The morning sun shone brightly, but Jae-min felt a different kind of warmth radiating from within. It was a renewed spirit, a fierce determination to embrace the grind and challenge himself in ways he had only dreamed of since his rebirth. Today, he decided, was another day for transformation.
As he made his way down the hallway, he caught sight of the clock ticking down to the start of first period. Instead of stepping into the classroom, he turned away, heart racing with excitement. Missing school again felt reckless, but he knew he had to seize this moment. The thought of sitting in class while his body craved movement was unbearable.
"Revival System Activation: Skipping School."
"Current EXP: 0"
He rushed home, adrenaline coursing through him as he envisioned the workouts ahead. Today, he would push himself to the extremes—no more coddling, no more half-hearted attempts. He was ready to face the kind of rigorous exercises that once defined Tae-sik's life as a gangster.
Once he arrived, Jae-min quickly changed into his workout gear, looking at himself in the mirror. He no longer felt like the fat loser others saw; he was a warrior preparing for battle. With a fierce grin, he entered his makeshift gym and surveyed the equipment. It was time to unleash everything he had.
He began with high-intensity interval training, just as he had seen in Tae-sik's previous life. He grabbed the jump rope and started swinging it violently, each jump echoing with the rhythm of his heartbeat. He pushed himself to the brink, every skip serving as a reminder of the power he had once held.
"Quest Progress: Extreme Exercise - 20% Completed."
"Current EXP: 10"
"Come on, Jae-min!" he shouted to himself, sweat already trickling down his back. He transitioned to burpees, each movement explosive, a reflection of the intensity that once governed his old life. He imagined the adrenaline of street fights, the urgency of the gang wars. This was more than just a workout; it was a resurgence of the fire that had been dormant within him.
"Quest Progress: Extreme Exercise - 40% Completed."
"Current EXP: 20"
"Stats Updated!"
Strength: 62Agility: 54Charm: 31Looks: 42Weight: 104 kg
He moved onto the weights, grabbing the heaviest dumbbells he could handle. Each rep burned his muscles, the strain palpable, but Jae-min welcomed it. This was what it meant to be alive— to push against the limits, to break through barriers. He recalled the countless fights he had endured, the pain that came with strength, and he absorbed every ounce of that energy.
"Quest Progress: Extreme Exercise - 60% Completed."
"Current EXP: 30"
Jae-min then transitioned to shadowboxing, channeling the ferocity of his past life. His fists flew, each punch landing with an imagined opponent in front of him. With every swing, he felt the anger of being bullied, the hurt of isolation transform into power. He became a force of nature, sweat pouring down as he unleashed the rage and hurt he had bottled up for too long.
"Quest Progress: Extreme Exercise - 80% Completed."
"Current EXP: 40"
"Stats Updated!"
Strength: 64Agility: 56Charm: 31Looks: 42Weight: 103 kg
As he neared the end of his extreme workout, he took a moment to catch his breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He stared into the mirror, panting heavily, but his reflection showed determination. He was no longer just Jae-min; he was becoming someone new.
"Quest Progress: Extreme Exercise - 100% Completed."
"Current EXP: 50"
"Level Up: Congratulations! You have reached Level 4!"
"Stats Updated!"
Strength: 66Agility: 58Charm: 32Looks: 43Weight: 102 kg
The days blended together in a flurry of workouts, each one pushing him to new limits. Jae-min found himself missing more school days, but with every skipped lesson came a renewed sense of self-worth. He was transforming, not just physically but mentally. He learned to accept the loneliness, turning it into motivation rather than a source of despair.
The whispers of Eun-ji and Min-ho lingered in his mind, but they became less daunting with each passing day. Each workout was a reminder that he was not just losing weight; he was gaining power, confidence, and a new identity. The old insecurities melted away, replaced by the fierce spirit of Tae-sik.
One afternoon, while finishing a particularly grueling workout, he collapsed onto the gym floor, exhausted but exhilarated. As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, he felt the urge to channel his newfound energy into something greater. Perhaps it was time to take action, not just for himself, but for others like him.
What if he could inspire those who felt trapped by their own circumstances? What if he could become a beacon of strength for those who had faced bullying and ridicule? The thought sparked an idea within him, igniting a flame of ambition.
With renewed determination, he picked himself up from the floor, gazing into the mirror once more. "This isn't just for you, Jae-min," he said to his reflection. "This is for everyone who's ever felt like a loser. You'll be more than just a story of transformation; you'll become a symbol of strength."
As he prepared for his next workout, he felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. He was no longer just training to lose weight; he was training to change lives. Each drop of sweat became a testament to his resolve, and he was ready to break the chains of his past.
This was just the beginning.