After three weeks of being transmigrated into the world of Solo Leveling, the early morning light streamed through the window of Jake's apartment, illuminating the room with a golden hue. Lee Joo-Hee, now fully integrated into this new life, was preparing to head out for a jog.
Today, like every other day, she intended to practice her swordsmanship in the nearby park, determined to build a solid foundation for her skills as she leveled up.
As she laced up her sneakers, Jake felt a surge of anticipation. Every day is a chance to improve, he thought. If I can just stay focused, maybe, just maybe, I can close the gap between me and the others. The thought lingered in his mind as he headed out the door, ready to embrace another day of training.
Upon arriving at the park, Jake began with his warm-up routine, stretching his muscles and preparing for the intense session ahead. He jogged for nearly twenty minutes, pushing himself to get his blood pumping.
As he continued to run, a wave of realization washed over him while sighing: This isn't like the novels I used to read. The protagonists level up and grow stronger almost effortlessly, but here I am, struggling with every movement. It's a hard truth to accept.
He recalled the countless stories where the main character, with a flick of their wrist, would become a master or even overpowered overnight. If only it were that easy, he mused. But I have to make do with the average body I inherited. I can't let that discourage me and be ungrateful; I have to utilize its memories to my advantage. Afterall, it is not everyday where you get to experience being isekaid.
After his jog, Jake found a nearby bench and took a moment to cool down, allowing the rhythm of his heartbeat to slow. He purchased a bottle of water from a vending machine, the coolness of the bottle refreshing against his palm. As he sat there, he couldn't help but reflect on the weight of responsibility he felt for Joo-Hee's body.
Even though she is a B-rank healer, he mused, her physique is still quite average. I can't just push it to its limits. The thought lingered in his mind, tugging at his conscience. I need to be careful; I don't want to overstrain it.
Jake sighed, a mix of frustration and affection swirling within him. Sometimes, I just want to scream, he thought, feeling the urge to express the conflicting emotions bubbling up inside. But then he smiled softly, reminding himself of the resilience he had witnessed in Joo-Hee's memories. She's been through so much, and I owe it to her to honor that strength.
Once he felt sufficiently refreshed, Jake sought out a shaded area to practice meditation and energy circulation. He had come to understand the importance of grounding himself, especially when he felt close to breaking through to the next level. It's a struggle to increase proficiency, he thought, especially when I'm still getting used to feeling this energy flowing through my veins. It tickles, then feels uncomfortable, and finally, it's almost soothing.
He placed the sword and water bottle beside him, centering himself as he settled into a meditative posture. "Basic Meditation," he murmured, and as if in response, the skills activated on their own. He followed the mental path his mind projected, allowing his thoughts to drift as he immersed himself in the process.
As Jake meditated, the gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, creating a soothing melody that helped him relax. The soft whispers of the wind mingled with the sound of his steady breathing, as each inhale and exhale synchronized with the world around him.
He focused on the rise and fall of his chest, feeling the subtle pull of energy from the earth beneath him. It was a sensation he had slowly come to understand—a warm, pulsing energy that seemed to respond to his every thought and command.
This is it, Jake thought, a flicker of excitement in his mind. He could feel it—the energy flowing through his veins. The sensation was still foreign to him in many ways, but it was becoming familiar, like learning a new language that his body instinctively understood.
The Sage Enlightenment System, always present but unobtrusive, tracked his progress in the background. Its constant monitoring brought him a strange sense of comfort, almost like a teacher quietly guiding him through his steps.
I'm getting closer, he told himself, pushing through the mild discomfort of channeling the energy. At first, it had felt ticklish and awkward, like trying to get used to a new pair of shoes.
But now, as he entered a deeper state of concentration, the sensation became more comfortable, almost second nature. The flow of mana followed the pathways he had been learning, circulating through him with increasing ease.
For hours, he sat there, absorbed in his meditation, each moment bringing him a step closer to mastering this new power. The system acknowledged his efforts with its own quiet reward.
_______________________
[You have gained enough proficiency. Basic Meditation has reached Level 3.]
_______________________
A surge of pride coursed through him. I'm making progress, albeit slow. But progress is progress. Jake sighed, feeling the weight of reality settle back in.
With determination, he stood up and prepared to practice the basic sword moves he had learned from the training center near the hospital. Picking up a wooden practice sword, he aimed to refine his technique. I've got to improve my swordsmanship, he thought, especially since I'll need it for whatever challenges lie ahead.
He began with vertical swings, making sure to synchronize his footwork with each movement. The sword felt familiar in his grip, a sense of control settling in as he practiced. He slashed horizontally, then followed with a stab, each motion deliberate and precise. Focus, Jake. This is where it counts.
For almost 2 hours, he practiced relentlessly, his muscles adapting to the continuous movement. I can feel it getting easier, he thought, the repetition transforming into a rhythm that felt natural.
_______________________
[You have gained enough proficiency. Basic Swordsmanship has reached Level 3.]
_______________________
A grin spread across his face. Finally! After all those days of training, I've leveled up two of my skills. It's about time. He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Now I should focus on my plant and healing magic too. I have a feeling they'll come in handy soon.
Jake continued his practice, feeling more fluid with each swing, more in control of his body and movements. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting dappled shadows across the ground. After hours of grueling practice, exhaustion washed over him, and he lay back on the grass, gazing up at the sky.
"Status," he said, a little sheepishly, still adjusting to the concept of having a system that required such a command. It felt almost childish to say it every time like he was indulging in some sort of a joke.
As his status displayed, he couldn't help but sigh.
_______________________
[Sage Enlightenment System]
.
Name: Lee Joo-Hee (Jake Garcia)
Class: Sage of Eternal Leaf
Level: 2 (30/150)
HP: 140/140 | MP: 260/260
.
Stats:
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 16
- Vitality: 14
- Magic Power: 26
- Intelligence: 21
- Wisdom: 19
.
Skills:
- Healing Touch (Skill Level 2 - 24%): Amplified healing abilities, allowing for rapid recovery of wounds and ailments.
- Verdant Growth (Skill Level 2- 73%): Manipulation of plants and nature, enabling the user to control and accelerate plant growth.
- Nature's Embrace (Skill Level 2 - 57%): A protective barrier formed from natural energy, capable of shielding the user and others from harm.
- Basic Swordsmanship (Skill Level 3 - 9%): Fundamentals of sword fighting, focusing on precision and control.
- Basic Meditation (Skill Level 3 - 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.
_______________________
Looking at his stats, Jake couldn't shake off the feeling of frustration. I know I could ride the coattails of others during a dungeon raid to level up faster, but... His thoughts trailed off, overtaken by the reality of Joo-Hee's instincts. She has a deep-seated fear of dungeons and monsters. Just thinking about them makes her tremble.
He couldn't forget the trauma she experienced after the double dungeon incident. It must have left a mark on her that I can't erase. It's possible she even died because of it. The acceptance of this reality weighed heavily on him. But I'm here now, and I have to take ownership of this body, no matter the challenges it presents.
With renewed determination, Jake pushed himself up from the grass, brushing off his clothes. I can't let fear dictate my actions. I'll find a way to overcome these challenges. Joo-Hee may have been hesitant, but I will not let that stop me from becoming stronger.
As he prepared to leave the park, he felt a sense of purpose swell within him. This is just the beginning. With each day, I will grow stronger, and I won't let her past dictate our future.