Aldric woke up early the next morning, feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the day might bring. His training over the past month had been intense, and he had gained immeasurable strength. As he sat up in his bed, he thought about all the abilities and skills he had acquired. The Sign-In System had proven to be an incredible boon, but he knew he couldn't rely on it alone. Real strength came from experience and facing real challenges, not just accumulating power.
He was pondering his next steps when a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. It was one of the castle's servants, a young demon with an anxious expression.
"Master Aldric, your mother wishes to see you in her chamber," the servant said, bowing slightly.
Aldric nodded. "Thank you. I'll go right away."
He quickly got dressed, choosing a simple but elegant robe that allowed for freedom of movement. He left his room and made his way through the winding corridors of the castle, passing by ancient tapestries and statues of formidable ancestors. Each step echoed softly against the stone walls, a rhythmic reminder of the weight of his lineage and the expectations placed upon him.
His mother's chamber was located in a secluded wing of the castle, where she could have peace and quiet away from the daily bustle of castle life. As Aldric approached, he could feel the potent aura that always surrounded his mother, a testament to her immense power as a succubus of royal blood. He took a deep breath and knocked gently on the door.
"Enter," came the soft but commanding voice from inside.
Aldric pushed the door open and stepped into the chamber. His mother, Lady Lilith, sat by a large window, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Her piercing violet eyes, much like his own, turned to him as he entered, and a faint smile crossed her lips.
"Aldric, my son," she greeted warmly. "I trust you've been keeping yourself busy with your training?"
"Yes, Mother," Aldric replied, approaching her. "I've made significant progress. But I sense there's more you wish to discuss with me today."
Lilith nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "Indeed. I have a mission for you—one that's of great importance to our family and the demon realm as a whole."
Aldric's interest was piqued. Missions from his mother were never trivial. They were always tied to the intricate politics and power struggles that defined their world. "What is the mission, Mother?"
"There is a growing threat from the neighboring nation of Azura," Lilith began, her tone grave. "They have been encroaching on our territory and have even begun plotting against our family. Our spies have identified a key figure behind these plots—a powerful mage named Verrin. Your mission is to infiltrate Azura and eliminate him."
Aldric considered her words carefully. Assassination missions were not uncommon, especially given the volatile relations between the various nations of their world. However, he knew his mother well enough to sense that there was more to this mission than she was letting on.
"Verrin," Aldric repeated thoughtfully. "He must be quite powerful if he's caught your attention."
Lilith nodded. "He is. Verrin is a formidable opponent, skilled in both dark magic and elemental manipulation. He's also surrounded by powerful guards and wards. This will not be an easy task, Aldric."
Aldric met her gaze steadily. "I understand, Mother. I'll prepare for the mission immediately."
But before he could turn to leave, Lilith's voice stopped him. "There's something else, Aldric. I know you've been eager to test your strength and push your limits. That's why I'm giving you a choice."
Aldric raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A choice?"
"Yes," Lilith replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You can undertake the mission as I've outlined, or you can choose a different path—a path that might offer even greater rewards but also comes with far greater risks."
"What path?" Aldric asked, now fully engaged.
"The Four Domains," Lilith said, her voice barely above a whisper, but the weight of her words hung heavily in the air.
Aldric's breath caught in his throat. The Four Domains were the most dangerous places in the world, each one a realm of near-mythical difficulty that tested the limits of any who dared enter. Few who ventured into the Four Domains ever returned, and those who did spoke of challenges that pushed them to the brink of death. Yet, the rewards for completing the trials within each domain were said to be unparalleled—artifacts of immense power, ancient techniques, and untold riches.
"Are you serious, Mother?" Aldric asked, a mix of excitement and concern in his voice. "You would allow me to enter the Four Domains?"
Lilith nodded slowly. "I see great potential in you, Aldric. Your recent progress has been remarkable, but I also know that true growth comes from overcoming real challenges. The Four Domains are unforgiving, but if you succeed, you will gain power far beyond what you currently possess. The choice is yours."
Aldric's mind raced. He had always been fascinated by the legends of the Four Domains—the Domain of Shadows, the Domain of Fire, the Domain of Storms, and the Domain of Eternal Night. Each was said to hold secrets lost to time, treasures that could change the fate of nations. But they were also filled with dangers that could spell instant death for the unprepared.
He looked at his mother, seeing the trust and confidence in her eyes. She believed in him, believed that he could survive the trials and come back stronger. His decision was made.
"I choose the Four Domains," Aldric said firmly. "I will face their trials and claim their rewards. And when I return, I will be stronger than ever before."
A small smile played across Lilith's lips, her pride in her son evident. "Very well, Aldric. I will inform your father, Calthor, of your decision. He will not be pleased, but he will understand. Prepare yourself. You have my blessing, but remember, this path is fraught with danger. Trust in your instincts and your training."
Aldric nodded. "Thank you, Mother. I will not disappoint you."
Lilith reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know you won't, my son. You have always been destined for greatness."
---
As Aldric left his mother's chamber, he felt a surge of adrenaline course through his veins. The decision to enter the Four Domains was not one he took lightly, but he knew it was the right one. The opportunity to gain unique rewards and power was too great to pass up. He had always been driven by the desire to become stronger, to surpass all expectations and claim his place in the world.
He made his way to the grand hall, where his father, Calthor, was already waiting. Calthor was a towering figure with an imposing presence, his draconic features barely concealed beneath a veneer of regal composure. His eyes, a deep shade of emerald, regarded Aldric with a mix of sternness and approval.
"I hear you've chosen to enter the Four Domains," Calthor said without preamble, his voice a low rumble that resonated through the hall.
"Yes, Father," Aldric replied, meeting his father's gaze. "I believe it's the best way for me to grow stronger."
Calthor nodded, his expression unreadable. "It is a dangerous path, but one that could yield great rewards. You are my son, and I expect nothing less than greatness from you. The blood of dragons flows through your veins, and with it, the potential to achieve anything you set your mind to."
"I understand the risks," Aldric said confidently. "But I am ready to face them. I will return stronger than ever."
Calthor studied him for a moment before giving a curt nod. "Very well. Prepare yourself. You leave at dawn tomorrow. I will have our finest warriors accompany you to the entrance of the first domain, but from there, you will be on your own. Remember, Aldric, strength is not just about power—it's about wisdom and knowing when to act."
Aldric nodded, taking his father's words to heart. "I won't forget, Father. Thank you."
Calthor placed a hand on Aldric's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "I believe in you, Aldric. Make us proud."
With that, Aldric left the grand hall, his mind already focused on the challenges ahead. He knew the path would be difficult, but he was determined to succeed. He spent the rest of the day preparing for his journey, gathering supplies and honing his skills. He visited the training grounds one last time, practicing his new abilities and refining his control over his elemental affinities.
As night fell, Aldric returned to his chamber, taking a moment to reflect on the events of the day. He was about to embark on the most dangerous journey of his life, but he felt ready. The trials of the Four Domains would test him in ways he had never been tested before, but he was confident in his abilities and the strength he had gained.
Before he went to bed, he activated the Sign-In System once more, a daily routine that had become second nature.
**[Congratulations! You have signed in successfully!]**
**[Rewards: Creation Magic: the ability to make any magic spell that you think about.]**
Aldric's eyes widened as he read the description of his new power. **Creation Magic**—a form of magic that allowed the user to create any spell or magical effect they could imagine and with that Aldric went to sleep.
{Everyone I have a surprise for you guys cause there will be some new characters which will be introduced in the next chapter}