It had been a week since I embarked on my grueling training regimen, and the results were undeniable. My stamina had increased significantly, and my basic stats had improved as well. Most notably, my mana had reached E rank. The most challenging aspect of my training was circulating mana during meditation; it required complete focus and unwavering concentration. However, my newly acquired skill, Mana Sense, proved invaluable. It functioned like a radar, allowing me to sense my surroundings within a five-meter radius. While the range was limited, I knew it would expand as I continued to grow.
I had also inquired about leveling up from the system. Apparently, I needed to defeat monsters to gain experience, or I could receive a level-up card. Without hesitation, I approached my father and requested two F-rank monsters, explaining that as a level 0, they would be more than sufficient for my needs. To my relief, he didn't question my motives, which I appreciated.
"I'm sure they must have noticed the changes in my body," I thought, a sense of pride swelling within me. Now that I had reached level 1, I could create a skill of my choice, and with 10 SP at my disposal, I felt ready to take the next step. I also asked my father for a basic sword manual, which he happily provided.
"Now I only have three days left before I depart for the academy," I reminded myself, focusing on the task at hand. The skill I was about to create wasn't anything celestial, but it would be incredibly useful for someone like me, who had been left behind by others.
"System, create this skill," I commanded, my heart racing with anticipation.
[Using Skill Weaver, the skill has been granted.]
[Mind Acceleration (A)]
(Host's thinking, learning, analyzing, and overall mental operations will be ten times faster than usual. Focus will be maximized.)
(Duration: 10 minutes)
(Cooldown: 1 hour)
[Note: As the host levels up, the duration and cooldown of the skill will also change. Using this skill for extended periods can cause mental strain.]
I knew some might question why I didn't create an attack skill, but I understood the potential of Mind Acceleration better than anyone. This skill would allow me to analyze enemy movements and strategize during battles, giving me an edge over my opponents.
"Mind Acceleration," I said, activating the skill. Suddenly, time around me felt as if it had slowed down. I opened the manual and absorbed its contents in a minute, then immediately began practicing.
For the next ten minutes, I swung my sword with fervor, determined to master the basics.
Slash! Swoosh!
"Hu… Hu… Damn, this is more difficult than I thought," I gasped, my breath coming in heavy bursts. The weight of the sword felt heavier with each swing, but I pushed through, activating Mind Acceleration every two attempts to maximize my learning.
As darkness fell, I joined my parents for dinner. They were pleased with my progress, offering words of encouragement that filled me with warmth. After the meal, I returned to my room, collapsing onto my bed, utterly exhausted but satisfied.
This cycle continued for the next three days. I didn't neglect my hellish training, although I lightened the intensity slightly; it had become a habit I couldn't break.
Now, as I sat in my room packing for my departure to the academy, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. To my surprise, I had been placed in Class A. I supposed that was the power of money and being the son of a powerful noble.
"It's been a while since I checked my status," I thought, feeling a surge of curiosity.
"System, show me my stats," I commanded, eager to see how far I had come.
[Ding....]