Zen trained for hours, determined to be stronger for his family. He also knew that he would be able to enjoy the fruits of his efforts in the end.
With Arthur's guidance, Zen improved in all aspects. Arthur also taught him the steps and the things he needed to remember to increase his concentration and be able to meditate at will.
And so, after a few hours of hard work, Zen happily looked at his status panel while sitting on the ground.
[Player Name: Deadman
Mana: 0
Level: 1
Age: 20
Race: Human
Class: None
Title(s): Apprentice of Fire
Stats:
Strength = 11
Agility = 11
Dexterity = 1
Constitution = 11
Intelligence = 11
Unused Stat Points: 0
Talent(s): None
Skill(s): Immortal Cells, Basic Mana Gathering Method.]
Zen's sweat dripped on his body while he gasped for breath, his face filled with exhaustion.
The reason for this was because he did the 1000 push ups needed to gain 10 Constitution and the 10 hours of meditation needed to gain 10 Intelligence consecutively.
Meaning that he had no rest in between the exercises.
While it may be impossible in the real world, Zen surmised that it was because of his 11 Strength and Agility stat.
He further hypothesized that even though he had only gained the Strength and Agility stat earlier, it must have still made some changes in his body.
'Shit… I just wanna lie down and sleep.'
Zen said in his heart, feeling the incapability to use any strength.
Even though he felt really tired, he could still clearly feel the changes in his body that were caused by the training.
At the same time, he was shocked at the changes that this 10 Constitution and Intelligence stat brought him.
He could now think a lot faster than before! Zen also felt that his stamina is coming back at a faster rate than before!
It meant that he had an overall improvement with his gains.
'I only gained 10 of them so why are the changes this big?'
Despite the fact that he was still very very tired from the training, he could already feel changes.
'What more if I take a rest and recover to my peak state?'
As soon as this thought came to his mind, Zen could not help but be excited.
'I wonder what the effect of my training will be on my real body…'
'Will I be able to walk!? Will I be able to travel with mom, dad and Sera!?'
Aahhhh– Hhaaaaaa~
At this moment, the sound of yawning interrupted Zen's excitement.
He looked towards the direction where the sound came from and was amused.
Arthur, who was lying on what seemed like a wooden sun lounger, stretched and yawned as he awoke from his sleep.
As Arthur's head turned, he saw Zen and was snapped awake from his groggy state.
Seeing Zen's face made him remember what happened earlier.
He did guide Zen at the start of the training, but how could he have guessed that the student he took was a masochist!?
He did not even take a rest or a meal!
He just did the push ups and meditation mechanically!
"Hey crazy bastard, are you done training?"
"Yes teacher! I have already reached the attribute stat cap that can be gained with the [Training Mat]!"
"Good! Good!!"
Arthur nodded, satisfied about Zen's progress.
Even though he was stupefied by Zen's actions earlier, he also knew that there must be some reason for him to be so determined.
'No… it's as if he was desperate.'
Arthur soon shook his head.
'Forget it. As long as he doesn't go overboard.'
"Teacher, what's next!?"
Arthur turned towards Zen who just got up, his face was still filled with exhaustion.
Flick~
"Owww! Why did you hit me again?"
"The next thing you need to learn is…"
Zen anticipated his teacher's next words as he held his forehead, which reddened because of Arthur's flick.
"Well, the next thing you need to learn is how to rest!"
"Okay teacher!"
"Huh?"
Arthur was a little surprised since he did not expect Zen to be so obedient.
The reason for Arthur's surprise was because of Zen's action of not resting in between exercises earlier. So Arthur did not expect Zen to control himself.
In truth, Zen had also noticed his rashness. However, he could not help but become impatient with his current pace.
He felt that it was too slow and that it will take forever for him to become stronger.
Arthur noticed this. Not only did he see the impatience on Zen's face, he also saw the desperation in it.
This expression was very familiar to him since he used to make this expression at a certain moment in his life.
Therefore, he noticed this even though Zen tried to hide it.
Arthur also knew that Zen's current state may lead to some troublesome events. As such, he thought for a while and said mysteriously.
"Do you want a faster way to become stronger?"
As soon as he heard this, Zen raised his head as fast as lightning. His eyes brimming with hope as he looked at his teacher.
'Yup, it's just like my expression from that time. It won't be good if this goes on or else it won't take long before he suffocates.'
This reaction made Arthur confirm something.
He smiled as he looked at Zen and said, "I have a way to hasten your growth, but it would be very painful and you might get exhausted to death. Are you sure about this?"
A joyful expression appeared on Zen's face as he said in a happy tone, "I'm sure teacher!"
"Also, I have some conditions that you will need to follow, understand?"
"I understand!"
Arthur nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Okay, then the first thing you need to do will be to clear your mind and rest while I get something for you."
Zen obediently walked towards a bench nearby and laid down.
He tried his best to push down the worry and impatience in his heart.