I opened my eyes slowly, greeted by an unfamiliar ceiling. The surroundings were quiet and calming. I realized I was in the infirmary, lying on a soft bed. Beside me, my mother sat in a chair, her head resting against the bed's edge. It seemed she had stayed by my side, watching over me.
The memory of the spar flooded back into my mind. I remembered the intensity of the fight and, most importantly, my victory. It was a small yet significant milestone in this new world—my first victory. A sense of pride and happiness filled me.
My mother stirred and opened her eyes, her gaze meeting mine instantly. Her worry melted into relief as she spoke.
Mom: "Son, are you alright?"
Jin Mo: "Yes, Mom. I'm alright."
Mom: "Do you feel pain anywhere?"
Jin Mo: "No, Mom. I'm good."
Truthfully, my body ached all over. Every muscle felt like it had been stretched to its limit. But I didn't want to worry her further. I needed to grow stronger—this was just the beginning.
She quickly called for the doctor, who arrived and began a thorough checkup. After a few moments, the doctor reassured her.
Doctor: "No need to worry, Madam Lian Mo. Everything is fine. He merely pushed himself to his limits, which caused the collapse. He just needs a day of rest. After that, he can resume his training."
Mom: "Thank you, doctor."
Doctor: "It's my pleasure, Madam."
The doctor left, and moments later, Sir Cedric Mo entered the room. His imposing figure seemed lighter as his sharp eyes softened when they met mine.
Cedric Mo: "Hello, young master. Are you alright?"
Jin Mo: "Yes, Sir Cedric. I'm feeling great."
Cedric Mo: "Good. I owe you an apology for pushing you so hard. I should have stopped sooner."
Jin Mo: "No, Sir Cedric. It was a great match. There was a fire burning inside me that kept me going even at my limit."
Sir Cedric's lips curled into a small smile as he looked at me with admiration.
Cedric Mo: "You're a genius, young master. Madam Lian, your son's talent in swordsmanship is extraordinary. If he had been born earlier, he could have been the next patriarch of the Mo Clan."
My mother's face lit up with joy at the compliment.
Mom: "Really? That's wonderful! Jin Mo, you're a genius!"
Her happiness warmed my heart. Sir Cedric's next words shocked her further.
Cedric Mo: "Your son defeated me in the spar. I lost."
My mother's eyes widened in disbelief.
Mom: "Is that true?"
Cedric Mo: "It is."
I quickly intervened, trying to downplay the moment.
Jin Mo: "No, Sir Cedric. You were only using one hand, confined to a circle, and solely defending. You were already at a disadvantage."
Cedric Mo: "No, young master. I'm a trained warrior at the Core Formation Realm. Even with those restrictions, no one your age could have pushed me like that. It was your talent that led to my defeat."
I bowed slightly in respect.
Jin Mo: "Thank you, Sir Cedric. It was an honor sparring with you. I learned a lot."
Cedric Mo: "Good. Rest well, young master. Starting tomorrow, meet me at 7 a.m. in the arena. We'll begin your training in earnest."
Jin Mo: "Yes, Sir Cedric."
With that, Sir Cedric left. My mother leaned down, brushing a hand through my hair.
Mom: "Get well soon, my dear."
Jin Mo: "I will, Mom."
After she left, silence enveloped the room—until a familiar ding echoed in my mind.
System Notification:
Side Quest Completed.
Use any one of your skills.
Reward: New Skill: Absorb (3 star)
Nyx appeared beside me, her radiant form glowing with pride.
Nyx: "Congratulations on completing the side quest. You might not remember, but during the fight with Cedric, you unlocked a new skill: Sword Mastery (1 Star) and used it to secure your victory."
Jin Mo: "That's amazing. But what is this Absorb skill?"
Nyx smiled, a hint of excitement in her voice as she explained.
Nyx: "Absorb (3 Stars)
Effect: Jin Mo can absorb the skills, experience, stats, and essence of anything he encounters. Upon defeating or coming into contact with an entity or object, you can absorb its attributes permanently."
My eyes widened in shock.
Jin Mo: "Isn't that… too broken?"
Nyx chuckled softly.
Nyx: "Yes, it is. But this skill is crucial for your journey to conquer Murim."
Her words ignited a fire within me.
Jin Mo: "Thank you, Nyx. I'll use it wisely."
Nyx's expression turned serious for a moment, her voice firm.
Nyx: "Get stronger, Jin Mo. Only the strong survive."
Her words lingered in my mind as determination surged within me. This was just the beginning. My journey had only just begun.