Chapter 3 – The Body That Wasn't Mine

Chapter 3 – The Body That Wasn't Mine

Ding!

Chen Yunran stared at the mission screen.

[New Mission Assigned: Recuperation]

[Objective: Restore physical health to baseline human condition.]

[Tasks: Eat a full meal (0/1), Hydrate properly (0/1), Engage in light physical activity (0/1)]

[Rewards: +2 Strength, +1 Stamina, Unlock Basic Qi Circulation]

He rubbed his temples. "You call yourself the Ordinary Life Assistance System, but your first mission screams 'Training Arc.'"

[Incorrect! The System merely ensures optimal conditions for a stable and fulfilling ordinary life.]

"That's a fancy way of saying you're preparing me for war."

[Negative! The System does not 'train for war.' The System only ensures Host is 'prepared for all eventualities.']

Chen Yunran glared.

He knew what this was.

Step 1: Recover health.

Step 2: Gain strength.

Step 3: Unlock abilities.

Step 4: Get dragged into something ridiculous.

He had seen this pattern before.

And he wasn't falling for it again.

Step 1: Sabotage.

He stood up and stretched. "Alright, fine. If you want me to complete the mission, I'll do it. But…"

His lips curled into a grin.

He grabbed a bottle of soda and took a long, dramatic sip.

[ALERT: Hydration Task Failed.]

[Warning! Carbonated sugar water does not qualify as proper hydration.]

"Oh? My bad."

He pulled out a bag of chips and crunched down on them.

[ALERT: Nutritional Deficiency Detected.]

[Warning! Host is not fulfilling 'full meal' requirements.]

"Oops."

He kicked back onto his couch, ignoring the last task completely.

Mission failed.

He won.

Or so he thought.

Step 2: System Retaliation.

[Error: Host is actively sabotaging progress.]

[Countermeasures Engaged.]

A bright blue glow spread across his limbs.

His body moved on its own.

—Step. Stand. Walk.

Chen Yunran's eyes widened.

"Hey, HEY! What the hell is this?! I'm being puppeted!"

[The System has activated 'Guided Mobility Mode.']

[Host must complete a light physical activity. Engaging automated movement.]

"YOU'RE FORCING ME INTO A WALK?!"

[Affirmative!]

His legs took him outside.

His arms moved with perfect posture.

His breath adjusted to an optimal rhythm.

The System was literally making him exercise.

"LET ME GO, YOU DAMN MACHINE!"

[Host must complete mission. Resistance is futile.]

He tried to stop.

He tried to slump forward.

He tried to collapse on the ground.

His body did not listen.

The curse of a once-perfect physique—even when weakened, his body instinctively followed optimal training techniques.

The System was exploiting his past mastery.

He realized it too late.

[Task Complete: Engage in Light Physical Activity (1/1)]

The glow faded.

Chen Yunran collapsed onto the sidewalk.

His breath was ragged.

His hands trembled.

"…Y-you… bastard."

[Mission Progress: 1/3 Tasks Complete.]

[Would Host like to continue?]

Step 3: Forced Rewards.

His Status Panel flashed.

[Strength +2]

[Stamina +1]

[Basic Qi Circulation Unlocked]

And then—

A strange warmth spread through his chest.

A pulse of energy awakened deep within him.

His eyes widened.

"Wait—NO. No no no, I don't want this—"

His Qi flow reactivated.

His sealed meridians loosened.

His body shivered as raw energy began trickling into his core.

[New Ability Unlocked: Basic Qi Circulation]

[Description: Passively strengthens physical and mental functions, enhancing natural recovery speed.]

Chen Yunran screamed into the void.

"YOU'RE MAKING ME STRONGER AGAIN!!!"

[Correction: The System is ensuring you remain 'healthy' for an 'ordinary life.']

"BULLSHIT!!!"

He felt stronger. More awake. More aware.

It was happening again.

First, his Qi flow.

Next? His techniques. His combat instincts.

Then, the System would push him toward something dangerous.

He knew how this story ended.

He had lived it before.

And he wouldn't let it happen again.

Step 4: New Plan.

Chen Yunran clenched his fists.

The first plan—sabotage—had failed.

The second plan—outright rejection—had failed.

That left only one option.

Step 4: Trick the System.

If resisting didn't work, then he would have to play along… for now.

He exhaled sharply.

"Fine." He stood up. "You win this round."

[Mission Progress Updated: 1/3 Tasks Complete.]

[Would Host like to continue?]

His lips curled into a smirk.

"Oh, don't worry."

"I'll finish your mission."

"…But on my terms."

Next Time: A War of Loopholes!

Can Chen Yunran outwit the System and keep his life ordinary?

Or will he accidentally get stronger than ever before?

Find out in Chapter 4!