บท 4: The Road to Power
Aldrich sat cross-legged in the abandoned building, the dim light from the broken windows casting long shadows around him. The air was thick with dust, but he didn't mind. This place was as good as any for what he needed to do. He closed his eyes and began to focus, drawing his mind inward.
The energies of this world were different from those he had known before. Back in his own realm, the ambient magic had a certain flavor, a distinct resonance that was now absent. Here, the magic was raw, untamed, and unfamiliar. But Aldrich was no novice; he had spent countless millennia mastering the intricacies of magical energies.
He took a deep breath, feeling the energy around him, sensing its flow and texture. Slowly, he began to draw it in, guiding it through the pathways of his body. It was a painstaking process, requiring immense concentration. He had to reshape the magic, convert it into a form that his body could use.
As the energy began to flow more smoothly, Aldrich felt a slight increase in his strength. It was a far from his former glory, but it was a start. He continued to draw in the magic, shaping and molding it, feeling it integrate with his being.
Hours passed, and the outside world faded away. Aldrich's mind was solely focused on the task at hand. He could feel the energy pooling within him, filling the void that had been left by his sealing. It was a slow process, but with every passing moment, he felt himself growing stronger.
Amidst his meditation, a faint hum resonated in his mind. It was the system, a constant presence since his encounter with the mysterious being. He had mostly ignored it, focusing on his immediate survival and growth, but now he was curious.
"System, he called out in his mind, can you hear me?"
There was a brief silence, followed by a response. [Yes, Host. I am here.]
Aldrich raised an eyebrow. The system had never spoken to him before, at least not in this manner. "Do you have a name?"
[No, Host. I am merely a system designed to assist you.]
Aldrich pondered for a moment. An idea began to form in his mind. If the system was to be his constant companion, perhaps it would be more manageable if it had a name. "Very well. I shall call you... Eos."
There was a brief pause. Acknowledged. [I am now Eos.]
Aldrich nodded, satisfied. "Tell me, Eos, what functions do you possess?"
[I am designed to assist you in regaining your strength and achieving your objectives. I can provide information, track your progress, issue missions, and offer guidance.]
"Interesting." Aldrich mused. "Show me my current status."
A familiar display materialized in his mind's eye.
[Name: Aldrich]
Title: Twilight of Gods (Effect: Boost in power when facing divine beings or related entities)
Age: 8
Race: Human
Condition: Malnourished, Weak
Skills: None
Divine Power: Sealed
Magic Potential: High]
Aldrich noted the new title. "Twilight of Gods," he murmured. "Fitting."
[Yes, Host. The title grants you a boost in power when facing divine beings or entities related to them.] Eos confirmed.
Aldrich's lips curled into a slight smile. "That will be useful. What can you tell me about the energies of this world?"
[The energies here are different from your original realm. They are more primal, less structured. You will need to adapt them to your own system of magic.]
"I see." Aldrich said. "And what of my former skills and techniques? Can I regain them?"
[You can, Host. As you grow stronger and adapt to this world's energies, you will be able to unlock and use your former skills and techniques. Some may require modifications to align with the new energy patterns].
Aldrich nodded, a sense of determination filling him. "Very well. Guide me in understanding and harnessing these energies more effectively."
[Yes, Host.]
Aldrich returned to his meditation, focusing on the flow of energy. Eos provided subtle guidance, suggesting minor adjustments to his technique, pointing out nuances in the energy patterns that Aldrich had overlooked. Slowly but surely, he felt his control improving.
As he continued to meditate, Aldrich decided to probe deeper into Eos's capabilities. "Eos, do you have any missions for me at the moment?"
[Affirmative, Host.]
[Current mission]
[Adapt to the new world's energy and regain basic proficiency in your former skills.]
Aldrich smiled. It was a simple mission, but it was exactly what he needed to focus on. "Very well. I accept."
The energy continued to flow into him, filling him with a growing sense of power. He could feel his body adapting, the energy pathways becoming more efficient. Every minute spent in meditation brought him closer to his former strength.
Hours passed, and the night deepened. Aldrich remained steadfast, his focus unbroken. He could feel the energy within him becoming more stable, more aligned with his own essence. It was a slow process, but it was progress nonetheless.
"Eos." Aldrich called out, "What can you tell me about the gods in this world?"
[The gods here are different from those you faced in your original realm. They are less numerous, but still powerful. Some may recognize you, given your title and history.]
Aldrich's eyes narrowed. "And if they do?"
[It is likely they will view you as a threat, Host. Caution is advised.]
Aldrich nodded. He had expected as much. The gods had always been wary of him, and for good reason. He had challenged their authority, defied their decrees, and in the end, he had been sealed away for it.
But now he was free, and he would not let them stop him again.
As the first light of dawn began to filter through the broken windows, Aldrich opened his eyes. He felt invigorated, the night's meditation having restored a small measure of his former strength. It was not much, but it was a start.
He stood up, stretching his limbs. His body felt more responsive, more attuned to the energies around him. He knew he still had a long way to go, but he was on the right path.
"Eos." he said, "What is the next step?"
[Continue to gather and refine the energy, Host. As you grow stronger, you will unlock more of your former abilities. Additionally, exploration of this world and interaction with its inhabitants may provide valuable information and opportunities.]
Aldrich nodded. "Very well. Let's get started."
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง