"Today was a busy day."
Hikaru let out a deep sigh as he lay down, feeling the weight of everything that had happened. It wasn't just physical exhaustion that overwhelmed him; the real fatigue came from the mental strain of facing a completely new world. Even though his body brimmed with energy thanks to the system, his mind needed rest.
New sensations, emotions, and responsibilities had suddenly appeared, and dealing with them felt like navigating uncharted waters. Closing his eyes, Hikaru felt grateful for finally having a moment of peace. "Tomorrow will be a new day."
And indeed, it was.
Hikaru woke up feeling better than ever. Maybe it was the bed, or the comfort of having a purpose now, but he couldn't remember the last time he had slept so well. Still, morning laziness didn't spare him. He rolled over, tempted to stay in bed for a few more minutes.
"No, Hikaru. No slacking!" He muttered, forcing himself to get up.
With sluggish steps, he dressed and went out for a morning run. The fresh dawn breeze brushed his face, and the distant chirping of birds brought a tranquility he hadn't felt in ages. Though still drowsy, Hikaru began running, following the same route as the day before.
Soon, he noticed something different.
"I feel lighter." His breathing was more controlled, his steps steadier, and there was a new energy in his muscles. A grin spread across his face. "Another 5 kilometers!" He shouted excitedly. It was almost as if he were competing with himself.
Fueled by the thrill of discovering a newfound passion, Hikaru picked up the pace. "Let's go, folks!" He yelled again, laughing at himself. Maybe yelling was his way of coping with the effort.
After a while, he returned home, feeling more alive than ever. He breathed deeply, his heart racing—not from exhaustion, but from pure satisfaction.
"This is going to become a routine," he declared confidently.
While basking in the feeling of accomplishment, the system appeared.
[Congratulations, Host, for your morning determination! Your dedication has generated a new mission.]
Hikaru frowned curiously as he read the message.
Mission: My First Magic Lessons
Objective: Learn to circulate mana through your body.Progress: 0%Time Limit: 12 hoursFailure: No rewardReward: Skill - Arcane Prodigy
Skill Description: An innate talent for magic. Learning spells becomes effortless, mastering magic intuitive, and creating new techniques second nature.
"That's amazing!" Hikaru exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He knew this skill could be a game-changer. With it, he could achieve the perfect balance between physical strength and magical power.
But there was one problem. "How do I do this?" He scratched his head, trying to figure it out. He decided to rely on his intelligence stat.
"If my intelligence is high, it should help me, right?"
[Precisely, Host.]
Hikaru closed his eyes, trying to focus. He attempted to sense something—anything—within himself. But... nothing.
"Okay, let's try again." He took a deep breath, but the result was the same. "Damn it! This is harder than it looks."
After several failed attempts, he decided to change tactics.
"Maybe it's like those cultivation stories." He sat on the ground, crossing his legs, and began meditating. With his eyes closed, he tried to feel something inside himself. To his surprise, he did. A subtle, vibrant energy flowed through his body, like a calm river full of potential.
"Wow..." He murmured, amazed.
Trying to guide this energy, Hikaru focused. But before he could complete the movement, the connection was lost.
"Ugh, so close!" He groaned in frustration. But the experience left him excited—he was on the right track.
The system, observing Hikaru's efforts, intervened.
[Host, instead of stretching the mana like a thread, imagine releasing water from a dam. Let a large amount flow, then shape it.]
"I see." Hikaru nodded, determined. He closed his eyes again and followed the system's suggestion. It was a long process, filled with trial and error, but eventually, he succeeded.
When the mana finally began circulating freely through his body, the sensation was indescribable. It was as if a veil had been lifted. Everything around him seemed clearer and more beautiful. His mind was sharp, his body rejuvenated.
"So, this is mana..." He whispered in awe.
[Congratulations on completing the mission!]
Reward Received: Arcane Prodigy
"I did it!" Hikaru celebrated, jumping for joy. Now, with his new skill, a vast field of possibilities lay ahead of him.
"Where should I start?" He asked himself, laughing at his own excitement.