Kailen looked toward the horizon, where the mountain peaks met the morning sky, feeling a silent call from those distant lands. His soul burned with a longing he had never known before—a yearning for discovery and a desire to grow. It felt as if this forest, which had always been his home, was now a gateway to new worlds; the chi energy he had just begun to grasp was the key that would guide him through that gateway.

Taking slow steps through the trees, he relished the feel of the earth beneath his feet and the gentle breeze that surrounded him. Each step held new meaning, as if the world around him had become a part of his training, as if all of nature was responding to him, guiding and supporting him on his journey.

He reached a small stream flowing gently over rocks, bent down, and drank from its cool waters, feeling the liquid refresh his body and nourish his energy. He watched how the water flowed effortlessly between rocks and pebbles, taking its path with both grace and strength. This scene resonated with him deeply, helping him realize that chi should be like this river—strong yet calm, navigating life's challenges without breaking.

Kailen sat on the riverbank, hands resting on the ground, and sank into contemplation, seeking further lessons from nature. He imagined his body as an extension of this river, with chi flowing through him with the same calm continuity. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the pathways of energy within his body more clearly, as if they were a fine network of small rivers converging in the dantian before branching out to every part of his being, nourishing it with strength and life.

He began focusing on precise exercises, trying to control the flow of chi within his body—to intensify it in his right arm, then move it slowly down to his legs. This training required extreme concentration; it wasn't merely moving energy but consciously controlling each pulse and flow. He felt the chi moving smoothly, but he knew he needed patience and care, just as water flows calmly between rocks without rushing or forcing.

Just then, he heard the rustle of leaves behind him. He turned slowly, his gaze fixed on the sound's source, alert for any threat. He spotted a faint movement between the trees, and soon a figure appeared—an elderly man with a long white beard and piercing eyes like those of a hawk. The man wore simple clothes, but there was an unspoken power about him that transcended appearances.

They exchanged silent glances for a moment before the man spoke in a calm but profound voice: "I see you've started to understand the power of chi, Kailen."

A mix of awe and respect overcame Kailen. This was Callus, the village elder known for his mastery of chi and ancient wisdom. Kailen had heard much about Callus—his ability to read and understand nature's secrets—but he never expected to encounter him here.

Kailen bowed respectfully and said humbly, "Yes, Master Callus… I've begun to discover this power, but I still feel as though I'm at the very beginning."

Callus smiled, then came over and sat beside him at the riverbank, gazing at the flowing water just as Kailen had moments before. "Chi, Kailen, is not merely a force to control. It is part of the balance of nature, a harmony with it. The more you learn calmness and patience, the more this power becomes a part of you effortlessly."

Kailen nodded in understanding, feeling the depth of Callus's wisdom. Yet his curiosity pushed him to ask, "How can I learn complete control over chi? I feel like I only possess a small part of it."

Callus took a deep breath before answering, as though gathering his thoughts into a complete lesson. "Full control, my boy, doesn't come from strength or relentless training alone. It comes from seeing chi as part of your spirit, your inner balance. You must learn that chi cannot be forced; it can only be invited, like water flowing naturally to its path."

Then Callus reached out his hand to the river, gathering a few drops in his palm. "Look at these drops, Kailen. They're part of the river, but the moment I release them, they return to it because they know their way. Chi is the same—it's part of you, yet also larger than you. Your control comes from allowing it to be part of yourself."

Kailen felt his words sink into his depths, as though they were messages from nature itself. He began to understand that chi was not merely something to be learned; it was something to be made part of his character, his way of life. He realized that he had a long journey ahead, but it would not be a mere series of physical exercises; it would be an internal and spiritual development.

The two sat in silence, contemplating the flowing water, each lost in his thoughts. The morning progressed, the sun rising higher in the sky, casting its warm light on the earth around them. Kailen felt that this moment would be a milestone in his journey, and that Callus's presence had opened new horizons he could not have reached alone.

After a few moments, Callus stood up slowly and said, "I'll leave you now, Kailen, but remember…the path to true power isn't measured by speed but by depth. Take your time, let chi guide you, and you'll find yourself a part of this universe in a way words cannot describe."

