Aldric awoke to the sound of his own breathing, harsh and ragged. His body ached in places he didn't know could hurt, but there was also a strange, exhilarating sense of completeness within him. The potion had done its work, and he could feel the demonic and draconic energies now merged seamlessly within him, humming with raw, unrefined power.
He lay on the cold stone floor for what felt like hours, his mind racing with the implications of what had just happened. The Sign-In System had finally activated, a fact that both excited and terrified him. He knew that this system was the key to his growth in this world, the tool that would allow him to rise to the heights promised by the Supreme God.
As if in response to his thoughts, a clear, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[Welcome, Aldric. The Sign-In System is now active.]
He sat up, wincing slightly as his muscles protested the movement. The room was still dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the faint glow of the potion vial on the altar. He focused on the voice in his mind, eager to learn more.
[You have one available Sign-In for today. Would you like to proceed?]
Aldric's heart pounded with anticipation. He had no idea what to expect, but he knew that this was the moment that would set the tone for his future in this world.
"Yes," he replied silently, his voice firm despite the lingering pain in his body. "I want to sign in."
The system responded immediately.
[Sign-In Successful. Congratulations, Aldric. You have received the following rewards:
- The Primordial Body of the Void Dragon
- The Potion of Bloodline Synergy]
The words hung in the air, their meaning slowly sinking in. Aldric's eyes widened as he realized what he had just obtained. The Primordial Body of the Void Dragon? That was something beyond his wildest dreams. In his past life, Haruto had read countless stories of powerful beings, but this… this was something else entirely.
The Void Dragon was a creature of legend, a being born from the primordial chaos before the worlds were even formed. Its body was said to be indestructible, capable of withstanding the most devastating of attacks and regenerating from almost any injury. But more than that, the Void Dragon had control over space itself, able to manipulate dimensions, teleport, and even create voids that could swallow anything in their path.
And now, Aldric had inherited that power.
He could feel the change almost immediately. His muscles no longer ached, and the fatigue that had weighed down his limbs vanished as if it had never been there. His skin felt tougher, and there was a strange, almost ethereal quality to his senses, as if he could perceive the very fabric of reality shifting around him.
Before he could fully process this, the system spoke again.
[The Potion of Bloodline Synergy has been granted. Would you like to use it now?]
Aldric hesitated. The first potion had already done wonders, merging his demonic and draconic bloodlines into a single, cohesive power. What more could this second potion do? But then again, the system had yet to steer him wrong, and if it was offering this reward, there had to be a reason.
"Yes," he said, though this time there was a touch of caution in his voice. "Use the potion."
A soft, blue light enveloped his body, and Aldric felt a familiar warmth spread through him, though this time it was gentler, more soothing. The energy from the potion seemed to seep into every cell, reinforcing the bond between his bloodlines, making them more harmonious, more stable. The chaotic mix of demonic fire and draconic strength was now perfectly balanced, allowing him to draw on their full potential without fear of one overpowering the other.
As the light faded, Aldric found himself standing, his body feeling lighter, stronger, more alive than ever before. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the sensation of power coursing through him. It was as if every fiber of his being had been enhanced, perfected. He was no longer just a hybrid of two powerful races; he was something more, something transcendent.
He smiled to himself, keeping the knowledge of his new power and the system a secret. This world was filled with dangers, and he couldn't afford to reveal his trump card to anyone—not even his parents. The Supreme God's warning echoed in his mind: this world was not one where he could trust anyone completely.
He took a deep breath, centering himself. He knew that he couldn't stay in this chamber forever. His parents were likely waiting for him, and he needed to show them that he had succeeded. But more than that, he needed to start understanding the full extent of his new abilities, to train and hone them so that he could protect himself and those he cared about in this world.
As he walked towards the door, it swung open before he could reach it, and his parents stepped inside. Lilith's eyes widened slightly as she took in the changes in her son. The aura of power surrounding him was unmistakable, and the subtle shifts in his appearance—sharper features, a faint iridescent sheen to his skin, and the way his eyes seemed to draw in the light—were all signs of the transformation he had undergone.
"You've done well, Aldric," Lilith said, her voice filled with pride and a hint of awe. "I can feel the strength within you. The potion has worked as expected."
Aldric forced a smile, nodding in agreement. He couldn't tell her the truth—that the potion was only part of what had happened. The Sign-In System had given him far more than anyone could have imagined, but that was a secret he intended to keep.
Calthor stepped forward, his golden eyes glowing with approval. "You've surpassed our expectations, my son. The power within you is remarkable. You've inherited a legacy that even I could never have imagined."
Aldric nodded again, though inside he felt a mixture of pride and trepidation. He had been granted incredible power, but with it came responsibility—a responsibility that he wasn't sure he was ready for. But there was no turning back now. He was Aldric, heir to the bloodlines of both demon and dragon, and now, the bearer of the Void Dragon's power.
"There is much to learn," Calthor continued, his tone more serious now. "Your abilities will only grow from here, but you must be careful. There are those in this world who would covet your power, who would seek to control or destroy you to prevent you from realizing your full potential."
Lilith stepped closer, placing a hand on Aldric's shoulder. "We will guide you, but you must also find your own path, my son. The gifts you have received are a blessing, but they can also be a curse if not managed wisely."
Aldric swallowed, the weight of their words settling on him like a mantle. He had been given a second chance, a new life filled with potential and power. But it was up to him to make the most of it, to forge his own destiny in this world.
"I understand," he said finally, his voice steady. "I won't let this power control me. I'll become stronger, not just for myself, but for our family, and for the future that lies ahead."
Lilith and Calthor exchanged a glance, and in that moment, Aldric felt their approval, their belief in him. It was a comforting thought, to know that he wasn't alone in this journey.
"There is no time to waste, then," Calthor said, his voice taking on a commanding tone. "We will begin your training immediately. You have much to learn, Aldric, and we will make sure that you are prepared for whatever challenges come your way."
Aldric nodded, his resolve firm. He had been reborn into a world of magic, danger, and unimaginable power, but he was ready to face it head-on. The Sign-In System was just the beginning, the first step on a path that would lead him to heights he could scarcely imagine.
As he followed his parents out of the chamber and into the sprawling corridors of their mansion, Aldric couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The future was uncertain, and the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but for the first time since his rebirth, he felt truly alive.
His journey had only just begun.