"Haa!"
I stretch my arms upward, letting out a gentle yawn as I glance at the clock. It reads 6:32 AM. Since it's Saturday, I decided it's a good idea to dedicate some time to training, especially with the challenges ahead.
The next artifact I need for the Manaficial ritual is the 'Scepter of Binding,' located in the 'Temple du Sceptre Lié' in the Emerald Coastline Region. From the descriptions in the webnovel, I know this temple is filled with even more traps than the one I just navigated, so rigorous preparation is essential.
"I should head to the Emerald Coastline tomorrow," I muse, mentally preparing myself for the task.
-BAM!
My thoughts are abruptly interrupted by my bedroom door flying open. In the doorway is André, casually dressed in a black shirt, grey shorts, and white rubber shoes.
"Switch to something comfortable; we’ll start training in 10 minutes!"
-BAM!
He slammed the door again before I could respond.
"Oh, right, I forgot."
Maurice mentioned that André would be training me today, and it seems he isn't wasting time getting started.
Quickly shaking off my drowsiness, I leave bed and walk to my drawers to find suitable training attire.
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Dressed in a simple white shirt, black shorts, and white rubber shoes, I step outside and immediately notice André in the middle of a weightlifting session. He's effortlessly hoisting two large dumbbells, each decorated with "200 KG." His display of Strength is nothing short of impressive.
"Hey, Dad, I'm here," I call out, drawing his attention.
André pauses and sets the dumbbells down with a thud that vibrates through the ground.
"Well then, let's start, shall we?" he grins, his tone upbeat. "We'll begin with some stretches to warm up."
I nod and join him, mirroring his movements. We go through a series of stretches, methodically loosening our muscles. The morning air is crisp, making the routine feel especially invigorating.
After a while, we wrap up our stretching session and take a short break, perching ourselves atop our backyard fence.
"Okay, let's get to the main part of today's session," André says, hopping off the fence with a determined look. "We'll start with a 10 km run, followed by 100 push-ups, 100 squats, 100 sit-ups, 100 pull-ups, and lifting 50kg dumbbells."
Hearing the daunting list makes my sweat glands work overtime.
André smirks at my reaction. "Since you handled the last session so well, I thought we'd step it up."
"Uhh… thanks, Dad," I reply, half-hearted but ready to tackle the challenge.
NEW QUEST! Quest: Complete a 10 km run, 100 push-ups, 100 squats, 100 sit-ups, 100 pull-ups, and lift 50kg dumbbells.
Rewards: 50 Stat Points.
Just then, the System chimes in with a new quest. I'm surprised it offers only 50 Stat Points for such a significantly tougher challenge. Why is that?
SYSTEM NOTICE The quest reward has been adjusted based on the user's current capabilities and previous achievements. While the tasks included in this quest are more challenging than past training sessions, they fall within the user's current physical limits and do not introduce new or significantly more difficult elements that would justify a higher reward.
Additionally, the System's reward structure encourages consistent improvement and resilience rather than simply compensating for effort. As you grow stronger, certain tasks that once seemed daunting will yield fewer rewards, pushing you to seek greater challenges to continue earning higher gains.
In summary, the 50 Stat Points reward reflects the difficulty level relative to your current abilities. It is intended to motivate you to continue pushing your limits.
The System's explanation makes sense. As I grow stronger, the challenges that once seemed insurmountable become more manageable, and the rewards adjust accordingly. It isn't just about the effort; it's about how much I'm pushing beyond my current limits.
"Dominic, what are you waiting for?"
André's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I look over at him; his expression is expectant, and he is ready to start the session.
"Right, I'm coming," I reply, hopping off the fence and heading toward him.
It's time to put the overthinking aside and focus on the task. To keep growing stronger, I must embrace the challenges ahead, no matter how daunting they seem.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
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Panting heavily, I push myself to keep up with André, who seems barely winded despite the grueling pace.
Speed (+1)
Endurance (+1)
The System's regular updates are a small consolation, as I feel my body adapt slightly with each step. The incremental boosts in my stats help, but the physical toll is unmistakable. It's clear that, just like before, a specific stat increases every five minutes, reflecting the strain and effort I'm putting into the run.
QUEST PROGRESS 10km run (82%)
100 push-ups (0%)
100 squats (0%)
100 sit-ups (0%)
100 pull-ups (0%)
Lift 50kg dumbbells (0%)
"Eighty-two percent? Almost there…" I mutter to myself, trying to stay focused.
The last time I attempted a run of this length, it was a struggle from start to finish. Now, though exhausted, I can see how far I've come. It's a testament to how much I've improved since then.
