[Amaterasu: S-Class ability. Each use consumes at least 500 spiritual energy points. The wider the range, the more energy it consumes.]
[Note: Unless the user has awakened the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, all special ocular techniques are limited to five uses. On the sixth attempt, the user will plunge into eternal blindness.]
[Sealless Healing: No hand signs required. Injuries heal automatically. No spiritual energy cap, but more severe injuries consume more energy.]
After purchasing Amaterasu and Sealless Healing, Renji Takahashi's energy points dropped like water through fingers.
Only 450 points remained.
Fortunately, there was still enough for a Cutting Technique, which Renji also purchased without hesitation.
"Well... now I'm broke."
He looked at the remaining 50 points and let out a helpless sigh.
Even though he was a second-gen rich kid, it wasn't enough to just buy out the entire system store.
Still, Renji was quite satisfied. He glanced at his current system stats:
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[Host: Renji Takahashi]
Age: 18
[Spiritual Energy: 600]
[Abilities: Wood, Spirit Eye, Wind, Water, Earth, Thunder, Fire]
[Talent Grade: S]
[Bloodline Traits: Wood Release, Sharingan]
[Mastered Techniques: Sage Mode, Flying Thunder God, Sealless Healing, Wood Release: Grafting, Illusion Art: Phantom Binding… (expandable)]
[Ocular Ability: Amaterasu]
[Spiritual Realm: Advanced Tier 2]
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Not bad.
This birthday haul wasn't a waste after all.
Before he knew it, dusk had crept in. Renji stretched, climbed out of bed, and walked out to check if his father, Ryoji Takahashi, had returned.
"Knock, knock, knock…"
There was a light tapping at the door.
"Uncle Chen! Someone's at the door!" Renji called.
But oddly enough, their family butler Uncle Chen was nowhere to be found.
"Huh? Where'd he go?"
Left with no other choice, Renji went to open the door himself.
The cool evening breeze brushed past him as he opened the door slowly.
"Creak…"
Standing at the door was a delicate face. When she saw him, she smiled—a gentle, spring-like smile that brought with it the faint fragrance of blooming flowers.
It was Yuna . She wore an elegant white dress that exposed her snow-like shoulders. Her bright eyes, porcelain skin, and high ponytail gave her a vibrant yet graceful charm.
"Happy birthday, Renji."
She smiled as she handed him a bouquet of flowers.
"Thanks... Wait, how did you know today was my birthday?"
Renji was surprised. He didn't remember telling Yuna about his birthday.
She giggled. "Uncle Ryoji told us."
"Us?"
Just then, Honoka and Shun Hayashi peeked their heads around from behind her.
"Ding ding ding~! Happy birthday, Renji!"
They each presented their own bouquet of flowers.
"You didn't even tell us beforehand! We couldn't prepare a proper gift, so we just brought flowers. Hope you're not disappointed," Honoka said with a playful grin, sticking out her tongue.
"Come on, this is already too much. Just having you guys here is the best gift. Don't just stand there—come on in!"
Renji hurriedly invited the three of them inside.
"Wow, your house is huge!" Honoka gasped, stunned by the luxurious interior and wide-open space.
"Haha, well… most of it belongs to my dad. Here, have some water first."
Renji poured everyone a glass of water.
"You came at the perfect time. Stay for dinner—I'll cook."
"You can cook, too?! You're amazing, Renji!" Yuna said with admiration.
"Of course!"
Although Ryoji usually handled the cooking, Renji had learned a few tricks.
Just then, Ryoji Takahashi returned home. Seeing the group, he grinned.
"Well, looks like we've got a full house!"
"Good evening, Uncle Ryoji!" the three guests stood up and greeted him politely, straightening like students greeting their teacher.
After all, Ryoji wasn't just Renji's father—he was one of the top three Level-5 Espers, the protector of Azure Dragon City, and a high-ranking officer in the Executive Division.
Few in the entire city weren't at least a little afraid of him.
"Haha, relax. Everyone, sit down."
Ryoji chuckled and waved them to take their seats. Then he turned to Renji:
"Go entertain your friends. I'll handle dinner."
"Thanks, Dad!"
Without hesitation, Renji handed the kitchen over to him and dashed off to rejoin the group.
—
Before long, Ryoji had cooked up a feast.
"Alright, dinner's ready!"
The group gathered around, their mouths watering at the delicious aroma.
"Mmm! Smells amazing!" Yuna inhaled deeply.
"Told you! My dad's cooking is top-tier. I've learned a thing or two as well."
"Here, have a drink."
Ryoji brought out a few bottles of Chipsi-Cola—a rare luxury in a world where even basic resources were hard to come by.
"Let's toast to our birthday boy!"
Ryoji opened the drinks. The others enthusiastically raised their glasses.
"Happy birthday!"
Laughter and chatter filled the room as they enjoyed their meal in high spirits.
For a while, the mood remained cheerful with lighthearted banter.
Then halfway through the meal, Ryoji's tone changed slightly.
"So, you've all been doing field missions lately. How's it been? Getting used to it?"
The table fell quiet.
It was like when your dad interrupts a fun dinner to ask about your grades.
Renji jumped in first to ease the tension. "It's alright… a little dangerous, though."
"You'll have to adapt. This reality isn't going away anytime soon. Could be decades. Could be centuries."
"You may be freshmen now, with mentors and Executive Division support, but one day, you'll be on your own…"
"And when that time comes, your survival will depend on yourselves."
Ryoji's words were heavy, and the others nodded seriously.
"Dad, enough already! This isn't school!" Renji cut in, frowning.
"Haha, you're right. Got a little carried away."
"But let me say one last thing."
"You guys ever thought about joining the Executive Division?"
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