Chapter 3 – The Status System
The night was quiet. The cries of the newborn had faded, leaving only the whisper of wind brushing against the crystal leaves that lit the royal chamber. The moon hung high above, its light falling across the small figure of an infant resting in a cradle carved from living wood.
Valdyn lay there, his tiny chest rising and falling. His body was weak, fragile, but his mind was sharp. Memories of his former life still lingered—the harsh military drills, the burning heat of the bullet that had pierced his chest, and the final desperate prayer he had uttered. All of it was still fresh.
So it's true... I really was reborn. I'm no longer Adrian Cross. I am Valdyn Thalorian... the last elven prince.
The chamber was silent, and for a moment he almost believed he was alone. Then, the voice came again.
[DING!!]
> System Online.
Accessing Individual Status...
In an instant, his perception shifted. Letters of light unfolded before his inner vision, forming a screen only he could see.
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The First Status
Name: Valdyn Thalorian
Race: Elf (Royal Bloodline)
Age: 0 (Infant)
Attack: 5
Vitality: 5
Magic: 15
Intelligence: 12
Endurance: 4
Magic Resistance: 8
Occupation: None
Passive Skills:
Reproduction (S-tier)
Nature Magic (A-tier)
Main Quest: Rebuild the Elven Race
Side Quest: Survive until 10 years old
---
Valdyn's tiny eyes widened, though his infant body could not express the storm inside. This... this is real. A status panel, like in the games and novels I used to read.
But his gaze fixed on one entry: Reproduction (S-tier).
Reproduction? As a passive skill? What is this supposed to mean...
Memories surfaced of the stories he had read. Elves were always described as a race blessed with beauty and magic but cursed with dwindling numbers. A single child could take decades—or even centuries—to be born. Their population was always small, and in war, they suffered dearly.
Now, text bloomed across the panel, explaining further.
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Reproduction (S-tier):
Shortens elven pregnancy from about 10 years to 3 months.
Number of children per birth increased from 1 to 3–4.
Every child born of Valdyn inherits innate power from either parent.
During union, Valdyn automatically copies a portion of the partner's strength.
---
Valdyn would have laughed if his body had been capable. So... this is the key. This is how the elves can rise again. Their curse of dwindling numbers can be broken through me.
But his joy was mixed with embarrassment. Does this mean... my mission is literally to have as many children as possible?
---
His attention shifted to the second skill: Nature Magic (A-tier).
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Nature Magic (A-tier):
Greatly enhances the ability to learn and control elemental magic tied to nature: Wind, Fire, Earth, Water, and even Light.
Natural affinity to commune with forest spirits and remnants of the World Tree.
Potential growth up to SS-tier.
---
Valdyn's thoughts burned with determination. This... this is my weapon. If Reproduction is the key to rebuilding our numbers, then Nature Magic is the key to restoring our strength. With this, I can fight against those who destroyed the elves.
---
The glowing text shifted, filling his mind with harsh truths.
[DING!!]
> World Analysis:
– Remaining elven population: about 3,000.
– Female: 87%. Male: 13% (mostly elderly or weak).
– Humans dominate the central lands: ~2,000,000.
– Orcs dominate the west: ~1,000,000.
– Beastmen dominate the south: ~800,000.
– Elves are scattered, hidden, and broken.
Valdyn's tiny body trembled. Three thousand... that's less than a large village in my old world.
His infant heart clenched. This mission isn't just difficult—it's almost impossible.
---
A new prompt appeared.
[DING!!]
> Side Quest Given:
"Survive until 10 years old."
Description:
– Survival is the first challenge in this dangerous world.
– Reaching the age of 10 is the minimum for stable elven growth.
– Avoid death from illness, monsters, or political strife.
Reward: +20 Magic, +20 Vitality, Hidden Skill (Locked).
Valdyn swallowed in silence. Even surviving is considered a quest?
He stared upward, his newborn eyes strangely sharp under the crystal light above. Then I will survive. I will grow. And when the time comes, I will rebuild the elves.
---
Footsteps echoed. His mother, Queen Serenea, entered, smiling warmly at the sight of her son resting calmly. She leaned over the cradle, whispering, "Sleep well, Valdyn... you are our future."
Valdyn looked at her. In his eyes burned something no ordinary child possessed: determination.
Mother... I will protect you. I will protect our people. Ten years, twenty years, as long as it takes... I will not give up.
As though responding to his silent vow, the System chimed again.
[DING!!]
> Hidden Condition Detected:
Determination +10%.
Side Quest "Survive until 10 years old" officially accepted.
---
In a simple wooden cradle, a child slept peacefully. Yet within his fragile body lay a will as unyielding as steel.
Once, he had died meaninglessly to a stray bullet.
Now, he bore a mission greater than his life itself:
To rebuild the elven race from the edge of extinction.
And though he was but a newborn, the destiny of Valdyn Thalorian had already begun to move.
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