Reincarnated With a Cheat System

Chapter 3: Rising Potential

The next morning 

the sun cast golden rays over the Nishiki estate, its warmth a stark contrast to the cool night air that had accompanied Phyro's first battle. His body still tingled from the rush of victory, but the soreness in his muscles reminded him that he was far from invincible.

He lay in bed, staring at the wooden ceiling, replaying the fight in his mind. The wolves had been faster, stronger than he expected—but he had won. More than that, he had grown. His stats had increased, and a new skill had been unlocked.

"Combat Instincts."

When he accessed his system interface, the skill's description appeared before him.

[Combat Instincts] – A passive skill that sharpens reaction speed and enhances spatial awareness in battle. Movements become more fluid, and predicting an opponent's next action becomes easier.

It was a small boost, but even a minor edge in combat could be the difference between victory and defeat.

His lips curled into a smirk. So this is what it means to level up.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Young Master Phyro," a voice called. It was one of the estate's attendants. "The Master wishes to see you."

His father.

Phyro sat up, stretching his arms before slipping out of bed. He quickly dressed in a dark tunic and pants, tying his boots tightly before stepping out of his room.

The Nishiki manor was grand but not overly extravagant, built with a balance of function and aesthetic—a true representation of the family's standing. Though they were nobles, they were not royalty, nor did they indulge in excess. The halls were lined with simple yet elegant decorations, the walls adorned with paintings of past ancestors.

As he made his way to the study, he considered the possible reasons for being summoned. Did someone see me leave for the forest?

No. He had been careful. Besides, his father wasn't the type to scold him for something like that. If anything, he would be intrigued.

When he arrived, the doors were already open.

Inside, his father, Lord Kaien Nishiki, sat behind a wooden desk, his piercing gray eyes locked onto Phyro the moment he entered. He was a man of discipline, his presence exuding the quiet authority of a seasoned warrior. Though he was not a king, his bearing often made him feel like one.

"Close the door," Kaien instructed.

Phyro obeyed, then stood before the desk, waiting.

His father studied him for a long moment before finally speaking.

"You've changed."

The words sent a jolt through Phyro, but he kept his expression neutral. "What do you mean, Father?"

Kaien leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk. "I've seen it in your stance, your posture. Even the way you carry yourself is different. You were always a sharp boy, but lately… it's as if you've awoken something."

Phyro held his gaze, considering his response carefully. He couldn't outright say he was a reincarnated salaryman, nor could he reveal the system so easily.

Instead, he nodded. "I've been thinking a lot about my place in this world. I don't want to be weak."

His father's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was no anger—only curiosity.

"Is that so?"

"Yes," Phyro said, his voice firm. "I've started training on my own, reading more, learning everything I can."

A flicker of something—perhaps approval—crossed Kaien's expression before he stood.

"Then show me."

Phyro blinked. "Now?"

"Yes." His father gestured toward the courtyard. "If you wish to grow stronger, you must prove it."

—

The courtyard was a large open space surrounded by stone pillars, designed for training and sparring. The ground was covered in fine sand, ensuring safe footing.

Kaien stood in the center, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He did not yet draw it, but the message was clear.

"Attack me," he said.

Phyro hesitated. "With a wooden sword, or—?"

Kaien shook his head. "No weapons. Use your body. Show me what you've learned."

A test.

Phyro took a breath, steadying himself. His fight with the wolves had taught him valuable lessons, but this was different. His father was a trained warrior—strong, experienced, and unshakable.

Still, he had no intention of backing down.

He took his stance, legs apart, weight balanced. His father watched silently, waiting.

Then Phyro moved.

He dashed forward, pushing off with all his strength. His fists clenched as he aimed for a quick strike to test his father's reaction.

But Kaien didn't move.

The moment Phyro entered his reach, Kaien stepped aside, his movement so smooth it was as if he had known exactly where Phyro would be. A hand shot out—fast. Too fast.

Before Phyro could react, Kaien's palm struck his chest.

Boom!

The force sent him stumbling backward, nearly knocking him off his feet. He barely caught himself, his heart pounding from the impact.

"Too direct," Kaien said, shaking his head. "Predictable. Again."

Gritting his teeth, Phyro charged once more, this time feinting left before twisting to the right. He aimed a kick at his father's side.

Kaien lifted his arm, blocking with effortless precision before countering with a sweeping motion. Phyro barely had time to jump back, narrowly avoiding being knocked down.

But something was different.

I'm keeping up… just barely, but still…

His new skill, Combat Instincts, was at work. He could feel the shift in his father's stance, sense the movements before they fully formed. It wasn't perfect—Kaien was still leagues ahead of him—but he was learning.

For the next several minutes, they exchanged blows—Kaien effortlessly defending, Phyro pushing himself to his limits. Sweat dripped down his face, his breaths came faster, but he refused to yield.

Then, suddenly, Kaien stepped forward.

Phyro barely saw the strike coming before a solid force struck his stomach. The impact drove the air from his lungs, and he collapsed to his knees, gasping.

Kaien stared down at him, expression unreadable.

Then, after a long silence, he spoke.

"Not bad."

Phyro looked up, surprised.

His father extended a hand. "Get up."

He took it, pulling himself to his feet. His body ached, but there was no shame in his defeat. If anything, there was something else—a spark of satisfaction.

"You have potential," Kaien said. "But raw potential means nothing without discipline. If you are serious about growing stronger, then I will train you myself."

Phyro's eyes widened.

His father had never trained him personally before. He had always learned from instructors. But now…

"I won't go easy on you," Kaien continued. "The path of strength is brutal. If you accept, you will regret it more times than you can count."

Phyro clenched his fists, his determination burning.

"I accept."

Kaien nodded. "Then rest. Tomorrow, your real training begins."

As Phyro walked back toward the manor, his body sore yet invigorated, he couldn't help but grin.

End of Chapter 3