Chapter 22: The Portal to Genesis Dimension

The morning sunlight poured into the room as the soft sound of knocking broke the silence. Aiden stirred from his deep sleep, his silver hair catching the rays of the rising sun. Before he could fully rise, the door creaked open, revealing Aria, his mother's personal maid. She smiled gently, her voice light as she spoke.

"Good morning, young master. It's time to wake up," she said, pulling back the curtains to let in more light.

Aiden groaned softly, rubbing his eyes. Though he was young, there was an unusual sharpness in his gaze, a depth that belied his age. "Morning, Aria," he muttered, sitting up.

Aria approached with a warm towel, helping him freshen up before guiding him toward the bathing chambers. "Your mother and Lady Elena are busy with preparations this morning. I'll be assisting you until lunch," she informed him.

After a quick bath, Aiden dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit of royal blue, tailored perfectly to his small frame. He followed Aria to the dining room, where the smell of fresh bread and roasted vegetables filled the air.

Elena and Lyria sat at the table, their expressions tense yet calm. Despite their composed demeanor, Aiden could sense the weight of their responsibilities. They exchanged a quick glance, softening when they saw him enter.

"Good morning, Aiden," Lyria greeted, her voice gentle but firm.

"Morning, Mother, Grandma," he replied, taking his seat.

The meal was served quickly, with Sera, Elena's head maid, supervising the process. As they ate, the conversation turned toward lighter topics, though the tension of the impending war lingered in the background.

"Have you given thought to Aiden's education, Lyria?" Elena asked, cutting into a piece of fruit.

Lyria nodded. "I've considered a private tutor for now. The academy would be an option later, but I want to ensure his foundation is strong before exposing him to external influences."

Aiden listened quietly, his mind wandering as they discussed his future. He was aware of the expectations placed upon him, but a part of him yearned for something more—something that could explain the strange sensations he had been feeling lately.

After lunch, Aiden excused himself, retreating to his room while Lyria and Elena returned to their duties. The preparations for sending additional troops to the border were underway, leaving little time for anything else.

Aiden's POV

Sitting on the edge of his bed, Aiden stared out the window, his thoughts a whirlwind. His chest felt heavy, an unexplainable pull that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.

"System," he whispered, and the familiar, emotionless voice echoed in his mind.

[System Online: Awaiting Host's Command.]

Aiden hesitated for a moment before asking, "Why do I feel… different? Like there's something inside me waiting to be unlocked?"

[Host's latent powers are tied to the Primordial Genesis Core. Current capabilities are restricted due to incomplete development. System recommends initiating training to harness energy and progress to Stage 1.]

"Training?" Aiden tilted his head. "How?"

[Task: Sense and control primordial energy. Completion will unlock foundational abilities and improve Host's physical attributes. Success is critical for forming the Genesis Core.]

The words seemed to ignite something within him. Before he could respond, the air around him began to shimmer. A soft hum filled the room as a glowing portal materialized in front of him, swirling with colors that defied description.

"What's happening?" Aiden asked, standing instinctively.

[System has opened access to the Genesis Dimension. Host must proceed to complete the task.]

Aiden took a deep breath, his heart pounding. He stepped forward cautiously, the portal's pull growing stronger. With a final glance at his room, he entered the swirling vortex.

The Genesis DimensionThe world on the other side of the portal was unlike anything Aiden had ever seen. It was a vast expanse of light and shadows, with shimmering rivers of energy flowing through the air. The ground beneath him seemed alive, pulsating with an otherworldly rhythm.

[Welcome to the Genesis Dimension. This space is tailored to Host's growth and training.]

Aiden looked around in awe. "It's… beautiful."

[Task Initiation: Sense primordial energy. Sit and focus on the flow of energy around you. Success is critical for advancing to Stage 1.]

Following the system's instructions, Aiden sat cross-legged on the ground. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the overwhelming sensations of the dimension.

The first attempt was frustrating. The energy seemed to slip through his grasp like water, refusing to be contained. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he tried again, his determination growing.

On the second attempt, he felt a faint flicker—like a heartbeat in the distance. It was faint but undeniable. Encouraged, he focused harder, trying to grasp it fully.

Suddenly, the energy surged toward him, overwhelming his senses. Aiden gasped, his body trembling as he struggled to maintain control.

[Warning: Host's soul is under strain. Proceed with caution.]

Ignoring the system's warning, Aiden pushed forward. He refused to give up, his mind filled with thoughts of his mother and grandmother—their strength, their sacrifices. He couldn't let them down.

On his third attempt, everything clicked. The energy flowed into him smoothly, filling his body with a warmth that was both comforting and powerful.

[Task Complete: Primordial Energy Sensed. Initiating Task 2: Control and Condense Energy to Form Genesis Core.]

Aiden opened his eyes, his body radiating a faint glow. He felt stronger, more connected to the world around him. The system's voice echoed in his mind once more.

[Progress Recorded: Host is now capable of manipulating primordial energy. Next task will solidify Host's advancement to Stage 1.]

As the glow around him faded, Aiden looked at his hands, a newfound determination in his eyes. This was only the beginning.