The Ultimate Pranker System

Chapter 2: The Path of the Hidden Trickster

Adam leaned back against the wall of the slave quarters, his mind racing as the overseer's angry shouts echoed in the distance. Around him, the other slaves avoided his gaze, their brief moment of amusement now replaced by fear of retribution. But Adam didn't care.

He had a system. A Pranker System. And he'd just earned his first reward: the Beginner's Cultivation Manual: Path of the Hidden Trickster.

Adam didn't hesitate. "Yeah, show me."

In an instant, a glowing screen appeared in his mind, displaying the manual's contents. The words seemed to shimmer and pulse as he read, each line sinking directly into his memory.

[Beginner's Cultivation Manual: Path of the Hidden Trickster]

Description: A unique cultivation method designed for cunning and elusive individuals. Emphasizes stealth, deception, and the manipulation of spiritual energy to outwit opponents. Core Techniques: Shadow Veil: Cloak yourself in spiritual energy to avoid detection. Qi Misdirection: Create false trails of Qi to confuse enemies. Prankster's Burst: Condense Qi into a small, explosive burst to create chaos or distractions. Advancement Requirement: Perform increasingly complex and daring pranks to refine your spiritual energy.

Adam chuckled, a dark gleam in his eyes. "So, even my cultivation method is a joke. Perfect."

His amusement was cut short by a sudden sharp pain in his chest. He doubled over, gasping, as an overwhelming pressure surged through his body.

"Wait, what—" Adam's words were cut off as his entire body erupted in agony. It felt like every bone was being crushed and rebuilt, every muscle torn apart and stitched back together. He collapsed to the ground, his vision swimming.

Minutes—or perhaps hours—passed before the pain subsided. Adam lay motionless, drenched in sweat, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

Adam sat up slowly, his body feeling... different. Stronger. Lighter. The constant aches and bruises from his life as a slave had vanished, replaced by a strange, simmering energy just beneath his skin.

"Alright," he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Let's see what this cultivation thing is all about."

Closing his eyes, Adam focused on the instructions from the manual. He visualized the energy within him—his Qi—and began guiding it according to the techniques outlined in the manual.

At first, it was clumsy, like trying to write with his non-dominant hand. But as the minutes ticked by, he felt a rhythm forming. The Qi flowed smoother, more naturally, and with each cycle, a faint aura began to surround him.

A soft glow emanated from his body, and for the first time, Adam felt truly alive.

Adam opened his eyes, a satisfied smirk on his face. "That wasn't so hard. What's next?"

The system's response was instant.

Adam's smirk faltered. "Public humiliation? You're not playing around, are you?"

But deep down, he welcomed the challenge. His eyes flicked toward the slave quarters' exit, where a pair of guards stood watch. Behind them, the grand estate of the Lu family loomed, its halls filled with arrogant nobles who had tormented him endlessly.

A plan began to take shape in his mind, wicked and precise.

"If I'm going to survive in this world," Adam muttered, rising to his feet, "I'll need more than strength. I'll need chaos."

He strode toward the exit, his grin returning. "Time to introduce the Lu family to the new me."

End of Chapter 2