[Skill: Shiranui Battle God Style: Intermediate]
[Quality: Purple (Growable)]
[Description: Fusing the dominance of Dragon-Tiger Spirit with the fluidity of Shiranui Style, your martial arts system has taken initial form. Your strikes now carry a faint "qi force" effect, dramatically increasing their power!]
[Newly Comprehended Techniques: Battle God Fist: Tiger Gleam, Battle God Kick: Flying Swallow, Battle God Wave (Incomplete).](Previously learned techniques omitted)
Cloud sprang to his feet and slowly executed a series of strikes in his room.
This time, it wasn't mere imitation.
His punches now carried a hint of that domineering qi force from Ryo Sakazaki's "Ko'ou Ken"!
His footwork perfectly blended Mai Shiranui's grace with Yuri Sakazaki's swiftness, becoming even more elusive and unpredictable.
He could even feel that if he wanted to, he could gather the qi within his body into his palm and release... well, maybe just a ping-pong-ball-sized one, but a genuine energy wave!
"I... I can throw projectiles now?!" Cloud stared at his palm, eyes wild with joy.
THIS is what being a real fighter means!
No man can resist the coolness of a hadouken!
Before, he'd just been a street punk with good physical stats at best.
The confidence that came with this surge in power made Cloud immediately turn his attention to the enhancement potions in the shop.
"System, exchange two bottles of Intermediate Physical Enhancement Potion!"
[Ding! Exchanged Intermediate Enhancement Potions. Cost: 20,000 Source Points.]
Watching his balance instantly empty, Cloud felt no regret whatsoever.
Money is meant to be spent!
Converting all resources into real combat power—that was the way!
He downed the potions without hesitation.
An energy far gentler yet more powerful than the basic potions began nourishing and transforming his body.
This time, his stats experienced a true explosion!
[Host: Cloud]
[Constitution: 33]
[Strength: 32]
[Agility: 25]
[Spirit: 18 (Growth in martial will has promoted spiritual development)]
[Overall Assessment: Fighter. Congratulations—you've graduated from noob status.]
Feeling the unprecedented power flowing through him, Cloud was filled with pride.
He knew that now, he'd truly left the "beginner" phase behind and finally had the capital to make his mark in South Town!
...
The following days settled into an unusually regular and... "blissful" routine.
Every morning, Cloud would show up at the Kyokugenryu Dojo right on schedule.
"Ryo, I'm here to learn from you again!"
Ryo stared at this guy who seemed to have transformed completely in just a few days, shock written all over his face.
If Cloud had been like a stubborn rock during their last fight—only capable of taking hits—
Then now, that rock had been forged into refined steel.
Not only could he withstand Ryo's attacks, he could even occasionally launch sharp counterattacks!
WHAM!
Ryo's heavy punch was deftly deflected by Cloud.
Immediately after, Cloud's fist—now infused with "Tiger Gleam" qi—slammed into Ryo's arm, actually making him feel a slight sting.
"You little—! You stole my Ko'ou Ken technique?!" Ryo was equal parts shocked and angry.
"It's called 'homage'! An homage!" Cloud shouted while desperately dodging Ryo's intensified assault.
Half an hour later, Cloud lay on the ground again, face bruised and swollen, but wearing a satisfied smile.
He could last thirty minutes against Ryo now!
Sure, he was still getting demolished—but this rate of progress was insane!
And Yuri had become his number one fangirl.
"Wow! Cloud, you're amazing! You lasted so long against my brother!" She cheered from the sidelines every time, her sparkling eyes filled with little stars of admiration.
"Just average. World's third best, maybe." Despite looking like a beaten-up pig, Cloud never admitted defeat verbally.
"Your brother's number one, Terry's number two. I guess I'll settle for third place."
"Pfft!" Yuri burst into giggles at his shameless claim.
The stoic Ryo heard Cloud's flattery and, despite keeping a stern face, was secretly pleased.
Under his guidance, Cloud was improving at lightning speed—proof that Ryo's teaching skills far exceeded his old man's.
[Target "Yuri Sakazaki" affection change: +40 → +50 (Handsome, strong, funny, and he makes me laugh. Oh no... is this what having a crush feels like?!)]
In the afternoons, Cloud would relocate to Terry's training ground.
Another "teacher" awaited him there.
"Jerk Cloud! You went to Kyokugenryu again today?! You reek of sweat—stay away from me!"
Mai Shiranui stood with hands on hips, face full of disgust—but those beautiful eyes held a hint of something else... jealousy, perhaps?
"Mai, you don't understand." Cloud sidled closer, speaking mysteriously.
"I'm conducting important scientific research. The topic is: 'On Achieving Yin-Yang Harmony Between Kyokugenryu's Power and Shiranui Style's Grace.'"
"Bah! What nonsense!" Mai's pretty face flushed as she spat dismissively—but couldn't help asking, "So... what have you discovered?"
"I've discovered... that the perfume you're wearing today is cherry blossom scented, with top notes of citrus. It suits you perfectly." Cloud's nose twitched slightly as he smiled.
Mai's heart skipped a beat. This guy... how does he even notice these things?!
Their sparring sessions became even more "sparks-flying."
Cloud's [Shiranui Battle God Style: Intermediate] countered Mai's movement techniques perfectly.
And his mouth countered her tsundere personality just as well.
"Mai, your 'Swan Dance' is beautiful, but you hang in the air too long—you become an easy target. Look, like this..." As he spoke, Cloud moved behind her in an extremely suggestive position, hands supporting her waist as he guided her movements.
"Tighten your core. Use your waist and abs to drive the rotation, not just your legs. Yes, like that—can you feel it?"
His warm palms pressed against her waist, feeling that incredible elasticity and softness. Cloud was quite satisfied.
Mai went rigid, her cheeks burning. Where was her mind supposed to be on fighting? She could only let him "position" her as he pleased.
[Target "Mai Shiranui" affection change: +20 → +35 (This jerk... he's getting way too good at this! Dammit, why don't I hate it at all...)]