Chapter 36: A Mind Unleashed and Shadows of the World

After the successful integration of his upgraded **Sign-In System**, Aldric's mind was abuzz with possibilities. With the new RPG-like features, the shop, and the lottery system, he now had a way to strategically grow stronger and more influential. His empire, **Ecliptic Industries**, was expanding rapidly, and the introduction of modern technological concepts into this magical world had already caused ripples throughout society.

However, Aldric knew that knowledge and information were just as powerful as any weapon or spell. To truly dominate this world and keep an eye on potential threats, he needed eyes and ears everywhere—a spy network that would allow him to gather information without ever being detected. But Aldric didn't trust others with this task; he knew that betrayal could come from even the most trusted allies. Therefore, the only solution was to create a network that consisted solely of his own power: his **shadow clones**.

Before he could put this plan into motion, the familiar sensation of his **Sign-In System** activating interrupted his thoughts. It had been only a few days since the system's upgrade, and now it was already preparing to grant him another ability. Aldric sat down in his private quarters, ready for the next evolution of his power.

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### **A New Ability: Thought Acceleration**

**[Sign-In Complete: You have received the following reward:]**

**Thought Acceleration**: *This ability dramatically speeds up your thought process, allowing you to analyze situations, formulate strategies, and make decisions at an accelerated rate. Time will seem to slow down for you mentally, giving you more time to react in high-pressure situations or to plan complex operations with ease.*

Aldric's eyes lit up as he processed the new ability. **Thought Acceleration** was a game-changer. In this world of powerful magic and dangerous foes, having the ability to think faster than anyone else would give him an unprecedented edge in combat, business, and diplomacy. With this ability, Aldric could process information and make critical decisions in mere moments, while to the outside world, it would appear that he was simply standing still.

He could already feel the ability integrating into his mind. His thoughts became sharper, more focused. It was as if time itself slowed down whenever he concentrated on a problem. He could visualize countless possibilities, analyze complex scenarios, and predict outcomes faster than ever before. With **Thought Acceleration**, Aldric's strategic mind had become a weapon of its own.

But the timing couldn't have been more perfect. This new ability would be essential for the plan he was about to set into motion—creating a spy network of shadow clones.

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### **The Birth of a Spy Network**

Aldric had been toying with the idea of creating a spy network for some time, but now that he had **Thought Acceleration**, the plan was crystal clear. He would use his unique ability to create **shadow clones**, sending them out to infiltrate the highest levels of power in kingdoms, guilds, and organizations across the world. These clones would gather intelligence, monitor his enemies, and report back to him without ever arousing suspicion.

The best part of this plan was that when a clone died or was dispelled, all of its memories and experiences would transfer back to Aldric. This meant that even if one of his clones was discovered or eliminated, the information it had gathered would not be lost. It would return to Aldric, ensuring that no piece of intelligence slipped through the cracks.

He immediately set to work, heading to his **Training Room** to focus on perfecting his shadow clone technique. He closed his eyes and summoned his **Hex Aura**, blending it with his mastery over the void, chaos, and space elements. As he focused, his aura condensed into dark figures around him—identical clones of himself, each one exuding the same energy and presence. These clones, however, were not just mere copies. They were extensions of his consciousness, capable of independent thought and action.

Aldric opened his eyes, and the clones gazed back at him, their eyes gleaming with purpose. "You will be my eyes and ears," Aldric said to them. "You will go into the world, infiltrate governments, guilds, and organizations. You will gather information, monitor threats, and return to me with everything you learn. And if any of you are discovered, your knowledge will come back to me."

The clones nodded in unison, each fully understanding its role.

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### **Deployment of the Clones**

Aldric dispatched the first wave of shadow clones to key locations around the world. Some were sent to infiltrate the royal court of the **Human Kingdom**, where Darius' father ruled. Others were sent to monitor the political dynamics in the **Elven Kingdom**, where Aldric's fiancée, Elara, was the princess. He even sent clones into the **Demon Realm**, where the various noble houses constantly vied for power and influence.

The beauty of using shadow clones was that they could take on different appearances, blending seamlessly into their environments. They could pose as common merchants, travelers, or even servants, ensuring that no one would suspect them of being spies. Each clone had its own task, and as they integrated into the societies around them, they would quietly gather intelligence on important figures, alliances, and potential threats to Aldric's growing empire.

Aldric's clones worked efficiently. With his **Thought Acceleration** ability, Aldric could monitor multiple clones simultaneously, processing the information they sent back at incredible speed. It was as if he had an entire army of spies, all connected directly to his mind.

As the days passed, Aldric's clones began to report back, sharing valuable information about the inner workings of rival kingdoms and guilds. They uncovered political plots, secret alliances, and potential threats to Ecliptic Industries. Aldric absorbed this information and used it to strengthen his position, making subtle moves to counteract any dangers before they could manifest.

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### **Shadow of the World**

Aldric's spy network grew rapidly, with shadow clones positioned in every major kingdom and organization. They operated in secrecy, gathering intelligence and reporting back to Aldric without ever revealing their true nature. The clones were extensions of his will, and with **Thought Acceleration**, Aldric was able to analyze the vast amounts of information they provided and use it to further his goals.

One clone, stationed in the **Human Kingdom**, had infiltrated the royal court and discovered a plot by several noble houses to undermine Darius' father, the king. These nobles sought to weaken the throne's authority and gain power for themselves, but Aldric's clone was able to gather critical evidence of their conspiracy. The information was relayed back to Aldric, who shared it with Darius discreetly, allowing the prince to take action and quash the rebellion before it even began.

Another clone, stationed in the **Elven Kingdom**, learned of a secret pact between a faction of elves and a rogue group of dark mages. The mages were planning an attack on one of the major cities, intending to use forbidden magic to summon a powerful demon. Aldric's clone relayed the information in time for the city's defenses to be bolstered, preventing the attack and saving countless lives.

Yet another clone, operating in the **Demon Realm**, uncovered whispers of dissent within the noble houses. Some demons were growing jealous of Aldric's rising power and influence, seeing him as a threat to their own positions. They were quietly plotting against him, attempting to form alliances to weaken his hold. However, with the intelligence gathered by his clone, Aldric was able to stay several steps ahead of these would-be rivals, manipulating events from the shadows to ensure their plans never came to fruition.

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### **The Future of the Spy Network**

As his network of shadow clones continued to expand, Aldric realized that he now had control over information on a global scale. He knew what was happening in every major kingdom, guild, and organization. His clones allowed him to see the world in ways no one else could, giving him the ultimate advantage in politics, warfare, and business.

But Aldric was careful. He never revealed the existence of his spy network, not even to his closest allies. The true nature of his power—both the **Sign-In System** and his shadow clones—was a secret he would guard fiercely. As far as the world knew, Aldric was simply a brilliant strategist and an innovative leader. No one would ever suspect the shadowy hand behind the scenes, quietly pulling the strings of power.

As Aldric sat in his study, reviewing the latest reports from his clones, he couldn't help but smile. His power was growing, his influence expanding, and now, with the combined strength of **Thought Acceleration** and his shadow clone spy network, there was no one who could outmaneuver him. He was always several steps ahead, always in control.

And as the shadow of his influence spread across the world, Aldric knew that this was only the beginning. The future was his to shape, and with the power of his system and his unrelenting ambition, there was no limit to what he could achieve.

The shadows belonged to him now, and through them, Aldric would rule the world.