Bloodline!

"System! Show me my rewards for completing the troll task!" Aaron shouted in his mind.

[Yes, host.]

[Host has received the bloodline "Hell's Golden Crow" and 500sp. Would the host like to retrieve the rewards now?]

[Yes/No]

"Obviously, yes!" Aaron thought with determination.

[Warning! The host is too weak to fully integrate the Hell's Golden Crow bloodline. Does the host wish to use 400sp for the system's assistance?]

"What a scheming system! I just earned these points, and you're already trying to drain me?" Aaron protested inwardly.

[Yes/No?]

"Fine! Yes, just take the points!" Aaron begrudgingly accepted, feeling the sting of his hard-earned points slipping away.

[The system will now attempt to integrate the Hell's Golden Crow bloodline (HGC). This process is excruciating, and the host will be put to sleep. Does the host accept?]

"Yes."

As Aaron agreed, he blacked out, his final thoughts focused on the abilities his new bloodline would grant him.

Aaron awoke and immediately surveyed his surroundings. Seeing that his dormmates were still asleep, he asked the system to display his bloodline status.

[Bloodline: Hell's Golden Crow (5%)] [Bloodline abilities: HGC Eye]

"HGC Eye, huh? System, describe this bloodline ability for me," Aaron requested.

[HGC Eye: An eye ability originating from the Lord of Nine Nether Hell in another universe. This eye grants the ability to see vast distances, X-ray vision, and enhances information processing. No illusion, no matter how convincing, can deceive these eyes.]

"Now, tell me about the bloodline itself."

[Hell's Golden Crow bloodline, 5%: Due to the bloodline's immense power, the system has sealed most of it. It will gradually unlock as you grow stronger, older, or complete quests. At the current level of progression, you have access to HGC Eye, an enhanced body, heightened sensory organs, increased magical abilities, and absolute control over fire.]

"Amazing. And this is only at 5%. Imagine when it reaches 100%!" Aaron marveled.

Eager to test his new abilities, Aaron left his bed and headed to the Room of Requirement (ROC). As he stood, he noticed the changes in his body—feeling lighter and sensing a newfound power coursing through his veins.

Upon arriving at the ROC, Aaron focused on activating his HGC Eye. Instantly, he received instructions directly into his mind. Concentrating magical energy into his left eye, he felt a brief sting of pain before a warm, comforting sensation replaced it. When he opened his eye, the world seemed transformed. Aaron saw particles floating in the air, and colors appeared more vibrant. It felt as though he had been nearly blind before.

Snapping out of his daze, Aaron looked up and focused on his HGC Eye's capabilities. He felt his vision phase through multiple layers before being met with the sight of the cloudy sky. As he shifted his gaze back down, he caught a glimpse of himself in a nearby mirror. His left eye had transformed—it now shimmered with a golden hue and featured a slowly rotating cross symbol at its center, surrounded by golden flames.

Astonished, Aaron decided to test his bloodline's 'absolute fire control' ability. Without even reaching for his wand, he waved his hand, and a torrent of flames erupted, engulfing the training dummies. Observing the dummies reduced to ash, Aaron noted that his fire had transformed as well—it now boasted a dark golden hue with wisps of black gas at the edges.

Focusing on his fire, Aaron waved his hand again, envisioning a crow-shaped flame. The fire swirled and formed a fiery crow, which flew to his shoulder and affectionately pecked his cheek. The intense heat that had incinerated the dummies felt pleasantly warm on his skin. Satisfied, he approached the pillar and set the difficulty to extreme, eager to test his newfound power. He swallowed hard, remembering the beating he had received the last time he attempted such a challenge. But he knew dwelling on past failures wouldn't help, so he adjusted the dials and pressed the start button.

In an instant, four dummies surrounded him and launched spells in his direction. Prepared, Aaron quickly cast a shield charm. The first spell shook his shield, and the second shattered it. Dodging the remaining spells, he countered with a disarming spell, which the dummy evaded. The battle continued for several minutes, and Aaron decided to activate his HGC Eye to better gauge his strength. As he focused on his left eye, the world seemed to slow down, and he saw four spells inching towards him.

Aaron stepped aside to avoid the first spell, blocked the second, and aimed a disarming spell at the first dummy, which was preparing to dodge. Without waiting to see the result, he sprinted forward, dodging two more spells and casting a severing spell at a second dummy, slicing it in half.

Turning his attention to the remaining dummies, Aaron decided to utilize his fire control ability. He waved his left hand, encircling the dummies in a ring of fire. Clenching his fist, the fire engulfed them, reducing them to ash. As the last two dummies fell, eight more rose to take their place.

Aaron, now confident in his new abilities, readied himself for the next challenge, fully embracing his Hell's Golden Crow bloodline's potential.

With a determined glint in his eye, Aaron faced the eight new dummies, ready to push his abilities to the limit. He activated his HGC Eye once more, his world slowing down as his enhanced perception took over. Carefully studying the dummies, he anticipated their movements and calculated his counterattacks.

The dummies launched a barrage of spells, but Aaron nimbly dodged and deflected them, his movements swift and graceful. He cast powerful spells of his own, obliterating dummies one by one. His fire manipulation had become second nature, and he seamlessly integrated it into his attacks, setting the room ablaze with golden flames.

As he battled, Aaron's body seemed to adapt and grow stronger, effortlessly handling the rigors of combat. His senses sharpened, allowing him to detect even the faintest shifts in his surroundings. He felt as though he had become a true master of his bloodline, even though only 5% of its potential had been unlocked.

As the last dummy crumbled to ashes, Aaron stood victorious in the center of the room, his body covered in sweat and his breathing heavy. He marveled at his newfound power and control, a sense of pride and accomplishment washing over him. No longer was he the weak, struggling student who barely scraped by. With the Hell's Golden Crow bloodline pulsing through his veins, he felt unstoppable.

Exhausted but exhilarated, Aaron deactivated the training room and returned to his dormitory. His mind raced with possibilities, excited to see how his bloodline would evolve as he continued to grow stronger. Though the road ahead would undoubtedly be filled with challenges, he knew that he had taken the first step toward greatness.

As he lay in bed, a sense of anticipation and wonder filled his heart. Aaron closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the powerful mage he would become and the incredible feats he would accomplish, all thanks to the extraordinary gift of the Hell's Golden Crow bloodline.