Kenji's progress was steady, but he knew he had barely scratched the surface of what his system could offer. It had been a little over a week since he woke up in this new life, and while he had made strides in improving his physical and magical abilities, he knew his training was slower than it should be. The lack of an ID Create skill was a constant thorn in his side, and he couldn't help but compare his situation to Jihan Han's in The Gamer Manhwa.
As Kenji sat in the woods, catching his breath after a grueling training session, he reflected on the differences between his world and Jihan's. In The Gamer, Jihan could create Instant Dungeons (IDs), pocket dimensions where he could train and fight without affecting the real world. It was an incredibly useful ability, allowing him to gain experience and test his limits in a safe environment.
But no matter how hard Kenji tried, he couldn't replicate it. He had attempted to create an ID multiple times, focusing his mana and willing a pocket dimension into existence, but nothing happened. At first, he thought it was because he lacked the necessary skill or mana control. But as he reflected on it, he realized the problem was deeper than that.
"In Jihan's world, Gaia is the top dog—the source of all supernatural power and the overseer of the Earth. She's the one who allows IDs to exist, In the first place it wasn't even supposed to be a dungeon, it was a way to create sub isolated dimensions for people of the Abyss to not affect those around them, creating a safe space for supernatural beings to fight without damaging the real world. But in this world… I don't think Gaia exists, not in the same way Gaia was in Jihan's world. There she was the start of all, the source of all power she was Gaia, the earth itself."
"She was the referee overseeing everything. When Jihan learned how to create a subdimension, it wasn't just his power, it was like learning the codes for something but having someone else activate them, he gave power/mana to Gaia and she helped create it."
"Without Gaia's help, I can't create an ID. There's no framework or system in place to support something like that; it's only my power, and right now, I don't have enough. I'm on my own here. That's why my training feels so slow. I don't have a safe space to push my limits, no way to fight monsters or gain experience without risking exposure or collateral damage."
"It's frustrating, but I can't let it stop me. I'll just have to work harder, train smarter, and make the most of what I have. Maybe one day, I'll find a way to create my own pocket dimension. For something like that, I'll need a space related ability and it's not something he knows he can just wave a hand and learn when he doesn't even know the basics of magic. But for now, I'll focus on what I can do."
Determined to make the most of his situation, Kenji decided to explore new ways to improve. He had been focusing on physical training and basic magic, but he knew there were other skills he could develop. He opened his system interface and reviewed his current stats and skills.
---
[Status Update]
Name: Kenji Takahashi
Level: 5
Free Stat Points: 15
Attributes:
- Strength: 50 (Tier-10)
- Speed: 50 (Tier-10)
- Endurance: 50 (Tier-10)
- Intelligence: 58 (Tier-10)
- Wisdom: 53 (Tier-10)
- Charisma: 45 (Tier-10)
- Luck: 95 (Tier-2)
Skills:
- Observation (LV 3)
- Basic Cooking (LV 5)
- Self-Discipline (LV 3)
- Household Management (LV 2)
- Mana Manipulation (LV 2)
- Mana Ball (LV 3)
- Mana Rope (LV 3)
- Blunt Weapon Mastery (LV 3)
- Meditation (LV 2)
- Running (LV 2)
- Basic First Aid (LV 1)
Perks:
- Gamer's Body (Passive): Grants immunity to physical exhaustion, enhances recovery rate, and prevents permanent injury from non-fatal wounds.
- Gamer's Mind (Passive): Grants immunity to psychological effects such as fear, stress, and mental manipulation, while allowing calm, logical decision-making.
---
Kenji decided to focus on Meditation and Mana Manipulation, hoping to improve his control over mana and unlock new abilities. He sat cross-legged on the forest floor, closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing. Slowly, he began to sense the flow of mana within him, a faint warmth that grew stronger as he concentrated.
---
[System Alert!]
Meditation has leveled up! (LV 3)
Wisdom has increased by +1
---
Feeling more in tune with his mana, Kenji decided to experiment with a new skill. He focused on shaping the mana into a small ball, before pushing it outforming a glowing shield in front of him. It took several attempts, but eventually, he managed to create a faint, translucent barrier.
---
[System Alert!]
New Skill Acquired: Mana Shield (LV 1)
Effect: Creates a small barrier of mana that can block weak physical and magical attacks.
---
Kenji grinned. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He practiced maintaining the shield, making it stronger and more stable. By the time he finished, the sun was beginning to set, and he felt a sense of accomplishment.
When Kenji finally returned home, he was greeted by a familiar sight—his family at the dinner table, though they barely acknowledged his arrival. Anastasia glanced at him but said nothing, while Ayaka and Aoi continued eating in silence. Ren, however, perked up slightly, his eyes lingering on Kenji as if waiting for him to do something.
Kenji sat down, taking a deep breath. This is another kind of battle, he thought to himself.
He took the initiative. "I'm thinking of cooking breakfast again tomorrow," he said casually, watching for their reactions. "Maybe something new this time."
Aoi hesitated before responding. "You don't have to."
"I know," Kenji replied with a small smile. "But I want to."
Ayaka scoffed, but there was no real venom behind it. Anastasia remained unreadable, though she didn't object either. It was another small step, but he had learned to appreciate every bit of progress.
As dinner continued, Kenji found himself watching his family, memorizing their mannerisms, trying to understand them more. His physical strength had improved, but this—earning back their trust—was a different kind of challenge entirely.
And he was ready for it.
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