Chapter 8
The First Step to Power
The evening breeze carried the soft scent of blooming moon lilies as Lucas walked slowly back toward the Valerian mansion. The tall white towers of the estate glowed warmly in the fading sunlight, their windows shining like golden stars against the deepening sky. Little glowing flowers along the garden path swayed gently, releasing tiny puffs of sweet sparkle that floated lazily through the air like happy fireflies saying goodnight to the world. The entire courtyard felt peaceful and welcoming, with soft lanterns drifting above the stone paths and tiny spirit butterflies leaving delicate trails of shimmering light behind them.
Lucas pushed open the large wooden gates and stepped inside the peaceful courtyard. The events of the market still played in his mind like a funny dream he couldn't quite forget. The knights rushing in with their shining armor. The chat laughing so hard. The girl hugging him out of nowhere. And worst of all… his bright red face as he ran away like a startled rabbit.
Lucas covered his face with both hands.
"…I'm never going to live that down."
He sighed deeply, but then his expression slowly began to change. A thoughtful look appeared in his eyes, bright and hopeful like the very first light of morning peeking over the horizon.
"Still… that stream was a huge success."
"So many viewers, so many laughs, and even that big donation from the mystery person."
"Maybe this silly livestream blessing is really going to change everything."
He walked through the garden path where glowing flowers swayed gently in the night breeze. Tiny spirit butterflies floated lazily through the air, leaving trails of shimmering light behind them that made the entire garden feel like something out of a living fairy tale.
Lucas quietly entered his room and closed the door with a soft click.
The moment he sat down on the soft bed, a familiar blue panel appeared in front of him, glowing with friendly sparkles.
The Livestream System.
Lucas crossed his arms thoughtfully, leaning back against the fluffy pillows.
"System. I have some questions."
The panel flickered softly, warm and ready to help.
[System Online]
"Earlier you said donations can help me become stronger."
"So how exactly does power work in this world?"
For a moment the panel shimmered like calm water touched by sunlight. Then several glowing words appeared, simple and clear, as if the system wanted to make sure even a salted-fish noble like him could easily understand.
---
[World Power System – Basic Explanation]
In the world of Aetheria, strength follows two main paths.
1. Mage Path
2. Knight Path
Both paths represent different ways of controlling energy.
---
Lucas leaned forward slightly, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Tell me about the Mage Path first."
The panel changed with a gentle chime, like the ringing of a cheerful silver bell.
---
Mage Path
Mages cultivate Mana, the magical energy flowing through the world.
There are seven stages of Mage development.
1. Apprentice Mage
2. Adept Mage
3. Scholar Mage
4. Grand Mage
5. Archmage
6. Sage Mage
7. Saint Mage
Each stage dramatically increases mana control and spell power.
---
Lucas nodded slowly, a small smile creeping onto his face.
"Okay… makes sense."
"Like learning to make bigger and brighter fireballs without burning my own eyebrows off."
He chuckled softly at the thought.
"Then what about the Knight Path?"
The system responded again, the glowing words appearing one by one like a friendly teacher patiently explaining a fun game.
---
Knight Path
Knights cultivate Aura, the energy within the body.
There are seven stages of Knight development.
1. Apprentice Knight
2. Iron Knight
3. Steel Knight
4. Silver Knight
5. Golden Knight
6. Royal Knight
7. Saint Knight
Aura strengthens the body, speed, strength, and battle instincts.
---
Lucas leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling where soft glowing patterns danced like distant stars.
"So basically…"
"Mages use mana."
"Knights use aura."
The system replied immediately.
[Correct]
Lucas rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his messy brown hair falling over one eye.
"Can I choose both?"
The blue panel flickered with a brighter, almost excited glow.
---
[Special Privilege Detected]
Host possesses Livestream System Blessing
Host can cultivate both Mana and Aura simultaneously
---
Lucas's eyes widened like he had just discovered an entire basket of free honey cakes.
"…Wait."
"So I can become both a mage AND a knight?"
[Affirmative]
Lucas slowly smiled, the kind of big happy grin that made his whole face light up.
"That's actually… kind of overpowered."
"Me, the lazy youngest son who used to trip over training swords, getting to do both?"
"The gods must have a sense of humor."
But then another thought struck him suddenly, and he sat up straighter.
"How much does it cost to upgrade my level?"
The system displayed another glowing message.
---
[Current Stage]
Mage Level: Apprentice Mage
Knight Level: Apprentice Knight
Next Stage Upgrade Cost: 5000 Coins
---
Lucas stared at the number.
