---
Chapter 4
The First Stream
The carriage wheels rolled softly over the smooth stone road, producing a gentle rumbling sound that blended with the steady clip-clop of the horses' hooves. Outside the window, the evening sky slowly transformed from bright orange and royal purple into a deep, velvety blue, as if someone had spilled jars of berry juice across the heavens and then scattered countless tiny stars across it.
The cool evening air drifting through the open window smelled sweet and fresh, carrying hints of blooming night flowers and the warm pine scent of the nearby forest. Along the sides of the carriage hung small glowing lanterns that swayed gently with the movement of the wheels, casting a cozy golden light inside and making the interior feel like a warm, peaceful bubble floating through the evening.
But Lucas wasn't watching the beautiful sunset anymore.
He sat quietly in the corner of the soft cushioned seat, his chin resting on his hand while his eyes stared into empty space, his thoughts spinning wildly like playful leaves caught in the autumn wind.
A livestream system…
A real one.
The friendly voice in his head kept repeating the explanations over and over again, like a cheerful companion eager to talk about the greatest adventure imaginable.
Streaming his life here in Aetheria straight to people on Earth.
Donations that could turn into real power.
Subscribers that unlocked new magic and abilities.
Even a mysterious market where treasures could someday be traded between worlds.
If everything the system had told him was true—and it certainly felt real—then the strange blessing that made the entire ceremony hall laugh might actually be the strongest gift in the entire empire.
Lucas could already imagine it.
Viewers cheering as he explored glowing forests.
Discovering rare magical stones.
Or maybe even casting a spell that didn't fizzle out like the embarrassing practice sparks he used to create.
His lazy salted-fish heart fluttered happily at the thought.
No more being just the handsome decoration of the Valerian family.
No more pretending to be weak so no one expected too much from him.
This could become his secret path to strength… and fun.
But there was one tiny problem.
Lucas let out a long sigh and rubbed his temples slowly.
"How exactly am I supposed to start streaming?"
Back on Earth, it had been simple.
Sit in his room.
Turn on the computer.
Play a game.
Talk to viewers.
But here in Aetheria?
No computers.
No internet.
No cameras.
Only magic.
Swords.
Monsters.
…and probably a lot of goblins.
He thought quietly for a moment.
If people on Earth wanted exciting adventures…
Then he needed to actually do something interesting.
Something with action.
Something dangerous.
Something fun to watch.
He definitely wasn't a swordsman like Leon, whose blade moved like lightning.
He wasn't a magic genius like Adrian, who could create swirling winds with a flick of his fingers.
And Elena was far smarter than him when it came to strategy and politics.
Lucas was simply…
Lucas.
The youngest.
The laziest.
The one who preferred warm beds, sweet cakes, and quiet afternoons in the garden watching glowing flowers sway in the breeze.
A grin slowly appeared on his face anyway.
"But hey," he whispered softly to himself.
"Maybe this system can make even a salted fish like me look cool."
Just then, the carriage slowed down with a gentle creaking sound.
Voices floated in from outside.
One of the servants standing near the carriage door spoke respectfully.
"My lord."
Lucas blinked and straightened up.
"Yes?"
The servant bowed slightly, his uniform neatly embroidered with the Valerian family's elegant silver vine symbol.
"The guards are preparing to depart soon, young master."
Lucas tilted his head curiously.
"Depart? For what?"
The servant nodded politely.
"A nearby village has reported a goblin den causing trouble for several days."
"The commander is leading a group of guards to eliminate the goblins and protect the villagers."
Lucas's eyes suddenly lit up like the glowing lanterns hanging beside the carriage.
A goblin den.
Real monsters.
An actual adventure close to home.
His mind immediately buzzed with ideas.
Goblins were known as the smallest and weakest monsters.
Clumsy.
Ugly.
Not very intelligent.
Even someone like him might defeat one with a little luck.
And if he wanted to test the livestream system…
Fighting a goblin would be perfect.
Exciting enough for viewers.
But hopefully not dangerous enough to turn him into goblin dinner.
A sparkle of excitement danced in his eyes.
"This might actually work."
His salted-fish life was about to gain a little bit of adventure.
---
Later that evening, Lucas stood inside his father's study.
The large room was warm and welcoming, illuminated by the crackling fire in a grand stone fireplace.
Tall wooden shelves lined the walls, filled with ancient books that smelled of leather, parchment, and faint magical dust.
Several glowing maps of Aetheria hung on the walls, depicting forests filled with shimmering lights and rivers that sparkled like strands of silver under the moon.
