I slowly open my eyes to the familiar surroundings of my room, the events of last night coming back to me.
Despite being kicked off the bed, Arthur persisted until he wore down my resolve, and I allowed him to share the bed again. His quiet presence beside me, devoid of disruptive snoring or tossing, is a testament to our compromise.
Glancing at the clock, I see it's 6:30 AM.
-BAM!
The sound of my door being flung open jolts me from my thoughts. There stands André, clad in a white shirt, black shorts, and white rubber shoes, the picture of readiness.
"Dominic, I'm glad you're awake!" he announces with an energy that seems almost too bright for the early hour. "Go get ready; I will start training you. I'll wait for you."
-BAM!
Just as quickly as he entered, he closed the door with a bam, leaving me to process the abrupt start to the day.
"Haah!"
I can't help but yawn, stretching my arms above my head, mentally preparing myself for what lies ahead.
NEW QUEST! Quest: Do 100 push-ups, 100 squats, 100 sit-ups, 10Km run.
Reward: 100 Stat Points
The sudden appearance of the System, presenting a new quest, adds an extra layer of challenge to the day.
The tasks are daunting, but the promise of 100 Stat Points ignites my determination. The potential pain seems a small price for such a significant boost.
With a careful effort not to disturb Arthur, I slide out of bed and go to the drawers to find suitable attire for the day's training.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
I leave the house in a black shirt, white shorts, and black shoes, ready to face the day's challenges.
What greets me is André effortlessly hoisting a 100kg dumbbell with one arm. It's a clear testament to his strength and the level of training that lies ahead for me.
Catching sight of me, André's face lights up with a welcoming smile.
"Let's start, shall we?"
He drops the dumbbell with a thud that resonates through the ground and approaches with a determined stride.
"Let's start with a warm-up jog," André suggests, indicating this is just the beginning.
I nod in agreement, bracing myself for the start of a rigorous training session. The simplicity of a run seems like a gentle entry into what I anticipate to be a strenuous day of physical exertion.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
Thirty minutes in, what started as a warm-up jog has escalated into something resembling a marathon.
“Haah…hah…”
QUEST PROGRESS 10km run (27%)
100 push-ups (0%)
100 sit-ups (0%)
100 squats (0%)
I pant heavily as I push forward, each step heavier than the last.
Pursuing the promised Stat Points motivates me to endure this physical trial. This is a chance to grow stronger; I can't let it slip away.
"Come on, Dominic, keep running!"
“Yes…hah…”
I reply between labored breaths, nodding to show my determination to continue.
Endurance (+1)
Speed (+1)
To my surprise, every five minutes of sustained effort increases my Endurance and Speed stats.
It becomes apparent that engaging in specific tasks can indeed bolster particular abilities. Running, in this case, enhances my Endurance and Speed.
"Come on, Dominic, you have to keep up!" André urges me again.
"Hah…coming…hah!"
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
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"Hah...Hah..."
I gasp for air, bending over and clutching my knees as I try to catch my breath.
QUEST PROGRESS 10km run (Complete)
100 push-ups (0%)
100 sit-ups (0%)
100 squats (0%)
"Finally…"
The word barely leaves my lips before I collapse onto the ground, closing my eyes, exhausted but satisfied.
The 10km run is done, taking a full hour to complete. As a result, I earned an additional 12 points each for my endurance and speed.
Gradually, I open my eyes again.
"System...hah...my stats..."
INFO Name: Dominic Eñerforte
Age: 15
Title: None STATS Strength: 25 (E-)
Endurance: 36 (E-)
Agility: 51 (E)
Speed 62 (E)
Mana: 0 (F)
Luck: 402 (C+)
Instinct: 747 (A+)
Charisma: 362 (C)
Stat Points: 0 MANUAL ARTS Basic Gun Arts (D+) – Beginner [0%]
Basic Gun Arts encompass many basic combat techniques involving firearms from range to melee. This art form requires physical dexterity to shoot and maneuver accurately and a deep understanding of the firearms themselves—maintenance, bullet types, and the physics of shooting.
Seeing the improvement in my stats is a small comfort after the grueling run. It's a clear sign that I'm slowly but surely getting stronger.
Then, André appears before me, offering a water bottle.
"Let's take a break for two minutes."
