The Next Morning…
"Yawn… How long did I sleep, anyway?" Arin stretched lazily, his jaw cracking as he yawned wide, revealing his perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth. His limbs tingled as he sat up, shaking off the remnants of sleep like a lion waking from slumber.
-[You've been asleep for precisely 3 hours and 27 minutes, Host.]-
The system's cold, monotone voice chimed in his head.
"Three hours? That's barely anything, yet I feel incredible." Arin swung his legs off the bed and stood, his muscles flexing involuntarily as he stretched again, this time with a satisfied groan.
-[Your energy levels have been replenished due to the host's improved physique and passive cultivation abilities.]-
Last night, he had immersed himself in the crimson void of the system's dimension. In just a few intense hours, he had pushed himself to the 5th stage of Body Refining and unlocked his first cultivation technique. It had been grueling, but the results were undeniable.
"Still, I can't rely on brute force alone. Grandpa used to say that untempered power is like a wildfire—it burns out quickly."
-[Indeed. Cultivation without consolidation leads to instability, regression, and, in severe cases, internal collapse. Your grandfather's wisdom aligns with the system's directives.]-
"Good to know we're on the same page." Arin chuckled softly as he headed to the bathroom. After a quick shower, he threw on a sleek black jumpsuit and his well-worn sneakers.
The crisp morning air kissed Arin's skin as he stood on the porch. He inhaled deeply, letting the refreshing coolness fill his lungs. The world around him seemed brighter, sharper—colors more vibrant, sounds more distinct.
"Why does the air feel so… different?" he muttered, gazing at the horizon.
-[The purity you perceive is due to the host's newly acquired passive cultivation skill: Peach Blossom Breathing Technique. The benefits of the Peach Blossom Breathing Technique you acquired last night are already manifesting.]-
-[This technique enhances the host's ability to purify substances entering the body, ensuring optimized health and energy conversion.]-
"Peach Blossom Breathing Technique… Right. Who knew that breathing could feel this good?" Arin flexed his arms, marveling at the refined power coursing through his body.
"So basically, my body is like a super-efficient filter now?"
-[The analogy, I don't agree with such a label but in layman's terms yes]-
Arin smirked. "You're surprisingly agreeable today."
-[The system remains impartial, Host. My purpose is to guide you efficiently.]-
"Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Before he set off, Arin glanced at the small, carefully maintained garden by the side of the porch. It was his grandfather's pride and joy—a patch of green filled with neatly arranged rows of vegetables and a cluster of vibrant flowers. Despite his advanced age and declining health, his grandfather had tended to this garden every morning without fail.
Arin crouched by the bed of blooming chrysanthemums and began loosening the soil around them. His movements were gentle, precise—a skill honed over years of helping his grandfather.
-[Why is the host engaging in agricultural activities? Physical exertion for non-cultivation purposes seems counterproductive.]-
"Because this garden meant everything to my grandpa," Arin replied, his tone soft. "He said a garden reflects the care and love of the person who nurtures it. I can't let it wither."
-[Sentimental reasoning. Illogical, but… noteworthy.]-
Arin chuckled, brushing dirt off his hands. "Thanks for your concern, System. But not everything's about cultivation and powers."
The system paused for a moment before replying.
-[The host's emotional attachment to this activity may positively affect mental clarity and spiritual balance, indirectly benefiting cultivation.]-
"See? Even you can appreciate some good old gardening."
-[The system does not appreciate. The system observes.]-
With the garden neatly tended, Arin stood and wiped his hands on his pants. "I guess I'll start with a jog around the neighborhood, maybe hit the gym later. Let's see what this body can do."
-[Host, while physical exercise is advisable, I recommend caution. Your body is still adapting to the 5th stage. Overexertion may—]-
"Relax, System. I'll keep it light." Arin interrupted, a confident grin spreading across his face as he stepped out onto the porch.
He warmed up with a few light stretches before jogging in place. Each movement felt smoother, more effortless than before. His body felt like a finely tuned machine, every muscle primed and ready.
"Let's see how high I can jump," he muttered, a playful idea surfacing in his mind, before stepping toward the garden gate. His eyes locked on the top of the 1.6-meter barrier.
