Chapter 23: The Formation of the Genesis Core

The Genesis Dimension remained quiet, its vast expanse shimmering with ethereal light. Aiden sat cross-legged in the center of a pulsating platform, the flow of primordial energy around him soothing yet demanding. His success in sensing the energy had filled him with confidence, but the next step loomed over him like a mountain to climb.

The system's voice broke the silence, calm and unwavering:

[Task Initiation: Condense and control primordial energy to form the Genesis Core. This core will serve as the foundation for all future stages. Warning: Failure could result in injury or regression. Proceed with caution.]

Aiden took a deep breath, focusing on the energy within him. The task seemed simple enough, but the weight of the system's warning lingered in his mind.

"I can do this," he whispered to himself.

Closing his eyes, he reached out to the energy flowing within his body, its presence now familiar but wild. It surged like a storm, eager to break free. He clenched his fists, determined to tame it.

[Guide: Begin by visualizing a core at the center of your being. Draw energy toward this point and condense it slowly. Do not rush.]

Aiden followed the instructions, imagining a small, glowing sphere forming in his chest. He directed the energy toward it, shaping it bit by bit. The process was agonizingly slow, each fragment of energy resisting his control.

Sweat dripped from his brow as the strain began to take its toll. His breathing grew heavy, but he refused to stop. His thoughts drifted to his mother and grandmother—their love, their sacrifices, and their belief in him.

"This is for them," he muttered, his voice filled with resolve.

The energy finally began to condense, forming a faint, flickering sphere. It pulsed weakly, like a newborn heartbeat. Aiden's eyes shot open, his face lighting up with triumph.

"I did it!"

[Core Formation: 20% Complete. Stability is weak. Host must refine and strengthen the core to ensure stability.]

His celebration was short-lived as the system reminded him of the next step. The sphere wavered, its light dimming. Aiden panicked, pushing more energy into it without restraint.

The core pulsed violently, sending a shockwave through his body. Pain seared through him as he cried out, his vision blurring.

[Warning: Host is overloading the core. Reduce energy flow immediately to prevent failure.]

Aiden gritted his teeth, fighting through the pain. He forced himself to slow down, withdrawing some of the energy. The sphere steadied, its glow returning to a soft, steady rhythm.

Meanwhile, in the dining hall of the mansion, Lyria and Elena sat together, reviewing maps and troop deployment plans. The atmosphere was tense, their conversation reflecting the urgency of the kingdom's situation.

"We need to ensure the border remains fortified," Lyria said, her tone firm. "Keiran is relying on us to send reinforcements in time."

Elena nodded, her expression calm but serious. "I've already mobilized additional troops. They'll depart within the hour. However, we must remain vigilant. The enemy may attempt to target us here to weaken Keiran's resolve."

Lyria's gaze softened for a moment as she glanced toward the hallway leading to Aiden's room. "I just hope Aiden is safe. He's still so young…"

Elena reached over, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's. "He's stronger than you realize, Lyria. He carries the blood of our family—and something far greater."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Sera entered the room, her expression a mix of concern and urgency.

"My Lady, there's a strange fluctuation coming from the young master's room," she said, bowing slightly.

Lyria and Elena exchanged a look before standing abruptly.

Back in the Genesis DimensionAiden's struggle continued as he refined the Genesis Core, its light growing brighter with each passing moment. His body ached, and his mind felt stretched to its limit, but he refused to give up.

"Come on… just a little more," he muttered through gritted teeth.

The core began to stabilize, its pulsations syncing with his heartbeat. A warmth spread through his body as the energy flowed seamlessly into the sphere.

[Core Formation: 100% Complete. Host has successfully formed the Genesis Core.]

Aiden gasped as a surge of power filled him, his body glowing with a faint golden light. The pain vanished, replaced by a sense of euphoria and strength. He opened his eyes, his surroundings clearer and more vibrant than before.

"Did I… do it?"

[Task Complete: Host has advanced to Stage 1. Physical attributes and energy capacity have increased significantly. Additional abilities will unlock as Host progresses.]

Aiden stood, his body feeling lighter and stronger. The system's voice continued, outlining his achievements.

[Rewards for Task Completion: Enhanced Perception, Minor Regeneration Ability, and Access to Basic System Interface.]

Before he could fully process the changes, the portal reappeared, signaling his return to the real world.

Aiden's ReturnAiden stepped back into his room, the portal closing behind him. He stumbled slightly, his body still adjusting to the changes. Just as he steadied himself, the door burst open, revealing Lyria and Elena, with Sera close behind.

"Aiden!" Lyria exclaimed, rushing to his side. "Are you alright? What happened?"

Aiden looked up at her, his silver eyes glowing faintly. "I'm fine, Mother. I just… needed some time to myself."

Elena narrowed her eyes, sensing something unusual. "Your energy feels different," she said softly, her tone cautious.

Aiden quickly masked his emotions, forcing a small smile. "I guess I'm just growing up," he replied, trying to deflect their suspicions.

Lyria sighed in relief, pulling him into a gentle hug. "Don't scare me like that again."

As they left the room, Aiden couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of purpose. The path ahead was daunting, but he was ready to face it.