There's something uniquely memorable about having a delightful meal with your loved ones. Yet, nothing quite matches the experience of being roped into dishwashing duty with your father, all while being closely monitored by your ever-sweet sister.
Sometimes, it's not just the affection that warms you but also the intimidating death glare that accompanies it. I turned to glance at Sister Bai, only to be met with a stern, unyielding stare that sealed our fates. My father and I exchanged a fleeting look of mutual dread, silently acknowledging the precarious situation we were in.
"Sweetheart, you know we were just joking," Dad said, attempting to placate her.
Her icy glare suggested his attempts were in vain, so I resigned myself to the task and got to work on the dishes. By the time Dad and I finished, my arms felt as though they might fall off. Dad seemed to handle it better, which made me think this wasn't his first time facing such a punishment.
Sister bai had already gone to bed halfway way through the punishment with the excuse that she was tired but being the veteran I am I know it's probably because she couldn't bare to see us punishment
[If I recall correctly, it was she who handed out this punishment.]
Ignoring the system's commentary, I sat in the living room with Dad as he broached the topic from earlier.
"So, you're set on taking the entrance exam?"
Dad looked at me thoughtfully, his usual jovial demeanor replaced with a more serious tone. "You've mentioned the entrance exam a few times now. What's driving you to take it?"
I paused, considering how best to articulate my thoughts. "It's not just about proving myself. I want to show that I'm capable, to make up for the lost time and to live up to everyone's expectations. I know it won't be easy, but I need to do this."
Dad nodded, his gaze steady. "I understand. The entrance exam is no small feat, but it's a significant step. Are you prepared for the challenges?"
I swallowed, the weight of his question sinking in.
Am I prepared, I asked myself not fully believing I was, few days ago I was practically rotting in that disgusting place praying for death, am I ready to start this journey. I took a deep breath and quickly reassured myself, this time will be different, I will make it different, with the system by my side, I won't fail.
" I have recently started training again, I know I need not only be physically ready but mentally ready as well, I am determined to grow stronger"I said firmly.
Dad placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You've always been strong, Jun. Just remember, it's not about being perfect. It's about doing your best and staying true to yourself."
I smiled, feeling a surge of motivation. "Thanks, Dad. I'll keep that in mind."
Just then, Sister Bai reappeared, her earlier sternness replaced with a more relaxed demeanor. "Everything okay out here? I was just thinking about our earlier conversation. If you're serious about this exam, you might want to start strategizing. Preparation isn't just about training; it's about planning your approach."
I nodded, appreciating her practical advice. "I'll get started on that. Maybe we can discuss it more tomorrow?"
She smiled. "Sure thing. For now, let's just enjoy the evening. Tomorrow is a new day, and there's plenty of time to prepare."
As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, and I found comfort in the warmth of my family's support. Despite the challenges ahead, I felt a renewed sense of determination. With their encouragement and my own resolve, I was ready to face whatever came next.
As night fell, we all decided it was time for bed. After a long, well-deserved shower, I finally made it to my room. The moment I sank into my bed, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. As I began to drift into dreamland, I barely caught the system's message, its words almost blending into the haze of my impending sleep:[Training starts tomorrow]
*********************************************************************************************************************
[Wake up sunshine, training starts today]
"Uhhhh" I groaned as I was abruptly woken up by the system's loud and obnoxious notifications. I sat up still drowsy and dazed from sleep but I was immediately clear-headed when I saw the other half of the system message
"Training ?, "
"I start training today ?"
[Yes]
"Ohh good lord " I said exasperatedly, just imagining the kind of hell training has installed for me fills me with dread and goosebumps.
[First thing is first]
[Completion of daily tasks]
I pulled out my stats to lazy to give a reply of any sort
(Host attributes)
Journey of the gods
Level 1
Class ---unidentified
Exp--- 0/100
Hp--- 22/100
Mana--- 100/100
Dou qi --- 42/100
Strength ---35
Intelligence ---20
Beauty ---93
Agility ---30
Charm--- null
Accuracy ---18
Vitality ---18
Bravery --- null
Attributes points --- 0
Shop--- locked ( level 20)
Special skills--- null
Quest
I select quest
(Quest)
Daily Quests
Mystery quest (Locked)
Monthly quest ( Locked)
Mission (Locked)
I tapped on daily quests
(Daily Quests )
Run 10 km before the end of the day
Carry an object of 10kg for an hour
Jump 700 times in public
I stared at the quest with nothing but dread but I was determined to grow stronger and if this is what it takes
I glance determinedly at said task and muttered
"So be it"
I got immediately and changed into some work out outfit and went outside side to start with the first quest but I noticed something
"Wait, did my HP just increase"
[Yes it did]
"How ?"
