Time continued its relentless march towards Harry's eleventh birthday, now just a handful of months away. His tenth year was a period of intense, focused training, spurred by the imminent, fixed date given in the magically delivered scroll. He spent his days navigating the complexities of primary school—a realm demanding astute social awareness and rapid physical and mental adaptation—and his evenings and weekends enduring or exploiting the volatile environment of Number Four, Privet Drive. The grind was automatic now, a constant feedback loop of action, calculation, and gain, overseen by the silent blue supervisor in his mind.
🔔 [TIME SKIP NOTED: Approximately 9 Months Have Passed (from Autumn 1990 to Early Summer 1991).]
[Accumulated Experience from rigorous, targeted training and survival noted. Grind Efficiency maintained at high level.]
[Level Ups achieved during period: 1 (Level 12)] (Harry ended Ch18 at Lv 11, so he hit Lv 12 during this year of grinding)
[Accumulated Bonus Stats and HP/MP from Leveling.]
[Perk Points Gained: 1 (Total Perk Points: 8 + 1 = 9)] (Gained 1 PP at Lv 11 + 1 PP at Lv 12 = 2 PP during this period, add to previous 8 PP... wait, Total was 9 at the end of 18... Oh, the 250 EXP wasn't the Level Up, it was major PQ step! And PP from that... Yes, 8 PP + 1 at Level 12 = 9PP. Ok, previous chapter correction total of 9 PP entering this was right).
Harry reviewed his status. Years of methodical leveling and skill application had shaped him dramatically.
📊 [STATS]
Name: Harry Potter
Level: 12
HP: 210/210 (Base 195 Lvl 11 + 15)
MP: 42/42 (Base 39 Lvl 11 + 3)
STR: 14 (Base 13 Lvl 11 + 1)
DEX: 19 (Base 18 Lvl 11 + 1)
INT: 19 (Base 18 Lvl 11 + 1)
WIS: 18 (Base 17 Lvl 11 + 1)
LUK: 27 (Base 26 Lvl 11 + 1)
CHA: 20 (Base 19 Lvl 11 + 1)
Experience: 500/2800 (Current standing toward Level 13 - scaled needed EXP again)
MP Regeneration: 3.6 MP per hour. (Further increased).
His core passive skills had become profoundly effective: [Gamer's Mind Lv. 6] (maintaining remarkable clarity and control), [Stealth Lv. 8] (moving almost as a non-existent entity), [Agile Evasion Lv. 7] (reacting with fluid, automatic speed and precision), [Situational Awareness Lv. 7] (detecting subtle details and potential dangers with incredible range and clarity, near-prescient), [Pain Resistance Lv. 5] (making him stoic against most common physical discomfort and minor injuries). [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] (Active, 8 MP, ~2 meter range) had improved, becoming slightly more reliable and reaching further. [Intent Focus Lv. 1] was actively practiced alongside it, providing the required concentration boost.
And he possessed 9 Perk Points. He had reached double digits in several stats, HP/MP nearing numbers that felt robust, skills sharp enough to cut through the constant tension of his life, but these Perk Points remained locked, a potent, unusable reserve of power. With the date from the scroll looming, this felt unacceptable.
He spent significant chunks of his scarce private time trying to decipher their use. He focused his will on the Perk Point counter itself. He mentally commanded the System to show him. He tried activating them like skills (no MP cost registered, no effect). He reviewed every System menu or notification he could recall. He revisited the 'Perk Points Gained' notifications, scrutinizing their simple message. They felt like earned currency, waiting to be spent, but on what platform?
One quiet evening, curled in his cupboard, reviewing his status screen, he focused his INT and WIS (both 19/18!) fully on the Perk Point icon and description text, filtering out everything else. He didn't just command; he analyzed. What was the context of gaining them? 'Level Up Perk!'. A reward from Leveling up.
And then, he tried connecting the concept of 'Perk Point' (a distinct unit) with 'User can improve capabilities' (the general outcome of leveling). He pushed his intention, amplified by his unused [Intent Focus Lv. 1], towards the very notion of 'using' these points to 'improve Stats', something he knew leveling already did. It was a complex intention: Interface, Unit, Target Concept, Outcome Concept.
Suddenly, the standard Status window shimmered. The Perk Point counter brightened. A new, smaller interface unfolded next to it, a lattice of options.
