*Detecting extreme stress on hosts physical and mental state, activation of The Ronin Systems preliminary functions beginning in 5 seconds, 4, 3, 2, 1, Starting...*

Suddenly, a refreshing feeling washed across my body as all of the pain from earlier disappeared without a trace, though I was still tired. Returning to my feet, I realized I could look around and I would feel no panic while looking at the corpses of my former comrades.

*Congratulations to the host for activating the preliminary stages of The Ronin System. Would the host like a tutorial?*

"Sure, I guess."

*Very well, The Ronin System was created in order for you to pave your way through this world and eventually reach the apex. It has several different functions, however only the Status, Contract, and Sword functions are currently available. Status shows a comprehensive list of all of your stats including Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Contracts are the equivalent of missions or quests, if you finish them, you get awarded by the system. The Sword function is unique to The Ronin System, It allows you to view your weapon in incredible detail, as well as upgrade it depending on the quality.*

Hearing all this, I realized I had a cheat, hopefully. My surroundings certainly seem more gloomy than anything I've read, but it'll make do.

"System, where am I and how did I get here?"

*The host died in his previous world and through unknown circumstances, ended up taking over the body of one of the deceased soldiers, one with many similarities to the hosts original body. The host's location is currently unknown, however this is not Earth, but a separate plane of existence where war is everlasting, and Ronin can thrive if they so choose.*

Curious, I call out Status in my mind, and luckily it worked and a screen popped up in front of me.

*Name: Qui Bai

Race: Human

Class: Ronin

Age: 19

HP: 7/20

SP:3/20

STR: 6

DEX: 5

CON: 3

INT: 13

WIS: 9

CHA: 1

No Current Lord

No Skills

Looking over my stats, I realize I seemed a bit weak.

"System, why are my stats so low?"

*Host was dead previously, so the hosts stats are naturally lower than the average persons, 10.

Sighing at the inconvenience, I decide to open contracts and see if I have anything to help me get stronger.

*CONTRACT: A New World

You've been transmigrated into a whole new world, the possibilities are endless! Find out where you are and the current state of the land.

*CONTRACT: Humble Beginnings

You're even weaker than the average man as you are! Train yourself to become stronger and worthy of the title of Ronin! Perform 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, 100 squats.

*CONTRACT: A Weapon

Every Ronin needs a usable weapon. Find one around the bodies of your former comrades.

Seeing the 3 contracts, I realize that this may not be as hard as I originally thought. I take all 3 Contracts and start on finding a sword among the corpses. I feel like the system affected my personality a bit because I had no problem rummaging around bodies. I quickly realized not any blade will do, as even when I picked one up that seemed usable, the system didn't complete the Contract. Around 20 minutes of scavenging later and still no sword, I look around a bit more carefully, rereading the contract, I quickly realize it said around, not on and said weapon, not sword. Looking around I quickly spot what looks to be a sturdy branch just outside the battlefield. Grabbing it I hear a notification

*CONTRACT: A Weapon completed

Reward: Bokken

STR +1

DEX +2

CON +2

The stick begins glowing white, blinding me, and gives off an indescribable warmth. Upon opening my eyes the stick is gone, and in its place, a bokken, perfectly formed and glossed, not a single imperfection.

*NEW CONTRACT: Practice

You have a weapon, but have no idea how to use it. Swing your sword 1000 times to better understand how to wield it.

Seeing the new contract I almost feel cheated by all the physical activity I've gotten. I wasn't much of an athlete in my past life just because I hated exercise, but I suppose I have no choice. I decided to start with the actual exercise. I moved away from the battlefield, wandering until I found a small open area and began working out. It was when I hit 20 push ups that I realized... I really am too weak. My arms gave out and with a depressed groan I rolled over and tried the sit ups. Again at 20 my core was on fire and had to stop and try squats, which I didn't fare much better in. I ended up repeating this until after about a half hour I finally finished the Contract. Hopefully I keep getting training missions so I can just grind it out in this forest until i'm unbeatable.

*CONTRACT: Humble Beginnings completed

Reward:

STR +3

DEX +3

CON +5

CHA +1

*Your Strength has reached 10: Average- You can better control the force of your strikes.

*Your Dexterity has reached 10: Average- You can better control the placement of your strikes.

*Your Constitution has reached 10:Average- You are more resistant to blunt strikes.

*CONTRACT: The First Trial

Ronin's lives are rife with challenging battles. Find a challenging opponent and fight to the death.

...This damn system.