Vedik woke with a gasp , the sunlight falling on his eyelids. The remnants of yesterday's Mana Compression training clung to him like a heavy cloak.
Exhaustion weighed on his limbs, and his muscles ached .Yet, beneath the fatigue, a thrumming energy pulsed within him, he could feel a profound power in his body like , a warm current is flowing through his body.
He stretched, a simple movement that sent a ripple of wind through his room.
He called out for Godhood System , eager to check his progress.
A panel materialized in front of him, glowing with an ethereal light only he could see. This was his Godhood System, a secret he couldn't share with his parents, not yet. He wasn't sure how they'd react to such a fantastical phenomenon.
The System suddenly responded and Vedik checked the attributes panel :
• Strength : 50
• Speed : 30
• Charisma : 100
• Constitution : 20 -> 30 (---------)
• Potential: Restricted
• Skills:
- Weapon Basic Mastery: 10%
- Herb Gathering: 15%
- Mortal Qi (Basic level Mastery -> Intermediate level Mastery)
- Initiation of Arcane ->Basic level unlocked
- Cursed by: (-------------)
- Soul State: Shattered
- Extraordinary elemental affinity unlocked
He scanned the information displayed.
And there it was, under the "Mortal Qi" section: "Intermediate Mastery."
He had surpassed the basic stage of Mortal Qi and taken a significant step forward.
The panel also displayed other intriguing details. His Strength and Constitution had doubled, the weakened status was gone .
His Charisma remained high, a testament to his natural charm. But the mysteries remained – his Soul State: Shattered, the blank line under "Cursed By" remained frustratingly blank, offering no clues about the who cursed him .
Closing the panel , a newfound determination burned in his eyes. Today, he would show his father just how much he had progressed.
With this thought in his mind, Vedik approached the training area with an air of confidence bordering on arrogance.
William, sensing the shift in his son's demeanor, raised an eyebrow.
"Good morning, Vedik," William greeted, his tone serious.
Vedik, barely containing his grin, replied, "Morning, Dad ".
He couldn't wait to test the limits of his newfound strength.
You seem full of energy today, Vedik," William said.
"Just feeling the benefits of hard work, Dad," Vedik replied with a grin.
William chuckled. "Excellent. Let's see what you've learned, I'll hold back and use the same amount of power you can currently handle."
They assumed their positions, Vedik was brimming with suppressed power, while William was radiating a calm focus.
As the spar began, a noticeable change was evident in Vedik's movements. His strikes were faster, more controlled, imbued with the concentrated energy of Mana Compression.
However , William remained unfazed. He effortlessly deflected Vedik's attacks, his movements effective. Yet, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes – the improvement in Vedik's strength and speed was undeniable.
Vedik grinned, the thrill of the challenge coursing through him. He launched into a flurry of attacks . A surge of raw energy propelled his first punch, aimed straight for William's jaw.
William, with a slight lean back, effortlessly deflected the blow with his forearm. The impact sent a tremor through the ground, a testament to the raw power behind Vedik's strike.
Vedik started fighting aggressively, with a whirlwind of fists and kicks. Each strike was faster and stronger than the last, the product of his relentless training and the potent Mana Compression technique.
Yet, William remained a step ahead. He danced around Vedik's attacks with ease .
One moment, William would be a hair's breadth away, seemingly vulnerable, and the next, he'd be behind Vedik, gentle deflecting the young warrior's attack .
The frustration welled up within Vedik. He could feel the immense power coursing through him, yet he couldn't land a single blow on his father.
"Don't get discouraged, Vedik," William called out, his voice calm amidst the flurry of movement. "Remember, power isn't everything. Focus on your control, anticipate my movements."
Vedik gritted his teeth, channeling his frustration into renewed focus. He began to observe William's movements, searching for a pattern. He noticed a slight opening in William's attack pattern.
Seizing the opportunity, Vedik launched a feint attack to his left side, then with a lightning speed , he whipped a roundhouse kick towards William's right side.
This time, William wasn't quick enough to fully deflect. The kick landed on his arm, sending a jolt of surprise through the seasoned warrior.
A flicker of triumph ignited in Vedik's eyes. He had finally landed a blow! But his moment of victory was short-lived.
William, using the momentum from the kick, spun around and delivered a swift elbow strike to Vedik's abdomen.
The air whooshed out of Vedik's lungs , as he gasped for air.
"Good effort, Vedik," William praised, his voice firm. "You've made incredible progress in a short time. Your power is truly remarkable."
Vedik, catching his breath, looked up at his father, a mixture of dejection and determination swirling in his eyes. "But I still lost," he admitted, a hint of frustration tinging his voice.
William chuckled. "Indeed you did, son. But remember, experience matters. I've spent years honing my skills. On the other hand you've become immensely stronger in a matter of days.
"There's more to mastering your power than just brute strength, Vedik" ,William continued, his voice low and serious. "True warriors learn to adapt, to strategize, to anticipate their opponent's moves. These are the skills that will elevate you beyond mere physical prowess."
Let me tell you , Vedik that there have been many talented warriors who were very strong at your age," But talent alone is a curse. It makes people arrogant and foolish but talent crumbles in the face of experience, hard work, and most importantly, humility."
William knelt before Vedik, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Arrogance blinds you to your weaknesses and prevents you from learning.
True strength comes from a combination of raw power, honed skill, and the wisdom to know your limits."
Vedik stared at the ground, his face burning with shame. He understood now. His arrogance had clouded his judgment, making him overestimate his abilities.
He had a long way to go, and his newfound power was just the first step on a long journey.
"I… I understand, Dad," he mumbled, a newfound respect shining in his eyes. "I was wrong. There's still so much I need to learn."
William smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "That's the spirit, son. Now, are you ready for a real lesson?"
Vedik straightened his back, a determined glint returning to his eye. "Absolutely, Dad. Bring it on..