[Do get better, you need good food and sufficient rest]
"Oh okay then "
I made my way to the yard and immediately started running, already hating how this is going.
I ran until my lungs hurt and I think I disorganized my internal organs and my meridian seems to have busted, in simpler terms I think I am dieing
[You're not dieing]
As I trudged through the final steps of my 10-kilometer run, every breath felt like I was inhaling shards of glass. My legs were on fire, each muscle screaming in protest, but I pushed through, determined not to falter. The system notification confirming the completion of the run offered little relief. My body wanted to collapse right there in the yard, but I couldn't afford to stop. Not yet.
"Just... one task down," I gasped, wiping the sweat from my face. "Two more to go."
The system stayed quiet, but I could feel it lurking in the back of my mind, ever-watchful, indifferent to my suffering. Part of me resented it. But another part—perhaps the larger part—knew it was right. I had asked for this. I had prayed for this chance to be stronger, to change the path I had once been forced to walk. And now, I would have to earn it.
[Carry an object of 10kg for an hour]
[Jump 700 times in public]
I looked around for a suitable object to carry and settled on a large stone by the edge of the yard. It was heavy, rough to the touch, and would likely leave my hands bruised by the time I was done with it. But I had no time to be picky. I grabbed it and hoisted it onto my shoulders, the weight pressing down on me instantly.
The heaviness reminded me of the chains. Those chains—cold and biting, binding my wrists and ankles in that dark cell, back when my own brother had imprisoned me. The weight of the stone brought that feeling back, and for a brief moment, the present blurred with the past.
I had been so helpless back then.
"Not anymore," I whispered, my voice hoarse, barely audible over the pounding of my heart. "This time, I'm in control."
I started walking, each step deliberate, slow, as the stone dug into my skin. With every lap around the yard, I imagined it was not just the weight of the stone, but the weight of my past, of my failures. The cold grip of Jun Shen's betrayal no longer wrapped around me. I could shake it off, bit by bit, with every task, every run, every breath.
The system chimed again. Its cold, indifferent voice sent shivers down my spine.
[Carry an object of 10kg for an hour ✓]
I dropped the stone, letting it fall with a dull thud to the ground. My shoulders ached, but there was a small sense of accomplishment blooming inside me. It wasn't much, but it was something. A small step forward.
But then my eyes drifted back to the next task: Jump 700 times in public.
Public. Right. Because running 10 kilometers in my own yard wasn't humiliation enough. I sighed, running a hand through my sweat-soaked hair.
"Really? 700 jumps? Where am I even supposed to do that?"
The system, as always, was unbothered.
[In public, as specified.]
With a groan, I made my way to the nearest street. It wasn't exactly crowded, but a few early risers were out and about, and I could already feel their eyes on me. Every fiber of my being screamed against the idea. This was worse than the pain of the run, worse than the weight of the stone. The humiliation of being seen like this—jumping in the middle of the street like some kind of fool—was unbearable.
But I had to swallow my pride. I had chosen this path. I had to endure.
So I jumped. One. Two. Three. Every movement jolted my sore muscles. By the time I reached fifty, my legs felt like jelly, and I could see the curious, amused glances from passersby. By one hundred, I was sure I could feel my soul leaving my body.
But I kept going.
With each jump, I told myself that this was nothing compared to the pain I had already survived. Compared to the betrayal, the chains, the torture—I could handle this. I had to. For my family. For myself.
As the jumps ticked down, my mind wandered. I thought of Father's words the night before—"It's not about being perfect. It's about doing your best." He was right, of course, but I wasn't aiming for perfection. I was aiming for redemption. To prove that I wasn't weak, that I wasn't the same broken person who had once been a prisoner in his own family.
Finally, the system gave me its next blessed notification.
[Jump 700 times in public ✓]
[All daily quests completed. Congratulations, Host.]
I collapsed onto the grass, every muscle in my body trembling with exhaustion. For a long moment, I simply lay there, staring up at the sky, trying to catch my breath. The feeling of accomplishment was there, but so was the exhaustion. I had survived the day's tasks, but I knew this was only the beginning.
As I lay there, the system's familiar voice echoed softly in my mind.
[Training will continue tomorrow.]
I chuckled weakly, already dreading what tomorrow would bring. But somewhere, deep within that dread, was a spark of excitement. I could do this. I would do this.For Jun Bai, for Father—and for myself.