Serelina sat cross-legged in the cramped living room, her simple crop top and panties sticking to her skin from the faint heat radiating around her. A visible stream of energy flowed around her, spiraling toward her abdomen in concentrated waves. The charged air hummed softly, carrying the intensity of her breakthrough.
Her silver eyes snapped open, glowing with vitality and excitement. A satisfied smile curled her lips as she exhaled a long, relieved sigh.
"Finally, the Second Stage," she murmured, her voice tinged with both relief and triumph. Crossing the gap between the First and Second Stages was no trivial feat. It had taken her a week of intermittent cultivation—something others would need at least two weeks of relentless effort to achieve.
"Status," she commanded, her voice steady but filled with anticipation.
The familiar screen materialized before her.
[Host: Serelina Hartwell]
[Age: 10]
[Cultivation: Second Stage Mage Apprentice]
[Stats:]
STR: (12) 14
AGI: (9) 11
END: (10) 13
DEX: (8) 10
VIT: (14) 19
Mana: 1000
Sexual Appeal: (3) 6
[Remarks: Stats of a magic prodigy]
[Notes: The values in parentheses represent your previous stats, Host.]
Serelina stared at the screen, her silver eyes widening in disbelief. Even though she had expected growth, seeing the dramatic leap in her stats was another matter entirely. Her gaze lingered on her mana capacity—1,000 points, an astonishing achievement for someone her age.
A delighted smile spread across her face as she recalled the details from the novel. Mana capacity wasn't something cultivation could enhance. It grew naturally during childhood and stopped entirely upon reaching adulthood. Genetics, according to countless studies, was the most significant determinant.
Her current capacity placed her in the upper tier, a distinction that filled her with pride. But what truly thrilled her was knowing her mana would continue to grow until she turned 18. By then, she would stand in a league of her own.
"This will be so exciting," Serelina said with a radiant smile, her eyes gleaming with determination. Her ambitions shifted dramatically. No longer content with just reaching the Fifth Stage, her sights were now set on the Eighth—an accomplishment that would place her among the elite of Astralis.
Her original plan had been modest: qualify for a spot and work her way up the ranks. But with her current progress, she realized that climbing wouldn't even be necessary. At this rate, she would start at the top.
Time flies when you're busy—Serelina deeply agreed with that sentiment. In what felt like the blink of an eye, the opening day of Astralis had finally arrived.
The bathroom door swung open, releasing a wave of hot steam into the room. Serelina stepped out, her bare skin still warm from the bath. With a towel in hand, she methodically dried her damp black long hair, her expression calm yet focused on the day ahead.
Just yesterday, she had achieved the Eighth Stage of the Mage Apprentice realm, meeting her ambitious goal. What others would struggle to attain in years, she had accomplished in just four months. If news of her feat were to spread, it would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the community.
While her rapid progression might make each individual milestone seem less remarkable, the truth was far from it. Her achievements were monumental, a testament to her exceptional talent and determination.
She paused in front of the mirror, letting her gaze sweep over her reflection. Her figure had far surpassed the body she had in her past life. Her breasts, now a generous E cup, complemented her slim waist, where faint outlines of toned abs could be seen. Her curvaceous hips and round, firm buttocks completed a physique that was undeniably eye-catching. Serelina knew she was a head-turner now—a fact she accepted with both pride and amusement, and she reached it when she was just 10 yrs old.
A soft chime echoed through the room, breaking Serelina's moment of admiration. She turned her gaze away from the mirror, her silver eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
A notification from the system appeared before her, issuing a new quest. Serelina's eyes widened as she read the details, then a sly, almost mischievous smile crept across her lips.
"You really know how to challenge me, don't you?" she said, shaking her head with a light laugh. The system had a knack for keeping her on her toes, and she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement for whatever lay ahead.
She walked over to her closet, carefully selecting her outfit for the day. After consideration, she settled on a sleeveless crop top that revealed her toned midriff and a pair of short shorts that accentuated her legs. To finish the look, she added a light jacket, its casual style complementing the rest of her outfit.
Turning toward the nearby drawer, she opened it and reached inside, pulling out a small, concealed item. As she examined it, a mischievous smile spread across her lips, her silver eyes glinting with playful intent. Whatever she was planning, it was bound to be interesting.
After dolling herself up a little and ensuring everything was in place, Serelina stepped outside confidently.
This will be the first time I'm going out without a mask, she mused, the thought stirring a mixture of curiosity and excitement.
The crisp morning air kissed her exposed skin, sending a faint tingle across her body. She paused briefly, savoring the sensation, before continuing her journey toward Astralis.
As she walked, she felt the weighty stares of the people around her. Their gazes carried a range of emotions—fear, disgust, scorn, and unmistakably, lust. Instead of letting it unsettle her, she felt a surge of pride. Their reactions were proof of her transformation, her presence now impossible to ignore.
With her silver eyes gleaming and her head held high, Serelina strode forward, unbothered by the judgment or desire in their stares. Today was hers, and no one could take that from her.