The Path Of A True King.

Elijah lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

The events of the day replayed in his mind—his date with Lisa, the system's absurd declaration, and the ridiculous penalty it had threatened him with.

He couldn't believe it was trying to dictate even his personal life.

"What kind of messed-up rule is that?" he muttered under his breath.

Still, he had to admit… 500 system points for doing nothing wasn't bad. And now, he had exactly what he needed.

A sharp chime echoed in his mind as a translucent blue screen materialized in front of him.

{Shop}

[Items] | [Abilities] | [Techniques]

Elijah's eyes flickered to the "Techniques" tab first, curiosity getting the better of him.

However, as soon as he selected it, a cold notification appeared:

[Locked: You must reach the Intermediate Knight Stage before purchasing techniques.]

"Tch." He clicked his tongue. He had expected as much.

Techniques were essential for combat, enhancing speed, strength, and defense, but it made sense that they required a stronger foundation.

With a sigh, he shifted his focus to the "Abilities" tab.

Unlike techniques, abilities didn't require an energy source like Ki or Mana.

They were supernatural powers that functioned independently, making them an invaluable asset—especially at his current level.

As the list of abilities loaded, Elijah's eyes scanned through them:

[Flameborn] – The user can generate and control flames. (2,500 System Points)

[Stormcaller] – The user can control winds and summon storms. (100,000 System Points)

[Mind Piercer] – The user can read weak minds and sense strong emotions. (1,800 System Points)

[Shadow Step] – The user can teleport short distances through shadows. (3,500 System Points)

[Phantom Veil] – The user can become invisible at will. Only those with three times more Ki than the user can detect them. Otherwise, they can only be found if they touch someone or are touched. (1,000 System Points)

Elijah narrowed his eyes.

Most of these were out of his budget, leaving only one real option—Phantom Veil.

"…This is the only useful one I can afford," he muttered.

The ability was Tier 2, meaning it wasn't the strongest, but its utility was undeniable.

With it, he could move undetected, avoid danger, and gather information without being seen.

[Purchase "Phantom Veil" for 1,000 System Points?]

Elijah hovered his finger over the confirmation button for a moment before pressing down.

[Ability Acquired: Phantom Veil]

As the notification vanished, a strange sensation washed over him.

It wasn't like Ki flowing through his body—it was… different.

Something instinctual.

Without thinking, Elijah activated the ability.

The world remained the same, but something felt off.

He turned to the mirror beside his bed—only to find his reflection missing.

A smirk crept onto his face. "Now this… this is useful."

He deactivated it, watching as his reflection reappeared in the mirror.

For the first time that day, he felt a surge of excitement.

Maybe this system wasn't so bad after all.

The Next Day

The school buzzed with the usual energy of students chatting, moving through hallways, and rushing to class.

Elijah leaned against his locker, his arms crossed, while Kai stood in front of him with a firm expression.

"I'm not letting you get involved with the gang stuff yet," Kai said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Elijah raised an eyebrow. "You say that like we're not already in danger."

Kai sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"We are, but if you start moving with us now, you won't get a break. This life doesn't stop, Elijah. Once you're in, you're in. You won't have time for school, for a normal routine, for anything outside of the gang."

Elijah studied Kai for a moment.

His best friend was serious, more serious than usual.

It wasn't just about keeping him out of danger—it was about something deeper.

"You sound like my mom," Elijah muttered.

Kai rolled his eyes. "Shut up."

A smirk tugged at Elijah's lips before he let out a breath. "So what, I'm just supposed to sit here while you handle everything?"

"Yeah. At least for now."

Elijah scoffed. "Kai, we're building this thing together."

Kai met his gaze. "And we will. But let me be the one getting my hands dirty first. You're already on edge because of how things went down before. You need time, bro."

Elijah clenched his jaw.

He hated feeling like a burden, like he was being left out of something he was supposed to be part of.

But deep down, he knew Kai had a point.

He was frustrated over what had happened recently, and if he kept moving recklessly, he'd only make things worse.

After a long pause, he exhaled sharply. "Fine," he muttered.

"Then I guess I'll join a sports club or something."

Kai blinked. "You? In a sports club?"

Elijah smirked. "Gotta do something with my time, right?"

Kai snorted. "Yeah, right. You? Playing by the rules?"

"You doubt me?"

"Absolutely."

Elijah chuckled. "Watch me."

Kai shook his head, still smirking. "Alright, bet. I'll believe it when I see it. What sport you thinking?"

Elijah shrugged. "Dunno. Something fun. Maybe basketball?"

Kai gave him a once-over. "You ever played?"

"Nope."

Kai laughed. "You're gonna get cooked, bro."

Elijah smirked. "Or maybe I'll dominate. Who knows?"

Kai shook his head again, but his amusement lingered. "Alright, fine. Do whatever. Just don't slack off in school, alright?"

Elijah gave him a lazy salute. "Yes, sir."

Kai sighed, turning toward his class. "I hate you sometimes."

"You love me," Elijah called after him, grinning.

Kai just flipped him off over his shoulder, making Elijah chuckle.

As the bell rang, Elijah glanced out the window, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

School life might not be what he wanted, but with his new ability, things were about to get interesting.