Count Aldric Valerian looked up from his paperwork.
"Yes, Lucas?"
Lucas cleared his throat politely.
"Father… I heard the guards are heading to clear a goblin den tomorrow."
His father nodded slowly.
"That is correct."
Lucas shifted his weight slightly but kept his tone casual.
"May I go with them?"
"I promise I won't interfere. I just want to observe and… learn."
The room grew quiet.
Count Aldric studied his son's face carefully.
Then he sighed softly, though a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"You?"
"Going on a guard mission?"
He paused briefly before nodding.
"Very well."
"But you must remain behind the guards at all times."
"No rushing ahead. No unnecessary risks."
"Understood?"
Lucas grinned brightly.
"Of course, Father."
"I'll be as careful as a sleepy cat in the sun."
His father chuckled quietly and ruffled Lucas's hair.
"Good."
"Now get some rest."
"Adventures begin early."
---
The next morning, the Valerian guards marched toward the nearby village.
Their armor clinked softly with each step, echoing gently through the quiet countryside.
The bright sun bathed everything in warm golden light.
Tall trees lined the road, their leaves shimmering like polished emeralds in the breeze.
Colorful birds sang cheerful songs overhead.
Glowing wildflowers dotted the roadside, releasing sweet fragrances that drifted through the warm air.
Lucas rode quietly at the back of the group on a calm horse, dressed in simple traveling clothes that felt comfortable and light.
The village soon appeared ahead, nestled peacefully between rolling green hills.
Small wooden houses with thatched roofs released friendly curls of smoke from their chimneys.
Glowing lanterns hung from doorways even in the daylight.
Children peeked from behind wooden fences with wide curious eyes.
The villagers looked visibly relieved when they saw the approaching guards.
They bowed gratefully and offered fresh bread and sweet fruits.
"The gods bless you, young master," an elderly woman said warmly.
"Those goblins have been stealing our garden vegetables!"
After preparations were complete, the commander approached Lucas.
"Young master, we will soon enter the forest to clear the den."
Lucas nodded calmly.
"I will take a short walk nearby."
The commander hesitated briefly before nodding.
"Please remain careful."
Lucas waved casually.
"I will."
---
Soon Lucas slipped quietly into the nearby forest.
Tall ancient trees towered above him like gentle giants.
The ground was covered in thick moss and fallen petals that smelled of fresh rain and rich earth.
Golden sunlight filtered through the leafy canopy in soft beams.
Tiny butterflies with glowing wings fluttered around like miniature forest spirits.
Lucas moved slowly.
Then he saw it.
A goblin.
The small green creature crouched near the ground digging through dirt.
Lucas's heartbeat quickened.
"This is it."
He raised his hand.
"System."
A glowing blue panel appeared before him.
---
[Livestream Ready]
Start broadcast?
YES / NO
---
Lucas inhaled deeply.
"Well…"
"Let's see if anyone is watching."
He pressed YES.
---
[Livestream Started]
Lucas smiled brightly.
"Hello friends… is there any watchers?"
"Welcome to my very first Fantasy World Livestream!"
"I'm Lucas."
"And right now I'm hiding behind a tree with a goblin nearby."
"What do you think chat?"
"Should I fight it… or run away like a smart salted fish?"
The viewer count began rising.
Messages appeared quickly.
Lucas grinned.
"Well… looks like most of you voted fight."
"Alright."
"Let's do this."
He pulled out a simple rusty dagger.
Crouched low.
And lunged forward.
"HYAA!"
But the goblin reacted instantly.
BAM!
Lucas was sent tumbling backwards into moss.
"OW!"
"Okay… that hurt more than expected!"
The chat exploded with laughter.
Lucas stood again.
"Fine."
"No more playing around."
He raised his hand.
"Fireball!"
A small flame appeared.
BOOM
The goblin collapsed.
---
[Level Up! +10 EXP]
[Goblin Defeated]
---
Lucas cheered.
"We did it chat!"
---
Hours later, Lucas returned home.
Next day
Sunlight bathed the mansion gardens.
He opened the system screen.
---
Stream Summary
Viewers: 2,134
Subscribers: 187
Donations: 46
System Points Earned: 320
---
Lucas laughed softly.
"Looks like my livestream career isn't over after all."
He opened another panel.
---
Channel Name Created
Fantasy World Livestream
---
He activated the stream again.
"Hello everyone!"
"Today we'll do something different."
"A vlog about my daily life."
To be continued…