Chapter 14: Reflexes, Rewards, and Raised Eyebrows

Chapter 14: Reflexes, Rewards, and Raised Eyebrows

Ran's theoretical lessons with Master Thorne continued for a few more days. Ran diligently played the part of the 'gifted but green' student, carefully leaking insights derived from his Enhanced Comprehension while pretending they were flashes of natural brilliance or lucky guesses. Thorne, meanwhile, seemed increasingly convinced he was tutoring a prodigy, albeit an eccentric one who occasionally zoned out (likely when Ran was checking his Dividend counter or System notifications).

The steady flow of energy from the ~200 QL players continued unabated. They were proving to be excellent farmers, diligently generating Dividends as they mapped, tested, and occasionally got ambushed by Dire Squirrels. Ran's cultivation solidified rapidly through Stage 2, nearing the cusp of Stage 3 Qi Condensation, all while outwardly appearing to be making 'remarkable progress' for someone who should just be starting Stage 1.

Then, during one afternoon session, Master Thorne decided it was time to move beyond pure theory.

"Theoretical knowledge is but the foundation, Young Master Ran," Thorne announced, leading Ran out to the familiar training courtyard where he'd suffered his pre-System failures. "True mastery requires application. Today, we begin basic Qi drills and reflex training."

Ah, physical activity. My favorite, Ran thought dryly. Still, applying his newfound control might be interesting. Thorne started him with simple exercises: channeling Qi quickly to his hands, then feet; forming small Qi shields to deflect slow-moving practice drones Thorne controlled; attempting precise bursts of the Fleetfoot Step technique.

Ran performed adequately, deliberately holding back, mimicking the slight clumsiness Thorne would expect from a beginner applying theory for the first time. It was harder than it looked – his body wanted to move with the effortless efficiency his growing Qi control allowed.

As Thorne increased the speed of the practice drones, sending two small, buzzing orbs zipping towards Ran from different angles, another System notification pinged unexpectedly in Ran's mind.

[MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED!]

[Criteria Met: Consistent Application of Basic Combat Maneuvers Under Simulated Stress (Go You!).]

[Reward: Passive Skill - [Preternatural Combat Awareness - Rank 1]. Effect: Grants enhanced spatial awareness, threat detection, minor predictive capability in combat situations, and optimizes reflex response times. Translation: You're harder to hit now. Don't get cocky.]

The world seemed to snap into sharper focus. The incoming drones didn't just register as visual objects; Ran felt their trajectory, their speed, their intent almost instinctively. Time seemed to slow fractionally. Without conscious thought, his body moved.

Whoosh! He sidestepped the first drone with fluid grace, the Fleetfoot Step engaging smoothly.

Flick! His hand came up, forming a minimal Qi shield just large enough to deflect the second drone, sending it spinning harmlessly away.

The entire sequence was over in less than a second. It was efficient, precise, and utterly instinctive. Too instinctive.

Master Thorne, who had been ready to offer corrections on Ran's anticipated fumbling, stood frozen, his mouth slightly open. The remote controlling the drones hung loosely in his hand.

"Astonishing..." Thorne breathed, staring at Ran. "Young Master, that reaction… the economy of motion, the precise timing… That wasn't learned technique. That was pure instinct! Refined instinct!"

Ran mentally cursed. Cocky? The System warned me! That awareness thing just… took over! Think fast. Plausible excuse.

"Oh!" Ran blinked, trying to look surprised at his own actions. "Was it? I… I just tried to visualize the flow, like you said in the theory lessons, Master. Visualizing the paths the drones would take and… sort of… getting out of the way?" He shrugged helplessly, aiming for 'confused but lucky'.

Thorne stroked his beard, his eyes narrowed in deep thought, no longer just baffled but actively suspicious. "Visualize the flow…?" he murmured. "To react with such speed and precision based purely on visualization… requires a level of mental acuity and innate combat sense rarely seen even in seasoned warriors, let alone beginners."

He peered intently at Ran. The 'remarkable mind' for theory was one thing. This uncanny reflex, this 'refined instinct', combined with the theoretical leaps… it didn't quite add up to just 'late bloomer'. Something else was going on. Thorne couldn't fathom what, but the pieces didn't fit the conventional picture.

"Let us… continue the drills," Thorne said slowly, his gaze never leaving Ran. "Perhaps we should focus on control, rather than speed, for now."

The rest of the session was awkward. Thorne moved with deliberate slowness, observing Ran's every micro-movement. Ran, acutely aware of his own enhanced reflexes constantly trying to optimize his actions, had to actively fight against the [Preternatural Combat Awareness] to appear less capable than he was. It was like trying to walk normally while his legs insisted on performing ballet.

Okay, this is getting complicated, Ran thought, forcing a slight stumble as he dodged another slow drone. Enhanced Comprehension makes me look like a genius, Combat Awareness makes me look like a martial prodigy. How long can I keep juggling these 'natural talents' before someone calls shenanigans?

He caught a glimpse of his cousin Duncan watching from the sidelines with Elder Marius. Duncan's usual sneer was replaced by a look of pure, unadulterated disbelief mixed with resentment. Marius simply watched Ran and Thorne, his expression thoughtful and calculating. The unexpected display of reflexes hadn't gone unnoticed.

Great. Just great. Hiding his power was becoming an increasingly active, and annoying, part of his daily routine. The passive benefits of the System were fantastic, but managing the perception of those benefits was proving to be a real headache.