While the sun rose in a warm golden hue over the sleeping city Yuna stood quietly behind a window on the third floor of the palace holding her teacup as a gentle morning breeze washed over her But what caught her attention was not the beauty of the horizon it was that young boy standing in the middle of the massive garden
She stared in amazement
Arius
He stood firmly his small body tense eyes closed breathing slowly He looked like a warrior preparing himself not a child enjoying the morning
At that moment the system window appeared before Arius
Daily Quest Physical Discipline Level 1
Running around the garden 100 laps
Pushups 200 times
Jumping around the garden 3 consecutive times
Meditation for one full hour
Reward
Large number of skill points
Increase in strength speed and endurance scales
Intelligence points due to commitment to meditation
Arius gave a small smile as he said
Lets begin
He took off running quietly at first then gradually accelerating It was not easy as a garden the size of a huge stadium is not managed so easily but his steps were steady
He was drenched in sweat but he did not stop
He finished the hundred laps
Then he began the pushups his slender body shaking with every press but he completed them without a cry or a complaint
Then the jumping huge leaps surrounded by grass mist and light as if the air itself was testing him
Finally he sat in meditation
Eyes closed breath steady as if his heart was connected to the world around him
Meanwhile
Lina opened her bedroom window looking sleepily but her eyes immediately widened
What Arius training
She put her hands over her mouth stunned
But he is always in the library what is
She watched him in silence She felt something strange admiration curiosity or was it just fascination with the silence of that child she never fully understood
As for Arius
The meditation ended and with it a new window appeared
All tasks completed
Added +15 Strength 10 Speed 10 Endurance 5 Intelligence
Core Energy Scale Increased from 10 to 30
Feature Unlocked Automatic Physical Evolution
He stood up slowly raised his fist and felt the pulse within it the new energy flowing through his muscles
He said to himself
I feel my body has changed I became faster stronger this is not all yet
He looked at the sky
One day I will reach what no one else can reach I will achieve the impossible I will obtain the power that suits me
And with total calmness he smiled
It was not a smile of innocence but the smile of one who had decided his fate and chose his path without hesitation
Above Yuna was still watching him without uttering a word She just looked at that child and inside her a strange feeling was growing
That this little one is not like others
And that one day he will amaze the world
Arius entered the house with heavy steps his facial features exhausted and beads of sweat still falling from his forehead His clothes were stained with dust and his hands were trembling from exertion but despite all that he had a slight look of satisfaction
In the kitchen Yuna had prepared breakfast while Lina sat at the table eating quietly
As soon as she saw her brother enter like this she gasped and said
Arius what did you do to yourself your face is pale
Arius sat directly on the chair without replying and began devouring the food hungrily as if he had not tasted anything for days Piece after piece bite after bite as if his stomach were a bottomless pit
Lina said watching him in wonder
Brother why are you not in the library as usual werent you always there reading and studying
He paused for a moment then swallowed a large bite and said simply
I read everything in it there is nothing left for me to study for now so it is fine
Then he continued eating again as if nothing had happened
Jean entered the kitchen and saw the scene raising his eyebrow and saying with a smile
Was your day this active it seems you burned all your energy
Arius answered while still chewing
Somewhat
Jean smiled and patted his head then sat down to eat beside him As for Yuna she was watching silently noticing something in Arius look something that was not there before will hunger determination
While they were absorbed in eating Lina turned to her mother and whispered
Mother my brother has changed
Yuna replied with a calm smile
I know Lina but he is still our child
As soon as Arius finished his food he stood up suddenly and said as he headed toward the door
I will go back to training
Lina shouted in surprise
You are still tired
But he did not answer just raised his hand in farewell and went out
The family exchanged glances between confusion and smiles And although everyone thought he was just a child overdoing his enthusiasm none of them realized yet
That what Arius is doing is not a hobby
But the beginning of a path toward something unimaginable
Six months later
Arius began living a double life
By day an ideal student loved by teachers and students alike
In secret he was a warrior carving his body and consciousness in a battlefield that no one saw
Despite his crushing academic excellence he began to feel bit by bit that studying was nothing compared to the call of his blood the call of battle
He knew well
That his heart is not that of a human
And that his veins carry pure Raizo energy of the Celestine lineage
Therefore after achieving all his academic grades early he began neglecting lessons and clearing his time entirely for training exploiting every moment and every corner of the palace
