Five years had passed. William, now a small, energetic boy of five, often found himself observing the world with a calculating gaze far too old for his innocent face. His parents, Lou Jin and Mei Lin, radiated a quiet prosperity that hadn't existed before. Their business ventures, subtly steered by his System's nudges, flourished. Their cultivation, boosted by carefully distributed points, progressed at an astonishing rate for their age. They were happier, healthier, more vibrant. This sight warmed a corner of William's heart, a small, selfish victory against the looming shadow of prophecy. Yet, a chill always lingered. The System's silent counter ticked down, a constant reminder of the 'Children of Destiny'. He'd spent the last five years accumulating points, not for himself primarily, but for the future. For the inevitable. Points accumulated. Every small achievement, every minor enhancement to his family, added to the vast reserve. He'd poured a significant chunk into his own innate SSS-rank talents, pushing his perception and analytical abilities to superhuman levels, even as his body remained that of a child. He absorbed knowledge like a sponge, devouring every book in the family library, then expanding to digital archives, all while maintaining the facade of a curious, bright child. “William, darling, what are you reading now?” Mei Lin’s gentle voice drifted from the living room. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating dust motes in the air. “A story about ancient beasts, Mama!” William called back, his voice bright and childlike. His fingers, however, were expertly navigating a hidden holographic interface, reviewing the 'Familiar Summoning' tab within his System. He needed a scout. A guardian. Something loyal, something that could operate within the estate without raising suspicion. His current rank, even as a five-year-old, was enough to summon a low-level magical beast. The cheapest, most discreet option was a Shadow Wolf. Its primary ability: stealth and loyalty. Loyalty was paramount. William couldn't risk anything that might betray him or, worse, harm his family. Studying the projected stats, he noted its 'Infancy' stage. This meant it would start small, growing with him. Perfect. A small, undetectable companion. He could train it, enhance it, mold it into a formidable protector over time. The cost was significant, but manageable, a calculated drain on his vast point reserves. Decision made. He closed the book, scampering into the living room, flashing his mother a wide, innocent grin. “Mama, can I play in the garden? I want to see if the little birds are back!” Mei Lin ruffled his hair. “Of course, sweetie. Be back before dinner.” Minutes later, William slipped through the manicured hedges at the far end of the Lou estate’s sprawling garden. He moved with a practiced ease, finding a secluded spot beneath an ancient, gnarled oak tree. The air here felt thicker, older, perfect for what he intended. He pressed his small palm against the rough bark, taking a deep breath. “System,” he whispered, his voice hushed but firm. “Summon Familiar. Shadow Wolf, Infancy stage.” A shimmering blue light pulsed from his hand, spreading outwards. The points drained from his account with a soft, almost inaudible hum. The air around him crackled, growing colder, carrying a faint scent of ozone. The light coalesced, swirling into a small, indistinct form before him. It was like observing a painting come to life, brushstroke by brushstroke, from pure energy. Solidification began. Dark fur, like spun moonlight, rippled into existence. Sharp, pointed ears twitched. A slender muzzle formed, followed by a lithe body, and a bushy tail. It was no bigger than a large house cat, but every line of its form spoke of predator and grace. Its eyes, the final elements to form, snapped open. They glowed, an intense, piercing amber, fixed solely on William. An instinctual connection flared between them, a binding pact forged by the System. Loyalty, absolute and unwavering, flooded William’s senses. This creature, Grimm, was his. Its very being was tied to his command, to his protection. A primal thrill coursed through William, hot and exhilarating. He had done it. He had brought life into being, solely through his will and the System’s power. He reached out a tentative hand. The shadow wolf, Grimm, nudged its head into his palm, a soft growl rumbling in its chest – a sound of pure contentment. Its fur was impossibly soft, yet it felt substantial, real. Not an illusion. A living, breathing creature. This power. This ability to simply *create*. It was intoxicating. It was also deeply unsettling. How easily he could manipulate the very fabric of existence, bending reality to his whim. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, a cold counterpoint to the rush of triumph. Was this what true villains felt? The ease of bending the world to their will, regardless of the cost? No, he corrected himself. This wasn’t villainy. This was survival. This was protection. He looked into Grimm’s glowing amber eyes, seeing not a beast, but a shield, a silent promise against the coming storm. “Grimm,” William whispered, testing the name. The wolf responded with another soft nuzzle, its body pressing closer. “You’re mine now. Our secret.” Grimm licked his hand, a rough, warm sensation. Its presence was a comfort, a tangible manifestation of his efforts. It was a first step. A seed planted. A subtle reinforcement against the inevitable. With Grimm, William felt a fraction less alone in his solitary vigil. He ran his fingers through Grimm’s dark fur, the quiet thrum of its life force resonating with his own. He pictured Grimm growing, becoming stronger, a silent guardian moving through the shadows of the Lou estate, a watchful pair of amber eyes. He imagined the many ways Grimm could assist him, gather information, act as a deterrent. The possibilities spun in his young, tactical mind. Grimm’s form solidified further, its contours sharpening, its presence becoming more fully integrated into the world. Just as its final molecular structure settled into place, a faint tremor ran through the ground beneath William’s feet. It wasn’t a strong tremor, barely perceptible, but it was there. A deep, resonant hum, like a distant, massive engine stirring to life. Then, a new, unprecedented notification from the System flashed: 'Child of Destiny detected. Proximity: UNKNOWN'.

Chapter 3: The First Seed