Gratefully, I rise to a sitting position, accept the water bottle, and drink deeply. The cool liquid is refreshing, a much-needed respite that soothes my parched throat.
"Hah!"
I sigh in relief, the break giving me a moment to recuperate and prepare mentally for the next part of the training.
André sits next to me, a slight rustle marking his movement.
"Dominic, what do you think of this lavender?"
He extends his hand, offering me a delicate lavender flower.
Puzzled, I raise my brow in curiosity. What is he getting at with this?
"It smells nice. Why are you asking?"
André smiles, a hint of seriousness in his eyes as he prepares to explain.
"Lavender is known for its calming and healing properties. It's pleasant to the senses; it represents resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions. Like the lavender, we can find strength in adversity, grow, and even flourish, no matter our hardships."
He pauses, allowing the weight of his words to sink in.
"I wanted you to have this lavender as a reminder, Dominic. Remember that resilience and growth are within your reach, no matter how tough the training gets or what challenges life throws your way. Just like this flower, you have the potential to overcome and emerge stronger."
His words are unexpectedly profound, casting the simple lavender in a new light filled with wisdom and encouragement.
I'm surprised by André's insight. I wasn't expecting a meaningful lesson from a conversation about a flower.
"Anyways, let's continue training, shall we?" André suggests as he stands up. "Let's do 40 push-ups."
Seeing an opportunity to align our training with the quest requirements, I raised the stakes.
"Can we do one hundred push-ups?"
André's reaction is immediate, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Why?" he asks.
He wasn't expecting my sudden request for a more intense challenge.
"I wanted to do more."
My response is simple but earnest, driven by a desire not only to fulfill the quest but also to test my limits and see how far I can push myself under André's guidance.
Seizing the moment, I incorporated the remaining exercises listed from the quest.
"Can we also do 100 squats and 100 sit-ups?"
"What!?" André's reaction is even more pronounced this time. "Dominic, I know you want to become stronger since you're way behind, but rushing into it isn't the way!"
I understand his concern, but there's something he doesn't know—I have a System that gives me quests, though I can't exactly explain that to him.
"I'm aware, Dad, but I can handle it! Just trust me!" I plead, hoping to reassure him of my determination and capability.
After a moment of consideration, André sighs, a mixture of resignation and trust in his decision.
"Fine." He concedes. "But since you're still new, we'll only do an hour per exercise."
I can't help but smile at his approval. "Thanks, Dad."
His agreement is more than just permission; it's an opportunity.
This arrangement is perfect!
An hour dedicated to each exercise will undoubtedly improve my stats. Moreover, completing the quest will reward me with 100 Stat Points, propelling me to become stronger at a much faster rate.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
Arthur Lyon
I slowly open my eyes, the subtle fragrance of lavender wafting into my senses, gently rousing me from sleep.
Sitting up, I take a moment to stretch, letting out a wide yawn.
"Haa!"
Glancing around, I notice that Dominic is no longer beside me. Where could he have gone so early? My eyes drift to the clock, noting the time: 7:37 AM.
"You can do it, Dominic!"
The sound of Uncle André's encouraging voice catches my attention.
Curious, I move towards the window and peer outside. I see Dominic fully engaged in push-ups, his body covered in sweat.
This site takes me aback. How long has he been at it?
Dominic had always been more focused on his studies, with aspirations of becoming a Magician. His sudden shift in goals and departure from his previous path due to feeling pressured surprised me.
As his friend, I know it's best to support his decisions and let him pursue his desires. He's highly motivated, and his new goal of becoming a Stargate Raider means he and I will enroll in Verdant Arcanum with him.
But at the same time, I hope he won't overshadow me…again…
-Creak!
The sound of the door opening redirects my attention. Auntie Celine enters.
"Good morning, Arthur."
"Good morning, Auntie."
"Breakfast is ready. You should join me."
I nod in agreement. "I will. Thanks, Auntie."
With a nod, Auntie Celine exits the room, leaving me with my thoughts.
"You can do it, Dominic!" The echo of Uncle André's voice reaches me again.
Looking out the window, I see Doms collapse from exhaustion, only to push himself back up and continue his efforts.
Witnessing Doms dedication stirs something within me. It's inspiring, pushing me to want to train and improve myself as well.
Motivated by Dominic's resilience, I get out of bed, stretch my body, and prepare to start the day with renewed purpose and determination.