Chapter 2 of 10

Chapter 2

14 min read3,500 words

When Su Hao returned home, it was already very late. The familiar aroma of cooking wafted from the kitchen, along with bursts of laughter—his mother Li Xiaoru and his sister Su Ling's voices.

"Mom, Sister, I'm back."

"Go wash your hands, dinner is ready," Li Xiaoru said.

"Okay."

After washing his hands, the three of them sat down at the dinner table.

The Su family was an ordinary single-parent household with average financial conditions. A few years ago, Su Hao's father died in a car accident, leaving the three of them to rely on each other.

Mother Li Xiaoru was an ordinary person. A long time ago, when the Source Energy era was just beginning, she had undergone a Source Energy talent fusion, but unfortunately, it failed. Back then, the development of Source Energy was far from mature, with success rates being less than one in a thousand, unlike now, where everyone, regardless of talent, has at least some Source Energy.

After the failure of the Source Energy fusion, Li Xiaoru worked as a clerical staff member in the Jianghe City government, responsible for organizing documents. Although it was hard work, she managed to raise the two children.

"Brother, what happened to your injury?"

Su Ling wrinkled her delicate nose. Although it wasn't visible, with her Source Energy level at 8, she could easily sense it.

"It's nothing, just a fall," Su Hao scratched his head.

"Brother, you're lying again," Su Ling said angrily, standing up. "Did Sun Yaotian bully you again? That bastard, I'll go teach him a lesson."

"Sit down!" Su Hao said sternly, and Su Ling quieted down.

"I'll handle my own affairs. I'll deal with Sun Yaotian sooner or later," Su Hao said slowly. "You little brat, don't pry into my business. Focus on your studies and aim to reach a Source Energy level of 10 to enter the War Academy!"

The War Academy!

The world's top Source Energy academy!

Only by entering there would one have the qualifications to become a true powerhouse!

Clearly, with Su Ling, who already had a Source Energy level of 8 in her sophomore year, there was a very good chance she would enter the War Academy. As for him... he didn't even have the qualifications to enter a regular university.

"Hmph." Su Ling huffed. "Stinky brother, always caring about face. I'm already at 8.8, and I'll soon reach 9. When I hit 10, I'll show Sun Yaotian what I can do."

"Really? Your Source Energy is almost at 9?" Su Hao asked in surprise. This talented sister of his was indeed impressive. If she really reached 10, their family's life would improve, and his mother wouldn't have to work so hard.

"Of course, who am I, the genius girl Su Ling?" Su Ling said proudly.

Li Xiaoru watched the two bicker and felt a sense of comfort. Unconsciously, the two children had grown so much. Although Hao's talent wasn't great, the siblings had never had any conflicts.

"Alright, you two, hurry up and eat. Finish dinner and then go practice," Li Xiaoru said.

"Okay."

Su Hao smiled, looking at his precious sister. He felt proud but also a bit melancholic. Su Ling was already at 8.8 and would only go further. As for himself, he was still struggling to reach 4.

8.8... how strong was that?

Su Hao subconsciously activated his ability, Model Analysis.

After two years of research, he had mastered Model Analysis well, easily constructing a model in his mind to analyze an opponent's strength. His research subject was his precious sister, Su Ling. While she wasn't strong in combat, she was excellent in reconnaissance.

"Ability activated... huh?"

As soon as Su Hao activated Model Analysis, he was shocked. How had his ability changed?

It was still the familiar Model Analysis, but instead of a simple model made of light rays, Su Ling appeared vividly in his mind, just like the real Su Ling, as if she were a real person!

Not only that, but four cards also appeared around Su Ling, floating quietly around her. Each card had a name faintly visible.

Su Hao glanced at the names on the cards.

"Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques, Advanced Yoga, Beginner Fire Incineration, Beginner Source Energy Training."

These... these seemed to be the skills and abilities Su Ling had mastered. Su Hao was surprised as he looked at the cards and asked his sister.

"Ling, you learned yoga?" Su Hao asked.