⚙️ [PERK POINT ALLOCATION INTERFACE - STATUS: ACTIVE]
[Available Perk Points: 9]
[Allocation Options:]
Option 1: Allocate to Primary Stats. (Cost: 1 Perk Point per +1 Stat point allocation. User selects specific Stat).
Option 2: Allocate to Active Skill Level. (Cost: [Calculation Required based on Skill & Current Level]. User selects Skill).
Option 3: Unlock Special Perks/Abilities. (Cost: [Varies, Higher]. Requires Specific Triggers/Conditions Met. Available Options: [NONE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE]).
Harry stared. Options! He could spend them! Raw stats, skill levels (on active skills? Passive ones?), or special abilities (locked, currently). He could immediately boost his capabilities, direct his own growth in a way even standard leveling didn't allow. This was true customization, Player control.
He had 9 points. What was most critical for the approaching date at the Leaky Cauldron? Navigating an unknown magical access point, acquiring resources (likely needing money), interacting with magical people potentially needing to use his wits or manipulate objects. His best stats were DEX (19), INT (19), WIS (18), LUK (27), CHA (20). STR was least important.
Boosting DEX, INT, and WIS seemed logical. DEX for physical manipulation/Stealth/Evasion base. INT for processing information, understanding, quick thinking. WIS for perception, awareness, making good judgments. LUK was already high. CHA was useful, but maybe less critical than core mental/physical aptitude for survival and navigating new systems.
He decided. Strategic allocation. Boosting his already strong points that facilitated most of his other skills.
[PERK POINT ALLOCATION: User confirms Allocation Option 1. Target: Dexterity. Amount: +3.] (Cost: 3 Perk Points. Available: 6)
[PERK POINT ALLOCATION: User confirms Allocation Option 1. Target: Intelligence. Amount: +3.] (Cost: 3 Perk Points. Available: 3)
[PERK POINT ALLOCATION: User confirms Allocation Option 1. Target: Wisdom. Amount: +3.] (Cost: 3 Perk Points. Available: 0)
The System interface dissolved. The stat screen shimmered and updated.
📊 [STATS Update!]
Name: Harry Potter
Level: 12
HP: 210/210
MP: 42/42
STR: 14
DEX: 19 --> 22 (+3 from Perk Allocation)
INT: 19 --> 22 (+3 from Perk Allocation)
WIS: 18 --> 21 (+3 from Perk Allocation)
LUK: 27
CHA: 20
Experience: 500/2800
MP Regeneration: 3.6 MP per hour.
His core mental and physical stats had leaped. Dexterity 22, Intelligence 22, Wisdom 21. At Age 10. This was far beyond even an optimized non-magical human baseline for his age. He felt the change physically – a subtle shift in his body, mind, senses. Faster reflexes, clearer thoughts, perceptions sharper than ever. This power, unlocked and directed by himself. This was what the grinding was for.
With boosted stats and the date nearing, Harry turned his attention back to a concrete task for PQ Step 2: Acquiring Resources (Money). The Leaky Cauldron meeting suggested needing funds, and relying on the Dursleys providing access or money was ludicrous. He needed his own capital. His earlier investigations hinted at sources (Dudley's piggy bank, stray coins, potentially Vernon's jacket pocket for larger sums - High Risk!). Dudley's room seemed the best low-to-moderate risk option for smaller amounts.
It was late one night, hours after the Dursleys were asleep. He slipped out of his cupboard (Stealth Lv 8, DEX 22 making him truly silent now), up the stairs (Acute Awareness Lv 7 tracking every groan of the old house), towards Dudley's bedroom door. The door wasn't locked, thankfully. He used the minute flexibility and control afforded by his DEX 22 and Stealth Lv 8 to silently turn the handle and slip inside.
Dudley was asleep, snoring thunderously. Harry navigated the minefield of toys and clothes (Awareness, Stealth, Agile Evasion anticipating potential tripwires) towards the massive wardrobe. The piggy bank was usually on a shelf inside, along with other valued (or simply forgotten) possessions.
He opened the wardrobe door inch by silent inch. The piggy bank, shaped like a large ceramic pig, was high up on a shelf, mixed with old board games. Too high to reach without standing on something potentially noisy or knocking other things over. Dudley's bed was nearby – attempting to reach over the side could wake him. Stealth would prevent simple notice, but fumbling or crashing would fail. This was a perfect test for [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] and the enhanced range/reliability of [Intent Focus Lv. 1], backed by incredible DEX 22 and INT 22 for focus and precision.
