Chapter 5: A Spiritual Purchase
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Kent leaned back against the worn-out couch, exhausted from the day.
He pulled out his phone and swiped lazily through a few notifications.
The New Year's celebration had ended for him and Nima, but his classmates were still posting photos and videos of their fun on social media.
"Oh great," Kent muttered sarcastically, narrowing his eyes at a video titled: "New Year Fireworks at the Golden Plaza!"
The screen flashed with images of his classmates laughing, cheering, and stuffing themselves with expensive food at a fancy restaurant. Bright lights and fireworks reflected off their smiling faces.
He scrolled down further and noticed a trending post in a web forum called World Alliance.
"The Rise of the Awakened: Powers and Their Unknown Potential"
The post was pinned at the top of the forum and had thousands of likes and shares. Curiosity got the better of him, and Kent clicked on it.
World Alliance Post-
"Since the appearance of awakened individuals five years ago, humanity has entered a new era.
People are awakening powers beyond imagination. Some control fire, others manipulate earth, water, or air or some other type of super powers.
Many awakenings are identical, and no one truly knows the full potential of an awakened ability.
The powers depend on one's talent, willpower, and understanding of spiritual energy. But one thing is clear—awakened individuals will shape the future of this world."
Kent sat up, his eyes glued to the screen. "So it's not just random abilities? These guys might not even know how strong they can get."
His thoughts drifted to the fire performer earlier in the carnival—the strange connection he felt to the flames. Could that be related to his system? Was there something inside him waiting to be awakened?
BZZT!
His phone buzzed loudly, interrupting his thoughts. A group SMS popped up from his classmates.
"Class 10c- A New Year Dinner! 🎉🍽️"
Kent's lips twitched into a humorless smile as he opened the message. Photos of lavish dishes and glittering fireworks filled the chat. His classmates sent texts like:
"This restaurant is awesome! The steak melts in your mouth!"
"Cheers to a new year, bros!"
"Why didn't we see Kent anywhere? Lol!"
Kent scrolled through the messages, feeling his chest tighten. He wasn't surprised—he was used to being excluded.
After all, what was a poor egg seller like him doing in a group of rich kids?
"Hah… as if I'd get invited anyway," Kent muttered, forcing a laugh.
Suddenly, a shadow appeared over him.
"What are you looking at?" Nima asked, her voice full of curiosity. She was holding a half-eaten sugar apple, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.
Kent quickly tilted his phone away. "It's nothing."
Nima narrowed her eyes and snatched the phone from his hands before he could stop her.
"Hey—! Give that back!" Kent protested.
Nima's eyes darted over the screen. "Ooooh! Your friends didn't invite you to their fancy dinner?"
Kent stiffened. "No, they did!" he lied, crossing his arms and looking away. "I just didn't want to go because I have a little sister to look after."
Nima raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Oh really?"
"And besides," Kent continued, trying to sound mature, "they're all going to expensive places. Why would I waste money on that? I'd rather save it for us."
Nima smirked, chewing her apple loudly. "Yeah, yeah. I know what you mean. You're not cheap, big brother. You're just… responsible."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she stretched out the word responsible to tease him.
Kent's smile twitched. "Did you just call me cheap?"
"Nooo! I didn't say that!" Nima giggled, stuffing the rest of the apple into her mouth.
Kent grabbed her ear gently and tugged. "Oh, so I'm cheap now, huh?"
"Ow! Ow! I'm kidding!" Nima yelped, swatting his hand away.
Ding!
+15 Spiritual Energy copied from Nima (Frustration).
Kent smiled internally. Easy points.
"Alright, that's enough messing around," Kent said. "Go gather some vegetables from the yard. I'm going to cook something special with the leftover beef from Aunty Zhou(neighbor)."
Nima crossed her arms, frowning. "Why do I have to do all the work?!"
"Because you called me cheap," Kent shot back with a grin.
"Ugh, fine!" Nima stomped outside, muttering under her breath, "kent you mean big brother."
