Reborn as Asta

Asta's body ached with fatigue, his muscles protesting every movement. He had pushed himself too hard, bouncing between brutal underground fights, His mind felt clouded, his thoughts sluggish. Yet, somehow, his feet carried him forward toward the only place that still felt like home: the orphanage.

As the familiar building came into view, a pang of guilt struck him. He hadn't meant to stay away for so long… had he? Still, the sight of the old wooden structure, its windows glowing with warm light against the dark night, tugged at something deep within him. He quickened his pace, ignoring the protests of his weary body.

Reaching the front door, Asta hesitated. He could already imagine the storm of worry and frustration waiting for him inside. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open.

The warmth of the orphanage enveloped him immediately, the familiar smell of old wood and fresh bread filling the air. For a moment, Asta felt a flicker of peace. But that peace was short-lived.

"Asta!" Father Oris's voice boomed from the hallway. The tall, imposing man appeared with a mixture of relief and fury etched across his face. His robes billowed as he stormed toward Asta, his finger pointing accusingly. "Where have you been? Do you have any idea how worried we've been?"

Before Asta could respond, Sister Lily emerged from a nearby room. Her usual composed demeanor was gone; her eyes were red and swollen from crying, her hands trembling as she clutched them to her chest. "Asta!" she cried, her voice breaking. "We thought you were kidnapped! Or worse, that you had…" Her words faltered, and she covered her mouth, fresh tears streaming down her face.

Asta blinked, stunned. He had expected scolding, maybe a lecture about curfews or responsibility. But this? The raw emotion radiating from them caught him off guard. "Wait, what—" he started.

"It's been three days, Asta!" Father Oris cut him off, his voice rising with a mixture of anger and desperation. "Three days without a word! Do you have any idea what we've been through? We thought…" He paused, his voice trembling, his stern expression faltering. "We thought we'd lost you."

Three days? Asta's mind reeled. How could that be possible? He had only meant to stay out a little later than usual. He tried to piece together the night he's had but the details refused to come into focus. His brow furrowed as he struggled to make sense of it.

Before he could process further, Sister Lily rushed forward and threw her arms around him, holding him so tightly it felt like she was trying to fuse their bodies together. "All that matters is that you're back," she sobbed into his shoulder. "You're safe. Thank the heavens, you're safe."

Asta stood frozen, the weight of her embrace and her tears leaving him at a loss for words. He hadn't realized just how much they'd been worried.

Father Oris's stern demeanor cracked as he stepped closer, joining the embrace. He placed a firm hand on Asta's shoulder, his grip steady but gentle. "You reckless, stubborn boy," he muttered, his voice softening. "Thank the heavens you're alright."

Asta finally found his voice, though it came out weak . "Wait… Father are you crying?" He blinked, his tone laced with disbelief.

Father Oris quickly straightened, clearing his throat and stepping back. He wiped at his eyes with a sleeve, though it was clear he had been crying. "Of course not! I… I just… had something in my eye."

Sister Lily smacked his arm lightly, glaring at him through her own tears. "Don't you dare act tough now, Oris. You were just as worried as I was!" She turned her stern gaze back to Asta. "And you, young man, are grounded."

"What?" Asta frowned, still trying to process everything. "You're grounding me?"

"You know exactly why," Father Oris said, crossing his arms. "Don't think we don't know where that money you've been bringing in comes from. You'er back to Underground fighting Asta, Really?"

Asta winced but didn't argue. He could see the anger and disappointment in their eyes, but underneath it all was an undeniable relief that he was home. Too exhausted to protest or explain himself, he simply nodded.

Later, as he lay in bed, he finally opened his system interface.

Primary Stats:

- Physical:540

- Mental:384

- Magic: 0

Detailed Stats:

- Physical: Strength: 84 | Speed: 103 | Endurance: 112 | Charisma: 78 | Sense:53

| Constitution:110

- Mental: Intelligence: 140 | Wisdom: 117 | Focus: 112 | Ki:15

Unique Skills:

[Mental Space

Type active]

[Book of the Mind

Type passive]

[Enhanced Regenerative Factor

Type Passive]

[Hardened Skin

Type Passive]

[Peak Stamina

Type Passive]

[Enhanced Speed

Type Passive]

Biologically Unique Skills

[Countless Joints

Type Passive]

[Demon Steel Bones

Type Passive]

[Enhanced Organs

Type Passive]

[(Updated Skill List)]

Physical Skills

These skills enhance physical abilities, combat proficiency, and physical interaction with the environment.

[Mobility]

Sprinting

Type: Active

(Expert)

Jumping

Type: Active

(Expert)

Climbing

Type: Active

(Expert)

Swimming

Type: Active

(Expert)

Double Jump

Type: Active

(Basic)

Parkour

Type: Active

(Basic)

Dash

Type: Active

(Basic)

Wall Run

Type: Active

(Basic)

Air Dash

Type: Active

(Basic)

[Combat Skills]

Reflex

Type: Passive

(Expert)

Swordsmanship

Type: Active

(Mastered)

Spearmanship

Type: Active

(Expert)

Archery

Type: Active

(Expert)

Parry

Type: Passive

(Expert)

Counter

Type: Passive

(Expert)

Boxing

Type: Active

(Expert)

Shield Bearer

Type: Active

(Expert)

Water Stream Smashing Fist

Type: Active

(Basic)

Whip Strike

Type:Active

(Basic)

[Ki Combat Skills]

Ki Flow

Type: Passive

(Basic)

Ki Enhancement

Type: Active

(Basic)

Ki Shaping

Type: Active

(Basic)

Ki Weapon Enhancement

Type: Active

(Basic)

Mental Skills

These skills enhance cognitive abilities, perception, and emotional intelligence.

Meditation

Type: Active

(Mastered)

Strategic Thinking

Type: Passive

(Mastered)

Memory Retention

Type: Passive

(Mastered)

Speed Reading

Type: Passive

(Mastered)

Emotional Intelligence

Type: Passive

(Mastered)

Analyze

Type:Active

(Advanced)

Ki Sensing

Type: Active

(Basic)

Ki Observation

Type:Passive/Active

(Basic)

Utility Skills

These skills are practical and enhance craftsmanship, resource management, and environmental interaction.

[Crafting and Building]

Crafting

Type: Passive

(Mastered)

Potion Crafting

Type: Passive

(Mastered)

Carpentry

Type: Passive

(Mastered)

Blacksmithing

Type: Passive

(Expert)

Engineering

Type: Passive

(Intermediate)

Circuitry

Type: Passive

(Intermediate)

[Gathering and Agriculture]

Farming

Type: Passive

(Mastered)

Fishing

Type: Passive

(Expert)

[Artisan and Fine Crafting]

Sculptor

Type: Passive

(Basic)

Painter

Type: Passive

(Basic)

Calligrapher

Type: Passive

(Basic)

[Survival Tools]

Herbology

Type: Passive

(Awakened)

Medic

Type: Passive

(Advanced)

Alchemy

Type: Passive

(Advanced)

[Appraisal and Trade]

Appraiser's Eye

Type: Active

(Basic)

[Tailoring and Textiles]

Sewing

Type:Passive

(Intermediate)

Tailoring

Type: Passive

(Intermediate)

Seamstress

Type: Passive

(Intermediate)

As he closed the system and drifted off to sleep, a small smile played on his lips. He was home, and for now, that was enough.