Morning – Kagawa Residence, Tokyo
Morning sunlight streamed through the window, cutting across the messy room.
Ryota lay sprawled on his bed, the blanket tangled around his legs.
He blinked awake slowly, feeling like his entire body had been drained of energy.
Ryota (Muttering): My head's heavy... what happened last night?
He sat up, rubbing his temples. His mind felt blank, foggy, as if the night before had been erased. The digital clock beside him showed 8:42 AM.
Ryota: Great, i woke up late again.
He stood, yawning, and reached for his phone. Then something strange appeared in front of his eyes.
Screen: WELCOME, RYOTA.
The words hovered in midair. Not from his phone, not from the TV—just floating there.
Ryota (Startled): What the...?
He stepped back, bumping into his chair. His breathing quickened.
Ryota: What the hell is this!?
??? (Robotic tone): Hello, Ryota. I am your personal assistant. What would you like me to do today?
Ryota froze. The voice wasn't coming from his phone, or any speaker. It was inside his head.
Ryota: What the... personal assistant? Did my dad put some kind of chip in my head or something?
??? (Flat tone): Negative. Your father did not install any device.
Ryota: Wait—are you reading my mind right now?
???: Correct. I can access your thoughts directly.
Ryota (Alarmed): You can what!?
???: I can also access your memories, even from the moment you were born. Your DNA provides complete historical data. Would you like me to show you?
Ryota: No! Absolutely not!
He backed away, eyes wide, heart pounding.
Ryota: Who even are you, What even are you!!??
???: My apologies, I am designated as "Rui." Your artificial intelligence system, created for performance and physical optimization.
Rui (Monotone): I am specifically designed as a basketball and physique assistance program. My role is to help you achieve maximum potential or even exceed the average potential of a superhuman.
Ryota (Skeptical): Woah.. What the, So you're like a level-up system or something?
Rui: Affirmative. Displaying your current parameters.
Blue light filled Ryota's vision, forming transparent panels before him.
[STATS]
Stamina – Level 1 (Endurance and energy)
Flexibility – Level 2 (Balance and dribbling control)
Strength – Level 1 (Physical capability and durability)
Speed – Level 3 (Agility and movement pace)
IQ – Level 11 (Strategic intelligence)
Shooting – Level 2 (Accuracy and form control)
Ryota (Mumbling): What are these? Video game stats?
Rui: These represent your real-time physical and mental capabilities.
Ryota: So this is real?
Rui: Affirmative.
Ryota: Why is my IQ so high while the others are still low?
Rui: Based on your history, instead of physical training, you spent more time observing others play basketball. Your IQ is high because you studied their movements and strategies... however, your body couldn't keep up. Your physical strength is far below your mental capability.
Ryota: That is quite harsh but... i guess it is true well how do I even level these up?
Rui: By training, eating properly, and maintaining consistent physical activity. Through effort, you gain experience points that increase your Ancestral Level.
Ryota (Sighs): So basically, I work hard and get stronger. Just like normal people.
Rui: Incorrect. I can enhance your biological structure once your level increases. Humans have a limit. My system does not.
Ryota (Raises an eyebrow): So if I reach some crazy level, I'll be superhuman?
Rui: Not entirely. Performance still depends on conditions and opponents.
Ryota (Muttering): Yeah, figures.
Rui: Your current Ancestral Level is 4. Each level allows you to enhance four attributes of your choice.
Ryota: So if I train, I gain EXP, level up my Ancestral thing, then pick stats to upgrade?
Rui: Correct.
Ryota: And if I don't use my points, even if I train all day, I won't improve?
Rui: Affirmative.
Ryota (Thinking): So this really is like a game system... in my head.
He rubbed his neck, trying to take in everything.
Rui: Would you like me to guide your training schedule?
Ryota: Not now. I need to think.
He went to the kitchen, poured cereal into a bowl, and sat silently while the morning news played in the background. His spoon stopped midair as the glowing numbers still hovered faintly in his sight.
After breakfast, he cleaned up, watched some TV, and tried to ignore it. Hours passed, but the quiet voice in his head remained there, waiting.
Rui: Ryota, may I provide additional instruction?
Ryota (Groans): Sure... what now?
Rui: To grow faster, maintain discipline and activity. Train daily. Eat sufficiently. Rest accordingly. These contribute to experience gain.
Ryota (Smirking): So I just do what I normally do, and you make me stronger?
Rui: That is an accurate summary.
The rest of the day continued normally. Ryota studied, cleaned his room, and eventually sat on his bed with a sigh. His phone buzzed with messages, but his attention kept drifting to the blue interface that appeared in his vision every now and then.
After about an hour, something changed. The numbers blinked.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
+1 Ancestral Level Acquired
Current Level: 5
Select Four Attributes to Enhance
Rui: Congratulations, Ryota. You have leveled up. Please select attributes for enhancement.
