Travis began working out, starting with a short warm-up to relieve his muscles and prepare them for the intense workout that was about to follow. Back when he was just a regular human, he did this every day to get strong. But now, with his newfound knowledge of his power, it wouldn't take a week to get him back into tip-top shape. He just needed consistency.
He began with a light jog, his feet rhythmically hitting the floor as he focused on his breathing. His muscles loosened, each step priming his body for the real grind. The sensation of warmth spread through his limbs.
" Back to the basics" , he thought. It felt nostalgic in a way, this routine. Strength wasn't just about raw power; it was built through repetition and discipline.
Once his body was warmed up, he smoothly transitioned into push-ups, each rep precise and controlled. His mind briefly wandered to how much easier it felt now that he had awakened.
" I used to struggle for hours just to get to this level of fatigue," he mused, amused by his new reality.
Next were pull-ups, his body rising with ease. It felt good, but he reminded himself that real growth came from pushing his limits, not just coasting by. The familiar burn in his muscles returned, a signal that despite his enhancements, there was still work to be done.
" This power is great, but it won't mean anything if I don't refine it, " he thought, pushing through the exercises.
He moved on to squats and lunges, keeping his form perfect. Sweat began to bead on his forehead. I need to make this count, he thought, feeling the determination within him grow stronger with every move. His mind cycled back to Jack, to that humiliating defeat.
" Never again," Travis vowed, increasing his reps.
---
Evelyn sat in the living room, a snack in hand, sinking into the plush couch as the soft glow of the TV flickered before her. The day had been long and exhausting, so after treating herself to a steaming hot bath, she finally allowed herself to relax with her favorite series. The warmth of the blanket wrapped around her made it even harder to think of anything else besides unwinding.
Then, suddenly, a thought jolted her out of her peaceful moment.
"How could I forget!" she gasped, quickly tossing the blanket aside and setting her snack down. She leapt off the couch, rushing down the stairs toward the basement. The sound of her hurried footsteps echoed as she reached the gym.
There, on the floor, she found Travis, drenched in sweat, mid-workout. He was lying flat on his back, powering through a relentless series of sit-ups. Each rise was steady and controlled, his expression one of deep concentration.
"Travis!" she called out, slightly breathless.
He glanced at her, mid-rep, before letting out a soft grunt of acknowledgment and continuing his workout.
Evelyn stood there, watching Travis power through his workout, his body drenched in sweat. His shirt had been discarded, soaked from the intensity of the exercises, and he looked visibly more comfortable without it. She lingered for a moment, waiting for him to finish, her eyes tracing the determination on his face.
As Travis completed his final rep, he sat up, chest heaving, before standing to wipe the sweat from his brow. Evelyn approached him, a guilty smile tugging at her lips.
"You already started?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of apology and amusement.
Travis gave a small nod, wiping his face with a towel as he turned to her.
"Don't worry, we'll start together tomorrow. I'm sure you had a long day," Travis said, settling onto the mat and positioning himself for a plank.
Evelyn sat down on the bench nearby, her gaze soft as she watched him continue his workout. She felt a twinge of guilt, knowing she'd let the day get away from her.
"Yeah, I did, but that shouldn't be an excuse. I'm sorry," she said, her voice sincere. "I made a promise to you. As a mother and as a person, I should always keep my promises, no matter what happens."
Travis glanced up at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That is true. But hey, you apologized, and I forgive you."
Evelyn smiled back, relieved by his understanding. She admired his maturity, not just in his relentless training but also in how he handled things with such grace. Watching him push himself every day made her both proud and motivated to keep up with her own commitments.
Evelyn smiled happily. She wished to hug Travis, but he was busy—and covered in sweat.
" When did he become so mature? It's like he's a whole new person... Maya did say he awakened, but I thought she was just joking, like always, " Evelyn thought, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied her son.
"Did you awaken? Maya told me you did," she asked, stepping closer to him. There was a hint of concern and curiosity in her voice.
Travis finished his plank, breathing heavily as he took a short break. Once he caught his breath, he stood up and faced her, nodding.
"Yeah, I did," Travis confirmed, enveloping his hand in a glowing aura. Evelyn's eyes widened with joy, and without a moment's hesitation, she pulled him into a deep, affectionate hug, not caring about the sweat that clung to him.
"I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed. "I knew you were just a late bloomer. We should celebrate. What do you want? Tell me, and I'll get it for you."
Travis, touched by her enthusiasm, shook his head with a smile. "Um, nothing really. I'm just happy you guys never lost hope in me. Thanks."
Evelyn leaned in and kissed him gently on the cheek. "I'm proud of you," she said softly. "I know you'll become a strong hunter—just like I was, but even stronger."
Travis's heart swelled with gratitude as he looked at his mother, her support and pride lighting up the room.
---
Evelyn was a former S-ranked hunter who retired many years ago after giving birth to her first child. With her powerful ability, Breaker, she could essentially break anything. And I mean anything.
TO BE CONTINUED