--
# Chapter 3: Beginning of a Legend
The gates of the Crimson Estate slid open without a sound, revealing a pathway paved in luminous blackstone tiles. Holographic lanterns hovered above each post, pulsing with gentle light in rhythmic patterns, their brightness adjusting to Sylvan's pace. The gardens on either side shimmered with floating flora, genetically designed to levitate a few inches off the ground. Above them, small autonomous drones trimmed branches and misted leaves with nutrient-rich vapor.
The mansion itself towered at the end of the path—a curved structure built of obsidian alloy and translucent crystal panels. Floating walkways connected the main house to two side wings. The roof was laced with solar filament veins, and a large anti-gravity skylight hovered just above it, rotating slowly, adjusting angle to maximize light intake. Floating sprinklers zipped through the garden air, releasing gentle spritzes on command.
As Sylvan stepped through the front door, it slid open with a hiss. Inside, cool air greeted him. The living room spread wide, circular in layout. Furniture made from memory foam gel shifted slightly as his family sat, noticing his presence.
His mother and father sat at the central crescent-shaped sofa. His three older brothers leaned against various parts of the furniture.
They all looked up.
He took a breath. "I've awakened."
His brothers stood in unison.
The first, tall and poised, stepped forward. "Welcome to the real game, little brother." His name was Kael Crimson. He wore a crimson longcoat over sleek battleweave armor, silver trim highlighting his shoulders.
The second, slightly bulkier and broader, grinned. "Took you long enough. We were wondering if you were skipping out." This was Darius Crimson. He wore a reinforced biker jacket with glowing seams and gauntlets clipped to his hips.
The third, lounging with arms crossed, let out a low chuckle. "He's late to the run as usual." His name was Renzo Crimson. His outfit was sleek, layered—a black trench with emerald etching and a high collar.
Their white hair, inherited from the Crimson line, glinted under the shifting ambient lights. All of them bore the same sharp jawline and fierce crimson eyes as Sylvan.
Their mother rose next. Her features were soft yet commanding. "Congratulations, Sylvan," she said, voice smooth. "Now listen to me. First, never let arrogance cloud your path. And second, trust in your instincts—they'll guide you when logic fails."
Their father nodded from his seat, voice deeper. "Good work, son. Remember, a strong start is only the beginning. Train hard, and never settle. That's how real power is built."
Sylvan bowed slightly. "Thank you, all of you."
He turned and headed to his room.
The door closed behind him with a quiet hiss.
Inside, his bed was sleek and floated just above the floor. The walls glowed faintly with customizable ambient light, and a projection terminal hovered nearby.
\[Would you like to absorb 40 Energy Crystals?]
\\
"Yes."
\[Please sit in a meditative posture with eyes closed.]
\[Hands resting on knees.]
\[Initiating Energy Absorption Process...]
\\
He climbed onto the bed and crossed his legs.
Suddenly, the air shimmered.
Forty glowing energy crystals appeared around him, each one pulsing like a heartbeat.
Streams of radiant blue energy began to flow into him, like liquid light.
\[Absorption Progress: 1%]
\[Absorption Progress: 8%]
\[Absorption Progress: 27%]
\[Absorption Progress: 48%]
\[Absorption Progress: 71%]
\[Absorption Progress: 90%]
\[Absorption Progress: 100%]
\[Energy Absorption Complete.]
\\
Sylvan opened his eyes.
His body buzzed with power.
\[Your Energy has increased from 2,000 → 20,000.]
\[All Attributes increased from 20 → 30.]
\[New Skill Acquired: Energy Control.]
\[New Technique Learned: Energy Absorption.]
\\
Another message appeared.
\[Daily Quests Assigned:]
* Perform 50 Push-ups
* Perform 50 Sit-ups
* Run 90 km (3x)
\[Quest Reward: +10 Attribute Points]
\\
\[Would you like to allocate attribute points evenly? Y/N]
\\
"Yes."
\[Allocating Attribute Points...]
\[Success.]
\[Updated Status:]
Status
Name: Sylvan Crimson
Age: 18
Race: Chaos heir / Dragon
Level: 1
EXP: 0 / 50
Strength: 31
Agility: 31
Endurance: 31
Vitality: 31
Perception: 31
Charm: 31
Energy: 20000
Skills:
* Energy Control
* Armor Creation
* Water Manipulation
* Fusion
* Lightning
* Gravity
* Heat Wave
* Blood Pact
* Blood Strike
* Energy Absorption
\\
\[System Message: A legend is not born. A legend is made—through effort, challenge, and perseverance.]
\\
Sylvan smiled faintly.
He stood and crossed the room to his private bathing chamber.
The room lit up with movement sensors. A suspended glass cylinder lowered from the ceiling: his auto-shower. Jets hovered inside, adjusting pressure based on muscle fatigue. A grooming drone hovered in with warm towels and custom-blend soaps.
After bathing, Sylvan changed into a relaxed robe and laid on the bed. The room adjusted its temperature automatically.
He stared at the ceiling.
"Tomorrow's going to be a big day."
He closed his eyes.
End of Chapter 3.