As Xavier caught his breath after the unexpected challenge of doing thirty push-ups, he couldn't shake the sense that something extraordinary was happening. The mysterious text had compelled him to act, and he couldn't help but wonder what other directives it might have in store.
Just as he was about to dismiss the whole experience as some bizarre dream, the air around him seemed to shimmer once more. A new message materialized in front of him, its glowing letters filling the air with an otherworldly presence.
[Perform 30 sit-ups, 30 squats, and a 5-minute plank or face punishment.]
"Again with the threats? This is definitely not how to build a healthy relationship with a future savior" Xavier complained.
With a determined nod, he began his regimen. First, he moved to a cleared space on the floor and assumed the sit-up position. He counted each one in his mind, his abdominal muscles burning with each repetition.
He reached thirty and transitioned seamlessly into the squat exercises. The room seemed to blur around him as he powered through the demanding routine, his body protesting the effort.
After completing the squats, he moved to a nearby wall and lowered himself into a plank position. The seconds stretched into minutes as he held the posture, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The room seemed to fade away as he focused on maintaining the plank, his core muscles trembling with the strain.
Finally, the five minutes elapsed, and Xavier released the plank. He stood, panting and drenched in sweat, the room returning to its normal state. The message before him dissolved into a shimmering light and vanished.
"All the heroes of legend I have heard of from my mum were given a choice. I'm being bullied into greatness." Xavier commented with bitterness in his heart.
The digital interface displayed the fruits of Xavier's dedication, each message a testament to his progress:
[Congratulations, Daily task accomplished.]
[+3 EXP]
These simple lines carried a profound meaning for Xavier. They symbolized his commitment to the system's tasks and the rewards that came with it.
[Name: Xavier]
[Race: Human]
[Level: 1]
[Number of Lives: 3/3].
[Abilities]
[Enhanced Vision: Host's sight is superior to that of the average human.]
[Territory: Host gains strength in hotter environments]
[Basic Fire Manipulation: Host is capable of generating and manipulating a fairly limited quantity of fire.]
[Experience points: 3/50]
Xavier pondered the significance of his experience points. He concluded they were a measure of his growth, a currency for unlocking new levels in the system.
As he contemplated his newfound capabilities, Xavier couldn't help but wonder about the mysteries that lay ahead. The number of lives he possessed intrigued him, were they permanent or subject to change with his progress?
Xavier quickly decided to put away the thoughts and try out his abilities first. His heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as he contemplated testing out the only ability he could actually test out in the confines of his little room, Basic Fire Manipulation.
He had read the system's description of the power, but the thought of wielding fire in his own hands filled him with a sense of awe and fear.
Taking a deep breath, he extended his hand, palm up, and focused his thoughts on the concept of fire. He recalled the times he had witnessed flames dance in fireplaces or flicker in torches, trying to conjure that same image in his mind.
At first, there was nothing but the eerie silence of his room. Then, a spark, no bigger than the tip of his finger, flickered into existence in the center of his palm. Xavier's eyes widened with wonder as he watched the tiny flame dance and sway, its gentle glow casting warm light in the dim room.
Buzz.
A sense of power surged through him, and he marveled at the delicate balance he held in his hand. He cautiously experimented, making the flame grow slightly larger, then smaller, like a miniature firework display. It obeyed his mental commands with a remarkable ease that surprised him.
However, as Xavier continued to play with the fire, a nagging thought crept into his mind, the same thought that had always haunted him.
'What if something goes wrong? What if my terrible luck strikes again, and this tiny flame spiraled out of control? It will be another house fire but this time with Travis burning.' Xavier couldn't help but think as he remembered his foster family.
"Rest in peace." He prayed silently.
A bead of sweat formed on his forehead as he realized the potential danger. He hastily extinguished the flame, closing his hand into a tight fist to snuff out the source of his newfound power. The room returned to its dim, ordinary state.
Xavier's excitement gave way to a deep sense of caution. While he possessed the ability to manipulate fire, he also carried the burden of his past misfortunes. He was certain the world is waiting for an opportunity to fuck him over, and it's duty to make it harder for them to get a chance.
As Xavier stepped out of the steaming bathroom, a towel wrapped securely around his waist, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relaxation wash over him. The small room in the hostel provided to handymen by the Mercenary guild wasn't much, but it offered a degree of comfort and privacy he had come to appreciate.
Just as he was about to grab a fresh set of clothes from his bed, he heard a knock on the door. He frowned, wondering who could be visiting at this hour. Xavier quickly grabbed the towel to ensure it didn't slip and cautiously made his way to the door.
With a hushed voice, he called out, "Who is it?"
A familiar voice responded from the other side, "It's Travis. Mind opening up?"
Xavier's eyes widened in recognition, and a small smile tugged at his lips. Travis was his closest friend in the guild, and their rooms were conveniently located next to each other. He felt a sense of relief at hearing his friend's voice.
Without hesitation, Xavier unlocked the door and pulled it open to reveal Travis standing in the narrow hallway outside. Travis looked equally surprised to see Xavier in nothing but a towel.
"Xavier." Travis exclaimed, his eyes widening with amusement. "Didn't mean to catch you at a bad time, did I?"
Xavier chuckled, feeling a bit self-conscious but not overly so. "Not really, I was planning to kick your door down in a few minutes. What's up?"
Travis leaned in conspiratorially as if sharing a secret. "Well, you see, we've got no work today. And I thought, why not make the most of it? I heard they've just baked our favorite buns down at the bakery. Fresh and hot, ready to be devoured."
Xavier's stomach rumbled at the mention of hot buns. "That does sound tempting, Travis. But here's the thing, we didn't get paid for yesterday's mission. We didn't complete it, so I'm a bit low on coins."
Travis's grin only widened at Xavier's words. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch, jingling it playfully. "You see, Xavier, I had a feeling you might say that. So, I've got you covered. This little pouch right here? It's got enough coins for a dozen of those delicious buns."
Xavier's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. "Well, I can't say no to free food."
Travis waved off his concerns with a dismissive gesture. "Nonsense. Friends look out for each other, especially when it involves hot buns and our secret spot. So, what do you say? Are you up for a morning adventure?"
Xavier couldn't help but smile. "You know what, Travis? I'm in."