Demon’s Ascent: Worlds Unbound

Zain walked hand-in-hand with his mother, Eleanor, through the grand corridors of Selwyn Manor, the polished marble floors reflecting the flickering light of enchanted torches. The air was rich with the scent of fresh flowers, arranged by the house elves in preparation for the evening's birthday banquet. Zain's small frame was clad in deep green robes, the Selwyn crest glinting on his chest, but his mind was alight with ambition far beyond his five years. The promise of a spare wand from his mother was a small victory, but the Goddess Conquering System within him whispered of greater conquests—conquests of hearts, of power, of worlds.

They reached the dining hall, a cavernous room with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of serpents and stars. A long oak table dominated the space, set with silver platters of roasted pheasant, glazed vegetables, and goblets of sparkling pumpkin juice. At the head of the table sat Tiberius Selwyn, his silver hair catching the light, his emerald eyes sharp as he watched his grandson enter. Beside him was Thaddeus Selwyn, Zain's father, his dark robes immaculate, his expression a mix of pride and stern expectation.

Eleanor guided Zain to his seat, a cushioned chair with a booster to accommodate his small stature, and took her place beside Thaddeus. Zain climbed up, his movements precise, his golden eyes scanning the table with a quiet intensity. The house elves bustled about, ensuring every dish was perfect, their large eyes darting nervously toward Tiberius.

Thaddeus cleared his throat, his voice deep and commanding. "Zain, tonight's banquet will be an important occasion. Many prominent families will be in attendance."

Zain nodded, his small hands resting on the table, his gaze meeting his father's. "I understand, Father."

Thaddeus's expression softened slightly, a rare occurrence. "Good. I expect you to get to know your peers. The connections you make now will serve you well in the future, especially at Hogwarts."

Tiberius leaned forward, his gnarled hands clasped around his goblet, his voice a low rumble. "Your father speaks wisely, Zain. Get to know more people. Build alliances. The wizarding world is a tapestry of relationships, and you must weave yourself into its threads."

Zain inclined his head, a gesture of respect that belied his age. "I will, Grandfather. I'll make sure to meet everyone I can."

The words were polite, but Zain's mind was already racing, his thoughts turning inward as he picked up a fork and began to eat, the tender pheasant melting in his mouth. The Goddess Conquering System hummed within him, a subtle pulse of power that guided his ambitions. He knew exactly who he needed to target tonight—five girls from prominent or influential families, girls who would one day play significant roles in the wizarding world. Hannah Abbott, Daphne Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson, Luna Lovegood, and Ginny Weasley. Their families would be attending the banquet, and Zain saw an opportunity to plant the seeds of influence now, in childhood, when trust was easier to build.

He thought to himself, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he chewed. Building relationships now would be simpler—children were more open, less guarded. If he could raise his relationship levels with these girls, the Goddess Conquering System would reward him, granting him power to dominate this world. But it was frustrating, not knowing the exact rewards beyond the first tier, nor their full functions. He needed clarity.

Zain focused inward, addressing the system directly. "Show me the reward and relationship system."

The Goddess Conquering System responded, its interface shimmering in his mind's eye, a cascade of crimson runes against a black void.

System: Relationship Levels and Rewards:

0%–20%: Stranger - Slight Magic Power Increase

21%–40%: Acquaintance - Random Spells or Ability

41%–60%: Friend - Random Items

61%–80%: Lover - Random Spells or Ability Granting Cards

81%–100%: Eternal Bond - Mark of Zain

Zain's lips curled into a faint smile as he reviewed the system's tiers. A Slight Magic Power Increase at the Stranger level was a start—he could feel it already, a subtle warmth in his core from casual interactions with family members. But the higher tiers promised more: spells, abilities, items, and cards that could grant even greater power. The Mark of Zain at the Eternal Bond level intrigued him most—what could it be? A symbol of dominance, a magical seal that bound others to him? The system offered no further details, and Zain's frustration simmered. He would have to discover the rewards through action, through conquest.

His thoughts returned to the girls. Hannah Abbott, with her Hufflepuff loyalty, could be a steadfast ally. Daphne Greengrass, a Slytherin beauty, might offer strategic connections. Pansy Parkinson's ambition could be molded to his will. Luna Lovegood's eccentricity hid a unique perspective—perhaps even unique magic. And Ginny Weasley, the fiery youngest of the Weasleys, had a spirit that could be a challenge to conquer but a valuable asset if won. Zain's plan was clear: charm them, befriend them, raise their relationship levels as high as possible during childhood. The system would do the rest.

He speared a glazed carrot with his fork, his mind buzzing with strategies. A kind word here, a shared game there—small gestures that could build trust. The banquet would be his first battlefield, a place to weave his charm, to plant the seeds that would one day bloom into power.

Tiberius's voice cut through Zain's thoughts, sharp and commanding. "Zain, you've barely touched your food. Finish eating and get ready for the evening. The guests will arrive soon, and I expect you to be at your best."

Zain blinked, his golden eyes meeting his grandfather's. He nodded quickly, setting down his fork. "Yes, Grandfather. I'll finish now."

He took another bite, forcing himself to focus on the meal, though his mind still raced with plans. The dining hall was warm, the chatter of his parents and grandfather a distant hum as he ate. Eleanor reached over, brushing a strand of silver-streaked hair from his face, her touch gentle.

"You'll do wonderfully tonight, Zain," she said, her voice soft. "Just be yourself."

Zain smiled at her, his charm instinctive, the system's influence weaving through his words. "I will, Mother. I want to make you and Father proud."

Thaddeus nodded approvingly, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "That's my boy."

The meal continued, the clink of silverware against plates filling the hall, but Zain's thoughts were on the evening ahead.