"Come on, Dominic, we're almost done with the 10km run!"
André calls back over his shoulder, his voice a mix of encouragement and challenge. He picks up the pace, his strides lengthening as he glides effortlessly over the path.
“Hah… wait…”
I gasp, my legs burning with the effort of maintaining speed. But I'm not about to let him outpace me so easily. Digging deep, I find a vast reservoir of energy and increase my stride. The wind whips past my face as I focus on closing the gap between us.
Step by step, the distance to the finish line shrinks, and so does the gap between André and me. My muscles scream in protest, but I push through the pain, determined not to fall behind.
My breath comes in ragged gasps. With every ounce of Strength I have left, I surge forward, matching André's pace as we approach the final stretch.
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Panting heavily, I try to catch my breath as I reach the end of the 10km run. Despite the intense exertion, I managed to stay on my feet—an improvement from the last time I attempted this challenge.
“Hah…hah…” I gasp, trying to steady my breathing.
"You've improved, Dominic," André says, handing me a water bottle. "Last time, you were so exhausted you collapsed."
Gratefully, I take the bottle and drink deeply. The cool water is incredibly refreshing, easing the burning in my lungs and bringing some much-needed relief.
"Let's take a short break," André suggests, settling down on a nearby rock.
I find a spot under a tree, sinking to sit with my back against the trunk, welcoming the brief respite. The run is behind me, but my curiosity about my progress lingers. I want to see how much my Speed and Endurance stats have improved.
"System, show my current status, please."
The familiar screen materializes before me:
INFO Name: Dominic Eñerforte
Age: 15
Title: None STATS Strength: 205.5 (D)
Endurance: 229.5 (D)
Agility: 208.5 (D)
Speed: 231.5 (D)
Mana: 0 (F)
Luck: 402 (C+)
Instinct: 747 (A+)
Charisma: 362 (C)
Stat Points: 0 MANUAL ARTS Basic Gun Arts (D+) – Beginner (99%)
Basic Gun Arts encompass a wide range of basic combat techniques involving the use of 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.
I noticed a 12-point increase in speed and Endurance, which were solid improvements from the rigorous run. My eyes then caught the progress in 'Basic Gun Arts'—99%. I was just a fraction away from advancing.
"It's just one percent more, huh."
I regret not bringing 'Galahad's Judgement' with me. Practicing some techniques now would have pushed me to the next level.
"Dominic, let's go," André calls out, returning me to the present. "Let's do 100 push-ups next."
"Okay."
I push myself up from the tree, joining him and ready to tackle the next part of the training regimen. The break is over, and it's time to keep pushing forward.
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"Ninety-seven… Ninety-eight…” I count each push-up out loud, feeling the burn in my muscles as they strain with each repetition, but I can also feel them getting stronger with each number.
Strength (+1)
Endurance (+1)
"Ninety-nine… and one hundred!"
After I complete the final push-up, I slowly stand up, stretching my arms above my head to relieve the tension in my shoulders.
QUEST PROGRESS 10km run (100%)
100 push-ups (100%)
100 squats (0%)
100 sit-ups (0%)
100 pull-ups (0%)
Lift 50kg dumbbells (0%)
The 100 push-ups take about 30 minutes, as I have to rest between sets—a noticeable improvement from the last time, which took me nearly an hour.
"Let's take a short break, Dominic," André suggests, heading back to his spot on the rock.
I nod, more than happy to take a breather, and walk back to the tree where I rested earlier. I sink with my back against its trunk, enjoying the brief respite.
As I calculate, the push-ups have earned me six points each for Strength and Endurance. My Strength is now at 211.5, and my Endurance has increased to 235.5—a decent improvement.
I look at the sky, feeling the cool breeze caress my skin. The morning is quiet and peaceful… until my stomach interrupts the serenity with a loud growl.
Right… I realize I haven't eaten breakfast yet, pressing a hand to my belly in a futile attempt to quiet it.
"Dominic, I heard that," André calls out, amusement clear in his tone as he approaches me.
Was my stomach that loud?
"Uh, yeah, I'm pretty hungry," I admit, my cheeks warming with embarrassment as I scratch at my cheek.
André chuckles, clearly enjoying the moment. "How about we eat some breakfast before we continue?"
The mere thought of food makes my mouth water. "Okay."
With a mischievous grin, André raises his hand and flicks his fingers. Suddenly, a large shadowy hand emerges from his shadow, holding a picnic basket.
"Bon appétit!" he announces, setting the basket between us.
I can't help but smile as I reach for the basket, eager to see what he has prepared. After the morning's exertion, a hearty breakfast is just what I need.