Morning – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
The morning light slipped through the thin curtains, landing softly on Ryota's face. He groaned, his hand lazily reaching toward the alarm clock and hitting the button until the room fell quiet again.
For a moment, he just lay there, eyes half-open, mind wandering between dream and reality.
Rui: Good morning, Ryota. Sleep quality: 62%. Slight fatigue detected. Suggesting mild stretching before breakfast.
Ryota: Haa... morning, Rui.
He sat up, rubbing his eyes. The faint scent of rain from last night still lingered in the air. When he stood and walked toward the mirror, he froze for a second.
The reflection staring back at him wasn't quite the same as the boy he'd known for years. His cheeks looked sharper, his eyes clearer. There was a faint line of muscle definition across his arms and shoulders.
Ryota (Thinking): Half demon with a system, huh... guess this world's crazy enough already.
He sighed, brushing his teeth while glancing at the mirror from time to time. It wasn't vanity, more disbelief. After rinsing, he stepped into the shower, letting the warm water hit his back. The sensation grounded him; for a while, it was just the sound of water and the faint hum of his own thoughts.
Afterward, he moved to the kitchen, wearing a plain white shirt and shorts. He cracked eggs into a pan, steamed rice, and sliced a few vegetables. It wasn't fancy, but it was warm and simple—the kind of breakfast that made him feel human.
When he sat to eat, he couldn't help thinking aloud.
Ryota: What should I even do to level up today?
A chime rang in his head.
[SUGGESTION: Physical Training Recommended]
Nearest Gym Location: 1.2 km from current position.
Estimated EXP Gain: Moderate to High.
He stared at the glowing text for a second, then grinned.
Ryota: A gym, huh? That's actually a very good idea.
He finished eating faster than usual, cleaned the table, then started packing a small black gym bag—extra clothes, towel, and running shoes neatly placed inside. He tied his sneakers, locked the house, and stepped outside. The sky was bright and blue, the air fresh from last night's rain.
He got into his small white car, turned the key, and the engine rumbled to life.
Ryota (Thinking): First day as a "half-demon gym rat," huh? Let's see what happens.
Late Morning – FitNation Gym, Matsumoto City
The building was massive, glass walls reflecting the sunlight, banners showing smiling athletes and slogans like "Push Beyond Limits!"
As he parked, Ryota couldn't help but stare. Through the window, he could already see people working out—bodies moving in rhythm, music pulsing through speakers, the metallic clang of weights echoing inside.
Stepping through the door, the smell of sweat, rubber mats, and protein shakes filled the air.
Ryota (Thinking): Whoa... this place is bigger than I imagined.
Men and women of all ages moved around confidently. Some had muscles that looked sculpted from stone, while others were slim but sharp, focused on endurance. He didn't feel jealous—just inspired.
Receptionist: Hello, sir! Welcome to FitNation Gym! How can I help you? Do you already have a subscription?
Ryota: Ah—no, it's my first time actually. Can I subscribe?
The receptionist smiled warmly, tapping on her computer.
Receptionist: Of course! We have two plans available: regular for 15,000 yen per month, or VIP for 25,000 yen. VIP gives you unlimited gym time, a personal trainer, free protein drinks, and sauna access.
She continued explaining other perks—diet consultation, private shower rooms, even free towels for VIP members.
Ryota nodded slowly, thinking.
Ryota: Alright, I'll go with VIP. Might as well do it properly.
He handed over his card and, minutes later, received a new gym ID.
Receptionist: Welcome aboard, Mr. Kagawa! You can start any time. Locker room is down the hall.
Ryota: Thanks!
Inside the locker room, the air was filled with the faint scent of deodorant and body wash. As Ryota changed into his workout clothes, something caught his attention—a tall figure at the far end of the room.
The guy's hair was strange—green with pink streaks, almost glowing under the white lights. His build was athletic, compact, and his presence oddly cold.
When Ryota glanced at him, a system scan appeared instantly:
[Target Analysis]
Stamina – Level ?
Flexibility – Level ?
Strength – Level ?
Speed – Level ?
IQ – Level ?
Shooting – Level ?
Ancestral Level: Null
Ryota (Thinking): What the—? I can't see anything? Even Rui can't read his stats?
He blinked once—and the guy was gone. Not "walked away" gone. Just gone.
Ryota (Thinking): ...Okay, that's not creepy at all.
He exhaled and shook his head, pushing the thought aside as he exited the locker room.
Afternoon – Gym Floor
Ryota began with stretching, mimicking what others were doing. Arms up, legs wide, breathing steady.
[+5 EXP – Stretching Complete]
He smirked. Even stretching gives EXP, huh?
Then came push-ups, pull-ups, jumping jacks, and jump rope routines. Sweat rolled down his forehead, his breath heavy but controlled.
After about forty minutes, a voice called from behind.
Kenji: Hey there, first time, right? You've got good energy. Keep your pace steady, not too fast.
Ryota: Yeah, thanks! It's my first real workout like this.
Kenji: Not bad at all. I'll guide you a bit. VIP members get trainers, so that's me for today. I'm Kenji.
