Roxy Harden

[Upgrade]

| Choose an aspect of yourself you wish to elevate:

> Talent: Unbreakable Will, Loved by the Stars, World's Beloved...

> Parameters: Strength, Speed, Stamina, Charm, Luck, Power...

> Perks: Advanced Physique, Complete Meridians of the Body, Perfect Circulatory System.

> Abilities: —

| In Progress: —

Urapus rose immediately. His ebonic eyes widened at the dawning possibility of what this feature could do.

His hands are trembling.

This feature indicates one thing.

As long as he preserved, he could become infinitely stronger!

[Don't be too happy, Hero. You should try the feature first before you give out your opinion!]

"Don't ruin my good mood. I knew that the elevation wouldn't be as simple as spending my HP. Still, to be able to elevate infinitely is the best gift I could ever ask for."

He doesn't understand just how far the place the Goddess wanted him to visit. He doesn't even know where the Starlight Palace is.

However, he only knew one thing. As long as he keeps elevating himself, sooner or later, he will be able to stand beside her.

No one would understand just how captivating the scenery he saw when the Goddess unveiled her face. It was something no mortal man could comprehend.

"Next June, I will attend a training camp at the capital, the Verest Training Camp. Finally, after spending my days so leisurely, I will go back to the world where I belong."

As the Hero, he was someone who lived on the battlefield. The space was his playfield, and his enemies were his targets.

Urapus cannot deny it. He belongs to the battlefield.

A leisurely life has never been what he sought.

"Let me try elevating my stamina."

Urapus has a feeling that the interface would only show a bunch of question marks if he chose some of his ridiculous talents.

It's better to acknowledge that he is indeed too weak, and sought what he assumed to be reachable. He learned long ago to not bite off more than he can chew.

[Upgrade: Stamina]

| Requirements:

> Run 1,000 km for 10 days straight.

> 100,000 push-ups.

> 100,000 sit ups.

> Lift 50 kg 1,000 times.

> 1,000 HP.

| Reward: 50% increment in stamina.

"Woah."

Looking at the inhumane requirements, Urapus showed a wry smile.

On the bright side, at least there is something he could work on, other than meditating.

Not wanting to waste the remaining 2 months, Urapus simultaneously chooses the rest of the options except for charm in the Parameters group, intending to elevate himself to the best of his capabilities.

Now this is training! Despite the insane training regiment, Urapus showed a bloodthirsty grin as he looked at the rest of the requirements he'll fill his schedule with for the next 2 months.

[Upgrade: Speed]

| Requirements:

> Run 100,000km.

> Reach 500 km/h in a sprint.

> 1,000 HP.

| Reward: 50% increment in speed.

[Upgrade: Strength]

| Requirements:

> Lift 100 kg 10,000 times.

> Pull ups 10,000.

> Plank for 100 hours.

> Eat 500gr of proteins for 10 days straight.

> 1,000 HP

| Reward: 50% increment in strength.

[Upgrade: Power]

| Requirements:

> Punch 100,000 times.

> Kick 100,000 times.

> Exert 5,000 kg of power in a punch.

> 1,000 HP.

| Reward: 50% increment in power.

[Upgrade: Luck]

| Requirements:

> Rolls a double six 1,000 times.

> Rolls a quadruple six 100 times

> Win a 0.001% chance.

> 1,000 HP

| Reward: 50% increment in luck.

Admittedly, the most difficult one would be the requirement for Luck. Urapus twitched. Just how in the world would he be able to roll a quadruple six 100 times?

And what's up with that 0.001% chance? That's 1 in 100,000.

In the end, with a hopeless look, Urapus decided to fill his free time with rolling dice from now on.

It's gonna be a long month, same with the next one.

1st June, Year 309 of the 2nd Phoenix Calendar.

"99,999!"

In a clearing near Breskon City, which served as a border and was shared with Tybern City, a neighboring city famous for its glamorous nights, a dashing boy tirelessly ran.

The consistency of his high speed is inhumane, running at 80 km/h for hours. Many people were stunned by such a display of physical prowess.

