New changes & Routine.

Chapter 4: A New Day, A New Beginning

Morning sunlight streamed through the thin curtains of Renji's small room, casting a soft glow over the wooden floor. A gentle breeze carried the scent of summer, blending with the faint aroma of instant coffee from downstairs.

Renji sat up groggily, stretching his sore limbs. "Another day, huh?" he muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Waking up in this world again still felt strange. It was the same place, the same beginning—but this time, things were different.

Today, he was determined to move forward.

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his bare feet touching the cool floor. As he checked his system, the familiar interface blinked before his eyes.

Blessings Unlocked:

[Literate] – Enhances comprehension and mastery of written knowledge.

[Novice Alchemist] – Improves understanding of potions and ingredients.

"Not bad," he mused. The system had reset, but at least he had a path to regaining his former strength.

With a sigh, he stood up and got ready for the day.

As he stepped out of his room, the scent of freshly cooked rice and miso soup filled the air. The inn's small dining hall was already bustling with activity.

And there she was—Rika.

Seated by the window, a book in her hands, her long hair draped over her shoulders. She looked up as he approached, her eyes scanning him carefully.

"You're up early," she remarked, setting her book down.

Renji smirked. "Figured I should start taking mornings more seriously."

After a quick wash-up, Renji did something he never would have in his past life.

He trained.

His body had reverted to its weakest state, but with the system's blessings, he had the potential to grow at an accelerated rate. All he had to do was put in the effort.

And so, he started with the basics.

Push-ups. His arms trembled with each rep.

Sit-ups. His core ached in protest.

Squats. His legs burned, but he pushed through.

It was frustrating—he still remembered how strong he used to be. Now, he was starting from scratch.

But something was different.

Within minutes, his body began to adapt. His breathing steadied, his movements became smoother.

[Physique Development: Basic Adaptation Achieved]

A grin crept onto his face. The Literate Blessing wasn't just for books—it extended to everything he learned.

This is going to be fun.

Renji stepped outside the inn, letting the cool morning air wash over him. The streets were quiet, with only a few early risers going about their routines. The sight of convenience stores, vending machines, and distant high-rise buildings felt both nostalgic and strangely foreign.

He took a deep breath and started jogging.

At first, his body felt sluggish. His legs were heavy, his breathing uneven. It was nothing like the endurance he once had.

But soon, his body adjusted.

His breathing steadied. His strides became more efficient.

[Physique Development: Running Efficiency +5%]

Renji smirked. So this is how it works.

Unlike before, where power came easily, this time he had to build himself up. But the system ensured that as long as he put in the effort, his growth would surpass that of an ordinary human.

Passing a small park, he noticed a few students warming up for their morning exercises. Some glanced his way, but he ignored them, focusing on his own progress.

His muscles ached, but he could feel himself improving with every step.

By the time he returned to the inn, sweat dripped down his face, but he wasn't as exhausted as he expected.

He checked his system.

[New Blessing Acquired: Endurance Training lv. 1]

Renji chuckled. "At this rate, I'll be back in shape faster than I thought."

Rika watched him from across the table, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She didn't feel awkward talking to him anymore. In fact, she enjoyed it.

With him, she could just be herself. No need for the usual cheerful act; no need to pretend.

But lingering guilt gnawed at her.

Had she been the reason he closed himself off? Had her rejection back then pushed him into that lonely shell?

She had always told herself it wasn't her fault—that people changed, that life just worked that way. But sitting here now, seeing the way he spoke, the way he looked her in the eye without hesitation—she couldn't help but wonder.

"Hey." She broke the silence, resting her elbows on the table. "You're not overdoing it, are you?"

Renji raised an eyebrow. "Overdoing what?"

She gestured vaguely. "This... 'new you' thing."

He smirked, shaking his head. "If I was, I'd be passed out by now."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm serious. It's good to improve, but don't burn yourself out."

Renji took a sip of his drink, then met her gaze. "I know my limits."

The confidence in his voice caught her off guard. He had always been reserved, hesitant—never one to speak so firmly.

She sighed, leaning back. "Well, as long as you know what you're doing."

A brief silence followed before she reached into her bag. "Here—" She pushed a small container toward him. "Something to eat later."

Renji glanced at the container, then at her. "You didn't have to."

She huffed. "I wanted to. Just take it."

A small smile tugged at his lips as he accepted it. "Thanks, Rika."

She stood up, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt. "Don't mention it."

Before walking away, she hesitated for a split second, stealing one last glance at him. Maybe—just maybe—she had played a part in who he used to be.

But if that was true, then maybe she could also help him move forward.

Two days passed.

Rika absentmindedly twirled her pen, her eyes skimming over the open book in front of her without really reading it. Her thoughts kept drifting to Renji.

She hadn't seen him much since their last conversation, but she knew he had been busy. The changes in him weren't just for show. Every morning, she heard from the other tenants that he was out jogging. Some even mentioned seeing him at a nearby park, training.

It felt… strange.

Not bad. Just unfamiliar.

Renji had always been the quiet type, content shutting himself away. She never minded, but she never expected him to change this much—especially not so quickly. Not just in action, but in presence. He carried himself differently. He spoke with certainty. He met her eyes without hesitation.

And that, more than anything, made her wonder.

Was this change natural? Or had something pushed him toward it?

She sighed, closing her book. Deep down, she still felt guilty. Had her rejection played a role in his past isolation? She had never meant to hurt him. She just didn't want things to change.

But maybe, by trying to keep things the same, she had done exactly that.

She frowned, shaking her head. Maybe she was overthinking it.

But one thing was clear—she wanted to understand him better.

And for that, she'd have to talk to him again.