Chapter 9. Training Simulation.

This story, passed down through generations in countless forms, always ignited a fire in the hearts of those who heard it. Every child who listened dreamed of becoming a legendary hero, just like the Ten Founders. Well, almost every child. Alastor was different.

He'd always harbored doubts about the tale. The gaps in the narrative were too significant. How was ordinary humans capable of clearing an S-Tier Abyssal Seed filled with creatures of unimaginable power? What secrets did the Founders uncover within those chaotic realms? And how did they ascend to become the undisputed pinnacle of human strength, their abilities unmatched for three decades?

Despite his skepticism, Alastor trained relentlessly. Finishing his speed trials, he moved on to the next challenge. A towering robot, forged from what seemed like impenetrable metal, materialized before him. Its eyes, glowing with menacing light, locked onto Alastor, sending a shiver down his spine. He knew instantly he was no match for its metallic brawn. Thankfully, this test wasn't about brute force; it was about mental acuity – metal retention, to be precise.

Suddenly, a blueprint of the robot flickered in his mind, highlighting weak points and outlining a sequence of attacks for a potential takedown. Just as quickly as it appeared, the blueprint vanished, leaving Alastor scrambling to grasp the fleeting information. He'd managed to absorb the most crucial details, enough to scrape by, but it was far from easy.

Subsequent rounds tested his accuracy and precision with his chosen weapons – a pair of gauntlets with retractable claws and a trusty dagger.

And lastly was the challenge he had just completed, his body buzzing with exhaustion.

-----

[The current time]

Alastor collapsed onto the ground, allowing his body a moment of respite before focusing on the system interface shimmering before him.

-----

[Congratulations Host!]

[You have successfully completed the training simulation.]

[Analyzing Performance Data…]

<Performance Analysis:>

>Tactical Proficiency: Above Average

>Weapon mastery: Novice

>Combat Adaptability: Satisfactory

[Rewards:]

>Experience Points: +500 EXP

>Stat Points: +3

>Agility Attribute Points: +2

<System Message:>

[Excellent work, Host. Your strategic thinking in analyzing the robot's weak points and adapting your attack patterns demonstrates promise. Continue to hone your skills, and you will become a force to be reckoned with.]

-----

A satisfied smile spread across Alastor's face as he reviewed his progress.

"Status," he commanded.

-----

[Status]

_Name: Alastor Havensworth

_Title: (Locked)

_Level: 4

_Exp: 850/4000

_HP: 160/160

_Energy: 190/190

〔Attributes〕

>Agility: 17

>Strength: 11

>Defence: 8

>Stealth: 7

>Perception: 3

>Assassination: Null

〔Stats point- 6〕

-----

"Cool," Alastor muttered, pushing himself to his feet.

"System, how long was I in there?"

"[12 hours 19 minutes]," the system replied in its cheerful, childlike voice.

"Hmm, that long?" Alastor mused, lost in thought. Time seemed to melt away when he was absorbed in training.

"[Prepare to return back]," the system announced.

With a familiar flash of light, identical to the one that had brought him here, Alastor found himself back in his room. His clothes were damp with sweat, clinging to his skin. A bath was definitely in order before venturing out for breakfast.

Despite the early hour – only 9 am – Alastor felt a pang of hunger gnawing at his stomach. It was as if he hadn't eaten in days.

Outside, the streets were wet and glistening, evidence of a recent downpour. The sky remained overcast, cloaked in a blanket of gray clouds. Alastor made his way through the damp streets towards Uncle Tris' fast food stand, his stomach rumbling in anticipation.

As he approached, Uncle Tris' eyes lit up, a welcoming smile spreading across his face.

"Ohh, hey kiddo!"

"Hey Uncle Tris," Alastor greeted, reaching the stand.

"Heard you awakened your ability," Uncle Tris said, his smile widening.

"That's right, I got [Speed]," Alastor replied, a hint of pride in his voice.

Previously, he might have felt a tinge of disappointment when talking about his ability, but after his recent training session, he was beginning to understand its true potential.

"Oh, so you're a speedster now! How amazing! I never doubted you for a second, kiddo," Uncle Tris exclaimed, beaming at Alastor.

"Thanks, Uncle Tris," Alastor replied, returning the smile.

Just then, Annie appeared, carrying a couple of bags. She'd obviously been out running errands.

"Hey, Annie!" Alastor greeted her.

