Luke woke up, his body throbbing with soreness. It was the first time he had felt this way since arriving in this new world. Strangely enough, it was a sensation all too familiar from his time back on Earth.
As he peered out the window, the night sky welcomed him with its twinkling stars, casting a serene glow.
Realizing that he hadn't had dinner yet, he rose from the floor and settled onto the counter seat, where he prepared for a meal while deep in contemplation about various matters that weighed on his mind.
Just as Luke finished his dinner, the system resonated in his head, startling him with its next words.
[ Congratulations! ]
[ You obtained the Skill: n?#$&@ ]
[ You obtained Sanctum Charm (x5) ]
[ The Sanctum Charm - a life-saving talisman capable of aiding the user in the direst of circumstances. Simply affix the charm to your body, and it will activate automatically when needed. Each charm possesses the power to replace a life, offering a vital shield in times of grave danger. ]
Luke couldn't fathom the reason behind the system's rewards, as he had passed out before fully comprehending its message earlier.
Nevertheless, he didn't dwell on it, knowing that receiving rewards couldn't be a bad thing. Thus, he saw no need to inquire further and simply embraced the benefits that came his way.
As Luke contemplated the system's earlier message, he couldn't shake off the confusion caused by the gibberish words he had heard. Curiosity piqued, he decided to inquire about the first reward.
"System, what was the first reward you mentioned earlier? I couldn't quite understand those gibberish words," he asked, hoping for some clarity.
The system responded, shedding light on the mystery.
[ As some of the prerequisites for the reward were not met, the skill couldn't be unlocked just yet. However, once the host upgrades the internet cafe to Rank 2, the reward would automatically unlock itself. ]
Despite his initial grumble, Luke chose to shake off his impatience and doubts. He reassured himself that he would attain Rank 2 in due time.
Setting aside those concerns, he retrieved the sanctum charms from the system storage. In his hands appeared five stacks of thin paper, each adorned with intricate designs. As he touched the charms, he sensed an inexplicable softness and an underlying profound meaning within their intricate patterns.
Luke was acutely aware of the inherent dangers in the world he now inhabited. It seemed that peril lurked around every corner, making him realize how different it was from the peaceful Earth he had left behind.
If the peaceful confines of Earth had held the potential for his demise, he could only imagine the amplified risks in this perilous world. The mere act of wandering aimlessly here seemed to carry the weight of life-threatening consequences.
Given his intention to remain within the safety of his shop and his belief that he wouldn't encounter danger frequently, Luke couldn't help but feel that the sanctum charms might serve little purpose for him.
"I'll just save it for the worst case scenario."
With a sense of determination, Luke chose one of the sanctum charms and securely placed it in his pocket, keeping it within easy reach. He then stored the remaining charms back into the system
In the heart of the night, Luke found himself wide awake after waking up from his slumber. Not wanting to waste this opportunity, he decided to utilize the partially replenished energy and practice his skills.
This routine became a nightly ritual for him, a dedicated time before he retired to bed. Each night, he would devote himself to honing his magical abilities, knowing that constant practice was the key to improvement.
Although the dinner he had consumed had brought some of his energy back, it wasn't enough to fully replenish him. Still, he remained undeterred, understanding that progress required persistence and patience.
Luke had indeed explored various methods to restore his energy, and while eating and sleeping were effective means, they consumed precious time.
He couldn't help but worry about the possibility of encountering unexpected dangers with his energy already depleted. In such critical moments, relying on a meal or a restful slumber could prove fatal, especially if he faced relentless adversaries who wouldn't grant him the opportunity to recuperate.
Indeed, if an ordinary magician were to hear Luke's claims, they might dismiss them as mere bluffing. Replenishing mana by merely eating and sleeping seemed too fantastical and far-fetched, as most magicians knew the conventional methods of restoring their magical energies.
Ordinary magicians typically relied on meditation as a primary means to replenish their mana pool, a practice that required focused concentration and time. While there were elixirs rumored to be the fastest solution, they were rare and expensive, inaccessible to the public and reserved for privileged circles or those with significant resources.
With a sigh, Luke began his experimentation, delving deep into his magical abilities, searching for ways to make the most of his unique energy restoration. As he cast each skill, he felt the energy leaving his body, the flow of power evident with each incantation.
He couldn't help but marvel at his progress, realizing how far he had come in just a month. Where previously using a few skills would have left him exhausted and sleepy, he now felt a newfound stamina and resilience.
Luke soon discovered another intriguing aspect of his abilities – the ability to adjust the might of his skills. By manipulating the power levels, he observed that the energy consumption varied accordingly. This revelation opened up a world of possibilities, allowing him to fine-tune his spells to suit different situations.
