Drip, drip, Drip, drip.
Blood constantly poured endlessly on the ground. The solid blank floor that could infinitely extend thousands and thousands of miles covered in blood. Each blood that was poured onto the other pools allegedly made their colors turn even more red. A beautiful color red.
It was brutal, no, it was cruel. Lingering on to dear life while your organs and nerves and all of your injuries regenerate for each passing second while it keeps bringing back your insanity, is sadistically ruthless.
Alan moaned. He was in an awful horrible state. His neck was twisted upside down along with his spine sticking out of its skin.
His own esophagus was bulging out with his collarbone teared out and his legs were twitched at an awful angle. Apart from that, his own throw up was seen on the floor mixed with his blood. Probably from the sickening of seeing your own organs and dying over and over repeatedly.
Lifting a finger was just bad enough, that could make him shriek in misery.
"Uuuh…."
Although Alan tried to stand back on his feet, he halted after he soon listened to the system's timer. It ticks silently, with only ten seconds left to go.
9…
4…
2…
0…
When the large needles finally made a full turn, Alan then reappeared back in his own apartment, laying on the floor in an awful state.
Thud.
He tried to wheeze out but it was futile, instead he coughed, gagging out of his own blood.
"Cough, cough!! Bluraaah!!"
Tti-ring.
[Congratulations. You've endured the remaining time. You've completed the 'Penalty Quest.']
…
Alan didn't say anything but remained unconscious. The sparkle in his eyes was long gone at this moment. For every sparkle he loses, it completely brings back his sparkle. The penalty really didn't intend to show mercy towards Alan. Poor Alan.
The 'Penalty Quest' really didn't show mercy nor didn't want Alan to become emotionless until now.
Alan continued to groan and moan for a while. The mechanical voice ranged through his head.
[You now have rewards for completing the Penalty Quest are now available.]
[Would you like to confirm these rewards?] (Yes or No)
….
[The following rewards are now available.]
Reward 1. Full recovery of the physical body.
Reward 2. Six additional points.
Reward 3. Skill Stone.
Reward 4. 100,000 gold.
Reward 5. One random box.
[Would you like to confirm them all?]
"Myaaah…."
Alan's response wasn't the best to understand, but towards the system's question, it rightfully understood what he was trying to say. The first reward was chosen obviously.
How long has it been since Alan felt this seasonal feeling? The gentleness of green energy entering his body, covering entirely, was a very warm feeling. A gentle sensation. Just like Ava's.
Alan sobbed while his body healed up. He closes his eyes in consumption. It was a hurtful time to live in.
***
Silence once more. I didn't know how much time had gone by, but, judging by my surroundings. The air and energy, it seems that hours have passed. How long?
"My head…" I lifted myself from the floor. Why I'm I laying on the floor? My body's still sore. "Right, I got a penalty. There wasn't any 'Daily Quest' at that time I missed, so what did I get punished for?"
It was a bit fizzy, but my mind was starting to pick up the current events that occurred. The system's message and penalty. I was being tortured. I…I survived….
I clenched my teeth. "So pathetic of me…." My eyes were getting dry. I rubbed them with my arm to ease the traces of any tearing. While at that, I fully stood on both feet and gently walked towards the sofa not far around. I sat down in a comfortable position and my empty eyes narrowed above.
"Hah, even after sending me to suffer it still has the guts to show before my face." My voice sounds devoid and cold-hearted, is it the effects of the penalty?
I shook my head, it's better to put these thoughts aside, but now, I need to grow stronger. I clenched my hands in frustration. Loosen a bit, I covered my face with both hands. I bit my lips in bitterness, "So pathetic of me…."
I wanted to cry but my face didn't have the energy to leak any. All the shredding I did back there really took everything.
I peeked through my fingers and just slightly above, the floating blue window screen brightly illuminated slightly. I smiled in bitterness.
