...
Time flew by.
Three years had passed since Alden's cheat system had awakened.
During this time, Alden had been relentless in his efforts.
Jennifer, his ever-supportive wife, had spent most of the past three years either pregnant or on the way of being so.
In total, she had given birth to four children in these three years—one of the pregnancies resulting in twins.
However, luck didn't seem to be on Alden's side.
Just like their first child, all four of these new children were evaluated as E-Level by the system, possessing only the most basic aptitude.
Together, they had granted him four more years' worth of Inner Qi cultivation.
Adding the reward from his first child, Alden now had a total of five years' cultivation, enough to push his strength to the peak of 3rd Rank Knight.
He was just half a step away from becoming a 4th Rank Knight—a true intermediate knight.
Determined to break through, Alden threw himself back into his "efforts" with Jennifer.
Though she had given birth to five children in a row, Jennifer showed no signs of aging or fatigue. On the contrary, her beauty seemed to grow even more radiant, her figure even more alluring.
This was thanks to the rare magic medicines Alden had been purchasing for her over the years. These elixirs not only restored her vitality but also enhanced her physical state.
Half a month later, Jennifer was pregnant once again.
"Why are you so eager?" Jennifer pouted as she playfully slapped Alden's arm. "I just gave birth, and now I'm pregnant again? This is all your fault!"
Her cheeks were flushed with a mix of frustration and shyness.
Alden chuckled nervously, wrapping his arms around her. "It's my fault, it's all my fault! But if you're too tired, we can stop after this one, alright?"
Jennifer sighed, her expression softening as she looked into his eyes. Despite her complaints, she knew Alden's love for her was genuine.
"It's not that I don't want more children," she said quietly, leaning into his chest. "I just want a little break in between."
"You're amazing," Alden murmured, kissing her forehead. "To have a wife like you is the greatest blessing of my life."
"Sweet-talker," Jennifer muttered, though the smile on her lips betrayed her affection.
...
Ten months later, the big day arrived.
Jennifer gave birth to Alden's sixth child, her labor presided by the priestess, aided by the magic medicines and skilled midwives as before.
As the cries of the newborn echoed in the room, the system's notification popped up in Alden's mind.
[Detected the birth of the host's sixth child. The child's magical aptitude is low & physical aptitude is mid. Evaluation: D-Level. You gain 10 years of Inner Qi cultivation and a 5-star combat technique—Gale Sword Technique.]
"A D-Level evaluation!"
Alden's eyes widened in surprise and delight. Compared to the previous children evaluated as E-Level, this was a significant leap.
The rewards reflected this improvement: a tenfold increase in cultivation gain, plus an incredibly rare 5-star combat technique.
To understand its value, combat techniques in this world were graded. Techniques ranged from 0 to 9 stars, with higher stars offering not only greater power but also unique magical abilities.
As a barony, the strongest technique in the Ashleigh family's collection was only 3 stars. A 5-star technique was something even many earls couldn't boast of.
"This is a game-changer," Alden thought, his excitement barely contained.
Choosing to accept the reward, he felt a rush of knowledge and energy surge through him.
Memories of the Gale Sword Technique appeared in his mind, as though he had trained in it for years. At the same time, his Inner Qi grew exponentially in both quantity and quality.
The transformation was staggering.
...
4th Rank!
5th Rank!
6th Rank!
...
By the time the energy stabilized, Alden had risen three full ranks, reaching the peak of an intermediate knight.
He could now condense his Inner Qi to extend his attacks beyond his physical reach—a hallmark of intermediate knights.
Eager to test his newfound strength, Alden raised his hand, channeling his energy. A beam of yellow light shot from his fingertips, striking the stone wall ahead and leaving a deep hole.
The destructive force was comparable to high-caliber bullets from his past life.
"Unbelievable," Alden murmured, marveling at the power coursing through him. "This system is insane."
His strength had multiplied more than tenfold in an instant. With the Gale Sword Technique, his combat ability would be on par with knights far above his rank.
"If I keep this up… a hundred children, maybe even more…"
The thought sent a thrill through Alden. For the first time, he felt that his dream of reaching the pinnacle of this world wasn't just possible—it was inevitable.
...
In the room, Jennifer had just given birth.
Evelyn had the maids instructed to clean up the mess before allowing Alden to enter.
As Alden stepped inside, his gaze immediately fell on Jennifer, who lay resting on the bed. Her usual rosy complexion was now pale, a testament to the toll childbirth had taken on her.
"Jenny, you've worked so hard," Alden said softly, his voice filled with tenderness.
Jennifer managed a faint smile. "It's not hard at all," she replied, her tone warm despite her obvious exhaustion.
The couple exchanged a few sweet words, their love evident even in this moment of fatigue.
Then Alden turned his attention to their newborn child.
This time, it was a girl.
Unlike most newborns, who came into the world wrinkled and red, this little one was extraordinary. Perhaps due to her mid-level physical aptitude, her skin was smooth and fair, her cheeks rosy, and her features delicate as if carved from jade.
"Wuwu!"
The baby made soft noises as Alden reached out to touch her tiny hand. She responded by grabbing his finger and kicking her little feet, her laughter filling the room.
Jennifer, watching this tender interaction, couldn't help but smile. Despite her tiredness, the sight of Alden bonding with their daughter filled her heart with warmth.
"Alden," she said after a moment, "you haven't named her yet."
Alden paused, then said thoughtfully, "Let's call her Adelina. Adelina Ashleigh."
Jennifer nodded, the name fitting perfectly.
Adelina—graceful and noble—was a name that carried both beauty and strength. It suited their daughter well, especially given her promising talent.
The system had given Adelina evaluation of D-Level with mid physical aptitude, far surpassing Alden's own. She was destined to become a powerful guardian of their family.
Hearing her father's voice, Adelina let out a cheerful giggle, as if approving of her new name.
...