Kai stood by the stream outside the village, steam rising from his sweat-soaked body. He'd been practicing the motion for hours—palms extended, elbows loose, core locked.
Again.Again.Again.
He opened the System screen.
[Skill Acquired: Twin Palm Strike (E)]Type: Martial Technique – OffensiveDescription: A double-strike technique that channels internal force into both palms, releasing a concussive burst.Scaling: Strength + Ki ControlMastery: 0.3%Note: Incomplete mastery. Efficiency and damage output reduced by 80%.
Kai gritted his teeth. "So copying a skill doesn't mean I know how to use it."
[Tip: Master skills by repetition, battle usage, or Skill Scrolls.][Daily Goal: Practice Twin Palm Strike (100 repetitions). Reward: +1% Mastery]
He set his feet and moved through the strike again.
"Twin—Palm—Strike!"
The air rippled weakly.
No sound. No flare. No power.
But Kai smiled.
Because yesterday, there was nothing.
[Progress: 3/100]
He practiced until the moon replaced the sun, until his arms ached and his vision blurred.
He collapsed by the water's edge, chest rising and falling slowly.
[You have met the daily goal.][Twin Palm Strike Mastery: 1.3%][+1 XP Earned]
It wasn't much. But it was real.
He opened his stats:
[Level: 3 | Stat Points: 3][Strength: 3][Agility: 4][Endurance: 3][Perception: 2][Ki Control: 0]
He paused.
Then placed all three points into Ki Control.
[Ki Control: 0 → 3][Passive Perk Unlocked: Ki Sensory (Lv.1)]You can now sense Ki signatures within a 10-meter radius.You can begin learning Basic Ki Techniques.
As soon as the last point was placed, something clicked.
He could feel it—the flow. Like a river running under his skin.
[Quest Progress Updated: Reach Level 10 before next birthday – Progress 3/10]
Kai grinned. The world had turned its back on him.
But the System had opened a door.
And he was going to kick it wide open.