Flint Marko stood deep underground in the Association Headquarters, inside the [Training Simulation Pod] built with the System's black technology. Unlike the previous evaluation room, this space was much more expansive, with walls and a ceiling made of a soft, dark material that seemed to absorb all light, and a floor of active metal plates that could switch to various terrains at any time.
The knowledge stream from the [Advanced Sand Control Techniques (Elementary)] he had just exchanged still swirled in his mind, like newly acquired muscle memory, eager for practice and consolidation. And the remaining 30 points, like loose change in his pocket, reminded him that there was still room for further improvement.
"Training Mode: Basic Control Advancement. Environment: Standard Training Ground," Flint said into the air. The AI built into the simulation pod was connected to the System and could understand his commands.
Instantly, the space around him lit up, transforming into an empty environment resembling a giant warehouse. At the same time, dozens of metal targets of various sizes and shapes rose from the ground not far in front of him; some were stationary, while others moved slowly along complex trajectories.
The System gave precise requirements: "[Training Objective: Simultaneously hit the core of at least five moving targets using sand, with the sand maintaining a sharp, piercing shape, and not scattering after penetration.]"
Previously, this would have been an almost impossible task for Flint. His prior control precision was barely enough to form crude sand whips and hammers; simultaneously controlling multiple streams of sand with specific shapes for precise strikes? He wouldn't even dare to imagine it.
But now, he took a deep breath, recalling the newly acquired techniques in his mind—how to more economically distribute his mental energy, how to perceive and lock onto multiple targets, and how to compress the internal structure of sand to maintain its shape stability.
He spread his arms slightly, not stirring up a sky full of dust as he used to, but instead controlling a relatively small amount of sand separating from his body. These sand particles hovered around him, like a living golden Nebula.
"Condense!"
His eyes narrowed, and his will drove them. The hovering sand instantly divided into ten streams, each rapidly elongating and shaping in the air, their tips becoming incredibly sharp, gleaming with a metallic luster—no longer crude sand cones, but true sand spears!
"Go!"
The ten sand spears, as if precisely guided, shot towards ten different moving targets with a faint whooshing sound!
"Puff! Puff! Puff! Puff! Puff!"
Five almost overlapping, crisp piercing sounds rang out. Five sand spears accurately hit the bullseye of five moving targets, and after penetration, the spear bodies still maintained their complete shape, with only the tips slightly fanning out, not completely disintegrating. The other five, although also hitting their targets, either had slightly off aim or failed to maintain their shape sufficiently after penetration, scattering apart.
"[Task Completion: 50%. Accuracy: 78%. Shape Retention: 65%. Evaluation: Pass, with significant room for improvement.]"
Flint looked at the results, and far from being discouraged, he excitedly clenched his fists. Controlling ten sand spears simultaneously, hitting five moving targets and largely maintaining their shape! This was unimaginable to him before yesterday! The improvement brought by those 120 points was immediate!
He didn't stop, immediately starting the next round of training. Where did the problems with the five failed sand spears lie? Was it uneven mental energy distribution? Insufficient prediction of movement trajectories? Or insufficient sand compression strength?
He tried again and again, adjusting his mental micro-control, feeling the subtle changes in the sand during the compression process. Sweat trickled down his forehead, but he paid no attention, completely immersed in the exhilaration of rapidly growing stronger.
During a break in training, he opened the internal mall again. Although the remaining 30 points weren't much, perhaps he could exchange them for some auxiliary items. His gaze searched the list, finally settling on an inconspicuous item:
[Basic Stamina Enhancer (Minor Effect)]: Slightly increases physical stamina and energy recovery speed. Effects are stackable (with an upper limit). Exchange requires: 25 points.
Stamina! This was exactly what he needed. Sand transformation abilities consumed a lot of mental and physical energy, especially during high-intensity combat or prolonged periods of fine control. Increasing basic stamina meant he could fight longer, train longer, and grow stronger faster!
"Exchange!"
"[Points consumed: 25. Remaining points: 5. Please retrieve item.]"
A small storage compartment slid open on the side wall of the simulation pod, containing a small syringe filled with a pale blue liquid. Flint picked up the syringe and, without hesitation, injected it into his upper arm.
A cool liquid flowed into his bloodstream, then transformed into a faint warm current that spread throughout his limbs. He didn't immediately feel a surge of power, but a subtle, energetic feeling arose, as if he had just taken a short nap, alleviating much of the fatigue from continuous training.
"Continue!" Flint felt the changes in his body, his confidence growing, and he plunged back into intense training.
Time flew by in his focused state. When the simulation pod indicated that the preset training time was over, Flint slowly stopped, breathing slightly, his body drenched in sweat, but his eyes shone astonishingly bright.
"[Comprehensive Training Report Generated:]"
[Sand Control Precision: Increased to 19.1% (originally 18.4%).]
[Multi-target Control Limit: Increased to 12 units (originally vague, estimated below 8).]
[Sand Condensation Strength: Increased by 8%.]
[Stamina Recovery Speed: Slightly increased (requires continuous observation).]
[Overall Combat Power Assessment: From C+ stable, with a slight tendency towards B-.]
Looking at the report, Flint let out a long breath, a satisfied and determined smile on his face. Points truly could be converted into tangible strength! This feeling of seeing a return for every bit of effort was wonderful!
He left the simulation pod, showered, and changed into clean clothes, but instead of resting directly, he went back to the hospital where his daughter, Penny, was.
This time, he no longer carried the heavy pressure and guilt of before, but walked with a light step, holding a box of high-grade fruit, said to be beneficial for recovery, which he had exchanged for his last 5 points at the Association's internal welfare store.
Through the glass, he saw that Penny had been moved to a more spacious and brighter special care ward, her complexion seemed a little rosier than before, and she was sleeping peacefully. The attending Doctor saw him and walked over, a smile on his face:
"Mr. Marko, you're here. Penny is responding very well to the new targeted medication, her vital signs are stable, and her indicators are moving in a positive direction. At this rate, we have a very good chance of controlling the illness."
Flint listened to the Doctor's words, looking at his daughter's serene sleeping face, and felt his heart filled with a huge emotion called "hope." All of this was given by the Association, exchanged with points, and earned by his own strength and effort!
He gently placed the fruit on a chair outside the ward, not going in to disturb her, just taking one more deep look at Penny, then turned and walked away with large strides.
Walking back to the Association Headquarters, the neon lights of New York at night reflected in his eyes, no longer cold and detached, but full of opportunities and challenges. He clutched the Association ID card in his pocket, which recorded his points, his growth, and his and his daughter's future.
The feeling of strength increasing was like the finest wine, intoxicating him, but also making him more clearly aware of what he needed to do.
He wanted to earn more points, become stronger, cure his daughter, and then... repay this kindness, and protect this hope that had given him a new life.
The Association's point system, like a powerful engine, not only drove heroes to complete missions but also drove them to constantly break through themselves and become stronger.
Sandman's success and improvement were like a stone dropped into a calm lake, and the ripples it created were slowly spreading within the Association and among those outside who were closely watching.