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**[Quest Progress: 10 jumps… 15 jumps…]**
**[Quest Complete!]**
_Reward: Slight increase in physical strength._
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Panting, Alen paused to catch his breath, his small hands resting on his knees. The system's rewards were never dramatic, but they added up over time. He could feel his body becoming just a little bit stronger with every quest, and though he still looked like a normal child on the outside, inside, he knew there was something different growing within him.
Just as Alen finished his exercise, the sound of footsteps echoed across the courtyard. He turned to see his mother approaching, her long silver hair catching the light of the afternoon sun. Queen Seraphina was as regal as ever, her red eyes gleaming with pride as she looked at her son.
"You're working hard again, I see," she said with a smile, her voice warm and affectionate.
Alen straightened up, his small chest puffing out with pride. "Yes, Mother. I want to be strong, like you."
Seraphina's smile softened as she knelt down to his level, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "You will be, my little one. You are already so strong in ways you don't even realize yet."
Alen beamed at the praise, but he kept silent about the system. Even though he trusted his mother, something inside him told him to keep that part of himself hidden for now. He didn't fully understand why, but he felt that the system was something he had to navigate on his own.
"Come," Seraphina said, rising to her feet. "There's someone I want you to meet."
Alen tilted his head curiously but followed his mother without question. They walked through the palace halls, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors. Eventually, they arrived at the grand throne room, where a tall figure stood waiting.
Alen's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the man before him. It was General Kael, one of the most revered military leaders of the Demon Continent. His imposing figure was wrapped in dark armor, and his eyes, a deep crimson like Alen's, glinted with a stern, yet respectful expression.
"General Kael," Seraphina said, addressing the man. "This is my son, Alen."
The general bowed slightly, his expression softening as he looked at the young boy. "It is an honor to meet you, young prince."
Alen blinked, feeling a strange mixture of awe and nervousness. He had heard stories of General Kael—how he had led the demon armies to victory in countless battles, his strength and skill unmatched on the battlefield. But standing before him now, Alen felt a different kind of energy radiating from the man. It wasn't just physical power. It was something deeper, something more refined.
Seraphina smiled gently as she placed a hand on Alen's shoulder. "Kael has agreed to help train you in the ways of combat. While your powers are still growing, it's important that you learn discipline and strategy early on."
Alen's heart raced with excitement. Training with General Kael? It was more than he could have hoped for. But at the same time, a small voice in the back of his mind reminded him that he still had a long way to go.
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The days that followed were grueling but rewarding. Under General Kael's watchful eye, Alen began learning the basics of combat. Though he was still too young to wield a sword or practice advanced techniques, Kael focused on teaching him discipline, balance, and the importance of mental focus.
"Strength is important," Kael would say as he corrected Alen's stance. "But without control, it's useless. You must learn to harness your power and direct it with precision."
Alen listened intently, eager to absorb every piece of wisdom the general shared. Each lesson was a step forward in his journey, even if the progress felt slow. He practiced diligently, his small body moving through the drills with growing confidence.
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**[Mini-Quest Alert: Focus on Combat Awareness.]**
_Task: Complete basic combat drills for 10 minutes._
_Reward: Increased combat reflexes._
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The system's tasks continued to appear, guiding Alen even as he trained with General Kael. He had grown used to balancing both the system's quests and the lessons from Kael, knowing that both paths would lead to his growth. Though Kael was unaware of the system's influence, Alen used the system to enhance his training, focusing on the small improvements it offered.
As the weeks turned into months, Alen's body began to show subtle changes. His stamina increased, his reflexes sharpened, and his mana control improved. Though he was still a child, there was a quiet strength building within him.
One afternoon, as Alen finished his drills, Kael approached him with a thoughtful expression.
"You've been progressing well, Alen," Kael said, his voice steady. "But there's something different about you. I've trained many young soldiers, but you... you have a unique presence. It's as if there's more to you than meets the eye."
Alen tensed slightly, his red eyes darting to the ground. He had been careful to hide the system's influence, but Kael's words made him wonder if he was being too obvious.
"Remember," Kael continued, placing a firm hand on Alen's shoulder. "True strength doesn't just come from power alone. It comes from within—from your will, your discipline. Whatever path you're on, stay true to it."
Alen nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and determination. Kael didn't know about the system, but his words resonated with Alen. The system was his guide, but it was up to Alen to make the most of it.
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As the months passed, Alen's training continued, both under Kael's guidance and through the system's subtle influence. He was growing, little by little, though the changes were mostly internal. His small frame belied the strength that was slowly building beneath the surface.
Every morning, he would wake to the familiar chime of the system, another task waiting to be completed. And every night, he would fall asleep, knowing that he was one step closer to his awakening.
The palace, with its grand halls and serene gardens, remained his sanctuary—a place where he could train in secret, away from the eyes of the world. But even as he grew stronger, Alen knew that the day of his awakening was approaching. He could feel it in the air, a quiet anticipation building within him.
For now, though, he was content to continue his quiet journey, knowing that each small step brought him closer to the day when his true power would be revealed.
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