AFTER 1 MONTH
In the early morning, Kazu Gonomiya stood in front of the mirror in his dorm room, staring at his reflection. The room was quiet, save for the distant hum of activity from the academy grounds outside. The month of intense training had taken its toll, but it had also brought visible changes. His muscles were more defined, his posture more upright. He could hardly believe the difference.
Is this really me? he thought, turning slightly to get a better view of his physique. It was hard to ignore the sense of pride that welled up inside him. He had pushed himself relentlessly, waking up before dawn each day for his routine of push-ups and jogging. And now, the results were undeniable.
"This is what hard work looks like," he whispered to himself, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. But I can't stop here. There's still so much more to do.
His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden chime, and a notification appeared in his field of vision. Curious, Kazu focused on the notification and brought up his status screen.
NOTIFICATION
[Exploration skill reached level 98]
[Strength skill reached level 47]
Kazu noticed it and said, "Finally, a new notification..."
Status:
Level: 80
Name: Kazu Gonomiya
Age: 13
Job class: God
[Passive Skills]
Divine Knowledge
Infinite Mana
Maximized Self-Healing
Sword Play
[Active Skills]
Blink
Explosive Blink
Bloodlust
Blood Steal
Rage: Locked
Quick Wield
[Magic Spells]
Whirlwind
Fire Pierce
Fire Spirit Flare
[???]
[Unique Skills]
Exploration Level: 98
Assassin Level: 92
Cooking Level: 8
Mining: 1
Smithing: 1
Strength: 47
Kazu's eyes widened slightly as he took in the details. "Almost there," he murmured. His exploration skill was just two points shy of maxing out, and his strength was on the verge of hitting level 50—the threshold required to unlock his Rage skill. The thought of unlocking such a powerful ability sent a thrill through him.
Just a little more, and I'll have it, he thought, determination flaring within him. He knew that his journey was far from over. In fact, it felt like it was just beginning. The academy had taught him so much already, but there was still more to learn, more power to gain.
He clenched his fists, feeling the surge of energy coursing through him. "I've come this far," he said aloud, his voice firm with resolve. "I'm not stopping now."
Kazu quickly slipped into his workout gear, feeling the fabric cling to his skin as he prepared for the morning ahead. The fresh air greeted him as he stepped outside, and with a determined breath, he began his routine. His footsteps echoed softly as he jogged for ten minutes, warming up his body, his movements fluid and effortless.
When he dropped to the ground and started his push-ups, his muscles engaged with precision. One, two, three... the numbers climbed, but something was different this time. He reached a hundred push-ups, yet there was no familiar burn in his arms, no heaviness in his chest. Instead, he felt a strange surge of energy coursing through him, his breath steady, his strength seemingly unyielding.
Why am I not getting tired? he wondered, a flicker of confusion crossing his mind. Testing his limits, Kazu pressed on, counting each push-up as he reached another hundred, his body still brimming with power. Just as he finished, a notification flashed in his mind.
NOTIFICATION
[Strength skill level reached level 48]
Meanwhile, Krisha had been watching him from a distance, her eyes widening with each passing moment. She had always noticed Kazu's dedication to his morning exercises, but today was different. There was an intensity to his movements, a stamina that seemed almost superhuman. She couldn't tear her eyes away from him, mesmerized by the way his body moved, how his muscles rippled under his shirt with each push-up.
Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze drifted lower, noticing how defined his abs were, the lines of his torso chiseled like a sculpture. A blush crept onto her cheeks, her thoughts racing. Kazu's body... it's changed so much, she thought, her admiration growing with every breath. He looks amazing... stronger, more confident.
Krisha found herself drawn to him in a way she hadn't expected. Maybe I should join him in the mornings, she mused, feeling a flutter in her chest. Talk to him, get closer...
There was something magnetic about Kazu, something that pulled her in, and she realized with a soft smile that she was starting to develop feelings for him.
