Haruto sat quietly in his small, dimly lit room, the night outside calm and still. The academy was set to resume tomorrow, marking the beginning of his second year, but Haruto's thoughts were elsewhere. His eyes rested on the worn photo of his parents he had placed beside the shabby mirror. The familiar objects in his room seemed more distant than usual, his mind entirely focused on something else—the system.
He had been counting down the days, anticipating his six-month system reward. Every six months like clockwork, the system offered him choices based on his progress, and this time, he was more confident than ever in what was to come. The last time he had chosen to enhance his stamina, he had unlocked Tier 2 Stamina, and now, Haruto was set on improving his cognitive abilities.
He had calculated that his consistent focus on mental sharpness and chakra control would lead him to Tier 2 cognitive abilities—something that had been on his mind for months. If he could push his mental clarity to the next level, it would give him a significant edge, both in his studies and in his training.
Haruto shifted slightly in his seat, feeling the familiar tingle in the back of his mind. It was happening.
The feeling crept over him slowly at first, like the familiar hum of the system coming to life deep within his core. Then, all at once, it surged, offering him the usual three choices. Haruto didn't need to hesitate—he knew what he wanted. With a calm, decisive breath, he selected Cognitive Boost.
The moment he made his choice, the real change began. A wave of sharp, burning pain coursed through his head, so intense that he clenched his fists and pressed them into the floor. He had experienced this kind of pain before when he had unlocked Tier 2 Stamina, but this felt different—more powerful, more overwhelming.
It was as if his mind was being pulled apart and put back together all at once. His vision blurred, and for what felt like hours, Haruto was trapped in a relentless cycle of pain. Every second felt like an eternity, his body tense as he rode out the intense sensations coursing through him.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the pain began to subside. Haruto lay back against the wall, panting heavily, his skin slick with sweat. Slowly, he opened his eyes and blinked. For a moment, everything felt… sharper. It was as if his whole life he had been looking through a foggy screen, and now, for the first time, it was lifted. His surroundings felt brighter, clearer, and more defined. The dim room suddenly seemed vibrant, every detail standing out in stark contrast.
He stared at the wooden beams of the ceiling above him, noticing the fine grain of the wood, the tiny imperfections he had never bothered to see before. Had his senses always been this dulled?
His heart raced as he processed what was happening. His mind—his very thoughts—felt faster, clearer. He could feel it: Tier 2 Cognitive Ability. And it wasn't just about seeing or noticing things differently. It was as if his brain had unlocked some hidden potential.
Then something incredible happened. Haruto began to recall things from his previous life—vague memories, distant thoughts that had once felt fuzzy and unclear now snapped into sharp focus. It was like pieces of a puzzle that had been scattered for years suddenly clicked into place. Old lessons, forgotten skills, random facts he hadn't thought of in years—everything was there. It was almost overwhelming how clear everything became.
It wasn't just the past that came into focus either. His ability to retain information, his understanding of concepts, and his perception of time itself seemed to have changed. This must be what a photographic memory feels like.
He stood up slowly, his legs shaking from the strain of the process, and walked over to his desk. He could still feel the remnants of the system's upgrade buzzing in his mind. The stack of books and scrolls he had been reading through seemed to call to him now, promising him deeper understanding and clarity. Haruto knew that this would give him a significant advantage in his training and studies.
He looked around his room again, this time taking it all in with fresh eyes. The dull ache in his head from the process was fading, but the clarity remained. Every memory, every moment he had ever experienced, seemed more vivid. He could almost feel the layers of his mind expanding, making space for the flood of new information and connections that were forming.
It was intense—almost too intense—but it was worth it.
Haruto took a deep breath, feeling a surge of confidence. With this new ability, he could approach his training and studies from a completely different angle. Everything he had learned in his past life and everything he had studied in this world would be at his fingertips, ready to use at a moment's notice.
Tomorrow, the academy would begin again. And with this new power, Haruto knew he was more prepared than ever.