The morning sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, but Eli barely noticed. His mind was still buzzing from yesterday's chaos—the slime in the backyard, the monster at school, the System giving him his first skill.
"Eli, you're late." A familiar voice snapped him back to reality.
Kyle, holding a textbook like it was a shield, smirked. "Or maybe you're early… depending on how heroic you feel today."
Eli grinned. "Heroic? Nah, just… fashionably late. Very mysterious. Totally planned."
From the corner of the room, someone cleared their throat. Tall, broad-shouldered, with piercing blue eyes. **Darius**. Eli immediately recognized the aura—Top student, popular, and apparently, he had the confidence of someone who thought he could punch a minor demon before breakfast.
"Level 0 newbie," Darius said, leaning against the wall. "I saw what you did yesterday. Didn't think a rookie could survive a monster in school."
Eli blinked. "Thanks… I think?"
Kyle snickered. "This is your rival. Enjoy."
Darius smirked. "Don't get cocky. A single Shadow Step won't carry you far."
Eli puffed up his chest. "Well, lucky for me, I'm only just getting started."
The System pinged beside him.
[Skill Progression Available: Shadow Step]
[Recommended: Short-range combat practice]
Eli whispered, "Practice, huh? Fine." He glanced at an empty desk nearby. "Let's see if I can teleport without… hurting anyone."
Shadow Step. Pop. Eli appeared behind his desk. His chair collapsed under him. Pop. Back to the floor. Pop. On top of the trash can.
He groaned. "Okay… maybe the System exaggerates the ease of this skill."
Darius shook his head, laughing. "Cute. Really cute. Don't hurt yourself."
---
School life continued… for about thirty minutes. Then came the sound no one expected: **a low rumble, like thunder under the floor**.
"Not again," Eli muttered.
The floor cracked. A shadowy monster emerged from the hallway, claws scraping tiles, eyes glowing red. Students screamed. Teachers froze.
Kyle dove behind a desk. Lyra gasped, her green eyes wide. Eli felt that adrenaline surge again.
[Combat Mode Activated]
[Threat Level: Moderate]
[Suggested Skill: Shadow Step + Melee Attack]
Eli gritted his teeth. "Level zero… show me what you've got."
Shadow Step. Pop. He landed behind the monster and slashed at its legs. The creature roared, swiping at him. He Shadow Stepped again, barely avoiding the swipe.
"Focus, focus," he muttered. "Think like a ninja… act like a ninja… probably smell like a ninja…"
The System beeped.
[Skill Growth: Shadow Step +2 Efficiency]
[Recommendation: Target weak points]
Eli's eyes scanned. Its red eyes flickered when hit. He aimed for them, Shadow Stepped, and struck. A screech echoed.
Lyra jumped. "Eli!"
He winked at her mid-jump. "All part of the plan!"
The monster collapsed into mist, harmlessly evaporating. Eli landed, chest heaving, grinning like an idiot.
[Experience Gained: 60 EXP]
[Level Progress: 0 → 1]
[Stats Upgraded: Strength +1, Agility +1]
Darius shook his head, impressed despite himself. "Okay… maybe you're not a complete joke."
Eli wiped sweat from his forehead. "Level zero? Joke. Level one? Watch out."
Lyra approached cautiously. "You… saved everyone again. That was amazing."
Eli coughed, embarrassed. "Aw, it's nothing. Totally normal day. Just… another Tuesday."
The System pinged silently, almost smug.
[Hidden Parameter Detected]
[User Showing High Adaptability and Combat Efficiency]
Eli shivered. He couldn't see it, but somewhere, far above the four known worlds, someone—or something—was taking note.
And he wasn't just a Level 0 anymore.