After Jayden played with Kiara, he took the time to check the description on each of his stats, the itching of him adding the rest of the unassigned points was incredible.

'I should stop thinking about this for now' he made a firm decision to save the points for later use.

As he moved forward with his inspection, Jayden saw the only skill he had under the 'Skills' tree.

"Empyrean Last Will, that's a unique name to say the least but..." As he inspected the skill, Jayden received a blow of disappointment.

[Active Skills]

★ Empyrean Last Will [Locked] ★

< Requirements to unlock - Unknown >

"Well, that's bullshit!" he yelled in annoyance. "Hey! Core System whatever, you hear me? You can't give me a toy to play with and then take it away from me, goddammit!"

...

...

"No answer, huh?"

Jayden tossed and turned in his bed, the frustration gnawing at him like a persistent itch. The descriptions of his stats were fascinating, each one a gateway to untold potential. But the locked "Empyrean's Last Will" skill mocked him, a useless trophy he couldn't utilize.

"That's just plain unfair. Give me a challenge, give me something to work towards, but don't dangle a shiny key in front of me and then slam the door shut!"

Silence answered him again and Jayden sighed. Perhaps getting information about the Core System and the mysterious locked skill wouldn't be easy but he was in the right place – his mother had promised answers, and he intended to hold her to it.

With a determined glint in his eyes, Jayden stretched and focused on the final part of his Core Status: the passive skills.

There, nestled amongst the unknowns, was a single skill named "HeartGuard." Hope flickered within him. Maybe, just maybe, this one wouldn't be a disappointment.

[Passive Skills]

★ HeartGuard ★

He focused his thoughts on the skill, and a detailed description materialized before him.

[HeartGuard: A Double-Edged Devotion]

"HeartGuard? Sounds interesting," Jayden murmured, a flicker of anticipation dancing in his chest.

'HeartGuard is a passive and potent skill that amplifies your desire for protection threefold, weaving an impenetrable shield around the hearts of those you hold dear. Family, friends, and loved ones bask in the warmth of your unwavering devotion, their bonds reinforced by the emotional intensity you radiate.'

A relieved smile touched Jayden's lips. That sounded good, actually very good. His family was everything to him, and the thought of protecting them brought a surge of warmth through him. But as he continued reading, his smile faltered.

'Yet, this power comes with a chilling price. Your heart, once open and receptive becomes unstable and hardens towards strangers, its warmth replaced by an icy indifference. This effect intensifies two-fold towards the opposite sex, creating an invisible barrier that chills even the most ardent advances.'

"The what now?" Jayden roared, his jaw dropping. "What the hell does that even mean? No girlfriends? Nah, that's gotta be a mistake. There's no way…"

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Frustration boiled over, and he hurled his pillow at the wall with a yell. The harsh reality of his newfound skill sank in, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

He had always dreamt of experiencing love, of connecting with someone on a deeper level, and this blasted skill seemed determined to snatch that away.

Taking a deep breath, Jayden forced himself to calm down, shouting wouldn't change anything.

"Okay," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "Maybe it's not the end of the world. I'll just have to work with what I have for now."

Unknown to Jayden, his base stats, even without any assigned points, were already extraordinary – not just for a four-year-old Awakened like himself, but for any level 5 in the entire world.

Several days passed, and Jayden made a full recovery, much to his surprise and his parents' astonishment. While accelerated healing was a common trait among Awakened, the speed of his recovery was exceptional.

"How do you feel, Jayden?" Elio asked, his voice laced with concern as he stood beside his son's hospital bed.

"I'm good, Dad. Ready to go home," Jayden replied, a genuine smile spreading across his face. The prospect of finally leaving the sterile confines of the hospital room was exhilarating.

Elio smiled back, a rare sight that crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Excellent. Come on, son. Let's take a short tour of the estate. I imagine you're eager to see everything."

The words sparked a thrill of excitement in Jayden's chest. He'd never ventured beyond the family mansion before, his only experiences being the backyard where he played with Kiara and the brief escapes from Elora's watchful eyes.

As they walked, Elio pointed out various landmarks and areas, weaving tales of their history and significance and Jayden listened intently, his mind a sponge soaking up every detail.

They reached a rise, and the breathtaking panorama of the Pentagon Estate unfolded before them.

"Wow," Jayden breathed, momentarily speechless.

Elio chuckled. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

The sprawling tapestry of the Pentagon Estate stretched before them, a seemingly endless landscape bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. Emerald green meadows rippled like waves, dotted with vibrant wildflowers in a kaleidoscope of colors.

The 'Whispering River', a ribbon of crystal-clear water, curved through its heart, its gentle song accompanied by the rustling whispers of ancient oak trees.

But the estate was more than just a feast for the eyes. It was a living, breathing entity. Laughter drifted on the breeze, the joyful sounds of children chasing one another across a distant field. Elders sat in the shade of towering oaks, their wrinkled faces etched with the stories of a life well-lived, their voices weaving tales of bygone eras. Young men and women sparred in specially designated training grounds, their movements imbued with focused energy, their bodies testaments to years of rigorous training.

Jayden's gaze swept across the scene, taking in the sheer scale of it all. Nestled amidst the verdant expanse was the grand mansion house, its imposing facade a symbol of the Pentagon family's power and legacy. But beyond the grandeur, Jayden noticed smaller, more humble houses scattered throughout the estate. Servants bustled about, their movements purposeful, a well-oiled machine keeping the heart of the estate beating.

"This isn't just an estate, Father," Jayden said, his voice filled with awe. "It's like a whole city."

Elio nodded, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "Indeed it is, son. Here, within these walls, reside generations of our family. Heroes who spent their twilight years basking in the peace they helped secure. Pillars of strength who guide us through times of hardship. And future generations, like you, who will one day take their place."

He gestured towards a cluster of houses nestled near the base of a particularly majestic oak tree. "Those belong to the main branches of the family, the ones who hold positions of leadership. The younger generations, those still honing their skills, reside closer to the heart of the estate, under the watchful eyes of their elders."

Jayden's mind reeled. His family was more than just a wealthy lineage; they were a powerful force, a network woven from loyalty and shared purpose.

Elio's gaze met his, a glimmer of something unreadable passing through his dark eyes. "Now that you've seen everything, Jayden," he began, his voice low and serious, "you understand a sliver of the legacy you inherit. These are the people you'll protect, the ones who will stand by your side. They are the foundation upon which our family thrives."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "But remember, son," he continued, "there are those who covet our power, who seek to exploit it for their own gain. It's a harsh reality, but one you must be prepared to face."

A shiver ran down Jayden's spine. The idyllic scene before him seemed to shift, taking on a new layer of complexity. This wasn't just a beautiful estate; it was a fortress, a target for unseen enemies. His newfound abilities weren't just a source of wonder; they were a weapon, a responsibility.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, Jayden stood beside his father, a silent vow forming in his heart. He would protect this place, this family, this legacy. He would unravel the mysteries surrounding his awakening.