He positioned himself silently. Looked at the pig. Calculated the distance, the angle (INT/WIS). He needed it to slide to the edge, then maybe tip into his waiting hands. Cost: 8 MP per attempt. He focused his formidable willpower, aided by Intent Focus. Slide.
🔔 [Using Skill: Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3. Intent Detected: Move Target Object.]
[User Intent Focus Lv. 1 Applied: Concentration Boosted (Success Chance Increase Minor/Moderate).]
[Attempt Cost: 8 MP.] (MP: 42 --> 34)
[Action Result: Target Object: Ceramic Piggy Bank moved as intended (Partial Success - distance constraint?). Object Slide Distance: ~0.5 meters.]
[Skill [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] Skill Experience Gained.]
[Intent Focus Lv. 1 Skill Experience Gained.]
[Dexterity (DEX) and Intelligence (INT) experience points gained via focused attempt.]
It slid! Smoothly. About half the distance he intended, but a clean slide across the shelf, no wobble. He re-focused, trying again. Slide again.
🔔 [Using Skill: Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3. Intent Detected: Move Target Object.]
[User Intent Focus Lv. 1 Applied: Concentration Boosted.]
[Attempt Cost: 8 MP.] (MP: 34 --> 26)
[Action Result: Target Object: Ceramic Piggy Bank moved as intended (Success - Distance constraint less?). Object Slide Distance: ~1.2 meters.]
[Skill [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] Skill Experience Gained.]
[Intent Focus Lv. 1 Skill Experience Gained.]
[Dexterity (DEX) and Intelligence (INT) experience points gained via focused attempt.]
Success! It was near the edge. Now, to make it tilt. Tilt gently.
🔔 [Using Skill: Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3. Intent Detected: Alter Target Orientation.]
[User Intent Focus Lv. 1 Applied.]
[Attempt Cost: 8 MP.] (MP: 26 --> 18)
[Action Result: Target Object: Ceramic Piggy Bank orientation altered as intended (Full Success). Outcome: Object tipped over shelf edge, falling towards User location.]
[Skill [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] Skill Experience Gained significantly.]
[Intent Focus Lv. 1 Skill Experience Gained significantly.]
[Dexterity (DEX), Intelligence (INT), Wisdom (WIS) experience points gained via complex manipulation.]
[+50 EXP]
Current EXP: 500 + 50 = 550/2800
Fifty EXP for this complex sequence of object manipulation and focus under pressure! More EXP was needed per level, but complex actions requiring skill chains were rewarded better than ever.
The ceramic pig fell silently the short distance into Harry's waiting, carefully cupped hands (DEX 22 making him ready). It didn't make a sound. Now to extract money. He needed a non-destructive way. The small stopper in the bottom? Can I... manipulate that out? Stopper... loosen and come out.
🔔 [Using Skill: Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3. Intent Detected: Alter Component State/Position.]
[User Intent Focus Lv. 1 Applied.]
[Attempt Cost: 8 MP.] (MP: 18 --> 10)
[Action Result: Target Object Component: Stopper loosened as intended (Success). Outcome: Stopper retrieved.]
[Skill [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] Skill Experience Gained significantly.]
[Intent Focus Lv. 1 Skill Experience Gained significantly.]
[+40 EXP]
Current EXP: 550 + 40 = 590/2800
Success again! The stopper came out, falling into his other hand. Quietly, Harry upended the pig and let a handful of coins trickle into his hand. Mostly shillings and pence, small stuff, but his. Acquired resource. He replaced the stopper carefully using Manipulation and Focus, returned the pig to the shelf. Left Dudley's room without a sound.
He retreated to his cupboard with his haul, placing the small pile of coins onto his blanket, feeling a profound satisfaction beyond the petty monetary value. He had done it. He had leveraged his hard-earned skills, stats, and a complex new ability to acquire actual currency. It was a concrete step forward in PQ Step 2.
🔔 [Task Outcome: Successfully Acquired Resources (Currency) from Controlled Environment.]
[Action contributed significantly to Primary Quest Step 2: Navigate Prerequisites (Sub-Objective: Acquire Currency).]
[Stealth Lv. 8, Situational Awareness Lv. 7, Agile Evasion Lv. 7 (passive), Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3, Intent Focus Lv. 1 all highly applied.]
[Intelligence (INT), Wisdom (WIS), Dexterity (DEX) experience points gained from planning and execution.]
