"Fine… I'll go to the academy."
Zen's voice was quiet, almost to himself, but the words settled the tension in his chest. The path was set—but what now?
A cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
"Nearest town detected. Distance: two kilometers east."
Two kilometers. Not far, but after everything—the system's forced synchronization, memory upload, and morning aches—his legs felt stiff, unfamiliar. He exhaled, bracing himself, and began walking.
The forest was alive in the crisp morning air. Birds called, leaves rustled, and the scent of pine and damp earth filled the path. For a moment, he allowed himself to notice the world around him, strange and new.
Soon, the forest thinned. Zen's eyes widened. A small town rose in the distance, its streets cobbled, its buildings sturdy with wooden beams and stone walls. At the center, a tall clock tower loomed proudly. Its bells were silent, yet the structure radiated authority.
Zen slowed, taking in the scene. So this is… civilization? His chest tightened with a mix of awe and nerves. Merchants called to customers, children ran between legs, and the smell of bread, roasted meat, and spices filled the air. He stepped carefully, absorbing everything—the bustle, the sounds, the smells.
"Wow…" he muttered under his breath. "It's… alive."
A line of travelers waited at the gate, paying a fee to enter. Zen's stomach clenched. Coins. He had none.
"Startup allowance granted. Funds transferred," the system announced.
Relief washed over him. "Thanks," he muttered softly, stepping forward and handing the coins to the guard, who barely glanced at him before waving him through.
Inside, the town buzzed with life. Zen wandered, taking it all in. Merchants' calls competed with the clatter of hooves and the laughter of children. He stopped in front of a small inn, its painted clover sign swaying gently. Food… finally.
He stepped inside. "Welcome to the Clover Inn," the innkeeper greeted warmly. Zen booked a small room and ordered a simple meal: bread, stew, and tea. When the food arrived, he blinked, staring at it like a starving man seeing a feast. The warmth, the smell, the taste—it was simple, plain, but it filled a void he hadn't realized he had. Each bite grounded him. This… this is worth savoring, he thought, chewing slowly, letting the warmth spread through his body.
Later, he lay on the bed, muscles still sore from the walk, staring at the ceiling. I need knowledge. Without it, I'm blind here. The library would have to wait. But the system had other plans.
"Sub-Quest Issued: Physical Foundation Training. Complete 100 push-ups, 100 squats, and a 10 km run. Reward: Stat growth."
Zen groaned, rolling onto his side.
"Are you kidding me?!" he shouted. "I just woke up! My body feels like it's been beaten half to death, and now you want me to—run a marathon and do a hundred push-ups?"
"Sub-Quest mandatory for stat growth. Completion optional, consequences minimal."
"Optional my ass!" he spat, sitting up. "You could at least warn me before sending a death sentence through my head!"
He punched the wall, then pressed his hands to his face. "Ugh… fine. But I'm not happy about this!"
The system remained silent. Its cold indifference made him grit his teeth even harder.
Reluctantly, he dropped to the floor. Push-ups first.
The first ten made him wince. His arms shook violently, muscles screaming. Sweat dripped into his eyes. One by one, he counted out loud: "Ten… eleven… twelve…"
By the hundredth, every fiber of his body burned. Collapse tempted him—pain screamed at him—but he forced himself upright and moved on to squats. Legs trembled violently, knees threatening to buckle. He swore under his breath, staggering, forcing each repetition, refusing to stop until the hundredth squat was done.
Finally, he stumbled out into the forest for the run. Every step burned through muscles still unused, feet dragging along the uneven path. He wanted to stop. He needed to stop. But the system offered no choice.
By the time he reached a small stream outside the town, his lungs screamed, legs trembling, sweat and dirt coating him, he collapsed. Splashes of cold water hit his face. His reflection stared back—pale, ragged, alive.
"Damn it… I'm still alive," he growled, voice hoarse, teeth clenched. "And this damn system isn't letting me forget it either!"
The system chimed quietly:
System Update
Name: Zen Lawkey
Age: 14
Status: Reincarnated
Element: Shadow
Core Skill: Moonblade
Attributes:
Strength: 10 → 12
Agility: 14 → 15
Intelligence: 16
Charm: 8
Mana: 50
Stamina: 5 → 6
Zen scowled at the glowing numbers, chest still heaving. His strength and agility had risen slightly. His stamina had improved marginally. Proof that this first torturous ordeal had done something, even if it was small.
"Good," he muttered under his breath, gritting his teeth. "If this world wants me to suffer… fine. I'll give it everything it's got."