The sun was still low on the horizon when Khal woke, the cold of the orchard’s night air lingering in his bones. His shirt was still damp, sticky with mud, but the amulet pulsed softly against his chest like a heartbeat syncing with his own.

  Khal sat up, stretching stiff limbs, feeling every ache from yesterday’s chase. The fox, now curled at his side, opened one eye and let out a sleepy yawn.

  System Notification:

  [Status Update] Health stabilizing. Stamina recovery +5% per hour due to trait “Heart of Becoming.”

  [New Feature Unlocked] “Training Mode” activated. Allows targeted practice with system guidance.

  Khal blinked. Training mode? That sounded official… and terrifying.

  He stood, wobbling slightly but determined to learn.

  “Okay, system,” Khal muttered, “teach me something useful. I’m tired of falling on my face.”

  A translucent window flickered before his eyes, displaying options:

  — Strength

  — Agility

  — Endurance

  — Perception

  — Combat Basics

  — Survival Skills

  Khal poked “Agility.”

  System Prompt:

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  [Agility Training Initiated] Complete balance and coordination exercises.

  [Objective] Cross a narrow log without falling.

  Khal eyed the fallen tree across a shallow ravine nearby. It was no bigger than a finger thick, slick with moss.

  He stepped up, wobbling immediately.

  The fox trotted ahead, then glanced back as if to say, “You can do it.”

  Khal’s arms flailed, knees knocking.

  System Feedback:

  [Balance: Poor] Stability low. Suggested focus: core strength exercises.

  [Hint] Slow your breathing. Visualize the path ahead.

  Khal closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried again.

  This time, his steps were slower, more deliberate. His heart still raced, but he felt a little less like a newborn deer.

  Halfway across, a twig snapped beneath his foot.

  “Whoa—!”

  He stumbled, catching himself just before falling into the shallow ravine.

  System Notification:

  [Partial Success] +5 Agility XP

  [Milestone Progress] “First Steps” 40% complete.

  Khal exhaled, shaking his head with a wry smile. “Not great. But better.”

  Training continued for hours — jumping, crawling, climbing small obstacles — each met with clumsy failure followed by tiny progress.

  The system’s constant commentary was a mixed blessing.

  System Alert:

  [Humor Detected] “Try not to trip on your own feet, Khal.”

  Khal rolled his eyes. “Thanks, I’ll add that to my resume.”

  Later, Khal switched to Combat Basics, practicing simple stances and swings with a makeshift wooden sword.

  His movements were stiff and awkward, more like a puppet than a warrior.

  System Hint:

  [Technique Improvement] Bend knees slightly. Engage core. Follow through with wrists.

  Hours slipped by, and Khal felt exhaustion gnawing at him.

  But beneath the fatigue was a quiet, growing confidence.

  For the first time, the system wasn’t just a glowing box of text.

  It was a coach.

  A guide.

  And maybe, just maybe, a friend.