Jake sat cross-legged on his bed, the wooden sword resting beside him. The day's training had left his body aching, but his mind was sharp, more focused than it had ever been. The Sage Enlightenment System hovered in front of him, displaying his current status.
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[Sage Enlightenment System]
.
Name: Lee Joo-Hee (Jake Garcia)
Class: Sage of Eternal Leaf
Level: 2 (0/100)
HP: 140/140 | MP: 260/260
.
Stats:
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 16
- Vitality: 14
- Magic Power: 26
- Intelligence: 18
- Wisdom: 19
.
Skills:
- Healing Touch (Skill Level 1 - 10%): Amplified healing abilities, allowing for rapid recovery of wounds and ailments.
- Verdant Growth (Skill Level 1 - 10%): Manipulation of plants and nature, enabling the user to control and accelerate plant growth.
- Nature's Embrace (Skill Level 1 - 10%): A protective barrier formed from natural energy, capable of shielding the user and others from harm.
- Basic Swordsmanship (Skill Level 1 - 24%): Fundamentals of sword fighting, focusing on precision and control.
.
Quests:
[ Strengthening Bonds ]
Objective: Spend time with Sung Jin-Woo and support him in his recovery.
Reward: +30 EXP, +3 Intelligence.
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Jake studied the screen carefully, feeling a sense of accomplishment swell within him. His progress was evident, but he knew that physical strength and combat skills alone wouldn't be enough to thrive in the world of Solo Leveling. Power came not only from brute force but also from mastering mana and energy.
He recalled the countless cultivation novels he had read back on Earth. In those stories, the protagonists often meditated to refine their energy, strengthen their bodies, and boost their internal power. "Maybe," he mused, "I can do something similar here. After all, I have the Sage Enlightenment System guiding me."
Determined to explore this new possibility, Jake decided to give meditation a try. Sitting up straight on his bed, he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. "In and out, just like that," he whispered to himself, allowing the rhythm to soothe his nerves. He let the air fill his lungs, imagining it cleansing away any lingering doubts or fatigue.
As he concentrated, he envisioned the flow of mana within his body. "It's like a gentle stream," he thought, picturing it winding through his veins, nourishing every part of him. The image grew more vivid with each breath, and soon he could almost feel the energy coursing through him—a warm, pulsing sensation just beneath his skin. "I can do this," he encouraged himself, determination steadying his resolve.
Minutes turned into hours as Jake maintained his meditative state. He could sense his surroundings fading into the background, leaving only the steady rhythm of his breath and the soft hum of energy enveloping him. "This is amazing," he thought, marveling at how connected he felt to the world around him. "If I keep this up, I might actually get stronger."
With each passing moment of hours, he felt more attuned to the subtle currents of mana within him. He recalled how Lee Joo-Hee had always supported those around her, how she embodied kindness and resilience. "I want to honor that," he reflected. "I want to be someone who helps others too, not just a powerful fighter."
Jake's thoughts shifted to Jin-Woo, who had faced unimaginable challenges yet remained steadfast. "If he can do it, so can I," he resolved. "I just need to stay focused and humble. Strength isn't everything; it's about protecting those we care about."
As he continued to meditate, Jake felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. "This is just the beginning," he thought. "I have so much to learn, and I'm ready for it." With renewed determination, he embraced the quiet strength building inside him, ready to face whatever challenges awaited.
Suddenly, a soft chime echoed in his mind, and a new notification appeared before him.
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[ New Skill Acquired: Basic Meditation (Skill Level 1 ) ]
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Basic Meditation (Skill Level 1 - 0%): Enhances the user's ability to sense and manipulate internal mana, aiding in the recovery of magic power and increasing the effectiveness of other mana-based skills.
_______________________
Jake smiled, pleased with his progress. Meditation was a fundamental skill that would help him in the long run, not just in controlling his mana but also in maintaining his mental clarity. He opened his eyes, feeling more refreshed than he had in days.
The sensation of mana within him was clearer now, as if a fog had lifted, revealing a hidden power he hadn't fully understood before.
The next morning, Jake awoke with renewed vigor. After his usual routine of washing up and grabbing a light breakfast, he returned to the training yard to meet Kang Ho. The grizzled veteran was already there, waiting with two wooden swords in hand.
"Good morning, Joo-Hee. Ready for more?" Kang Ho asked, tossing Jake one of the swords.
Jake caught it with ease, feeling a bit more confident with the weapon in his hand. "I'm ready. Let's keep going."
The training was just as intense as the previous day, but Jake found himself adapting more quickly. The Basic Swordsmanship skill had made a noticeable difference; his movements were more fluid, his strikes more accurate. Each successful strike, each block, and each maneuver was building up his skill experience, bringing him closer to the next level.
Between sessions of sword training, Jake would take short breaks to practice his meditation, sitting under the shade of a tree and focusing on his mana. Each session left him feeling more attuned to his energy, his Magic Power regenerating faster, and his mind sharper.
As the day drew to a close, Kang Ho clapped Jake on the shoulder. "You've made good progress, Joo-Hee. Keep this up, and you'll be a formidable fighter in no time."
Jake nodded, grateful for the encouragement. "Thank you, Mr. Kang. I'll keep working hard."
That night, Jake returned to his room and checked his status once more.
_______________________
[Sage Enlightenment System]
.
Name: Lee Joo-Hee (Jake Garcia)
Class: Sage of Eternal Leaf
Level: 2 (0/100)
HP: 140/140 | MP: 260/260
.
Stats:
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 16
- Vitality: 14
- Magic Power: 26
- Intelligence: 18
- Wisdom: 19
.
Skills:
- Healing Touch (Skill Level 1 - 10%): Amplified healing abilities, allowing for rapid recovery of wounds and ailments.
- Verdant Growth (Skill Level 1 - 10%): Manipulation of plants and nature, enabling the user to control and accelerate plant growth.
- Nature's Embrace (Skill Level 1 - 10%): A protective barrier formed from natural energy, capable of shielding the user and others from harm.
- Basic Swordsmanship (Skill Level 1 - 41%): Fundamentals of sword fighting, focusing on precision and control.
-Basic Meditation (Skill Level 1 - 34%): Enhances the user's ability to sense and manipulate internal mana, aiding in the recovery of magic power and increasing the effectiveness of other mana-based skills.
.
Quests:
[ Strengthening Bonds ]
Objective: Spend time with Sung Jin-Woo and support him in his recovery.
Reward: +30 EXP, +3 Intelligence.
_______________________
He had yet to level up his swordsmanship skill, but his meditation practice was already yielding quite promising results. However, Jake knew there was still much work ahead. If he wanted to thrive in this ruthless world, he needed to push himself even further.
Yet as the days passed, lost in the intensity of his training, Jake realized he had neglected to visit Jin-Woo. It was puzzling as Jake could think. "Maybe he's busy too," he mused, remembering that Jin-Woo had his own system, the Player's System, gained after sacrificing himself in the double dungeon. "He's probably swamped with quests or something."
Still, the absence of their usual interactions left a void he hadn't anticipated. "I should make more time for him," Jake thought, feeling a pang of guilt that came from nowhere. It was as if a part of him recognized the importance of their bond, even if he wasn't entirely sure why.
For now, though, he resolved to keep his focus sharp and his heart steady. "I need to get stronger," he reminded himself, shaking off the distractions. "That's what matters right now." He couldn't afford to lose sight of his goals, especially in a world where danger lurked around every corner.