(NOTE: BEFORE READING THIS CHAPTER, I WANT MY READERS TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE SCHOOL GARDEN IS REALLY BIG AND HAS LOTS OF TREES AND FLOWERS. THE FOUR OF THEM WENT TO A SECLUDED AREA FOR MILLER TO PRACTICE)
*******
In the tranquil embrace of the School Garden, Miller, Watson, Emily, and Lillian prepared to test the extent of Miller's abilities. The air was thick with anticipation as they stood amidst the lush foliage, their eyes focused on the young boy at the center of it all.
Emily took a step back, her keen gaze fixed on Miller. "Alright, let's see what you can do," she said, her voice a mix of curiosity and encouragement.
"We want to see how fast you can run." Lillian said.
Lillian had branched to their girls hostel on their way to the School Garden and she came with a black bag that she kept some equipment that she wanted to use for Miller's training.
The first thing she brought was something that looked like a small hand held ball. The aim wasn't for them to use it for fun, but to check how fast Miller could run.
"Okay, on the count of three." Lillian said as she waved her hands indicating that she would soon throw the ball. "I would throw this ball and you would have to catch it. Understood."
"Yes Ma." Miler replied.
"3... 2... 1" Lillian said as she finally threw the ball.
WHOOSH!
A gentle breeze had hit their faces and Miller was in front of them with the ball in his hand.
"Wow." They all said in Unison.
Miller was fast and really really fast. Although, he didn't notice how faster he was getting due to his speed points increasing.
"You are really fast." Emily said with a broad smile on her face.
"So what's the next thing you can do." Watson asked Miller, but didn't give him the time to answer. "you have super strength. Why don't you punch that tree over there."
This is how the tree looked like. It was a colossal tree, a majestic titan that seemed to bridge the gap between the earthly realm and the heavens above. Its massive trunk, the size of three grown men, rose tall and proud, adorned with a tapestry of gnarled and weathered bark. The rough texture told stories of ages long past, like ancient hieroglyphs etched into its very being.
Its roots sprawled out like an intricate web, firmly anchored into the earth, as if they were the lifeblood of the garden itself. These roots reached out in every direction, creating a natural labyrinth that invited wandering footsteps to explore its mysteries.
The branches, akin to the outstretched arms of a benevolent guardian, stretched toward the sky with a graceful elegance. They intertwined and entwined, forming a dense canopy that provided shelter from both the scorching sun and the occasional rain shower. Amidst the lush green foliage, patches of dappled sunlight played hide-and-seek, casting ethereal patterns upon the ground below.
From the branches, countless emerald leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, their symphony of whispers singing a song of serenity and tranquility. Some leaves had been kissed by the colors of autumn, donning vibrant hues of gold, crimson, and copper. They painted the tree with a canvas of nature's artistry, heralding the passage of time.
Amidst the rich foliage, hidden amongst the leaves, sprouted clusters of vibrant flowers in every hue imaginable. They adorned the tree like precious jewels, painting a living tapestry of colors against the verdant backdrop. Bees and butterflies danced merrily from one blossom to another, their tiny wings adding a harmonious hum to the symphony of nature.
The tree was a sanctuary for countless creatures—a living ecosystem within itself. Squirrels darted through the branches with acrobatic finesse, their fluffy tails flickering like banners of curiosity. Birds of various sizes and colors found shelter among its boughs, their songs of mirth and melancholy filling the air.
At the base of this behemoth, a small alcove was formed by the intertwining roots, creating a natural sanctuary. Here, the ground was blanketed by a lush carpet of moss and small, delicate flowers. It was a place of respite—a sanctuary where students would often sit in quiet contemplation, seeking solace and inspiration from the ancient tree's wisdom.
Standing beneath its towering presence, one could not help but feel a sense of awe and humility. The tree exuded an aura of wisdom, as if it had stood witness to countless stories, both joyous and sorrowful, throughout the ages.
(NOTE: THIS WASN'T THE ONLY BIG TREE IN THE GARDEN. THERE WERE COUNTLESS OTHERS.)
"Why the hell would he do that." Lillian snapped at Watson for his stupid suggestion.
"I believe he can." Emily said. "Can't you do it Miller?."
Miller looked at the tree it was really big and looked extremely strong. He had no clue how strong he was currently and he also wanted to know.
Miller and the three others made the move to the tree. Miller told them to shift back a little.
"Miller, do you think it is a good idea." The System said to Miller.
"Why wouldn't it be." Miller said back to the System.
The System remained quiet after and then spoke again. "Don't forget you HP is reducing drastically and punching this tree would not only reduce your HP."
"But, i have to do it." Miller said trying to encourage the System. "I need to get stronger. Remember you were the one adviceing me to get stronger and this is one of my training. I have to do it."
The System truly understood what Miller meant by those words. The next thing, it gave Miller a Quest.
[NEW QUEST RECEIVED]
[PUNCH THE TREE AS HARD AS YOU CAN IN A SINGLE STRIKE, AND MAKE IT COLLAPSE IMMEDIATELY]
[QUEST REWARD]
[EXP: 40,000]
A broad smile appeared on Miller's face because of the quest. He was happy he was able to make the System give him a quest. He knew why the Experience points were high. He had to punch this tree in a single strike. The tree was big and very thick.
"Miller, i just think you should stop." Lillian said concerned.
Miller didn't even listen to what she said. He got into a fighting stance and clenched his fist so hard. With his HP decreasing and his points reducing, he decided to put all of them into his Strength STATS.
[STRENGTH: 3,841,600]
All his points increased when he got to Level 9. But had reduced Because of this Killer Mode Situation.
Miller encouraged himself that he could do it. The others behind him were even now telling Miller to stop what he was doing that it was absurd. Yet Miller was determined.
And with such much focus, he clenched his fist harder than he had ever done before and then....
BANG!
A loud bang was heard by almost everyone in the entire school at once. A big gust of wind hit Emily's, Lillian and Watson's faces.
The three of them opened their eyes and to their amazement, what they deemed not possible by Miller was done. The entire big tree had split in two from the impact of Miller's fist. The two parts of the broken tree fell on the floor simultaneously, making another loud sound.
They were happy and joy was on their faces. They walked towards Miller to congratulate him for what had happened.
When they tapped Miller on the shoulders, he turned and all their eyes widened. They now understood why Miller wasn't happy. Miller's wrist was broken entirely, and blood was dripping out. His bones were now shattered. The next words that came from Miller's mouth were shouts of pain.
"Aaargh."
*******
AUTHOR'S NOTE: PLEASE VOTE FOR ME WITH POWER STONES SO THAT I CAN KEEP WRITING MORE CHAPTERS.