A New Routine Begins

Andre woke up the next morning feeling stiff, his muscles aching from just walking around the mansion the previous day. He groaned, rubbing his face before sitting up. "No more lazy mornings, I guess," he muttered.

After getting dressed in some high-end sportswear—probably more expensive than anything he'd ever owned in his previous life—he stepped outside for a jog around the compound.

The morning air was crisp, the sun barely rising over the horizon. The Atlas estate was massive, more like a private kingdom than a home. The driveway alone stretched long enough to feel like its own road, leading past manicured gardens, sculpted hedges, and fountains that glistened in the golden morning light. The estate had everything—private tennis courts, a helipad, even a small artificial lake.

"Rich people really live differently," Andre thought, shaking his head as he began jogging.

It didn't take long for reality to hit him. After barely five minutes, his lungs burned, his legs felt like lead, and his breaths came in sharp gasps. He stopped, hands on his knees, trying to steady himself. "You've got to be kidding me," he wheezed. "I'm already this tired?"

As he straightened up, he noticed someone watching him. A fit-looking man in athletic gear jogged toward him with an amused smile.

"You alright, young master?" A man asked.

Andre recognized him—Elliot, one of the estate's personal fitness trainers.

"I'm fine," Andre lied, still catching his breath.

Elliot raised an eyebrow. "You sure? I was passing by and noticed you struggling a bit. Didn't take you for the jogging type."

Andre scoffed. "Well, I am now."

Elliot folded his arms, clearly impressed but skeptical. "That's a surprise. No offense, but your usual routine used to be waking up, going to school, clubbing, and coming back drunk. Now you're out here jogging at sunrise? What changed?"

Andre hesitated, then shrugged. "Just... trying to improve myself."

Elliot studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. Keep at it. If you need guidance, I'll be around."

Andre gave a tired thumbs-up before sitting on a nearby stone bench, taking in the breathtaking view of the estate. "This place is insane," he murmured, watching the sunlight dance on the lake's surface. He wiped the sweat off his brow. "Alright... time to hit the gym."

The mansion's gym was more advanced than any fitness center Andre had ever seen—state-of-the-art equipment, personal trainers, and a spacious layout with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens.

Elliot followed him inside, chuckling. "So, what's the plan?"

Andre glanced at the weights and machines. "Uh... let's start with some basic lifting."

Elliot nodded. "Alright. Try this first." He handed Andre a pair of dumbbells.

Andre took them confidently—only to feel his arms tremble as he lifted. "Holy—these are heavier than they look," he muttered, struggling to curl them.

"Yeah, that's muscle atrophy from a life of luxury," Elliot joked. "Here, let me help."

With Elliot guiding him, Andre managed a few sets before his arms felt like jelly. He moved on to other exercises—bench presses, squats, resistance training—but every movement drained him faster than he expected.

"I'm getting tired too easily," Andre admitted, wiping sweat from his forehead. "But I really need to do more. I only have a week."

Elliot glanced at him curiously. "A week? For what?"

"To prove something," Andre replied vaguely.

Elliot smirked. "Then I hope you're ready to work. No pain, no gain, young master."

The next few days became a strict routine—morning jog, gym workouts, and constant exhaustion. Andre pushed himself harder than he ever had before, refusing to back down even when his body protested.

Elliot noticed the change. "You've been at this for days now," he said one morning as Andre completed another lap. "The effort is finally showing." His voice held a hint of pride.

Andre, panting but determined, smirked. "Good. I need all the progress I can get."

Day after day, he continued. His endurance improved, his strength increased, and he could now last longer in his workouts without collapsing.

After a particularly grueling session, Andre collapsed onto a bench in the gym, his whole body aching. Just as he was about to close his eyes, a notification popped up in his vision.

---

[CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'VE LEVELED UP!]

[KARMIC SYSTEM UPDATE]

[VESSEL: ANDRE ATLAS]

[LEVEL: 2]

[TITLE: Determined Reawakened]

[HP: 120/120] (+20 increase)

[EP: 100/100] (+20 increase)

[PHYSICAL STATS:]

Strength: 10/20

Agility: 10/20

Endurance: 10/20

Speed:10/20

[MENTAL STATS:]

Intelligence: 10/20

Wisdom: 10/20

Charisma: 10/20

[NEW ABILITIES UNLOCKED!]

