Chapter 3: Preparations (2)

The school had been the same as always, with constant insults and looks of disdain being sent my way.

I'm used to it.

Somedays I just tell myself, "It is, what it is." But that never truly makes it better. It just helps me to keep going forward. I raised my head high, I was growing a bit of confidence, and felt myself growing a tiny bit happier, I had to thank the system for giving me such opportunities. 

I was eager to just beat all of those idiots up, but I had to refrain from crashing out and being stupid. If I tried to do anything as I was now, I would be folded like an omelet immediately. I chuckled at myself, an omelet? seriously? 

My parents were confused by my constant change of attitude, as I walked into the house they attempted to talk with me but I just looked down and ignored them. I didn't have time to hear either my mother's or father's nagging. They ignored me and my problems so I'll repay the favor by ignoring theirs.

I believed could finish the situps pretty fast but it did start to burn and get difficult toward the end. I did about 40 situps in a row but had to stop because I couldn't bear the burning in my abdomen. But It didn't take long for me to finish up, after a break I got back to it and immediately reached the 100 situps mark.

I had just one more thing to do, 100 squats. I stretched and got to it. At this point I was used to it, I could manage the burning in my legs and the pain slowing creeping in, It didn't get bad until about 52 squats, but I could do more. If I didn't do anymore I would be disappointed in myself.

"Is this as far as my determination goes? do I wish to remain like this forever? weak? prey-like? No way, I can go on. I can do more!"

I pushed myself past my limits, I was going to go until I couldn't anymore, but I didn't care. I trusted that the system was going to reward me handsomely for my hard work.

The system was my reward as well, the record of my struggle, the proof of my pain. I couldn't give up now, I couldn't let the system down, and I had to become something it needed, I was chosen for a reason. I am destined to make them pay and become the strongest, I could feel it in my bones.

I finished the squats. With a single break in between, my legs felt like noodles and as if they were on fire. I fell to the ground and just wiped the sweat from my forehead, I smiled. I had finally completed the quest.

[Make a suitable body for combat.]

[Pushups: 100/100] (COMPLETED)

[Situps: 100/100] (COMPLETED)

[Squats: 100/100] (COMPLETED)

[Cardio: 10/10KM] (COMPLETED)

"It makes me smile to see all those green 'completed' next to them. I've never worked this hard, I'm....I'm proud of myself. I'm proud of myself.", I smile as I say this. Truly happy for myself.

But I thank the system, "Thank you, thank you for choosing me."

[+3 Fortitude]

[+2 Random Stats For High Levels Of Determination.]

[You have completed the tutorial quest in a matter of a week.]

[Accumilating Rewards%.....]

"..."

[Level Up!]

[Level Up!]

[+4 Skill Points]

[+6 Health]

[+4 Strength]

[+3 Agility]

[+5 Fortitude]

[+2 Perception]

"So does this...make me stronger, I'm assuming so."

'Oh, wait it's not done.'

[You have completed the quest 'Make a suitable body for combat.']

[You will be given a new physique.]

"W-What?!....that's possible?!"

[You may feel some or a lot of pain.]

[You will be put to sleep. Do you accept?]

"It may hurt, I don't want to feel that. Put me to sleep.]

I start to feel my eyes getting droopy and my body getting heavier. I fall over on my bed and am fast asleep.

...

Hours have passed, the sun has gone down, and the stars are out. I lift from my bed and look around me. I don't feel any different but, I turn to my mirror, and remove my shirt. 

A muscular body stood before me, I had a lean build yet was extremely chiseled. I counted the abs on my stomach, it went all the way up to 6. I was surprised yet happy. The system did reward me greatly.

But, what was even more surprising was my face. I walk up closer to the mirror, I stare for what seems to be minutes but in reality, it is seconds. I hold my face, touching my cheeks, nose, and ears. It was me but, handsome, now I wasn't something like a supermodel, but, I was for sure fine, I wondered how people would react. What would I say to them?

[Please be aware, that you must also take care of your body. It can and will deteriorate just as normally as any other body would.]

"I'll be sure to remember that and work out frequently."

'I don't think I've checked my stats yet.'

[Say status.]

"Status."

[Name - Kenny Sykes]

[Health: 512/512]

[Lvl. 3]

[Accupation: None]

[Titles: None]

[Skills: Perseverance, Cruelty.]

[Attributes]

[Health: 13]

[Strength: 12]

[Agility: 10]

[Fortitude: 11]

[Perception: 5]

"My stats are pretty high, what were my starting stats?"

[These were your starting stats.]

[Health: 7]

[Strength: 2]

[Agility: 4]

[Fortitude: 6]

[Perception: 3]

"Jeez, I am weak.....my fortitude and health were the highest. Am my strength...was at 2. Yikes."

'Oh, I also noticed this. I have two skills.'

[Skill: Perseverance.

When health is below 30%. The Perseverance skill is immediately activated, giving you a 10% boost in all stats and health regeneration. You will not feel pain for an allotted amount of time and you will feel extreme determination to complete your goal.]

[Skill: Cruelty.

You bear a lot of hate and malice inside your heart. When this skill is used on someone, an extreme amount of bloodlust will be subjected to them, stunning them for 10 seconds. The angrier you are, the stronger the skill.

Cooldown: 20 Minutes]

"Oh these skills are amazing, I'm surprised I got something so good."

"But, I've been wondering, just what will these skills be used for. Yeah, for fighting and combat but other than that what is it needed for? No person would be able to withstand these."

[The apocalypse.]

"W-What...."

[In a week, demons and monsters will flood the earth. The world will undergo changes and people will change. Awakenings of power will begin to arise, and monsters will do everything to kill. But do not fear, with the leveling system you will rise above all, stamp on everything, and become the strongest.]

"I-I don't believe this, so the world will be flooded with monsters and people will awaken skills and powers to fight and survive against them. I'm the only person who knows this, I must get ready, I have to take us to this information and gain a headstart."

..

The next day I walk into the kitchen, I grab some knives, some water, and some food. I then walk into my dad's tool room, he likes to craft stuff and used to be a mechanic. In there, I find a big hunting knife, I take some rope just in case, and even a small first aid kit. I didn't care what my parents said, I had to prepare and if they said anything, then so be it.

..

I stood in front of a tree, I brought out the hunting knife, I fit my hand perfectly and was so sharp it could slice through thick paper with ease. I start to move the knife around, making sure not to cut myself. I slice at the tree, leaving pretty deep marks on it.

I do this for about 10 minutes to get the hang of holding and swinging a knife, It might be useful in the future.

[You have repeatedly swung your knife around, you have done over 10 repetitions of the same thing.]

[You have unlocked Dexterity.]

[You have learned, 'Intermediate Knife Skills']

[You have been granted the title, 'Master Of Blades.']

[Title: Master Of Blades,

When holding any type of blade, whether it's a dagger, a sword, old or rusty, your proficiency in using that weapon will increase by 50% with this title equipped.]

"All that from constantly swinging this knife around? how generous of the system."

'I also unlocked a new stat!'

[Dexterity: 6] 

...

Just like that, a week had passed.

The end was near.