Flexing his legs, Arin crouched slightly before springing upward with all his might. He soared over the gate effortlessly, his heart racing as the wind whipped past his face. He landed gracefully on the other side, the impact absorbed seamlessly by his strengthened physique.
"Whoa! That was insane!" Arin exclaimed, exhilarated.
"Holy—! Did I just do that?"
-[Affirmative. Your physical capabilities now surpass the average human by several magnitudes. However, this leap was merely a fraction of your potential.]-
"A fraction? You're saying I can go higher?"
-[With proper training and cultivation, heights exceeding 10 meters are achievable.]-
Arin's grin widened. "This just keeps getting better."
-[The host's leap demonstrates the enhanced physical capabilities provided by the 5th stage of Body Refining. Precise measurements suggest a vertical leap of 2.1 meters. This is approximately 4.7 times the average human capability.]-
"Fancy stats, System, but all I know is—it felt amazing."
-[The host's enthusiasm is noted. However, public displays of extraordinary ability may attract unwanted attention.]-
Arin glanced around sheepishly. "Right. Probably shouldn't have done that in plain view."
His suspicions were confirmed when a group of teenagers down the street began whispering animatedly, pointing in his direction. Among them, a pink-haired girl dressed in a sleek black blouse and white jeans stood out. Her sharp gaze lingered on him.
"Was that… Arin?" one of the girls murmured, her wide eyes fixed on his retreating figure.
"No way," a boy scoffed, though his voice betrayed a hint of unease.. "That guy couldn't jump a puddle, let alone a gate. You're seeing things. He's a total weakling. That jump was superhuman!"
The group fell silent, their disbelief palpable. Only the pink-haired girl, Anastasia, remained quiet, her icy blue eyes narrowing as she tracked Arin's movements.
"Anastasia, what do you think?" one of the girls asked hesitantly, all eyes turning towards the pink-haired girl to see what she had to say.
Anastasia didn't respond immediately. Instead, she tilted her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her face, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
"Great," Arin muttered under his breath, breaking into a jog to avoid further exposure.
As he jogged through the quiet streets, the system chimed in again.
-[Host, your actions have increased your visibility. It is advisable to maintain a low profile until your abilities are fully consolidated.]-
"Got it, no more flashy moves," Arin replied, his pace steady. "But tell me something, System—what's next for me? I've hit the 5th stage, but what lies beyond?"
-[The next stage is the Foundation Establishment Stage. This stage transforms raw physical strength into spiritual power, enabling techniques beyond the scope of mundane capabilities.]-
"Sounds exciting. What do I need to get there?"
-[Time, patience, and resources. Specifically, spirit stones, high-quality cultivation techniques, and—]-
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. A lot of grinding." Arin sighed. "Can't I get some cheat codes or something?"
-[The system provides guidance, not shortcuts. True power is earned, not given.]-
Arin rolled his eyes. "You're such a buzzkill."
-[The host's progress is commendable. However, complacency is the enemy of growth.]-
Arin continued jogging, with visible sweats on his body making his skin glitter under the sun.
-[Host, your current speed is 47 kilometers per hour. Shall I provide data on optimal sprinting techniques?]-
"47 kilometers per hour?" Arin slowed slightly, his brows furrowing. "That's… insane. I didn't even feel like I was pushing myself."
-[Your body's efficiency has increased exponentially. However, there is room for improvement. Would you like me to analyze your gait for potential refinements?]-
"Go ahead. Might as well make the most of this."
As the system began its analysis, Arin's mind wandered to the entrance exam for TSA (The Superhuman Academy). The prestigious institution was notorious for its rigorous tests, and competition was fierce.
"System, what are my odds of passing the exam?"
-[Based on your current abilities, the probability of passing is approximately 78.4%.]-
"Not bad. What about acing it?"
-[Acing the exam requires exceptional performance in both physical and strategic categories. Current probability: 32.7%.]-
Arin's jaw tightened. "I'll raise that to 100%."
-[Ambitious. The system approves.]-
"Thanks for the pep talk, Coach System."
-[The system does not offer encouragement. The system—]-
"Observes. Yeah, yeah, I know." Arin grinned as he picked up speed, the wind rushing past him as he left the murmurs of the street behind.