With that, I dropped back down onto the grass and launched into another round of push-ups, One, two, three… My muscles felt stronger and more responsive.
When my arms finally began to tremble, I rolled over and started a fresh set of sit-ups.
After another set of squats, I pushed myself into a run, circling the pond with a determined rhythm. Each lap felt more exhilarating than the last, until finally, my legs gave out and I collapsed onto the soft grass with a satisfying thud.
"I'm pretty sure I did way more sets than before," I murmured, catching my breath. A grin spread across my face.
"I'm definitely stronger now."
Lying there, the memory of that cool, revitalizing sensation from earlier came flooding back.
"Let's try some deep breathing again," I said to myself, eager to reconnect with that feeling.
"The way the energy flowed into me when my back was touching the ground... it was incredible."
I pondered for a moment, then laughed softly at my own stupid idea. "I wonder if it would be even more intense if I took off my shirt," I mused. "surely not, right?"
I slipped off my shirt, letting it fall beside me, and lay back against the grass once again. The cool blades of green pressed directly against my skin, and as I took a long, deep breath, the sensation rushed over me—far more potent than the last time.
It was as if a calming wave of pure, refreshing energy flowed from the earth, spreading warmth and serenity throughout my entire body.
"No way," I whispered, a grin spreading across my face. "It works."
But just as I said those words, the feeling slipped away, dissipating like mist in the morning sun.
"Ah, crap," I muttered with a self-deprecating laugh.
"Gotta stay focused." Shaking off the momentary frustration, I closed my eyes again and centered myself, inhaling deeply.
I imagined the energy flowing back into me, envisioning the rejuvenating feeling returning, and allowed myself to melt into the rhythm of the earth beneath me.
This time, I concentrated on the connection, embracing the magical synergy between my breath and the living world around me.
Slowly, the sensation returned, wrapping me in a gentle, revitalizing embrace, grounding me more deeply in this strange and wonderful realm.
Time slipped through my fingers like sand, unnoticed and irrelevant. The pattern became a cycle: work my body until it ached, then breathe and let the world rejuvenate me.
Push-ups, sit-ups, squats, running—each session blended seamlessly into the next.
I lost track of how many rounds I did, only that the sky slowly began to shift. Stars faded, replaced by the deep blue of predawn, and a soft, rosy light bled into the horizon.
The morning air grew richer, tinged with the scent of dew-kissed grass and the first notes of waking birds.
Despite the hours of exertion, I didn't feel drained. Instead, I felt stronger, sharper, like each cycle of training and recovery had refined me further.
My limbs were sore in the best possible way, the ache of growth and adaptation. A sense of pride and satisfaction warmed me, knowing I had spent the entire night forging this new strength.
As the first rays of sunlight breached the horizon, painting the pond in gold and the lone tree in a crown of light, I stood at the top of the hill.
My chest rose and fell with steady, even breaths, and a genuine smile spread across my face.
The night had flown by, but I felt like I had a step ahead of my classmates who had been sleeping the night away
"Guess I really made the most of this," I said to myself.
As I lay there in the grass, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the lone tree and brought with it an odd sensation, a prickling awareness that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
It felt as if I was being watched. Instinctively, I shot up to my feet, scanning the surroundings for the source of the feeling.
"Apologies, sir, I did not mean to disturb you," came a gruff yet refined voice from behind me.
I spun around to find a tall elderly man standing respectfully, dressed impeccably in a black tuxedo with a polished monocle perched over one eye.
His hands held a neatly folded towel, and his posture radiated both dignity and warmth.
"A towel for you, sir," he said, offering it to me with a courteous gesture.
I blinked, momentarily caught off guard, and then accepted the towel with a grateful smile.
"T-thank you," I said, using it to dry the sweat from my face and chest. The soft fabric felt refreshing against my skin after the intense workout.
"There was no need for you to walk all the way here," I said, bending down to pick up my now dirt-streaked shirt from the ground.
The man's lips curved into a slight smile. "It is my duty as the head butler to ensure that all the heroes are well taken care of, especially the hard-working ones," he replied, his tone holding a note of amusement at the last remark.
I couldn't help but grin back, slightly embarrassed. "Ahah, time slipped by, that's all," I said.
The man's eyes glinted with genuine interest.
"How should I refer to you, sir?" I asked.
Ah, apologies for my rudeness sir. The name is Archibald Tillman," he said with a small bow
"My name is Drey Edwards, and if you wouldn't mind, could you call me Drey rather than 'sir'? It feels a bit... stiff."
"As you wish," he replied with a nod, an eyebrow raising slightly with curiosity. "I had heard last night that your preference was more... casual." His voice held a hint of humor.
"Of course, the maid from last night must have told you," I replied, smiling. "She was quite kind."
"Yes, indeed," Archibald said, his expression gentle.
He then adjusted his monocle. "Although none of your friends are awake yet, there is food available for you if you are done with your training," he added, with a touch of warmth in his voice.
My stomach growled on cue, and I couldn't help but light up at the idea. "Really? Perfect timing! I feel as if I could eat a whole cow," I said with enthusiasm.
I could have sworn I heard a soft chuckle escape Archibald's lips as he turned to lead the way.
"Very well, Drey," he said with a slight bow. "Follow me."
As we walked back, the first rays of sunlight spilled over the horizon, illuminating the towering spires and grand stone walls of the castle.
The soft morning light revealed its true majesty, casting long, golden shadows and making the intricate carvings and stained-glass windows shimmer with brilliance.
