Chapter 18: Transformation

The shrill cry of the alarm pierced the morning silence, dragging Johan out of his dreams. With a groan, he silenced it and sat up in bed, muscles sore from the previous day's training. 'Another day, another chance to get stronger,' he thought, steeling himself for the grueling routine that lay ahead.

The training sessions were a mix of sweat, pain, and stubborn persistence. It wasn't easy. It was far from easy. But Johan was determined to get stronger, to be more than just the skinny boy he used to be.

'Five... ten... fifteen...' He counted each rep, pushing his body to its limits. His muscles screamed in protest, his breaths came in ragged gasps, and the urge to quit was a constant companion. Yet, he persisted, every rep an affirmation of his resolve.

Then came the day when he hit the fifty mark. It was a day of both immense pain and immense pride. 'I did it...I really did it,' he marveled, staring at his trembling arms. The ache was almost unbearable, but the satisfaction that came with it dulled the pain.

Next, it was a hundred. The day he reached that milestone, Johan could hardly believe it. He felt like he was floating on a cloud, basking in the glow of his hard-earned success. 'This is just the beginning,' he reminded himself, already eyeing the next goal.

When he finally hit the 200 mark, Johan could hardly contain his joy. His body was a mess of aches and fatigue, but his spirit was soaring. He had done it. He had proven to himself that he could do it. 'I am stronger. I can be strong,' he affirmed, the sense of achievement empowering him.

Throughout it all, there was one constant companion - pain. It was a constant reminder of his struggle, a testament to his determination. But it was also a sign of progress, of his growing strength. 'Pain is just weakness leaving the body,' Johan thought, a small smile playing on his lips.

His self-talk was filled with these moments of reflection, of assessment, of resolve. It was his driving force, the voice in his head that kept him moving forward. 'I can do this. I will do this,' he kept reminding himself, even when his body begged him to stop.

The day ended with a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. His body was sore, but his spirit was uplifted. He had done it. He had taken another step towards becoming stronger. And tomorrow, he would do it all over again.

...

Every morning, when Johan caught sight of his reflection in the mirror, he saw a body slowly transforming, muscles filling out the places where there was once only skin and bones. His biceps grew firmer, his shoulders broader, and his abs started to show, a subtle definition that wasn't there before. Even his legs, once thin and weak, were getting stronger, revealing a set of powerful muscles.

He touched his reflection, tracing the contours of his new form. 'Is this really me?' he wondered, the disbelief palpable in his voice. It was surreal to see such a drastic transformation in a span of few weeks.

Every ounce of muscle he gained, every layer of fat he lost, and every iota of strength he earned reminded him of his purpose. 'For Miles, for our future, for me,' he thought, the words turning into a mantra that fueled his determination.

However, as the changes became more evident, doubts began to creep into his mind. 'This...isn't normal,' he pondered, scrutinizing his muscular arms. 'This kind of improvement...it's impossible on Earth. Then, is it because I'm in a different world? Or is the master just too good?'

He also considered the food he was eating. Fatty made sure he had a well-balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients and protein. But could food alone cause such a drastic change?

He then thought about the card system, the mysterious card inside his consciousness. Could it be related? Was it enhancing his physical capabilities without him knowing?

There was also the possibility of him having an innate talent or physique that was stimulated due to the intense training. 'Could it be...?' He pondered, but shook his head, unable to come up with a definitive answer.

Through all this, one thing was clear. Johan was changing, growing stronger, and closer to his dreams. And despite the doubts and uncertainties, he held onto that feeling, letting it drive him forward. 'No matter what, I won't stop. and my future,' he resolved, his determination steeled.

...

Miles watched his brother move around the small apartment they shared, his eyes wide in admiration. Johan, with his broadened shoulders and toned muscles, seemed to fill the space, his mere presence commanding attention. Miles could hardly believe this was the same brother who had been so thin and frail a few months ago.

"Brother, you're...amazing," Miles said, his voice filled with awe. "I can hardly believe it's you."

Johan paused and glanced at his younger brother, his eyebrows raised. "Oh, really? Am I that different?"

Miles nodded vigorously. "Yes, you are! I mean, you were strong before, but now... You're like a superhero!"

Johan chuckled at that. 'Superhero, huh?' he thought, an amused smile playing on his lips. 'If only becoming a Card Master was as simple as becoming a superhero.'

Later in the day, when Johan met Fatty at their usual spot, the rotund man looked him up and down, a surprised expression on his face. "Well, well, look at you, Johan. You're practically a different person!"

Johan shrugged, a modest smile on his face. "I've been training hard. It's been...effective."

"Effective? That's an understatement!" Fatty exclaimed, clapping him on the shoulder. "You're not just training hard, you're training smart. Keep it up, Johan. I have a feeling great things are waiting for you."

Fatty's words echoed in Johan's mind long after their conversation. 'Great things... Yes, I won't stop until I achieve them,' he thought, his resolve solidifying. His doubts and confusion might not have been cleared.

...

Months of gruelling training came to fruition as Johan gazed at his reflection in the mirror. His form was unrecognizable from the man who had started this journey - muscular arms and well-defined pecs replaced the once scrawny frame. His abs were visible, his waistline narrow, and his lats bulged, giving him an intimidatingly athletic silhouette. Even his legs, once stick-like, were now powerful and corded with muscle. A mere ten percent body fat gave him a ripped, shredded look that spoke volumes of his commitment and effort.

His master stood beside him, equally impressed. "Your genetics are a godsend, Johan. Small waist, bulging biceps, broad back. You've achieved a physical state that many work their whole lives for but never attain. I am proud of your dedication and the progress you've made," he said, his voice full of admiration.

The sense of pride that swelled within Johan was not only for his physical transformation but also for his journey. He had transformed not only his body but his will, resolve, and spirit. He had faced his weaknesses, pushed past his limits, and emerged stronger than he had ever been before.

The training had been a test of his perseverance, a battle between mind and body. And as he looked at his reflection, a profound understanding dawned on him - his body was his weapon, his shield. And with this newfound strength, he was ready to face the trials that lay ahead. Ready to continue his journey to become a Card Master.

His eyes met his reflection once again, a steely determination mirrored back at him. He was not the same man anymore. He was stronger, more resilient, and more determined. He had earned this transformation.

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