The motel room was quiet, the only sound being the soft whirl of a fan overhead. Kenji sat on the bed, cross-legged, staring into space—but not blankly. He was seeing something else.
> *Level: 2
> Stat Points: 5
> Available Skills: Aerokenosis (Novice), Swimming (Novice), Environmental Awareness (Novice), Combat Proficiency (Novice), Observe (Novice), Pain Tolerance (Novice)*
> *Stats:*
• Strength: 4
• Agility: 5
• Endurance: 6
• Perception: 4
• Intelligence: 5
• Charisma: 6
• Luck: 3
• Willpower: 7
• Vitality: 100
• Energy: 100
> *Allocate Points?*
Kenji chewed on the inside of his cheek. "I'm not a genius… but if monsters are real, and I've got this system, I need to get better. Fast."
He placed:
- +2 into Agility (for dodging and moving faster),
- +2 into Willpower (to push through fear and pain),
- +1 into Perception (for early warnings and Observing).
> *New Stat Totals: Agility 7, Willpower 9, Perception 5.*
---
*Later – A Quiet Field Nearby*
He tested his *Observe* skill on a squirrel.
> *Squirrel – Common Animal.
> Threat Level: None.
> Status: Searching for food.
> Reaction to you: Mild curiosity.*
"Okay," he muttered, "that's helpful."
He then focused inward.
> *Skill Tree Available: Basic Swordsmanship*
> Requirement: Weapon Practice x5 or Skill Unlock via Shop.*
He frowned. "No sword."
> *New Quest: Improvisation
> Objective: Craft or modify a practice weapon
> Reward: Unlock 'Improvised Weaponry' Skill + 100 EXP*
He picked up a sturdy tree branch, smoothed the grip with a stone, and mimicked moves he'd seen in action movies. Slashes, thrusts, blocks.
> *Improvised Weaponry – Level 1
> +15 EXP
> Quest Complete.*
He trained until sunset, drenched in sweat, calluses already forming.
> *Stamina Proficiency – Level 1
> +10 EXP*
> *Observe – Level Up: Level 2
> Range increased. Analysis speed boosted.*
---
*Later That Night*
Mirai rubbed his head gently. "You've been so focused lately. Everything okay?"
He smiled faintly. "Yeah… I think I finally found something I'm good at."
And deep inside, he knew—this was just the start. He wouldn't wait to be protected anymore. He would be ready when the world came for him.
---
*End of Chapter 3*