Kai stirs in his sleep, the first rays of dawn sneaking through the curtains. He stretches his arms upward, letting out a yawn that echoes in the quiet room.
Rubbing his eyes, he reaches for his phone on the windowsill beside his bed. Before he can even think of getting up, he checks the time. It is 4:00 a.m.
"Today, I wake up an hour earlier than usual," he murmurs, his voice husky from sleep.
"Must be because I went to bed right after coming home."
Sliding out of bed, he yawns again and starts his day.
He heads to the bathroom. Turns on the faucet splashing his face with water to instantly awaken his senses.
As he brushes his teeth, he can't help but remember the "Purification" of Spiritual Energy that had taken place within him.
Curious, he decides to check his stats. Opening the "Status Window" in his mind, he examines his current condition:
[Status Window]
Name: Kai
Age: 17
Nature: Good: 49% Evil: 51%
Rank: Novice (Lower)
Title: None
Level: 2
Experience: 61/200
Strength: 84
Defense: 76
Agility: 71
Intelligence: 22
Endurance: 96
Spirit: 45
Luck: 32
Charm: 30
Vitality: 156
Spiritual Energy: 190
Additional Stat Points: 0
Exclusive Skill: [Ability Acquisition]
Skills:
1. Spiritual Absorption
2. Spirit Manipulation (Level 6)
3. Pain Tolerance (Level 13)
4. Sword Mastery (Level 11)
5. Poison Resistance (Level 10)
6. Soul Analyze (Level 2)
7. Nature's Attunement (Level 1)
8. Haemorrhage Tolerance (Level 4)
9. Spiritual Communion (Level 1)
Techniques:
1. Spiritual Gathering (Not usable)
2. Bone Refining Art
3. Dragon's Breath
4. Elemental Soulforge Technique (Initial)
Kai notes that his Spiritual Energy has dropped significantly since he'd last checked. "I lost nearly 40 Stat Points in Spiritual Energy," he mumbles, trying to hide his disappointment. "I hope it's worth it."
After taking a moment to reflect on the new skills he's acquired, he exits the Status Window. He decides it's time to start his morning workout routine.
The sun has yet to rise as he completes his exercises. Tired but refreshed, he feels the morning chill on his skin. "Let's get a bath," he muses.
Inside the bathroom, he sheds his clothes, revealing a few scars. There is one on his left shoulder and another near his right ribs.
His fingers trace these marks as he remembers his encounter with the wolf. "I'm lucky these scars are hidden under my clothes," he mutters.
"Explaining these to my family would be a real challenge."
Kai turns on the shower and lets the warm water wash away his fatigue. With a sigh, he steps out, ready for the day ahead.
As the morning sun bathes the city in a glow the house springs, to life. Kai's family starting their day. His mother has prepared breakfast.
The whole family gathers around the table enjoying a meal together while engaging in chatter.
Once they finish eating Kai declares, "I'm off now."
After exchanging a few nods and farewells he ventures out into the morning.