Lucas awoke to the morning sunlight filtering through the crude wooden shutters of his tiny, one-room abode.

He stretched, his limbs tangling in the thin, patchwork blanket that barely served its purpose.

As he sat up, he caught a glimpse of himself in a small, cracked mirror propped against the opposite wall.

His reflection revealed an obese, unremarkable human boy—a far cry from the fearsome cosmic overlord he once was.

"This is so depressing. I can't get used to seeing this everyday."

"I have got to do something about this." Lucas muttered to himself, pinching the soft flesh of his belly.

"Let's just get rid of the fat from my body."

"I will start training from today"

With a firm resolve, Lucas stood up, clearing a small area in the middle of his cramped room for his workout.

He started with what he assumed would be simple: jumping jacks.

But as soon as he started, it was evident that things were not going as planned.

With each jump, Lucas's limbs seemed to rebel against him. His arms flailed wildly, and his legs refused to cooperate.

"One... two... three... oh, for—!" Lucas grunted, barely managing to lift his feet off the ground.

Suddenly, disaster struck. With a misjudged step, Lucas lost his balance, his arms windmilling wildly as he plummeted to the ground .

THUUUDDD!

"ARRRRGGGHHH!" he cried out in pain, the impact jarring his entire body. The room seemed to spin as he lay there, stunned and breathless.

After a while, Lucas managed to pick himself up, his muscles protesting with every movement.

How the hell am I supposed to even train this body if I can't do this simple exercise," Lucas muttered through gritted teeth, his frustration palpable.

Wincing at the ache in his backside, he stubbornly refused to give up. Despite the pain and embarrassment of his fall, Lucas was determined to persevere.

He pushed himself to his limits, attempting the jumping jacks over and over again until he ran out of energy.

Each attempt seemed more futile than the last, his muscles burning with exertion.

Finally, gasping for breath and drenched in sweat, Lucas collapsed to the ground, his body trembling with exhaustion.

"This looked a lot easier when those children did it yesterday." he panted between breaths, his voice tinged with both self-deprecation.

Despite his frustration and fatigue, Lucas knew that giving up was not an option.

Lucas closed his eyes, his chest rising and falling with each labored breath.

Despite the overwhelming sense of defeat that threatened to consume him, a flicker of determination still burned within.

"I can't give up now." he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart.

Summoning every ounce of willpower he possessed, Lucas forced himself to his feet once more. Ignoring the protests of his aching muscles, he staggered back to his makeshift workout area.

With shaky hands, he wiped the sweat from his brow and took a deep, steadying breath.

"One more try." he muttered.

This time, as Lucas began his jumping jacks, he focused on each movement, willing his body to cooperate.

He counted each repetition in his mind, pushing through the pain and exhaustion with sheer determination.

Despite the lingering soreness in his muscles, Lucas found a rhythm, his movements becoming more fluid with each jump.

The room seemed to fade away as he lost himself in the repetitive motion, his mind singularly focused on the task at hand.

As Lucas reached the end of his set, a sense of accomplishment washed over him, mingling with the fatigue that settled deep into his bones.

'I finally completed a set!'

With a weary but triumphant smile, he collapsed onto the floor, his chest rising and falling with ragged gasps.

Sweat dripped from his brow, mingling with the dust on the wooden floor beneath him. He let out a long exhale, a mixture of relief and exhaustion.

Just like that Lucas fainted due to fatigue.

Several hours later, Lucas suddenly jolted awake, his eyes snapping open wide.

He found himself lying on the floor, his back pressed against the worn wooden floor.

"What happened?" he muttered, his voice hoarse from sleep.

Glancing around the dimly lit room, he saw his limbs splayed out in all directions.

Lucas's head spun as he struggled to regain his balance, the musty scent of sweat and dust lingering in the air.

"Guess I must have fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion." he reasoned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

As he struggled to sit up, Lucas couldn't help but reflect on the exercise he performed.

"I guess it's going to take a while before I have a decent physique." he mused aloud, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"But it's not too bad for the first day. I managed to complete jumping jacks when I could barely stand when I first took over this body," he added, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he remembered his initial struggles.

As he tried to push himself up from the floor, Lucas suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.

"Ugh, I feel so dehydrated." he groaned, his throat parched from sleep.

Summoning all his strength, he gritted his teeth and pushed against the floor with his hands, straining to stand upright.

ARRGGGHHH!

he grunted, his muscles burning with exertion as he fought to regain his footing.