Eager to optimize his magical prowess, he meticulously experimented with each skill, seeking their optimal usage. Through trial and error, he honed his understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, learning to strike a delicate balance between potency and energy efficiency.
Feeling his energy almost depleted from his intense practice, Luke finally decided to take a break. Making his way to the counter table, he checked the time and noticed it was only 11 pm. It seemed like the night was still young.
With a smile, he reached for his Nyantendo Switch, looking forward to unwinding with some games. The cheerful virtual world provided a delightful contrast to the dangers and mysteries of the real one.
During his gaming session, he couldn't resist exploring the system shop for some snacks. To his satisfaction, he discovered that making purchases with credits in the system shop wouldn't diminish his progress in the quests. It was a welcome relief, knowing that he could indulge in some treats without hindering his overall advancement.
Intrigued by the idea of trying something new, Luke ventured into the "energizer" category of the food section in the system shop. Among the offerings, something immediately caught his eye.
Energy Gems.
As he gazed at the image of these gems, they appeared similar to chocolates, but there was an ethereal glow surrounding them, igniting his curiosity. The mere sight teased his appetite, making him eager to sample this unique delicacy.
Without hesitation and with one credit spent, Luke acquired the bottle containing 10 pieces of the tantalizing Energy Gems. Eager to experience their taste, he decided to test one immediately.
As he took a bite, he was left utterly speechless. The taste was exquisite, boasting the perfect sweetness akin to a premium chocolate. The gem melted in his mouth, filling him with a delightful sensation. However, as extraordinary as the taste was, it wasn't the main highlight.
As the chocolate-like Energy Gem melted in his mouth, Luke felt an overwhelming surge of energy rushing through him. It wasn't just a simple boost; it was as if his energy had been completely restored in an instant!
Exhilaration and triumph washed over him, and he couldn't help but burst into joyous laughter. "This! HAHAHAHA, I found it!" Luke's exclamation echoed through the air as he celebrated this incredible discovery.
One bite and his energy was replenished. He didn't even have to chew as it melt directly in his mouth. The lingering taste of sweetness brought him immense joy.
As the idea settled in his mind, Luke couldn't help but wonder about the implications.
"If I had an abundant supply of these Energy Gems, could I potentially wield my skills infinitely?"
The mere possibility sent shivers down his spine, contemplating the boundless power he could harness.
•••
The next day, as the shop's opening hours had already begun, Lunaria arrived, radiating a cheerful mood as she skipped towards the internet cafe.
Greeting Luke with a bright smile, she took her usual seat, settling in comfortably. Not wasting any time, she indulged her passion for knowledge by browsing the MartialTube for something that piqued her interest.
Luke's delight was evident as he watched Lunaria engrossed in her exploration of the digital realm. She, being a computer addict, reassured him that he could complete the system quest soon.
However, as he interacted with Lunaria, he sensed a subtle change in her demeanor, something he couldn't quite grasp.
Before he could dwell further on his observations, the sound of the door opening interrupted his thoughts. His attention swiftly turned to Lily, whose presence never failed to bring a smile to his face. Her cuteness was undeniable, and he greeted her warmly as she entered the shop.
They talked for a while and Lily revealed that she couldn't see Luke for a while due to an issue at the academy, which would soon be under lockdown. Hearing this news, Luke's concern for her safety intensified. Even though they have just met, he considered Lily as his family, and he couldn't bear the thought of her facing any danger.
Luke decided to fetch something from the system storage. With a sense of urgency, he retrieved the item he had in mind, hoping that it would provide her with some form of safety or assistance.
It was the Sanctum Charm.
With a heartfelt concern for Lily's safety, Luke handed her one of the sanctum charms. Knowing that she was often exposed to more danger than he was, he wanted to ensure she had an added layer of protection.
He carefully explained how to use the charm, instructing her to stick it onto her body. He emphasized the importance of keeping it with her at all times, as it had the potential to shield her from grave danger, at least once.
As Lily nodded profusely in response to Luke's instructions, he couldn't help but find her adorable. Her earnestness and determination to heed his advice touched his heart, and he smiled warmly at her.
Unable to resist the impulse to show affection, Luke gently patted her head, a tender gesture that conveyed his care and protectiveness. Lily's eyes lit up with happiness, appreciating the show of affection from her Brother Boss.
As Lily bid farewell to Luke and headed off to school, her mind seemed preoccupied with the rush of activities and perhaps the excitement of meeting Luke.
Unfortunately, in the hustle of the moment, she completely forgot to discuss an important issue with Luke – one concerning the nobles who had once bullied her.