"I will win! This is my final attack!"
Boom! An explosion erupted as Art succeeded in forcing his opponent to absorb energy beyond their limits, resulting in a massive burst of power.
"Hah... I won," Art muttered exhaustedly before collapsing unconscious.
Four hours later, Art opened his eyes. He was still inside the simulation system room, but the environment had transformed into what appeared to be an incredibly comfortable chamber.
"Is this still the system room...?" Art murmured in confusion.
"Yes, this is the system room. After you passed out, I adjusted it to have a high mental recovery rate. And don't worry about time—here, time flows at a 1:2 ratio. So even though you've been here for 6 hours (since you were unconscious for 4), only 3 hours have passed outside," the System explained calmly.
"So that's why? No wonder I feel refreshed. Even though I was the one who lasted till the end, I've realized that battle experience heavily influences the flow of combat. And information can be a huge advantage against strong enemies!" Art said with newfound understanding.
Unconsciously, Art had begun shaping his character—one that valued intelligence, sought to conceal his own weaknesses, and gathered as much crucial information as possible.
"Well, you're quite remarkable for a first-timer. But from now on, you can only run simulations once a day. They consume too much mental energy," the System said in its calm tone.
"Is that so? Then I'll have to reach Level 10 as fast as possible to obtain the first ring. That way, I can unlock the second ring's simulations!" Art declared with fiery determination.
"If you want to simulate more frequently, you'll need greater mental energy. But if you reach Level 20, you'll gain one additional simulation per day."
After hearing the System's explanation, Art resolved to strengthen his spiritual energy without compromising its quality.
"Hmm... Lunchtime is still a while away—about two more hours. I'll train my physical body to better harness the power built through meditation. My "White Aura Hunt" needs to grow stronger!" Art vowed.
---
Lunchtime.
Art returned from training, carrying fresh fish he'd caught from the river—even though it was quite far from the village.
"I'll grill these fish for lunch—for Uncle Jack and me."
But before Art could light the fire with the branches he'd gathered from the forest near the village, Uncle Jack arrived home.
"Art, you want grilled fish for lunch? This time, I'll help you cook them," Uncle Jack said with a warm smile.
After enjoying Uncle Jack's grilled fish, Arthur asked about a book his uncle had bought long ago.
"Uncle, do you still have that book about spiritual entities you once bought?" Art asked curiously.
"Ah, that book? Alright, I'll look for it after I finish the farm work this evening."
"Thank you, Uncle Jack!" Arthur replied cheerfully.
After their conversation, Arthur resumed his physical training on the mountain near the village until dusk. The sunset painted the western horizon crimson as Art finished his exercises. His muscles ached, but his spirit felt alive! Every breath seemed to draw in the very energy of the universe!
From a distance, smoke curled from the chimney of Uncle Jack's house. That book about spiritual beings must be waiting...
That night, after Art finished training on the mountain near the village, bathed in starlight—as if stepping out of a breathtaking painting—
"Art , I found that book about 'soul creatures' I bought a long time ago! I've placed it on the bookshelf. But before you read it, you should take a bath first. I've already heated the water in the kitchen!" said Uncle Jack, who was busy preparing dinner.
"Ah, thank you, uncle ! I'll read it after my bath!" Art replied enthusiastically.
After dinner, Art soaked in the warm water Uncle Jack had prepared. Steam rose around him as the starlight and moonlight over Saint Village painted a scene of serene beauty.
"A warm bath really hits the spot after a workout... though cold water would've been more refreshing!" Art murmured lazily.
After a long soak, Arthur finally settled down to read the book he hadn't touched in three years. It seemed Uncle Jack had cleaned it meticulously.
"I never noticed before, but this book is actually split into two volumes! From the left, it starts with 'Spirit Beasts,' and from the right, 'Spirit Plants.' But... it seems like this is just a basic introduction. The spirit beasts listed are from the 'Spirit Forest' of Nouding City, without detailed characteristics. Though there are a few exceptions, like the 'Moonlight Vine'—it has excellent healing properties for both internal and external injuries!" Art mused quietly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Once he'd read enough, Art began practicing "White Aura Hunt." By now, he was so accustomed to it that he could meditate without sitting cross-legged. Without realizing it... Arthur fell asleep while still maintaining "White Aura Hunt"!
"Hahh... seems like my body clock just wakes me up at 4 a.m. now!" Art said as he straightened his bedding.
The moment he got up, he dashed toward the small forest near the lake at the edge of the village. Today, Arthur would train his energy control—inspired by something he'd once seen in an anime. He started with the most basic exercise: sticking a leaf to his head to train his focus!
"I'll attach this leaf to my head using 'Spirit Energy'! This should sharpen my concentration!" Art declared confidently.
But...
"Oof—?!"
Before he could even smile, reality struck. It wasn't that easy! Arthur had forgotten—even if he was mimicking a memory, he was learning this completely on his own, without any guidance!
"Tch...! I won't give up! This is just a tiny pebble on the long road ahead!" Art's determination hardened, his eyes blazing with spirit.
And... before he knew it, the sun was high in the sky. But Arthur was slowly grasping the method: focusing "Spirit Energy" to envelop the leaf stuck to his head. Though... the amount of energy he used was still way too much!
"Hah...! A little more... I'm almost there—!"
TO BE CONTINUED...!