Aldrich nodded in satisfaction as he reviewed his status panel, pleased to see increases in all of his attributes. The steady growth reassured him that his efforts were paying off.
Eleanor, covering her chest looking at the standing Aldrich, tells the child " Mother's going to do some errands now. Be a good boy okay?" She then leaves the room.
Aldrich nods then unmasks his childish facade, grinning.
"Maybe I can try some exercise. Let me jog a bit," he thought, his mind racing with excitement. The prospect of testing his body's newfound strength filled him with determination.
He envisioned himself gradually building endurance, imagining a future where he could move freely and confidently in this new world. Attempting what he imagined was a run, he instead ended up waddling awkwardly across the room.
Smiling bitterly, he muttered, "Oh, yeah. Stubby legs mean awkward movements." Nevertheless, he continued to waddle determinedly around his room.
The door creaked open, and his personal maid, Bea, stepped inside. She had been assigned to him by his parents and was ever attentive.
"Young Lord! Why are you running around? You might fall!" she exclaimed, panicking as she hurried toward him. Aldrich, meanwhile, panted and kept up his awkward movements.
Bea grabbed a towel and gently wiped the sweat from his tiny face. "You're always giving me a heart attack," she said with a chuckle before affectionately squeezing his cheeks.
Aldrich rolled his eyes at her doting gesture, prompting Bea to laugh. She was well-acquainted with his behavior and found his antics endearing.
Ding!
A system notification rang out, catching Aldrich's attention. He quickly opened it.
CONGRATULATIONS ON SURVIVING FOR 1 YEAR!!
REWARD: 1x Lottery Ticket
'There's such a thing?!' Aldrich thought, inwardly thrilled. He clapped his tiny hands and giggled with excitement.
Bea observed his cheerful reaction and smiled warmly, her eyes softening with affection. "Such a happy baby today. You always brighten my day," she said, gently scooping him up. She cradled him close for a moment before carrying him to the dining area, humming a soothing tune as they went. As usual, it was quiet; his siblings and parents were too occupied with their own affairs to join him.
Bea placed Aldrich in a specially designed baby chair, then scooped some porridge and blew on it gently to cool it down before feeding him.
While eating, Aldrich activated the lottery feature.
YOU MAY NOW SELECT (1) FROM THE FOLLOWING PRIZES:
Mana Potion (Item) - a bottle to regenerate loss mana
Sentry x1 (Consumable) - ward
Muscle Up x1 (Skill, Consumable) - temporary boost of strength
Cloth Armor (Item) - reduces damage
100 experience points
'No runes?' Aldrich sighed inwardly at his perceived bad luck. Most of the options were consumables, which he deemed less useful at the moment.
He carefully considered the list. 'I'll skip the experience and consumables for now. They're not crucial at this stage. That leaves the Mana Potion and Cloth Armor.'
Chewing a spoonful of porridge, he weighed the pros and cons. 'The Mana Potion could boost my development, but I'm unsure how significant the increase would be. The Cloth Armor, on the other hand, offers immediate protection. Given the unpredictable nature of this world, safety should come first.'
With his decision made, he selected the Cloth Armor.
Cloth Armor added to inventory.
"System, show me the stats of the Cloth Armor," he commanded.
Cloth Armor: Reduces damage received by 15 points.
'Good enough to ensure my safety,' he thought, equipping the item. Feeling more secure, he continued eating while pondering his future. 'This world is filled with mythical beings. Safety must come first. But what path should I choose as I grow?'
His thoughts were interrupted as his parents entered the dining area. His mother, Eleanor, swept him into her arms, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Hello, my baby," she cooed.
Bea stood and bowed respectfully. "Good morning, my Lord and Lady."
Arthas, Aldrich's father, ruffled his hair. "Today, we're taking you to determine your talent," he said, turning to Bea. "Prepare him for a bath. We'll be visiting my lord's church in his Viscounty."
"Yes, milord," Bea replied, hurrying to carry out his instructions.
After a quick bath and a change into appropriate clothing, Bea handed Aldrich to Eleanor. Together, the family boarded a carriage drawn by two horses.
"To my lord's Viscounty," Arthas instructed the coachman.
The coachman nodded, snapping the reins. The horses neighed and began their journey.
Aldrich gazed out the window, fascinated by the scenery. 'My first time outside. It almost feels like my old world,' he thought, noting the familiar rolling hills and dense forests. Yet, there were stark differences—the air here seemed more vibrant, almost shimmering with an unseen energy, and the distant silhouettes of towering castles broke the horizon, a clear reminder that this was a world steeped in magic and mystery. The blend of the familiar and the fantastical stirred a mix of nostalgia and curiosity within him.
Arthas noticed his curiosity and said, "Aldrich, be a good boy when the priests assess your talent, alright? They'll perform a series of tests to see where your natural abilities lie—whether you're suited for magic, combat, or something entirely different. It's an important step in shaping your future."
Aldrich nodded obediently and secretly equipped the Cloth Armor into one of his six inventory slots. 'Better safe than sorry.'
After an uneventful four-hour ride, they arrived at Viscount Edward's town. It was larger and more developed than their own, with cobblestone streets bustling with activity. Merchants called out their wares, and the atmosphere was lively.
Aldrich's eyes widened as he spotted non-humans and individuals with unusual features. 'A half-human, half-dog person? I thought this world had only four races!' He also saw warriors and mages clad in gear that reminded him of cosplayers from his previous life.
Arthas tapped Eleanor, who had dozed off. "Wake up. We need to greet Viscount Edward first."
Stretching, Eleanor groaned. "That old fart again?" She kissed Arthas's cheek, earning a playful pat on her hand.
"Don't badmouth him," Arthas admonished.
Eleanor rolled her eyes before hugging Aldrich tightly. "I hope you'll be a mage or something safe. I don't want you becoming a warrior like your dad—it's too dangerous."
Aldrich smiled at their playful banter, feeling a deep sense of warmth and love in his new life.