Chapter-5 Changes

''I feel so good.''

Noland woke up after what felt like an eternity of sleep. As he blinked away the remnants of slumber, a wave of energy coursed through him, electrifying his senses. It was difficult to articulate just how remarkable he felt. Sitting up in his bed, he scanned his surroundings, adjusting his mind to the unfamiliarity of his new environment.

''So, it wasn't a dream after all. Felt too unreal.'' He muttered slowly, a hint of disbelief in his tone. The clarity in his mind was startling compared to before; he could think more sharply, as if a fog had been lifted.

Rising to his feet, Noland marveled at the changes in his physique. He noticed he appeared taller and more athletic than he had ever been. If he had once measured roughly five feet, he now stood at an impressive five and a half feet. Gone was the gaunt figure; he now bore a more sculpted frame. As he glanced down, he saw the outline of his abdominal muscles, sharply defined against his skin.

''Nano. Has the enhancement been completed?'' he asked, his voice bubbling with eagerness.

[Affirmative. Do you wish to see the status?]

''Yes!'' Noland nodded excitedly, anticipation flooding through him. A shimmering screen appeared before him, displaying the details he craved.

[Host Name: Arrol (Noland Krol)] 

[Nano Machine: NPIH-NM-00] 

[Species: Human] 

[Fitness: Three times stronger than a Peak Human Body] 

[Mana: None] 

[Spells: None] 

(Note: Fitness represents a human body's stat on Earth, encompassing Strength, Speed, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Charisma.)

''Amazing,'' he breathed, absorbing the information. The realization that he was now thrice as strong as the strongest human on Earth sent a thrill through him. He recalled that the most powerful punch ever recorded had generated nearly 90 horsepower.

"If I'm almost thrice as strong as that, I can punch with the force of 240 horsepower! A single blow like that could easily take down a lion," Noland thought, his mind racing with the implications of his newfound strength.

In a moment of reflection, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the Nano technology that had transformed him. He envisioned what his life could be like now—limitless potential and unparalleled strength.

With renewed fervor, Noland crouched down and retrieved a bag tucked beneath his bed. As he opened it, he saw a collection of items inside: a short dagger, a pouch filled with coins, and several sets of clean clothes. His current clothes looked a bit tight after the enhancement, so he hurriedly changed into one that felt more comfortable.

"Safety comes first," he said, tucking the dagger securely into his waistband beneath his shirt. However, a thought crossed his mind: he had no clue how to use a dagger effectively.

[Nano possesses information on all combat abilities. Now that your body has been perfected, you can perform all martial arts. Would you like me to transfer this information to you?]

"No way! Why didn't you tell me this sooner? Does it include all types of weapon handling?" he asked excitedly.

[Yes, sir.]

''Then what are you waiting for? Do it, fast!'' Noland urged.

At the confirmation, a rush of information surged through him, almost overwhelming his senses and causing him to stumble before steadying himself. He closed his eyes, allowing the flood of knowledge to flow through him, feeling every technique and movement imprinting on his muscles and mind.

[The transfer has been completed.]

In less than a minute, he felt as if he had been practicing martial arts and weapon handling for years. Each strike, each parry, felt instinctual. He drew the dagger once more, swinging it with newfound confidence and precision, cutting through the air as if it were an extension of himself.

"Nano, you are literally amazing! I feel like these skills are etched into my very being. I can perform them without hesitation," Noland exclaimed, the thrill coursing through him as he practiced a few more swings before sheathing the dagger.

Curiosity pulled him back to the pouch containing the coins. He tipped it into his palm and examined the small bronze coins, each marking representing hard work and years of effort.

"So, these are the bronze coins," he murmured, recalling the currency system within this world. Different coins signified value—bronze, silver, and gold—with ten bronze coins equaling a silver coin, and ten silver coins equaling one gold coin. He counted his modest collection: 25 bronze coins, a small fortune built from his labor over the years. He tucked the pouch securely.

