Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Preparations (1)
[Quest #1: Prepare for the worst.]
[Make a suitable body for combat.]
[Pushups: 0/100]
[Situps: 0/100]
[Squats: 0/100]
[Cardio: 0/10KM]
"I feel like I've seen this somewhere...."
I waited patiently, I couldn't waste any time, I had to get home quickly and start getting stronger as fast as possible. I felt like the bullying wasn't as severe today but that's only because Bailey, my school-renowned bully left school after he took my money.
I was the first person to stand up as the school bell sounded, I didn't waste any time whatsoever to grab my things and rush out the door. I darted past people, often bumping into most.
"What's up with him? bailey got him on a mission or something? haha!~"
"Yeah, probably!"
I ignored the rude comments and just ran home, in my house I quickly greeted my parents, not even bothering to strike up a conversation with them.
'What's wrong with Kenny? he usually tells us about his day.....Hmph. Maybe he's just growing up.'
I remove my shirt, a fairly skinny body waiting underneath. I just look at the floor, trying not to even think or look at myself, the hate I had for myself hadn't disappeared, not at all.
"Okay...100 pushups, that should be easy. Right?..."
It wasn't easy, not even close. On the 5th pushup, my arms felt like jello and I had to genuinely force my body to do just 5 more. At the rate I was going, the pushups might take forever. But I was determined, extremely determined, I couldn't stop now, I had been given another chance, a chance to change everything, a chance to finally stop being weak and take what was mine.
Will everything I had, I did 10 more pushups, but it wasn't easy, I felt my shoulders popping and my arms shook violently. I was surprised at this, yet proud. For the first time, I was proud about something, proud about something I did. I nearly cried but held it in, I had to stop crying constantly, If I wanted to change I had to do it right.
I physically couldn't do anymore, no matter how much I wanted to, it was just impossible. I found it was better to just take a break or focus on something else. I got up and put my shirt and hoodie on. I tightened my shoelaces and got outside for a run, yet again just saying goodbye and ignoring what my parents had to say.
"That boy, just what is he up to these days? And is he working out? when did he start doing that?", My mother said.
Everything is hard! I can barely run for a couple of minutes straight, I knew the pushups would be difficult but even the running too? how weak am I? I am trash, I'm horrible at everything, I must try harder, no, I have to try harder. I have to keep running, moving forward, there's no time to look back. My mind was running laps, I couldn't stop thinking but I didn't stop running for a single second.
But, eventually, I reached my physical limit. No amount of willpower could keep me going, I fell onto my knees and just panted like a thirsty dog, but rather than being thirsty for food or water, I was thirsty for strength and power. I have always been pushed away and ridiculed. I can't stand for it anymore, people will only listen to strength, if someone rules with an iron fist then no one would dare stand up to them, I have to show them. I have to teach them.
I stand up on my feet, patting down the dirt on my knees and just catch my breath. A few seconds pass, and then a minute. I felt I had a decent enough energy inside me to at least jog back home.
After roughly 9 minutes I make it back home and this time I don't say anything to my parents, they just watch in silence as I walk back to my room while panting heavily. I was moving swiftly, quickly trying to complete this quest.
Before doing anything though, I grab a drink of water and immediately get back to the quest. Dropping to the floor, I started doing the pushups, this time I was going to do the same thing, go until complete failure. My arms were still a bit tired from doing the other pushups from earlier, but I could manage. Around the 10th pushup, I could feel the fatigue getting to me, and my arms started to shake uncontrollably. I stabled myself and kept going, I went past 20 but as I tried to keep going it felt unbearable, like it was impossible.
I knew I had only a few more in me, so I quickly did about 5 more pushups which sent me to the floor. I just laid where I fell and waited, I was super tired and didn't feel I could do anything else today. I needed some rest, I was going to wake up and do as many more pushups as I could before school.
[Pushups: 45/100]
[Situps: 0/100]
[Squats: 0/100]
[Cardio: 6/10KM]
"I'm nearly at the pushup count and I didn't even realize how far I ran until I checked the cardio count."
I fell sound asleep right after and when I woke up I started doing my pushups, maybe it's because I've been doing them constantly but It was feeling a bit easier in the beginning but quickly turned worse.
I did around 31 pushups, and to finish up the cardio I decided I was going to jog to school. As soon as I arrived after the heart-pumping jog, I was notified of the completion.
[You have completed the 10KM run.]
[+3 Agility.]
'Woah, that's new. What does it mean? Do I get faster of something?'
Class was about to start and as I was minding my business, Bailey, Elle and their small clique entered the classroom. They walked over to me, Bailey slapped me.
"Hey, friend, why didn't you greet me when I walked into the classroom?"
Elle tries to hide her laugh, "Oh how far you've fallen Ken...I can't believe I used to talk with a guy like you."
I glare at him, my hate-filled eyes startle him a bit.
"....What....wh-what's wrong? Are you gonna hit me? I thought we were friends?..."
'What the hell was that look, he's never acted this bold before. I should teach him a lesson, perhaps I've gone too soft on him.'
I turn my eyes away from his, 'I should refrain from doing anything to set him off, I know it probably put a dent in his ego that a loser like me scared him a bit.'
An immediate slap to the back of the head, that's what I got. But it didn't stop their, because Elle, another guy, another girl, and a bit more took turns hitting me on my head, I held back my anger just letting it happen.
Bailey's hand grips my shoulder, I hold in the pain, making sure not to yell.
"Calm down, we're friends..."
'Yeah right, I can see the anger in your face, you bastard.'
Bailey had a vein bulging from his forehead and his eyes were seething with anger.
'I must've destroyed his vanity with just eyes alone, he's extremely angry. I've grown dull to things like this though, but that shoulder grip thing does hurt...'
Class starts, and I raise my hand to go to the bathroom but In reality, I was just going to go and try to finish the pushups.
I walked out of the class and into the bathroom, It seemed a little gross but I had to finish quickly. and in a matter of a few minutes, I do about 33 pushups, but 2 more than last time. With this, I finish the pushups portion.
[You have completed 100 pushups.]
[+4 Strength]
[+2 Bonus for doing a bit more than asked.]
'Oh, a bonus. Will this happen every time or is it rare?'
I walk back to class and just sit patiently for the day to end.
...
After the school day is over I head home, but not before being tripped by Bailey and laughed at my Elle and their little group.
"Be sure to say your goodbyes every day. understand?"
I look at him once more, "Alright!"
It was an unexpected and excited almost response, I accepted it because I knew what was to come.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone