Morning – Kagawa Residence, Tokyo
Morning sunlight streamed through the window, cutting across the messy room.
Ryota lay sprawled on his bed, the blanket tangled around his legs.
He blinked awake slowly, feeling like his entire body had been drained of energy.
Ryota (Muttering): My head's heavy… what happened last night?
He sat up, rubbing his temples. His mind felt blank, foggy, as if the night before had been erased. The digital clock beside him showed 8:42 AM.
Ryota: Great, i woke up late again.
He stood, yawning, and reached for his phone. Then something strange appeared in front of his eyes.
Screen: WELCOME, RYOTA.
The words hovered in midair. Not from his phone, not from the TV—just floating there.
Ryota (Startled): What the…?
He stepped back, bumping into his chair. His breathing quickened.
Ryota: What the hell is this!?
??? (Robotic tone): Hello, Ryota. I am your personal assistant. What would you like me to do today?
Ryota froze. The voice wasn't coming from his phone, or any speaker. It was inside his head.
Ryota: What the… personal assistant? Did my dad put some kind of chip in my head or something?
??? (Flat tone): Negative. Your father did not install any device.
Ryota: Wait—are you reading my mind right now?
???: Correct. I can access your thoughts directly.
Ryota (Alarmed): You can what!?
???: I can also access your memories, even from the moment you were born. Your DNA provides complete historical data. Would you like me to show you?
Ryota: No! Absolutely not!
He backed away, eyes wide, heart pounding.
Ryota: Who even are you, What even are you!!??
???: My apologies, I am designated as "Rui." Your artificial intelligence system, created for performance and physical optimization.
Rui (Monotone): I am specifically designed as a basketball and physique assistance program. My role is to help you achieve maximum potential or even exceed the average potential of a superhuman.
Ryota (Skeptical): Woah.. What the, So you're like a level-up system or something?
Rui: Affirmative. Displaying your current parameters.
Blue light filled Ryota's vision, forming transparent panels before him.
[STATS]Stamina – Level 1 (Endurance and energy)Flexibility – Level 2 (Balance and dribbling control)Strength – Level 1 (Physical capability and durability)Speed – Level 3 (Agility and movement pace)IQ – Level 11 (Strategic intelligence)Shooting – Level 2 (Accuracy and form control)
Ryota (Mumbling): What are these? Video game stats?
Rui: These represent your real-time physical and mental capabilities.
Ryota: So this is real?
Rui: Affirmative.
Ryota: Why is my IQ so high while the others are still low?
Rui: Based on your history, instead of physical training, you spent more time observing others play basketball. Your IQ is high because you studied their movements and strategies... however, your body couldn't keep up. Your physical strength is far below your mental capability.
Ryota: That is quite harsh but... i guess it is true well how do I even level these up?
Rui: By training, eating properly, and maintaining consistent physical activity. Through effort, you gain experience points that increase your Ancestral Level.
Ryota (Sighs): So basically, I work hard and get stronger. Just like normal people.
Rui: Incorrect. I can enhance your biological structure once your level increases. Humans have a limit. My system does not.
Ryota (Raises an eyebrow): So if I reach some crazy level, I'll be superhuman?
Rui: Not entirely. Performance still depends on conditions and opponents.
Ryota (Muttering): Yeah, figures.
Rui: Your current Ancestral Level is 4. Each level allows you to enhance four attributes of your choice.
Ryota: So if I train, I gain EXP, level up my Ancestral thing, then pick stats to upgrade?
Rui: Correct.
Ryota: And if I don't use my points, even if I train all day, I won't improve?
Rui: Affirmative.
Ryota (Thinking): So this really is like a game system… in my head.
He rubbed his neck, trying to take in everything.
Rui: Would you like me to guide your training schedule?
Ryota: Not now. I need to think.
He went to the kitchen, poured cereal into a bowl, and sat silently while the morning news played in the background. His spoon stopped midair as the glowing numbers still hovered faintly in his sight.
After breakfast, he cleaned up, watched some TV, and tried to ignore it. Hours passed, but the quiet voice in his head remained there, waiting.
Rui: Ryota, may I provide additional instruction?
Ryota (Groans): Sure… what now?
Rui: To grow faster, maintain discipline and activity. Train daily. Eat sufficiently. Rest accordingly. These contribute to experience gain.
Ryota (Smirking): So I just do what I normally do, and you make me stronger?
Rui: That is an accurate summary.
The rest of the day continued normally. Ryota studied, cleaned his room, and eventually sat on his bed with a sigh. His phone buzzed with messages, but his attention kept drifting to the blue interface that appeared in his vision every now and then.
After about an hour, something changed. The numbers blinked.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]+1 Ancestral Level AcquiredCurrent Level: 5Select Four Attributes to Enhance
Rui: Congratulations, Ryota. You have leveled up. Please select attributes for enhancement.
Ryota (Surprised): I leveled up? But I didn't even train yet.
Rui: Mental focus contributes to progression.
Ryota: Huh. Guess studying pays off after all.
The screen pulsed faintly as the selection interface appeared.
Ryota: Alright. Let's add one to stamina, one to speed, one to strength, and one to IQ.
Rui: Confirmed. Updating status.
[UPDATED STATS]Stamina – Level 2Flexibility – Level 2Strength – Level 2Speed – Level 4IQ – Level 12Shooting – Level 2Ancestral Level: 5
The glowing panel faded. Ryota leaned back on his chair, staring at the ceiling.
Ryota (Quietly): This is strange… but maybe this can really make me better.
He looked toward the basketball on the shelf beside his desk.A faint grin appeared on his face.
Ryota (Softly): I'll test this tomorrow. Let's see how real you are, Rui.
The lights flickered slightly. The house grew quiet again. Deep within him, something pulsed faintly, calm but alive.
To be continued...