Chapter 5: A Smile in the Crowd
Ronan tightened the knot on his dark blue tie, letting it hang slightly loose around his neck. A clean white shirt, black slacks, and the faintest scowl on his face completed the look. After checking himself in the cracked mirror, he grabbed his bag and stepped out of the old apartment that had been his home for the past few years.
Down in the parking lot, he wheeled out his bicycle. Nothing flashy—just an old, second-hand bike that got him where he needed to be. With a light push, he mounted it and began pedaling, the early morning wind brushing softly across his face.
Then, something happened—
[New Skill Acquired!]
[Skill: Beginner Cyclist]
[Description: Increased balance and efficiency while riding a bike. Slightly improved speed and reduced stamina consumption]
Ronan let out a quiet chuckle. So that was how it worked.
Now he understood—if he did something with enough intensity, the system would acknowledge it and grant a skill accordingly.
"Interesting," he muttered under his breath.
He picked up speed, feeling the difference almost instantly. The pedals moved more smoothly, and his control sharpened ever so slightly. If this was just the beginner level, he couldn't help but wonder—what would the advanced tier feel like?
The school building soon came into view.