"Congratulations, host! You have been granted the Infinite Time Training System."
"Found an ability that can be learned. Do you want to start training?" A beautiful female voice echoed in the boundless void.
Lucas could see nothing around him, but it didn't take long for him to realize where he was. This was the place where he waited to be reincarnated into a new life. He did not fear the emptiness of this dark void; it had become a familiar companion during his time between worlds.
And one should know that he had been here already for countless eras, epochs, and eons to be exact.
"Wow! Has my golden finger finally arrived? YES!" Lucas shouted in his mind, unable to contain his excitement.
For as long as he could remember, he had dreamed of the moment when he would receive a special ability, a cheat that would give him an edge in his next life. And now, it had finally come true.
He began moving, mimicking the motions that Old Nathan had been teaching earlier. Old Nathan, the wise and skilled master from his previous occupation, had taught Lucas many things.
His movements were rough and awkward at first, resembling a clumsy dance more than a practiced form.
But he was determined. Each step, each swing of his arm, and each twist of his body gradually improved as he repeated the motions over and over again.
Time seemed irrelevant in this void. There was no sun to mark the passage of day and night, no seasons to signal the change of time.
All Lucas had was the constant repetition of his training and the soothing, encouraging voice of the system.
"Good job, host. Your proficiency in the basic form has increased. Keep going," the voice would say, spurring him on whenever he felt his resolve waver.
As days turned into weeks, and weeks into what felt like months, Lucas's movements became fluid and precise. What started as rough, awkward motions had transformed into a seamless flow of power and grace. He could feel his muscles remembering each motion, his reflexes sharpening with each practice session.
It also helped that he did not feel any hunger nor fatigue in this empty void but he still remembered to take a couple days off to hone his mental fortitude before he would once again train and practice on this nameless feet and hand exercise that Old Nathan had honed his entire life.
* * *
100 years later and Lucas heard the happy voice of the system in his ears.
"Congratulations, host! You have achieved perfection in Close Quarters Combat." The system announced the good news.
"DING!" then it showed Lucas his character sheet in an instant.
* * *
Name: Lucas Stone
Cultivation: Mortal
Techniques Mastered: Close Quarters Combat
Total Years Trained: 100 years
* * *
"Do you want to return to the real world, host?" The system asked.
"Yes, and thank you," Lucas replied, his voice tinged with a mental fatigue born from endless anticipation.
He had grown weary of the monotonous void that the 100-year training arc had become, each one stretching endlessly with little reward.
A breath later, he found himself back in the vibrant, bustling xianxia world. The familiar sights and sounds flooded his senses, grounding him in the present.
Old Nathan, ever the dedicated mentor, was still training the disciples with unwavering patience and wisdom.
The sight brought a smile to Lucas's lips, a reminder of the journey he was on and the progress yet to be made.
Despite the weariness in his bones, he knew he had much to learn. The thought of returning home without more improvement was not an option.
Taking a deep breath, Lucas felt a surge of happiness and a profound change within himself.
His senses had sharpened to an extraordinary degree; his vision and hearing were now incredibly acute, and even his sense of smell had heightened to an almost supernatural level.
He marveled at these changes, understanding that his mastery of close-quarters combat had unlocked these enhancements.
He looked around, absorbing the details of his surroundings with newfound clarity.
The rustling leaves, the distant chatter of the disciples, and the faint scent of blooming flowers all came together in a symphony of sensory overload.
It was overwhelming yet exhilarating. He felt more alive than ever before. Lucas knew that this transformation was just the beginning.
The power that now coursed through his veins was a testament to his hard work and dedication. His body, once merely a vessel, was now a reservoir of unimaginable strength and potential.
The thought filled him with a sense of invincibility and purpose.
"And this is just the beginning," Lucas whispered under his breath, a quiet declaration of his resolve. He could feel the power simmering beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
The journey ahead was still fraught with challenges, but he welcomed them with open arms. Each step forward was a step closer to becoming the warrior he aspired to be.
And so he waited, simply listening to Old Nathan's wisdom. It appeared that gaining these abilities didn't even require him to ask directly. As the afternoon waned, Lucas acquired two more skills, honing them to perfection effortlessly.
* * *
Name: Lucas Stone
Cultivation: Mortal
Techniques Mastered: Close Quarters Combat, Archery, Swordsmanship
Total Years Trained: 300 years
* * *
Lucas's steps were light as he made his way home, a radiant smile playing on his lips and a tune escaping in gentle whistles.
The shadows that the Dark Reaper Gang once cast over him had dissipated, replaced by a newfound sense of empowerment.
With the skills he had acquired, he knew he could effortlessly vanquish any threat they posed, his confidence soaring with each passing moment.
Arriving home, Lucas's heart swelled with warmth as he sat down to a hearty meal, the taste of victory lingering on his tongue.
Amidst the comforting embrace of his family's home, he perused his father's collection of swords, each blade whispering tales of valor and strength.
Finally, his fingers settled on the finest among them, its hilt polished to a gleaming shine, promising protection and prowess.
Though nestled in a remote village, their isolation didn't equate to vulnerability.
In fact, some of the villagers were well-versed in the art of self-defense, their skills honed through rigorous training just like Old Nathan was.
Those who dedicated themselves to such arduous endeavors were not only respected but also generously rewarded by the village chief, their commitment to protection ensuring the safety and security of their community.
As Lucas settled into bed, the weight of apprehension that had once plagued him now lifted completely. Sleep came easily, cradled in the assurance of his newfound abilities.
Dreams of conquest danced through his mind, visions of triumph in battles yet to come.
From this day forth, he harbored not just hope, but a steadfast determination to carve his own destiny in this dog-eat-dog, cruel xianxia world.