Ares sat cross-legged near the fire, staring at his hands. The System’s words echoed in his mind.

  > System: [Combat Protocol adapts to host’s physical and cognitive skills]

  "Then that means… if I improve, the System improves with me."

  He needed to train.

  Not just swinging his fists wildly. He needed precision, endurance, strength, and speed. If he fought like this again, he wouldn’t always be lucky.

  "I have to get stronger. Faster. More efficient."

  He exhaled slowly.

  "System," he said. "Can you guide my training?"

  System: [Processing…]

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  [Basic combat optimization possible]

  [Recommending endurance, reflex, and strength development]

  [Warning—host body is still in recovery. Proceed with caution]

  Ares nodded. He wasn’t in prime condition. But waiting wasn’t an option.

  He pushed himself up, his body protesting. His legs wobbled, sore from the abuse of running, dodging, and getting thrown around.

  First, endurance.

  He needed his body to keep up with the fights. If he couldn’t last longer than his opponent, no amount of Combat Protocol would save him.

  Running. That was the first step.

  Ares glanced around the cave. The uneven ground was a challenge on its own. He didn’t need a straight path—he needed to train on unpredictable terrain.

  He started with a slow jog, focusing on steady breaths. His muscles burned, but he pushed forward. The System remained silent, but he could tell—it was analyzing.

  After running for a while, he stopped, gasping. His body trembled with exhaustion, but he couldn’t stop now.

  Next, reflexes.

  He set up a rudimentary training method—throwing small rocks against the cave walls and dodging the rebounds. It wasn’t perfect, but the unpredictable angles forced him to react quickly.

  At first, he was hit constantly. Bruises formed on his arms and legs, but slowly, he started to dodge. His reactions sharpened. His movements became instinctive.

  The System must have noticed.

  System: [Combat Protocol recalibrating…]

  [Neural response time improving…]

  [Combat efficiency +3%]

  "It’s working."

  Ares wiped sweat from his forehead. He could feel it—his body slowly adjusting, his stamina lasting longer.

  This was only the beginning.