Excited yet nervous, Kai woke up early that morning ready for class- particularly curious about exploring new concepts surrounding spiritual energy cultivation after speaking with Master Liang.
Quickly preparing himself for the day ahead by grabbing breakfast before heading out into buzzing hallways filled with anticipation from himself as well as eager gaze- all seeking new knowledge together.
Walking into the classroom Kai took his place next to Aoi, Leon, and Ethan.
They greeted each other with nods and subtle smiles as they recognized the importance of today's lesson.
"Good morning everyone " Kai greeted them warmly and the others responded with an equally cheerful greeting.
Ethan leaned in to whisper to Kai: "Do you remember what we talked about yesterday? Maybe you can ask Master Liang about it during class today. "
Aoi and Leon agreed with Ethan's suggestion; their curiosity was piqued.
"Thanks for reminding me " Kai replied.
A few moments passed before Kai noticed a thoughtful expression on his friends' faces.
"Hey guys did we forget something?" he asked.
Confusion etched itself onto their faces as they tried recalling what was missing from their day-to-day routine.
A sly grin appeared on Kai's face before he said out loud: "Let me remind you all - didn't we have a bet among ourselves? If anyone has the lowest scores on Spiritual Energy, then that person will have to buy chocolates for everybody?"
Realization dawned upon them all as Aoi exclaimed excitedly: "Oh yeah! But among our group, you had the highest score! I was second best while Ethan and Leon had a draw between themselves!"
She paused to look around at her companions before asking: "So who gets to buy chocolates? "
After some contemplation, Kai made a suggestion: "Let's change the terms since I have the highest score right now - I'll take care of buying chocolates for everyone this time around. "
They all chuckled and nodded in agreement; happy that justice had been served through fairness.
Footsteps sounding off signaled that Master Liang was headed their way; at this point, students' seats were taken once again with complete focus directed upon their teacher.
"Greetings all," said Master Liang arrived with warmth radiating from his smile.
"Today we'll be studying how to cultivate your spiritual essence - it is vital for your journey within martial arts. You can expect to gain a deeper understanding during this lesson."
This was Kai's ideal moment- one where he could learn ways of unlocking his potential regarding spiritual energy.
Upon listening closely, he heard as Master Liang elaborated on foundational aspects surrounding spiritual cultivation such as its intricate intricacies among other related techniques that work hand in hand unlocking one's tremendous power capability.
As each minute ticked by through class progression, Kai slowly began wondering more about what he did not yet know.
Typical thoughts circled through his mind like understanding the different types to know ways to heighten the quality and quantity of one's spiritual essence.
Finally, it was time to learn about its importance concluding in the Novice Rank.
As the class ended, Kai eagerly raised his hand, keen to ask a question. Master Liang noticed with a nod and the room fell silent once again.
With respect in his voice, Kai asked: "Master Liang, yesterday you stated that achieving Novice Rank requires at least 100 spiritual energy units. Can one go beyond that before reaching the rank?" His words held both curiosity and hope.
Master Ling took in Kai's question thoughtfully with eyes shining not only with wise insight but also amusement: "Ah, a perceptive question indeed," he replied fondly.
He explained how exceeding 100 units helps establish a stronger foundation when seeking higher realms on the martial arts journey.
However, he also cautioned that as practitioners progress, it becomes harder to continue accumulating more spiritual energy.
"With gaining 80 units," Master Ling reflected wisely upon its importance in the journey," the subsequent road becomes more difficult and surpassing the threshold of 100 less frequent."
After their class ended for the day, Master Liang handed out forms to each student which required them to provide basic information about themselves along with selecting a department of their preference - which they would join later.
These forms were required to be completed by the following day.
Kai and his friends exchanged glances and nodded, silently agreeing that they would choose the combat department.
At home during dinner time, he excitedly recounted the events of the day while informing his loved ones of his decision to choose the combat department.
Understandably eager yet concerned for their son's safety in a high-risk field like combat training, it was only after discussing their worries honestly that they conceded and supported Kai's resolute decision.
As Kai settled into his room for the night, he realized that he hadn't had a chance to properly converse with the system. "Let's do it today," he thought.
Kai called for the system, and it responded, "Hello! Host, do you need something?"
He replied, "Nah, I was just curious about something, so I called you. Why do you address me as 'Host' and not by my name, Kai?"
The system replied, "Is there any difference?" Kai insisted, "Yeah, so from now on, call me by my name, okay?"
The system agreed, "Affirmative, Kai."
Curiosity still lingering, Kai asked, "Hey, as I recall, when we first met, you said that for now, I can choose any one ability I want as the system is at level 0. So, when you said that, you meant that you can still upgrade in the future, and I can gain many other abilities right?"
The system confirmed, "Yeah, Kai. As you said, I can upgrade, and as the system evolves, you will gain slots for more abilities in the future. However, to unlock that, you will have to complete missions provided by me."
Kai's eyes sparkled with excitement. "When will you give me a mission? You still haven't provided one yet," he asked eagerly.
The system explained, "To gain missions regarding upgrading the system and other quests, you first need to reach the Novice Rank. Only then will you be able to receive missions."
A slight hint of sadness showed on Kai's face as he replied, "Okay."
With that, Kai continued his minor questioning session with the system, seeking clarification on various topics.
As the night deepened, he turned his focus to cultivation, immersing himself in the practice of refining his spiritual energy and strengthening his connection to the realm beyond.