Days had passed since Luke reincarnated into this world, and today marked the end of the week—also the final day for his system task.
[Task: Path to Growth]
[Objective: Improve your physical strength and speed by engaging in rigorous physical training for a week.]
Details:
- Bench Press: (10/10 sets)
- Squats: (10/10 sets)
- Sprint Intervals: (100/100 meters)
- Leg Press: (10/10 sets)
- Leg Curls: (10/10 sets)
[Reward: 1,000 God Points]
[Ding~!]
[1,000 Points have been added to the host interface.]
A triumphant smile spread across Luke's face as the system notification chimed in his mind.
"Finally!" he exclaimed, feeling a surge of pride and relief. The week had been grueling, but every aching muscle felt worthwhile now that he'd earned those 1,000 God Points.
He could finally step up and become a Star Warrior. But as excitement bubbled inside him, Luke took a calming breath, deciding he'd wait until after he got home to fully immerse himself in this moment. Tomorrow was his graduation, and he wanted to enjoy it without any distractions.
His school wasn't anything extravagant, just a modest institution in the city's middle section, but it was affordable for his mother. The thought of her sacrifices over the years tugged at him; she had worked so hard to give him the education he deserved, often putting aside her own needs.
"One day, I'll pay her back for everything,"
After gathering his things, Luke returned home quickly, the quietness of the house settling around him as he stepped inside. His mother was still at work, and his sister was away at her dorm, getting ready to move.
Alone, he sat down on his bed, feeling the exhaustion of the past week. But the sight of those freshly-earned 1,000 God Points lifted his spirits.
Without even bothering to shower, he opened the system interface eagerly, fingers tapping with excitement.
"Time for some upgrades, baby!" he murmured, grinning as the points shimmered on the display.
The interface glowed softly, revealing his available points alongside a variety of options. He noticed a (+) sign next to his strength, speed, and cosmic energy stats.
"Huh?" His eyes narrowed. There wasn't a + sign beside his cultivation technique.
"Does that mean I can't upgrade it?" he wondered out loud, prompting the system for answers.
[The host can also upgrade his understanding of a cultivation technique, but the technique must be at least a low 1-star technique to do so.]
"Ah, so that's it." Luke rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully. "Guess I need to find a 1-star technique first… Makes sense, I suppose. Nothing's easy in this world."
His Basic Cosmic Energy Cultivation Technique was unranked, only providing 1 cosmic energy unit per minute. The progress felt painfully slow—an early 1-Star Warrior required 100 units of cosmic energy, which meant over an hour and a half just to replenish his energy fully.
"Definitely need to find a better technique soon," he muttered, leaning back and stretching his sore muscles. As he resumed scrolling, the system chimed in with more information.
In this world, techniques are ranked from 1 star to 9 stars, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest.
Weapons and armor are ranked similarly. However, effectiveness also depends on the metal used. A 1-star warrior can't even wield 6-star armor due to its sheer weight.
Weapons and armor are subdivided into four sub-ranks: Low, Middle, Late, and Peak, each level amplifying the item's effectiveness within its star rank.
Techniques follow similar subdivisions and require mastery levels, starting from Entry Level, Basic Level, Intermediate Level, Advanced Level, Peak Level, Mastery Level, and Perfection Level.
Though he didn't have any techniques yet, Luke absorbed the information, keeping it in mind for future upgrades. Right now, he decided to focus on his current stats.
"System, upgrade my strength to 100 units," he commanded, excitement threading through his voice.
[The host can also issue commands mentally without speaking aloud.]
"Good to know," he chuckled, mentally noting the convenience. Then, a sudden surge of energy coursed through him, like a river of raw power flooding his muscles. He clenched his fists instinctively, feeling this newfound vitality pulsing within.
"Incredible…" he whispered, savoring the sensation.
[Strength upgraded to 100 units. Would the host like to proceed with additional upgrades?]
His grin widened.
"Absolutely. System, bring my speed-up to that of an Early Star Warrior!"
Another wave of energy hit him, this time flowing into his legs, lightening them and filling him with a sense of speed and agility that was exhilarating. Only his cosmic energy remained to complete his breakthrough to the Early 1-Star Warrior stage.
Just then, a torrential force stirred within him. His cosmic energy spiraled like a storm, wrapping around every cell of his body in a powerful embrace.
The Basic Cosmic Technique activated on its own, refining and absorbing the energy with unprecedented force.
BOOM!
The surrounding air vibrated, and his room became filled with a heavy, intense pressure as the energy hit a boiling point. His muscles tensed, and he felt every fiber of his being come alive with newfound strength.
"Early 1-Star Warrior…" he whispered, astonished.
As the power settled, his senses sharpened. Colors seemed brighter; sounds crisper. He could even feel faint vibrations beneath his feet. His small bedroom now felt vast, every detail clear to him in a way that defied explanation.
He clenched his fists, feeling the rush of strength—an addictive, thrilling sensation that exceeded his expectations. In just one week, he had crossed a boundary others trained for years to reach.
Ding!
The system's voice returned, breaking him from his thoughts.
[Congratulations, Host. You have advanced to Early 1-Star Warrior. Strength, speed, and cosmic energy have all increased.
Your current energy recovery rate remains at 1 unit per minute. It is recommended to acquire a 1-star or higher cultivation technique for faster progression.]
Excited, Luke pulled up his status panel to inspect his new stats.
---
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{★ Luke Dawnbringer}
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- Age: 18
- Race: Human
- Body: Oblivion Nexus Body (Locked)
- Cultivation Level: Early 1-Star Warrior
- Cultivation Technique: ★Basic Cosmic Energy Cultivation Technique [+1]
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{★ Stats}
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- Strength (Fist Power): [100 kg]
- Speed: [10 m/s]
- Cosmic Energy: [130] | White|
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- God Points: [200]
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{★ Skills & Abilities}
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- None
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"Finally… I can use the cosmic energy in my body."
Unlike Wuxia or magic novels, cultivators here didn't have a dantian or magic core; instead, their cosmic energy filled every cell in their bodies, creating a living reservoir of power.
To progress, they refined this energy, concentrating it to ascend to higher stages. Luke's cosmic energy was still basic, a pure white—a beginning with much room to evolve.
He took a deep breath, focusing on this energy, which flowed in gentle waves through his body. Imagining it as liquid light within his veins, he felt a thrill that nothing in his previous life could match.
"Well, Luke," he said with a smirk, "looks like I'm finally stepping up in this world."