[ Class: This term describes the player's chosen role or profession, each with its own unique abilities and play style. ]

- [ Fighter: Fighters are warriors who have honed their bodies and skills to excel in combat, specializing in engaging demon beasts and enemies in close quarters. Their training focuses on physical strength, agility, and mastering various weapons to confront the fiercest of foes directly. ]

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[ Class Features: These are the unique abilities and advantages that a player gains by choosing a particular class. ]

- [ Perception ]

[ Level: N/A ]

[ Type: Passive ]

[ Description: This skill sharpens a warrior's ability to observe and interpret their surroundings, granting them heightened awareness on the battlefield. It allows for quicker responses to threats, better judgment of enemy movements, and improved understanding of complex situations. ]

[ Boosts: ]

- [ Depth Perception: Improves the accuracy of distance judgment by 30%. ]

- [ Hand-Eye Coordination: Enhances the synchronization between seeing and acting by 25%. ]

- [ Spatial Awareness: Increases the ability to be cognizant of immediate surroundings by 20%. ]

- [ Predictive Insight: Improves the prediction of enemies' next moves by 15%. ]

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- [ Endless Vanguard ]

[ Level: N/A ]

[ Type: Passive ]

[ Description: This skill symbolizes a warrior's undying fortitude and boundless energy. It bolsters a fighter's ability to withstand enemy onslaughts and sustain prolonged engagements, making them an unwavering force on the front lines. ]

[ Boosts: ]

- [ Unyielding Resilience: Boosts resistance to damage by 20%. ]

- [ Stamina Monster: Increases the rate of stamina recovery by 30%. ]

- [ Second Wind: Offers a 15% chance to instantly regain 25% of maximum health when it falls below 20%, subject to a cooldown of 10 minutes. ]

[ Special Attributes: ]

- [ Fearless Aura: Lowers the morale of enemies in proximity by 10%. ]

- [ Leader's Presence: Elevates the morale of nearby allies by 10%, enhancing their effectiveness in combat. ]

Nie Li couldn't believe his eyes as he read through the details of his class features on the system screen.

"Do all Fighter ranks get these abilities, or am I the exception because of this system that I have?"

Curious to test out his "Perception" skill, Nie Li tossed three stones into the air.

As they soared, he noticed something astonishing. It was as if time had slowed down; he could track each stone's trajectory with incredible precision.

"It's like I have eyes on the back of my head?" he mused, amazed by his enhanced depth perception and hand-eye coordination, catching each stone effortlessly.

Excited to see what else he could do, Nie Li decided to test his "Endless Vanguard" boosts.

First, he focused on "Unyielding Resilience." He lightly punched a wooden post, expecting a normal impact. Instead, the force felt reduced, as if his skin had turned into a subtle armor.

Next, he sprinted around the house, pushing himself to feel the exhaustion, to test the "Stamina Monster" boost. In no time, he felt his energy returning at an alarming rate, allowing him to continue running without feeling tired.

"Well, I am sure the lucky girl who marries me is going to be very happy with this," Nie Li blushed, surprised by his body's rapid stamina recovery.

Finally, curious about the "Second Wind" boost, though a bit cautious, Nie Li decided to simulate exhaustion by doing continuous push-ups.

As he neared his limit, pretending his health was "below 20%," he suddenly felt a surge of energy revitalizing his body, letting him push up with renewed vigor.

Testing the "Fearless Aura" and "Leader's Presence" without an actual battle was tricky, but Nie Li had a devious smirk as he saw Nie Yu running around.

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He was going to prank—ahem, no, he was going to test his skills on her. Wait, that sounds worse.

He focused, trying to activate his "Fearless Aura." The idea was to see if he could make her pause in her tracks, even if just for a moment.

As Nie Yu continued her carefree frolicking, Nie Li couldn't help but feel a bit guilty about using his skills to prank a child.

As he concentrated, he imagined his Fearless Aura enveloping him, a skill meant to lower the morale of enemies.

To his surprise, Nie Yu suddenly stopped, looked around puzzled, and then shrugged, resuming her play.

"Huh, maybe I need to work on the intimidation factor," Nie Li thought, slightly disappointed but also relieved he didn't actually scare her.

Next, he tried to employ his "Leader's Presence," which was supposed to boost the morale of allies. "Okay, if this makes her suddenly want to follow my lead or something, I'll... I'll admit I'm just having fun at this point," he admitted to himself.

Nie Li called out to Nie Yu, "Hey, Nie Yu, let's see how fast you can run to me!"

To his amazement, Nie Yu's eyes lit up with determination, and she sprinted towards him with more energy than before. As she reached him, panting and proud, Nie Li couldn't help but laugh.

"Wow, you're faster than a shooting star!" he praised her, wondering if his Leader's Presence had actually worked or if Nie Yu just loved any challenge.

"Again! Again!" Nie Yu exclaimed, completely unaware of being part of Nie Li's "test."

As Nie Li stepped into the house, carrying a dozing Nie Yu, the scene that unfolded before him was unexpected. His family sat around the table under a dim lantern light, their expressions solemn.

Noticing the bruises and marks on his father and uncle, Nie Li's heart sank with worry.

