Early Riser with a Hunger for Power

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Leo woke up in his modest but cozy room above the shop. After a quick shower and a simple breakfast—some toasted bread with sweet fruit butter and tea—he got ready to start his morning routine. He decided to run a few laps around the virtual tennis court. While it wasn't quite the same as running in the real world, the system perfectly simulated terrain and resistance, making the habit a good way to activate both his body… and his mind.

After the workout and a second quick shower, Leo headed downstairs to open his shop, full of energy for the new day. But as he turned the lock and opened the front door… he came face to face with a familiar figure.

—"Rizen!?" he asked, surprised.

The young knight apprentice stood right at the entrance, his eyes shining with anxiety and excitement. Upon seeing Leo, he didn't even bother with a greeting. He grabbed him by the shirt and began shaking him slightly, speaking in a desperate voice.

—"What did you do to me, Leo?! How did I improve my aura control?! What the hell was that game?!" he shouted, nearly yelling.

Leo, slightly stunned by the "surprise attack," tried to keep his footing while one thought ran through his mind: Why do these things always happen to me?

[Flashback – The Night Before]

Rizen walked home under the soft glow of floating crystal lights that lit up the city streets. He carried the racket in one hand, replaying his match against the system's avatar. Although he lost, the experience had left him energized—like something inside him had shifted.

Once home, he prepared for his usual nightly meditation, a routine he normally struggled with since his aura often spilled over or moved erratically. But this time… it was different.

The moment he closed his eyes, his aura began to move as if it had been tamed. It flowed smoothly, steadily, obediently. He was even able to guide it with ease, something that had always been nearly impossible for him. To his amazement, not only had his control improved, but his aura reserves had also grown slightly. A 50% increase… in just one day!

—"What was that?!" he said aloud, eyes wide.

He rewound the day in his mind. Nothing out of the ordinary had happened… except one thing. That strange place. The place called "Leo's Sports" and the sport he had played there: tennis.

It was like a spark lit up in his head. What if that sport was special? What if training there really enhanced abilities? He couldn't sleep at all, overwhelmed by the thought.

[Back to the Present]

Leo gently pushed Rizen's hands away from his shirt, trying to calm him down.

—"All we do here… is enjoy the sport," he said with his best diplomatic smile. "Maybe it was just a coincidence. Maybe you were about to break through, and tennis just helped you… focus better."

The system had already warned him the day before:"Promoting the establishment as a method to boost power or aura is not permitted."If he did, he could be sanctioned, and that was a risk he wouldn't take.

Rizen, though clearly frustrated by the evasive response, couldn't deny what he felt. He knew something had changed inside him—and that was enough. With determination in his eyes, he pulled a silver coin from his small pouch.

—"I want to keep training today," he said. "And I'm willing to pay."

Leo nodded, surprised but pleased. He walked to the panel beside the door, tapped a few options, and registered Rizen's payment as Beginner Training – 1 silver. As he did, the system let out a soft chime, and the entrance to the virtual court activated.

The world inside the court welcomed them with a clear sky, perfect temperature, and a light breeze that gently rustled the nets. Today, Rizen came prepared: he wore flexible shorts, a light shirt, and athletic shoes—all provided by the system as part of the "basic equipment" package for paying clients.

—"Let's work on that backhand, knight," Leo said with a grin.

Rizen smiled. This wasn't just training anymore… it was a mission.