The cheers of the Sports Fest still echoed in Arin's ears as the day slowly wound down. Parents were celebrating, friends were laughing, and the teachers praised every child who had taken part. But Arin's heart was strangely quiet.
He had seen something no one else could—the hidden potential of people.
Kai's smiling face replayed in his mind. Epic… That one word carried so much weight. While everyone else saw Kai as just another energetic child, Arin now knew his rival carried a ceiling far higher than most could ever imagine.
Walking home between his parents, Raghav's booming laughter and Mira's soft smile comforted him, yet he couldn't stop thinking.
System… what about me?
A faint chime rang.
[System Notice]: Self-Potential Scan cannot be used. Growth path depends on personal effort and unique system mechanics.
Arin sighed softly. So, I can see others, but not myself. Maybe that's fair. If I knew my own limit, maybe I'd slack off.
His gaze lifted to his father, whose smile never wavered despite their modest means, and his mother, whose gentle eyes always carried warmth. His chest tightened.
Even if I don't know my ceiling, I'll make sure I climb higher than anyone thinks possible. I'll make you both proud.
That evening, Lyra's family came by. Mira welcomed them with tea while Raghav laughed about the children's performance at the festival.
Lyra's mother said warmly, "Your boy is impressive, Mira. He runs like he's already in middle school."
Mira smiled proudly. "It's all his effort. He surprises us every day."
Lyra tugged Arin's sleeve, her big eyes sparkling. "You were amazing! But Kai was fast too."
Arin nodded. "Yeah. He's strong. That's why I need to work even harder."
Lyra tilted her head. "My dad says effort makes rhythm perfect. Maybe that's what you're doing."
Arin chuckled faintly. "Maybe." Deep inside, though, her words sank into him like truth.
Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, Arin sat quietly on his futon. His heart was still restless. He opened his glowing Skill Panel.
[Skill Panel]
Hard Work – Intermediate
Movement Mastery – Advanced (95%)
Observation – Mastery (50%)
Enhanced Communication – Advanced (55%)
Super Senses – Advanced (99%)
His eyes lingered on Observation, the skill that had revealed Kai's Epic potential. The power to see not only talent, but the hidden ceiling of someone's future. It was incredible—but it felt heavy too.
If Kai is Epic, what about Lyra? What about all the other children at school? Should I scan them all? Or will it only make me worry more?
He shook his head. No. This is knowledge. Knowledge is power. I'll use it wisely—not to feel anxious, but to grow stronger. To guide myself… and maybe to guide others.
His gaze then shifted to the last line.
Super Senses – Advanced (99%)
It glowed faintly, as if waiting. A whisper of anticipation stirred in his heart. It's close. I can feel it. This skill… it's going to change soon.
Arin lay down, his small fists clenched with determination. For the first time in this new life, he wasn't just chasing growth blindly—he was beginning to understand the rules of this world.
Talent, potential, and hard work were all pieces of a puzzle. And he had the Restart System to connect them.
With that thought burning in his heart, Arin drifted into sleep, unaware that tomorrow would push him one step closer to unlocking something far greater.