A Euphoric Ascension

"Ah," I sighed, letting out frustrations all at once after returning home from my meeting with Captain Strydum.

Although our introduction was brief, the discussion turned out to be very fruitful. Despite knowing the risks of associating with a man tied to the Ogre, I emphasized my concerns repeatedly, insisting that he not mention my name in any future discussions with him.

'It's not like he could lie to that friend of his, but I'm sure portraying my 'weak' persona to the man will only keep his interest in me to a bare minimum. Plus, I haven't done anything especially worthy of his attention just yet, and he's more than busy focusing on his little poisoned seedling right now to care about me.'

It was a simple meeting where we discussed logistical affairs, and I dropped a few hints about needing his support when I would eventually unveil our prized possession to the world.

Though I didn't go into detail, again, considering his loose lips to his friend, as well his duty to the government, I at least managed to secure his support for a future favour if necessary.

'And to think, all it cost me was the promise that I would cure Baki.'

Of course, after studying the Poison Hand technique in more detail, I was able to devise an antidote that could certainly work on the boy under the right conditions. However...

'Why create more work for myself? I've already asked Master Kaku to arrange the matches in advance as we discussed and agreed upon much earlier, and I'm sure the boy would grow much more by finding the solution 'himself'.'

I shook my head at my previous thoughts, now narrowing my focus on the most important task at hand. 'I can barely contain myself.' As soon as I entered the front door, I called, rather screamed for my Aunt's attention.

"Aunt Elizabeth, is the medical team ready and on site?"

I received only a nod in response to my question, a tacit acknowledgment that my concerns were noted but perhaps not fully appreciated. She then offered words of resistance, though even she knew they were futile at this stage of the game.

"Kuzan, they're ready," she began, her tone tinged with concern. "I understand you have your reasons for keeping us in the dark, but are you absolutely certain whatever you're about to do is necessary?"

"Yes," I interrupted firmly, cutting off her pleadings. I had grown weary of this debate, having heard her arguments repeated since our initial discussion on the matter.

"I'll rest for an hour before I start my training," I informed her, trying to move the conversation forward. "You all remember the entry point to the base?"

"It's behind the closet in your room, right?" she recited, a familiar refrain from earlier discussions today.

"Yes, and from there it's a five-minute walk to the elevator. You remember the passcode?"

"Of course," she replied, her voice betraying a hint of impatience.

"And don't forget, only come in if I don't press the dead man switch every ten minutes."

'It had taken a long time for me to get that place constructed, and I'm happy that I'm finally able to use it to its full potential for the first time.'

After the longest hour of my life, I finally made my way to the base and got ready to begin one of my last training sessions before the tournament started.

It was extremely simple; I had identified the inaccuracies in my stance that I needed to correct to fulfill the last martial arts technique needed to unlock the new 'section' of the system, effectively giving it an upgrade.

I attached all the necessary monitoring devices to various parts of my body, looking like a robot without its outside casing with wires attached to my limbs, and got into stance.

'This is it, all it'll take is a single sword swing. I'm ready for this.'

I started my training, using [Shadow Boxing] to materialize the enemy in front of me. Thankfully, due to its continuous use, I was finally able to level up the skill to its next form.

'Imagining its strength, its power, but most importantly, its speed...'

Time ticked by, second by second, as my concentration grew.

'Faster, faster, faster...'

I could see it, slowly appearing in front of me in all its majestic presence, especially considering its now gargantuan appearance rivaling that of a human.

'A creature said to be able to survive even the explosion of a nuclear warhead. A creature about to accelerate from its top speed from the start, able to flow like the liquid within it.'

'It's finally here.'

Slowly, the beast came into full view, visualized even outside of my head, with all its ferocity and speed in tow.

'I can see it...'

'Its long, hanging antennae swinging through the air, strong as whips, sensing every tiny disturbance. The gleam of its chitinous exoskeleton catching the overhead lights, reflecting a grotesque and metallic sheen as it scuttles with deadly intent. Its mandibles snapping continuously, open and shut, each serrated edge sharper than a surgeon's scalpel, ready to tear through flesh and limb. 

'And most of all, its six legs, capable of generating speed far beyond my current reach.'

Sweat started to leak onto my forehead as I awaited the perfect opportunity to strike. A moment wasted would be my loss; even [Ultra Instinct] at its current stage alone wasn't enough to deal with this 'monster' that snuck it's way out from my imagination into 'reality'.

'A 6-foot cockroach, capable of running over a man like a bullet train at its current size and strength.'

I needed perfect timing, perfect coordination, and perfect utilization of strength to even attempt to face this creature. A moment of distraction would be the death of me in front of this monster come to life.

I kept waiting, waiting for a twitch, waiting for an inclination from nature itself as its first movement, my sword ready in hand.

'Wait, wait, and wait...'

'N-!'

I couldn't even finish my thoughts before my body struck forth, in tandem with my mind, slicing the beast cleanly in half down the middle with my longsword.

'It all feels so real.' I could feel it, the smell of its 'guts', the sound of my sword slicing through its shell, my sight only catching up to the beast's movement after it was already over.

'And don't get me started about its touch, the damage I inflicted on the poor beast, separating it into two. It's truly a fun 'game', I can see why Baki likes it so much.'

