During training, Elliot's mind was filled with thoughts about various important subjects.
But one question stood out: What exactly is Attribute Energy?
The population has asked this question countless times, yet its answer remains vague, sometimes even difficult to answer. All we need to know is that Attribute Energy is generated through effort, which in turn makes up the four key statistics: Strength, Resistance, Agility, and Sense.
To obtain it, one could engage in any physical activities that enhance Strength, Resistance, and Agility or stimulate the mind by reading or learning complicated subjects to improve Sense.
However, there are other—darker—methods to acquire it. For example, killing beasts or any other individual who trained using the Attribute energy would grant a portion of their energy to the killer, much like the experience points in a video game.
It made sense since one would need Attribute Energy to strengthen themselves, so by killing a creature that has been training its strength for a long time, one could naturally obtain a fraction of that energy it has trained to accumulate for so long. However, this method also had its limitations.
Because Attribute Energy was necessary in this era, gyms, training centers, and even libraries were immensely popular.
With Attribute Energy being so important, it was normal that everyone sought to know more about it. Even more so, increasing your stats was the only way to rise through the Strength Ranks.
But that was merely the tip of the iceberg about everything this mysterious energy truly represented. Still, knowing that much was enough to begin one's training.
Even so, obtaining it was easier said than done.
After two gruelling hours of training, Elliot sighed.
'I didn't think creating a single stat point would be this complicated.'
Although he knew this struggle wasn't unique to him, and some people even took up to a week of training to get a point, there was no way that he could do it in just two hours. But considering the amount of energy he had absorbed, he just hoped for faster results.
'Maybe the training routine isn't right for me. I don't feel like I'm working out properly here. Am I thinking too much?'
As he occasionally rested between exercises, he observed the other training sessions—some routines seemed far more effective than his own, while some didn't. This made him think about formulating a new personalized training plan for himself.
That's when an idea struck him.
'Should I go to a Martial Arts Center? The awakened ones may create more energy, and there's always plenty of them there. Maybe… if I am lucky, I can steal a point.'
Since he had nothing else to do now, he decided to return to the gym tomorrow with a better training plan. He thought that it was best to look for training alternatives when the one he was doing right now didn't seem to be working.
With that in mind, he headed to the Martial Arts Center.
When he stepped into the reception area, he felt like he had entered a completely different environment.
"There are many people who have Awakened. Even the receptionists are Awakened—and they are definitely not weak."
Although everyone who walked in and out of the martial arts center was strong, he was possibly the weakest compared to all those who were present.
After paying the monthly fee, he sighed.
'Sigh, I only have $10 left. This is pathetic. That bastard said he would give me a supposed bonus to leave, but he only had $20 with him. What a shitty bonus.'
Shoving the change into his pocket with a sigh, he stepped inside.
His eyes sparkled at the sight of a new world before him, and he couldn't help but find himself frozen in the doorway, watching the sight before him.
A strange, colorful world stretched out before him, dominated by red. The other colors also danced in the air, which pulsed with the sounds of sparring and pained grunts, which filled the space.
'My God, is this for real?'
The sheer amount of energy was several times greater than what he had felt in the gym. Without hesitation, he took several steps forward, eager to begin his martial arts training—or, at the very least, siphon some of the Attribute Energy.
The sensation of energy seeping into him with each step was almost intoxicating. But then, something on one of the television screens caught his attention, and he stopped.
A news anchor was speaking.
"Among the most shocking local news today, Young Master John of the Clark Family has recently ascended to become one of the 5-Star Knights of the city after winning a small local tournament last week. With this victory, Young Master John sets his sights on claiming the last title of the year..."
Elliot's expression darkened.
'That bastard… is he really that strong?'
As fury grew inside him, a voice called out to him from the side.
"Elliot?"
It was the most unpleasant voice he wished to hear; it made his blood boil.
That voice was way too familiar.
Literally, the very person he was furious about at the moment had materialized in front of him.
Turning his head, he found himself standing face-to-face with that very person.
"John Clark."
Standing before him was a young man his age, dressed in rather luxurious training robes, adorned with many expensive accessories, and surrounded by an entourage of arrogant followers.
Just seeing him was enough to reignite the hatred simmering within his heart.
'The cause of all my suffering.'
He recalled the riddle the fortune-telling mirror had posed and couldn't help but find the similarity in this bastard.
He was Elliot's cousin. But most importantly, he was the reason for the deaths of his mother and sister—the murderer who had tormented him for many years.
And someone against whom he had sworn to take his revenge… even if it cost him his life.
Unfortunately, John's just a villain—he was talented. He was already in the Awakened Rank and had managed to awaken at the age of 14 on his very first attempt.
Clearly, he was a genius of the city.
Furthermore, just a moment ago, he had heard on the news that John was now one of the city's Five-Star Knights. This meant that he was now officially recognized as one of the five most powerful young people under 18 in the city, which would have undoubtedly increased his status tremendously.
At least, that's what the title suggested.
John approached him, his expression smug.