"Ah, yeah," Su Ling said proudly. "It wasn't hard, so I learned it to an advanced level. Basic combat techniques were a bit boring, but yoga helps maintain my figure. You guys don't understand~"

It was true!

Su Hao took a bite of his food, hiding his shock. He casually tapped the Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques card next to Su Ling. Instantly, the surroundings seemed to change, becoming somewhat illusory.

This feeling... wasn't it the same as that scene by the bridge?

"Card selected... Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques... Analyzing... Model building... Card model built..."

A thought came to him, and Su Hao understood the meaning. In his mind, a gray card appeared, the Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques! The card had a detailed description of the skill, even with a star rating.

"Name: Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques

Level: 1 Star

Description: The foundation of all combat techniques, basic combat skills and essentials. Mastering basic combat techniques makes learning other combat techniques much easier. This course is an advanced high school course."

The illusory surroundings disappeared, returning to their original state. Su Hao was incredibly shocked.

Just now, his Model Analysis ability had analyzed Su Ling's Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques and created an exact copy within him!

Did this mean he had also learned Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques?

He didn't understand the star rating yet, but the card indicated it was an advanced high school course, meaning it was something key students needed to master after completing the basics.

Thinking about this, Su Hao couldn't hide his excitement. He looked at the gray Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques card in his mind and tapped it.

"Whoosh!"

Su Hao felt Source Energy surge within him, rapidly depleting. The Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques card gradually turned from gray to bright.

Brighter and brighter, whoosh!

A brilliant light flashed, and the card became vividly colorful.

At the same time, Su Hao felt a complex knowledge enter his mind, gradually becoming clear.

This was... Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques!

Su Hao had a feeling that he now fully understood the techniques of Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques. Once he became familiar with them, he could master them completely!

"Hao, what's wrong?" Li Xiaoru asked, seeing Su Hao in a daze.

Su Hao casually ate a few more bites of food and rushed to his bedroom. "Nothing, I'm done eating. I'm going to practice."

Li Xiaoru sighed and tapped Su Ling's head. "Look, you're provoking your brother again. You know his talent isn't great, so don't say such things."

"Oops, I'll be more careful next time," Su Ling stuck out her tongue. "Don't worry, my brother is very mentally strong, no need to worry."

In the room.

Su Hao squatted and kicked out.

"Hah!"

The kick was empty, but he stood as steady as a mountain.

"Indeed, it's a basic combat technique," Su Hao said in surprise. "I can't use the intermediate level yet, only the beginner level, but I think it's just a matter of getting used to it. Once I get used to it, I should be able to master the Intermediate Basic Combat Techniques quickly."

"This power... must come from that mysterious card! The assassin must have targeted that card, and the middle-aged man was probably chasing after it. They fought, one died, and one was injured, leaving me to benefit."

"Such a powerful thing must involve many people. I've already destroyed all traces, but I can't tell anyone this secret! Otherwise..."

Su Hao quickly thought things through and decided to keep the secret.

Of course, the most important thing was to practice!

"Hah!"

"Heh!"

Due to his lack of talent, Su Hao had always been more diligent than others. Now that he had the opportunity, he wouldn't let it go, practicing the basic combat techniques he had mastered in his mind with great enthusiasm.

By two o'clock in the morning, Su Hao had completely mastered the Beginner Basic Combat Techniques.

"Indeed, it's like this."

Su Hao's eyes gleamed with joy. The Model Analysis of the skill card had absorbed Su Ling's combat experience, making his practice much more efficient and easier to master.

Improving combat skills meant a significant increase in Source Energy. Beginner Basic Combat Techniques could only be practiced with a Source Energy level of 5 or higher. Learning it now was a qualitative leap for Su Hao.

"My combat skill score is 0, but the Beginner Basic Combat Techniques are worth 50 points," Su Hao's eyes flashed. "My Source Energy has increased from 3.8 to 4.3. Once I fully master the basic combat techniques, I can improve even further!"

"Sun Yaotian, next time, I'll surprise you!"

---