Forging Bonds, Awakening Power

Vincent trudged back to the Stardust Motel, the cold biting at his fingers. Clouds gathered overhead, thick and heavy, promising more snow.

His mind churned through numbers, pricing, timelines—the pitch that would convince Marcus Reed. As he reached the parking lot, the familiar buzz in his head intensified.

The holographic screen flared to life, neon-blue text slicing through the dull gray afternoon.

[New Training Module Unlocked: Qi Cultivation – Basic Breathing Technique.]

[Objective: Practice Qi Cultivation for 30 minutes.]

[Time Remaining: 24 hours.]

[Failure to complete task will result in system penalties.]

Vincent froze mid-step, breath fogging in the cold air.

"Qi Cultivation?" His brow furrowed. "What the hell is this shit now?"

The system didn't respond. Instead, a new section appeared.

[Qi Cultivation: Basic Breathing Technique]

A foundational practice to harness internal energy, enhancing physical and mental capabilities. Focus on rhythmic breathing and visualization to awaken latent potential.

Vincent dragged a hand down his face, processing.

Push-ups, running—that he understood. But Qi Cultivation? It sounded like something out of a martial arts novel.

Still, the system hadn't steered him wrong. His body was faster and stronger than it had ever been.

If this Qi thing could push him further, he'd play along—for now.

"Fine," he muttered, shoving his hands into his hoodie. "But I'm not doing this in the freezing cold."

He stepped inside, bypassing the reception desk where Stephanie was still buried in paperwork. She glanced up but didn't comment. Vincent appreciated the silence.

Back in his room, he kicked off his sneakers and sat cross-legged on the bed, feeling ridiculous. The system's screen hovered at eye level, displaying instructions.

[Step 1: Sit with spine straight, hands resting on knees.]

[Step 2: Inhale deeply through the nose for 4 seconds, visualizing energy pooling in the lower abdomen.]

[Step 3: Hold breath for 4 seconds, focusing on the energy's warmth.]

[Step 4: Exhale slowly through the mouth for 6 seconds, releasing tension.]

[Repeat for 30 minutes.]

Vincent sighed, adjusted his posture, and started.

At first, it felt pointless—just deep breathing in a musty motel room, the heater humming softly in the background.

But after a few cycles, something shifted.

A subtle warmth pooled in his core—faint but real. His muscles, sore from the morning workout, loosened slightly. The exhaustion clouding his mind lifted.

The system pulsed.

[Qi Cultivation Progress: 5% Complete.]

He kept going, the rhythm becoming almost meditative.

By the time the screen updated again—

[Qi Cultivation: 30 minutes completed. Basic Breathing Technique – Level 1 Achieved.]

He felt different.

More awake. More in control.

His fingers flexed instinctively, expecting something—sparks, an aura, anything.

But there was nothing. Just him, sitting on a creaky bed, feeling better than he had in days.

[Daily Task Update: Qi Cultivation – Completed.]

[Physical Condition: Optimized.] [Qi Energy: Latent Potential Awakened – 1% Unlocked.]

Vincent blew out a slow breath, eyes narrowing. The system was shifting gears, digging deeper than just physical grind. This Qi shit wasn't just about getting swole—it was building something else, something he couldn't quite grip yet.

"Alright, you cryptic bastard," he muttered to the system. "I'm in. But you better not be messing with me."

Whatever this was, he'd ride it out.

***

Vincent stood, stretching his arms. The system's enhancements were stacking up—first his physical stats, now this "Qi" stuff. He didn't fully understand it, but if it gave him an edge against Universe Enterprises, he'd take it.

For now, though, he had more immediate concerns: the daily workout and the proposal for Marcus Reed.

He showered quickly and sat at the small desk, pulling out his notebook and the supplier contracts. He spent the next few hours drafting a proposal for Marcus, cross-referencing the catalog prices with the motel's needs.

Paint for the reception area, new locks for the guest rooms, basic tools for repairs—nothing extravagant, but enough to show he was serious.

He estimated a 20% cost reduction by sourcing through Marcus instead of the current suppliers, and he threw in a pitch for a long-term partnership: steady orders in exchange for a modest discount.

As he worked, the system's screen flickered, updating his progress.

[Task Progress: Establish Local Influence – 40% Complete.]

[Next Step: Deliver proposal to Marcus Reed by 12:00 PM tomorrow.]

Vincent leaned back in the chair, rubbing his eyes. The proposal was solid, but Marcus was a tough sell. He'd need to bring his A-game tomorrow—confidence, charm, and just enough pressure to close the deal.

A knock at the door jolted him from his thoughts. He opened it to find Stephanie, holding a mug of coffee and looking mildly annoyed.

"You didn't eat all damn day, did you?" she said, shoving the mug toward him. "Don't fuckin' keel over. I ain't hauling your sorry ass to a hospital."

Vincent chuckled, taking the mug in his hands. "Damn, Steph, didn't think you cared."

"Don't get cocky," she said, but there was a hint of a smile as she turned to leave. "And don't pull an all-nighter. I need you not useless tomorrow."

"Yes, ma'am," he called after her, closing the door. He sipped the coffee, its warmth grounding him. Stephanie was warming up, even if she'd never admit it.

The system's screen agreed, updating silently.

[Progress Updated: Influence on Stephanie Moore – 85% Complete.]

Vincent set the mug down and returned to his notebook, reviewing the proposal one last time. The system's tasks were piling up—daily workouts, Qi training, securing the motel, now this deal with Marcus—but he could handle it.

He had to. Universe Enterprises fucked him over, and the system, for all its cryptic bullshit, was handing him the tools to hit back.

He closed the notebook and lay on the bed, staring at the cracked ceiling. The faint warmth from the Qi training still lingered, a reminder of the power he was only beginning to tap.

Tomorrow, he'd deliver the proposal, win over Marcus, and keep pushing forward. The system might own his body for now, but he'd make it work for him.

As his eyes drifted shut, the system's screen faded, leaving one final message.

[Rest Period: Initiated.]

[Prepare for tomorrow's objectives.]

Vincent smirked faintly, shaking his head just a little. "Yeah, yeah, you relentless bastard. I'm ready."