Terry didn't teach him any flashy super moves. Instead, he started from the absolute basics—stance, punching, kicking, dodging—correcting Cloud's form over and over.
Terry's teaching style was very "zen." He mostly let Cloud practice and figure things out himself, only offering pointers at key moments.
But for Cloud, that was more than enough!
During the day, he trained under Terry's guidance.
At night, he used the system to fuse Terry's teachings with the hodgepodge of techniques he'd plundered, analyzing and evolving them.
[Consuming 500 Source Points. Beginning fusion analysis of "Basic Boxing" and "Street Fighting"...]
[Fusion successful! Obtained skill: "Street Combat Arts (Beginner)"!]
His progress was meteoric—even Terry was surprised.
At the same time, Cloud launched his long-planned "body enhancement" project.
He opened the System Shop, looked at those once-unattainable expensive potions, and declared with bold conviction: "System, give me one of the cheapest [Basic Physical Enhancement Potions]!"
[Basic Physical Enhancement Potion: 5,000 Source Points. Permanently increases Host's Constitution by 5 and Strength by 5.]
Painfully expensive, but Cloud gritted his teeth and made the exchange.
As the potion went down, warmth flooded through his body. He could clearly feel his muscles and bones being reinforced in a gentle, steady way.
This permanent enhancement was far more reliable than that trial-version serum!
[Physical capabilities slightly enhanced. Strength, Agility, Endurance and other attributes comprehensively improved.]
...
[Host: Cloud]
[Constitution: 13]
[Strength: 12]
[Agility: 8]
[Spirit: 12]
[Source Points: 2,050]
[Skills: "Basic Combat (Proficient)," "Billy's Staff Technique (Fragment)"...]
[Overall Assessment: Finally no longer trash-tier. You can now probably defeat an adult kangaroo.]
...
"Hahaha! Yes! This feeling is better than pulling 'graduation gear' after an all-night dungeon grind!" Cloud burst out laughing. He could even feel his spine straightening.
"With this 'Constitution' buff, I won't be tickled to death in fights anymore!"
Next step: keep spending to boost that Agility stat.
...
South Town, lazy afternoon sunshine.
Cloud sat in a fast-food joint called "Pao Pao Cafe," enjoying the most luxurious meal since his transmigration.
A double beef cheeseburger, large golden fries, and a cup of ice-cold cola that sent waves of satisfaction straight to his soul.
Ever since counter-killing Geese's goons, he'd followed the trail to "friendly visit" several more gang hideouts, effectively replenishing both his wallet and Source Points.
As he put it: "Getting rich first so I can help others get rich later—I'll get rich first, and you all can join me... in the afterlife."
At this moment, he bit into a huge mouthful of burger, meat juices exploding in his mouth. The happiness rivaled pulling ten SSRs in a row.
"Burp~ Life should be this simple and mundane." Cloud mumbled through his food, sighing with contentment.
Just then—BANG!
The restaurant's swinging door was blown open like it had been hit by a cannonball, slamming into the wall at an exaggerated angle.
The entire restaurant's chatter instantly froze.
Every pair of eyes—including Cloud's, still stuffed with half a burger—locked onto the entrance.
Standing there was a figure that seemed to brighten the entire room by three shades.
A breathtaking flash of red.
The newcomer wore a kunoichi outfit with stunning visual impact. The bold red and white color scheme was daring and fiery.
Her upper body was covered by only a few artfully arranged cloth strips concealing the key snow-white areas, outlining heart-stopping curves.
Below, a high-slit skirt revealed two long, flawless legs in the open air, trembling slightly with her rapid breathing.
The massive butterfly decoration behind her, tied with elaborate knots, added an extra touch of bewitching allure.
Most astonishing was that "anti-gravity" skirt design and the... inspiringly minimal amount of fabric. It was a double defiance of both physics and traditional modesty.
Her gorgeous face was currently frosted over with anger. Those almond eyes—normally sparkling with coquettish charm—were wide and blazing as if ready to shoot fire.
She clutched a folding fan tightly, veins visible on the back of her hand, broadcasting her owner's extreme displeasure.
This... isn't this Mai Shiranui?!
Half of Cloud's burger dropped onto the plate. His eyes went completely round.
The real person was even more stunning than the game, anime, and figurines combined!
That figure, that face—she was literally a woman who'd stepped out of 2D, complete with her own holy light and background music!
Mai Shiranui paid no attention to the slack-jawed diners around her.
Her gaze shot like an arrow, precisely targeting a solitary figure in the corner of the restaurant.
A blond young man in signature ninja attire, head bowed, silently polishing a short staff.
Andy Bogard!
"Andy!" Mai's voice was crisp and melodious, but right now it brimmed with barely-contained fury.
"Why did you sneak off to South Town again without a word?! Do you have any idea how hard I searched for you?!"
Andy didn't look up. His voice was cold as ice: "I'm training."
"Training? Training! Is there anything in your life besides training and revenge?!"
Mai's chest heaved dramatically with rage—a spectacular sight that drew a collective sharp intake of breath from the surrounding customers.
Andy finally raised his head, his handsome face full of helplessness and a trace of impatience. "Mai, this is my business. You don't need to follow me."
"Don't need to?!" Those three words lit the powder keg.
Mai whirled around. With nowhere to vent her fury, her eyes immediately landed on Cloud, who was sitting at the table next to Andy, enthusiastically "watching the show."
From her perspective, this guy had been staring at her the whole time with a weird little smile on his face.
And he was sitting right next to Andy—obviously one of Andy's good-for-nothing buddies!
This must be the guy who led Andy astray!