Every day since hitting Level 3 feels like stepping into a new version of reality. It’s as if the colors are sharper, the sounds crisper, and the air tastes different. The quest system has begun to shape not just my routine but my perception of the world itself. As I walk to class, I notice the bite of the autumn chill settling in. The leaves are just starting to turn, with shades of red and gold fluttering down from the tall oaks lining the campus paths.
It’s not long before I run into Jake again, this time hanging around outside the gym. His face lights up when he sees me. “Hey, you’ve been killing it lately,” he says, motioning at the gym entrance. “Saw you pushing yourself harder on the track the other day. You should join us for some basketball.”
I almost brush it off as another casual invitation, but then I remember I haven't shown anyone what I've really been capable of since the change. "Sure, why not?" I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. "I could use some practice."
The gym smells like sweat and polished wood as I walk in. It’s packed today, but Jake manages to squeeze me onto his team. The usual banter echoes across the court, but I’m barely listening—my senses are hyper-focused, and I’m already visualizing the game ahead.
When the whistle blows, it’s as if the entire world shifts into a lower gear. I dart forward with ease, my steps fluid and precise. It doesn’t take long for the others to notice that something’s different about me. I’m moving faster, reading plays before they happen, almost like I can see the whole court at once.
Jake passes the ball to me, and I pivot around my defender, practically gliding past him to sink a perfect layup. The look on everyone’s faces tells me they weren’t expecting that. I’m not even out of breath.
“Damn, Remos! What got into you?” Jake exclaims as I jog back to my position.
I just shrug, giving him a lopsided grin. “Guess I’ve been working out more than usual.”
The game continues, and I lose myself in the rhythm of it, every movement coming naturally. Even when the others start doubling up on me, I slip through gaps like water, finding the perfect angles for a pass or shot. It’s exhilarating, and by the end of the game, I’ve scored more points than anyone else on the court.
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Afterward, I can feel the eyes on me as we head to the locker rooms. A couple of guys slap me on the back, offering praise, but I catch more than a few curious stares too. It’s not like I’ve suddenly become a basketball prodigy; I was never this good before.
The system window appears as I change out of my gym clothes.
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"Quest Completed: Participate in a high-intensity sport. Reward: +1.2% Increase. Total Ability Increase: 11.2%."
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The extra boost is welcome, but it feels almost like a tease. I’m already thinking of the next quest. I need more.
The sun’s setting by the time I leave campus, the sky streaked with vibrant oranges and deep purples. I walk through the park, kicking a few leaves out of my path as I search for another quest.
"Search quest," I whisper, the familiar mechanical hum sounding in my head. The list appears, illuminated faintly against the backdrop of the evening.
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"Potential quests in the surrounding:
- Perform 50 pull-ups on the park’s workout bars. Reward: +0.8% Increase.
- Strike up a meaningful conversation with a stranger. Reward: +0.4% Increase.
- Sprint up the nearby hill in under 1 minute. Reward: +1.0% Increase."
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I head for the pull-up bars, deciding to go with the straightforward option. The cool metal feels solid beneath my fingers as I begin. Each repetition becomes easier, my muscles tightening and releasing with rhythmic precision. It’s almost hypnotic, the burn of effort in my arms and chest dulled by the adrenaline. Before I know it, I’ve completed the fifty.
I drop back down, my body tingling with that familiar sense of power. The system chimes again.
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"Quest Completed: Perform 50 pull-ups. Reward: +0.8% Increase. Total Ability Increase: 12.0%."
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The progress feels good, but it’s still not enough. I want more, and I want it faster. The thought occurs to me as I walk back toward my apartment—why not combine quests? What if I could complete multiple quests at once and boost my abilities even quicker? There’s no rule against it that I’ve seen.
That night, I pore over the potential quests listed in my room, trying to strategize. I’ve got to be smart about this. A sudden spike in abilities could make things even stranger at school, especially if I’m careless. My mind races through scenarios—what if I could become even faster, even stronger, without anyone realizing how I’m doing it?
I go to bed, staring up at the ceiling, my heart thudding with excitement. There’s a long way to go before I hit 20%, but now I know how I’m going to get there. The trick is to push the system, just like it’s pushing me.
The following day brings a surprise. The school announces a sports day coming up next week. It’s the perfect opportunity. There’ll be competitions in various events—track races, strength challenges, even obstacle courses. It’s exactly the kind of high-reward environment I need to gain some serious percentage boosts.
Jake’s practically buzzing with excitement as he talks about it in the cafeteria. “You’ve gotta sign up, Remos. With the way you played basketball yesterday, you’d crush half those events.”
I feign hesitation for a moment, then grin. “You’re right. I’ll sign up.”
The truth is, I’m not planning to just participate. I’m going to dominate.
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End of chapter 4
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