R̶e̶w̶a̶r̶d̶ ̶1̶.̶ ̶F̶u̶l̶l̶ ̶r̶e̶c̶o̶v̶e̶r̶y̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶p̶h̶y̶s̶i̶c̶a̶l̶ ̶b̶o̶d̶y̶.̶ ✓
Reward 2. Nine additional points.
Reward 3. Skill Stone.
Reward 4. 100,000 gold.
Reward 5. One random box.
[Would you like to confirm them all?]
I guess since this type of penalty gives out more rewards than any other? It's being generous for once. Hold on, nine additional points, that's triple the amount I earn for one daily quest. A skill stone? I haven't heard of this type of item and 100,000 gold? How much would that be in cash?
I could feel my heart rate. These rewards were incredibly helpful. My mouth was getting watery, I need to ease a bit.
"Accept all rewards." After those words left my mouth, three blue hologram windows above my eyes. One showed my status, the other displayed my inventory and the category [Shop]. I observed on all of them, 9 attribute points were appointed, a new item was brought to my inventory and the amount of coins changed just slightly below the words [Shop].
"It looks like I have 101,205 gold in total. Since my level's 21, could I now make purchases in shop?" Back then at my first dungeon when I sold those goblin ears and other things, I didn't have access towards the shop by making purchases but since I've climbed 20 levels so I should be able to get access now.
My finger went towards the word. Once I pressed on it, the hologram suddenly changed and extended its width and length and soon four new categories were shown in the following update. My eyes widened. I guess I needed to be at least above level 20 or higher presumably.
"Woah, there's so much stuff in here. Is that a shotgun? And a katana? Four billion gold just for one weapon? …Why is it so expensive… I guess having access to make purchases isn't so bad, but so many goods are available here." Having this make things so much easier. In case of an emergency or hunger problems, I could just open the store and buy whatever I need.
"What time is it?" I loosen a bit. I've been gone for too long on the system's command. I haven't gotten a day off without problems, I'm sick of getting into serious life threats. I glanced at the clock on the wall where it was at. "Six in the morning…I guess it's still pretty early to do some business. The daily quest won't be appe—
Tti-ring!
[You have one unread message.]
–[Daily Quest: Daily Routine Exercise] is now available. (unread)
…I should clear this first once I begin preparations. Don't wanna get the penalty when there's trouble, won't be able to know when it would occur. "Confirm."
Tti-ring!
[Daily Quest: Daily Routine Exercise.]
Wide-Range Pull-ups, 200 times: Incomplete (0/200)
Handstand Push-ups, 200 times: Incomplete (0/200)
Muscle-Ups, 200 times: Incomplete (0/200)
10km Run: Incomplete (0/100)
*Warning: Levels of Punishments will be held if Daily Quest is incomplete.*
….This is surprising. I'd normally get push-ups, sit-ups, and squats but it seems that I've gotten something new to work on. The first two exercises I know however, will I be able to do muscle-ups? You need serious shoulder strength to perform perfect form.
Although the rest need to be performed 200 times, why is that only a 10 kilometer run the only one that hasn't changed?
'Is it a mistake from the system?' ….I'll figure it out sooner or later.
I rose up from the furniture, and as soon as I headed towards the door, I picked up on something before I opened the door towards the outside window. I glanced at my clothes, "I should take a bath before I go. And some new clothes."
I groaned but it's necessary. Besides, the blood drenched on my clothes isn't the best way to head out, people would get the wrong idea.
***
It was a beautiful day out in the park.
Nature unfolded its vibrant palette, as colorful blossoms adorned the meadows and trees swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze. The air was perfumed with the delicate scent of fresh grass and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Righter at the bars, I panted out of my lungs the more I committed.
"....189, 190…91" With each breath for each rep, the exhaustion of my lungs taking oxygen was a bit tiring. A hundred shouldn't be intense to do but I guess this is pretty tiresome. But I have to do this.
I wasn't very good with calisthenics, despite my body once being incredibly weak and fragile, even though I once tried these types of exercises.