"Father, is something wrong?" Nie Li asked, his concern evident as he surveyed the room.

His father beckoned him closer.

"Can I sit after I put Nie Yu to bed?" Nie Li suggested, reluctant to disturb her peaceful sleep.

"Don't worry, your aunt Ling can take care of that," his mother reassured him softly.

Miao Ling stood up and gently took Nie Yu from Nie Li's arms, sharing a comforting glance with him. As Nie Li watched them leave, a knot of unease tightened in his stomach.

Finally sitting down, Nie Li faced his family, the bruises on his father and uncle demanding an explanation.

"Some family members didn't take kindly to your bet with the patriarch," his father explained, the frustration clear in his voice. "They tried to provoke us. It was a minor conflict; they left once our friends intervened."

Nie Kai chimed in, "Actually, this has given some of our friends hope that their children can now prove themselves because of your challenge."

"I...I'm sorry," Nie Li whispered, struggling with the repercussions of his actions.

His father placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"No need to apologize, son. These are just temporary setbacks," Nie Ming said, downplaying the injuries.

Relieved yet still burdened, Nie Li hesitated before asking, "Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

"Not exactly," his aunt returned, joining them.

"We've got something for you."

Surprised, Nie Li watched as his mother revealed a box from beneath the table, placing it before him.

[ Player Nie Li has obtained the item: Homemade gambeson ]

[ Item: Homemade Gambeson ]

[ Type: Armor ]

[ Description: A piece of padded clothing meticulously crafted using layers of cotton, leather, and chain mail by Xiao Yun and Miao Ling. Designed specifically for Nie Li's protection, this gambeson is made with traditional techniques which offer enhanced defense without sacrificing mobility. ]

[ Rarity: Uncommon ]

[ Effects: ]

- [ Damage Reduction: Decreases incoming physical damage by 15%. ]

- [ Flexibility: Increases agility and reaction time by 5%. ]

- [ Chain Mail Integration: Provides a 20% reduction of damage from slashing and piercing weapons ]

"Thank you," Nie Li said, his voice carrying the warmth of his heartfelt gratitude. The smile on his face was a true reflection of how much he appreciated their efforts.

Nie Ming couldn't help but laugh, his deep chuckle filling the room with a sense of joy. "See, what did I tell you? Both of you did an amazing job," he said, looking proudly at Xiao Yun and Miao Ling, who both blushed at the compliment.

"Enough with that," Nie Kai interjected, bringing everyone's attention to the sword he placed on the table. It was a beautifully crafted dao, simple in design but radiating a sturdy elegance.

The blade caught the lantern light, making it gleam enticingly.

[ Item: Dao Sword ]

[ Type: Weapon ]

[ Description: A Dao Sword, characterized by its single-edged blade, is a versatile weapon favored in many martial arts traditions. This particular Dao has been expertly forged using ancient techniques, balancing sharpness, durability, and elegance. Its design allows for both swift, precise slashes and powerful chops, making it suitable for a wide range of combat styles. The hilt is wrapped in fine, grip-enhancing materials, ensuring stability in the wielder's hands. ]

[ Rarity: Rare ]

[ Effects: ]

- [ Sharpness: Increases cutting efficiency, allowing for 20% greater penetration of enemy armor. ]

- [ Speed Boost: Enhances the wielder's attack speed by 30%. ]

- [ Battle Power Boost: +300 BP when wielded. ]

Nie Li, intrigued, glanced between the weapon and the system window.

"How did you get this?" he asked, his curiosity clearly piqued.

"Nie Li, you shouldn't ask about the origins of a gift," his father gently rebuked him, trying to hide their sacrifices.

"It's considered impolite."

Yet, Nie Li couldn't let it go, "But how did you get this?"

The room sighed collectively before revealing the lengths they went to—pawning their horse, dowries, and savings—all to gather what Nie Li needed.

As Nie Li absorbed their words, a deep sense of responsibility settled over him. It wasn't just the dao or the items that mattered, but the unspoken declaration of love and belief from his family. They had given up so much, believing in his potential to succeed.

In that quiet moment, Nie Li was hit by a wave of disgust towards his past self. Back then, he had unfairly blamed his family for his lack of talent, for not having enough money to flaunt in front of his classmates, for all his seemingly insurmountable problems.

He realized now how misplaced his frustrations had been, how he had pointed fingers without ever truly attempting to change his circumstances.

A strong urge to berate himself, to apologize for every unjust accusation he had made, surged within him.

He wanted to express his regret, to seek forgiveness for his ingratitude and shortsightedness.

Yet, he held back the tears that threatened to spill.

Nie Li knew all too well that crying wouldn't undo the past, nor would it help carve a better future.

The only way to make amends, he understood, was to take action.

He had to become the heir of the Heavenly Marks Family, to rise above the petty concerns that had once consumed him. More importantly, he had to play a pivotal role in saving Glory City from the impending doom brought by the Demon Beast Horde.

With a newfound determination, Nie Li silently vowed to himself.

He would no longer be weighed down by the mistakes of his past.

Instead, he would use them as fuel, as motivation to push forward, to become someone his family—and he himself—could be proud of.