internship

The past few weeks had been a crucible, a relentless grind of sweat and strain that reshaped Alexander from the inside out. It started with Sylvie's insane quest—100 push-ups, a 5 km run, 100 pull-ups, all under the threat of death—and he'd thrown himself into it, turning his backyard into a training ground. The old oak tree's branch became his pull-up bar, its rough bark scraping his palms until they calloused over; the neighborhood streets his running track, his sneakers pounding asphalt in the predawn chill; his bedroom floor a battlefield for push-ups, the rug worn thin under his knuckles. He'd pushed beyond the minimum, doubling the reps some days, running farther when the system hinted at "host development routine" increases, driven by a mix of defiance and the promise of power. The Basic Body Training Liquid, delivered in a sleek vial after his first completion, tasted like copper and fire, searing through him as it locked in the gains—stats soaring, muscles hardening, a transformation he could feel in every fiber.

Now, standing before his bathroom mirror, he barely recognized the figure staring back. His reflection was a stranger—tall, a solid six-foot-two, his frame packed with lean, sculpted muscle that rippled under his skin, not bulky like a steroid-pumped gym rat but balanced, powerful, aesthetic. His shoulders were broader, his chest defined, abs etched like a marble statue, yet he moved with a fluidity that belied the strength coiled within. His once-decent looks had sharpened into something striking—cheekbones high and pronounced, jawline a clean, chiseled edge, green eyes piercing beneath dark brows, his hair thicker, falling in a tousled wave he hadn't bothered to tame. He smirked, amusement tugging at his lips as he flexed an arm, watching the bicep peak with a precision that felt earned. The Sovereign System had turned him into a weapon, and he couldn't deny the thrill of it.

Curiosity flared, a spark in his chest, and he mentally summoned the system panel, a command as natural as breathing now. The translucent blue screen flickered into existence, hovering before him in the dim light, its text glowing with cold clarity:

Name: Alexander Ironhart

Age: 20

EXP: 50

Strength: 18 (Peak human conditioning)

Agility: 19 (Elite athlete)

Physique: 20 (Olympian standard)

Intelligence: 20 (Genius-level intellect)

Charm: 6 (Average handsome)

He scoffed, a dry chuckle escaping as he scanned the updated stats, the system's understated descriptions almost mocking in their simplicity. "Peak human conditioning, huh?" he muttered, leaning closer to the mirror, his breath fogging the glass. "Elite athlete, Olympian standard, genius-level intellect—and yet, 'average handsome.' Thanks, Sylvie, real flattering." The charm stat stung a little, stubbornly stuck at 6 despite the rest soaring, but he shrugged it off—looks were the least of his tools now. The numbers told a story of power, each point a testament to weeks of grueling effort, and he felt it—strength in his grip, speed in his stride, a mind that cut through problems like a blade. He dismissed the panel with a thought, the screen dissolving into nothingness, and decided he'd earned a break.

Grabbing his laptop from the desk—its surface a mess of notes, coffee rings, and a half-empty water bottle—he sank into his chair, the leather creaking under his weight. He leaned back, legs stretched out, and logged in, the familiar hum of the machine a soothing contrast to the silence of his room. A notification pinged as the screen loaded, a university email flashing in his inbox, its bold subject line catching his eye. He clicked it open, skimming the text with a raised brow:

Subject: Mandatory Internship Program for All Students

Dear Students,

We are pleased to announce a significant addition to our curriculum. Starting this semester, all students must undertake an internship in their respective fields. This requirement, previously mandatory from the fourth semester onward, has now been extended to all students effective immediately.

You are required to secure an internship position within the next two weeks. Failure to do so will affect your academic standing. Attached is a list of recognized companies in various industries, but students are also welcome to apply independently.

For further details, visit the administration office or refer to the university portal.

Alexander leaned back further, his fingers drumming a restless rhythm against the desk's edge, the wood cool under his skin. This was new—a curveball in the university's usually predictable grind. Securing an internship was child's play for him; as heir to Ironhart, he owned a constellation of companies under RedHeart's umbrella—Hectre's tech empire, IronForge's weapon labs, even Crimson Resorts' shadowy intel hubs. He could snap his fingers and slot himself into any position, no questions asked, his name a key to every door. But doing it openly, flashing the Ironhart card on campus, would light a beacon—students whispering, professors prying, the facade of normalcy he'd built crumbling under scrutiny. No, he'd keep it quiet, seamless, a shadow move like the family taught him.

Dialing Emma's number, he waited a few seconds before she picked up. "Yo, Alex! What's up?" she greeted.

"I just saw the university's email about the mandatory internships," he replied. "I'll be taking one through Hectre—software division. Handle the paperwork for me."

Emma chuckled. "Oh, the heir's finally gracing us with his presence? Just come in at any time—Hectre's yours, after all. I'll get the paperwork sorted, make it look clean for the university. Anything specific you want on the role?"

"Just keep it low-key—junior developer or something. No need to wave the Ironhart flag."

"Got it. Low profile, no fuss. I'll have it ready by tomorrow. Anything else, boss?"

"No, that's it. Thanks, Emma."

"Anytime," she said playfully before hanging up.

With that settled, Alexander finally allowed himself to rest. He lay down on his bed and fell into a deep sleep, exhausted from the past weeks of training.

The next day, feeling refreshed, Alexander stepped outside. Emma was already waiting for him beside a sleek black car. As he approached, she handed him a phone with a serious expression.

"Read this," she said.

Alexander frowned, taking the phone. On the screen was a chat conversation between Selene, Anurag, and Krarth. The messages were casual—too casual. They were laughing, joking, and discussing various things in a way that starkly contrasted with how Selene had ever behaved with him.

He tightened his grip on the phone, his face expressionless. Though she had brushed off Krarth's previous proposal as a joke, seeing this conversation made it harder to believe. But Alexander said nothing and simply handed the phone back to Emma.

The rest of the car ride was silent.

The university had only scheduled a half-day of classes, allowing students to find their internship placements. Once free, Alexander didn't head home. Instead, he went to a nearby park, finding a secluded bench where he could think in peace. Hours passed in silence as he contemplated everything. When he finally checked his watch, it was almost 3 PM.

As he sat there, lost in thought, he heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, he saw Emma and Noah standing a few feet away, their expressions unreadable.

Alexander narrowed his eyes slightly. "What's with those faces?"

Emma and Noah exchanged glances before stepping closer.