Chapter 3｜The Sister's Awakening

The morning mist lingered in the forest, sunlight filtering through thin clouds and illuminating the damp grass. Li Xing led the way with his hunting rifle slung over his shoulder, Zhao Yun close behind. Li Yu crouched slightly farther away, her sniper rifle in hand. A faint blue mist flickered around her pupils, as if sensing every flicker of movement in the air.

“Brother, what are we practicing today?” Li Yu asked softly, her voice tinged with anticipation.

Li Xing glanced back at her and smiled faintly. “Today isn't just about hunting. We'll also attempt coordinated combat—to trigger your system's hidden abilities for the first time.”

Zhao Yun raised an eyebrow. “Hidden abilities? Didn't she recover long ago?”

Li Xing nodded. "She recovered, but her potential hasn't fully awakened yet. Today we'll force the system to trigger her latent sniper perception."

A deep growl suddenly echoed through the woods. A beast larger than any they'd encountered leapt from the underbrush, its crimson eyes blazing with murderous intent. Li Xing instantly crouched, blue mist surging along his hunting rifle.

“Li Yu, provide long-range support!” Li Xing ordered in a low voice. A system prompt flashed in Li Yu's mind:

“Hidden abilities can be activated: Sniper Perception +20%, Enhanced Long-Range Precision +25%, Potential Burst Acceleration.”

Li Yu gripped her sniper rifle tightly, her hands trembling slightly as she felt the system gently awaken her latent potential. Blue mist spread along her line of sight, her eyes seeming to pierce through the forest. Every tiny movement of each leaf and blade of grass became crystal clear.

“I... I see its target!” Li Yu whispered urgently, pointing toward the beast's shoulder in the distance.

The bullet seemed guided, striking the beast's vital point with precision. The beast roared furiously, lunging toward the trio, but Li Xing and Zhao Yun coordinated seamlessly:

Li Xing provided long-range suppression, his shotgun firing continuously, each shot landing with deadly accuracy.

Zhao Yun controlled the close quarters, his fists and feet generating air currents that kept the beast at bay.

Li Yu offered long-range support, her sniper bullets tracking every movement with locked precision.

System notification flashed:

“Cooperative Combat Ability +25%. Hidden potential skill successfully triggered. Li Yu's Sniper Perception fully awakened.”

Overwhelmed by the trio's relentless assault, the beast finally collapsed with a thunderous thud. Li Yu crouched on the ground, her chest rising and falling slightly as the blue mist slowly dissipated. Her eyes shone with newfound confidence.

Li Xing walked over and gently patted her shoulder: “You did well, Li Yu. Your potential has awakened.”

Zhao Yun smiled: “Who knew my little sister was so capable? She'll be our long-range weapon from now on.”

Li Yu pressed her lips together, her gaze resolute: “I... I can protect everyone now too.”

A system prompt echoed in Li Xing's mind:

“Hidden Ability Awakened: Li Yu's Sniper Perception +20%, Ranged Precision +25%, Teamwork Synergy +15%, Potential Growth Acceleration +30%.”

The morning mist in the forest gradually dispersed, sunlight bathing the trio's silhouettes. The blue light mist shimmered, like a symbol of protection and strength. Li Xing gazed into his sister's eyes, his resolve growing stronger than ever before: With her by his side, the safety of his family and brothers was more assured.

“We'll train together and grow together,” Li Xing murmured, his voice steady and firm.

Zhao Yun nodded. “Yes. Starting today, the three of us are the strongest team.”

The final system prompt appeared:

“Triple synergy potential gradually established. Next phase: Advanced enemy combat verification.”