Finally, with a last burst of effort, Lucas managed to find his balance, his legs trembling beneath him as he slowly rose to his feet.

"Phew, that was harder than I thought." he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.

Just when Lucas was about to continue with his thoughts.

He suddenly felt a sense of dehydration and hunger.

His stomach growled loudly.

'I need to get something to eat and drink.' Lucas thought.

He went forward and started searching for food and water.

He found a water sac lying on the side of table.

He opened the lid and started drinking the water loudly.

The sound of water gulping resounded in the room as he continued to drink.

"Ahhh, This is so refreshing..." Lucas sighed with contentment as he took a long gulp of water.

After quenching his thirst, he wiped his mouth with the back of his arm and began to rummage through the sparse contents of the cupboard in search of something to eat.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

His fingers brushed against a few packages of dry jerky, and he hesitated for a moment before grabbing one and tearing it open.

As he took a bite, however, his face twisted in disgust.

"What the hell is this shit? It's so chewy, it feels like I'm eating rubber." Lucas exclaimed.

With a grimace, he tossed the jerky aside and resumed his search for something more edible.

After a few moments of digging, he finally unearthed a small loaf of bread tucked away in the corner of the cupboard.

"Now this is more like it," Lucas said with a grin, tearing off a chunk of the bread and savoring its simple but satisfying flavor.

As he chewed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over him.

After finishing the bread, Lucas found himself lost in thought.

"Well, I'm in the body of a nine year old and quite poor." he muttered to himself, recalling the taste of the dried jerky.

"If I want to stop eating such disgusting food, I'll have to think of some ways to start earning money."

Despite being taken care of by the people in the orphanage, Lucas didn't want to rely on them anymore, nor did he want to stay in that place.

"How can I, the great Xelar, bear to stay in this poor place?" Lucas thought, his determination firming as he prepared to leave the house.

He glanced at the mirror again, seeing the reflection of the same round face with tiny eyes.

"Let me see, I first have to get a proper physique, then start earning money, and lastly leave this place once I'm ready." Lucas declared, his voice resounding in the room.

Just when Lucas was about to push the door open, a realization struck him hard.

"I do have some techniques which can be used to improve the physique of the body." he muttered, his hand paused mid-air.

Lucas said while putting hands on chin.

"Normally, I wouldn't have any use for them. They were practically useless for my former body. But for this fragile form..."

"I know I said I don't want to rely on my original powers, but I never mentioned anything about not using the techniques I have in my mind." Lucas reasoned, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"The proficiency and the growth of it may vary according to the aptitude, physical body and the environment."

"They're not exactly the same as relying on my former abilities. They're just... enhancements." Lucas tried to convince himself with his absurd reasoning.

After thinking for a while, He decided to use his technique.

"I'll start thinking about it tomorrow. Let me just get some fresh air," he muttered to himself, pushing the door open and stepping outside.

As he walked, Lucas glanced up at the darkening sky.

The sun was descending, casting a warm glow over the horizon as it approached the evening hour.

The air felt crisp and cool against his skin, a welcome relief from the stuffiness of his cramped room.

With each step, Lucas felt a sense of calm wash over him.

As Lucas walked, he found himself wandering aimlessly through the winding streets of the town.

His footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestone pavement as he took in the sights and sounds of his surroundings.

The town was bustling with activity, people going about their daily lives with purpose, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone streets as they navigated through the lively marketplace

Merchants called out from their stalls, hawking their wares to passersby, while children laughed and played in the streets.

Lucas observed all of it and continued walking.

he found himself drawn to the lively atmosphere like a moth to a flame.

He meandered through the crowded marketplace, taking in the sights and smells of the various goods on display.

The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the aroma of spices and herbs from nearby stalls.

'Hmm this is quite peaceful. No matter how many times I come here, I feel refreshed whenever I com—'

But his thoughts were abruptly interrupted when he collided with someone.

"Hey! Are you blind? How dare you touch me with your filthy hands!" came a high-pitched voice from the person he had bumped into.

Lucas snapped out of his reverie and glanced to the side, where he saw a teenage girl with blond hair and blue eyes.

She was dressed in an exquisite medieval white gown, adorned with intricate lace and delicate embroidery—a telltale sign of her noble lineage.

Her expression was one of disdain as she glared at Lucas, her lips curled into a scowl of indignation.

Lucas, taken aback by her sudden outburst, felt a twinge of annoyance. "Who is this little brat?" he thought to himself, irritated by her haughty demeanor.