"This kid is an Awakener...?"

"But I've never seen him! Perhaps we were just hallucinating?"

The sight of a kid running at the speed of a vehicle is so comical that many consider it as fake. Some even went as far as spreading the rumor of a boy haunting the border, and thus a new legend was erected.

Most of the people in the vicinity were just normal humans, thus they could not identify him.

As for the reason why there was a lack of Awakeners nearby, it has something to do with him owing Roxanna a favor.

His insane training required a rather spacious landscape, so while he could ask Roxanna for a place, it would undoubtedly attract unnecessary attention.

More importantly, she could only ask for authority over the lands that the Harden Family owned, which were filled with their people. If he trained there, it would destroy the purpose of hiding their relationship.

Thus, he could only make do.

Far above, where a helicopter with a veiled mechanism to avoid unnecessary attention floats, the Mistress of the Harden Family, Roxy Harden, was visibly amazed by the sheer audacity of this kid.

"Roxanna, before this, I thought I would be mad at you for asking such a stupid favor. Do you know how many families started to pay attention to this land? Especially since it was I who personally announced the warning not to meddle around the land that served as a border between 2 cities because of family matters?"

"However, I found myself befuddled instead. Just why would a kid train himself so hard for?"

Roxy said critically. However, inside, while she was amazed by the dedication and the physical prowess the body of a soon-to-be 7-year-old could do, she was more amazed by the disposition of the said boy.

It's attractive. So damn attractive that even she found herself slightly falling for the kid. It's different from those disgusting charming techniques she encountered when fighting against a member of the Outer Forces.

It's indescribable. Like an innate demeanor that cannot be replicated by anyone. An aura of dignity that was meant for a Sovereign who overlooked his people with a warm gaze.

The aura of a man who could take on a world just for you.

Roxy furrowed her eyebrows. Just what made this kid so special? And how?

His nigh-perfect countenance is not helping at all. Roxy glanced at Roxanna, whose eyes were fixated on the figure below. She sighed.

She really couldn't blame her. Even she, a proud woman, is affected slightly, not to mention a kid like her.

"100,000!"

Finally! Urapus screamed inwardly, leaning on a tree as he slid down to rest. He looked at a certain feature, smiling slightly.

Simultaneously, his muscles that contributed to agility seem to react, moving at a slow pace to be perfected.

It was painful, but after the brutal session of stamina increment, where his whole body was spasming to position itself in the most efficient way to use as little energy as possible, this is but a twist on the belly.

After dozens of minutes, Urapus rose from the tree, stretching his legs to feel the improvement.

"My legs have been perfected even further."

Now, there's only one thing he must do. Urapus looked at the interface.

[Upgrade]

| Choose an aspect of yourself you wish to elevate:

> Talent: Unbreakable Will, Loved by the Stars, World's Beloved...

> Parameters: Strength II, Speed II, Stamina II, Charm, Luck, Power II.

> Perks: Advanced Physique, Complete Meridians of the Body, Perfect Circulatory System.

> Abilities: —

| In Progress:

> Luck [34%]

... Yeah, it's hopeless.

Not to mention getting a quadruple six 100 times, he only averaged 7 double six for every day that he rolled them. After 60 days, it only amounted to 420.

He could only get a quadruple six if he was lucky. He only rolled them 15 times these two whole months!

"Damn!"

Putting that aside, Urapus smiled in satisfaction. Although he doesn't know what sort of monsters he'll encounter in the training camp, he's confident he'll be number one.

Not that it matters. Urapus was the First Hero. Why would he care about a bunch of kids playing around?

In the first place, he regards the camp as a disguise to veil his upcoming plans. Now that he's free of surveillance of his parents, he could do things that take him several days to do.

[Status]

| Host: Urapus

| Realm: Mortal Stage 6

| Quality: Rare (Legendary)

| Talent: Unbreakable Will (?), Loved by the Stars (?), Limit Break (SSS), World's Beloved (SSS), Ash Controller (C).

| Perks: Advanced Physique (★★), Complete Meridians of the Body (★★), Perfect Circulatory System (★).

| Parameters: Stamina I, Strength I, Speed I, Power I.

| Abilities: None (Locked)

| Hero Points: 18,802

[SHOP] | [Upgrade]

"I wonder why there's no Intelligent parameter."

It's something he realized after started his training.

"Maybe Parameters are centralized around the physique?"

Intelligence is often associated more with the soul. Although the brain exists, the mind does not. It's a spiritual form of consciousness that controls the works of the brain.

Unfortunately, even Urapus hadn't delf into the field deep enough yet. Not even in his previous life.

"Alright, let's prepare for the camp."

Urapus raised his hand, his eyes looked straight towards the veiled helicopter above. Roxy, who noticed his gesture, merely lifted her lithe fingers, and the boy was elevated swiftly.

Roxanna has always been amazed by her mother. The potency of her telekinesis talent is indispensable in the war against the Outer Forces.

She could command the asteroids and any other space objects to do her bidding, destroying countless enemies!

Unfortunately, her death... It's not so peaceful. Roxanna grimaced inwardly.

"Impressive."

Roxy smirked as the boy landed on the helicopter, performing a respectful bow, "Thank you for your favor, Ma'am. This heir will do his best to repay it in the future."

"Oh, you'll certainly do."

The angelic woman's red-blood eyes narrowed. Yes, a favor of this remarkable boy will surely be precious in the future. She glanced at Roxanna.

"Hm, you're already a Colonel expert, huh? You're even better than my little Xanna here. But it's unusual, your physique is too strong, almost nearing the limit of what a human could do."

Roxy observed the two kids present. Noticing their lack of reaction, her heart twitched.

So even her little Xanna has her own little secret?

With a boy nonetheless?

Hmm, it seems like it's not just a simple crush anymore.

Roxy pretended nothing happened. In the end, kids are kids. Even if they have secrets, how big could they possibly be?

"You definitely deserve the name of the First Hero. I hope you can surpass the Exalted One, ending this war once and for all."

Actually, Roxy is always a pessimist when it comes to people. No, it's more accurate to describe her as a cynical person, who judges people by their worst qualities. She doesn't have any reservations when it comes to their weak points.

She hates it the most when people become needlessly arrogant. Those who severely overestimated their capabilities.

Even if they could prove it, so what?

You bragged before without any proof of your abilities. Do you think you've proven yourself as someone capable now after showing that what everybody's thought of you is wrong?

The fact that you bragged without proof before is an indication that you're a fool.

A braggart who wasted everyone's time all for the sake of bragging.

That's why Urapus stood out. The kid looks like he has nothing to prove. He's not arrogant, superfluous nor is he a person coveting attention.

He looked like someone who gazed in one direction and never lost what he set his eyes on.

Instead, it was always Roxanna who reported her about him.

Roxy would just appreciate him for it, and that's it. But Urapus Ashford...

He's the strongest kid she has ever seen. And that sentence was already an attempt for her to put it in a simple, cynical sentence.

If she exaggerated it, there would be no end to it.

Yet he has no arrogance? Even she has her moment.

It's ridiculous. It's amazing. Roxy admitted to herself that Urapus Ashford was indeed a dashing boy.

Even an older woman like her could be entrapped by his demeanor.

"Thank you, Ma'am. I will work hard."

"You're wrong."

Roxy intercepted coldly.

At the side, Roxanna was dumbfounded.

What's wrong, Mother? He's amazing, right? Then why are you so cold? And what do you mean he's wrong? He didn't even do anything.

The inward 25-year-old Roxanna feels quite resentful. She already condensed her fifth meridian, placing her among the Major experts, and she could dominate anyone below the Lieutenant General realm.

Her Father looked at her as if she was the greatest treasure in the world. Her twin sister regarded her as her model figure. Even her cold, indifferent Mother patted her head in encouragement.

Yet, Urapus, with his amazingness, was said to be wrong by her?

Urapus's ebonic eyes were colored with confusion. Did he do anything wrong? No, he's not.

He minded his own business, was training like a horse, and always considered Roxanna's feelings.

Although she's quite peculiar with her overflowing feelings for him despite being a regressor, she's a cute girl.

Urapus has no issue regarding her affection, lest attempt to distance himself from her, hurting her in the process. So he has no idea where he went wrong.

"I'm a Miss. Not a Ma'am."

This time, Urapus almost slipped. Roxanna, who already knew the fact, giggled to herself. Even Roxy was smiling cheekily.

"What? You think with my face, I'll let that old thing in the Harden Household touch me? Hmph, he's not worthy. Not even the Sovereign himself is worthy."

"Despite my title as the main wife, I never agreed to be his actual wife. He's just a fixated old man who doesn't know what's good for him. If not for his wife who took care of me since I was little, I..."

As Roxy continued to chatter, Urapus felt a profound confusion. Yes, yes, that's pretty interesting. Hmm, that old man doesn't deserve you, a young woman in her peak.

Indeed, indeed.

...But what does that have anything to do with me, an outsider?

As Urapus was questioning the purpose of his attendance in her chattering session, Roxy suddenly patted him on the head.

Her ambitious red-blood eyes are fixated on his ebonic eyes, and with an ambiguous smirk, she said with a low tone,

"You know, if you grow splendidly, I may consider you as a candidate."

Candidate? Candidate for what?

At this point, Urapus has given up figuring out what this woman thinking. He could only conclude from this observation on the field that women are essentially complex. And were not meant to be understood.

"What?! Mother?!"

Suddenly, an agitated Roxanna appeared between them, looking at her Mother with a furious look.

"What are you thinking?! Urapus is just 6 years old!"

"I don't see any problems."

Urapus was throughougly lost. What are you being mad about? And why are you acting like this despite being a pair of daughter and mother? Even I wouldn't dare to act so casually with my esteemed Mother.

And what's my age has anything to do with this???

"B—But you're so old!!"

"This Mother of yours is just a 21-year-old woman. Don't exaggerate it. Besides, Sovereign experts could live for over 200 years, so in that comparison, I'm just 10 years old. Just a few years, it wouldn't really make a difference."

"What kind of logic is that?! Look at yourself, Mother! Looking like a mature woman. How could you be so shameless?!"

"Little Xanna, making excuses is for the weak!"

"This has nothing to do with being weak!!!"

Urapus is no longer meddling in their matter. He just sat beside the pilot, who greeted him politely.

The beautiful scenery is very enjoyable.

Before he goes to the capital, he has to bid farewell to his parents first.

"Don't worry, Mother and Father. When your child comes back, the Ashford Family will restore its former glory, and perhaps outshine it."

Urapus knows that he is weak, therefore this promise is the least thing he can do for his parents.

He doesn't want to make any superfluous promises. Just something he's certain about is enough.

If he was powerful, he wouldn't let those maggots detain him to death. He would bring the world to its knees for its audacity to consider thousands of mere insects to be comparable to the worth of the love of his life.

His ebonic eyes looked at the sky. It was afternoon. The time of the day when he used to be at his strongest.

"I won't be wrong this time."

"...I promise."

[Hiik! That's so scary! Please don't bring me to my knees!]

At the corner of the materializing interface, a small figure of the world hugged her knees as her blue eyes looked at him sadly.

"...You can read my mind?"

[No. I could only decipher a small piece of your thought through a part of me that has a connection with you, Hero.]

"Oh, it's the system?"

He has been suspicious about it. At times, he didn't even say anything when the avatar suddenly popped out to respond to his thoughts.

[Correct! But don't worry, Hero! It has been implemented to block the access to personalized thoughts. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your privacy! And this mechanism will only be activated when there's an important matter! In other words, it only worked when I'm active.]

The avatar of the world would greet him only when there was something important. They are either quests or new features. And they're fairly rare.

Urapus relaxed. That's fair.

He doesn't really care about the reason of it.

The world depends on him to survive. When the time comes, she will naturally tell him.

[Anyway, Hero! A new quest has arrived! Wohooo~!]