Morning – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
The sunlight slipped through the curtains, brushing against Ryota's face.
He slowly opened his eyes and stretched his arms, expecting the usual soreness from yesterday's intense training. But instead, he felt... light. His body didn't ache. His mind wasn't sluggish.
Ryota (Thinking): Huh? Why do I feel... not tired?
He sat up and clenched his fists. His muscles responded smoothly. There was no heaviness. He stood up and walked to the mirror, tilting his head as he examined his reflection.
His eyes widened. His body looked different.
Still thin, yes, but his shoulders weren't as narrow anymore. His arms seemed slightly firmer, his chest a bit tighter. It wasn't dramatic, but the difference was there is subtle, yet real.
He flexed both arms, grinning.
Ryota: Rui... what the hell are you? This is so cool. Thank you for making me stronger!
Rui: That is nice to hear from you. Now, would you like to see more of the system? Since you are now comfortable, perhaps you want to see what else it can do.
Ryota: What, there's more?!
Rui: Precisely.
Ryota leaned closer to the mirror, eyes shining with curiosity.
Rui: After reaching Ancestral Level 10, you will unlock System Points, it is a function similar to a real-life shop. With these points, you can buy various items such as potions, energy drinks, equipment, and more.
Ryota: Wait, so it's like an in-game shop?
Rui: Exactly. However, there are rules. You can earn System Points only by winning official basketball matches. But you cannot cheat. If you attempt to manipulate a win, the system will penalize you.
Ryota: Penalty?
Rui: Your stamina will be drained for one full hour. You will experience complete exhaustion as punishment.
Ryota: Whoa, that's... harsh. But fair, I guess. So I have to win properly.
Rui: Indeed. Integrity is a core parameter of this system.
Ryota: Wait, equipment? What do you mean by that? Don't tell me I can buy swords or something!
Rui: No. Equipment here refers to basketball gear: shoes, training outfits, gloves, wristbands, literally anything that enhances your athletic performance. These items provide Statistic Bonuses while you are wearing them.
Ryota: Ohh, okay! So they're like buffs!
Rui: Correct. Allow me to show you your Equipment and Booster Stats. Currently, since you have not purchased or used any items, they remain zero.
[Equipment & Booster Stats] (Different from Real Stats)
Stamina – 0
Flexibility – 0
Strength – 0
Speed – 0
IQ – 0
Shooting – 0
Ryota: So, if I drink, like, an energy drink from your shop that has +5 Stamina, that "0" becomes 5? Meaning my Stamina Level 4 will temporarily become Level 9?
Rui: Yes, that is correct. You are keeping up well, Ryota.
[CURRENT BASE STATS]
Stamina – Level 4 + 5 from energy drink = Level 9
Flexibility – Level 2
Strength – Level 8
Speed – Level 4
IQ – Level 12
Shooting – Level 2
Ancestral Level: 6
Rui: Furthermore, more features will unlock as you progress, such as the Relationship Tracker and the Knowledge Database. However, some remain inaccessible until certain conditions are met.
Ryota: Relationship tracker? Knowledge database? Damn, I'm getting excited. I feel so overpowered already... I could probably join the NBA right now!
He laughed, scratching the back of his head.
Ryota: ...But nah. I'm already 17. It is too late already.
Outside, the soft sound of rain began to fall.
Ryota (Thinking): It's raining... and we've got no school today. Perfect day to train.
Afternoon – Kagawa Residence
He dropped to the floor and started doing push-ups.
One... two... three...
His arms burned, but he didn't stop.
After several sets, he wiped the sweat from his face and moved on to pull-ups, then sit-ups, then squats. When he was done, he cleaned the house, did his homework, answered messages, then ate a heavy meal before starting another round of training.
The rain outside kept pouring, but Ryota didn't care. He was in the zone.
Hours passed. His body trembled with exhaustion, but his heart raced with satisfaction.
Then, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
+1 Ancestral Level Acquired
Current Level: 7
Select Four Attributes to Enhance
Ryota (Thinking): hmmm which ones.. maybe these stamina and Flexibility 2 each!
[UPDATED STATS]
Stamina – Level 6
Flexibility – Level 4
Strength – Level 8
Speed – Level 4
IQ – Level 12
Shooting – Level 2
Ancestral Level: 7
Ryota collapsed on the floor, breathing heavily but smiling wide.
Ryota (Thinking): Damn... I'm really improving. Slowly, but surely.
After resting for a bit, he stood up, took a long bath, and got dressed.
