Ch 5: I AM A GOD AMONG MEN!
I emerged from my grand estate like an action hero, only sweatier and far less coordinated. Now, let's get one thing straight—my house wasn't just a house. No, no, no. It was a mega-mansion, a monument to wealth and architectural excess. A fifty-room mansion stood at the center, surrounded by three luxurious penthouses where my siblings and I lived, because apparently, personal space was a divine right in this family.
We had everything—our own gym, an event hall, guest houses, a literal armory (because rich people), and enough unused land to start a small kingdom. But today, I wasn't interested in the riches. I was interested in the forest. Why? Because the forest was abandoned, unmonitored, and, most importantly, perfect for hiding from the judgmental gazes of my house staff while I embarrassed myself exercising.
After twenty minutes of trekking through the trees, marking my surroundings like a paranoid squirrel, I found a nice secluded spot and pulled up the system screen.
"Alright, Aria, hit me with my daily quests," I commanded with the authority of a man who totally didn't plan on collapsing mid-run.
The green screen blinked into existence.
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Daily Quest:
✔ Run 2km
✔ Do 50 sit-ups
✔ Do 50 push-ups
Duration: 17 hours
Reward: +50 EXP
Penalty: ???
---
"Right. Simple plan. Start with push-ups and sit-ups, get those out of the way, then suffer through the run," I strategized. Foolproof. Genius, even.
Five minutes later: The push-ups and sit-ups were done. I was feeling like a champion. An exhausted, slightly regretful champion.
Twenty minutes later: I had successfully procrastinated the run. But alas, duty called.
Taking a deep breath, I assumed the classic runner's pose—knees bent, one foot forward, hands ready. I was the image of athletic perfection. A blur of human speed and—
I tripped on a rock.
But did I let it stop me? No! I recovered like a pro and bolted forward, running in circles so I wouldn't lose my way. It was all going great… for the first few minutes.
Then the reality of my pathetically low endurance kicked in.
Minute 10: My legs were screaming.
Minute 12: I was actively bargaining with Aria for a shortcut.
Minute 15: I began questioning the very meaning of life.
Minute 20: I was just trying not to die.
And then—
"Congratulations! You have completed the run for the 2km quest."
I collapsed onto the forest floor, gasping for air like a fish out of water. If someone found me, they'd assume I was a victim of some terrible crime. My limbs were noodles. My pride was nonexistent.
Dragging my half-dead self up, I downed a bottle of water like it contained the elixir of life. Thirty minutes later, after regaining the will to live, I finished the rest of the quest.
---
"Congratulations! You have completed your daily quests."
My vision exploded with the system screen.
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+50 EXP
Name: Daniel Martinez
Age: 18
Holder: 7
Level: 1
EXP: 50/100
Talent: Absolute Healing
Class: F-
Meta Energy: 10/10
Skills: 2
Strength: 10
Speed: 15
Perception: 4
Intelligence: 210
---
I stared at the glowing numbers with a smug grin. Oh yeah, progress. Sure, I still felt like roadkill, but seeing those numbers go up was its own reward.
But then, something caught my eye—the "Skills" stat.
"Aria, what do you mean by skills?" I asked, genuinely curious. I mean, I was incredibly talented (obviously), but what exactly did the system consider a "skill"?
"A skill is simply a manifestation of your powers," Aria explained. "You will unlock more as you grow stronger, and currently, you have two."
Oho? Interesting.
A new window appeared, revealing my skills:
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Meta Vision
Effect: Imbues your eyes with Meta energy, allowing you to see four miles ahead, through weak barriers like wood, and one second into the future.
Cost: 2 Meta Energy per minute
Healing Fingers
Effect: Infuses your fingers with Meta energy and your Absolute Healing talent, allowing you to heal minor wounds.
Cost: 10 Meta Energy
---
I blinked. "Wait. You're telling me I can see four miles ahead AND peek one second into the future?"
"Correct."
I let out an obnoxious laugh. "I AM A GOD AMONG MEN!"
Aria didn't respond. Probably rolling her digital eyes.
Regardless, I was pumped. I had powers, a plan, and a system that promised unlimited potential.
It was time to become legendary.