"It's time to head out and explore. I feel more confident than ever. I'm stronger, and I have a dagger in my arsenal," he declared to himself, adrenaline pumping through his veins.

As he stepped outside, locking the door behind him, he surveyed the alleyway. It looked empty, yet familiar. With purpose, he made his way toward the exit of the slums, encountering a few drunken patrons who loitered nearby.

Passing through the bustling town, the energy was palpable, a blend of chatter and laughter that filled the air. Noland made his way to Garn's Eatings, an old yet lively restaurant known for its hearty meals. Entering the establishment, he noticed patrons enjoying their food and drinks, some engaged in animated conversations.

Finding a corner table, he settled in and placed an order for a meal. While waiting, he leaned in slightly, tuning into nearby discussions, eager for any curious tidbits.

"Hey, did you hear the news? A monster was spotted near the South Entrance of Pinewood Forest," a voice nearby exclaimed.

"Yeah, I caught wind of it! I heard some adventurers were taken down by it last night. How did such a creature even end up there? They're usually much deeper in the woods," another replied, concern evident in their tone.

"I heard a few Silver-level adventurers are looking for it. They'll handle it without a hitch. It's a real threat only for folks like us who aren't awakened," came the response.

Noland listened intently, piecing together the fragmented news. It sounded like the same type of monster responsible for Noland's previous demise—an omen of danger now lurking nearby.

A chilling reminder of vulnerability coursed through him, but rather than fear, confidence began to replace it. He was not the same Noland that had met his fate in the past. He was stronger now, equipped with advanced knowledge and power.

As the sound of laughter and clinking mugs filled the air, he couldn't help but wonder: what lay ahead in this unpredictable world, and how would he carve his new path? The possibilities felt endless, and for the first time in a long while, he felt alive, ready to embrace the challenges that awaited him.

"There you go, handsome boy."

A delicate voice pulled him from his reverie. Noland looked up to see a female servant standing at his table, her presence illuminating the dimly lit restaurant. She appeared to be in her thirties and was clad in revealing garments that seemed designed to maximize her allure. He cast a brief, curious glance at her assets but quickly diverted his attention to the meal laid before him.

"Thank you," he replied, attempting to sound polite despite his hunger. The servant responded with a playful wink, her eyes twinkling with mischief, before sauntering away, casting a few flirty glances over her shoulder.

His meal consisted of a steaming bowl of soup, chunks of tender monster meat, and a large glass of water—enough to satiate his rumbling stomach. He had spent a full two bronze coins on the meal but given the draining events of the past few days, he needed the nourishment to regain his strength.

As he savored his food, he couldn't help but contemplate his circumstances. The tavern was bustling with patrons, each lost in their own worlds, but Noland's thoughts were far away, focused on his ambitions. He finished his meal and rose, the chair scraping against the wooden floor as he made his way outside.

The town library was his destination, standing proud at the heart of the town center. It was a single-story structure.

Upon reaching the entrance, he was met by a guard whose eyes glinted with disdain. The man's posture was rigid, arms crossed over his chest, as if the mere sight of Noland filled him with contempt.

"What do you want, young lad?"

Noland looked his annoyance and was no stranger to this sort of judgment, often having been treated like a bumbling country bumpkin.

"I'd like to enter the library for a bit. How much does it cost to stay for an hour?"

The guard scoffed, his sneer deepening. "It's fifteen bronze coins for one hour, kiddo. Now shoo, before I kick you out. Do you even know how to read, much less have the money to enter?"

Noland's gut twisted at the exorbitant fee, but he refused to let it deter him. He fished out ten bronze coins from his pocket, not bothering to haggle. The guard's expression shifted from mockery to surprise, then morphed into a congenial smile.

"Welcome, welcome, my friend! Go inside; the librarian is at the first desk. You'll need to pay her the bronze coins if you wish to stay."

Noland barely registered the guard's final words as he hurried through the arched doorway. His heart raced with excitement and determination. He knew the role that money and strength played in this world, and he was resolutely on the path to obtain both.