The air inside the *Training Dungeon* was cool, charged with magical energy. Percy stood in a loose stance, his *Celestial Bronze practice sword* in hand. Dummies lined the marble hall, some stationary, others moving subtly.
> *Training Module Activated: Swordsmanship Tier I*
> Objective: Land 50 clean strikes.
> Bonus Objective: No misses for 10 strikes in a row.*
"Alright," Kenji muttered. "Let's dance."
He stepped forward, mimicking movements he saw in movies: slash, step, thrust. It was clumsy at first—but the dungeon was built to train him. Feedback popped up constantly:
> *Strike too wide – -2% accuracy
> Footing imbalance detected – adjust right heel
> Perfect Hit – +3% Sword Proficiency EXP*
By the 35th strike, sweat rolled down his back, and his breathing was sharp—but something *clicked*.
His body began to move smoother. His blade whistled through the air, striking true.
> *Sword Proficiency – Level 2 (Beginner)
> Bonus Trait Unlocked: "Grip Stability" – Reduces stamina cost by 10%*
"Let's gooo," Kenji grinned.
---
*System Prompt*
> *You have completed: Basic Training
> Initiating Optional Challenge: Tier I Training Boss*
> Warning: You may take damage. No XP penalty upon defeat.*
> *Accept Challenge? [YES] / [NO]*
He hesitated—but only for a second.
"Yes."
The marble floor darkened, and the room dimmed. From the far end, a towering figure rose—an *Undead Gladiator*, bronze armor tarnished, eyes glowing blue fire.
> *Training Boss: Revenant Hoplite
> Level: 5
> Weakness: Speed, Precision
> Reward: +300 EXP, Bronze Token (x1), Drachmas: 100*
The monster charged, shield raised and spear ready.
Kenji ducked low, rolling to the side. The spear grazed past his arm. He slashed back—*clang!*—metal met metal. His sword vibrated.
> *Pain Tolerance +5 EXP
> Agility +1*
He adjusted, dancing around the revenant, waiting. When it over-committed on a thrust, he struck.
Once. Twice. Then a final spinning cut.
> *CRITICAL HIT – Achilles Point
> Boss Defeated.*
The creature exploded in blue flame, leaving behind a glowing bronze token and a pouch of shining Drachmas.
> *Level Up! (Level 3)
> Sword Proficiency – Level 3
> Bronze Token (1) – usable in System Store*
Panting, Kenji fell onto his back, smiling to himself.
This system wasn't just a game. It was *his edge*. His way to survive.
---
*End of Chapter 5*
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