[+80 EXP]
Current EXP: 590 + 80 = 670/2800
Eighty EXP! That felt immensely rewarding. Level 12 with powerful stats, Level 3 Subtle Item Manipulation + Intent Focus, 9 Perk Points allocated for peak performance, a healthy MP pool regenerating, passive skills reaching near-mastery, and now... his first independently acquired resources, gained not through luck or gifting, but through System-trained skill and effort.
The Leaky Cauldron meeting date was months away, a target on h
He decided. Strategic allocation. Boosting his already strong points that facilitated most of his other skills.
[PERK POINT ALLOCATION: User confirms Allocation Option 1. Target: Dexterity. Amount: +3.] (Cost: 3 Perk Points. Available: 6)
[PERK POINT ALLOCATION: User confirms Allocation Option 1. Target: Intelligence. Amount: +3.] (Cost: 3 Perk Points. Available: 3)
[PERK POINT ALLOCATION: User confirms Allocation Option 1. Target: Wisdom. Amount: +3.] (Cost: 3 Perk Points. Available: 0)
The System interface dissolved. The stat screen shimmered and updated.
📊 [STATS Update!]
Name: Harry Potter
Level: 12
HP: 210/210
MP: 42/42
STR: 14
DEX: 19 --> 22 (+3 from Perk Allocation)
INT: 19 --> 22 (+3 from Perk Allocation)
WIS: 18 --> 21 (+3 from Perk Allocation)
LUK: 27
CHA: 20
Experience: 500/2800
MP Regeneration: 3.6 MP per hour.
His core mental and physical stats had leaped. Dexterity 22, Intelligence 22, Wisdom 21. At Age 10. This was far beyond even an optimized non-magical human baseline for his age. He felt the change physically – a subtle shift in his body, mind, senses. Faster reflexes, clearer thoughts, perceptions sharper than ever. This power, unlocked and directed by himself. This was what the grinding was for.
With boosted stats and the date nearing, Harry turned his attention back to a concrete task for PQ Step 2: Acquiring Resources (Money). The Leaky Cauldron meeting suggested needing funds, and relying on the Dursleys providing access or money was ludicrous. He needed his own capital. His earlier investigations hinted at sources (Dudley's piggy bank, stray coins, potentially Vernon's jacket pocket for larger sums - High Risk!). Dudley's room seemed the best low-to-moderate risk option for smaller amounts.
It was late one night, hours after the Dursleys were asleep. He slipped out of his cupboard (Stealth Lv 8, DEX 22 making him truly silent now), up the stairs (Acute Awareness Lv 7 tracking every groan of the old house), towards Dudley's bedroom door. The door wasn't locked, thankfully. He used the minute flexibility and control afforded by his DEX 22 and Stealth Lv 8 to silently turn the handle and slip inside.
Dudley was asleep, snoring thunderously. Harry navigated the minefield of toys and clothes (Awareness, Stealth, Agile Evasion anticipating potential tripwires) towards the massive wardrobe. The piggy bank was usually on a shelf inside, along with other valued (or simply forgotten) possessions.
He opened the wardrobe door inch by silent inch. The piggy bank, shaped like a large ceramic pig, was high up on a shelf, mixed with old board games. Too high to reach without standing on something potentially noisy or knocking other things over. Dudley's bed was nearby – attempting to reach over the side could wake him. Stealth would prevent simple notice, but fumbling or crashing would fail. This was a perfect test for [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] and the enhanced range/reliability of [Intent Focus Lv. 1], backed by incredible DEX 22 and INT 22 for focus and precision.
He positioned himself silently. Looked at the pig. Calculated the distance, the angle (INT/WIS). He needed it to slide to the edge, then maybe tip into his waiting hands. Cost: 8 MP per attempt. He focused his formidable willpower, aided by Intent Focus. Slide.
🔔 [Using Skill: Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3. Intent Detected: Move Target Object.]
[User Intent Focus Lv. 1 Applied: Concentration Boosted (Success Chance Increase Minor/Moderate).]
[Attempt Cost: 8 MP.] (MP: 42 --> 34)
[Action Result: Target Object: Ceramic Piggy Bank moved as intended (Partial Success - distance constraint?). Object Slide Distance: ~0.5 meters.]
[Skill [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] Skill Experience Gained.]
[Intent Focus Lv. 1 Skill Experience Gained.]
[Dexterity (DEX) and Intelligence (INT) experience points gained via focused attempt.]
