Chapter 24: Three Years of Quiet Growth

The soft sound of footsteps echoed through the grand halls of Lady Elena's mansion. Aiden walked gracefully, his silver hair flowing like liquid moonlight, his silver eyes thoughtful, fixed on the intricate patterns of the marble floor. Beside him, Alina, the ever-dutiful maid, followed quietly, her warm gaze keeping a protective watch over him.

At only six years old, Aiden exuded an aura far beyond his years. His face still retained the soft roundness of childhood, but his demeanor carried a subtle maturity that even Alina found remarkable. The past three years had been transformative, shaping him not only physically but mentally as well.

"Master Aiden," Alina said softly, breaking the silence, "you've been unusually quiet this morning. Is something on your mind?"

Aiden offered her a small smile. "Just thinking, Alina sister. A lot has happened in three years, hasn't it?"

Alina nodded but refrained from probing further. She had served him long enough to know that Aiden often carried thoughts far too complex for his young age.

At the age of two, Aiden had accidentally awakened his powers for the first time. His mother, Lyria, had injured herself while preparing his birthday meal, and in a surge of panic and love, he had unleashed a healing energy that saved her. The event had shaken everyone, but Aiden remembered the fear and anger that had fueled his power. It was in the days following that the system, the Primordial Genesis Core, had begun to guide him.

Through the system's tasks, Aiden discovered the concept of the core, a unique energy structure within him that would grow as he did. Under the system's guidance, he spent countless hours in its personal dimension—a timeless space designed for training and meditation.

In his first year of training, Aiden successfully created his Stage 1 core, a glowing crystalline structure within his spiritual plane, pulsing with primordial energy. It granted him better control over his body, enhanced his senses, and fortified his physical strength, though it was still limited by his young frame.

The second and third years were marked by steady progress. Aiden focused on mastering the flow of his energy, learning to enhance his physical body subtly and channel his power in bursts when necessary. Though he remained cautious not to reveal his abilities to anyone outside the system, he noticed how his efforts had begun to influence his surroundings.

The mansion had remained a haven, but the world beyond its walls had grown more turbulent. Over the past three years, tensions at the kingdom's borders had escalated. Small skirmishes had broken out, testing the resolve of Celestia's forces. King Keiran had kept the situation from spiraling into full-scale war, but the strain was evident in Lyria and Elena's frequent strategic discussions.

Aiden had often observed his mother and grandmother from afar, their conversations filled with maps and deployment plans. Though he was too young to be included, he sensed the weight of their responsibilities.

The household staff, too, had changed in subtle ways. Sera, the head maid, maintained her calm and authoritative demeanor but carried an unspoken burden since the loss of her husband in the border conflict. Alina, her daughter, had grown closer to Aiden, often serving as his companion during his walks around the estate. And Aria, Lyria's personal maid, remained as loyal and attentive as ever, frequently fussing over Aiden like an older sister.

As Aiden and Alina walked through the hall, his thoughts drifted to the past year's most memorable event—a rare outing with his mother. At Aiden's request, Lyria had taken him out of the mansion for the first time in years, showing him the vibrant kingdom of Celestia.

The capital was a bustling tapestry of life, its streets filled with merchants, performers, and knights in gleaming armor. Aiden had been in awe of the towering castle at the city's heart, a symbol of his uncle's reign. Lyria had taken him to visit the central market, where he marveled at the colorful wares and lively atmosphere.

But what struck him most was the people—the way they greeted his mother with respect and warmth. It was a reminder of her status not only as a noble but as a warrior beloved by the kingdom. For Aiden, the outing was both a learning experience and a cherished memory, a glimpse into the world beyond the safety of Elena's home.

The Present Day

"Master Aiden, we've arrived," Alina said, stopping in front of Lady Elena's chambers.

Aiden snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Thank you, Alina."

She gave a small curtsy and waited as Aiden knocked softly on the ornate door. A familiar voice called out from within.

"Come in."

Aiden pushed the door open to find Lady Elena seated by the window, sunlight casting a warm glow on her elegant features. She turned to him with a gentle smile.

"Aiden, my dear, what brings you here?"

Before he could answer, Lyria entered from an adjoining room, carrying a stack of documents. She paused upon seeing her son, her expression softening.

"Aiden, you've been quiet today. Is everything alright?"

Aiden nodded, his silver eyes meeting hers. "I just wanted to see you both. It feels like I haven't spent much time with you lately."

Elena chuckled, gesturing for him to sit. "You're growing up so quickly, Aiden. Soon you'll be running this household."

Lyria smiled, placing the documents on a nearby table. "He already has more discipline than most knights I know."

Aiden blushed at their teasing but felt a warmth in his chest. Moments like these reminded him of why he trained so hard in secret.

As the conversation continued, Aiden felt a subtle tug in his mind—a faint signal from the system. It was a reminder of the training that awaited him, the endless journey of mastering his powers. But for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the quiet company of his family, knowing that the challenges of the future would demand all his strength and resolve.

For Aiden, the road ahead was still shrouded in uncertainty, but one thing was clear—he would do whatever it took to protect the people he loved, even if it meant embracing the full extent of his mysterious bloodline, Nihilith. And other use of system even at cost of my soul if needed for my family