"Fine… I'll go to the academy."
Zen's voice was quiet, but the words carried weight. His path was set, yet the question lingered: What now?
The system's calm voice answered within his mind:
"Nearest town detected. Distance: two kilometers east."
Zen exhaled, steadying himself. Two kilometers wasn't far. He began walking, the forest path unfolding before him. The morning air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and damp earth. Birds sang overhead, their calls weaving with the gentle rustle of leaves. For a moment, he forgot his confusion and simply admired the beauty of this world — a world that was now his.
Soon, the trees parted, and the sight before him stole his breath. A town rose in the distance, crowned by a majestic clock tower that loomed proudly at its center. Its bells were silent, but its presence commanded awe.
At the gates, a line of travelers waited, each paying a small fee to enter. Zen's stomach tightened. He had no money. Panic flickered in his chest.
Then, the system's voice chimed again:
"Startup allowance granted. Funds transferred."
Relief washed over him. He whispered a quiet thanks and stepped forward. When his turn came, he handed the coins to the guard, who barely glanced at him before waving him through.
Inside, the town was alive. Cobblestone streets stretched between rows of western-style buildings, their wooden beams and stone walls glowing in the sunlight. Merchants shouted from stalls, their voices competing with the clatter of hooves and the laughter of children. The air was thick with the smell of bread, roasted meat, and spices.
Zen's stomach growled. He hadn't eaten since awakening. Spotting a modest inn with a painted clover sign swaying above its door, he stepped inside.
"Welcome to the Clover Inn," the innkeeper greeted warmly. Zen booked a small room and ordered a meal. After a quick bath, he sat down to eat. The food was simple — bread, stew, and tea — but to him, it was perfect. Warmth spread through his body, grounding him.
Later, in his room, he lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts churned. I need knowledge. Without it, I'm blind in this world. The answer was clear: the library.
But before he could rise, the system's voice rang again:
"Sub-Quest Issued: Physical Foundation Training. Complete 100 push-ups, 100 squats, and a 10 km run. Reward: Stat growth."
Zen blinked. Then he smirked. "So that's how it is."
He dropped to the floor and began. Push-ups first. His arms trembled, sweat dripping from his brow. By the time he reached one hundred, his chest burned, his lungs screamed, and his heart hammered like it would burst free. He collapsed, gasping.
But he didn't stop. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself into squats. His legs shook, his muscles numb, but he pushed through. Finally, he stumbled into the forest for the run. Guards patrolled the area, making it relatively safe, but the path was long. His breath came ragged, his body screaming with every step.
At last, he heard the sound of water. A stream. He crouched, splashing the cool water onto his face. His reflection stared back — pale, exhausted, but alive.
"This is my second chance," he whispered. "I won't waste it."
🌌 System Update
Name: Zen Lawkey
Age: 14
Status: Reincarnated
Element: Shadow
Core Skill: Moonblade
Attributes:
Strength: 10 → 12
Agility: 14 → 15
Intelligence: 16
Charm: 8
Mana: 50
Stamina: 5 (Newly Unlocked)
Zen stared at the glowing panel, chest still heaving. His eyes widened at the numbers. Strength and agility had risen. A new stat — Stamina — had appeared. Proof that his suffering had meaning.
He clenched his fists, a grin tugging at his lips despite the pain.
"This world rewards effort… then I'll give it everything."
The panel faded, leaving him in silence. His body ached, but his spirit burned brighter than ever. He had taken his first true step.