The days leading up to sports day pass in a blur of classes, late-night study sessions, and grueling training. It’s strange how quickly I’ve settled into this new routine. Each quest completed brings me closer to a version of myself I hadn’t imagined just weeks ago. With my abilities steadily increasing, I feel the difference in every aspect of my life. Movements that once felt laborious are now effortless, and each day is filled with moments of exhilaration as I push the limits of what I can do.
As I walk across the campus toward the sports field, I see the event taking shape. A few rows of bleachers have been set up, students are milling about, and the scent of freshly cut grass mixes with the distant aroma of food stalls being arranged for the big day. A large banner with the words Sports Day: Push Your Limits hangs over the entrance. Fitting, I think, considering what I’ve been up to lately.
Jake is already there, chatting with a few of the other athletes. He spots me and waves me over. “Remos! Glad you’re here,” he says, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “I was just talking with the others about the events. You ready to show everyone what you’ve got?”
“More than ready,” I reply, keeping my tone casual despite the anticipation bubbling inside me.
As the events are announced, I scan through the list. There’s a variety of competitions, from sprinting and long jump to strength-based challenges and an obstacle course. It’s going to be an intense day.
Jake’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “You’re signed up for the sprint, right?”
“Yeah,” I nod. “I’m going for as many events as possible.”
“Bold choice, man,” Jake chuckles. “You’ve always been decent, but I don’t remember you being this confident.” He raises an eyebrow, his gaze searching mine.
Before I can respond, a smooth voice interrupts us. “You guys talking strategy?” I turn to see a girl approaching—tall, athletic, yet with a delicate grace that’s hard to ignore. Her dark hair is tied back into a sleek ponytail, framing her face and emphasizing her striking blue eyes that seem to glow under the midday sun. She moves with the easy confidence of someone who knows exactly what she's capable of, and her toned limbs hint at years of training.
“This is Alyssa,” Jake says, introducing her with a wave. “One of the top athletes here. She’s practically guaranteed to place in the top three for most events.”
Alyssa gives me a small nod. “You must be Remos,” she says, her eyes appraising me. “Jake’s mentioned you. Said you might actually be able to beat me.”
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“Maybe,” I reply, keeping my tone light.
“Well, don’t expect me to make it easy,” she says, a smirk playing on her lips. “I’m here to win.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” I respond, matching her confident gaze.
We chat for a few minutes longer, discussing the events, strategies, and some light-hearted banter. As we talk, I notice how calm and composed she is, like she’s been through this countless times. There’s something about her quiet confidence that makes me want to push myself even harder.
As we split up to prepare, I hear the familiar chime of the system in my head. A screen appears in front of me, its text glowing faintly.
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"Hidden Quest: Win at least 3rd place in all events for Sports Day."
"Bonus Reward: Win 1st place in all events for a significant increase in abilities.
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My heart races as I read it. This is it—the big chance I’ve been waiting for. The system’s challenges have been manageable so far, but this hidden quest feels different. It’s almost as if it’s encouraging me to push past my limits in a way I haven’t before.
The first event is the 100-meter sprint. As I step up to the starting line, the anticipation is palpable. The other competitors, including Alyssa, are lined up beside me. The whistle blows, and we take off.
The world blurs around me as I push myself forward, my feet pounding against the track. The ground seems to flow beneath me in a way that it never has before. I’m not just running—I’m flying. I cross the finish line with a time that leaves everyone staring, including Alyssa, who finishes just behind me.
“You’re faster than you look,” she says, breathless but grinning. “Guess I underestimated you.”
I give a short laugh. “Weren’t you the one who said you wouldn’t go easy on me?”
The results are announced, and I’ve taken first place. The system’s window appears once again.
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"Event Completed: 100-meter sprint. Reward: +2.5% Increase. Total Ability Increase: 14.5%"
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One down, several more to go.
The day progresses in a blur of competitions. The long jump, shot put, and relay races test my growing abilities in different ways, pushing me to adapt. With each event, I feel my skills sharpening, my body responding to the demands I place on it almost effortlessly.
By the time we reach the final event—the obstacle course—my muscles are burning, but the exhilaration hasn’t faded. The course winds through a series of challenges: climbing walls, crawling through mud, and balancing across beams. The other competitors, including Alyssa and Jake, are giving it their all.
I throw myself into the course, weaving through the obstacles with a focus that feels almost primal. When I leap over the final hurdle and hit the ground running, it’s like a jolt of electricity courses through me. I cross the finish line to see Alyssa and Jake not far behind, both panting heavily.
A moment later, the final results are announced. I’ve placed first in every event.
The system chimes, and a large notification appears, brighter than usual.
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"Hidden Quest Completed: Win at least 3rd place in all events. Special Achievement: Win 1st place in all events."
"Major Reward: +15.0% Increase. Total Ability Increase: 28.5%"
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The surge of power that rushes through me is unlike anything I’ve felt before. It’s not just the physical strength; it’s like I’m more aware of everything—the depth of my senses, the clarity of my thoughts. Even my reflection in a nearby window looks different; sharper jawline, more defined muscles. I stand out now, even more than before.
As the event wraps up, Alyssa approaches me once more. “You really are full of surprises,” she says, her tone half-impressed, half-intrigued.
“Let’s just say I’ve found a way to push my limits,” I reply, keeping the details to myself.
She studies me for a moment, then nods. “I look forward to seeing just how far you can go. See you around, Remos.”
Jake nudges me with his elbow. "You lucky piece of shit," he says.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"Nothing… You'll know one day," he replies, ending the conversation abruptly.
With that, Alyssa walks away, leaving me with the sense that today was only the beginning. The system has started to show me a world of possibilities, and I’m ready to see how far I can climb.
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End of chapter 5
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