They went through more routines, with Kenji correcting Ryota's form and encouraging him. Another hour passed, and Ryota felt both drained and alive. Then—
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
+1 Ancestral Level Acquired
Current Level: 8
Select Four Attributes to Enhance
Ryota: Oh, nice. Let's do stamina +2 and flexibility +2.
[UPDATED STATS]
Stamina – Level 8
Flexibility – Level 6
Strength – Level 8
Speed – Level 4
IQ – Level 12
Shooting – Level 2
Ancestral Level: 8
Rui's voice chimed in.
Rui: Protein shake recommended for faster recovery.
Kenji handed him a cup.
Kenji: Here, this'll help your muscles recover faster.
Ryota drank it in one go. His body instantly felt lighter.
He continued training—treadmill sprints, squats, planks. Hours passed like minutes.
Kenji: Hey, slow down. You're going too far for a beginner. You'll collapse at this rate.
Ryota: I'm fine, really. Can I try dumbbells? Just a small one.
Kenji: Small one? You mean 25 kilograms? That's not small at all.
Ryota: Heh. Let me try.
Kenji sighed, but gave in. Ryota picked it up, arms shaking slightly—but after the first few lifts, his movements became smoother, controlled.
Then it happened again.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
+1 Ancestral Level Acquired
Current Level: 9
Select Four Attributes to Enhance
Ryota: Strength +2, Stamina +2. Let's go.
[UPDATED STATS]
Stamina – Level 10
Flexibility – Level 6
Strength – Level 10
Speed – Level 4
IQ – Level 12
Shooting – Level 2
Ancestral Level: 9
He dropped the weights, breathing heavily but smiling.
Ryota (Thinking): If I level up stamina as much as I can, I can train infinitely... and gain more EXP forever.
Kenji clapped him on the back.
Kenji: You've got some serious drive, kid. Keep that up and you'll outgrow this place fast.
Ryota laughed, heading for the showers. The warm water hit his back, washing away exhaustion and replacing it with satisfaction.
Ryota (Thinking): I'm sure tomorrow, I'll be better than today.
Evening – Matsumoto Mall
Ryota strolled through the aisles of a nearby grocery, basket filled with fruits, vegetables, meat, and protein shakes.
Ryota (Thinking): No more instant noodles and chips. If I'm gonna be serious, I need to live healthy.
He loaded everything into his car, a total of 20,000 yen worth of groceries. Back home, he unpacked and organized them neatly—fruits in the refrigerator, canned goods stacked in the pantry.
He looked around his clean kitchen and smiled faintly.
Ryota: I'm ready for tomorrow.
He lay on his bed later that night, scrolling through social media. Normal people posting normal things—pictures, memes, food.
Ryota (Thinking): Half demon or not, I'll live this life my way.
He placed the phone down, the faint glow of the system pulsing once more before fading.
Outside, Matsumoto's lights shimmered against the night sky as Ryota's eyes slowly closed.
The grind had only just begun.
Morning – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
The sunlight slipped through the curtains, shining across the room. Ryota's eyes slowly opened as he stretched and yawned, his body still sore from yesterday's training.
Rui: Good morning, Ryota.
Ryota: Morning, Rui...
He stood and looked at himself in the mirror. For a moment, he just stared. His body was still thin, but his face looked healthier. The dark circles were lighter, his skin looked smoother, and even the small pimples on his face had started to fade. His posture looked straighter. His reflection almost felt like someone else.
Ryota: This thing is scary and cool I guess, maybe more levels I can be an actor.
He brushed his teeth, took a shower, and cooked breakfast — eggs, rice, and miso soup. The smell of food filled the quiet house. After eating, he cleaned a bit before preparing his bag for school.
Ryota (Thinking): Still not a major change, but I can literally see improvement. I don't look like a zombie anymore.
He smiled faintly, grabbed his backpack, and left the house.
Morning – Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool
The schoolyard was lively as usual. Students rushed to their rooms, chatting and laughing. Ryota walked inside calmly, his steps more confident than before.
As soon as he entered the classroom, Reiji noticed him and almost dropped his phone.
Reiji: WHAT THE HELL, BRO?! You look human now! What happened to you?!
Ryota: Haha, really? I just went to the gym and started eating healthy food from now on.
Reiji got up and walked around him, inspecting his face like he was some new species.
Reiji: No way. Your face cleared up, your eyes are alive, even your aura feels different. You're not a zombie anymore, man.
Some classmates nearby turned their heads, whispering. Ryota felt their stares but just scratched his head awkwardly.
Classmate 1: Is that really Kagawa?
Classmate 2: He looks... normal now?
Then Jung, one of the athletic guys in class, approached with a smirk.
Jung: Yo, congrats. You look human. Wanna play ball later? 2v2 after class.
Reiji: Nah, I got plans later—
Ryota: Sure.
Reiji blinked in surprise.
Reiji: Bro, are you serious?
Ryota: Yeah, I need some exercise anyway. Who's your partner, Jung?
Jung turned and gestured to the back of the room. A tall figure stood up — the same brown-haired guy from before with sharp green eyes.