Enhanced Recovery (Passive) – Your body recovers from fatigue 20% faster.

Keen Instincts (Passive) – You have a sharper awareness of danger and hidden motives.

Vessel's Strike (Active) – (Cost: 20 EP) – A precise burst of energy enhances your next physical attack, increasing its force and impact beyond human limits. Can break bones or stagger opponents if landed correctly.

Andre sat up quickly, his exhaustion forgotten.

"I feel... lighter?" he muttered, flexing his fingers. His soreness was still there, but it wasn't as overwhelming as before. The Enhanced Recovery was already working.

Elliot noticed his change in expression. "What's with the face? You suddenly hit some kind of personal milestone?"

Andre stretched, feeling surprisingly refreshed. "Something like that."

After finishing his workout, Andre wiped the sweat from his brow and stretched his sore muscles. His legs felt like lead as he made his way toward his room, exhaustion creeping in after pushing himself harder than ever before.

Just as he reached the grand staircase, a familiar chime echoed in his mind, followed by a system notification flashing before his eyes.

---

[NEW REWARD RECEIVED!]

[Mysterious Gift Box] – A token of recognition for your dedication. Open to receive a surprise reward.

[Elixir of Body Enhancement] – A rare concoction that strengthens the body beyond its natural limits. Requires meditation to fully integrate.

"An elixir?" Andre muttered, about to inspect the details.

Before he could, voices caught his attention from the main sitting room. His parents.

Their tones weren't raised, but there was an edge to them—firm, tense.

Curious, Andre changed direction, walking toward the source of the conversation.

"I've had enough," Victoria said angrily, arms crossed as she stood near the grand window overlooking the garden.

Maxwell sat in his usual chair, calm as ever, adjusting the cuff of his shirt. "I assume you're referring to something specific."

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

Maxwell let out a slow breath. "Victoria, we've been over this. Nothing has changed."

"That's the problem, Maxwell. Nothing ever changes," she replied. "I've put up with a lot, but this… I can't ignore it anymore."

There was a pause.

"If you want to leave, then leave," Maxwell said simply. "You have the resources. You don't need my permission."

Victoria exhaled sharply, glancing away as if gathering her thoughts. "It's not that simple."

"It is," Maxwell countered. "You've always had a choice."

Andre stood just outside the room, watching them. The conversation wasn't explosive, but it carried weight. This wasn't just another disagreement—it was something deeper.

Victoria finally turned toward the doorway, spotting Andre. Her expression softened for a moment, then she simply walked past him without another word.

Maxwell met Andre's gaze briefly before standing up. "Get some rest, Andre. You've been pushing yourself."

Without waiting for a response, he walked away, leaving Andre alone in the vast sitting room.

Andre remained still, his mind processing everything.

His parents had never been affectionate, but this… this felt different. Less like a passing argument, more like a decision being made in real time.

He felt an odd urge to step in, to fix something—though he wasn't sure how or even if they wanted that.

Instead, he sighed and made his way back to his room.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, he pulled up the notification again.

[Item: Elixir of Body Enhancement]

A rare elixir that strengthens the user's body beyond natural limits. However, its effects must be fully absorbed through meditation to evolve completely.

Andre uncorked the small vial, watching as the silver liquid pulsed faintly. It smelled faintly metallic but wasn't unpleasant.

"Alright, let's see what this does."

He drank it in one go. Immediately, warmth spread through his body—like a gentle current running through his veins.

Following the system's instructions, he sat cross-legged on the floor and closed his eyes, focusing inward.

Minutes passed. The warmth settled into his muscles, his breath steady and controlled. He could feel something shifting, strengthening.

A new notification appeared.

---

[MEDITATION COMPLETE: BODY ENHANCEMENT SUCCESSFUL!]

[Permanent Effects:]

Increased Strength & Endurance: Your body can now withstand greater physical strain.

Improved Muscle Efficiency: Movements are more precise, reducing wasted energy.

Pain Tolerance Boost: Minor injuries no longer hinder performance.

Andre exhaled and opened his eyes. He flexed his fingers, rolling his shoulders. He felt different—stronger, more balanced.

"This is just the beginning." Andre said proudly with a smirk