'Still, the real thing's always more fun.' I sighed to myself while checking my status once again, paying special attention to a certain specific part in question...

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[Status]

…

Genes Synced: [Locked] (10/10)+

System Note: (click to unlock)

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'Hmm... that didn't work when I tried it on the martial arts techniques after they had reached their limit. Looks like I was right; it had something to do with this 'tab'. Well, here goes nothing...'

I psyched myself up one last time before pressing the button to continue the system's upgrade.

Slowly, my index finger pressed forth, finally coming into contact with the 'plus sign' after much suspense...

'Ting.'

All I heard was the sound of a bell ringing once before a wave of pure euphoria washed over my brain, causing me to almost black out from the amount of pleasure I was feeling all at once.

It was as if a veil that had continually been over my eyes had finally been pulled off, giving me extreme pleasure in the short term.

Still, I made sure to pull the dead man switch, acknowledging my well-being to my surely worried Aunt, who was ready to burst in at a moment's notice.

'Let's see what's changed...'

'[Status]'

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[Status]

Name: Kuzan Rosan

Age: 15.5 years

Title: [Martial Master]

Strength: 300/1000 (Average Adult Value: 10)

Stamina: 300/1000 (Average Adult Value: 10)

Intelligence: 89/100 (Average Adult Value: 10)

Dexterity: 300/1000 (Average Adult Value: 10)

Will-Power: 660/1000 (Average Adult Value: 10)

Perception: 300/1000 (Average Adult Value: 10)

Skills: [Willful Eye (99/100)] [Warrior's Dominion (785/1000)] [Face Mask (99/100)] [Phantom Veil (600/1000)] [Shadowstep (690/1000)] [Anatomy Mastery (99/100)] [Poison Mastery (intermediate)] [Martial Language (intermediate)] [Goutaijutsu (master)] [Hand Pocket (master)] [Mirror Mimicry (intermediate)] [Ultra Instinct (beginner)] [Hokuha (intermediate)] [Aiki (intermediate)] [Shadow Boxing (intermediate)]

Techniques: [Karate (master)] [Kick Boxing (320/1000)] [Boxing (master)] [Judo (master)] [Muay Thai (master)] [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (510/1000)] [Wrestling (505/1000)] [Chinese Kenpo (master)] [Xiaoli (master)] [Byaku-Rinji Kung-Fu (master)] [Iai Kenpo (master)] [Way of the Void (master)] [Martial Weapon Mastery (master)]

Genes Synced: (0/3)

System Note: Gene Assimilation has been unlocked. To activate this feature, the host must deposit a drop of their chosen humanoid target's blood into the system's interface. This action will initiate the analysis and integration of the selected target's genes into the host's own genetic makeup. The system will meticulously analyze the target's genetic material, identifying and isolating traits that are most beneficial to it's host. Through a process of purification, the system ensures that only the advantageous aspects are retained, discarding any elements that might pose a risk or be incompatible with the host's existing genes. Although the transformation will be extremely painful, it will be completed within a few minutes, during which it is recommended for the host to be assured of their own safety. This integration process will significantly enhance the host's abilities, granting the host the ability to surpass their inherent potential and strengths derived from the assimilated genetic material. Furthermore, for every three martial arts techniques that are mastered by the host, they will unlock the ability to sync with one additional gene, thereby increasing the potential number of genes they can assimilate.

[Martial Master]: Having ascended from the ranks of apprentice, you now embody the pinnacle of martial excellence. With unwavering dedication and relentless discipline, you have honed your skills to perfection. Your mastery of the martial arts is unparalleled, a testament to your years of rigorous training and profound understanding of combat principles. Guided by the wisdom of esteemed masters and fortified by your own experience, you have unlocked the secrets of technique and strategy. Every move you make is a reflection of your mastery, executed with precision and grace. As a Martial Master, you stand as a paragon of martial prowess, revered for your skill, respected for your wisdom, and feared for your unparalleled combat ability.

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"HAHAHAHAHA!" I couldn't stop my laughter from escaping; it all worked out just too well. "HAHAHAHA!"

I had even forgotten to push my dead man switch in my trepidation, causing my Aunt to burst through the lab doors with a team of medical professionals following quickly behind.

"ARE YOU ALRIGHT, KUZAN?"

Still, I couldn't hide my expression; my [Face Mask] skill proved absolutely useless in its effort to mask my joy, like trying to water a desert with a garden hose.

"HAHAHA, PLEASE AUNT ELIZABETH, HAHAHAHA, I'M JUST VERY HAPPY RIGHT NOW."

"YOU CAN TELL THEM TO LEAVE, I'M REALLY FINE! HAHAHA..."

The medical team seemed concerned, deliberating whether to examine me for any brain or psychological trauma I might have sustained. After some assurance from my Aunt, they decided to leave.

"HAHAHA, Whooo, whooo, hahaha..." Even I was beginning to tire out after a few minutes, gaining back control of my body and coming out of my emotional breakdown.

I immediately got down to business and started reviewing the data I had collected, unable to determine a single thing wrong with me during my "transformation".

"Are you sure you're okay, young man?" My Aunt's concern lingered, despite my repeated assurances that I was only happy due to the success of my training.

I responded to her worries sincerely, finally catching my breath and gathering my bearings.

"I've never been better."