Arin had grown stronger physically, but now it was time to focus on his mind. He looked around the room, noticing his parents' faces, the small objects scattered across the floor, and the sounds that filled the quiet house.
Ding!
[Skill Panel]
Movement Mastery – Basic (10%)
Super Senses – Basic (30%)
Speaking – Basic (20%)
Hard Work – Intermediate Proficiency: Active
Arin's small voice had spoken a few words before, but now he wanted more. He wanted to communicate clearly, to express himself, and to understand the world better. He focused on Speaking.
The system spoke softly in his mind:
"Using Super Senses and Remembering with Speaking will accelerate your learning. Observe carefully, listen, and remember. Then practice saying the words aloud."
Arin's eyes widened. This was synergy again—just like with physical skills. Mental skills could combine too.
He began by repeating simple sounds he had heard from his parents over and over. "Ma… Ma…" "Da… Da…" He concentrated, watching their lips move, listening to the tone, and remembering the way they said each word.
Ding!
[Skill Proficiency Increased]
Skill: Speaking
Proficiency: Basic (30%)
Encouraged, Arin tried more words. He mimicked the sound of the creaking floor, the ticking clock, even the subtle rustle of his mother's sewing. Each repetition built his confidence and trained his vocal cords.
Ding!
[Skill Proficiency Increased]
Skill: Speaking
Proficiency: Basic (45%)
Then, the system spoke again:
"Observation + Remembering + Speaking… synergy detected. Combined practice generates a new potential skill."
Arin blinked. Could he really merge skills like before? He focused intensely, thinking of how his senses, memory, and speech worked together. Slowly, the glow of the system in his mind brightened.
Ding!
[Skill Fusion Activated]
Skills Merged: Super Senses + Speaking + Remembering
New Skill Generated: Enhanced Communication
Proficiency: Basic (0%)
Description: Amplifies speech, understanding, and perception. Allows precise expression, improved listening comprehension, and better social awareness.
Arin's chest swelled with excitement. He could feel his voice become clearer, sharper, more confident. Not only could he speak words, but he could understand subtle emotions, detect tone changes, and choose words carefully.
Ding!
[Skill Proficiency Increased]
Skill: Enhanced Communication
Proficiency: Basic (10%)
His parents smiled proudly as he began forming small sentences. "I… love… you," he whispered to his mother. Her tears fell immediately, and his father hugged him tightly.
Arin realized that synergy wasn't just for physical growth. Mental skills combined could create abilities beyond what he thought possible.
By the end of the day, his skill panel reflected the transformation:
[Skill Panel]
Movement Mastery – Basic (10%)
Super Senses – Basic (30%)
Enhanced Communication – Basic (10%)
Hard Work – Intermediate Proficiency: Active
Arin closed his eyes, feeling his mind and body grow together. Step by step, word by word, skill by skill… I'll become stronger than I ever imagined.
The journey of growth had only just begun, and every day brought new possibilities.