The glow of the simulator fades, leaving Kaito alone in his room—well, alone except for the sword in his hand, a tangible proof that the impossible is now possible. His heart is still racing, sweat matting his hair.
Before he can catch his breath, the interface flickers back to life. The quest menu hovers in the air, insistent.
New Quest: Learn to Fight
Objective: Complete a series of physical exercises to condition your body: push-ups, sit-ups, running kilometers, and more.
Reward: Random skill from your personal game character.
Penalty: System Deletion
Kaito blinks at the screen. He's never cared about real-world fitness—gaming has been his life. But the memory of the simulator and the real blood he shed flashes in his mind.
"…Alright," he mutters, determination hardening. "If I want power, I actually have to… do this."
The simulation shifts, showing a wide, sunlit training ground. Digital weights, a track, and pull-up bars appear around him. A countdown begins: Start.
Kaito drops to the ground. The first push-ups leave him gasping for air. Muscles he hasn't used in years scream in protest.
He struggles through sit-ups next, his arms shaking violently. Then comes running. One kilometer. Two. His lungs burn, legs wobble, sweat drips into his eyes. He stumbles, nearly collapses, but the simulator pushes him relentlessly.
Every time he feels like giving up, a message flashes:
"Your potential is unlimited. Push through."
Hours—or maybe minutes, he can't tell—later, he collapses on the track, trembling, drenched in sweat.
The simulator pulses, and the reward chest appears before him.
Quest Complete. A chest appears with a glowing skill shard in it Kaito pants, staring at the skill shard in his hand, the sword still at his side. His body aches, but the thrill of progression—real, tangible, hard-earned—is addictive.Kaito stares at the glowing skill shard in his hand.
It hums softly, warm and alive, as if acknowledging his effort. Hesitant for a moment, he touches it—and a surge of awareness rushes through him.
The world feels sharper. Sounds are clearer, movements almost slower, his heartbeats measured in perfect rhythm. His mind reacts faster than before, each impulse and instinct slightly enhanced.
A notification appears in his Player System:
Skill Acquired: Enhanced Reflexes
Slightly improves reaction time and coordination.
Helps dodge attacks and respond faster in combat.
Leveling up the skill increases effectiveness.
Kaito flexes his fingers and tests the sword with a small swing. The movement feels smoother, more responsive—but only slightly. He still swings clumsily, the blade heavy in his hands. Every step is awkward, every motion a reminder that he still has a long way to go.