The gentle glow of morning sunlight crept through the window, painting Lin Feng's room in soft gold. He awoke to the comforting sounds of home: his mother humming in the kitchen, the distant laughter of his brother, and the quiet bustle of a new day. For a moment, Lin Feng savored the ordinary peace—a rare treasure after so much chaos.
But today was not an ordinary day. Today, he would return to school for the first time since his journey into the wilds, and he could feel both excitement and nerves swirling in his chest. He rose, dressed quickly, and joined his family for breakfast. His mother pressed an extra steamed bun into his hand with a smile, and his father ruffled his hair with quiet pride.
Stepping into the familiar streets of Qinghe, Lin Feng felt the world anew. The system panel flickered in his mind, its presence now as natural as breathing.
[System Notification: Daily Quest]
Attend school lessons (3/3)
Attend martial arts club training (1/1)
Bonus: Absorb new knowledge and skills.
School: Lessons Learned
The school courtyard buzzed with chatter as Lin Feng joined his classmates. Some stared—word of his return had spread fast—but his closest friends greeted him with relief and warmth. He slipped into his seat just as the bell rang, heart steady.
The day's lessons unfolded: mathematics, literature, and world languages. Lin Feng found himself more focused than ever. As the teacher explained complex equations, a strange clarity filled his mind. When the literature instructor recited ancient poetry, Lin Feng felt the words etching themselves into his memory. During language class, he listened to unfamiliar phrases and—miraculously—understood.
Each time the class ended, the system chimed:
[System Panel]
Attributes gained:
Intelligence +1 (Mathematics)Wisdom +1 (Literature)Language Proficiency: +3 (Mandarin, English, Classical Texts)
Talent unlocked: Polyglot (Basic) – Rapidly learn and understand new languages.
He marveled at the changes. The knowledge seemed to settle in him effortlessly, his mind sharper and more adaptable. Classmates began to notice his quick answers and insightful comments. The teachers, too, watched him with new respect.
The Martial Arts Club
After school, Lin Feng made his way to the Qinghe Martial Arts Club—one of the most prestigious in the region, renowned for producing champions and cultivating true martial spirit. The building loomed ahead, modern yet echoing ancient traditions, banners fluttering above the entrance.
Inside, the air was thick with the sounds of training: the slap of fists on leather, the thud of feet on mats, the shout of instructors drilling forms. Lin Feng approached the front desk, where a tall woman with sharp eyes and a welcoming smile greeted him.
"Welcome to Qinghe Martial Arts Club. Are you here to register?"
Lin Feng nodded, feeling the weight of anticipation. "Yes. My name is Lin Feng."
She handed him a form, then studied him closely. "You look like you've seen real battle, not just the classroom. Good—we value true experience here."
He completed the registration, and the woman motioned for him to follow. "I'm Instructor Zhao. Let's see what you can do. We have an entrance evaluation for all new members."
They entered the main training hall, where students of all ages practiced under the guidance of senior instructors. Lin Feng recognized some from school—others wore championship medals or bore the calm confidence of seasoned fighters.
Instructor Zhao led him to a sparring ring. "You'll face three drills: basic forms, reaction test, and a friendly spar. Don't hold back."
Testing His Skills
Lin Feng performed the basic forms with precision, his body responding with newfound strength and agility. The reaction test was next—a series of quick movements and feints. He moved faster than he ever had before, his Danger Sense talent alerting him to every shift and motion.
Finally came the spar. His opponent, a senior student, grinned as they bowed. The match was fast, intense, but Lin Feng held his own, countering strikes and landing a solid hit to the chest. The watching students murmured in surprise.
As the spar ended, the system buzzed:
[System Panel]
Attributes gained:
Strength +1Agility +1Martial Insight (Basic): +1
Talent Progress: Iron Grip (Basic) 80% → 90%
Quest Complete: School and Martial Training
Reward: Attribute Bonus +2 (distributed randomly)
Language Mastery: You have gained basic proficiency in Japanese and Korean from club materials and conversations.
Instructor Zhao nodded approvingly. "You're skilled, Lin Feng. With training, you could become one of our best. Welcome to the club."
Lin Feng bowed, heart pounding with pride and anticipation. He glanced at his system, seeing the day's gains and feeling the potential for even more. Surrounded by new friends, teachers, and rivals, he knew this was only the beginning.
As the sun set over Qinghe, Lin Feng walked home, stronger in mind, body, and spirit. The world was wide, his journey just begun—but with each lesson and every challenge, he would continue to grow.