Aldrich awoke from a deep sleep, his tiny body stretching instinctively. A wave of bewilderment coursed through him as he let out a soft, involuntary sound, startling himself. He blinked rapidly, trying to piece together the reality of his situation. Then it hit him—he wasn't the adult he remembered being. He was now a baby, and his once imposing form had been reduced to a tiny, fragile frame. The realization brought a mix of wonder and frustration, but curiosity soon took over, as he noticed the faint glow of sunlight filtering through an ornate crib, signaling the start of a new chapter in his life. A soft, involuntary sound escaped his lips, surprising him.
For a moment, confusion swept over him, but then he remembered—he was no longer the man he once was. He was now a baby.
Blinking, he took in his surroundings. The ornate crib encased him in polished wood, and sunlight filtered through soft curtains, bathing the room in a gentle glow. His vision, surprisingly sharp for an infant, must have improved due to the passive minor rune he had unlocked yesterday. A faint shimmer in the corner of his sight caught his attention: a new notification.
Hidden Quest: Unlock Mana (Completed)
Reward: 1000 experience points, 2 skill points, +0.05 attribute points
Aldrich's heart swelled with delight. "A surprise reward," he thought, trying to recall how he might have completed the quest. Concentrating, he felt a warm, soothing energy circulating in his chest. Mana. The sensation was calming, like holding a mug of warm tea on a chilly day.
Anticipation bubbling within him, Aldrich took a steadying breath and called out, "Show me my status panel!" For a fleeting moment, he wondered if the system would respond, a small thrill of excitement running through him at the prospect of delving deeper into this new reality.
The familiar monotone voice of the system responded instantly.
[Status Panel]
Age: 0.1 / 75 years
Class: N/A
Mana: 10.31/10.31
Strength: 0.21
Agility: 0.21
Intelligence: 1.31
Vitality: 0.21
Skills: N/A
Skill Points: 2
Unused Attribute Points: 0.05
Experience Points: 1000
Aldrich studied his stats, a grin spreading across his tiny face. "System, where can I use the experience points?" he asked aloud.
"Experience can be used to level up your class," the system replied, its voice devoid of emotion.
"How do I get a class?" Aldrich pressed, but the system fell silent. Undeterred, he turned his focus to the quest he had unlocked yesterday. Determination filled him. "Time to get to work!"
With a deep breath, Aldrich let out the loudest wail he could muster.
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
The cry echoed through the manor, alarming the guards and maids stationed nearby. One maid peered into the nursery, concern etched on her face. "Fetch the Lord and Lady," she instructed another.
Moments later, a hurried knock resounded on the heavy oak doors of Arthas and Eleanor's sleeping chambers. Arthas, muscular and imposing even in disheveled sleep, swung the door open.
"What is it?" he barked, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Milord, your son is having quite a fit in the nursery. He might be hungry and requires the mother's... milk?" the maid replied hesitantly, staring at the floor.
Arthas sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Bring him here," he ordered.
The maid hurried away and soon returned, carrying the wailing infant. Despite having given birth just yesterday, Eleanor rose from the bed with surprising energy. "Give me my baby," she said, her voice soft but firm.
The maid handed Aldrich over carefully. Eleanor cradled him, her expression a mixture of tenderness and concern. "You may leave," Arthas said, waving the maid away.
As soon as Eleanor bared her chest, Aldrich latched on, his tiny mouth eagerly drinking. Both parents chuckled at his enthusiasm.
"What should we call him?" Arthas asked, watching the scene with a warm smile.
"Aldrich," Eleanor replied without hesitation. "Aldrich will be a good name, won't it?"
Arthas nodded, leaning in to kiss her forehead. Then, he turned to don modest attire befitting a Baron. "I'll be with the soldiers, warming up and calling the boys to train with me," he said before striding out purposefully.
Left alone with her son, Eleanor continued to nurse and cuddle Aldrich. She admired his features—his blue eyes and blonde hair, so much like hers and Arthas'. Aldrich giggled mid-feed, and Eleanor smiled, unaware of the reason for his mirth.
In his mind, a notification gleamed.
[Quest: Growing Up]
[Objective: Ingest Milk (0.5/250 liters, Time Limit: 12 months)]
[Reward: Chosen Attribute Point (+0.5)]
The milk tasted faintly of almonds, a flavor he found surprisingly pleasant. "Well," he thought, "I can't be picky. A quest is a quest."
Over time, Aldrich's new life unfolded. He absorbed the language spoken around him and began learning about the geography of this fantastical world. The realm of Tellus was vast, thrice the size of Earth, and teeming with diverse inhabitants.
Orcs roamed the harsh southern lands, dwelling in dark, desolate caves and forging their existence through sheer strength and tenacity. Each day brought relentless battles against monstrous beasts—giant wolves with fiery eyes, towering lizards that spewed flames, and shadowy creatures of nightmare. These trials not only shaped their physical prowess but also deeply influenced their culture, emphasizing honor in combat, the bond of the tribe, and a reverence for the natural forces that surrounded them. Their strength was legendary, forged through relentless survival and brutal tribal duels.
Elves, in contrast, lived harmoniously in the east, their ethereal beauty and long lives dedicated to magic, archery, and the protection of nature. They thrived in hidden forests and mountain cities, their wisdom tempered by the sorrow of watching time pass.
Dwarves, stout and resilient, carved their homes into the icy northern mountains. Renowned artisans, they forged weapons and artifacts of unparalleled quality. Their loyalty and tradition were matched only by their ferocity in battle.
Humans, adaptable and ambitious, inhabited the western lands. Though they lacked the innate power of other races, their ingenuity and unity made them a force to be reckoned with. Their potential lay in their drive to learn and evolve, bridging gaps in strength through skill and creativity.
Aldrich learned that his new home was in a rural southern town in the Kingdom of Almira. His father, Arthas Kane, was a Baron under Viscount Edward. The land was a reward for Arthas' bravery in repelling beast tides and orc invasions. The estate housed 150 townspeople, 10 soldiers, and two squires who tended to Arthas' horse.
A year passed, and Aldrich's efforts bore fruit. As he nursed for the final time, a familiar 'ding' resonated in his mind, bringing a grin to his chubby face.
[Quest: Growing Up] (Completed)
[Objective: Ingest Milk (250/250 liters, Time Limit: 12 months)]
[Reward: Chosen Attribute Point (+0.5), Health potion x1] (Claimable)
He stood on stubby legs, eyeing his plump form with a resigned sigh. "Forcing down milk all year made me a fat baby," he thought.
"Claim the reward. Status!"
[Status Panel]
Age: 1 / 75 years
Class: N/A
Health: 4.1 / 4.1
Mana: 13.9 / 13.9
Strength: 0.41
Agility: 0.41
Intelligence: 1.39
Vitality: 0.41
Skills: N/A
Skill Points: 2
Unused Attribute Points: 0.55
Experience Points: 1000
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)Sentry x1 (Consumable)Muscle Up x1 (Skill, Consumable)Cloth Armor (Item)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 might be 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 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.