Reston followed Instructor Lin into the Real Combat Simulation Arena.
"Go on in. The Commander already had your information logged into the database. As soon as you approach, it'll ask if you're ready to begin the test," Lin instructed.
Reston stepped up to the entrance.
Name: Reston
Realm: Body Tempering, Seventh Stage
Age: 16
"Begin test?" the arena's system inquired.
"Yes."
In the blink of an eye, Reston was transported into an Eden-like space—endless grasslands underfoot, with a colossal world-tree piercing the skies in the distance.
"Whoa, this place looks amazing," Reston muttered.
"The first wave will commence in ten seconds. Prepare for battle."
The system's voice was cold and mechanical.
Reston immediately summoned the Skyrend Blade, readying himself.
"Roar! Roar!" The first wave materialized—a mix of beasts and kingdom guards charging toward him.
"Should I use Skyrend again…? But Instructor Lin told me not to… What do I do?" Reston fretted. He had no martial techniques, no other means of attack!
But the projected enemies didn't care. They lunged forward. Just as Reston braced to block, his body acted on its own.
"What the—?!" He was stunned. "I don't know any combat forms!"
"Host, War God's Body and War God's Will are guiding your every action. Each step, each strike you make will always be the optimal outcome," the system chimed in at that moment.
So that's it… Does this mean I can master it myself? Reston wondered, watching himself move as though stepping along extremal points, as if a dancer upon the lattice of starlit threads, treading gracefully across the web of fate. The sensation deepened—his perspective shifted outward, as though in third person, seeing himself weave through the beast tide. His movements radiated primal ferocity yet flawless elegance, and his understanding of battle surged skyward.
Simulation complete.
Time elapsed: 6 minutes 20 seconds.
Grade: SSS.
Gradually, the trance faded. Reston returned to himself, realizing the trial was over. Not a single scratch marked him, not even dust on his clothes. He couldn't help but revere the War God's body arts.
"…But why do I feel so sleepy? Was that the cost?" His drowsy nature only grew stronger from the exertion.
Outside, Instructor Lin's jaw hung slack. "He just awakened this morning…! How is his movement so refined? And isn't he supposed to love sleeping? When did he ever practice footwork like this?!"
Reston emerged from the arena, spotting Lin's expression. He knew what was coming.
"Tell me—weren't you just awakened? How is your movement this terrifying?" Lin demanded.
"Uh…" Reston hesitated, then touched his ear awkwardly. "It's… my innate talent, I think. I didn't even realize it was this strong."
Lin raised a brow. He hadn't expected that. Still, he cautioned:
"Your combat ability is impressive, but most of it isn't truly yours. You must make it your own strength."
Reston nodded, but his eyelids drooped. With heavy fatigue, he mumbled:
"Instructor Lin… can I get a bed? Using these powers made me so sleepy…"
Seeing his state, Lin quickly had a private room arranged—one perk of the military, after all. No need to hunt for lodging when quarters were provided.
In his room, Reston eyed the bed longingly. Yet habit refused to let him lie down dirty. He showered in haste, dried off, pulled on fresh clothes, and collapsed into the mattress.
…
"Ding. Daily cultivation complete. Calculating rewards…
You have gained 12,500 System Points, sourced from today's combat, conversations, bodily actions, and insights."
Reston stirred faintly in his sleep. "System Points? What's that?"
"System Points may be spent anywhere—purchasing items in the System Store, spinning the System Wheel, enhancing your abilities. Any idea you have, the Omni System can realize," the system replied.
"What?! That good? Then… can I get a skill that lets me cultivate even while sleeping?" Reston wished aloud.
"Cultivation of Eternal Slumber. Cost: 8,000 System Points. Confirm purchase?"
"No way, it actually exists?! Buy it—buy it now!"
"Purchase complete. Cultivation of Eternal Slumber acquired. Remaining System Points: 4,500."
Excited, Reston pulled up his status screen. The new ability appeared under his passives.
"So… it works automatically? Even if I don't train myself?" Reston marveled. But then his eyes caught a [+] beside it.
"Upgrade Cultivation of Eternal Slumber to Lv.1? Cost: 1,500 System Points."
"Yes!" He hit confirm instantly.
"Cultivation of Eternal Slumber Lv.1: While sleeping, the host cultivates at 110% the efficiency of full waking focus. Only activates during sleep."
Reston's jaw dropped. "One hundred and ten percent?! If I level this enough… I can literally sleep my way to Martial God!" His grin stretched ear to ear, seeing infinite futures unfurl.
The prompt flashed again.
"Upgrade to Lv.2? Cost: 3,000 System Points."
"Yes!"
"Cultivation of Eternal Slumber Lv.2: While sleeping, the host cultivates at 120% efficiency of full waking focus. Only activates during sleep."
What will my realm be when I wake up tomorrow…? he thought blissfully. With his points spent, Reston's mind sank back into slumber, deeper than ever.