Striving Forward

The school day begins routinely for Kai as he enters the classroom alongside Akane. The familiar hum of students engaged in morning chatter fills the air.

Making his way to his seat beside Leon, Kai greets him with a simple, "Good morning." Leon returns the greeting, and Kai settles in.

Leon's eyes glint mischievously as he leans in, posing a question loaded with curiosity. "So, what's going on between you and Akane?"

Kai chuckles, shaking his head. "Nothing, really. Just had a chat on the way here."

Leon persists, his teasing tone undeterred. "Well, it's a good thing. I wouldn't mind if you had her as your girlfriend. I'd fully support you."

A blush creeps onto Kai's face as he dismisses the notion with a nervous grin. "What are you saying, you idiot?"

Leon laughs, thoroughly enjoying Kai's reaction.

The duo engages in casual banter, exchanging stories of their weekends. The easy camaraderie between them provides a pleasant prelude to the day's lessons.

Their conversation gracefully tapers off when the teacher arrives, signaling the start of the day's studies.

As Kai focuses on the lecture, a subtle plan simmers in his mind. The opportunity to upgrade Leon's Spirit Vein presents itself, and Kai decides to seize the moment.

Using the Soul Analyze skill on Leon, a window materializes, revealing the attributes of his friend's Spirit Vein.

[Status Window]

Name: Leon

Age: 17

Nature: Good: 50% Evil: 50%

Rank: Novice (Middle)

Spirit Vein:- Ripple Vein (+)

Title: None Level: 4

Experience: 10/300

Strength: 75

Defense: 74

Agility: 70

Intelligence: 24

Endurance: 69

Spirit: 40

Luck: 68

Charm: 61

Vitality: 182

Spiritual Energy: 296

Additional Stat Points: 40

Skills:

1. Blade Mastery(Lv12)

2. Accelerated Recovery(Lv2)

Techniques:

1. Spiritual Gathering(Not Usable)

2. Bone Refining Art

3. Vital Harmonization Technique(Half)

Kai notices an intriguing anomaly in Leon's skills—a mysterious addition named "Accelerated Recovery" alongside the note "Half" attached to the Vital Harmonization Technique. Intrigued, Kai seeks clarification from the System.

"Hey, System!"

"What is it, Kai?"

"Leon has a skill called 'Accelerated Recovery.' What's that, and why is his technique marked as 'Half'?"

"That skill is a result of the Vital Harmonization Technique. As for the 'Half' mark, it indicates that it's only a partial version of the original technique. Leon might gain the complete technique in the future."

Satisfied with the explanation, Kai proceeds to upgrade Leon's Spirit Vein. Consuming 30 stat points, the Ripple Vein transforms into Vital Veins.

[30 Additional Stat Points have been consumed]

[Spirit Vein Grade Upgrade has been successful]

[Leon now possesses Vital Veins]

With a sense of accomplishment, Kai redirects his attention to the ongoing class, now armed with the knowledge of his friends' enhanced Spirit Veins.

As the day progresses, Kai and his friends make their way to the Combat Department.

On the journey, Kai discreetly uses the Soul Analyze skill on each friend, upgrading their Spirit Veins one by one.

Upon arriving in the Combat Department, the group disperses to their respective training rooms. Kai, now alone in his designated space, prepares for his training routine aimed at increasing Spiritual Energy.

Just as he is about to commence, System materializes before him. A prompt question escapes the System's incorporeal presence.

"Hey, Kai, you've upgraded the Spirit Veins of all your friends except yourself. When are you going to upgrade yours?"

Kai responds, acknowledging the lack of additional points for the upgrade. However, the System's inquiry prompts Kai to seek clarification on leveling up.

"How do I increase my level, System? And why were my friends at higher levels than me?"

The System explains that leveling up depends on accumulating experience, gained through activities like sparring and combat.

Kai's friends had accrued experience while he was occupied with solving his unique Technique dilemma.

As the System departs, Kai resolves to train diligently to bridge the gap.

His focus shifts back to the practice, and with each movement, he gathers Spiritual Energy, a step closer to mastering his abilities.