While his family thought he was a diligent student seeking a bright future
Arius was creating his future with his fist
A strange night after midnight Arius room
Arius sat in the middle of his room covered in sweat and fatigue from his night training breathing slowly
Suddenly
The system window appeared before him but differently than every other time
Notification
User Level 10 Reached
Feature Unlocked Combat Dungeons
Do you want to enter the first dungeon now
His eyes narrowed sharply
Then he stood up immediately and smiled a passionate smile that had not appeared on his face for a long time
Finally a real fight
He pressed Yes
Inside the first dungeon a realistic 3D phantom system
A swirling black portal opened before him and he entered with steady steps to move into a massive maze surrounded by dark walls and a ceiling dripping with red light
A light energy weapon appeared in his hand and the game began
Arius carved his way through the maze dealing with strange looking monsters some like reptiles with glowing eyes and others like masses of shadow moving quickly
With every battle a window appeared
You gained 1200 experience points
Slight increase in body endurance
Warning Raw energy did not rise
Arius noticed something important although his fighting was violent his core strength did not rise much
I understand now energy only increases if I suffer or get actually injured as for points they are for smart distribution only
After an hour and a half of battles
He entered a wide room at the end of the maze dark containing a massive bone skull floating in the air with eyes glowing a poisonous green color
Dungeon Boss Primitive Head of Doom
Estimated Power 130
Arius fought it with his new style following balanced speed studied leaps and concentrated strikes
But the monster was terrifying dropping poisonous clouds and energy strikes that demolished the place
Arius was injured his jacket torn bleeding from his shoulder and his breath tight but
Pattern repetition its interval movement between the two strikes is slow this is the time for the strike
He jumped upward then launched an energy burst directly toward the skull then fell with a powerful strike from the ceiling upon it destroying the room over its head
BOOM
Silence
Then a window appeared
Dungeon Boss Defeated
Gained 9200 experience points
Actual Power Increase +50
Combat Level Rose 90
Reward 8 additional distribution points
Arius stood with difficulty looking at his hand then clenching it
It feels different I feel lightness a new strength
He distributed the points smartly on strength speed endurance and one on intelligence
Then he said in a low voice
This is not just a game it is the true path of power
Upon his return to reality
He opened his eyes in his room
Everything returned to how it was but he was no longer as he was
His body is tired stained with light wounds
But his heart beats with life
This is only the beginning
Then he walked with exhausted steps toward his bed
And fell upon it heavily and closed his eyes
And slept
But even in his sleep his face wore a faint smile
The smile of a warrior who has begun carving his path
On a calm morning Arius woke up from his sleep as usual He opened his eyes slowly then sat on his bed to pick up his school clothes at the same moment straightening his shirt collar fastening his belt then heading with quiet steps toward the kitchen
He entered and sat at the wooden table in the corner of the kitchen his hair still slightly messy and his features calm as usual Yuna was standing by the stove preparing breakfast while Lina was still in her room getting herself ready
Yuna placed the food plate before him smiling but her gaze suddenly fell on his arm scratches small wounds and some light bruises on his hand and leg
Her expression suddenly darkened and she approached him with concern
Yuna What is this where did you get these wounds Arius
He raised his eyes toward her and said in a normal tone as if the matter was not worth worrying about
Arius I just fell it is nothing important mother
But that did not satisfy her she held his arm gently and began wiping the traces of the wounds with a wet cloth her gaze carrying deep maternal concern
Yuna No you must not leave wounds even if they are small you might get an infection be careful next time do not play recklessly
Arius looked at her silently then said in a light tone
Arius Do not worry I am fine
She finished cleaning his wounds and pressed a small kiss on his forehead then smiled
Yuna This is better and now eat your breakfast and be strong
Arius ate his breakfast quietly while Lina entered from the room door wearing her school clothes with her bag on her back She had three of her friends with her who came to pick her up
Lina Arius come on my friends are walking to school today
Arius stood from his place carried his bag then looked at his mother and said quietly
Arius See you mother
Yuna Good luck my little one
Arius and Lina went out together from the door followed by the laughter of the friends on the road while Arius walked beside his sister in silence contemplating the morning atmosphere and the light breeze wrapping the city his features still but his eyes watching everything
On their way toward school Linas companions surrounded Arius from every side their laughter rising every now and then and some of them trying to play with his soft dark hair strands
