Turn Your Anger in the Range

It had been 20 days since Arjun was part of the Phoenix system. He consistently completed five daily tasks: Push 10, Setups 10, Crunches 10, Pull-up 10, and 1 KM Running. After each task, Arjun earned 10 experience points, accumulating a total of 200 experience points.

The metallic hum of the blue screen signaled the commencement of another day's tasks. Arjun, with a disciplined resolve, embarked on the familiar ritual of physical and mental conditioning. The weights clinked as Arjun pushed through his set of 10, the strain on his muscles a testament to his dedication.

The rhythmic thud of his footsteps echoed as Arjun covered the prescribed 1 kilometer, the cadence of his breath syncing with the pulse of his virtual existence. The digital landscape within the Phoenix system mirrored the tangible exertion in Arjun's room, a parallel reality where the lines between the physical and the virtual blurred.

Upon completing the rigorous routine, Arjun glanced at the luminous blue screen, which displayed his progress. The numbers flickered in synchronization with his efforts, and as the counter reached 200 experience points, a subtle sense of accomplishment washed over him.

With each task completed, the digital dossier on the screen updated, showcasing the incremental growth of Arjun within the Phoenix program.

Name - Arjun Verma

Age - 16 years old

Gender - Male

Level - 3

Strength - 5

Stamina - 5

Intelligence - 5

Agility - 5

Sense - 5

Experience points - 200/300

Health points - 100/100

The parameters that once stood at a humble base value now reflected the tangible results of Arjun's disciplined efforts. As he absorbed the changes in his virtual self, a newfound confidence blossomed within him.

In the aftermath of the physical exertion, Arjun found himself pondering the significance of this routine beyond its apparent benefits. The Phoenix program, it seemed, wasn't merely a tool for revenge but a transformative journey, reshaping him in ways both tangible and elusive.

Arjun delved into the intricacies of the Phoenix system, discovering the Inventory Mission Shop and its array of potential acquisitions. However, his aspirations were momentarily restrained by the locked options, a reminder of his current lower level within the program.

One night, as Arjun engaged in the routine check of the Phoenix system, a peculiar revelation unfolded. Attempting to decipher the finer details, he found himself unable to access the numerical values for his Strength, Agility, Stamina, Intelligence, and Sense points.

Curiosity guiding his inquiry, Arjun turned to the digital entity that governed his existence. "Phoenix, why can't I see the points for Strength, Agility, Stamina, Intelligence, and Sense?"

The robotic voice emanated from the luminous blue screen, providing clarity to the enigma. "Master Arjun, at your current level, these points remain dormant. Upon reaching level 5, the progression of these attributes will commence. Until then, their values remain undiscovered."

Arjun absorbed this information, realizing that the journey within the Phoenix program held layers yet to be unveiled. The prospect of reaching level 5 became a goal, unlocking the potential to further understand and harness the intricacies of his evolving abilities. As the digital realm and Arjun's reality continued to intertwine, the path ahead beckoned with promise and untold discoveries.

Arjun's mother, noticing his prolonged presence in front of the TV, sighed and remarked, "Arjun, you've been lazying around all day. Get out and do something. Explore the world beyond the four walls."

Feeling the weight of his mother's taunt, Arjun reluctantly rose from the couch and decided to heed her advice. "Fine, Mom. I'll go out for a bit," he replied, trying to mask the hint of annoyance in his voice.

As Arjun stepped outside, his mother called after him, "Maybe you'll find something productive to do for a change!" Her words echoed in the air, a subtle challenge for Arjun to prove her wrong.

Walking through the familiar streets, Arjun pondered his options. He decided to head to the nearby market, hoping to find some inspiration or at least a temporary escape from his mother's critiques.

While browsing through the market stalls, Arjun took in the sights and sounds, realizing he had no friends to share this moment with. The lively chatter of people around him accentuated his solitary stroll.

As Arjun roamed the bustling market, absorbing the lively atmosphere, he was lost in his own thoughts, oblivious to the happenings around him. Suddenly, a forceful hand landed on his shoulder, accompanied by a loud, mocking voice.

"The boy is mentally weak and stupid, so what are you doing here? If you will die, then it's not your loss, but you're still alive."

Arjun turned to face the speaker, a towering figure with a square-shaped face and an unsettling demeanor. Behind him stood two or three others, all wearing smirks that hinted at mischief.

As Arjun focused on the face before him, a rush of memories flooded back. He recognized the boy as the one who had pushed him down the stairs and now stood before him, ridiculing his condition. Anger simmered within Arjun as he confronted the source of his past humiliation.

The boy sneered, "Who are you showing these eyes to? You are a fool, your birth parents were fools; they have given birth to a mad person. You have to die."

Initially, Arjun had tolerated the taunts, letting them slide like water off a duck's back. However, when the boy crossed all limits, mocking not just him but insulting his parents, Arjun's anger ignited like a blazing fire.

His gaze hardened as he stared at the boy, a storm of fury building within him. The words had cut deeper than any physical blow, striking at the core of Arjun's identity. In that moment, the market noises faded, and the world narrowed down to the boy who dared to insult his parents.

The intensity of Arjun's rage was palpable, and a dangerous resolve settled in his eyes. The desire to retaliate surged, fueled not just by personal injury but by an indignant defense of his family. In that charged moment, Arjun contemplated actions that transcended the bounds of the mundane market scene, driven by a primal instinct to protect the honor of those who could no longer defend themselves.

The confrontation hung in the air like a brewing storm, with Arjun's anger reaching a boiling point, poised to unleash a torrent of retribution upon the boy who had crossed the line.

End of the chapter