Chapter 4: Unexpected Perks and Power-Up Patch Notes
Ran collapsed onto his bed, feeling like his brain had been squeezed through a sieve. Creating 'Beginning World v0.1' had been more draining than a week's worth of his usual futile cultivation attempts. He fell asleep almost instantly, the image of pixelated 'Dire Squirrels' chasing generic villagers through his dreams.
He woke hours later, feeling groggy but strangely… lighter. The bone-deep weariness that usually accompanied his existence felt muted. He sat up, stretching limbs that popped less dramatically than usual. Habit, ingrained over years of disappointment, took over. He slipped into his cross-legged posture on the floor, closed his eyes, and prepared for another session of trying to coax unwilling Qi into his sub-par meridians.
Alright, energy bits, let's try this again. Maybe today you'll cooperate? Pretty please? With sugar on top?
He focused, reaching out with his senses, expecting the usual pathetic trickle, the feeling of pushing against a brick wall.
But this time… it was different.
Instead of a clogged straw, it felt like the straw had suddenly widened. The ambient Qi wasn't exactly flooding in like a tidal wave, but it flowed smoothly, willingly, responding to his guidance with an ease that stunned him. It wasn't a struggle; it was… pleasant. He could feel the energy circulating through his meridians, cleaner, faster, with less resistance than ever before.
Whoa. What in the…? Did I accidentally meditate correctly for once? Did the squirrels in my dream impart secret cultivation wisdom?
Just as he was puzzling over this unexpected improvement, that familiar, slightly off-key ding sounded in his mind, followed by the shimmering blue text.
[System Notification: Host Unit has successfully completed the 'Creation Mandate - Initial Phase'!]
[Reward Issued: User Effort Bonus (Major Tier)! Applying benefits now...]
Ran's eyes widened. User Effort Bonus? Just for making that blocky little world? Okay, System, I like where this is going!
A wave of warmth spread through his body, starting from his core and radiating outwards. It wasn't just the pleasant flow of Qi he was already experiencing; this was deeper, more fundamental. He felt a distinct shift within himself, like tight knots loosening in his very spirit.
[Benefit Applied: Spiritual Root Enhancement Protocols Activated.]
[Host Unit Spiritual Root detected: Grade 2 Inferior. Applying targeted bio-resonant upgrade...]
[Upgrade Complete! Host Unit Spiritual Root elevated to: Grade 3 (Low). Congratulations! You are now marginally less disappointing!]
Grade 3! Low, sure, but still Grade 3! Ran felt a giddy surge of triumph. He wasn't just imagining the easier cultivation; his actual, fundamental talent had improved. The System wasn't just a game-maker; it was directly upgrading him.
[Benefit Applied: Qi Affinity Harmonization Initiated.]
[Result: Significant increase in Host Unit's passive and active Qi absorption efficiency. Translation: Sucking up energy just got easier. You're welcome.]
That explained the smooth flow he'd felt earlier. It wasn't just the root; his overall connection to Qi was better.
[Benefit Applied: System Maintenance Sub-Routine 'Patch v0.9.1' Deployed.]
[Effect: Comprehensive Biological Restoration. Fatigue purged. Minor aches removed. Existential dread levels slightly reduced (temporary effect). Recommend Host hydration and perhaps a celebratory cookie.]
The lingering grogginess vanished instantly. The faint throb in his temples disappeared. He felt fantastic – clear-headed, energetic, and brimming with newfound potential.
Patch notes? Seriously? A grin split Ran's face. This System was bizarre, but it delivered. Tangible, real results, directly impacting his own power. This wasn't just a path around his limitations; it was a path to erasing them.
Filled with a buzzing energy he'd never known before, Ran focused his mind, extending one hand, palm up. He recalled the simplest Qi manipulation exercise – forming a basic ball of energy. Before, he could barely gather enough Qi to create a faint shimmer. Now…
He concentrated, drawing on the readily available Qi flowing through his Grade 3 Root. Energy gathered in his palm, swirling, coalescing. Within seconds, a small, shimmering ball of white light, about the size of a pebble, hovered steadily above his hand. It was stable, solid, undeniably real.
Ran stared at the Qi ball, then clenched his fist, dissipating it. He did it again, even faster this time. Easy. Effortless compared to before.
A laugh bubbled up from his chest – a real, unrestrained laugh of pure elation. It echoed slightly in his quiet room.
It works! It really works!
The pitying looks, the whispers, the future as a glorified administrator – they suddenly seemed like distant memories from someone else's life. He had the System. He had a path. And for the first time, Ran Sayfrid felt a surge of genuine, unshakeable confidence. His journey had truly begun. Now, he just needed fuel for the fire. He needed players.