Chapter 6:What is the connection?

After three hours of reading, Alex received a notification that interrupted his focus.

"Ding, you have gained 5 villain points. You have hit the maximum limit for gaining villain points by reading books. Find out new ways to gain villain points."

Alex paused, reflecting on the message. It was clear that he needed to diversify his actions to accumulate more points. He decided to check his stats to better understand his current standing.

"Status," he commanded.

A transparent screen appeared before him, displaying several options:

1. [Stats]

2. [Shop]

3. [Lottery]

4. [Villain Points]

However, options 2, 3, and 4 were grayed out and unresponsive. With no other choice, Alex pressed the "Stats" button.

Stats:

Name: Aldric Mars (Alex)

Age: 5

Strength: 2

Agility: 3

Intelligence: 8.2

Charm: 5

Luck: 4 (Luck can only increase by defeating protagonists.)

Villain Points: 10

Overall Remark: A young gentleman who prefers more brains over brawls.

He scrutinized the numbers, noting the areas where he was lacking.

"System, how many Villain Points are needed to increase a stat?"

"It would be 2 villain points to add one stat point."

Alex pondered this, recognizing that his physical capabilities were significantly below average. He decided to address his weaknesses first.

"Add 3 stat points to Strength and 2 stat points to Agility."

The screen was updated:

### Stats:

Name: Aldric Mars (Alex)

Age: 5

Strength: 5

Agility: 5

Intelligence: 8.2

Charm: 5

- Luck: ???

Villain Points: 0

Overall Remark: He is now on the level of a prodigy at his age, but normal human adults have an average stat of 6.5.

A warm sensation coursed through his body as the stat points were allocated. His muscles felt stronger, and his movements seemed more fluid.

Just then, the majestic door to the library opened, and the old butler entered, bowing respectfully.

"Young master, the duke is calling you to the training grounds."

Alex nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was his chance to test his newfound strength. He made his way to the training grounds, where he saw the duke practicing with a spear in a manner that was both precise and powerful.

The duke, a tall and imposing figure, moved with a grace that belied his strength. Each thrust and parry of the spear were executed with deadly precision. Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he watched his father.

"Father," Alex called out, stepping onto the training ground.

The duke paused, his intense gaze softening slightly as he regarded his son. "Aldric, you've decided to train."

"Yes, Father. I want to become stronger and learn the family's cultivation techniques."

The duke nodded with a hint of approval in his eyes. "Very well. Watch closely."

He resumed his practice, demonstrating a series of spear techniques that Alex recognized as part of the Mars family's secret spearmanship manual. Each strike and maneuver was designed to exploit an opponent's weaknesses and maximize damage.

"These are the fundamentals," the duke explained. "Mastering them is crucial before moving on to more advanced techniques."

Alex watched intently, committing each movement to memory. He was determined to excel and prove himself worthy of the Mars family's legacy.

As the sun cast its golden rays over the training grounds, Alex felt a mixture of excitement and mystery. He was about to witness the Mars family's legendary spearmanship, an art that had been passed down through generations and was the cornerstone of their strength and influence.

The duke, his father, stood tall in the center of the training area, holding a spear that gleamed in the sunlight. The weapon seemed almost alive, an extension of his formidable presence. With a nod, the duke beckoned Alex closer.

"Watch closely, Aldric," the duke said, his voice carrying both authority and encouragement. "This is the Spear of Mars—a series of techniques that require precision, strength, and agility."

Alex nodded, his eyes fixed on his father. The duke began to move, and the air around him seemed to hum with energy.

The Art of the Spear

1. Whirlwind Strike:

The duke spun the spear in a swift, circular motion, creating a vortex of air that surrounded him. The tip of the spear moved so quickly that it was almost invisible—a blur of deadly precision. This technique was designed to deflect incoming attacks and disorient multiple opponents simultaneously.

2. Serpent's Fang:

With a sudden, fluid motion, the duke thrust the spear forward. The movement was so smooth and quick that it resembled a striking serpent. This attack was aimed at vital points, capable of piercing armor and delivering a fatal blow with pinpoint accuracy.

3. Eagle's Descent:

The duke leapt into the air, the spear held high above his head. As he descended, he brought the weapon down with tremendous force, mimicking the predatory dive of an eagle. The impact of this technique could shatter shields and break through even the toughest defenses.

4. Dragon's Tail Sweep:

With a powerful sweep, the duke swung the spear low, aiming at the legs of an imaginary opponent. The move was swift and forceful, intended to knock enemies off their feet and create an opening for a follow-up attack.

5. Phoenix's Ascendancy:

In a graceful, upward arc, the duke lifted the spear from a low stance to an elevated position, symbolizing the rise of the phoenix. This move was both defensive and offensive, capable of parrying an attack and transitioning smoothly into a counter-strike.

Alex was mesmerized. Each move his father made was executed with such elegance and power that it felt like watching a deadly dance. The duke's movements were fluid, almost poetic, yet each one carried lethal intent.

"Now, Aldric," the duke said, pausing to catch his breath, "it is your turn."

As Alex stood there, spear in hand, his mind racing with questions, he suddenly felt an eerie stillness. The world around him seemed to freeze, the sounds of the training grounds fading into silence. In that moment, a message appeared before his eyes:

"The art of cosmic shadows is now being learned (25%)."

Alex blinked, confusion washing over him. Cosmic Shadows? The name didn't align with what his father had just demonstrated. He glanced up at the duke, who was watching him intently.

"Father," Alex began, hesitant but determined to get to the bottom of this, "what is the name of this spearmanship art?"

The duke raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the question. "It is the art of the infinity strike," he replied, his voice steady and authoritative.

Alex's mind churned with conflicting thoughts. There were two different names for what seemed to be the same art. What was the connection? He needed to understand this discrepancy.

Two different names, one art

The Art of the Infinity Strike was the legendary spearmanship technique of the Mars family, passed down through generations. Each move was a masterpiece of martial prowess, designed

to embody both offensive and defensive capabilities. However, the system had referred to it as the Art of Cosmic Shadows, a name that carried a mystical, almost otherworldly connotation.