He grabbed his car keys and headed out. The sky was still gray from the rain, but the streets were calm.
Evening – Skyline Mall, Matsumoto City
He parked near the mall, humming lightly as he walked through the entrance. His eyes darted around the sports section he saw balls, jerseys, sneakers, everything he needed.
He picked up a basketball and bounced it a few times.
Ryota (Thinking): Not bad... good grip.
Then he saw a basketball ring on display.
A wide grin spread across his face.
Ryota: This is it. I'm definitely buying this.
He grabbed the ring, the ball, and a few other training items. Then he turned to the shoe section. Rows of colorful sneakers lined the shelves. He scanned through each pair until one caught his eye, clean, lightweight, perfect for quick footwork.
Ryota (Thinking): Yeah... these feel right.
He tried them on and nodded with satisfaction.
When he reached the counter, the total flashed: 120K Yen.
Ryota: Not bad. Totally worth it.
Night – Kagawa Residence, Backyard
By the time he got home, the rain had stopped.
He unloaded everything, arranged the items neatly, and walked to the backyard, where an empty space waited.
He spent an hour assembling the new basketball ring.
When it was finally standing tall, he stepped back and admired it.
The faint evening light reflected on the new rim.
Ryota (Thinking): This... this is it. I love this.
He grabbed his ball, spun it in his hand, then took a deep breath.
He aimed, released, swish. The ball cut cleanly through the net.
A smile formed on his face as the echo of the shot faded through the quiet air.
Ryota (Thinking): This is just the beginning.
He dribbled again, feeling the rhythm, the weight, the pulse of his growing strength.
The system hummed faintly in his mind, waiting, observing.
Rui: Training efficiency: 87%. You are improving at an impressive rate, Ryota.
Ryota: Heh. Watch me go higher, Rui.
He took another shot. Another swish. Another smile.
Morning – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
The sky was clear and calm. Ryota adjusted his uniform and checked his reflection in the mirror. His face looked sharper now. His shoulders were not slouched like before. For the first time in a while, he looked confident.
He grabbed his backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and wheeled his bicycle out of the gate. The morning breeze brushed his face as he pedaled down the street. The city was alive with honking cars and rushing footsteps.
Ryota (Thinking): Traffic is insane today. Good thing I got this bike.
Halfway to school, he stopped by the small bakery he owned. The smell of fresh bread filled the air. Workers were already arranging trays of pastries on the shelves and greeting customers with warm smiles.
Ryota: Good morning, everyone.
Aiko: Oh Ryota-kun! You are early today. We just finished counting the week's profit.
She handed him the ledger. Ryota scanned the numbers and raised an eyebrow.
Ryota: 150k yen? Not bad at all. For a small place like ours, that's impressive keep it up guys!
Aiko: I told you those new sandwich rolls would sell! You doubted me, huh?
Ryota: Guess I did. Alright, good job everyone. Im giving extra salary next week for each of you.
The workers smiled and happy thanking him for his kindness.
Ryota: I'll bring some new ingredients next week.
He waved goodbye giving Aiko a light pat on the shoulder before stepping out.
Aiko: Take care, boss!
He smiled and pedaled away. The sound of his tires cut through the hum of morning life.
As he passed a nearby park, Ryota slowed down.
On the open basketball court, a group of kids were playing. Their laughter echoed across the street. The ball bounced, sneakers squeaked, and one of them missed a layup.
Ryota stopped for a moment, watching them.
Ryota (Thinking): Before I got this system, maybe my strength was only around their level. Still underdeveloped, weak. But now, if I keep training and studying hard, I can be a hundred times better.
He smiled softly then pedaled on.
Morning – Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool
He arrived at the gate just as the bell rang. The halls were buzzing with chatter, the familiar chaos of students rushing to class.
He walked into his classroom and sat in his usual seat near the window.
Reiji: BRO! What happened to you??
Ryota blinked as his best friend dropped his bag beside him, eyes wide in shock.
Reiji: You are glowing, dude! You've been hitting the gym or something. You look way less like a zombie now. Is this because of the barbecue the other day? We can eat more if that's the trick.
Ryota: Nah, nothing like that. Maybe I just trained harder than usual... and ate a lot. Hehehe.
In the corner of the room, a tall guy with brown hair and cold green eyes watched him quietly. He was new, or maybe Ryota had never really noticed him before. The height is unknown because he is always sitting, lean but built, and strangely quiet.
Ryota (Thinking): Weird. Why is he staring at me??