Kazu glanced in the direction where Krisha was standing and noticed her watching him from a distance. He quickly looked away, choosing to ignore her gaze, and continued his push-ups.
"Is that Krisha? She's probably just watching me do my morning routine... I guess there's nothing wrong with that," he thought to himself, trying to focus on his exercise.
After a few more minutes, Kazu finished his workout, stood up, and headed back to his dorm. "Alright! I'm ready for the day!" he said to himself with a burst of energy. As he walked, his thoughts drifted to his friend. "I wonder what Nozue is up to right now."
Nozue's POV
For the past month, Nozue had been diligently sticking to the daily routine he and Kazu had established—jogging around the entire Druzka region and doing push-ups before lunch. His dedication hadn't gone unnoticed, and Rosalia, his mother, had started to see changes in his physique.
Rosalia caught him just as he was about to head out. "Oh, Nozue, are you going jogging again?"
"Yes, Mom..." Nozue replied, his voice soft, as always.
Rosalia sighed affectionately. "You're still so shy. After that, you'll be picking up a quest, right?"
"It's not that I'm shy, Mom. I just don't talk to people much. Kazu's the only one I really talk to. And yes, I'll be taking on a quest today."
Inwardly, Nozue reflected, Every morning, Kazu and I would jog together... It's been a month now, and I'm doing this alone... When will he come back?
With that thought lingering in his mind, Nozue pushed forward, continuing with his day, but the absence of his friend weighed on him more than he wanted to admit.
Kazu thought to himself, I guess it's alright for him to be on his own even without me. I hope he's taking good care of the orphanage. His thoughts then drifted to Kazike, who was like a brother to him. And what about Kazike?
Kazike's POV
Kazike was heading towards the Guild, determined to take on an A-rank quest. He couldn't forget the harrowing experience from the last S-rank quest he had tackled with Kazu; it had almost been a disaster. Maybe I'll stick to A-rank quests for now, he decided, preferring a safer path.
When he arrived at the Guild, he noticed Missy sitting alone, looking dejected. Concerned, he approached her.
"Missy, why the long face?" Kazike asked gently.
Missy looked up with a sigh. "Why hasn't Kazu been coming to the Guild lately?"
Kazike chuckled softly. "Don't you know? Kazu's enrolled in the Magic Academy! So don't be too sad. I bet you miss him, don't you? Maybe it's time you told him how you feel before someone else does."
Missy's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know I have feelings for him?"
"It's pretty clear," Kazike said with a grin. "You always blush when he's mentioned. And while Kazu's still young, he'll soon be at an age where you can talk to him about your feelings. It's better to express yourself sooner rather than later. Wink"
Missy blushed deeply. "Really? I'll try... Maybe when Kazu comes back. I didn't realize he'd joined the academy. Is he a scholar there?"
Kazike nodded. "Yes, but he's in a special training program where only one out of five scholars will be selected to stay on as a full scholar. Only the most deserving will be chosen."
Missy looked worried. "Do you know how long this will take? I hope he gets chosen."
Kazike reassured her, "From what I understand, it will be decided in two months. I hope he's chosen too; it would be wonderful for him to further develop his skills. Anyway, I'm off to take an A-rank quest now. I'll catch up with you later."
As Kazike left for his quest, he felt a mix of nostalgia and hope for Kazu, who had always been like a brother to him. He wished Kazu the best in his new journey and hoped for his success.
Kazu mused, Hmm, I can't wait to see them again. I miss them so much!
He then thought about his current focus. Maybe I should concentrate on this scholar training and try to learn everything I can while I'm here.
His mind drifted to his new passive skill, Sword Play, and he decided to check it out.
SKILL
PASSIVE SKILLS
Sword Play - This passive skill allows you to automatically adapt to any type of sword weapon and wield it with ease.
Kazu thought, So that means I can use a sword and handle it more effectively... This seems like a great skill. I think I'd like to try it out soon.