Solo Leveling: Banishment of the Anomaly

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft, golden rays across Jake's room once again. The new day promised fresh opportunities for growth and training, but Jake's mind was occupied with the challenges ahead. He had made significant strides in his training, but he knew there was still much more to tackle.

After stretching, he prepared for another day of practice. His routine included meditation, swordsmanship, and enhancing his healing abilities. He was resolute in making Lee Joo-Hee a vital ally to Sung Jin-Woo, but to achieve that, he needed to push his limits further.

As he stepped into the training yard, he was greeted by Kang Ho, who stood waiting with a familiar stern expression. The veteran's presence was both intimidating and reassuring. However, today, Kang Ho seemed preoccupied, his gaze distant and contemplative.

"Good morning, Joo-Hee," Kang Ho said, his voice laced with distraction. "We'll start with sword training as usual, but after that, I need to discuss something with you."

Jake nodded, sensing the weight of something unspoken. "Sure, Mr. Kang. What's on your mind?"

Kang Ho didn't respond immediately. Instead, he handed Jake a wooden sword and led him to the practice area. They began their training in silence, the rhythmic clash of their swords filling the air.

Jake's focus sharpened with each strike; his movements became more precise as the Basic Swordsmanship skill improved. He could feel the difference, the blade becoming an extension of himself with each passing hour.

Suddenly, the familiar chime of the Sage Enlightenment System broke through his concentration, causing him to momentarily pause mid-swing.

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[Swordmanship was practiced for hours. Proficiency increased by 24% after skill usage.]

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After an hour of rigorous training, Kang Ho finally spoke up. "I've heard some troubling news. There have been reports of increased monster activity near the city. It seems like the gates are becoming more unstable."

Jake's heart raced at the mention of monsters. Increased activity meant more danger for everyone, including Jin-Woo. "What does this mean for us?" he asked, his voice steady despite the anxiety bubbling beneath the surface.

Kang Ho's expression grew grave. "It means we might see more dungeons opening up soon. With that comes a higher risk of high-level monsters appearing. We need to be prepared—not just in terms of strength, but also in strategy."

Jake absorbed the information, feeling a sense of urgency wash over him. If dungeons become more dangerous, it complicates everything. His plans to get close to Jin-Woo and protect him were at stake. "What should we do to prepare?"

Kang Ho looked at Jake with serious intensity. "We need to ramp up our training and ensure we're ready for anything. I'm arranging a special training session for the hunters, and you should join us. It will be a chance to test your skills and see where you truly stand."

Jake nodded, determination igniting within him. "I'll be there. I need to be ready for whatever comes next."

Kang Ho clapped Jake on the shoulder, a gesture of encouragement. "Good. Let's wrap up here and get some rest. We'll start early tomorrow."

As they finished their training, Jake couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over him like a heavy fog. Facing high-level monsters? The thought was intimidating, but he steeled himself. He had a plan to follow, and he needed to be prepared for any obstacle that lay ahead.

With his resolve set, Jake walked away from the training yard, determined to make the most of every moment. The looming threats only fueled his desire to grow stronger, not just for himself, but for the ones he wanted to protect. This is just the beginning.

That evening, Jake returned to his room and began his meditation routine. He focused on the flow of mana within him, trying to center himself and prepare for the challenges ahead. The Basic Meditation skill had been helpful in improving his mana control, but he knew that mastering it was easier because of Lee Joo-Hee's memories of mana control mastery compared to perfecting his Basic Swordsmanship skill.

Suddenly, a notification appeared before him.

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[You have gained enough proficiency. Basic Meditation is now level 2]

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Jake felt a surge of satisfaction. The skill upgrade was a sign that his efforts were paying off. He continued his meditation, feeling the increased flow of mana within him. The sensation was calming, and it gave him a sense of readiness for the upcoming challenges.

Later that night, Jake lay in bed, his thoughts drifting back to Sung Jin-Woo. The man's recovery was progressing well, but the looming threat of increased monster activity weighed heavily on Jake's mind. He knew he needed to stay vigilant, both for his own safety and because he had yet to practice fighting actual monsters.

As he continued thinking about the future, he finally drifted off to sleep as Jake made a silent promise to himself. He would not let his feelings cloud his judgment or distract him from his goal. He was here to support Sung Jin-Woo and make sure that Lee Joo-Hee ended up by his side. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them with determination and strength.

The next morning, Jake joined the special training session alongside the other hunters. As he stepped into the training yard, he could feel the tension in the air. These weren't just routine exercises; every hunter present knew that their lives depended on honing their skills. The looming danger of increased monster activity from unstable gates had put everyone on edge.

Jake scanned the group, recognizing some of the faces. These were old, seasoned hunters, people who had survived countless battles and dungeons. He couldn't help but feel a sense of inadequacy at first—was he really one of them now? But he quickly shook off the thought, reminding himself of how far he'd come, both physically and mentally. This isn't just for me. It's also for the plan.

As the training began, Jake threw himself into every drill with everything he had. The intensity was unlike anything he had experienced before. Each exercise pushed his body and mind to the limit. They practiced combat techniques, evasion, endurance, and coordination—everything needed to face the unpredictable threats that awaited them in dungeons.

During a sparring session, Jake was paired with a hunter named Min-Jae, a gruff but skilled fighter. They exchanged blows, each movement deliberate and powerful. Jake focused on his footwork, recalling Kang Ho's advice from the previous day.

His sword strikes felt sharper, his movements more fluid. Min-Jae grunted with approval as they clashed, their wooden swords rattling with each hit.

"You're better than I expected," Min-Jae commented between strikes, his tone half-teasing, half-impressed.

Jake grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "Thanks, I've been training hard."

"Don't get cocky," Min-Jae warned, though there was a smirk on his face. "This is nothing compared to the real thing."

"I know," Jake replied, his expression growing serious. "That's why I'm here."

They resumed their sparring, but Jake's mind was already racing ahead. Every hit, every dodge, was a reminder that he needed to keep improving. The more he trained, the closer he felt to reaching the level he needed to be to survive this world—and protect the people he cared about.

By the end of the session, Jake was exhausted but exhilarated. His body ached, his muscles screaming from the intensity of the exercises, but he couldn't deny the sense of satisfaction that came with pushing his limits.

He had learned a lot, not just about swordsmanship, but about his weaknesses. The sparring with Min-Jae had highlighted gaps in his defense, and the stamina drills reminded him of the importance of endurance. Then, a familiar pang sounded in his head as a new notification came.

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[Swordmanship was practiced for hours. Proficiency increased by 31% after skill usage.]

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As he grabbed a towel to wipe his face, Kang Ho approached him, his stern expression softening slightly with approval. "You did well today, Joo-Hee. You're improving faster than I expected."

Jake smiled, his heart swelling with pride. "Thanks, Mr. Kang. I still have a lot to learn, but I'll keep working hard."

Kang Ho nodded, his gaze steady. "That's the right attitude. Remember, strength isn't just about brute force. It's about knowing your limits and pushing past them without losing control."

Jake took in the advice, nodding seriously. "I understand. I'll be ready for whatever comes next."

With that, Jake made his way out of the training grounds and returned to his room, the weight of exhaustion settling in. But despite his fatigue, there was a renewed sense of purpose burning inside him. The world of Solo Leveling was ruthless, and the threats they faced were no joke. But he was ready. He had to be.