One of the girls Your hair is so soft Arius what is your secret
Another And those eyes you look like you are from a real manga or anime
Arius did not mind but he kept responding with short answers and usual politeness
Arius Thanks nothing special really
But in the middle of that playful atmosphere Arius eyes were watching something else
From afar through the side alleys a light shadow was moving slowly in the same direction hiding behind cars and light poles
Arius did not show any tension He just raised his eyebrow slightly and continued walking with them without uttering a word so as not to cause concern for the girls
After a while they entered the school A new school day begins and the classes followed one after another
In the break after the third period Arius was sitting at his desk staring at the window in silence when Leon approached and sat beside him
Leon How are things going with you at school did you get used to the atmosphere here
Arius Yes somewhat
The two began exchanging some short conversations Leon talking more while Arius listens responding when asked
But suddenly
Arius blinked his eyes slowly then stared out the window There behind the stone school wall the same shadow the same observation
He lifted his body immediately stood up then started running toward the classroom door ignoring Leons astonishment
Leon Arius where to
But he did not answer
Arius took off through the school corridors jumped the stairs with supernatural lightness then reached the roof of the building his eyes searching focusing
In a moment a glimpse of a shadow on the other edge of the roof Arius took off with amazing speed jumped over pipes and between floor walls until he approached the target
Then finally he jumped over it and pinned it to the ground
But when he looked at whom he had caught he froze slightly
It was a cat but not ordinary
A black cat standing on two feet walking like humans its eyes shining with a strange intelligence and its tail moving slowly
Arius with a little tension Who are you and why have you been watching me since this morning
The cat raised its small hand then said in a clear calm voice
The Cat Not now we will talk after school
It handed him a small paper then retreated two steps and in a moment jumped behind the wall and disappeared
Arius opened the paper an address written on it only Location Blue River Street behind the fifth gate five oclock in the evening
He folded it and put it in his pocket then sighed a little and reset his breathing before returning to the floor where Leon was
He entered the class again and returned to his seat
Leon puzzled What happened why did you run like that
Arius calmly I thought I forgot something but I remembered it is not necessary after all
Leon just shook his head
Leon Well the strangest reaction to forgetting something I have seen in my life
Light laughter came from nearby seats while Arius sat in silence his mind busy only with one thing a cat that walks like humans waiting for him after school
Arius left the school quickly he did not say goodbye to Lina and did not wait for Leon His focus was set on the small paper in his pocket his steps steady his looks sharp and his heart beating with a strange feeling something inside him telling him that what would happen would not be ordinary
After a time of running and turning between streets he finally reached the address
He stood at the corner of the requested street his eyes scanning the place a semi deserted street a few old houses light fog drifting between the alleys
Suddenly it appeared
The black cat with the shining eyes walking quietly over the stone wall then it stopped before him
Arius with a firm voice Who are you and what do you want from me
The cat raised its head then said in its cold voice
Follow me time waits for no one
Then it jumped lightly and disappeared into one of the side passages
Arius ran after it at his full speed following it through alleys and back neighborhoods until he began to feel the place moving further and further away from the city
Buildings disappear streets fade and noise turns to silence
He continued chasing it until they entered a quiet mountainous area the road became dirt and the air colder
After a long distance Arius stopped suddenly
Before them an old shrine covered with grass and worn out engravings surrounded by dense trees and moss covered rocks
The cat entered through the gate and pointed to him with its tail
Arius muttering What is this place
Nevertheless he followed without hesitation
Inside the shrine the light was dim and the scent emanating from ancient wood and quiet incense In one of the corners an old man sat before a small fire pit sipping a cup of tea quietly
He looked as if he had been waiting for Arius for a long time
Arius entered cautiously his eyes scanning the place
Arius I ask permission to enter
The old man raised his eyes looked at him with a warm smile and gestured for him to enter without hesitation
At that moment the cat stopped beside the fire pit then suddenly it began to transform before Arius Its human form disappeared to become a completely normal cat crawling and sitting near the fire quietly
Arius gasped softly but did not move
Old Man quietly Welcome boy it seems I have finally met someone like me
Arius surprised What do you mean
The old man took a sip of his tea then said
