Kyoto's cool breeze hit Kenji's face the moment he stepped off the train. The late afternoon sun was just beginning to dip toward the horizon, bathing everything in a warm, orange glow that gave the city an almost ethereal quality. Around him, the station buzzed with life, commuters rushing home, tourists pulling rolling luggage behind them, students laughing loudly, and families bustling through the crowded platforms. It was a familiar scene, yet it all felt different to Kenji. To him, the city didn't just feel alive from the movement of people. It felt alive in a deeper, more profound way, like something unseen vibrated beneath the surface, something ancient and powerful, quietly observing and breathing alongside the human hustle.
Adjusting the strap of his satchel across his chest, Kenji tugged his cap a little lower to shield his eyes from wandering glances. His attire was simple but sturdy, chosen carefully to allow freedom of movement in case anything unexpected happened. He took a long, calming breath, letting the busy noise of the world fade into the background. Instead, he focused inward, opening his senses in the way he had been training so diligently. Immediately, he felt it, the subtle buzz in the air, the quiet hum of something vast and unseen.
'Leylines'. Kenji realized, a jolt of excitement coursing through him. Kyoto wasn't just rich in culture and history, it was drenched in mana, saturated on a level he had never before encountered. The entire city was practically alive with energy, and Kenji could feel it pulsing beneath his skin.
Activating his Mana Sensitivity skill, Kenji concentrated carefully. The world shifted subtly. Invisible currents of energy revealed themselves to him, crisscrossing the city in intricate webs of glowing light. Some leyline flows pulsed with strong, vibrant force, like arteries feeding a living organism, while others moved gently, like sleepy rivers meandering through a forest. It was mesmerizing, breathtaking, and a little overwhelming. But he loved it. This was the kind of environment where he could truly push his limits and grow stronger.
[Skill: Mana Sensitivity has leveled up!]
Mana Sensitivity (LV3)
A wide grin broke across Kenji's face. Just being here, surrounded by this much ambient mana, was enough to help him improve. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, pushing his awareness outward further and further. It didn't take long before he found them "hot spots" where mana pooled densely, creating lakes of raw power embedded into the fabric of the city.
One particular hotspot to the northwest of his position practically blazed in his mind's eye. It was dense, structured, and ancient. It wasn't wild or chaotic, no, this was something old, deliberate, and deeply rooted. Kenji guessed it was centered around one of the major shrines or temples he'd read about. Power like that wasn't just lying around unguarded.
But Kenji wasn't reckless. He knew better than to stumble blindly into the territory of powerful supernatural beings. Without proper knowledge, respect, or preparation, he could easily be mistaken for an intruder or a threat. Getting caught up in local faction politics, or worse, being targeted by a territorial guardian was the last thing he needed right now.
Pulling out a folded paper map he'd prepared in advance Kenji began cross-referencing his instincts with known landmarks. Kyoto was filled with shrines and temples, but the largest ones sat directly atop the strongest leyline intersections. That meant areas like Fushimi Inari and Yasaka Shrine would be heavily monitored, perhaps even aggressively protected.
Better steer clear for now. Play it smart, Kenji thought as he traced potential paths with his finger.
Right now he was only a low class, someone insignificant. They would hardly care about someone like him unless he goes poking the Fox's den.
He glanced around the bustling station once more, his Mana Sensitivity still active. Narrowing his focus, he began to scan the people around him with careful precision. Soon enough, he picked up faint traces of mana hidden among ordinary humans. Camouflaged supernaturals blended seamlessly into the crowd, their energy carefully suppressed. It was subtle, like the quiet heartbeat of a giant asleep.
Targeting a middle-aged man sitting casually outside a café with a cup of coffee, Kenji approached calmly. As he walked closer, he deliberately released a thin, controlled pulse of mana enough to be felt, enough to signal he was "one of them," but not enough to provoke alarm.
"Excuse me," Kenji said, bowing politely in the local style. "I'm new to Kyoto. Would you happen to know if there are any areas where supernatural friendly shops or businesses operate?"
The man paused mid-sip, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Kenji with a keen, appraising gaze. Then, after a few seconds, he chuckled softly and gave a small nod.
"You're not the first visitor asking that question," the man said, voice low but not unfriendly. "You might want to check near the old riverside, east of here. Quieter places, fewer nosy eyes."
"Thank you very much," Kenji said with a grateful bow.
"Be careful though," the man added in a serious tone. "Kyoto doesn't take kindly to those who stir up trouble. Respect the old ways, and you'll be fine. Disrespect them... and you might disappear without anyone ever noticing."
