CH 2: Getting Back in Shape

When Jinwoo managed to simmer down a bit, he walked up to the bathroom and looked at his reflection. The same baby-faced, scrawny, weakling of a kid, that could easily be tampered with and pushed around like a bathroom rug. The one who couldn't fight back against the monstrous figures of the strong yet cowardly bullies that surrounded and fought him in groups as they loved to terrorize and pummel his self-esteem.

The one that could be scarred and bruised with relative ease despite his vigorous self-preservation attempts and the strengthening of his mentality. There were times when he tried to exercise but even that failed as Jinwoo was far too weak-minded, as his thoughts would occasionally wander back to the lies told by the bullies. Believing them. Which caused him to stop and give up.

The family of his alternate past self came to know of his dastardly situation through various outside sources which are, overhearing conversations about Jinwoo's miserable state. This Jinwoo's father was a retired Military Commander Officer who battled on the front lines of the mini civil war between Japan and Korea, which quickly ended after his father was summoned.

Upon finding out about Jinwoo's situation, his father wasn't disappointed with Jinwoo. No, no he was beyond furious (not with him) and demanded a little chat with the fathers of the bullies. He meant to beat the living life out of them by chat since he can't beat children or women just beat the dads. His sister on the other hand wanted to torture and humiliate the bullies, by making false rumors that would haunt them forever.

This is the price they paid for laying their filthy hands on their son and her brother. Of course, this Jinwoo didn't want that and managed to convince his dad and sister to just move schools since he secretly preferred to beat them up when he got stronger. Someday.

Future Jinwoo frowned at his thoughts and memories as they were forcefully shoved and muddled into his mind. Making him almost believe these memories were his and not someone else. Jinwoo knew that his alternate self was incredibly feebleminded, as he hasn't gone through the traumas and life-threatening experiences he went through as a teen, but he was glad that the spark of ambition was still there.

However, those goals were nothing more than foolish bravado. Jinwoo planned on training this body until it was strong enough to smash and pulverize a mall. Sadly mana didn't exist, but that didn't mean he couldn't be powerful enough to obliterate a concrete wall or bend iron like its butter.

Humans were more than capable of doing that, but society was mostly made up of untrained humans who would rather sit inside an office room all day, and do paperwork instead of throwing punches at someone for stealing their dumplings. It's not Ancient Greece or Rome anymore. People are much more civilized now since rules exist.

Anyways, to get back to his prime or at least be as strong as a high classed A-Rank, he needed to get back at the daily training course from the Oh-Great System. Which he did, and it caused great confusion and proudness steaming out of his family as they watched Jinwoo exscersize with grit and passion. It was a nice change of pace for them and his father even suggested teaching him some of his martial techniques. Jinwoo hurriedly excepted it. He lost his father a long time ago, he'd like to enjoy his time with his father, even if he isn't his.

Four to six weeks have passed and Jinwoo made good progress. Although Jinwoo hasn't completely revamped back to his prime, he's managed to at least have some muscles in his arms. A four-pack ab (that is still in the making). His deep voice has sort of returned but it's still pitchy, and some of the baby-faced fat were warring off as his previous sharp jawline was beginning to slowly reform. His hair was still long. Wasn't sure if he should cut it.

However, the one thing that has completely returned would be the powerful and dominating aura that exudes around him. It was almost as if, the mana prowess he had lost is still there, just sealed or hidden.

This is quite amazing by the standards of ordinary humans as it takes 3 months to 2 years to create abs, but it mostly depends on genetics and the diet. Much less the ability to physically embody intimidation, but this is Sung Jinwoo. What can't he do?

Nevertheless, he's proud of himself, but it would be a lie if he said he didn't miss the usual, overly exaggerated cheers of his soldiers and Beru, Igris, Tusk, Iron, Tank, Kaisel...

Ashborn too. Yeah, that old geezer, has been with him for millenniums, and he thinks of him as an uncle or grandpa he never had (not father since he still respected his biological father).

Even the familiar mechanical beep of the system or the system window appearing in front of his face whenever he completed a task. He missed it too. He missed all of them, very much.

He sighed aloud, he needs to get over this sulking, he's going to a new school called J Won Highschool and a new chapter of his life will start soon.

Let's just hope, the school is just as peaceful as the outside world. [A/N: You just jinxed it Jinwoo. 😔😩✋]