Ryota (Surprised): I leveled up? But I didn't even train yet.
Rui: Mental focus contributes to progression.
Ryota: Huh. Guess studying pays off after all.
The screen pulsed faintly as the selection interface appeared.
Ryota: Alright. Let's add one to stamina, one to speed, one to strength, and one to IQ.
Rui: Confirmed. Updating status.
[UPDATED STATS]
Stamina – Level 2
Flexibility – Level 2
Strength – Level 2
Speed – Level 4
IQ – Level 12
Shooting – Level 2
Ancestral Level: 5
The glowing panel faded. Ryota leaned back on his chair, staring at the ceiling.
Ryota (Quietly): This is strange... but maybe this can really make me better.
He looked toward the basketball on the shelf beside his desk.
A faint grin appeared on his face.
Ryota (Softly): I'll test this tomorrow. Let's see how real you are, Rui.
The lights flickered slightly. The house grew quiet again. Deep within him, something pulsed faintly, calm but alive.
Morning – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
The morning light crept through the thin curtains, spilling softly across the small, cluttered room. The faint chirping of birds mixed with the quiet hum of the city outside.
Rui (Robotic tone): Good morning, Ryota. You have achieved sufficient rest. Shall I prepare your daily routine?
Ryota groaned, covering his face with a pillow.
Ryota (Sleepy): You again... geez, it's scary waking up to a voice in my head.
He sat up slowly, rubbing his messy hair and letting out a deep sigh. The clock blinked 7:03 AM. He pushed himself off the bed and trudged to the bathroom, splashing cold water over his face.
Ryota (Muttering): This is my life now, huh? Talking systems, glowing screens, voices in my head...
After brushing his teeth, he stepped into the shower. Warm water ran down his back, clearing the last traces of sleep. By the time he was done, the steam had fogged the mirror. He wiped it with his hand and looked at his reflection, his eyes faintly tired but determined.
He threw on a white shirt and dark jeans, then walked into the kitchen. He cracked two eggs into a pan, the sound of sizzling oil echoing through the quiet morning. The smell of breakfast filled the room.
His phone buzzed on the counter.
Father (Text): Are you doing fine, Ryota?
Ryota (Texting): Yeah, Dad. Everything's fine. Just trying to start the day right.
Father (Text): That's good. Take care of yourself.
He smiled faintly, placing his phone aside and plating his breakfast.
After eating, he moved around the small apartment, checking his bag. He placed his wallet, phone, keys, notebook, pencil, tablet, and laptop carefully inside. He also grabbed some lunch money and his ID. After locking the door, he took a deep breath of the crisp morning air.
Ryota: Alright. Another day. Let's see what happens.
He stepped into his car, started the engine, and drove off toward school. The city buzzed with life — traffic lights blinking, crowds moving, the sound of engines blending with morning chatter. The drive wasn't long, but it gave him time to think.
Was this system thing really real? It felt like a dream, yet everything that happened yesterday was too clear to ignore.
Daytime – Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool, Classroom 2-A
Ryota parked in the school lot and slung his bag over his shoulder as he walked through the hallways. The chatter of students filled the corridors. Some greeted him, others just walked past, busy in their own worlds.
He entered the classroom and spotted Reiji leaning on his desk, scrolling through his phone.
Reiji: Hey, bro! Morning! You look fresh today.
Ryota (Smiling): Yeah, I actually slept early.
Reiji laughed and gave him a playful punch on the shoulder.
Reiji: Good for you, zombie. Maybe you'll actually survive P.E. today.
Ryota chuckled, sitting down and pulling out his notebook. But as he looked up, something shimmered in front of his eyes. Transparent blue panels appeared for a moment, displaying glowing text.
[STATS – REIJI]
Stamina – Level 34
Flexibility – Level 28
Strength – Level 42
Speed – Level 51
IQ – Level 33
Shooting – Level 47
Ancestral Level: Null
Ryota (Thinking): Holy crap... he's this strong?
He glanced around the room. The same panels appeared briefly over his classmates. Some had Level 1 Strength, others had Speed around 5 or 6. Then his eyes stopped at Chu Jung sitting at the back.
[STATS – CHU JUNG]
Stamina – Level 32
Flexibility – Level 31
Strength – Level 39
Speed – Level 60
IQ – Level 34
Shooting – Level 42
Ancestral Level: Null
Ryota (Thinking): So Jung's even stronger than Reiji... and he was holding back that time we played? Unreal.
Ryota (Thinking): Wait, I can see people's stats... does that mean they also have a system like you, Rui?
Rui: Negative. Their strength and attributes are based purely on their physical condition and intelligence. I can analyze their DNA from head to toe, ensuring the data you see reflects their true performance. For instance, a thin individual naturally possesses lower strength compared to someone more muscular.