He ignored the thought as Reiji kept talking.
Reiji: Hey, wanna play some ball later? You look pumped, bro!
Ryota hesitated. The last thing he wanted was to show off too much. His sudden improvement was already suspicious enough.
Ryota: Nah, not today. I've got stuff to do later..
Reiji: Huh? Alright, fine. Then let's just play online tonight. You can't back out on that.
Ryota: Deal!
As the final bell rang, students began to pour out. Reiji offered him a ride in his car.
Reiji: I can drop you off if you want.
Ryota almost accepted, but then he saw someone waiting near the gate. His father, Yori, was standing beside his car with a serious expression.
Ryota: Nah, it's fine. I'll take my bike. I like the air.
Reiji: Alright, bro. See you tonight.
Afternoon – Outside the School
Yori approached with calm but firm steps.
Yori: Hey, son. How are you? Let's talk. Get inside the car.
Ryota: Uh... I can just follow you home on my bike.
Yori: No. Get inside. Your bike can wait.
There was something in his tone, not anger but weight. Ryota hesitated, then sighed and got in.
The ride was quiet. Neither spoke for several minutes until Yori finally parked by a forested area outside the city, near a steep cliff overlooking old abandoned houses.
Ryota: Dad... where are we.
Yori: This is where I met your mother. She lived here back then. She was beautiful, kind, gentle, strong.
Ryota: Why are you telling me this now.
Yori: Because it's time you knew the truth. About me. About you.
Ryota: What do you mean.
Yori: I'm a demon, Ryota.
There was silence. Then Ryota burst out laughing.
Ryota: Hahaha, good one, Dad. You're hilarious...
But Yori didn't laugh.
Yori: I'm serious. I've watched you closely these past few days. You've changed too fast, physically and mentally. I've seen you talk to someone when no one's around. You've been training, improving, almost like you're possessed by something. I think the creature that entered you that day gave you powers.
Ryota froze.
Ryota: How... how do you know that? Wait, what do you mean by "creature"? Dad, this is crazy! You're saying you're a demon and I'm being controlled? You've been stalking me?
Yori: I didn't spy. I protected. Because, son... you're half demon.
Ryota's breath hitched.
Ryota: No. No way. That's impossible. Demons aren't real.
Yori's expression hardened. Slowly, he let his true form show. Horns curved from his forehead. His eyes glowed red and blue. Dark wings unfolded from his back, stretching wide in the fading light.
Ryota stumbled back.
Ryota: What the... What are you.
Rui: Danger detected. Non-human entity approaching. Retreat immediately.
Ryota: Shut up! I... I can't... Dad?!
He ran behind a half-broken wall, shaking. His heart thundered, but later his dad found him and talked to him.
Yori: I'm sorry, Ryota. I didn't want to scare you. But you had to know.
Ryota: Where's Mom?
Yori: I... don't know.
Ryota's eyes softened, confusion and fear mixing inside him.
Ryota: I'm sorry, Dad. I just... I don't know what to believe right now.
Yori: I understand, son. Take your time.
Rui's voice still echoed faintly in his mind, mechanical but cautious.
Rui: Host remains in proximity of a Class-D entity. Risk level: high.
Ryota ignored it. For the first time, he didn't respond to Rui. He just wanted silence.
Evening – Kagawa Residence
They drove back quietly. Yori helped load the bike into the car, dropped him off at home, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Yori: Take care, son. You're safe with me. Always.
Then he drove off, leaving Ryota standing in front of the gate.
Ryota stared blankly at the sky, the orange sunset fading into gray. He walked inside, dropped his bag, and collapsed on the couch.
Hours passed before he woke up again. His mind was spinning.
Ryota (Thinking): My mom's missing... my dad's a demon... and I'm half demon too. What the hell is happening to my life.
He rubbed his face, trying to process it all.
Ryota: Rui, why did you call my dad "danger"? He's my father.
Rui: Because your fear response spiked when you saw him, and his physiology is not human. Any non-human entity is marked as a potential threat by default.
Ryota: So even if he's my dad, you'd still see him as an enemy.
Rui: Unless proven harmless through repeated interaction. That is how I'm programmed.
Ryota stared at the ceiling, heart heavy.
Ryota (Thinking): Half demon... system powers... what am I supposed to be now dont tell me im also an elephant.
The rain began again outside, tapping gently on the roof, the same rhythm as the confusion beating inside his chest.
Ryota (Thinking): I don't know what's happening anymore... but I'll find..
To be continued...