Kael trudged through the quiet streets, his mind a storm of emotions. Shame, anger, and sorrow churned within him, each vying for dominance. He felt ashamed of himself-for trusting Amara, for believing she would ever truly stand by his side.
The weight of her betrayal was unbearable; every memory of their time together laced now with the bitter sting of her betrayal. How hadn't he seen it? How had he been so blind to her true nature?
He had opened the door of his small, dimly lit apartment and gone only a few steps inside before his legs turned to lead. He leaned back on the door shutting it closed with him slumping against it as his composure crumbled, he fell to the floor weeping hot, unchecked tears.
He stayed in that state for what seemed to be hours, the anguish of being betrayed searing through him. Eventually, Kael became exhausted and fell into his bed. Sleep enveloped him, though his slumber was anything but restful.
A loud banging stirred Kael awake. His eyes opened, and his heart pounded desperately as he struggled to recall where he was. The thumping continued, this time louder and accompanied by a voice.
"Kael? Are you home?"
He remained unmoving. That voice—it was Amara.
Kael froze for a moment before forcing himself out of bed. His movements were dragging, but his mind was fully alert. He opened the door, and there she was, standing on the threshold as if nothing had transpired.
"How are you, Kael? Are you alright?" she asked, her voice dripping with faked concern.
Kael looked at her; his face stolid. He felt a jolt in his chest, but it immediately burned into ashes by a wave of rage.
"I'm fine," he said brusquely. His voice cold, detached, starkly different from the warmth he held for her once upon a time.
Amara's eyes narrowed ever so slightly; her mask of practice faltered for a moment. "You seem. .. different. Are you quite alright?
Kael's lips curled up into a bitter smile. "How was your night?" he asked in that deceptively calm voice of his. "You must have had fun on that couch we both bought, right?"
He stared at her with the blade hanging there in the air. Amara's face paled into deathly pallor, and she widened her eyes in utter shock.
"What are you talking about?" she stammered, her voice quivering.
Kael stepped back into the doorframe, staring into her eyes. "You must've been too busy moaning to remember," he sneered in sarcasm.
Without waiting for a response, Kael stepped back and slammed the door in her face. The sound echoed around the apartment, leaving only an eerie silence.
Kael stood there, his heart racing. He heard her shuffling outside, as if trying to understand what just occurred. And then, for what felt like an eternity, he heard her go.
Kael released a shaky breath and leaned on the door. He was exhausted, but some small, icy satisfaction coursed through him. He had said what needed saying.
The day passed like a blur. Kael would melt in and out of sleep, his body feeling heavy from the emotional stress he had been dealing with for the past few days.
As nightfall approached, a voice echoed through the room.
"Wasting away the whole day in bed, eh?"
Kael opened his eyes, and his heart skipped a beat. He was positive that the voice belonged to the system.
"What?" he mumbled, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
You have slept enough," the system said, its voice laced with irritation. "You think lying in bed is going to make some difference? Rise up."
Kael furrowed his brows, still fuddled. "Why do you care?"
"Because," said the system, "you're wasting valuable time. I did not bring you this far so that you may wallow in self-pity."
Kael sighed, brushing his hair behind his ear. "What do you want me to do?
The interface of the system materialized before him, glowing faintly in the dim room.
[ Workout Plan Started ]
[ Do all of the following to receive a special treat: ]
1.100 push-ups
2.100 sit-ups
3.100 squats
4.10 km run
Kael stared at the list in front of him, his jaw dropping a little.
"You have to be kidding me."
"I swear to you, I am not," the system said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "These are just the basics. If you want to become stronger, you will need to push yourself far beyond this."
Kael groaned, rubbing his temples. "I am not some superhuman. This is ridiculous."
"You're no longer ordinary," the system retorted. "Or have you forgotten the power that you now carry? Strength does not come through sitting around, waiting-it comes through earning."
Kael groaned, feeling his mind begin to spin around. The system was right, of course, which he hated dearly. He wasn't going to be able to sit around all day, letting the world blow by him to survive in it.
Fine, he muttered, swinging his legs over the bed's edge. Let's get this over with.
He changed into some workout clothing and stepped out into the cool evening air reviving his senses. Kael took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.
He started with push-ups. His arms trembled as he pushed his body up and back down again. It was a real struggle for each movement, the muscles burning under the effort.
The sit-ups were not much easier. His abs were on fire by the time he hit fifty, but he pushed through to finish.
The squats were no easier. His legs shook as he lowered himself to the ground and rose again, over and over.
Finally, the run. Kael went out running steadily, taking his breath in rhythmic gusts as he made his way down the streets that curved back and forth into each other. The city was quiet, all sounds his feet on the street and the slight rustling of leaves.
As he finished running, his body drenched in sweat, limbs aching as they told him he was tired, Kael fell onto the grass, eyes fixed to the darkening sky.
The voice of the system returned, and there was just a hint of approval in it. "Not bad. You've completed the basics. Keep this up, and you might just stand a chance."
Kael smiled, despite being exhausted. "What's my reward?"
A notification popped into his vision.
[ Reward: Enhanced Recovery Activated ]
[ Your body will recover faster from fatigue and minor injuries. ]
Kael felt a warm sensation spread through his body, the soreness in his muscles easing slightly. He sat up, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Thanks," he said softly.
"Don't thank me," the system replied. "Prove you're worthy of this power."
Kael nodded, a new determination settling over him. The road ahead was long and uncertain, but he was ready to face it.
For the first time in days, he felt he had a purpose-a reason to keep moving forward.