Cedric's Birthday

The morning of Cedric's birthday finally arrived, and the entire house was bustling with energy. George, still lying in his crib, had already been awake for a while, waiting for his chance to cultivate again. However, the excitement in the air distracted him. Today wasn't just any day—it was the day his older brother would take another step toward adulthood.

Downstairs, Christine and Marcus were busy setting up decorations, while Elana, filled with excitement, kept running around trying to help but mostly getting in the way. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the house, making it clear that today was a special occasion.

In his crib, George glanced at the book he had borrowed the night before. Using his wind magic, he carefully lifted it and guided it back to the exact position where his mother had left it. He had learned a great deal about the world already, and there was still more to discover. However, now wasn't the time for reading.

With a deep breath, George focused on his cultivation. He retrieved four pills from his inventory, consuming them one at a time over the course of two hours. As he absorbed the energy, he felt his mana pool expanding, his control improving. However, just as he was about to reach the threshold of the 9th level, he heard footsteps approaching.

The door opened, and Christine entered the room. "Good morning, my little one," she cooed, lifting him gently from the crib. She held him close before bringing him downstairs, where the rest of the family was gathered.

Cedric was already dressed in his best clothes, standing tall and proud as Marcus placed a hand on his shoulder. "Today is an important day," Marcus said with a firm nod. "Not just because it's your birthday, but because you're getting closer to choosing your path. Whatever you do, remember to keep your balance—your strength is nothing if you cannot control it."

Cedric nodded seriously. Though he was still young, he understood the weight of his father's words. Meanwhile, Elana bounced excitedly beside him. "Can we have cake now?" she asked, practically vibrating with energy.

Christine chuckled. "Soon, dear. We still have guests arriving."

As George watched everything unfold, he remained silent, absorbing the interactions. Though he was still a baby in their eyes, he was learning, growing, preparing for the future that lay ahead.