Winter turned to spring, summer to autumn. In the blink of an eye, seven years had passed since Si Shu arrived in this world.
He could already hold and swing a sword at the age of three. For the next five years, he endured biting cold and scorching heat, torrential rain and punishing hail. No matter the obstacle, nothing stopped him from swinging his blade.
And now, he was just moments away from completing his very first mission.
[99,998/100,000] [99,999/100,000] [100,000/100,000]
As he silently counted the final swing, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations, Host. Specialist-level Swordsmanship has broken through to Master-level Swordsmanship.] [Quest: Swing a blade 100,000 times - Complete.] [Early completion detected. A bonus reward will be issued for this mission.] [Gift Pack (including bonus reward) has been delivered. Open it?]
Taking a deep breath, Si Shu calmed his racing heart. "Open."
[Opening Gift Pack... Opening complete.]
The moment the pack was opened, a series of notifications flooded Si Shu's mind.
[Factoring in Host's existing abilities, Master-level Swordsmanship (0/1,000,000) has been upgraded to 300,000/1,000,000.] [Factoring in Host's existing abilities, Novice-level Physical Arts (1,320/10,000) has been upgraded to Specialist-level Physical Arts (10,000/100,000).] [Factoring in Host's existing abilities, Basic-level Cooking (892/1,000) has been upgraded to Specialist-level Cooking.]
Just when Si Shu thought the rewards were over, the system spoke again.
[Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the skill: Basic Forging (0/1,000).] [Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the skill: Specialist Medicine.] [Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the skill: Specialist Economics.] [Specialist Cooking / Medicine / Economics: 0/100,000.]
From the system, Si Shu learned that all skills were divided into seven tiers: Basic, Novice, Specialist, Master, Grandmaster, Transcendent, and Supreme. Each tier required a specific number of points to advance. Basic to Novice required one thousand points, while Novice to Specialist required ten thousand. All tiers could be advanced with points, though the conditions for advancing from Transcendent to Supreme were unknown.
For any skill below Master-level, he could improve simply through daily practice. To advance at the Master-level and beyond, however, he would need rewards from the system or have to find a way to break through on his own.
This first completion bonus was enough to send Si Shu soaring. Not only did his Master-level Swordsmanship get a massive boost, but his Physical Arts and Cooking also jumped to the Specialist level. Not to mention the new skills—Forging, Medicine, and Economics—which were a delightful surprise.
"First-time bonuses really are the best," he thought. "This feels amazing."
Just as he assumed the rewards were finished, another voice sounded in his mind.
[Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the skill: Ageless Body (Plain Version / Deluxe Version voice pack).]
For some reason, hearing the mention of a "voice pack" sent a slight chill down Si Shu's spine. It felt as if the system had dug a giant pit and was cheerfully inviting him to jump in. Learning from his previous experience with the "Unlucky Version," he resolutely chose the "Deluxe Version" this time.
[Loading Deluxe voice pack... Load successful.]
The next second, the sound of various musical instruments erupted in his mind, followed by a booming, cheerful voice like a TV pitchman.
[Are you troubled by the passing of years? Are you worried about the wearying effects of growing old? With the Ageless Body, a product of this very system, your body will forever maintain its peak strength and vitality! We'll keep you vigorous as a dragon and fierce as a tiger! Your energy levels will be... OFF THE CHARTS! Don't dial 998, not even 688, for the low, low price of—]
Si Shu mentally blocked the rest of the message before the system could finish. Simply put, "Ageless Body" just meant he no longer had to worry about aging.
He looked down at his small, seven-year-old body and shrugged.
"Well, it's better than nothing. At least I don't have to worry about the embarrassing fate of dying of old age."
He stretched slightly, and a series of popping sounds, like firecrackers, echoed from his joints. His understanding of the way of the sword was profoundly deeper, and his body's reactions were sharper and faster. Even with the natural disadvantages of a child's body, Si Shu was certain of one thing.
He was already stronger than he had been in his past life.
Just as he was about to find a place to test his newfound strength, he heard footsteps approaching from behind. He turned to see Yoriichi Tsugikuni, dressed in his samurai attire, standing there.
"Master."
After bringing him back, Yoriichi had never taught him any advanced swordsmanship or physical techniques. All he had provided were a few simple training methods. Because Yoriichi preferred solitude, the master and disciple lived in a very remote location. Besides the occasional visitor who delivered food and supplies, they were almost always alone. Furthermore, Yoriichi was often away hunting demons, so the time he could spend with Si Shu was limited.
This was why, for the past seven years, Si Shu could only focus on relentlessly honing his swordsmanship while his other abilities progressed slowly.
But even so, Si Shu held no resentment towards Yoriichi. The simple act of raising him was enough to earn his lifelong respect.
"You've changed since before," Yoriichi said after observing him carefully. "Every time I return, you manage to surprise me."
Si Shu smiled faintly. "Have I? I've only persevered where most people would give up."
Yoriichi nodded, saying nothing more. A flicker of approval crossed his face; he was very satisfied with Si Shu's answer.
He could speak at one and hold a sword at three. For the five years after that, he trained relentlessly. Even though I was never able to properly look after or instruct him, he persevered all on his own.
As his disciple, Si Shu could have easily used that status to live a comfortable and lazy life. But instead, he chose a difficult path—the arduous path to true strength.
He possesses talent and strength, yet remains humble and knows his limits.
This simple thought was Yoriichi's highest praise for Si Shu.
"Continue your training. I am going back to rest. If there is anything you don't understand, you can come and ask me." Unable to express his emotions well, these simple words were Yoriichi's way of showing his affection for his disciple.
Just as he turned to leave, Si Shu suddenly spoke up.
"Please wait!"
Yoriichi's steps halted instantly. He turned back to look at Si Shu. Though he was curious, he knew Si Shu would not call out to him without reason. He only ever did so for matters he considered truly important.
Taking a deep breath, Si Shu looked directly into Yoriichi's eyes. As their gazes met, Yoriichi saw something in the boy's eyes that wasn't there before.
It was a thirst—a powerful thirst for new knowledge.
"Master," Si Shu declared, his voice firm and clear. "I want to learn a Breathing Style!"