The familiar interface appeared in Karnel's mind, and he could clearly see the second item of his modifier now accessible, while the remaining nine items were still shrouded in dark mist.
[10 Times Perception AVAILABLE]
"Is this the second ability that's finally unlocked?" Karnel excitedly activated the new 10 times perception function.
The perception item in his mind glowed red, just like the first ability had done, indicating that this function was now active.
This time, there was no dramatic physical response. Karnel simply felt as if a thin veil had been lifted from his mind, bringing an unexpected clarity. Everything around him seemed somehow different, though he couldn't immediately articulate why.
Looking out at the ocean before him, Karnel experienced the world in a completely new way.
Like clearing away clouds to reveal the clear sky!
That was the best way to describe it.
Suddenly, Karnel felt all of Master Roshi's fighting techniques, Ki manipulation skills, and movements from their battle replay in his mind. His newly enhanced perception analyzed each motion, each transfer of energy, each subtle shift in balance. Everything flowed together like streams joining a river, becoming part of Karnel's own fighting instincts, permanently etched into his memory.
Karnel was so delighted he could barely contain himself.
"This... this ability is incredible! I have a feeling now that any technique I witness, I can instantly learn." This wasn't arrogance; it was the genuine self-confidence that his 10 times perception had granted him.
Walking toward the shoreline, Karnel couldn't resist testing his new understanding. He extended his hands toward the ocean and concentrated...
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A series of Ki blasts erupted from his palms, sending waves several feet high crashing back.
Just as he thought! The same energy attacks now required nearly one-third less power to create while maintaining similar destructive potential.
"Old Turtle Hermit, just wait until tomorrow. You won't know what hit you..." Karnel looked toward Master Roshi's cabin with mischievous intent.
Night passed quickly...
Early the next morning, as the sun was just rising over the horizon, Karnel, who had spent the night on a beach lounger, was already up and eager for a rematch.
"Master Roshi! Come out! Today I'm going to knock those sunglasses right off your face!" Karnel called loudly.
Wearing a colorful Hawaiian shirt and shorts, Master Roshi emerged from his house, yawning slowly.
"You young people have no respect for your elders, waking me up at this ungodly hour," Master Roshi complained, clearly unhappy about the early wake-up call.
"Come on, old timer. If you can beat me again, I'll send you a limited edition collector's magazine. But if you lose, I won't ask you to teach me your techniques anymore. All I want is for you to demonstrate the Kamehameha Wave once more in front of me." Karnel beckoned to Master Roshi with a confident smile.
"Well now! Kid, you better be ready for a lesson from the Turtle Hermit!" At the mention of magazines, Master Roshi immediately perked up. His body tensed as muscles began to bulge beneath his colorful shirt, which suddenly flew off from the power surge, landing who-knows-where.
Just like yesterday, Karnel made the first move, initially following the same strategy of jumping behind Master Roshi for a surprise attack.
Master Roshi, not saying a word, prepared to teach this disrespectful youth another lesson.
It seemed like history was about to repeat itself.
Master Roshi blocked the anticipated rear attack and turned around.
But there was nothing there!
Got you now!
When Karnel appeared to move behind Master Roshi, he actually left an afterimage while instantly repositioning to the old master's left side.
The false Ki signature behind him had deceived Master Roshi, who now found himself striking at empty air.
From the left, Karnel attacked.
The situation mirrored yesterday's battle, except the roles were now reversed.
Master Roshi crashed to the ground unceremoniously.
"After you, Master Roshi," Karnel said cheerfully, in high spirits.
Picking himself up from the ground, Master Roshi looked stunned. "You... you're completely different from yesterday!"
"Of course I am. The real show is just beginning. Your move, Master Roshi." Karnel motioned with his fingers.
"Hmph, don't get cocky, kid. I just got careless."
BOOM!
"Boy, you're still too green. That opening was intentional bait," Master Roshi said after throwing a punch that deliberately left his right side exposed, waiting to lure Karnel into his trap.
"Actually, you don't understand. This is called 'baiting the baiter.' You're the one who took the bait." With his enhanced perception, Karnel could now read Master Roshi like an open book. Every feint, trap, and opening was clear to him from the moment the old master moved.
Karnel caught Master Roshi's wrist with one hand while simultaneously blocking the old master's sneak attack with his foot, then countered with a punch that sent Master Roshi flying back ten meters.
This time, the Turtle Hermit was genuinely shocked. "How is this possible? It's like you transformed from a novice into a battle-hardened veteran overnight."
"You... kid, it's only been one day, but you're like a completely different person," Master Roshi said in disbelief.
"Master Roshi, the loneliness of genius is something you wouldn't understand."
"Enough talk. Let's continue!"
For the next half hour, the small island echoed with the sounds of an old man's defeated cries. It was painful to hear and would have brought tears to the eyes of any spectator.
This was no longer an exchange of techniques; it was a complete reversal of fortune.
"Stop, stop! I give up!" His face swollen and bruised, sporting two black eyes, Master Roshi covered his face with his hands and begged for mercy. "I don't know my own weakness, you rotten kid."
"I knew you'd see reason eventually. Should have just given up earlier," Karnel said with a triumphant smile.
"Now show me your Kamehameha Wave." Karnel grabbed a drink from the table and took a few sips.
"Fine, fine. I'll demonstrate it for you now. Whether you can learn it or not is up to you." After resting for a moment, Master Roshi stood up and walked to the shore.
He took his stance and cupped his hands together.
"Ka... Me... Ha... Me... HA!!!"
A brilliant beam of energy quickly formed between Master Roshi's hands.
WHOOSH!!!
A half-meter-thick energy wave shot from Master Roshi's hands across the ocean's surface. The sea parted where the beam traveled, creating massive waves and sending clouds of steam rising from the heated water.
Since there was no specific target, Master Roshi didn't maintain the Kamehameha Wave for long. The energy dissipated less than two seconds after being released.
"Well, kid, did you see clearly?" Master Roshi asked, his eyes gleaming with a hint of pride in his signature technique.
"Of course. Let me try it." Karnel stepped forward confidently.
"Ka... Me... Ha... Me... HA!"
WHOOSH!
A light blue energy wave twice as thick as Master Roshi's erupted from Karnel's hands.
"Haha! How about that? It wasn't actually that difficult," Karnel said with a smile.
"This..." Master Roshi's eyes bulged in shock. "You learned my signature technique with just a single glance?"