"198….199….200." I released my grip on a pole, which I managed to pull it off, realistically at the park. There were some kids who were their parents but no one tried to approach me. Thankfully no disturbances. I took several breaths before hearing the female mechanical voice.
Tti-ring.
[Total Muscle Ups: (200/200)]
[You've complete the muscle up exercise]
Tti-ring.
[You've completed 'Daily Quest: Daily Routine Exercise'.]
[Would you like to confirm these rewards?] (Yes/No)
I confirmed without hesitating.
Tti-ring.
[The following rewards are available.]
Reward 1. Full recovery of the physical body.
Reward 2. Three additional Stat points.
Reward 3. One random box.
"Accept all rewards." My first reward begins with my recovery of course along with three more additional points added. A small box wrapped with monotone gift wrappers was gently placed on my palm. 'I wonder what I'll get this time.'
I unwrapped it. "Another key? How many keys has it been lately?"
[Item: War of Nations]
Rarity: SS+
Type: Essential Key
This key does not transfer you into an instant dungeon. Cannot be used at the moment.
"This is rather a bit weird. I guess what makes a difference is the word 'essential' add." So it's not an instant dungeon. My eyes frowned. "F*ck sakes…"
I felt like punching someone.
I took a deep breath from my nose and sat on a bench, far from the parents. The situation felt similar. I began brainstorming my future ahead. How I'll live with this system and how I need to consider the responsibilities.
I can't reveal myself to the public that I'm an exceptional. If I'm questioned on how I got my powers, they won't believe me, rather they'll think that I was hiding them or that I was carrying on despite the law of superpowers. I can't hide for much longer, sooner or later I'll be discovered by some ordinary citizen or by the police.
I sighed. The challenges and difficulties that'll possibly occur soon are frustrating. 'What would she do in this situation?'
For a few minutes, I blankly stared in awe. "Open inventory."
My inventory pops up. Countless open slots showed some items that I've collected throughout. Above some of the countless empty slots, words like 'All', 'Equipment', 'Weapons', 'Materials', and 'Quest' conveyed vaguely above. A small search bar was included as well.
I headed towards 'Quest' and instantly found what I was looking for while I pulled out a key. "Let's begin with our second conquer, since the previous was an absolute failure. The difficulty hopefully shouldn't be on par with the other dark key, but I hope to improve more from this."
The key gleamed brightly in its platinum blonde color.
I glanced at the sky. Seems to be a normal good day.
***
"Dear Alan, we hope for you to continue your work in spite of—I'm not reading all that." I ripped the envelope that was sent by the Heroes Association. Even though it was a thank you letter, I never had an interest in their insincere tenderness, nevertheless being on friendly terms with them. I only care about the check.
"5,000…." A vein popped on my head. It's better than none. I'm at the verge of being broke, yet not even 10,000 dollars they could have at least sent me? Pathetic. I've worked so hard over the past years….
The pieces of ripped paper were crushed by my grip. 'Eight god d*mn f*cking years. You guys have made my life a living hell.'
I guess I haven't noticed sooner when the pieces of ripped envelope I clutched in my hands disintegrate into dust. It was only when I felt something was off. "The mana formed in my hands must've burned."
I wiped the extra dust. The anger I possessed quickly disappeared after I took out a key from my pocket. "Although its rarity is A+, shouldn't this also represent its level?" It could be a possibility.
The key dungeon that was rarity E, but after experiencing it, it never felt like it was an easy dungeon.
"Cannot forget a backpack. If I just randomly pull out or pour stuff in my inventory, people would give me weird looks." Once done with that I left the apartment and set foot outside.
[Item: Key of the Apocalypse's Battleground]
Rarity: A+
Category: Key
[A key that transfers you into the battlefield of the Apocalypse filled with the undead. Humans have long been perished by the corrupted and are on the verge of extinction. They cry for your answer. Can be used at the abandoned Fairgrounds.]
Without thinking twice, I walked my way towards my destination.