3 | The First Trial

Ren Yamazaki stood in the courtyard behind his childhood room, the moonlight casting long shadows on the worn wooden planks. His breath fogged in the crisp night air as he flexed his hands, feeling the faint soreness from the hours of basic training the System had guided him through.

A new notification appeared before his eyes:

[SYSTEM UPDATE]

Mission Completed: Basic Training - Boxing Fundamentals

Rewards Unlocked:

100 Points

Boxing Stance Mastery (Level 1)

Jab Technique (Level 1)

Ren smirked as he read the update. Despite the pain in his muscles, satisfaction coursed through him. He'd never felt this kind of progress in his past life. But the System didn't let him savor his achievement for long.

[NEW MISSION UNLOCKED]

Mission: Defeat a Practice Opponent

Details: A Yamazaki training dummy has been activated in the courtyard. This opponent will simulate a real fight to test your skills.

Reward: 200 Points, Straight Punch Technique (Level 1)

A low rumble shook the ground beneath Ren's feet. He turned sharply as the shadows in the courtyard seemed to coalesce, forming a figure. It was humanoid but unnervingly featureless, its body shaped from dark energy. The System's voice echoed in his mind:

"This dummy will attack with basic techniques. You must defeat it to progress."

Ren clenched his fists, his heart pounding in anticipation. The dark figure shifted into a boxing stance, its movements fluid yet aggressive.

"Alright," Ren muttered, dropping into his newly learned stance. His feet spread shoulder-width apart, hands raised to protect his face. "Let's see what you've got."

The dummy lunged forward, its fists slicing through the air with precise jabs. Ren barely had time to react, dodging the first strike by tilting his head to the side. The second jab grazed his cheek.

"Stay calm," the System instructed. "Focus on timing. Counter with your jab when there's an opening."

Ren steadied himself, keeping his guard up as the dummy advanced. Its punches came faster now, testing his reflexes. He ducked under a wild swing, his feet moving instinctively. Spotting an opening, he thrust his left fist forward—a clean jab to the dummy's center.

The impact sent a ripple through the figure, causing it to stagger back.

"Good. Repeat," the System urged.

Ren pressed forward, unleashing another series of jabs. His punches gained confidence, each strike more precise than the last. The dummy retaliated with a straight punch aimed at his ribs. Ren twisted his body just in time, the blow grazing past him harmlessly.

"Too slow," Ren muttered, driving a quick jab into its chest.

The fight continued in a flurry of punches and counters. Ren could feel his body adapting, his movements becoming sharper, his reactions faster. For every blow he landed, the dummy's form seemed to falter, its shape growing unstable.

"Finish it," the System commanded.

With a determined shout, Ren threw a final, powerful jab. His fist connected with the dummy's core, and the figure shattered into fragments of light, disappearing into the night.

[MISSION COMPLETED]

Rewards Unlocked:

200 Points

Straight Punch Technique (Level 1)

Ren stood in the quiet courtyard, his chest heaving. A satisfied grin spread across his face as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

"This System," he muttered, looking at his hands, "it's turning me into something else. Something stronger."

But before he could bask in his victory, another notification appeared.

[NEW MISSION UNLOCKED]

Mission: Intermediate Training - Learn the Guard Breaker Technique

Details: Hone your skills to break through defensive stances. This technique will require greater precision and strength.

Reward: 300 Points, Guard Breaker Technique (Level 1)

Ren's grin faded as he read the description. The path ahead was steep, and the challenges would only grow harder. But that was fine with him. He had a second chance to rewrite his story, and he wasn't about to waste it.

He rolled his shoulders, shaking out his hands as he prepared for the next phase of training. The Yamazaki clan might still see him as a weakling, but soon enough, they would know the truth.

"Bring it on," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "This black sheep is done hiding."

With the moon as his witness, Ren stepped back into his stance, ready to face whatever the System threw at him next.

--END--