When Nathan stumbled into the training field, the stars were just starting to fade from the sky. Every step he took was met with resistance from his body, which was still hurting from the sparring session the day before. He couldn't stop now, though. He was unable to pay for it.
Before him, the system's light interface hung dimly in the air, its icy numbers serving as a reminder of his progress and a source of encouragement.
[Heavenly Ascent System Interface]
Name: Nathan Caelum
Level: 2 (Beginner Tier)
Core Attributes:
Strength: 6
Agility: 7
Endurance: 6
Intelligence: 5
Mana: 5
EXP to Next Level: 180/200
He could reach Level 3 with just 20 more EXP. Like a thread hanging just out of grasp, it was so near that he could practically feel it. With the previous evening's Minor Quest, the system had given him a lifeline:He could reach Level 3 with just 20 more EXP. Like a thread hanging just out of grasp, it was so near that he could practically feel it. With the previous evening's Minor Quest, the system had given him a lifeline:
Quest Active: Push Your Limits
Objective: Complete two hours of continuous training.
Reward: +50 EXP, +1 Core Attribute Point.
Two hours. Though his aching body begged to differ, it didn't sound like much.
Nathan inhaled deeply as he gripped the wooden blade more tightly. "All right, let's get started."
The first hour was draining. Nathan cycled through the fundamental routines he recalled from his inherited memory, including thrusts, overhead strikes, footwork, and stances. He did it again and again, his muscles burning with each swing.
He whispered to himself, "Pay attention," attempting to block out the perspiration trickling into his eyes. "Don't just move—get it right."
He shifted into a more balanced stance, making his blows more fluid. Following an especially skillfully performed thrust, the system chimed softly:
Improvement detected: Strength +1.
Nathan's breath caught as he paused in mid-swing. For a moment, he forgot about his fatigue and opened the status page:
[Heavenly Ascent System Interface]
Name: Nathan Caelum
Level: 2 (Beginner Tier)
Core Attributes:
Strength: 7
Agility: 7
Endurance: 6
Intelligence: 5
Mana: 5
EXP to Next Level: 190/200
A smile appeared on his face. There was a slight but noticeable change in his body that he could sense. His motions were sharper and his strikes were coming more quickly. Even if it wasn't much, it was something.
He mumbled, "Okay, Caelum," as he repositioned his sword grip. "Let's push this as far as possible."
The second hour was cruel. Nathan's entire body begged him to stop, yet he forced himself to continue. His arms were shaking and his knees were about to give out as he stumbled through the routines. He was scarcely upright when the machine sounded once more.
Quest Complete: Push Your Limits
Reward: +50 EXP, +1 Core Attribute Point.
Level Up!
As warmth surged through Nathan's body, it felt like the world was tilting. The slight buzz of electricity pulsing through him helped to ease his hurting muscles, but his fatigue didn't go away. In front of him, the system interface changed:
[Heavenly Ascent System Interface]
Name: Nathan Caelum
Level: 3 (Beginner Tier)
Core Attributes:
Strength: 7
Agility: 7
Endurance: 7
Intelligence: 5
Mana: 5
EXP to Next Level: 0/300
Lying flat on his back, Nathan fell to the ground and gazed up at the sky. Even though his breathing was labored and his chest heaved, he couldn't control the chuckle that came out of him.
With a smile on his face, he muttered, "I did it." "Level 3."
As the sun started to rise, the warm light filled the academy, colored the sky above with pink and orange. Nathan thought he was beginning to catch up for the first time. He was now growing rather than merely surviving.
Nathan cleaned up and joined the group by the time the other students reached the training fields, his fatigue concealed by an facade of determination. Even though the morning drills were still very taxing, he was finally able to keep up. His attacks were more accurate, his movements more incisive. The other pupils saw that the instructor even nodded in agreement, which is a rare move.
Aurora fell into step with him as they left the field, saying, "You're full of surprises lately." Her piercing blue eyes studied him as her crimson braid wavered with every stride. "Can you tell me your secret?"
"No secret," Nathan shrugged in response. "Just... figured it was time to stop holding back."
Aurora snorted. "Sure. And I'm the Queen of Velthar."
Nathan merely grinned and remained silent. For now, his mind was on the impending battle trials, so let her think what she wanted to.
That night, as Nathan lay in bed, the system chimed softly.
New Quest Available: Prepare for Combat Trials
Objective: Survive three days of consecutive training without skipping sessions.
Reward: +100 EXP, +1 Core Attribute Point.
When Nathan saw the shimmering lettering, his eyes narrowed. "Three days? You won't make this simple, will you?
As usual, the system said nothing. With a groan, Nathan waved his hand to close the interface. The idea of three more days of this was nearly unbearable, and his body was still hurting.
But he had no intention of stopping now.
He said, "Okay," and closed his eyes. "Let's check out what you have."