Jung: This is Yoshito. Miyata Yoshito.
When Yoshito stood, everyone gasped. He was unbelievably tall — at least 6'6 — towering over everyone in the room. Ryota's eyes widened slightly. This was the first time he had seen Yoshito stand. Usually, he was quiet, always early to class and the last to leave.
Yoshito: Hey.
His voice was deep and calm, his stare almost intimidating.
Reiji: Damn, he's huge. Alright fine, we'll play. Let's make it interesting. First to 10 points wins.
Jung: Deal.
Afternoon – Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool Basketball Court
The afternoon sun shone brightly as students gathered around the outdoor court. Some sat on the benches, others leaned on the fence, curious about the sudden 2v2 challenge.
Reiji bounced the ball and grinned at Ryota.
Reiji: Nervous?
Ryota: A little. This is my first serious game.
Reiji: Don't overthink it. Just enjoy. If we lose, who cares? We'll give them a show, just remember our training okay?
Ryota nodded, trying to calm his heartbeat. The ball was tossed. Reiji started with possession. Yoshito stood in front of him, arms wide, expression unreadable. Jung guarded Ryota tightly.
Reiji passed the ball to Ryota. Ryota dribbled slowly, testing his control. The ball felt lighter than before. His movements flowed naturally.
Ryota (Thinking): I can dribble better now...
He stepped left, spun, and took a three-point shot. Jung leaped to block, the ball hit the rim, but Reiji dashed in and slammed a dunk.
Reiji: I got your back, bro!
Score: 1–0
Reiji: Just pass it when you need to. Don't force it.
Ryota nodded. The crowd cheered softly, impressed by the opening play.
Next possession, Ryota dribbled again against Jung. He faked left, Jung followed, and Ryota suddenly paused — his mind blanked for a second — then his body moved on its own. He passed the ball behind his back perfectly to Reiji.
The crowd gasped. Even Jung froze for a moment.
Reiji caught it, but Yoshito immediately blocked his path.
Yoshito: You can't pass me.
Reiji: Watch me.
Suddenly, Ryota appeared on Yoshito's left side, his speed surprising everyone. Reiji tossed the ball toward him, and Ryota shot mid-air — clean swish.
Score: 2–0
Students shouted in excitement.
Student 1: No way! Wasn't that guy weak before?!
Student 2: What's happening to him?!
Ryota looked toward the entrance and saw his father, Yori, standing near the gate. Yori smiled quietly, proud but mysterious. Ryota turned back to the game, feeling his heart race.
Jung: Alright. Let's get serious.
Jung suddenly moved faster. He dribbled past Ryota with sharp control, stepping inside and scoring with ease.
Score: 2–1
Ryota: What was that speed...?
The pace picked up. The game became intense. The sound of sneakers screeched on the court.
Scoreboard:
2–2 Yoshito scored.
2–3 Yoshito again.
3–3 Reiji answered.
4–3 Reiji scored another layup.
4–4 Jung equalized.
4–5 Jung drove in again.
4–6 Jung's fadeaway.
4–7 Jung hit another mid-range.
5–8 Reiji cut through for a layup.
6–8 Reiji hit a three-pointer.
6–9 Jung countered with a fast break.
Ryota stood panting. Sweat ran down his face. His hands trembled slightly.
Ryota (Thinking): I need to do something... I've only scored ONE point since the start.
Reiji patted his shoulder.
Reiji: Don't panic. We got this. Just trust your instinct.
Ryota took a deep breath. He looked at the scoreboard, then at his father, still watching quietly.
Jung had the ball again. He charged forward. Ryota focused. His world slowed. He could feel Jung's rhythm, every step, every bounce.
Then suddenly, his body moved. He stole the ball cleanly.
Jung: What the—?!
Ryota sprinted, Jung chased close behind. Ryota dribbled fast, doing crossovers and side steps. He jumped for a three-point shot. The crowd held their breath.
The ball hit the rim.
Reiji leaped for the rebound, but Yoshito's height overpowered him. Yoshito caught the ball and quickly passed it to Jung. Jung rushed forward, stopped in front of Ryota, and shot.
Swish.
Final Score: 6–10
The game ended. The crowd clapped and cheered. Jung and Yoshito won.
Ryota stood still, catching his breath. Reiji walked over, patting his back.
Reiji: Don't sweat it. You were amazing out there.
Ryota: I still lost.
Reiji: It's just the beginning, bro. You're improving faster than anyone I've seen.
Ryota looked down at his trembling hands. They felt warm, strong, alive. Somewhere deep inside, he felt something awaken — faint, but real.
Ryota stared quietly at the court as the sun set. Jung walked past and smiled faintly.
Jung: You're interesting, Kagawa. Let's play again sometime.
Ryota looked up, nodding slowly.
Ryota: Yeah... next time, I'll win.
He glanced once more toward the gate, but his father was gone. The wind blew gently across the court. The sky was painted orange and blue.
Ryota wiped the sweat from his face and smiled.
Ryota (Thinking): Next time... I'll show them all.
To be continued...