Ryota (Thinking): Huh, makes sense. So I can see their stats, but they don't even realize they have them, because they don't have a system that can measure or enhance their physique like you.
Rui: Precisely.
Reiji (Waving hand): Hellooo? You there? You're spacing out again, man.
Ryota: Ah, yeah, sorry. Just thinking.
Before Reiji could reply, the teacher entered.
Mr. Hayama: Alright, everyone. Settle down. Let's begin class.
The rest of the morning passed quietly, filled with lectures, yawns, and tapping pens. Ryota listened but couldn't stop thinking about those stats floating in front of his eyes.
Afternoon – Tenkuu Gakuin Gymnasium
Classes ended. The sky outside had turned golden with the setting sun. Ryota zipped up his bag and turned to Reiji.
Ryota: Hey, Reiji. Wanna practice basketball for a bit?
Reiji blinked in surprise, nearly dropping his pen.
Reiji: What?! You, practice? Bro, are you serious?
Ryota (Laughing): Yeah. Why not?
Reiji: Sure, zombie! Let's go. The gym's empty right now anyway.
They headed toward the gym, their footsteps echoing down the hallway. The large room smelled faintly of sweat and polished wood. Ryota picked up a basketball from the rack and bounced it twice.
He aimed, took a shot, and missed.
Rui: Experience gained.
Ryota (Under his breath): So even that counts, huh?
He tried again, and again, each shot clumsy but determined. For twenty minutes, he practiced — dribbling, shooting, chasing the ball as it rolled away. Sweat dripped from his forehead.
Reiji leaned against the wall, watching silently. A small smile crept onto his face.
Reiji: You've really changed, man. What got into you?
Ryota (Panting): I'm... just tired of watching others play. I want to play too. I want to get good.
Reiji: That's the spirit. Alright, let's train together then.
They continued for another ten minutes. The sound of bouncing balls echoed through the empty gym.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
+1 Ancestral Level Acquired
Current Level: 6
Select Four Attributes to Enhance
Ryota (Thinking): Hmm... Two for Stamina, two for Strength.
He felt a brief surge of warmth flow through his limbs, but it faded quickly.
Reiji: You talking to yourself again, zombie?
Ryota (Grinning): Just imagining something.
Reiji: Whatever, man. You're weird. Anyway, I'm starving. Let's go eat — my treat!
Evening – Matsumoto BBQ House
After changing into casual clothes, the two drove to a small BBQ restaurant near the train station. The scent of grilled meat filled the air, and the faint hum of chatter surrounded them.
Reiji: I'll order everything. Don't stop me.
Ryota (Surprised): Everything? You're crazy!
Reiji (Grinning): You need protein if you wanna get stronger!
They laughed as plates of meat, rice, and vegetables piled up. The sizzling sound from the grill made Ryota's stomach growl. They started eating, savoring each bite.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
+50% Experience Gained
Reason: Nutrient Intake and Physical Recovery
Ryota (Thinking): So eating gives EXP too, huh? That's kind of awesome.
Reiji leaned back, patting his stomach.
Reiji: I'm so full, I'm gonna explode.
Ryota (Laughing): Same. But you eat like a monster.
Reiji: You're still thin! You've got that fast metabolism. Don't worry, with training, you'll bulk up soon.
They talked for a long time — about classes, basketball, and random things. The sky outside darkened, city lights glowing in the distance. By the time they finished, it was nearly 6 PM.
Reiji paid the bill despite Ryota's protests.
Ryota: Thanks, man. For the meal and... for supporting me.
Reiji: Don't mention it. Let's keep training tomorrow.
They parted ways outside, waving goodbye as they headed to their cars.
Night – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
Ryota returned home, tossing his bag onto the couch. The apartment was quiet except for the hum of the refrigerator. He stretched, feeling his muscles ache from the day's practice.
He washed the dishes, tidied his room a bit, and finally collapsed onto his bed.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
+1 Ancestral Level Acquired
Current Level: 7
Select Four Attributes to Enhance
Ryota (Smiling tiredly): Let's go all-in on Strength.
[UPDATED STATS]
Strength – Level 4 → Level 8
He clenched his fists. The improvement wasn't dramatic — he couldn't feel anything, no firmness in his arms, no steady pulse in his chest.
Ryota (Softly): Seems like its not working?? i guess i just need to wait.
He took a warm shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and sat by his desk. After playing a few games on his tablet, he yawned and stretched.
The city lights glowed faintly outside his window. He lay down, the sound of the wind brushing against the glass.
Rui (Calm tone): Rest well, Ryota. Tomorrow will bring greater challenges.
Ryota (Whispering): Yeah... let's see what comes next.
His eyes slowly closed as sleep pulled him under.
To be continued...