"It's huge," I said in awe, marveling at the sheer scale of it. The castle was far more impressive than anything I had imagined.
Archibald, walking beside me with his refined grace, responded with a note of pride.
"It is indeed one of the largest castles in the world. It hosts most of the world leaders' meetings and houses the royal family of one of the five strongest countries. So, although it is 'huge,' as you put it, it is well deserved."
I nodded, the explanation making perfect sense. "I suppose it makes sense, then," I said, my voice trailing off as I continued to take in the magnificent view.
We made our way through the training center once again, and I couldn't help but feel that indescribable sense of loss as I stepped over the packed clay ground.
The vibrant, natural energy I had felt so strongly on the hilltop seemed to dissipate here, replaced by the sterile, disciplined air of the training grounds.
The sensation of strength still coursed through me, though, and I couldn't help but wonder about the extent of the progress I had made overnight.
'I feel stronger, but I wonder what the status thinks,' I mused, my curiosity getting the better of me.
'Status,' I thought, willing the system to respond.
[Name: Drey Edwards ]
[Description: Finally better than average]
[Level: 0 ]
[Health: 220 ] *
[Mana: 140 ] *
[Stats:
Vigor: 11 *
Mind: 14 *
Endurance: 11 *
Strength: 16 *
Agility: 12 *
Dexterity: 10
Intelligence: 10
Additional points: 0 ]
[Classes]
[Class: 6 Spiritual Root Cultivator]
[Skills: + Press to extend]
'Hmmm,' I thought as I studied the status screen.
'my strength went up quite a bit, but the rest of my stats didn't increase nearly as much.' It made sense that attributes unrelated to physical training, like intelligence, hadn't budged. But one stat in particular caught my eye.
'Mind.'
My eyes lit up in sudden understanding. 'The breathing must have increased my mind stat! '
Before I could dwell on this discovery any longer, a familiar creak interrupted my thoughts. The massive doors of the training center swung open, and Archibald turned to me with his usual composed demeanor.
"Breakfast is being served in the main hall," he announced with a slight bow. "I hope you find it delectable."
My stomach growled at the mere mention of food, and I couldn't help but grin. "Thank you, Archibald. I'm starving," I replied, already anticipating the feast that awaited.
Archibald's eyes crinkled slightly, a small sign of his amusement.
"I will see you later, Drey," he said, turning on his heel and disappearing down one of the many service corridors with the quiet efficiency only someone of his expertise could manage.
Walking toward the grand hall, I was immediately enveloped by an incredible aroma, unlike anything I had ever smelled before. As I entered the hall, my eyes widened at the sight before me.
A long, ornate table stretched nearly the entire length of the massive room, covered with platters of food that would put even the finest banquets to shame.
There were golden loaves of bread glistening with melted butter, roasted meats with crispy, seasoned skin, steaming bowls of thick, savory stews, plates piled high with colorful fruits that seemed to shimmer in the morning light, and decadent pastries dusted with sugar.
Maids bustled about, tending to the food and ensuring everything was perfect. Their movements were graceful yet efficient, and the atmosphere hummed with a quiet sense of purpose.
One of the maids noticed me standing there, likely looking overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of it all, and approached with a warm, welcoming smile.
"Welcome, Sir," she said, her voice kind and gentle. "Please, allow me to help you to your seat."
I nodded, grateful for her assistance, and followed as she led me to a spot near the middle of the grand table. Pulling out a polished wooden chair for me, she gestured for me to sit.
"Thank you," I said, taking a seat and feeling a rush of appreciation for the care and hospitality shown by everyone here.
Once seated, I didn't waste any time. The spread before me was too tempting to resist. I reached for a plate and began sampling everything in sight.
I started with a thick slice of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven, and slathered it with creamy butter that melted into the soft, golden crust. Next, I tried roasted potatoes, perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, seasoned with fragrant herbs.
The juicy, roasted meats practically melted in my mouth, and the sweet, tart fruits were a burst of flavor that refreshed my palate.
I devoured fluffy scrambled eggs, delicate pastries filled with rich creams and jams, and even took a sip of a drink that tasted like a blend of spiced honey and warm citrus.
Each bite was an explosion of flavor, more delicious than the last, and I found myself eating with a joy and enthusiasm I hadn't felt in ages.
The exhaustion from the morning workout faded away, replaced by the simple pleasure of a feast that seemed to have been prepared with care and skill beyond anything I had ever experienced.
I turned to a maid standing nearby, a young woman with a friendly smile who had just finished setting down a fresh bowl of fruit. "Excuse me," I asked, gesturing to the lavish spread before me, "is it going to be like this every meal?"
She looked at me with a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Of course," she replied warmly. "Only the best for the kingdom's heroes." Her words carried a note of pride, as though she was genuinely honored to be part of providing for us.
I couldn't help but shake my head in amazement. The sheer scale of their hospitality was overwhelming.
"That's… incredible," I said, still in disbelief. The thought of every meal being a feast fit for royalty was almost too good to be true.
The maid's smile grew, and she gave a small curtsy. "We take great pride in ensuring our heroes are well-fed and prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead," she added, before bustling off to attend to another part of the table.
I leaned back in my chair, letting that sink in as I took another bite of the delicious meal. The idea of being treated with such reverence and care felt strange, yet it filled me with a sense of responsibility.
They were investing so much in us, not just in resources but in faith. The least I could do was live up to their expectation.
'However, I have a feeling I shouldn't stand out too much. As they say the nail that sticks out gets hammered'