Since the moment you entered the city I felt a strange energy an energy that is not human but covered with a perfect human layer And when I approached it I discovered that you are its source
Arius Energy what energy
The old man nodded his head then said calmly
Now according to what I feel your current power is close to 250 units An amazing thing for a child your age
Arius eyes widened slightly and before he could answer the system window appeared before him stating
Estimation of the power of the being before you 360 units
This being exceeds the limit allowed for ordinary humans
Arius stared at the old man for a long time then asked
Who are you
The old man laughed a light laugh then said
I Just an old martial arts instructor nothing more
Then he returned to sipping his tea again as if the whole matter was just a passing visit
But Arius did not take his eyes off him realizing that what was before him was not ordinary at all
Arius sat before the old man and the atmosphere of the place had calmed nothing heard but the quiet crackle of the fire in the small pit while tea steam rose between them like a warm curtain The old man looked with his deep eyes toward the boy then said
Old Man with a low and curious voice Boy tell me how did you reach this power your body is not the body of a warrior but your energy almost terrifies me
Arius in a calm tone I was training that is all
The old man raised his eyebrow in wonder then laughed a light laugh while shaking his head
Old Man Training children train but what you have exceeds human limits even the strongest fighters who spent their lives in training did not approach half of what you possess of power
At that moment
The system screen appeared before Arius quietly
Warning
It is forbidden to reveal information about the system your origin or your true source of power to any being regardless of their rank or intentions
Arius closed the window with a calm look then returned his gaze to the old man and said without hesitation
Arius And you old man how did you get that power
The old man smiled as he put the tea cup aside
Old Man Experience and long practice But that alone is not enough There is something else something called Raizo
Arius stared at him leaning his body slightly forward
Arius Raizo what is this
Old Man calmly Internal energy Every human every creature has a type of energy stemming from their soul We are born with it it grows with us we can harness it When you master using Raizo you can increase your physical strength your speed your endurance even release an aura from your body or what is more
Arius eyes widened
Inside him he remembered the images of his people his father his mother blood brothers they were all flying fighting destroying using a strange energy But he did not know it was Raizo
Arius with suppressed excitement Can you show me how it looks
The old man smiled then stood up quietly and raised his right palm
In a moment
A transparent light emanated from his body like a faint flash coming out of all his pores
A quiet but concentrated Raizo
The aura began to wrap around his body first around his arms then his feet then it covered his entire body like a pure energy shell
The air around him began to move and his clothes fluttered with a light breeze while the old mans eyes remained fixed on Arius
The scene was majestic
Arius with an awestruck voice This is what I always saw without understanding it
The old man did not speak just nodded his head calmly
That moment was not just a display of energy
It was the beginning of opening a new door before Arius the door of knowledge about Raizo and the rules of power in this world
And he did not intend to stop ever
The sunset had cast its purple shadows on the edges of the city and the sounds of birds began to fade while Arius steps are heard as he moves away from the shrine heading toward the city again
In his heart a strange feeling It was not excitement alone but a mixture of enthusiasm and satisfaction
For he was not tested by the strength of his fist but by the strength of his heart and he succeeded
When he entered the gate of the massive house the lights were dim and the air was quiet
But in the corner of the hall Yuna was sitting on the sofa her hands interlaced and her eyes deeply worried
As soon as she saw Arius enter she stood up suddenly
Yuna worriedly Arius where were you all this time I started to lose my mind from worry
Arius approached her quietly his features as usual calm but his voice sounded low
Arius I am sorry I was just playing in one of the nearby stores and forgot the time then I entered the library and sat reading until now without feeling it
Yuna stared into his eyes for long seconds trying to know if he was telling the truth but his eyes did not waver
Then she approached him slowly sat on her knees before him and placed her hands on his shoulders
Yuna with broken kindness Please do not do this again alright we worry about you a lot
Arius nodded his head quietly
Arius I promise
Then she hugged him to her chest for a quick moment then smiled as she touched his head
Yuna Come on you are very late go up take a warm bath then go to sleep
Arius indeed went up entered his room then closed the door behind him quietly
He sat on the edge of his bed and looked at his hands
Arius to himself Protecting those I love is this what I really want
He did not know if that answer was from his heart or his mind but in the end it was sincere
And that was the first real step in his long path toward power