Chapter 2: The Struggle for Superiority

Derek stood in the center of the busy marketplace, his heart hammering in his chest. The scenario, which was formerly routine, seemed bizarre due to everyone's powers. Individuals floated above the earth, some levitating things with a simple thought, others having long-lasting conversations with their enchanted spirit animals.

Derek took in the sight, and soon the excitement of finally having his own golden finger was eclipsed by a crippling sense of rivalry. It hurt to realize that everyone around him had their own peculiar method; he was by no means exceptional. Now the globe was full of people exactly like him, each having unfathomable power at their disposal.

Derek said, "I have to stand out," beneath his respiration. His teeth clenched with resolve.

Once he was back in his compact apartment, Derek started to investigate his Ultimate Potential System. His system didn't provide him a spectacular skill from the start, unlike the others he had seen. Rather, it provided him with a wide range of abilities and trajectories to pursue, all of which demanded a great deal of concentration and commitment. The system's long-term growth—which at first seemed like a burden—was more important than its quick power.

"Why does everything have to be so difficult?" Derek sighed as he perused the possible skill list. He saw possibilities for developing his cerebral faculties, learning elemental magic, strengthening his physical prowess, and even learning traditional combat arts. However, the time and work needed to develop these abilities unnerved him, particularly in light of people around him who appeared to get results right away.

Still, Derek made a decision that spoke to him—combining fighting skill with cerebral sharpness. He made the decision to put his mental health first because he thought that by being intelligent, he could outsmart his opponents.

As he started his workout, Derek repeated to himself, "Mind over matter."

The initial days were exhausting. For hours, Derek would visualize intricate situations while engaging in mental exercises meant to hone his concentration and broaden his cognitive capabilities. He trained in martial arts through the night, his body moving in time with the methods he had read about in old manuscripts. But his efforts did not yield much immediate results.

A gnawing frustration at him when he observed many around him show off their quick advancements. A neighbor, a shy young woman, could control flames with a wave of her wrist. A youngster from across the street laughed and casually raised a rock in the air to juggle between his hands.

Derek started to lose his willpower. Doubt began to sneak into his thoughts as he asked, "Am I doing this wrong?" Even though he was giving his all to his training, the effects were hardly discernible.

Derek chose to attend a local training ground one evening while he was taking a break from his meditation. This was a place where people frequently congregated to demonstrate their talents. He was interested in observing people in order to perhaps pick up tips from them.

A symphony of power demonstrations, including lightning strikes, fireballs, and enormous earth-shaking stomps, filled the training area. Derek's attention was caught by a throng of people gathered around a single individual in the middle of the turmoil. It was Kai, a young guy of Derek's age, who was renowned for his unquestionable brilliance and haughtiness.

Kai possessed exceptional swordsmanship skills thanks to his system, which enabled him to wield a blade with unnatural force and accuracy. With his sword blazing, he glided through the air, slicing through trees, rocks, and even the air itself with ease. As Kai landed with elegance with his blade humming with dormant energy, the crowd cheered.

"It's done that way!" Kai smiled at the audience and boasted. There's no need to waste time on tedious exercises or meditation. Simply use your might to demonstrate to the world your capabilities!

Derek balled his hands, feeling both jealous and enraged. What Kai said touched a nerve. Was his meticulous approach a waste of time? Was he simply too feeble and sluggish to ever catch up to someone such as Kai?

Derek was about to walk away when someone suddenly grabbed his shoulder. Emma was standing behind him as he turned around, her kind smile a sharp contrast to the brutality of the training area.

"Derek, you're doing great," she remarked softly. "Avoid letting someone like Kai affect you. Everybody follows a different route.

With a hint of annoyance in his voice, Derek remarked, "But look at him, Emma." He's already quite strong, and I sense that I'm becoming nowhere. Maybe I'm approaching this incorrectly.

Emma gave a headshake. Although amazing, Kai's strength is only surface-level. He is depending on the strength his system bestows on him, yet being genuinely powerful entails more than just using brute force. It's not the same in your system. It's about developing something more profound, something invisible in ostentatious demonstrations.

Derek glanced at her, trying to find comfort in her gaze. "You genuinely believe that?"

"I am aware of that," she confidently said. "Remember, Derek, that growth rate isn't the most important factor. It all comes down to how well you apply what you've learnt. Proceed. You'll eventually witness the outcomes.

Derek felt something when she said that—a redoubled resolve. It dawned on him that being powerful wasn't what he wanted

desired to be intelligent, to comprehend his power and apply it with accuracy. He needed to follow his own route; he didn't need to keep up with others.

Derek returned to his workouts with more drive and a clearer head. He exerted more effort on himself, not to outdo others but to fulfill his own potential. His physical training improved, and his meditation sessions got more profound. He started to see improvements gradually but definitely. His body moved with a fluidity that had not before existed, his reflexes grew more acute, and his thoughts became more ordered.

Derek began to notice something, though, in the way others interacted with him. Though their attention was on outward demonstrations of strength, he was growing more conscious of the nuances—the vulnerabilities in their methods, the holes in their defenses, and the shortcomings in their plans. It was as though a curtain had been removed and he could see the world differently.

Derek made the decision to test out his new abilities one day. Entering Kai's training area, he issued a cordial challenge to battle. With curiosity, the audience watched, with many anticipating that Kai, who was stronger than Derek, would easily overcome Derek.

With his customary boldness, Kai lunged toward Derek as the combat got underway, his blade slashing through the air. Derek, nevertheless, refrained from using force. Rather, he ducked and weaved, understanding Kai's motions with an accuracy that astounded the assembled audience. Derek dodged Kai's attempt at a finishing blow and delivered a quick tap on Kai's back, putting an unexpected stop to the combat.

The audience was silent for a second before bursting into applause. With a look of both astonishment and reverence, Kai fixed Derek in his gaze. "That's not too bad, Derek," he reluctantly said. It appears that you have been waiting for us.

Derek grinned with contentment rather than haughtiness. Emma had been right, he reflected; although his road had been slower, it was creating something considerably more durable.

Derek felt a calmness that he had never felt before as he left the training site. Being the best version of oneself was the goal of the superiority struggle, not outperforming others.

At that instant, Derek realized he was heading in the correct direction.

Author's Note : Derek gains insight into the importance of endurance, discernment, and patience in this chapter. The pursuit of greatness involves more than just gaining strength; it also involves self-awareness and choosing the correct course. Watch Derek as he develops more and encounters new difficulties on his path to mastery.