Kenji nodded solemnly and moved on, adjusting his route accordingly. Avoid the major centers of power. Find smaller hubs where he could learn, observe, and grow without drawing dangerous attention.
As he navigated Kyoto's ancient streets, Kenji kept his Mana Sensitivity active, allowing the background information to seep naturally into his mind. Every block he crossed, every old alley he walked through, offered new pieces to the magical puzzle of the city. It felt like learning to read an entirely new language—one written in flowing energy instead of words, one that spoke directly to the soul.
[Skill: Mana Sensitivity has leveled up!]
Mana Sensitivity (LV4)
Another quiet victory. His skills were sharpening with every step, and he could feel himself becoming more attuned to the living, breathing magic that saturated Kyoto.
He passed traditional wooden homes with curved tiled roofs, tiny corner shops selling hand-carved charms and talismans, and modern cafes that blended almost seamlessly with the ancient architecture. The smells of roasted coffee, fresh flowers, old wood, and the metallic tang of magic filled the air. Kyoto was a paradox, old and new, sacred and mundane, human and supernatural coexisting and overlapping in strange and beautiful harmony.
This place... it's dangerous. But it's beautiful too, Kenji thought, feeling his heart race with excitement and a tinge of apprehension.
Every breath here tasted of potential. Every step he took further into the city's hidden heart was a step closer to his goal of becoming stronger, carving out his place in a world much larger and stranger than he had ever dared to imagine.
Kenji knew deep down that he had crossed an invisible threshold.
He was stepping into the real world, one where magic thrived, where ancient beings watched from the shadows, and where every choice could carry consequences far beyond what he could see.
This was real.
And Kyoto with all its beauty, its dangers, and its endless possibilities was going to test him in ways he hadn't yet begun to imagine if he screwed up.
Tightening the strap of his satchel, he pulled his hood up higher against the evening chill. Tucking his map safely into his inventory, he stepped confidently into the labyrinth of Kyoto's narrow streets.
So he just had to make sure he didn't screw up. Easy right?
Well, he hoped so.
Now, onwards.
No matter what challenges awaited, Kenji was ready.
The true journey had begun.
---
Kenji Takahashi
- Race: Human (Reincarnated)
- Level: 25
- Title: "The Grinder"
- Free Stat Points: 64
---
Attributes (Tier-9)
- Strength: 43
- Speed: 48
- Endurance: 45
- Intelligence: 41
- Wisdom: 46
- Charisma: 48
- Luck: 95 (Tier-2)
---
Skills
- Blunt Weapon Mastery (LV 6)
- Sword Mastery (LV 6)
- Spear Mastery (LV 1)
- Bow Mastery (LV 1)
- Physical Endurance (LV 4)
- Pain Resistance (LV 2)
- Power Smash (LV 2)
- Mana Punch (LV 8)
- Adept Combat (LV 4)
- Gravity Manipulation (LV 4)
- Mana Ball (LV 7)
- Mana Shield (LV 9)
- Basic Fireball (LV 1)
- Magic Control (LV 7)
- Mana Sensitivity (LV 2)
- Mana Channeling (LV 3)
- Enchantment Magic (LV 2)
- Mana Efficiency (LV 9)
- Spatial Awareness (LV 7)
- Danger Sense (LV 7)
- Instant Dungeon Creation (LV 3)
- Meditation (LV 9)
- Observation (LV 6)
- Household Management (LV 5)
---
Perks
- Gamer's Body
- Gamer's Mind
- Father's Resolve
- Devil Slayer
- Undead Slayer
---
Equipment
- Blightbreaker (Rare Broadsword)
- +50% Sword Skill Efficiency
- Plague Debuff (weakens enemies over time)
- +30% Shield Break
- Adamantine Spear
- +40% Spear Skill Efficiency
- Armor Piercing
- Hunter's Precision Bow
- +30% Bow Skill Efficiency
- Increased Range
---
Inventory (Highlights)
- Healing Potions: 50 Minor, 20 Greater
- Mana Items: 40 Lesser Mana Potions, 10 Mana Restoration Elixirs
- Antidotes: 15
- Stamina Recovery Drinks: 20
- Weapons: Steel Longswords x3, Reinforced Steel Spears x5, Composite Bows x2, Iron Daggers x10, Throwing Knives x20
- Monster Parts: Zombie Fangs x100, Ogre Claws x30, etc.
- Crafting Materials: Iron Ore x100, Mana Crystals x20, Fire/Water/Lightning/Earth/Wind materials
- Currency: 150,000 Yen
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