After obtaining the discarded fishing nets from Uncle Brian's fish shop, Ron dashed to a pond deep within the forest. He found a long wooden stick and used wire to tie the usable parts of the net around it, creating a simple fishing tool.
"Heh, while this thing can't be used for sea fishing, it's perfect for this small river," Ron said, pleased with himself.
He immediately started testing it in the river. Although it wasn't the most efficient tool, it worked well enough. As long as he had good aim and quick reflexes, he could catch the leisurely swimming fish.
Before long, Ron had caught five or six fish.
"This should solve my meat problem," he thought, eating the grilled fish with a satisfied expression.
...
With a steady supply of fish, Ron's training became even more intense. The combination of extreme exercise and ample nutrition began to show significant results. His bones started to grow, and his muscles developed quickly. In just one month, he had grown 10 centimeters, now taller than Mars, who was a year older than him.
...
This routine continued for another month.
One morning, before dawn, Ron dressed quickly, leaped out of his window, and gracefully landed on the grass. He headed for the forest to continue his training.
"Fifty-one, fifty-two, fifty-three..." he counted, doing one-handed push-ups. Even after passing fifty, he looked relaxed, his movements still smooth and controlled.
After finishing 150 push-ups, Ron sat cross-legged on the grass, his body radiating heat. At that moment, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Reminder: Host's Vitality has reached 30.]
"Already at 30?" Ron thought, surprised as he opened his status panel.
[Host: Ron]Age: 8
Vitality Points: 30
Breath of the Sun Mastery: 0% (Unmastered)
Ron closed his eyes and mentally reviewed the entire Breath of the Sun technique. His breathing began to change.
Exhale…
It felt like he was expelling all the air in his body.
Inhale…
The breath seemed endless, instantly filling him with energy. It became a fiery storm inside him, igniting his Qi and blood. His entire body seemed to burn from within as the Qi and blood surged through his bones, muscles, and skin.
"Ugh…" Ron grunted, frowning from the intense pressure, but he endured. He continued to circulate the Breath of the Sun technique, and thick white steam began to rise from his body. Anyone nearby would have felt the intense heat radiating from him.
When Ron finally opened his eyes, the world around him appeared clearer than ever before, and his body felt lighter and more energized.
"So this is the power of the Breath of the Sun…" he muttered, looking at his hands.
For the first time since starting his training, Ron felt like he could truly control his strength.
[Host: Ron]
Age: 8
Vitality Points: 30
Breath of the Sun Mastery: 1%
...
Summer passed, autumn arrived, and winter followed.
Aunt Mary was once again stressed about making winter clothes for the children, constantly sighing in frustration. Meanwhile, Old Man Harris started leaving earlier in the morning and coming back later at night.
The children's beloved Uncle Brian also visited less frequently as the seasons changed. With winter's arrival, the island faced more frequent raids from pirates and bandits, making life difficult for everyone in town.
One day, under a gloomy sky, Ron stood in a clearing in the forest, bracing against the biting cold wind. Wearing only thin clothing, he held a wooden stick in his hand, his eyes closed.
"Whoosh…"
He took a deep breath and suddenly opened his eyes, stepping forward.
"Breath of the Sun, First Form: Dance of the Flame!"
With the stick as a blade, Ron swung it in a slashing motion. The wooden stick instantly ignited, and an arc of flames erupted around him. In mere moments, the flames vanished, leaving a ring of charred grass that spiraled outward, the largest circle spanning three meters in radius.
"Whew, whew..." Ron panted heavily, supporting himself on his knees. His face was pale, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"I finally did it!" he exclaimed.
It had been five months since he first began mastering the Breath of the Sun technique. During these five months, he had trained relentlessly, waking up at 4 a.m. every day and returning home by dusk. Every waking moment, whether walking, eating, or even sleeping, he was constantly circulating the Breath of the Sun.
Now, after months of extreme training, Ron had finally succeeded in unleashing the first form of the Breath of the Sun: Dance of the Flame.
He resumed the Breath of the Sun technique and, within seconds, recovered all of his strength.
Standing tall, Ron looked at the charred marks on the ground and nodded in satisfaction. "Finally, I'm seeing some real results."
"System, show me my current status."
[Affirmative.]
[Host: Ron]
Age: 8
Vitality Points: 87
Breath of the Sun Mastery: 7%
In just half a year since activating the system, Ron had undergone a tremendous transformation.