Kailen bowed in thanks and respect, watching as Callus disappeared among the trees until he vanished into the shadows. Kailen stood, feeling that he now had a deeper vision of his goal, that this power he sought was not merely energy but a philosophy, a way of life.

With newfound resolve, Kailen committed to continuing his training. However, he now knew that his journey to power was also a journey toward understanding himself and the world around him. The forest awaited him, and the world held countless secrets for him to uncover.

After Callus left, Kailen decided to delve deeper into the forest. He rose and walked cautiously through the dense trees, his eyes tracking the shifting shadows, and his senses as tense as a drawn bowstring. Though the forest was still, there was a strange feeling in the air—a sense of danger, like a silent warning of something lurking within.

After a few minutes, he suddenly heard a deep growl from afar, shattering the forest's quiet and shaking its tranquility. Kailen froze, listening, then heard the sound of branches breaking and heavy steps approaching. Emerging from between the trees was a massive creature resembling a wolf but far larger than any he'd ever seen. Standing nearly two meters tall and three meters long, it was covered in dark fur as black as night, with glowing red veins that seemed to pulse with an eerie light. Its eyes glowed with a fierce red flame, and its sharp, long teeth gleamed menacingly.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

This was no ordinary wolf. This was the infamous "Dusk Fury Wolf," a rare and vicious creature that feeds on chi energy and could harness it in its attacks. Kailen recalled what he had heard about such monsters—the Dusk Fury Wolf was known for its speed, immense strength, and ability to unleash waves of deadly energy. He knew that facing it would demand everything he had learned from Callus, yet a surge of overwhelming fear filled him.

He stepped back, trying to keep calm and recall Callus's words: "Let chi guide you." He began to feel the flow of chi within him, gathering his energy. But the wolf moved with astonishing speed, lunging at Kailen with a ferocious roar that echoed through the air.

Quickly, Kailen summoned his chi and felt it flow through his body like the river. He used it to enhance his speed, leaping to one side to avoid the wolf's deadly charge. He felt as though he were flying, extending his right arm forward, releasing a burst of energy—a fireball shooting toward the wolf.

However, the creature was faster than expected, dodging with surprising agility. Its eyes glowed with anger, as if it was challenging Kailen.

"I must be more careful," Kailen thought, regaining his balance. "I can't rely on strength alone. I have to be smart."

He began moving with quieter steps, making use of every pulse of energy within him. He used swift, balanced movements, trying to lure the wolf into a trap. He focused on linking his chi with the surrounding chi, as though nature itself was protecting him, as if the trees and shrubs were standing by his side.

The wolf advanced once again, but this time Kailen was prepared. When it neared, he sidestepped to the left, letting it pass him. Then he turned sharply, channeling the energy gathered in his arm to unleash another blast. The attack hit the wolf, causing it to stumble and shake briefly.

Kailen knew there was no time to celebrate. He used the moment to gather more energy, building up a shield around him. Now, he felt a profound sense of balance; he wasn't just a fighter, but part of nature itself, part of this battle.

The wolf charged once more, but Kailen was ready. He used his energy shield to withstand the wolf's onslaught; it seemed as though the wolf was struggling, unable to break through his defenses. From here, things started to shift.

Gradually, Kailen began regaining control. He thought of the creature's nature, understanding that brute force alone wouldn't suffice. He needed a strategy to overcome it, so he started leveraging his intelligence.

He moved his chi with balance, which allowed him to summon greater strength. With every motion, he created lines of energy around him, forming a protective circle. He was working to set a trap, cornering the wolf in a field of chi energy.

As the wolf lunged for the final time, Kailen was ready. He used his shield to protect himself while drawing lines of energy that created a barrier in front of the creature. The wolf collided with something invisible, causing it to fall back.

Taking advantage of the moment, Kailen unleashed a powerful wave of energy toward the wolf, sealing it within the trap. The area glowed with light, and as Kailen focused his energy, he felt himself transforming. A sense of power filled him, as though he was growing stronger before his own eyes.

When the dust settled, Kailen stood breathing deeply, looking at the wolf now lying unconscious but still alive. He felt exhausted yet triumphant. This victory wasn't just a show of strength but a triumph over fear, over the very concept of power.

