Chapter 4: Shadows of Potential
Dawnspire, Eldoria – Year 1
The nursery's candlelight flickered softly, casting shaky shadows across the rough stone walls that felt worn and ancient. Taren Etheris—Zane Ryde deep inside—lay restless in his cradle, his small arms and legs moving with a burst of energy he couldn't hold back. A year in Eldoria had taught him to be patient, though his strong will stayed eager to push forward. His sharp eyes followed the glowing marks carved into the walls, their gentle hum a constant sign of this world's hidden magic. Outside, Dawnspire's market grew quiet as night took over, its streets lit by the warm shine of Mana Stones in simple lanterns hanging along the paths.
Lira sat close by, her hands busy fixing a torn bag with careful stitches, her tired smile a warm comfort in the dim room. Gavren trudged in from trading with fishmen, his boots caked with mud, his voice grumbling about mana shells that were tough to trade and the long hours spent haggling. Taren's days followed a steady routine: stacking wobbly blocks with Lira each morning, the clatter of falling towers filling the air, then watching from the window as humans, elves, and beastmen swapped goods in the busy market below. He picked up Eldic by watching their talks and gestures, using his smart mind—once a language expert on Earth—to avoid the system's pricey shop that demanded Cosmic Coins he didn't have.
ding
Update.
Status: Host gets used to Eldic life.
Perfect Body fusion: 11 years left.
Some parts locked.
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New Objective.
Objective: Silent Growth – Build coordination without standing out.
Reward: Vitality Surge (B-rank).
Penalty: +10 Profile Points (PP).
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Status Update.
Profile Points (PP): 0 (Optimal).
Note: Grow quietly.
Taren struggled to pull himself up, his weak muscles trembling with the effort, sweat beading on his forehead as he gripped the cradle's edge. Lira smiled and said, "So eager, my little star!" He kept trying, drawing on the toughness he'd gained facing dangers on Earth, and felt a faint mana tingle—a hint of Aether Resonance from his hard work. Each small win, like grabbing a wooden toy or standing a bit longer on shaky legs, built his confidence in secret, a quiet strength growing within.
One evening, Gavren's voice turned worried as he spoke near the cradle, his tone heavy with confusion. "A bright light shone the night you were born, Taren. People talk about it, but I don't know what it means—it was like nothing I've seen before." The memory sent a chill through Taren, though he couldn't make sense of it yet, the image of that light lingering in his mind. The world beyond his cradle offered glimpses—Lira's soft songs about far-off lands where the wind carried old tales of heroes, Gavren's quiet words about strange lights in the cracked sky that stretched above. Taren saw tall shapes in the distance during rare outings with his parents, felt a hidden power in the air, noticed glowing rocks that caught his eye, and heard whispers of lost stories from passing traders, but the full picture remained a mystery for him to solve as he grew.
Another night, as Taren peeked out from Gavren's arms, a sudden burst of mana flared below, lighting up the dark with a clash of energy that made the air crackle and hum. Gavren quickly scooped him up, his grip tight and protective, his face tense. "Stay back, son," he warned, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger, his breath quick with concern. The tension hung heavy, and Taren sensed something big was happening, though he couldn't name it, the strange power leaving a mark on his young mind.
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Event Detected.
Risk of PP spike. Stay hidden.
Taren nodded, holding back his bold nature that once stood up to rivals in his past life. Rumors of troublemakers and silent watchers floated around, their true nature a secret he couldn't yet unravel. The market whispers and Gavren's uneasy looks hinted at a world full of hidden forces, but for now, they were just shadows in his young thoughts. He focused on small tasks—reaching for a rattle with a steady hand, standing a bit longer each day—each step a quiet victory that added to his growing resolve.
Lira often watched him with pride, bringing little treats like dried fruit or sweet bread from the market, her eyes soft with care as she sat by his side. Gavren's stories of odd trades, tricky deals with fishmen, and the strange sights he'd seen on the road added layers to the puzzle of this land, sparking Taren's curiosity about what lay beyond Dawnspire. He began to see a bigger picture, dreaming of leading others and building something lasting that would carry his name. The quiet moments in the nursery became a foundation, each day strengthening his determination to rise.
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Quest Update.
Quest Accepted: Silent Growth.
Time Limit: 30 days.
Reward: Vitality Surge (B-rank).
Penalty: +10 PP.
His dream took deeper root. A group, a legacy, he thought, picturing himself rising from this simple start to lead with strength. He imagined a future where he stood tall, earning the title of Obsidian Sovereign—a name that echoed in his heart, waiting to be claimed through patience and hard work. The cracked sky outside seemed to promise challenges ahead, and Taren felt a quiet readiness to face them, step by careful step, building his path in this new world.