Ding!
+20 Spiritual Energy copied from Nima (Frustration).
Kent chuckled as he sat back down, phone still in hand. He glanced back at the class group chat. The photos of expensive dinners and fireworks didn't sting as much anymore. In fact…
Kent smirked.
Kent: "Wow, you guys are eating food that costs my entire month's income. But why does Xxx's face look like the chicken on the table?"
Classmate 1: "LMAO! Kent, you're hilarious."
Classmate 2: "Bro, you should've come. We'd treat you to a glass of water at least!"
Classmate 3: "Hahaha! Comedy king Kent strikes again!"
Ding!
+40, +55, +60 Spiritual Energy copied from classmates (Joy).
Kent grinned as the points rolled in. "Thank you for the donations, you rich idiots," he muttered under his breath.
He opened the system screen and checked his current balance.
Current SP Balance: 10,250
Kent's eyes widened. "Whoa. I actually crossed ten thousand points?"
For the first time, the system's mysterious store didn't feel so out of reach. He scrolled through the items eagerly, his finger hovering over the glowing Spiritual Fruit for Cultivation.
Spiritual Fruit
Cost: 10,000 SP
Effect: Allows the host to unlock their cultivation foundation by nourishing the body with spiritual energy.
Kent leaned forward, his heart pounding. "If I eat this… I can actually start cultivating. I can become stronger—maybe even awaken some kind of power!"
He clicked the Purchase button.
Ding!
"Purchase successfully. The Item have been placed in inventory."
The screen flickered, and a glowing fruit appeared in the system's Item Storage tab.
It was vibrant blue, about the size of a plum, and pulsed faintly as if alive.
Kent stared at the fruit, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside him. "It's called a fruit, so it's gotta be safe to eat, right?"
He hesitated, holding his hand in front of him as the glowing fruit materialized into his palm with a faint woosh.
It felt cool to the touch, yet waves of energy radiated from it, sending shivers up his arm.
"This is it…" Kent whispered, swallowing hard.
GULP.
He threw the fruit into his mouth and bit down.
CRUNCH.
The texture was soft, almost like biting into a ripe peach. Sweet juice burst onto his tongue, and Kent felt an immediate rush of energy flood through his body.
Suddenly—
BOOOOM!
Kent's entire body exploded with heat. His veins felt like they were on fire, and his heart pounded so loudly it echoed in his ears.
"AAAHHHH!"
He collapsed onto the floor, clutching his chest as golden light erupted from his skin.
Sizzle. Crackle.
His muscles tensed, his bones vibrated, and every cell in his body felt like it was being infused with power.
"It… burns!" Kent grunted through gritted teeth. "What… what is happening?!"
Outside the house, Nima heard the faint sound of a thud. She paused, arms full of vegetables.
"Big brother?" she called. "Did you drop something?"
Back inside, Kent lay panting on the floor as the glow around his body faded. His heart still thudded wildly, but the burning sensation was gone, replaced by an incredible lightness.
He sat up slowly, blinking as he stared at his hands.
"I… I feel different," Kent whispered, flexing his fingers.
His muscles felt firmer, his senses sharper, and for the first time, he could feel the faint hum of spiritual energy flowing through his body.
Ding!
"Congratulations! The host has unlocked their cultivation foundation."
Host: Kent
Physique: level 1 (10 max)
Cultivation: level F
Skills: Copy spiritual energy (SSS)
Kent grinned, his face flushed with exhilaration. "I actually did it. I'm a cultivator now!"
'Yaaahhhooo.'
But before he could celebrate properly, Nima's voice came from outside the door.
"KENT! I swear if you broke something, you're cleaning it up!"
Kent chuckled weakly. "Relax, Nima. I just… tripped."
Ding!
+15 Spiritual Energy copied from Nima (Annoyance).
Kent smirked as he climbed to his feet. The system had given him a foundation, and now, the real journey was about to begin.
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