As Kai left the school grounds and ventured home, he couldn't contain an overwhelming feeling of excitement within him.
He anticipated that tonight's practice session might take his spiritual energy to greater heights than ever before by pushing him toward achieving 100 units or more.
After having a heartening dinner with his family members, Kai retreated to his bedroom where he locked himself up for an intensive practicing period full of determination.
Throughout the night, Kai devoted himself to the practice, his determination unyielding.
As the first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, a notification from the system pierced the silence.
The familiar sound of a notification rang out, prompting Kai's attention.
[Ding!]
[Your spiritual energy has increased by 2]
[Your experience has increased by 4]
Startled by the unexpected interruption, Kai halted his technique.
To his surprise, the system materialized before him, congratulating him on reaching 100 units of spiritual energy.
The system also revealed a surprise gift box, promising him a valuable reward—a chance to acquire an item, equipment, technique, or skill.
Excitement coursing through his veins, Kai eagerly requested to open the gift box, eager to discover the nature of his reward.
With the system's permission, Kai opened the surprise gift box, and to his amazement, he acquired a new skill called Spirit Manipulation.
The system explained that this skill would enhance his control and creativity in utilizing spiritual energy, granting him a higher degree of mastery in his cultivation and combat techniques.
Overwhelmed by the newfound skill, Kai couldn't help but inspect his updated attributes and skills.
Opening his attribute window, he observed his status, including his newly acquired skill.
[Attribute Window]
Name: Kai
Age: 17
Rank: None
Level: 0
Experience: 92/100
Strength: 18
Defense: 13
Agility: 16
Intelligence: 11
Endurance: 15
Spirit: 8
Luck: 13
Charm: 14
Vitality: 10
Spiritual Energy: 100
Unused Stat Points: 15
Skills:
1. Ability Acquisition
2. Spiritual Absorption
3. Spirit Manipulation (Lv1)
Joy shone on Kai's face as he discovered he had enhanced his status through hard work and dedication.
The presence of the skill's level intrigued him, prompting him to question the system about its significance.
The System then explained that Spirit Manipulation is a growth-type skill that would improve dramatically as Kai progressed in it.
Currently, the skill was at level 1, but its growth potential excited Kai even more.
Before he could fully delve into his newfound skill, Kai's mother's reminder arrived, signaling him to wake up and prepare for the day.
Reluctantly putting a pause on his trial of the new skill, Kai readied himself to leave for school, following his usual routine.
Kai reunited with his friends at school and enjoyed chatting about non-stressful topics.
However, he decided not to disclose any news regarding his recent achievements or surprising gifts.
With Master Liang's arrival came class attendance and numerous lessons throughout the day until reaching Sensei Mei's course.
Her well-spoken lesson intrigued everyone in attendance as she shared her immense wisdom on martial arts training methods.
Days turned into a routine, filled with classes and training sessions. Kai and his friends honed their skills.
Time seemed to slip away, and three days passed swiftly.
After a small time skip, Kai found himself once again in the familiar surroundings of the school.
He followed his morning routine, arriving at the school and taking his seat in the classroom. The lessons progressed, with Sensei Mei's class drawing near.
When class time arrived, Sensei Mei called all the students of the combat department to gather.
The air was thick with curiosity as everyone wondered about the presence of Master Liang at Sensei Mei's side.
Sensei Mei began making an announcement that stirred excitement among the students.
She revealed that an interschool competition was scheduled for the first week of the following month.
Participating schools could form teams of up to 10 students.
Sensei Mei had already entered their combat department for the competition.
However, she acknowledged the potential risks involved, mentioning the possibility of severe injuries or even fatalities.
Despite acknowledging the potential risks involved Sensei Mei gave students the option to opt out of the combat department without any effect.
Following discussions amongst themselves, a few students decided to leave.
Kai noticed that only ten students remained out of the original twenty including himself his friends and two other classmates—Sarah and Jackson.
This dwindling number piqued his curiosity.
When no one else left, Sensei Mei commended the remaining students for their dedication in participating, cautioning them once more about the competition's risks.
She revealed that a minimum requirement for participation was at least the Novice Rank Lower level.
She explained the rewards for winning the competition, which included direct funding and resources from the government for the school.
She also mentioned medals, prize money, and additional resources for the victorious students' future breakthroughs.
As she addressed the students' progress in spiritual energy cultivation, she stressed the importance of reaching 100 units of spiritual energy and acknowledged that progress has been slow for many.
In support the school provided two bottles of Spirit Gathering Pills containing ten pills each; however, it was advised to consume only one pill per day to avoid overwhelming bodies.
These pills, given out by Master Liang, would aid in the easier gathering of spiritual energy.
Master Liang distributed the pills with excitement and anticipation among the students.
Although Kai and his friends were eager to use them they chose to wait until they were at home.