The following morning, the sun barely peeked through Jae-min's curtains as he rose from his bed, determination igniting within him. He had made a promise to himself, and there was no turning back. He was ready to push himself to the brink, to transform not only his body but his entire life.
After a quick breakfast—one that consisted of a bowl of oatmeal and a banana—he made his way to the small home gym his parents had installed but had never bothered to use. Dust covered the equipment, a silent testament to their neglect. But for Jae-min, it was a treasure trove of opportunity.
He began with stretching, every fiber of his being begging for him to ease up. But he pushed through the initial discomfort, focusing on the warmth building in his muscles. Today was just the beginning.
"Starting Stats:"
Strength: 50Agility: 45Charm: 30Looks: 40Weight: 110 kg
He cranked up the intensity, grabbing a pair of dumbbells and starting with bicep curls. Each repetition felt like a battle, his muscles screaming for relief. But he remembered the taunts of Min-ho and his crew, the feeling of isolation, and the anger bubbling inside him. It fueled his resolve.
As he pushed through set after set, he felt the sweat begin to drip down his forehead. He could almost hear the Revival System chimes in his head, urging him on.
"Quest Progress: Daily Exercise - 25% Completed."
"Current EXP: 10"
With each exercise, Jae-min felt his body responding to the strain. He wasn't just lifting weights; he was lifting the weight of his past. He moved on to the treadmill, cranking the speed to a brisk pace, his heart racing as he pushed himself harder.
"Quest Progress: Daily Exercise - 50% Completed."
"Current EXP: 20"
He could feel his body beginning to falter, his lungs burning as he fought to keep going. But every time he thought of stopping, a flash of Tae-sik's fierce resolve surged within him. He had fought through worse, and this was nothing compared to the streets.
"Quest Progress: Daily Exercise - 75% Completed."
"Current EXP: 30"
With his energy waning, he pressed on. His vision blurred, and he felt himself teetering on the brink of fainting. Yet, the fire in his belly wouldn't let him yield. Each step was a step closer to shedding not just his weight but the burdens of his former life.
"Quest Progress: Daily Exercise - 100% Completed."
"Current EXP: 50"
"Level Up: Congratulations! You have reached Level 2!"
"Stats Updated!"
Strength: 55Agility: 48Charm: 30Looks: 40Weight: 108 kg
The numbers flashed in his mind, a small victory in a sea of struggle. He panted heavily, his body pleading for rest, but he felt a surge of adrenaline with the confirmation of his progress.
"Just a bit longer," he whispered to himself. "This is only the beginning."
Days turned into weeks as Jae-min committed to his new lifestyle. He dedicated himself to training, each morning starting with a grueling workout that left him gasping for air. He skipped school whenever he could, opting instead to spend every waking hour at home honing his body.
He could see the changes already; his clothes began to fit differently, and the scales slowly crept down. But the real transformation was in his mindset. He was no longer the timid boy who cowered in hallways; he was becoming stronger, both physically and mentally.
But his parents were oblivious to his efforts. Rich and preoccupied with their own lives, they barely noticed Jae-min's transformation. One afternoon, as he was finishing a set of squats, they walked in, their expressions a mixture of surprise and indifference.
"Jae-min, what on earth are you doing?" his father asked, raising an eyebrow at the sight of his son drenched in sweat, struggling under the weights.
"Just working out," Jae-min replied, trying to catch his breath.
"Working out?" his mother scoffed. "You know, you don't have to push yourself so hard. It's not like you'll ever amount to much."
The words struck Jae-min like a punch to the gut. They felt like daggers aimed at his insecurities. His parents had always been dismissive, but now, in the face of his hard work, their apathy stung even more.
"I'm doing this for myself," he replied, his voice steadier than he felt. "I'm not just some fat loser anymore."
They exchanged a glance, an amused smirk flickering across his father's face. "Good luck with that," his mother said, dismissively waving a hand. "Just remember to keep your grades up."
Jae-min felt the weight of their disdain pressing down on him, but instead of crumbling, he drew strength from their dismissal. Their lack of belief only fueled his resolve.
As they walked away, he turned back to the mirror, glaring at his reflection. "You'll see," he muttered to himself. "You'll all see."
The next morning, he woke up feeling invigorated and ready to tackle another grueling workout. The fire that had ignited within him continued to burn brighter, pushing him to new heights. As he trained harder, the memories of Tae-sik's past life surged through him, reminding him of the power he had once wielded.
He was done being the weakling.
With each drop of sweat, each labored breath, he was building not just a new body but a new identity. He would rise above the bullies, above the doubts, and reclaim the strength he had lost.
And with every rep, every run, and every ounce of determination, he would become unstoppable.