Tang stood in the courtyard of the Southern Air Temple, feeling the cool mountain breeze on his face. Around him, the monks and young airbenders moved with effortless grace, their bodies flowing in perfect synchrony with the wind. Aang was among them, his small frame almost a blur as he glided through the air, weaving in and out of the training drills with a joy that seemed boundless.
Tang felt a pang of envy mixed with determination. He might not have bending abilities, but he had something else—something that could make him a force to be reckoned with. His gaze drifted to his hands, still sore and calloused from the intense training he'd put himself through over the last few days.He took a deep breath and activated the interface of his Proficiency System, his eyes focusing on the transparent screen that appeared before him:
Host: Tang
Martial Arts: Level 5
Airbending: Level 0
Agility: Level 3
Strategy: Level 2
Strength: Level 4
"Not bad,"
Tang muttered to himself, glancing at his martial arts skill. It was only a few days ago that he'd started from scratch. Now, he was at Level 5, almost on par with some of the more advanced trainees. But it wasn't enough. The Fire Nation would attack soon, and he needed to be stronger.As he watched Aang effortlessly bend the air, Tang made a decision. He would master martial arts first. It was something he could excel at without any elemental affinity holding him back.
Once his physical abilities were honed, he'd have a stronger foundation for airbending.He tightened his fists, determination flaring in his chest. "I'll push my limits. No rest until I can stand toe-to-toe with the best."
Over the next fifteen days, Tang threw himself into his training with a singular focus. He woke before dawn, his muscles still aching from the previous day, and trained late into the night until exhaustion claimed him.Every morning, he joined the younger airbenders in their martial arts drills. Though he was often slower and clumsier than his peers at first, he quickly adapted, his movements growing sharper and more fluid with each passing day.
The monks, though initially skeptical, watched his progress with growing respect.As Tang practiced, he noticed something remarkable—his Proficiency System seemed to smooth out the learning curve. Where others would struggle with a difficult technique for days or even weeks, Tang could grasp it in hours. He felt no bottleneck, no frustration of stagnation. Each time he mastered a new form or technique, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.Ding! Martial Arts Proficiency +1.The first time it happened, Tang had nearly lost his balance in surprise. But as the notifications continued, he realized what was happening. The system wasn't just tracking his progress; it was accelerating it, allowing him to bypass the natural barriers of learning. His body adapted faster, his reflexes sharpened, and his stamina increased with each passing day.
Ding! Martial Arts Proficiency +1.
Current Level: 6.
Tang's lips curved into a smile. He had reached Level 6. He could feel the difference in his body—his movements were smoother, his strikes more powerful. Each punch and kick carried a precision and strength that had seemed impossible just days before.He paused to catch his breath, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Six levels in fifteen days," he muttered, his heart pounding with a mix of pride and disbelief. "This system is incredible."Aang landed lightly beside him, his face flushed with excitement. "Tang, that was amazing! You're getting so strong!"Tang grinned, though he felt a pang of guilt. He hadn't told Aang about the Proficiency System. It wasn't that he didn't trust his brother, but explaining that he was a reincarnated soul from another world with a cheat-like power was... complicated.
"I've just been working hard," Tang said, shaking off the thought. "But there's still a long way to go.""Do you want to spar?" Aang asked eagerly, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "I've been working on some new airbending moves, and I bet you can help me test them out!"
Tang hesitated. He'd been avoiding using his own airbending abilities, focusing entirely on martial arts instead. The small progress he'd made in airbending felt insignificant compared to his rapid martial arts development. But maybe this was an opportunity to gauge his progress."All right,"
Tang agreed, taking a fighting stance. "Let's see what you've got."They faced off in the courtyard, surrounded by the watchful eyes of the other monks and trainees. Aang moved first, a whirlwind of energy as he danced around Tang, sending blasts of air toward him in rapid succession.Tang's instincts kicked in. He moved fluidly, dodging and weaving through Aang's attacks. For a few minutes, he managed to hold his ground, his martial arts skill allowing him to keep pace with Aang's unpredictable movements.But then Aang shifted, his expression growing serious. He leapt into the air, spinning his staff and creating a powerful gust that swept across the courtyard.
Tang braced himself, but the force of the wind pushed him back, his feet skidding across the ground.Tang gritted his teeth, frustration flaring. He needed more than just physical prowess. He needed airbending to truly compete.
Ding! Airbending Proficiency +1.
Tang blinked, momentarily distracted by the notification. He stumbled, barely managing to dodge another blast of wind.
The system's voice echoed in his mind.Current Level: 0.1."Come on, Tang!" Aang called, his voice filled with excitement. "You're doing great! Try using some airbending!"Tang took a deep breath, focusing on the energy within him. He extended his hands, trying to mimic the movements he'd seen Aang use so effortlessly. For a brief moment, he felt the air respond, a gentle breeze forming around his fingers.But it was fleeting, barely more than a whisper compared to Aang's powerful gusts. Tang's frustration deepened. He was so far behind.
Ding! Airbending Proficiency +1.
Current Level: 0.2.
The voice in his mind was both a comfort and a taunt. He was progressing, but at a snail's pace compared to his martial arts training.The sparring session ended with Aang's victory, as expected.
Tang lay on the ground, breathing heavily, his body aching from the intense exercise. Aang offered him a hand, his smile bright and encouraging."You did awesome, Tang! I can't believe how fast you're learning."Tang took his brother's hand, pulling himself up. "Thanks, Aang. But I still have a long way to go."
The days continued to blur together as Tang pushed himself harder than ever. He trained relentlessly, dividing his time between honing his martial arts and practicing basic airbending techniques. Though his progress in airbending was slow, each small increase felt like a victory.
Ding! Airbending Proficiency +1.
Current Level: 0.5.
Every step forward, no matter how small, was a reminder that he was growing stronger. He could feel the potential within him, like a seed waiting to sprout. He just needed to keep pushing, to keep striving.The monks noticed his efforts. They spoke among themselves, their whispers filled with admiration and concern.
Tang overheard snippets of their conversations, their words a mix of praise and worry."He's growing stronger so quickly…""Is it wise for him to push himself so hard?""He's not a bender like Aang, but there's something special about him…"Tang ignored the whispers. He didn't have time to worry about what others thought. His focus was singular, his goal clear.
He had to be ready for the Fire Nation's attack. He had to be strong enough to protect Aang, to fight alongside him.On the fifteenth day, Tang stood alone in the courtyard, the moonlight casting long shadows across the stone tiles. His body was exhausted, every muscle screaming for rest, but his mind was sharp, his resolve unbroken.He took a deep breath, centering himself. He moved through the martial arts forms he had practiced tirelessly, each movement precise and powerful. His fists cut through the air, his kicks striking with the force of a hammer.
Ding! Martial Arts Proficiency +1.
Current Level: 6.5
Tang smiled, feeling the strength surging through him. He could feel it now—the power he had worked so hard to cultivate. He was no longer the weak, confused soul who had woken up in this world. He was growing, evolving, becoming someone who could stand beside Aang as an equal.
He glanced up at the sky, the stars twinkling above him. The Fire Nation's attack was coming, but Tang was ready. He would keep pushing forward, keep growing stronger, no matter what.Because this time, he wasn't just fighting for himself. He was fighting for his brother, for his new life, and for the world that now depended on them both.