The young girl's eyes lit up as she spotted Alastor.

"Hey, Timmy!" She practically glowed with excitement, dropping the bags and rushing towards him.

"Easy there, sweetie, he's not going anywhere," Uncle Tris chuckled, he couldn't help but worry that Annie, in her enthusiasm, might crash into something.

But Annie, lost in her excitement, ignored her father and continued her headlong dash towards Alastor.

"Show me, show me!" she exclaimed, grabbing Alastor's hand before he could react to her sudden appearance. It was clear she wanted a demonstration of his new abilities.

"Calm down, young lady," Uncle Tris interjected. "This isn't really the right place..."

"I don't care! Show me now, pretty please!" Annie pleaded, gazing up at Alastor with wide, irresistible eyes.

'Oh, no, not the puppy-dog eyes again. How can anyone resist those?' Alastor thought, feeling himself weakening under Annie's adorable plea.

[Simple, just close your goddamn eyes, idiot host.] A message flashed across Alastor's internal interface.

'Motherfu...'

"Come on, Timmy!" Annie's insistent voice interrupted his silent argument with the system.

"Okay, okay! No need for those eyes," Alastor relented, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Yes!" Annie cheered, her face breaking into a triumphant grin.

"Now, step back a little," Alastor instructed.

Annie immediately let go of his hand and scampered back a few paces. Even Uncle Tris couldn't completely hide his curiosity. After all, who wouldn't want to see a real-life superhuman in action?

Once Annie was a safe distance away, Alastor shot forward. He started slowly, cautious of being so close to Uncle Tris, Annie, and the somewhat flimsy-looking fast food stand. But once he had a bit of space, he accelerated, hitting 120 m/s, a blur of motion that zipped across the street.

He executed a swift turn at the end of the street, returning to his starting point in a matter of seconds. Uncle Tris and Annie stared, mouths agape, as he came to a stop in front of them.

"Wow, that's so cool, Timmy!" Annie squealed, jumping up and down in excitement.

"Good job, kiddo! Never thought I'd see a human run faster than a hover bike!" Uncle Tris added, clearly impressed.

"Thanks, both of you! And by the way, it's Alastor now, not Timmy anymore," Alastor announced, taking the opportunity to officially introduce his new name.

"Oh, that's a great name! I never really liked 'Timmy' to be honest. Sounded a bit childish, but you're a man now, so good job with the new name, kiddo! Now you sound like a true hero!" Uncle Tris gave Alastor a thumbs-up.

"I like the name too," Annie chimed in, grabbing onto Alastor's arm again.

"Not as much as I like your speed, though!"

Alastor smiled; he'd won them over. It wasn't difficult, really. Changing one's name after awakening their bloodline abilities wasn't unheard of.

-----

[Name Recognition: 2 people acknowledge your true identity, congratulations host, keep it up! +2 Influence Points earned.]

-----

"Nice," Alastor murmured under his breath.

"Alright, sweetheart, let the boy be," Uncle Tris called out to Annie, who was still clinging to Alastor.

Reluctantly releasing her grip on Alastor's arm, Annie went back inside the stand to help her father. It looked like they were just reopening after the rain, so there was still plenty to be done.

After getting his breakfast, Alastor found a nearby stool and settled down to eat, his mind already lost in thought. But he was soon interrupted by a shadow falling across him.

"Oh, hey Annie, do you need something?" Alastor asked, looking up to find Annie hovering over him.

"Oh, it's nothing, really. I just wanted to ask how you were doing. Porter said you seemed kinda down after the bloodline awakening ceremony. I just thought I'd check up on you, make sure you were okay," Annie replied, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Oh, I'm doing much better now, nothing to worry about. Thanks for checking in, Annie," Alastor replied with a warm smile, reaching out to ruffle her hair playfully.

"That's good to hear," Annie said, her face breaking into a grin. But it quickly vanished as she added, "And stop ruffling my hair! You're only two years older than me, stop treating me like a little kid."

"Okay, okay, little woman," Alastor chuckled, watching as she marched back towards the food stand.

'How thoughtful of her,' he mused to himself as he watched Annie rejoin her father. 'But I wouldn't expect anything less from a dad like Uncle Tris.'

Turning his attention back to his breakfast, Alastor finished his meal and rose from his seat, preparing to leave.

"System," he asked, "how long until I'm transported to my next training session?"