NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Training, Magic, and an Unexpected Threat
The next day, Ryo prepared to return to the human world and bring his parents to safety. As he glanced behind him, he noticed two anomalies—Selena and Seyra—both beaming with excitement. Something felt off.
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "What are you two wearing?"
"Our royal clothes, of course," Selena answered proudly, twirling slightly to show off her luxurious dress.
Ryo sighed. "You can't wear those in the human world. Change into something appropriate."
Seyra tilted her head. "What kind of clothes do humans wear?"
Without missing a beat, Ryo searched his memories and described casual human attire. Their maids, always efficient, arranged proper clothing for them within seconds.
"We'll change when we reach the border of the human world," Selena decided.
Ryo reluctantly agreed, and they began their journey.
As the carriage moved, Ryo muttered, "Can't this thing go any faster?"
The moment he spoke, a familiar window popped up in front of him.
[Daily Training Mode has not been started. If left incomplete, penalties will be applied.]
Ryo froze. "What kind of penalty?"
[Possible penalties include: Temporary loss of an organ or limb. Regeneration will not heal it.]
A cold chill ran down his spine. "WHAT!?"
Without hesitation, he leapt out of the moving carriage. "You two go ahead! I'll catch up later!"
Selena and Seyra, though confused, nodded and continued onward.
Ryo took a deep breath and began his training.
[Training List:]
Run 500 km
10,000 push-ups
Endurance test
Magic control practice
He started running but barely made it past 2 km before his legs began to burn. "How the hell am I supposed to run 500 km!?" he panted.
The system answered calmly.
[Activating Trait: 'Infinite Stamina' from 'Paradox Physique.' Passive Mode Engaged.]
Suddenly, his exhaustion vanished.
Ryo blinked. "Wait, this was an option all along?! Why didn't it activate before!?"
[User never requested to use the ability's traits.]
Ryo facepalmed. "…Whatever."
With newfound energy, he sped through his exercises, completing them faster than expected.
By the time he returned to the carriage, Selena and Seyra were casually enjoying lunch.
Selena glanced at him. "Took you long enough."
Seyra pouted. "What kind of man leaves his beautiful wives alone?"
Ryo climbed onto the carriage. "We're not married, and who would even dare to harm you two?"
Both of them instantly scowled.
"First, you forget our names, and now you abandon us!?" Selena fumed.
Seyra crossed her arms. "Unforgivable."
Ryo sighed and quickly jumped onto the roof of the carriage to escape their nagging.
Just then, the system spoke again.
[Congratulations! You have completed Daily Training Mode for the first time. Unlocking two dormant traits.]
Ryo perked up. "Finally, something good!"
[Final task: Elemental Mastery practice.]
Ryo paused. "How do I even practice that?"
He leaned into the carriage window. "Hey, Seyra, how do I train elemental magic?"
To his surprise, Seyra's face lit up with excitement. "You want me to teach you?!"
Before he could regret his decision, she enthusiastically began explaining.
"Every dragon is born with one or two elements. I, for example, have Ice and Lightning. But you…" she grinned, "can use all elements."
Ryo nodded. "So, I just imagine what I want to do?"
"Exactly! Try something simple—like a Fireball."
Ryo focused, envisioning a small ball of fire forming in his palm. Slowly, he felt something stirring within him—a strange sensation as if something was being drained.
A moment later…
WHOOSH!
A Fireball shot forward.
"I did it!" he shouted.
Then, everything went black.
For a few seconds, he couldn't see anything.
A robotic voice echoed in his mind.
[Warning: All mana consumed.]
Ryo groaned. "Ugh… what the hell just happened?"
Seyra chuckled. "Mana is like fuel. If you use it all at once, you collapse. Your mana reserves will grow as you train."
Ryo sighed. "Great… I have infinite stamina, but no mana."
Just then, another notification appeared.
[Training Reward #1: 'Enemy Detection' – Allows user to sense nearby enemies. Range increases with mana reserves.]
Ryo frowned. "How am I supposed to use that when I barely have any mana?"
The next notification answered his question.
[Training Reward #2: 'Infinite Mana' – Another unlocked trait of 'Paradox Physique.']
Ryo smirked. "Now we're talking."
Curious, he activated Enemy Detection and set the range to 15 km.
Instantly, his senses picked up something—an enemy, 9 km ahead.
Ryo's expression darkened.
"…That's not good."
Author's Note:
Ryo is slowly realizing just how broken his abilities are, but that doesn't mean he gets to relax! His training has only just begun, and now he's sensing an unknown enemy ahead. Is this just a coincidence, or is something—or someone—waiting for him? Stay tuned for Chapter 22!
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