2. The Little Years
As Eryndor grew, his new life as an elven prince revealed its intricacies. His family was the epitome of nobility and grace, a stark contrast to his former life of chaotic indulgence. Yet, no matter how perfect they seemed, Eryndor couldn't help but view them through the lens of his degenerate nature— and his system, which never stopped assigning him absurd tasks.
The Ethereal Elven Empire was ruled by his father, King Altharion Sylvaren, a stoic and commanding figure with hair like spun silver and eyes that glimmered with centuries of wisdom. Though every elf revered him, Eryndor found his father intimidating, especially when he caught him scowling at Eryndor's lack of decorum.
"You must grow into a leader worthy of your bloodline," his father declared one day, his deep voice resonating like thunder in the grand throne room.
Eryndor's system, ever the opportunist, popped up immediately:
[Quest Alert!]
[Task: Interrupt King Altharion's speech with an innocent baby laugh.]
[Reward: +1 Confidence, Unlock Skill: "Innocent Distraction."]
[Failure Penalty: -1 Charisma, +1 Disdain from Father.]
Eryndor realizing the stakes, unleashed his best, most adorable giggle, complete with clapping his tiny hands.
The court froze.
Then his mother, Queen Lysithea Sylvaren, broke into laughter, her melodic voice cutting through the tension. "It seems the young prince already knows how to command attention, my love."
Eryndor's father sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, while Eryndor celebrated internally.
[Quest Complete! Reward Unlocked: Innocent Distraction.]
He smiled inwardly. "This will be good in future."
Next was his eldest sibling, Celyndor Sylvaren, the crown prince and the paragon of elven perfection. At 12 years old, he was everything the Kingdome expected from him— disciplined, graceful, and respected by everyone. Celyndor viewed his youngest brother with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"Little brother," Celyndor said one day, leaning down to Eryndor's level. "You are destined to uphold the Sylvaren name. Do not squander your potential."
Eryndor was lying there in his brother's lap looking over the dining table where the family ate in boredom. That was when the system called again.
[Quest Alert!]
[Task: Play a harmless prank on Celyndor without getting caught.]
[Reward: +2 Agility, Unlock Skill: "Prankster's Grace."]
[Failure Penalty: +1 Scolding from Celyndor.]
Eryndor's baby hands worked quickly, switching out the ceremonial wine cup for one filled with sweet nectar. As Celyndor raised the cup to his lips, his face twisted in confusion.
"This is... juice?"
Eryndor burst into laughter, which, of course, sounded like a baby's cheerful gurgling.
Celyndor narrowed his eyes. "You little rascal."
Though his brother ultimately forgave him, Eryndor noted the success with pride.
[Quest Complete! Reward Unlocked: Prankster's Grace.]
Then there was his sister, Elantha Sylvaren, the family's rebellious middle child, two years younger than Celyndor. Unlike the others, Elantha didn't adhere strictly to tradition. She had a sharp tongue and a mischievous streak that rivaled Eryndor's own.
"You'll need to grow up fast, little brother," Elantha said one afternoon, carrying him on her hip. "This palace will eat you alive otherwise."
Eryndor adored her immediately, partly because she shared his disdain for boring traditions. She would often sneak him extra sweets or sneak out of lessons to play with him in the gardens.
It was during one such escapade that the system struck again:
[Quest Alert!]
[Task: Convince Elantha to teach you how to "sneak."]
[Reward: Unlock Skill: "Baby Stealth," +1 Dexterity.]
[Failure Penalty: None. (The system deemed it too funny to punish failure.)]
"Another one?" He thought to himself.
Eryndor wobbled his chubby arms and made a series of incoherent babbling noises, his version of asking for a lesson. Elantha tilted her head, her lips twitching into a grin.
"All right, little shadow. Let's see if you can keep up." Elantha gave him a serious look.
That day, Eryndor learned the fine art of sneaking—well, as much as a toddler could.
[Quest Complete! Reward Unlocked: Baby Stealth.]
All Eryndor cared was that he was having the best time of his life and he did not want it to stop.
By the age of five, Eryndor had already built a reputation in the palace:
To his father, he was a troublesome but oddly endearing scamp.
To his mother, he was the light of her life, constantly charming her with his antics.
To his siblings, he was equal parts annoyance and amusement.
But Eryndor's absurd system kept him on his toes, throwing him into increasingly ridiculous situations:
[Quest Alert!]
[Task: Steal a royal dessert from under the nose of the head chef.]
[Reward: Unlock Skill: "Food Raider," +1 Dexterity.]
[Quest Alert!]
[Task: Pretend to be asleep during one of your father's lectures.]
[Reward: Unlock Skill: "Feign Innocence," +1 Intelligence.]
[Quest Alert!]
[Task: Make Elantha laugh so hard she snorts during a formal dinner.]
[Reward: Unlock Skill: "Comedic Timing," +2 Charisma.]
Each completed quest not only boosted his abilities but also cemented his identity as the royal family's mischievous oddball.
Despite the lighthearted chaos left in his wake, Eryndor couldn't ignore the hints of a larger purpose. His father often spoke of a prophecy involving the youngest Sylvaren prince— one born under the moon of twin crescents.
"You are more than a jester, Eryndor," his father said one evening, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "The world beyond this palace is harsh and unforgiving. One day, you will understand your role in protecting it."
Eryndor didn't take the words seriously. After all, he was just here to enjoy his second chance at life. But the system had other plans.
[Quest Alert!]
[Task: Uncover the secret of the moon of twin crescents.]
[Reward: +10 Intelligence, Unlock Hidden Feature: "Legacy of the Crescent Prince."]
For the first time, Eryndor hesitated. His playfulness fading. This wasn't just a prank or a game— it was the beginning of something far bigger than himself.
And, for the first time, he felt the faint stirrings of responsibility... though he quickly brushed it aside. There was still dessert to steal and maids to charm, after all. His quests were not compulsory and they rarely came with penalties so what was there to worry about.