Pissed
That's the only word that could begin to describe Jean's current emotions—and even that felt like an understatement.
His arms felt like lead. His chest burned. His legs trembled like bamboo in a storm.
But somehow, he also felt... good.
Rejuvenated.
Back to full stamina.
*System, what did you do?*
*I can see that!*
*But why didn't I see that listed as a quest reward?*
Then where the hell did that come from?
Oh.
*Well... that's nice.*
*BUT WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?!*
*YOU MADE ME LOOK LIKE A FOOL! A MOANING FOOL!*
Jean's face turned tomato-red from a mix of shame, exhaustion, and fury.
*SO IT'S MY FAULT NOW?!*
Jean looked like he was about to explode.
But fine. Whatever. If breaking limits earns a free heal, then he'd just keep pushing. Again. And again. Until the system begged for mercy.
With the auto-heal kicking in every time he collapsed, Jean kept going—ignoring the mounting fatigue, the trembling of his limbs, and the burning in his muscles.
When the system healed him again, Jean clenched his jaw so hard it cracked. He wasn't making a sound this time.
I will become stronger no matter what.
89.
90.
91...
100.
Jean collapsed to the floor like a ragdoll.
Rachel approached, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Wow… Young Master, you actually did one hundred push-ups. That's incredible!"
Jean grinned, panting. "Heh… what can I say? I'm tougher than I look."
Rachel tilted her head. "So… are you done now?"
Jean stood up slowly, still grinning. "Not yet. Still got some more."
*System, quest status.*
PUSH-UPS: 100/100
SIT-UPS: 0/100
SQUATS: 0/100
RUN: 0/100 KMSigh.
Three more to go.
At least the healing system made it possible.
Come on, man. You've got this.
His eyes gleamed with a mad intensity.
Rachel grew increasingly worried. "Don't push yourself too hard…" she murmured, catching the unsettling look in his eyes.
"I'll be alright," Jean said, flashing his family's signature devil-may-care smile.
He lay down on the floor, laced his fingers behind his head, and began the sit-ups.
Rachel sat nearby, watching quietly.
Okay, J. Let's give it our all.
1.
2.
3.
...
89.
90.
...
100.
Jean sat up, a goofy grin plastered across his sweat-soaked face.
Heh. All that limit breaking… might've bulked me up a little.
Rachel stared at him, unsettled.
First he looked like he was in agony. Then he moaned. Now he had completed one hundred sit-ups like it was nothing and looked like an idiotically happy fool.
Is he okay?
She genuinely hoped so.
Their eyes met. Jean's lip twitched.
Let's just pretend nothing happened.
Next: squats.
"I think you should stop, Young Master," Rachel said, her voice gentle and hesitant.
Jean didn't even blink.
She thinks I'm crazy… but that's fine.
To walk the path to greatness, you'll be called crazy a lot.
Jean took his stance, hands on his head, knees bent.
Down.
Up.
1.
2.
3.
...
95.
Haa… haa…
Sweat dripped from his brow. His limbs trembled. But he didn't stop.
Once again, that cool sensation swept through him—System Heal.
Jean clenched his jaw.
Nice try. But I ain't disgracing myself a second time, you sick bastard.
Jean lips twitched.
Just ignore it.
He completed the remaining squats without another sound.
All that remained: running.
Hey, System.
Does running back and forth in a room count?
Perfect.
Jean's room was massive—120 meters wide, 100 meters long. Definitely big enough.
He walked to one end, stretching his stiff limbs. The healing made things bearable, but not perfect. He still ached.
Rachel fidgeted nervously.
If he hurts himself, even a little… I'm done for!
But she knew talking wouldn't stop him. And forcing him might make things worse.
Jean crouched down like a sprinter.
Alright. Let's go.
He launched forward. His small body moved swiftly, precisely. Almost like he was gliding.
Back and forth. Over and over.
<1…2…3…4…5…6…7>
Haa…haa…haa…
Almost there… Come on, just a little more!
<9…10>
He collapsed onto the floor, drenched in sweat.
Done. All done.
Now, where's my reward?