Kai sat alone beneath the old plum tree on the outskirts of town, the sun dipping below the hills like it too wanted to escape the shame of the Rankless.
But Kai was no longer ashamed.
His fingers clenched as the glowing blue interface hovered in his vision—only visible to him.
[Name: Kai Densetsu][Level: 1][Stat Points: 1][Strength: 3] [Agility: 4] [Endurance: 3] [Perception: 1] [Ki Control: 0]
One point. Just one. But where should it go?
His thoughts raced.
Strength meant more power behind punches.
Agility meant faster movements.
Endurance would help him survive beatings.
Perception… the system said it affected his ability to see other people's stats.
And Ki Control? He had no idea how to use Ki yet.
But then he remembered:
"See other people's stats depending on Perception…"
He hesitated—then tapped [Perception +1].
[Perception: 2][Stat Point Allocated.][New Feature Unlocked: Basic Scan (Lv.1)]You may now view basic stats of individuals within 3 levels of your own.
Kai stood. His heart raced again—but now with curiosity.
He looked toward the road. A familiar figure approached: Joren Lei, returning from the town square, smug as ever.
Kai narrowed his eyes and focused.
[Scanning… Success.]Name: Joren LeiLevel: 3Rank: BronzeStrength: 6 / Agility: 5 / Endurance: 5 / Perception: 2 / Ki Control: 1Skills: Twin Palm Strike (E), Aura Flare (E)
Kai blinked. So that's what he's working with…
Joren was ahead—but not untouchable.
Not anymore.
A notification pinged softly in his vision:
[Quest Opportunity: Defeat Joren Lei in Combat]Reward: Skill Copy – Twin Palm Strike (E)Failure: -1 Stat Point
A cold breeze blew through the grass.
Kai exhaled. "Alright, System. Let's see what I'm really capable of."
He stepped onto the path, toward the boy who had humiliated him.