The day flies by faster than usual. Classes blur together, but there’s an underlying buzz that I can’t shake off—this growing sense of energy. Each quest I complete feels like I'm charging myself up bit by bit. I participate in the lecture for that 0.5% boost to my abilities and then hit the track right after completing another quest, sprinting my way through the 15-minute run. By the time I head back to my dorm, I’m up to a total of 2.2%. It’s not much, but I swear I can already feel the changes.
In the evening, I meet up with my roommate, Jake, for dinner. We’ve been friends since high school, back when neither of us could do more than stumble through math class. Jake’s on the football team now, a natural athlete who doesn’t have to rely on mysterious game-like systems to stay fit. He’s already at the table when I arrive, shoveling fries into his mouth.
“Yo, Remos, you look... different,” Jake says, squinting at me. “Did you finally hit the gym or something?”
“Something like that,” I say, trying to sound casual. The truth itches at the back of my throat, but how do I explain this? ‘Hey, I’ve been completing daily quests that popped up on a floating screen in my head, and now I’m stronger and smarter.’ Yeah, right.
Jake just laughs, taking a bite of his burger. “Well, whatever it is, keep it up. You look less like a zombie than usual.”
I force a grin and change the subject, but his words linger in my mind. How much longer can I keep this thing to myself? I mean, it’s not like it’s normal to suddenly feel like you’re getting stronger every day. But for now, I’ll keep it under wraps. No need to freak anyone out.
The next morning, I don’t even need the alarm. My eyes snap open before it can go off, and I’m instantly alert. There’s no grogginess, no sluggishness as I swing my legs out of bed. The screen pops up as if it was waiting for me.
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"Total Ability Increase: 2.2%. Current Level: 1. Search Quest? Y/N."
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I smirk. "Search quest." The soft buzzing sound echoes through my head again, and the list appears.
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"Potential quests in the surrounding:
- Do 30 push-ups. Reward: +0.5% Increase.
- Meditate for 10 minutes. Reward: +0.4% Increase.
- Clean your room thoroughly. Reward: +0.3% Increase."
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The weekend passes in a blur of quests, gym sessions, and hanging out with Jake. I keep grinding, completing tasks that pop up at home, at the gym, even around campus. When Sunday rolls around, I meet up with my little sister, Lily, for lunch. She’s still in high school, but we’re close, and I try to see her whenever she’s in town for her music lessons.
“You’re really early,” she says, looking up from her phone as I slide into the booth. Her dark hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and she’s wearing that skeptical expression she always has when she’s about to call me out on something. “And you look different. Like… less tired.”
I shrug, not wanting to spill everything. “Just been keeping busy. Figured it’s time I got my act together.”
Lily narrows her eyes. “Uh-huh. Sure. Well, whatever you’re doing, it’s working. Mom’s gonna be relieved you’re not just playing video games all day.”
We chat for a while about school, her music, and random stuff until I get a notification in my head. Another quest.
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"Potential quests in the surrounding:
- Share a meaningful conversation with a family member. Reward: +0.3% Increase.
- Pay for lunch. Reward: +0.2% Increase.
- Walk with Lily for 20 minutes. Reward: +0.4% ."
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I smile to myself. “Hey, you up for a walk after this?”
Lily glances at me, raising an eyebrow. “What, did you suddenly decide to be healthy?”
“Yeah, something like that,” I say, tossing a wink her way.
We walk for a bit, and I can’t help but notice how the colors seem more vibrant, how the breeze feels just a bit crisper against my skin. By the time I drop Lily off, the screen pops up again.
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"Total Ability Increase: 4.9%. Current Level: 1."
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It’s like I’m on the verge of something big. I’m almost at 5%, and I can’t stop now. I head back to my dorm, looking for the next quest, that next little push that’ll tip me over the edge.
When I hit that 5% mark, the screen flickers, and a message appears.
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"Congratulations! Level Up! You are now Level 2. All-round Abilities 5%."
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The rush hits me like a wave, washing over every part of me. I can feel my heartbeat slow to a steady, powerful rhythm, and my breaths come smoother, deeper. Everything feels… better. Jake’s words echo in my head—‘Whatever it is, keep it up.’ And I intend to. I’ve only just begun.
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End of Chapter 2
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