It slid! Smoothly. About half the distance he intended, but a clean slide across the shelf, no wobble. He re-focused, trying again. Slide again.
🔔 [Using Skill: Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3. Intent Detected: Move Target Object.]
[User Intent Focus Lv. 1 Applied: Concentration Boosted.]
[Attempt Cost: 8 MP.] (MP: 34 --> 26)
[Action Result: Target Object: Ceramic Piggy Bank moved as intended (Success - Distance constraint less?). Object Slide Distance: ~1.2 meters.]
[Skill [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] Skill Experience Gained.]
[Intent Focus Lv. 1 Skill Experience Gained.]
[Dexterity (DEX) and Intelligence (INT) experience points gained via focused attempt.]
Success! It was near the edge. Now, to make it tilt. Tilt gently.
🔔 [Using Skill: Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3. Intent Detected: Alter Target Orientation.]
[User Intent Focus Lv. 1 Applied.]
[Attempt Cost: 8 MP.] (MP: 26 --> 18)
[Action Result: Target Object: Ceramic Piggy Bank orientation altered as intended (Full Success). Outcome: Object tipped over shelf edge, falling towards User location.]
[Skill [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] Skill Experience Gained significantly.]
[Intent Focus Lv. 1 Skill Experience Gained significantly.]
[Dexterity (DEX), Intelligence (INT), Wisdom (WIS) experience points gained via complex manipulation.]
[+50 EXP]
Current EXP: 500 + 50 = 550/2800
Fifty EXP for this complex sequence of object manipulation and focus under pressure! More EXP was needed per level, but complex actions requiring skill chains were rewarded better than ever.
The ceramic pig fell silently the short distance into Harry's waiting, carefully cupped hands (DEX 22 making him ready). It didn't make a sound. Now to extract money. He needed a non-destructive way. The small stopper in the bottom? Can I... manipulate that out? Stopper... loosen and come out.
🔔 [Using Skill: Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3. Intent Detected: Alter Component State/Position.]
[User Intent Focus Lv. 1 Applied.]
[Attempt Cost: 8 MP.] (MP: 18 --> 10)
[Action Result: Target Object Component: Stopper loosened as intended (Success). Outcome: Stopper retrieved.]
[Skill [Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3] Skill Experience Gained significantly.]
[Intent Focus Lv. 1 Skill Experience Gained significantly.]
[+40 EXP]
Current EXP: 550 + 40 = 590/2800
Success again! The stopper came out, falling into his other hand. Quietly, Harry upended the pig and let a handful of coins trickle into his hand. Mostly shillings and pence, small stuff, but his. Acquired resource. He replaced the stopper carefully using Manipulation and Focus, returned the pig to the shelf. Left Dudley's room without a sound.
He retreated to his cupboard with his haul, placing the small pile of coins onto his blanket, feeling a profound satisfaction beyond the petty monetary value. He had done it. He had leveraged his hard-earned skills, stats, and a complex new ability to acquire actual currency. It was a concrete step forward in PQ Step 2.
🔔 [Task Outcome: Successfully Acquired Resources (Currency) from Controlled Environment.]
[Action contributed significantly to Primary Quest Step 2: Navigate Prerequisites (Sub-Objective: Acquire Currency).]
[Stealth Lv. 8, Situational Awareness Lv. 7, Agile Evasion Lv. 7 (passive), Subtle Item Manipulation Lv. 3, Intent Focus Lv. 1 all highly applied.]
[Intelligence (INT), Wisdom (WIS), Dexterity (DEX) experience points gained from planning and execution.]
[+80 EXP]
Current EXP: 590 + 80 = 670/2800
Eighty EXP! That felt immensely rewarding. Level 12 with powerful stats, Level 3 Subtle Item Manipulation + Intent Focus, 9 Perk Points allocated for peak performance, a healthy MP pool regenerating, passive skills reaching near-mastery, and now... his first independently acquired resources, gained not through luck or gifting, but through System-trained skill and effort.
The Leaky Cauldron meeting date was months away, a target on his calendar. He would practice his Manipulation further, build up a small cache of these independently acquired resources (strategically, sparingly, safely), keep his other skills sharp. The wait felt long, but every day was filled with purpose, building towards that pivotal moment when he would step out of Number Four, Privet Drive, not just with a scroll and a vague hope, but with tangible skills, high stats, and perhaps even a small amount of actual money, ready to navigate the magical world. The Grind was almost complete.