### **Chapter 3: A Glimpse of Potential**
Jae-min stood in the center of his dimly lit apartment, bracing himself as the system's voice echoed once more.
**"Mission 2 initiated. Complete three consecutive training battles. Prepare for the first battle."**
He exhaled sharply, gripping his fists. The memory of his struggle in the first mission still lingered in his mind, but the taste of victory had lit a fire in him. He couldn't back down now. If this was his chance to awaken, he would seize it—no matter how tough it became.
The room warped again, dissolving into the same infinite void as before. The reflective black floor shimmered underfoot, and the starry expanse stretched in every direction. This time, three glowing figures stood before him, lined up in a row. Each one carried a weapon—a sword, a spear, and a pair of daggers.
**"The first battle begins. Combatant level: Basic. Defeat the opponent to proceed."**
A single figure stepped forward, wielding the spear. Its glow was dimmer than the others, marking it as the weakest of the three. Jae-min tightened his fists as a familiar sword materialized in front of him. Grabbing it, he felt its warmth and weight, slightly heavier this time.
The spear-wielding figure didn't wait. It lunged forward with incredible speed, its weapon aimed straight at his chest.
---
Jae-min barely had time to react, sidestepping awkwardly. The spear's tip grazed his side, sending a jolt of pain through his body. He bit back a yelp, raising his sword defensively.
**"Focus,"** the system's voice instructed. **"Predict your opponent's movements."**
Easier said than done, Jae-min thought. But he couldn't afford to waste time. He analyzed the figure's stance, noticing its attacks were direct, relying on thrusts.
The spear jabbed again, faster this time. Jae-min ducked, his heart pounding. With a burst of adrenaline, he swung his sword upward, catching the spear mid-thrust. The weapon flew out of the figure's grip, clattering to the floor and dissolving into light.
Seeing its opening, Jae-min pressed forward. He slashed at the figure's torso, his blade cutting through it cleanly. The glowing form flickered and shattered into particles of light.
**"First opponent defeated. Prepare for the second battle."**
---
Before Jae-min could catch his breath, the second figure stepped forward, wielding its dual daggers. Its movements were fluid, almost snake-like, as it circled him.
This one was different—faster and more unpredictable. The daggers gleamed in its hands, moving so quickly they seemed to leave trails of light.
Jae-min adjusted his grip on his sword, trying to stay calm. The figure darted forward, slashing with both daggers in quick succession. He raised his sword to block, but the force of the strikes sent him stumbling backward.
"Damn it," he muttered, sweat dripping down his brow. He needed a strategy. He couldn't match its speed, but maybe he didn't have to.
The figure attacked again, spinning and slashing with relentless precision. This time, Jae-min didn't try to block. Instead, he stepped back, letting the strikes whiff just inches from his body. The figure overextended, and Jae-min seized the opportunity.
With a swift, two-handed swing, he brought his sword down on the figure's back. The impact caused it to falter, its glow dimming. Before it could recover, Jae-min struck again, his blade cutting through its form.
The second figure shattered like the first, its light fading into the void.
**"Second opponent defeated. Prepare for the final battle."**
---
Jae-min's chest heaved as he struggled to steady his breathing. His muscles ached, his grip on the sword shaky. But there was no time to rest. The final figure, wielding a longsword, stepped forward.
Unlike the others, this one didn't charge immediately. It stood still, its glowing eyes fixed on Jae-min.
"What are you waiting for?" Jae-min muttered, raising his sword.
Then it moved.
In a flash, the figure closed the distance between them, swinging its longsword with terrifying force. Jae-min barely managed to parry, the impact sending shockwaves through his arms. The force knocked him off balance, and the figure pressed its advantage, attacking relentlessly.
It was faster, stronger, and more skilled than the previous opponents. Every strike was precise, aimed to exploit his weaknesses. Jae-min gritted his teeth, blocking and dodging as best he could, but he was quickly being overwhelmed.
**"Adapt,"** the system's voice urged. **"Anticipate your opponent's attacks."**
Jae-min's mind raced. The figure's attacks followed a rhythm—a pattern. It always aimed high before striking low. If he could predict its next move, he might have a chance.
The figure swung high, as expected. Jae-min ducked, his instincts screaming at him to counter. He thrust his sword upward, aiming for its chest. The blade pierced through, but the figure didn't shatter.
Instead, it staggered back, its glow flickering.
"It's not enough," Jae-min realized, his voice trembling. He needed one final blow.
The figure regained its footing and lunged at him, its longsword descending in a powerful arc. Jae-min stepped to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. With every ounce of strength he had left, he swung his sword horizontally, slicing through the figure's torso.
The glowing form froze, its light dimming before it shattered into a cascade of particles.
**"Mission complete. Reward: +10 Star Power."**
---
Jae-min collapsed to his knees, his sword vanishing from his grip. His entire body felt like it was on fire, every muscle screaming in protest. But he didn't care.
The system's voice chimed, its tone neutral yet oddly comforting.
**"Star Power increased. Current total: 15."**
He opened his status screen, his eyes scanning the numbers.
**Name: Jae-min
Star Power: 15
Status: Weak**
It wasn't much, but it was progress. For the first time, he was within reach of the threshold for talent awakening.
---
As the training field dissolved and his apartment reappeared, Jae-min leaned against the wall, his heart pounding. He stared at his trembling hands, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration coursing through him.
"I did it," he whispered.
But deep down, he knew this was just the beginning. The system had given him a chance, but the road ahead would only get tougher. If he wanted to awaken, to prove himself, he had to keep pushing forward.
With three days until the ceremony, there was no time to rest.
**To be continued...**