Suddenly feeling a bit better, he asked something else.
'What level of competition would you equate to S grade?'
As long as he could get a proper answer, he would be able to see how he compared in this moment.
[S Grading could be compared to those at the beginning stages of the Collegiate level.]
Ken's eyes widened before he nodded his head in understanding.
'Then what grading would you compare to the NPB?'
This was the real question that he wanted answered. It was his goal to go professional, which meant he needed to reach at least the level of those in the league.
[Mika cannot answer this as user has not discovered said grade.]
Despite not answering the question, Mika had given him plenty of information in that moment. Not only did she hint that there were grades above SSS, she also admitted that professionals likely within that range.
Ken let out a sigh of satisfaction, finally shedding some light on where he needed to be.
However, some things weren't exactly adding up. He had met players who had gone pro, yet only had a potential of SS or even S+.
Even Daichi who had the highest starting potential he'd seen at SSS+ turned out to be a great professional player.
'Mika, is it possible to increase your potential organically?'
The AI was silent for a while, as if she was picking her words carefully.
[It is possible to increase one's potential. However it requires the person to continually push the limits of their bodies and mental facilities.]
'Just as I suspected…' Ken thought inwardly.
After seeing the increase in Hiroki and Shiro's potential, he had theorized the very same possibility. Yet now that he had heard the words directly from Mika's… voice. He now believed it.
As Ken's mind was thinking about certain possibilities, he was interrupted by the monotonous voice of his new friend.
[Mika recommends user get some sleep in order to effectively recuperate.]
'Ah, good idea.' Ken thought.
However, his mind was still active at this moment in time since he'd finally been given all this new information. He believed it was easier said than done.
Before he could roll over and try his best to sleep, he heard the AI's voice once more.
[Initiating sleep protocol… Stand by.]
These were the last words he heard before his consciousness slowly began to fade.
The next morning, Ken woke up feeling as if he had the best sleep of his life. He stretched generously, feeling his body cry out in bliss.
Not even a few moments later, he heard the sound of his alarm going off beside his bed. Yet unlike all the other times he woke up right before his alarm, he was in a great mood.
'Damn, if I can sleep like that every night I wouldn't complain.'
[Would user like to set up sleep protocol automatically?]
He heard the sound of Mika's voice enter his head, getting his attention.
'Ah not at this stage…' He replied mentally.
If he were to set it up automatically, he may find himself sleeping on the street if he ever decided to go out one night.
Creak~
Daichi popped his head into Ken's room and flashed him a grin after seeing he was already awake.
"You ready to go for a run?"
"Just like old times." Ken replied, letting out a chuckle.
Not long later, Ken and Daichi were about to head out the door, only to be stopped by Yuki.
"Can you guys pick up some bread from Naomi's bakery on your way back? Here is some money."
With one hand cradling her morning coffee and the other hand holding out a 10,000 Yen bill, Yuki seemed as if she'd just crawled out of bed.
"Sure thing mom."
After grabbing the money and putting their shoes on, the two quickly began their run, starting off with a light jog to get their muscles warm.
Ken couldn't wipe the grin off his face this morning, after finally getting to run again with his brother. It seemed so long ago that they last worked out together that he'd almost forgotten what it was like.
He increased the pace with Daichi easily staying with him all the way. Until he was interrupted.
[Mika recommends user increase his speed by 22% to enter an anaerobic state]
Ken already thought that he was running fast enough, but he didn't complain.
"I'm picking up the pace." He said to Daichi, before bursting forwards with more momentum.
"You won't beat me!" Daichi yelled out, catching up after some time.
Ken maintained his speed, feeling his muscles begin to fatigue after 20 minutes. He turned his head only to see Daichi struggling a little beside him.
By the time they'd completed the circuit, the two were drenched in sweat.
"Ah man, that was tough." Daichi said in between gasps of air.
Ken had wanted to say something cool, but he was too busy sucking in deep breaths in order to reply. He placed his hands on his head with his elbows out, trying to open up his lungs to gather more oxygen.
[Mika recommends stretching before user's muscles cool down.]
"Let's do some stretches." Ken managed to say after a few moments.
Inwardly he was rather impressed by Mika's suggestions. He'd been wanting to get the most out of his training, so her appearance was a timely boon.
The two completed their stretches for the next 10 minutes in the same park that they used to frequent until the beginning of this year. It was just like old times as they chatted happily together.
Ken already noticed that Daichi's body had filled out even more. His wide shoulders and thin waist was a sign that he'd been eating and working out diligently all this time.
After they were done he spoke up.
"Let's jog over to Ai's house to get that bread."
"Sure."
The two arrived in front of Ai's house and walked into the bakery, only to be greeted warmly by Naomi. Ken introduced his brother before asking for some bread with a smile.
While the two were interacting, a beautiful figure slowly walked down the stairs. She was dressed in a cute pink and white dress which contrasted with her deep blue eyes.
Once she saw the two, her expression lit up in surprise, adding to the allure of her beautiful features.
[Heightened blood pressure detected from the user, please cease whatever actions you are undertaking.]
'H-Huh!? What the hell are you talking about?'
[High levels of anger detected in the user. Suggestion to leave this place immediately]
'Shut up!'