"Five thousand…"
Then suddenly he remembered something.
His grin grew even wider.
The Unknown Viewer donation.
"Well then…"
"Looks like someone just sponsored my power-up."
He tapped the glowing button with a cheerful little tap.
---
[Upgrade Confirmed]
Coins Deducted: 5000
Advancing Stage…
---
A warm energy suddenly spread through Lucas's body.
Golden light flowed through his veins like liquid sunlight, cozy and full of gentle strength. At the same time, a cool blue energy filled his chest, fresh and crisp like morning dew resting on glowing flowers.
His muscles tightened slightly in a pleasant way.
His senses sharpened.
The world suddenly felt clearer and brighter.
He could hear the soft whisper of the wind outside.
The gentle rustle of leaves in the garden.
Even the faint, happy hum of magic drifting through the air around the mansion.
Everything felt sharper.
Like someone had wiped fog from a beautiful window.
Lucas slowly opened his eyes.
"Whoa…"
"That actually worked."
The panel appeared again, sparkling with quiet success.
---
[New Stage Achieved]
Mage Level: Adept Mage
Knight Level: Iron Knight
---
Lucas stretched his arms wide, feeling lighter and stronger at the same time. He hopped off the bed and did a small spin, laughing quietly to himself.
"I feel like I could run around the whole garden without getting tired…"
"Or at least without tripping too much."
But the exhaustion from the long and silly day finally caught up to him.
He yawned loudly.
"Alright…"
"Tomorrow we test this properly."
Lucas collapsed onto the bed with a soft thump, pulling the warm blanket over himself.
Within minutes, he was fast asleep.
Dreaming of glowing maps, laughing chats, and maybe even a future where the salted-fish noble became something a little more exciting.
---
The Next Morning
Bright sunlight streamed through the tall windows, painting the room in warm golden patterns.
Lucas slowly opened his eyes, blinking at the pretty light.
"…Morning already?"
He stretched lazily, feeling the new strength in his arms and legs, then walked outside into the training yard.
The yard was alive with morning magic.
Tall wooden targets stood in neat rows.
The ground was soft green grass dotted with tiny glowing flowers that opened their petals happily toward the sun.
Leon and Adrian were already practicing.
The sound of steel clashing echoed across the field like cheerful music.
Sparks of magic danced in the air like friendly fireworks.
Lucas quietly tried a few swings with a training sword.
The difference was immediate.
His movements were smoother.
Faster.
The sword felt lighter in his hands.
Like it wanted to help him.
Even the small fireball he created in his palm was brighter than before, flickering with a warm steady glow instead of the usual wobbly spark.
Lucas smiled big and proud.
"Nice."
After finishing practice, he returned to his room, still buzzing with excitement.
He sat down in front of the window where sunlight poured in and made everything feel bright and hopeful.
"Alright chat."
"Let's begin."
---
[Livestream Started]
---
Lucas appeared in front of the floating camera with a confident smile, waving like he was greeting old friends.
"Good morning everyone!"
"Welcome back to Fantasy World Livestream."
The viewer count climbed rapidly, numbers ticking up like excited little birds.
Chat messages flooded the screen immediately.
---
Name: GamerLord
THE MARKET HERO IS BACK
Name: TrollKing
BRO RAN FROM A GIRL 😂
Name: AnimeKnight
Did you get stronger?
---
Lucas laughed warmly, his eyes shining.
"Okay okay, calm down."
"Yes, today's stream is special."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice full of excitement.
"Because starting today…"
"We are going to do something big."
The chat instantly became curious.
---
Name: CuriousViewer
What big thing?
Name: ChaosViewer
New adventure??
---
Lucas crossed his arms confidently, standing a little taller.
"From today onward…"
"To rule this world…"
"We are going to build our power."
The chat exploded instantly.
---
Name: GamerLord
BRO SAID RULE THE WORLD
Name: StrategyKing
FIRST STEP BUILD AN ARMY
Name: ChaosViewer
STEP ONE: TAKE OVER THE MARKET
Name: EmpireBuilder
YOU NEED MONEY AND ALLIES
Name: TrollKing
STEP ONE: DON'T RUN FROM GIRLS 😂
---
Lucas laughed loudly, holding his stomach.
"Alright!"
"Looks like we have a lot of planning to do."
He leaned closer to the camera, eyes sparkling with playful ambition.
"So chat…"
"Where should our conquest begin?"
The viewer count continued rising fast.
And somewhere deep inside the system…
The Unknown Viewer icon flickered again.
As if watching very carefully.
---
To be continued…
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