But before he could say anything, the girl continued her tirade, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Hmph! You should watch where you're going, peasant." the girl spat, her voice laced with arrogance as she looked down her nose at Lucas.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by her attitude.

"I think I was walking just fine. I think it's you who is walking in wrong direction." he retorted, his tone firm but calm.

The girl's cheeks flushed with anger at his response.

"How dare you speak to me like that! Do you even know who I am?" she demanded, her voice rising in pitch.

Lucas couldn't help but roll his eyes at her theatrics.

The crowd started gathering around them, murmurs and whispers spreading as they gathered.

"What's happening?" one person questioned.

"I don't know, but it looks like there is an argument between a fat kid and... huh, Mrs. Landon!" another person answered.

"What the hell? How dare he offend the daughter of Baron Dorey?!"

"Looks like it's time for a good show," another spectator remarked with a chuckle.

Lucas continued, his sarcasm evident in his voice.

"Let me guess, you're just some brat who thinks the world revolves around her."

The girl gasped, clearly offended by his words.

"How dare you! I am from Landon family. My name is Martha Landon." she declared, her voice trembling with indignation.

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle at her self-importance.

"I didn't ask for your name, but since you're so keen on sharing, I'm Lucas." he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You think your family name gives you a free pass to act like a spoiled brat?"

Martha's face flushed with anger. "How dare you speak to me like that! You're nothing but a commoner, and I demand respect!"

"You must be mistaken." Lucas sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Your precious family name means squat to me."

"In fact, it's quite amusing to see someone like you prancing around, demanding respect as if it's owed to you."

Martha's cheeks flushed with anger, her fists clenched at her sides.

"How dare you speak to me like that! I'll have you know that my family is one of the most respected in this town." she snapped, her voice tinged with defiance.

Lucas arched an eyebrow, unimpressed by her bravado.

"Respected, huh? With people like you, I don't see why." he replied with a smirk.

The onlookers murmured amongst themselves, sensing the tension escalating between the two.

Ignoring the growing crowd, Lucas leaned in closer to Martha, his gaze locking onto hers.

"Let me make one thing clear, little Martha." he began, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "In this world, respect is earned through strength and actions, not through empty titles and family names. And until you learn that, you'll always be nothing more than a spoiled little princess throwing a tantrum."

With that, Lucas turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Martha seething with rage and the crowd buzzing with anticipation.

"Guards! Arrest him for insulting a noble family." Martha shouted at the top of her lungs.

As Martha's shrill command echoed through the square, Lucas froze in his tracks, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Five knights clad in brown leather armor, with helmets on their heads and longsword at their waists, rushed in and surrounded Lucas.

He hadn't anticipated her calling for the guards, and now he found himself surrounded by five formidable knights, their stern expressions leaving no room for negotiation.

Lucas gritted his teeth in frustration, his mind racing as he assessed his options. He knew he didn't stand a chance against the knights, not in his current state.

His bravado had gotten the better of him, and now he was paying the price for his arrogance.

With a resigned sigh, Lucas raised his hands in surrender, his pride wounded.

The onlookers, who had been mere spectators to the altercation, now erupted into laughter and jeers, their amusement at Lucas's predicament evident in their mocking tones.

"Hahaha, I'm dying! Where did all that confidence go, chubby?" one bystander snickered, elbowing his companion with a smirk.

"Yeah he just surrendered immediately without putting a fight." another chortled, his laughter ringing out across the square.

As the guards moved in to apprehend him. Martha stepped forward with a triumphant smirk, her blue eyes glinting with satisfaction.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" she taunted, her voice dripping with condescension.

Lucas met her gaze with a glare, his frustration boiling beneath the surface.

Martha chuckled, a smug grin spreading across her face.

"Oh my... how scary." she mocked, relishing in Lucas's discomfort.

"Where did all that confidence go, hmm? What happened to all that talk about power?" She tilted her head to the side, a mocking glint in her eye.

"I must have missed it."

Lucas clenched his jaw, his fists trembling with suppressed anger.

He knew he was no match for the guards in his current state, but that didn't stop him from seething with indignation at Martha's mocking words.

"Poor kid, he has screwed up big time." one bystander remarked sympathetically.

"Yeah, too bad he had to encounter this young lady. She's known to be too hot-tempered and has punished many commoners for silly mistakes." another spectator added.

With that, Lucas allowed himself to be escorted away, the laughter of the crowd echoing in his ears as he disappeared from view.