"I never thought that my city would sink so low that a Misfit would be able to set foot on the training grounds of the awakened," he sneered as he walked towards Elliot.
A star insignia rested on the right side of Elliot's chest, a mark of his newly acquired status.
Elliot glanced at the insignia and smirked.
"I certainly never thought my city would sink so low that an 18-year-old idiot who relies on pills would ever wear this badge," Elliot shot back, his voice laced with mockery and disdain, something that annoyed John.
John's smug faded.
"You've become eloquent, you little bastard. Seems like you have forgotten who your superior is."
Elliot chuckled. "Haha, I don't know who my superior is, but I do recognize the face of a traitor. Don't worry, it's something I'll never forget."
Even though he knew that there was a vast gap in their power and status, this didn't mean that he would be intimidated. Even when he was a powerless, normal human looking for his place in this world, he had never feared John.
Of course, he had to be careful when he confronted him because. At the slightest mistake, John could pounce on and kill him instantly.
But now that he had awakened, he had a spark of confidence. Maybe his strength hadn't changed much yet, but it won't be long before it will.
John stared at him with a face full of anger. 'Since you like to talk… Let me teach you a lesson. I may not be able to fight in this place, but you can't just run your mouth in this place either, you bastard.'
In a blur, he suddenly stepped forward. Before Elliot could react, John's iron grip clamped onto his shoulder, his finger gigging in hard enough to make the bone protest loudly.
Elliot gritted his teeth and endured the pain.
John leaned in, his mouth close to Elliot's ear.
"A great gift is on its way to you. And if you don't like that one, don't worry—I have a couple more gifts ready for you, dear cousin. Just try to endure. At least, let me see your face again… so you can prove that you are worthy of the Clark name."
Elliot met his gaze; his mind had already pieced things together. 'So, it was you who sent that bastard. Heh, too bad for you—that so-called gift wasn't my size.'
Although he scoffed in his mind, his mouth spoke differently.
A voice full of hatred: "Worthy of the Clark name? No, you're not worthy. I'm just Elliot Clark, of the Sky Dome Clark branch. I don't want your measly trash branch to do anything with me." As he said, his fingers grabbed John's hand, and he used all his strength to pull it away.
John suddenly saw his hand tremble. 'What?' He was shocked.
Although it was still tiny compared to his own, the force Elliot had shown was more than it should have been.
By the time John reacted, Elliot was already gone.
Only his colleagues and a few curious onlookers were watching, secretly hoping for John to finally kill Elliot right then and there.
But this time, it didn't happen.
'That bastard… Shit. I didn't expect he would be hiding that he's a decent Misfit.' He growled in frustration.
One of his companions stepped closer.
"What happened, John? Why did you let him go?" He asked.
John shook his head. "That guy's on his last legs. Looks like he won't live past this year. Might as well let him enjoy what little life he has."
His companion snorted. "Since when have you been so kind?"
John shrugged. "What can I say? He is family; I have to treat my cousins well."
"Hahahaha, I guess that's true."
"Of course, treating him well is one thing—letting him abuse you is something completely different. Can you help me get him expelled later?"
The guy he had been talking to was the son of the Master of the Martial Arts Center.
The guy smirked. "Misfits aren't allowed in anyway. Consider it done."
"Well then, let's go. We should celebrate before the last tournament of the year starts."
"True. I heard all the Star Knights will be participating, and some new geniuses have also arrived in town. Is that true?"
"Yes. They will be selecting the five strongest between ages 16 and 18 years again. Although I might have become a Star Knight, it is only temporary; soon, I will have to fight for my spot again."
They walked off, unaware that Elliot had been listening to them from afar.
'The last tournament of the year… No wonder the Guilds have been looking for awakened geniuses lately. I wonder if I'll be able to join in,' he thought, although he was just teasing himself.
Join? He wasn't even qualified to think about it.
He rubbed his aching shoulder, still feeling the lingering pain from that bastard's grip, before heading inside to farm attribute energy.
Once he was done, he headed to make the most of his time at the martial arts center.
These facilities were usually divided into two areas: one where many awakened people trained with coaches or other awakened fighters and the other rooms for training with puppets. Being as weak as he was, Elliot knew that he had no choice but to use the puppet rooms.
The moment he stepped into the training room, the mechanism was activated. A single puppet came to life before him—its resistance astonishing and its strength decent.
"I've only heard rumors about these puppets. They say they're very good for training newbies. I just hope that all the money I spent on the monthly fee will be rewarded."
Steppin forward, he entered the training ring. As soon as he got closer, the puppet locked onto him and lunged.
Elliot was forced to drop low to dodge. He took advantage of his position and struck at the puppet's lower chest, trying to land a decisive blow to test its toughness.
But his blow didn't even make the puppet budge.
'Really tough.'
He quickly took a few steps back, narrowly avoiding a blow coming from above.
Then, taking advantage of the puppet's carelessness, he channelled power in his hand and struck again, this time at its front.
The blow hit the puppet's expressionless face, pushing it back slightly. This marked the start of his intense training session, during which he aimed to sharpen his Strength and Agility.