I had leveled up four times in the past three months, and with the gold I had accumulated from my daily missions and leveling up, I was finally in a position to buy new skills from the system.
The good news was that my daily training at the dojo seemed to be paying off as well. It wasn't just the skills I was acquiring—my stats were improving. I didn't know it at first, but training at the dojo actually seemed to increase my physical stats, just like the system's daily missions. I had unlocked a new stat, too, called Perception, after finally gathering all the energy in my body and channeling it into my daitain.
The martial arts taught at the Dojo was a mix of karate and some other martial arts I don't know. But the surprising thing was it did not appear in the skill section. Does this mean it was not a level that system requires to register it as skill or is my mastery not good enough. I was thinking it might be the first one
With this new stat, I could now perceive things within a one-meter radius when I concentrated. At first, it felt a little odd—like a slight pressure on my senses—but soon, it became a tool I could use in training and everyday life. I could see and sense things with much more clarity, as if I had gained a deeper awareness of my surroundings. I knew that this new ability would come in handy, especially as I prepared for more intense challenges ahead.
I also noticed my body was changing. I looked leaner now, my muscles more defined, and my overall physique had improved. The work I had been putting in at the dojo was showing results. It wasn't just about strength; it was about balance, flexibility, and precision. I could feel the changes every time I moved, whether I was throwing a punch or performing basic stances at the park. The improvements were clear in the way my body responded.
Not only that, my Energy Conduit skill had leveled up too. I could feel absorbing energy more rapidly than before, with less strain, and I could use it more efficiently.
I glanced at my system screen to confirm the changes.
System Interface
Name: Jin Kuroda
Level: 9
Occupation: Student (Junior High)
Stats:
Strength: 18 Stamina: 15 Agility: 12 Endurance: 14 Vitality: 16 Dexterity: 12 Constitution: 18 Intelligence: 16 Wisdom: 6 Luck: 9 Perception: 2 Energy: 1000/1000
Free Attribute Points: 16
Skills:
Passive: Insight (Level 1) Active: Energy Conduit (Level 2), Flowing River Technique(Level 3)
I was halfway to my goal. I had two more months until the U.A. entrance exam. Since Kendo was in the same year as me, I had a rough idea of what the exam would entail. I wasn't planning on sitting back and letting the opportunity slip by. If I wanted to have a chance of passing, I needed to start preparing myself for real combat martial arts.
With the gold I had saved up, I finally decided to buy some new techniques from the system. I'd been eyeing them for a while, but now I was confident enough in my abilities to make the investment. I spent a good portion of my savings on a few techniques that seemed like they would complement my training and help me grow stronger.
First, I bought the Iron Body Technique. This was a body refinement technique from Shaolin, and it seemed to be exactly what I needed. The system seemed to pull from the Murim world for its martial arts, and I'd read that Shaolin had some of the best body refining techniques. The Iron Body Technique trained the body to be as strong as iron, reinforcing muscles, bones and skin, making them more resistant to damage. I felt that having a strong, resilient body would be essential, especially if I was going to face any real combat. It was an expensive choice, costing me about 90% of my savings, but I didn't mind. I thought it was one of the best investments I could make.
Next, I picked up the Flowing Wave Palm, a basic palm technique that allowed me to release a ki shockwave upon impact. The shockwave could disrupt the opponent's balance and cause internal damage. It wasn't as powerful as some of the advanced techniques, but I knew it would be useful for dealing with multiple opponents or breaking through defenses.
Lastly, I bought the Mountain Shattering Fist. This was a heavy, direct strike meant to break through tough defenses. The idea of delivering a powerful punch that could break through armor or sturdy barriers was enticing, and I knew that it would be invaluable in a fight where sheer force was required.
I felt a sense of satisfaction after purchasing these techniques. They weren't the most advanced skills available, but they were solid, practical techniques that would help me build a strong foundation. As my level grew, I knew I would be able to afford more powerful skills, but for now, this was a great start.