Chapter 3 - Leveling Up

As Deon Infinity approached his fifth birthday, a growing sense of urgency enveloped him like a shroud. The nurturing environment of Capsule Corporation provided warmth and safety, yet he understood that revealing his extraordinary abilities would invite unwanted scrutiny. To maintain the façade of an ordinary child, he skillfully wove his training into the guise of mastering martial arts techniques—an art form he had practiced in his previous life.

In the depths of Capsule Corporation, Deon discovered an old training facility—dusty and forgotten, it resonated with potential. Determined, he transformed it into his clandestine gym, meticulously designing a gravitational chamber that could simulate varying levels of gravity. With the advanced intellect of a child prodigy, he engineered a system that would not only enhance his physical strength but also refine his innate powers, giving him the edge he would need to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Each day, after his family departed for their respective activities, Deon would sneak down into the chamber. He donned a weighted suit he had constructed from salvaged materials—tough and resilient, it provided additional resistance against the gravitational pull. It was a symbol of his resolve, a testament to the lengths he would go to in pursuit of his hidden potential.

"Let's see what I can accomplish today," he murmured, a mix of anticipation and determination coursing through him as he activated the control panel. The familiar whir of machinery filled the air, and he braced himself as the gravity intensified, a heavy weight pressing against him like an invisible force, both daunting and exhilarating.

Starting with super-strength and super-speed, Deon executed a series of punches and kicks. Each movement, fueled by the increased gravity, became more fluid and powerful with repetition. The struggle of each second propelled him forward, each drop of sweat a testament to his relentless drive for improvement.

Abilities Panel Update:

Super-strength: Level 2 (now 60/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Super-speed: Level 2 (now 60/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Next, he shifted his focus to flight. With a mighty leap, he defied the gravity pulling him down, practicing controlled ascents and rapid descents. He felt the exhilaration of soaring through the air as his agility and speed soared, allowing him to hone his aerial maneuvers with the precision of a master.

Abilities Panel Update:

Flight: Level 2 (now 50/1000 EXP to Level 3)

After a rigorous session, Deon turned his attention to regeneration. He engaged in activities that pushed his body to its limits—carefully calculated strains and minor injuries designed to activate his healing abilities. Each time he marveled at how quickly his body healed, a clear sign of his growing strength, learning to push his limits further each time.

Abilities Panel Update:

Regeneration: Level 2 (now 70/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Days melded into weeks, each one meticulously crafted to ensure his family remained blissfully unaware of his training. His super senses honed in on their approaches, allowing him to shut down the chamber and feign innocence at a moment's notice.

"Just practicing my martial arts," he would say, his casual smile masking the exhilaration of his hidden progress. The thrill of secrecy became a part of him, intertwined with his training and growth.

As he dedicated himself to rigorous training, Deon noticed a marked improvement in his endurance. The combination of increased gravity and relentless practice began to unlock a new level of super durability—an essential trait for the protector he aspired to be.

Abilities Panel Update:

Super durability: Level 2 (now 50/1000 EXP to Level 3)

One fateful day, fueled by an insatiable desire for improvement, Deon decided to take his training a step further. He recalled the strongest materials within the lab and began to experiment with them, merging their properties with his regeneration ability.

"Perhaps I can create a way to strengthen my bones," he mused, excitement bubbling within him as he envisioned a means of reinforcing his skeletal structure. Using his telekinesis, he meticulously manipulated the materials, shaping them into an armor that would enhance his physical durability without compromising his agility.

Weeks of relentless effort culminated in triumph. The moment he felt the first surge of his enhanced regeneration kick in, a new ability unlocked: Bone Reinforcement. It was a milestone, a testament to his ingenuity and determination.

Abilities Panel Update:

Bone Reinforcement: Unlocked after reaching Level 2 in Regeneration, enhancing his durability through a combination of regeneration and super durability.

Invigorated and accomplished, Deon reflected on his journey thus far. "This is only the beginning," he reminded himself, determination blazing in his chest. The panel displaying his abilities filled him with pride, each update a reflection of his hard-earned progress.

Abilities Panel:

Telepathy: Level 2 (80/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Telekinesis: Level 2 (70/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Regeneration: Level 2 (50/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Super-speed: Level 2 (40/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Super-strength: Level 2 (40/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Flight: Level 2 (30/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Invisibility: Level 1 (0/100 EXP)

Shape-shifting: Level 1 (0/100 EXP)

Super durability: Level 2 (30/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Bone Reinforcement: (unlocked ability)

Phasing: Level 1 (0/100 EXP)

Super senses: Level 2 (20/1000 EXP to Level 3)

Martian Vision: Level 1 (0/100 EXP)

With a confident grin, he prepared for the next phase of his training, a sense of impending destiny hanging in the air. The world outside awaited his emergence as a true force, and he was determined to be ready when that moment arrived.

As he wrapped up his training for the day, a thought crossed his mind. "I wonder how my family perceives me. Are they aware of my potential?" Curiosity stirred within him, prompting a decision to test his telepathy on his family.

When his sister, Bulma, returned from her day out, he focused intently on her thoughts. "I hope Deon's doing okay," she mused, her mind brimming with concern. "He's so different from me—so quiet and focused. I wish I could understand what he's thinking."

A swell of pride mixed with a sense of responsibility surged within him. "Just wait and see, Bulma," he thought, his heart swelling with anticipation. "I'll show you my true self when the time is right."

As he continued to navigate the delicate balance of training and family life, Deon understood that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges. But with every small victory, he drew closer to becoming the hero he envisioned himself to be. In this journey of growth, Deon Infinity was not just honing his powers; he was forging his identity, preparing to embrace the destiny that awaited him.