The Budding Manliness Chapter 2

An eventful night soon came to pass, and immediately the next day...

"Wh-what even is this?"

An overexcited Keita was getting ready to take his first step toward manliness.

"Does that 'Mash Burnedead' guy feel no shame wearing this?"

He had initially intended so, as the System's emergence gave him a sense of motivation.

"I can't..."

And with it, was the feeling that had been urging him since then to get his ass to work.

"I can't wear something this inappropriate."

'Besides that fact that I look like a stick with an erected branch sticking like a sore thumb...'

However, staring at his reflection in the mirror, he couldn't help but have second thoughts.

"And I don't want to be labeled as a pervert in this neighborhood..."

He was actually wearing the reward he received from his first ever 'Sign-in' the day prior;

A compressed, black, long-sleeved shirt, black tights, and slightly-fitted white shorts.

'Mashle magical workout clothes, it says...'

And according to its description, it would help him build his confidence as he works out.

Aside from that, there's also its ability to clean and freshen itself when taken off.

But most of all, it's also capable of amplifying further the effects of the body-tempering elixir.

"But- but this..."

It was good and all, impressive even, given the effects that come with it.

Except for, how it emphasizes an obviously thick and large bulge, protruding from his crotch.

"Even with the shorts on, it still doesn't hi- hide it..."

He had initially thought of wearing an alternative the first time he saw his figure in the mirror.

However, a warning from the 'System' caused him to hesitate.

He had been told that changing even a piece would render the magical effects obsolete...

"Screw it!", he said. "I won't risk my dignity for this bit of a boon..."

And so, after a short while of hesitation, he finally decided to change, at least the shorts.

Something a bit baggy that would hide the embarrassingly large protrusion underneath.

"Wait just a minute. It didn't actually say that I can't wear another on top of it though..."

----

-H-Level Fitness and Sports Center-

One of the most well-known, sports, and fitness training centers in the city.

A high-end, fitness enthusiasts' zone with impressive staff and state-of-the-art facilities.

Owned by a sports and fitness billionaire enthusiast with branches all over the country.

Located in one of the most bustling commercial areas in the city with a building of its own.

And currently, Keita's intended destination for his fitness activity of the day...

"Haa, haa, haa..."

Across the street, opposite the said building was the image of a slouching, slightly ragged, drenched, 'twig'.

"I have finally arrived."

His chest still heaving as sweat covered his countenance after jogging several or about a dozen miles.

"But, still though.", he wondered. "I didn't know I could take a miles-long jog and survive..."

He had initially intended to stop at a train station and board a train to his destination.

"And it's the first time that I've used my legs that far and long. Not even in PE during my junior days."

However, feeling no fatigue after taking already a couple of miles, he changed his mind.

"Yet, despite not being the active and athletic kind of guy, I don't feel exhausted at all."

Instead, he went all the way. That was the whole idea, after all. To sweat and shape up.

'Probably because of my new constitution.', he thought. ''And this feeling...''

The distinctly warm and constant kind of heat streaming from the inside, within his body.

"Probably tells me that the elixir is still in effect."

Though for him, it wasn't the uncomfortable, bothersome kind. But a soothing and welcomed one.

"I wonder how long until it wears off?"

That was what he was currently feeling ever since his intake of the body-tempering elixir.

"And how long til my body shows results?", he wondered.

Yet, thinking that it was only the first day, he shook the thought at the back of his mind...

'There's no one looking at the moment, right?'

He found a random bench at the side. Regulated his breathing and stayed seated for a while.

And while doing so, he took out his bag and a bottle of water from his inventory.

'Can't let anyone see this...'

But of course, not without checking the surroundings for any prying eyes that might happen to notice him.

Pulling out a towel from the bag, he began wiping his sweat before refreshingly gulping mouthfuls of water...

----

"Hi there! Welcome to the 'H-Level Fitness and Sports Center'."

Upon entering, Keita was enthusiastically greeted by the establishment's receptionist...

"How may I help you today?"

He was received by a fairly tall and pretty female employee sitting behind the front desk.

"Ah- uhm...", he said, stuttering. "I'm- uhm, My name's Imaizumi Keita."

And being a timid and socially awkward young man, he couldn't help but fidget on his toes.

"An- and, I-uhm, would like to apply for a membership.", he added.

But it wasn't just because of how he actually is that caused his current behavior.

This time though, it was because he was talking to a member of the opposite sex.

He has always been having this issue ever since he could remember.

Initiating and keeping a conversation with them has always been trouble for the timid boy, such as him.

'Ah, I see. He's one of those. He's probably here to get into shape...'

While staring at the fidgeting, scrawny, young man in front of her, she couldn't help but think.

'And most definitely to build his self-esteem as well...'

Upon noticing her smile turning solemn, he couldn't help but think if there was something wrong.

"Hmm, I see. Well, you might want to take a seat for a bit.", she said.

He was so close to asking her, and he sure was about to do so when it only lasted briefly.

"It might take a while since you'll have to fill out a form before anything else."

It was as if it didn't happen in the first place as she regained her initial composure in a jiffy.

And with the same, professional smile on her face, she gestured her hand.

"Than- thank you.", he said after seeing her gesture to take a sit. "Ah- uhm..."

It was only then that she handed him a pen and a form to fill.

"You're welcome.", she said. "Now then..."

At the same time, the receptionist explained about the programs and services they offered...

----

'Standard plan: allows me to only use the weight training facility and equipment indefinitely for a month.'

'Advance plan: allows me to use all the facilities in this establishment and its equipment indefinitely for a month.'

'Premium plan: all the perks of the previous plans and comes with professional trainers in each facility. Whether it be sports as well as fitness.'

Keita pondered for quite a while upon which of the programs she mentioned suited him currently the most...

'With the way I am now, it is clear that I'm in dire need of a professional's guidance.'

He thought that since he decided to proceed with the training, he need to do it properly.

He wanted to make sure that he was doing the right and most efficient of ways if he wanted results.

But he was clueless and couldn't do that without proper guidance. So, without further ado.

'It's a bit expensive compared to the other plans. But I can go with it for a month at least...'

"Here's a hundred thousand yen.", he said to the receptionist.

"I'd like to proceed with the Premium plan, please."

The receptionist, as if she had already expected it, nodded her head as she took the filled form along with his payment.

"Wise choice...", she said. "It would be the best one for the current you, at least."

He couldn't help but show a concurring nod upon hearing her. It was the reason why he chose it in the first place.

"Let me just take a look at our records to see who's currently free to take charge of you..."

She picked up a phone, dialed, and spoke briefly before turning towards me.

"Aha- oh, she's the only one available at the moment..."

Soon after, she got up from her seat and gestured for him to follow her.

And it didn't take long until he finds himself outside an office-like room and couldn't help but ask the lady accompanying him.

"Ah- uhm...", he asked. "What are we doing here?"

"Oh, I didn't tell you, did I?", she retorted. "we're here to meet your personal trainer."

Pushing the door open, they were welcomed by the sight of a tall and muscly fit, gorgeous beauty wearing a sports bra and skin-tight leggings.

"Shiroyama Aiko-san, I'd like to introduce you to your new client..."

----

Aiko Shiroyama: