Chapter Thirteen: Fasting Mode

The system's latest notification felt like a punch to Jiwon's gut, more crushing than any insult from his bullies.

[New Task Assigned: Goal Weight of 55 kg.]

[Fasting Mode Activated: Duration - 7 Days.]

Jiwon's eyes widened as the words flashed on his phone screen. 55 kg? That was his new target weight? He was already down to 75 kg, and his body had transformed so much already. The thought of shedding an additional 20 kg seemed impossible—like there wouldn't be anything left of him by the end of it.

And a seven-day fast? No food at all? The system's regimen had been harsh before, but this... this was something else.

He stood in front of the bathroom mirror, tracing the sharp lines of his face with trembling fingers. His reflection stared back at him, gaunt and unfamiliar. His cheeks had hollowed out, his eyes sunken from exhaustion. But beneath the fatigue, there was something new—a hint of the person he was becoming. His jawline was sharp, his shoulders more defined. He looked... almost handsome. But it wasn't enough. The system had decided he wasn't done yet.

[Target Weight for Handsome Idol Appearance: 55 kg - Achieve in 7 Days.]

The words echoed in his mind, along with an image the system flashed before him. It was his face—but not the one he saw in the mirror. This version of Jiwon had flawless skin, sculpted cheekbones, and a chiseled jawline. His once overweight frame had been replaced with a lean, muscular body. This was what the system promised him if he reached his goal.

It was the face of an idol.

For a moment, Jiwon's heart pounded in his chest. Could that really be him? The person in the image was unrecognizable—a far cry from the boy who had been bullied for his weight just weeks ago. He had always dreamed of becoming an idol, of standing on stage with a perfect face and body that fans would admire. And now, the system was offering him that chance.

But at what cost?

Day 1 of Fasting Mode.

The first day wasn't too difficult. Jiwon had already grown used to restricting his food intake, so the hunger pangs were familiar. He kept himself busy with school and vocal exercises, letting the constant reminders from the system drown out the ache in his stomach.

The real challenge was the mental battle. Every time he passed the cafeteria or saw students munching on snacks, the temptation gnawed at him. But the system's relentless control kept him in check.

[Reminder: Water Only.]

[Appetite Suppressant Administered.]

He felt the familiar cool sensation of the appetite suppressant coursing through his body, dulling his hunger. But the emptiness remained. He had no choice but to drink water, each sip feeling like a lifeline as his body demanded more.

Day 3 of Fasting Mode.

By the third day, Jiwon's body was screaming for food. His legs were shaky, and his energy levels were at an all-time low. But every time he felt like collapsing, the system kicked in, forcing him to continue his exercises.

[HIIT Training: 2 Hours Required.]

His limbs felt like they were made of lead as he pushed through the grueling workout, sweat pouring down his face. The system wouldn't allow him to stop, and every time he faltered, it forced him back into motion.

His reflection haunted him. His cheeks were hollow, and his skin clung tightly to his bones. He looked more like a ghost than a person. But there was a light at the end of the tunnel—the image of his future self, the handsome idol face the system had shown him. That was his goal. That was what kept him going.

Day 5 of Fasting Mode.

By the fifth day, Jiwon was barely holding on. His body was weak, the hunger like a burning pit in his stomach that never subsided. The appetite suppressant could only do so much. His muscles ached from the constant exercise, and every step felt like it would be his last.

His thoughts grew hazy, and he found himself drifting through the day in a fog. School was a blur of voices and faces that he barely registered. Every ounce of energy he had was focused on the system's tasks.

[Weight Update: 58 kg.]

Jiwon blinked at the notification. He was so close—just 3 kg more and he would reach the first milestone. His body, however, felt like it was falling apart. His ribs were visible, and his clothes hung off him like they belonged to someone else.

He stared at himself in the mirror, seeing both the progress and the damage. His face had changed—it was starting to resemble the image the system had shown him. The bones in his face were more defined, his skin tighter. But it wasn't enough. Not yet.

Day 7 of Fasting Mode.

On the final day of the fast, Jiwon's body was on the verge of collapse. His limbs trembled with every movement, and his vision blurred as he forced himself through the system's demands.

[HIIT Training: Final Session - 3 Hours.]

It was hell. Every second felt like torture, but Jiwon knew he had to endure it. He was too close to quit now. The promise of the idol face kept him going, even as his body screamed for mercy.

At the end of the workout, Jiwon collapsed onto the floor, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He was drenched in sweat, his muscles burning with exhaustion. But he had made it. He had survived.

[Final Weight: 55 kg.]

[Task Complete: Handsome Idol Appearance Unlocked.]

Jiwon's body was shaking, but he forced himself to stand, stumbling to the mirror. His reflection stared back at him, and for the first time, he saw the idol the system had promised.

His face was sharp and flawless, his body lean and toned. He was no longer the overweight, bullied boy who had once dreamed of becoming an idol. He was something new—something the system had created.

And yet, as he looked into his own eyes, he wasn't sure if he liked what he saw.