Fortify The Mind

The exhilaration of reaching Foundation Tier Level 2 still buzzed in my veins. For the first time in years, I felt… different. Stronger. Sure, it was just a single level, but it was more than I'd ever achieved. And it wasn't luck, it was real. I'd made it happen.

But I knew I was still a long way from the strength I wanted. The system had given me a taste of power, but if I wanted to reach higher, I needed more. And I could sense that the next leap wouldn't be easy.

As if in response, the system's familiar chime interrupted my thoughts.

[Quest received: Face your brother Eldran with confidence. Objective: Speak with him without backing down or showing weakness. Quest reward: Unlock System Shop and 10 Origin Points.]

I read the message carefully, a knot forming in my stomach. Face Eldran? I couldn't remember the last time I'd been able to look my brother in the eye without him tearing me down. The thought of confronting him was like asking me to walk straight into a storm without flinching. But I knew one thing—if the reward was the System Shop, then this quest was important. It wasn't just about strength; it was about finding my footing, about refusing to be the family disappointment anymore.

And that was something I couldn't ignore.

"Alright, system," I muttered, steeling myself. "Let's get this over with."

---

I found Eldran in the training courtyard, his usual smug expression firmly in place as he sparred with one of his guards. He moved with precision and ease, every strike landing exactly where he intended. I'd spent years trying to match him, and every time, I'd fallen short.

He caught sight of me as I approached, pausing just long enough to flash that infuriating smirk.

"Well, look who's here," he drawled, stepping back and crossing his arms. "Didn't think you'd be back after yesterday's performance. I'd have thought the embarrassment would keep you in hiding."

I clenched my fists, feeling my heart rate spike. Every instinct screamed at me to leave, to avoid his taunts. But the system's presence pulsed in the back of my mind, steady and encouraging, reminding me why I was here. I took a breath, forcing myself to meet his gaze.

"Actually, I'm here to train," I said, keeping my voice even. "And I'm not here for your approval, Eldran."

Eldran raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. His smirk faltered just slightly, and for the first time, I felt like I'd actually thrown him off balance. "My approval? You'd be lucky to have it," he shot back, recovering quickly. "After all, you're still the weakest in the family, Alex. You'd be better off sticking to chores than pretending you're one of us."

The words stung, but I held my ground, feeling the system's presence backing me up. This time, his insults didn't feel as sharp. They were just words, empty and predictable.

"Maybe I am weak," I replied, voice steady. "But at least I'm trying to change that. I don't need your permission to improve, Eldran."

For a split second, something flashed in his eyes—surprise, maybe even a hint of respect. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the usual disdain.

"Fine," he muttered, rolling his eyes. "Suit yourself. But don't come crying to me when you fail. Again."

He turned back to his training, but I didn't care. I'd done it—I'd faced him, spoken my mind, and walked away without feeling like I'd been crushed. It wasn't much, but it was a step. A step I'd never been able to take before.

As I walked away, a message appeared in my vision, clear and steady.

[Quest complete. Reward: Unlock System Shop and 10 Origin Points.]

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, a strange sense of relief flooding over me. I'd completed the quest, and as the reward, the System Shop was now unlocked.

[System Shop: Unlocked. Access a range of items, skills, techniques, and artifacts from across the multiverse. Purchases require Origin Points.]

A rush of excitement mingled with my relief. A shop—an actual shop, with skills and items I could buy. It was like a treasure trove of power waiting to be unlocked. I'd earned 10 more Origin Points for facing Eldran, bringing my total to 10/50 for my next level up, and I knew I'd need those points now more than ever.

"Alright," I murmured, feeling the adrenaline surge through me. "Let's see what you've got, system."

---

The shop interface opened in my mind, and I felt like I'd stumbled into a vault of secrets. Items, skills, techniques, all organized by category, each one carrying a price tag in Origin Points. My mind spun as I scrolled through the options, everything from basic healing items to skills I'd never dreamed existed.

One entry caught my eye, marked with a faint golden glow: "Ethereal Spirit Armor"—a protective armor that shielded against both physical and spiritual attacks. It required 100 Origin Points, far beyond my reach, but it was a reminder of the potential waiting for me. If I could gather enough points, these items could reshape my entire approach to cultivation.

I kept scrolling, looking for something within my price range, and then I found it—a cultivation technique, one specifically suited to Foundation Tier users. Its description read:

"Soul-Forging Art: A foundational cultivation technique that strengthens the user's mind, spirit, and energy flow. Ideal for cultivating mental resilience and enhancing focus." Cost: 10 Origin Points.

Perfect. This was exactly what I needed. Something to strengthen my mind, to fortify me against everything my family threw at me. I'd never seen a technique like it, and I didn't want to waste a second. With a thought, I selected it, and the system confirmed the purchase.

[Purchase successful. Soul-Forging Art added to user's techniques.]

The moment I bought it, a flood of knowledge filled my mind—the steps, the breathing exercises, the ways to focus my energy. It was as if the technique had been engraved directly into my thoughts, ready to be used. I took a deep breath, letting the energy settle within me, and a calm focus filled my mind.

This was it. The shop, the system, the quests—every part of this was a step toward breaking free from the limits I'd thought I was stuck with forever. And for the first time, I felt like I had the tools to make it happen.

[Current status: Foundation Tier, Level 2. Origin Points: 0/50 needed to level up to Foundation Tier, Level 3.]

I read the message with a renewed sense of purpose. This was only the beginning, and with the system's help, I knew I could keep pushing forward. No more doubts, no more hesitation. I was ready to face whatever came next.