Stepping back to catch his breath, Kailen knew he had achieved something greater than merely defeating a beast. This was a genuine beginning in his understanding of chi.

Just as he prepared to leave, a mysterious feeling entered his spirit. Before he could fully comprehend it, he heard a soft female voice echo in his ear, and a blue screen floated before him. The screen was slightly transparent, with a simple yet elegant design that mixed shades of blue with light white gradients. It contained a loading bar: "[Connecting the System to Host]." The bar moved slowly, the numbers gradually increasing: • 1% • 10% • 50% • 100%.

As the numbers rose, Kailen felt a mix of anxiety and astonishment. His eyes widened, his face showing a blend of surprise and caution. He took a step back, only to find that the screen moved in sync with him, as if bound to him by an invisible thread. He calmed himself, focusing his gaze on the screen with a mix of curiosity and fear.

He read the words: "[Ding: The Absolute Power System has successfully connected to the host]." Curiosity filled him, and questions arose in his mind: "What is this system? How did it link to me?" Before he could finish his thoughts, the female voice returned, accompanied by a new screen: "[Ding: You have a beginner's gift. Would you like to open it?]"

He looked at the new screen, hesitant. What would happen if he followed this voice? Why was he presented with such an intriguing title? After a long pause, he decided to go along with the instructions, responding aloud, "Yes!"

Then, a new screen appeared, displaying the items granted by the system:

- **Analysis:** Kailen's ability to quickly assess opponents and understand their weaknesses, allowing him to make better battle decisions.

- **Super Understanding:** Enhances Kailen's ability to grasp information and knowledge more quickly, making him an expert in combat strategies.

- **Super Insight:** Grants him the ability to see what others cannot, such as predicting enemy movements and anticipating attacks.

- **Elemental Mastery (Water, Fire, etc.):** Enables him to control natural elements and use them effectively in battle.

- **Morphing Sword:** A unique sword that changes shape and strength based on Kailen's level, making it a powerful weapon adaptable to any combat scenario.

Kailen was astounded by these newfound abilities, doubting whether this could be real. "Can this truly be happening?" He wavered between trusting the voice and suspecting it was a trick. But as he pondered, the voice interrupted him with another screen: "[You can access these items from the system storage]."

Seeing the screen, he asked with curiosity, "What is this system storage?" The system replied, "[Simply say the command, and it will appear]." Kailen followed the instructions, saying aloud, "System storage!" and a storage screen materialized, showing only the sword.

Surprised, he asked quickly, "Why can I only see the sword? Where are the other items I received?" A new screen popped up, reading: "[Just say 'Status' and you will see them]." Without hesitation, Kailen said, "Status!" A larger screen appeared, detailing his current attributes:

**Kailen's Status**

- **Name:** Kailen Elandar

- **Age:** 16

- **Race:** Human

- **Level:** 8 (Qi Opening Stage 1)

- **Experience Points:** 10,000/5,000

- **Health:** 6,000/6,000

- **Chi Points:** 3,500/5,000

- **Status Points:**

- **Physical Strength:** 52

- **Speed:** 37

- **Stamina:** 35

- **Intelligence:** 42

- **Skills/Techniques**

- **Harmony Breathing Technique (Level 1):** A technique that helps the user purify their chi, enhancing energy flow within the body, increasing endurance and concentration.

- **Skills:** The host has not yet learned any new skills.

- **Abilities**

- **Super Insight (Level 1):** Grants the host the ability to perceive hidden aspects or details invisible to others, such as detecting weaknesses or predicting near-future events.

- **Super Understanding (Level 1):** Enables the host to quickly absorb complex information, facilitating the rapid acquisition of new techniques or languages.

- **Analysis (Level 1):** Allows instant assessment of people, creatures, or situations, identifying strengths and weaknesses, thus aiding combat decisions.

- **Elemental Mastery (Level 1):** Grants the host control over natural elements (fire, water, air, etc.) for use in combat or creating extraordinary environmental effects.

Kailen was stunned by the detailed overview of his status and the extensive information that appeared before him. He felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Though unsure of how this strange experience would change his life, he sensed deep down that this marked the start of an entirely new adventure.