While Eden was preparing to leave the dark alley, he heard the cold voice of the system in his mind.
[An intruder is attempting to access the Administrator.]
Eden was startled, his eyes widening in surprise. He hadn't expected anyone to try to intrude on him, especially since he had done nothing that might attract such attention. At that moment, the darkness in the alley deepened unnaturally, and he felt a twinge of fear that his information might be compromised.
But when the system's voice spoke again, he exhaled in relief, and his eyes returned to normal.
[The intruder has been blocked.]
Even though he felt relieved that the intruder had been stopped, Eden was curious to know their identity.
"System, can you identify the intruder, their location, and their motive?"
[Apologies, Administrator. Your current permissions do not allow access to information about the intruder, as they are protected by the World's Will.]
Eden felt a sense of unease. It was understandable that his permissions might limit him from knowing about the intruder—they might be using an artifact to conceal their identity—but being protected by the World's Will itself confirmed that this intruder was no ordinary individual.
"But why would they target me specifically? I'm just a simple person."
This question lingered in Eden's mind. He felt a growing pressure in his head as he searched for anything suspicious in his life that might attract someone protected by the World's Will. Yet he found no answers. There was no one of significance in Iron Fortress City who could possibly warrant such protection.
"It seems my meeting with the King of Irons will have to wait until I complete my mission."
Eden turned his attention to the system screen, which had shifted to display his new task.
---
[Mission: Begin Training]
Push-Ups: 100/0
Squats: 100/0
Plank: 5 minutes/0
Run: 5 kilometers/0
Reward:
Skill: Evaluation
Stat Increase
---
After reading the mission details, Eden left the dark alley and made his way toward the Adventurer's Guild to secure a training room.
The Adventurer's Guild was located near a massive palace, presumably the residence of the city's administrator. Behind the palace lay the barracks, strategically positioned for emergencies like monster tides or enemy attacks on the city. The streets buzzed with activity as adventurers in various armor and weapons entered and exited the Guild building. Numerous stalls lined the streets, offering weapons, potions, and other supplies.
As Eden approached the Guild, he immediately felt the vibrant energy of the place. The massive building boasted a traditional architectural style with imposing pillars adorned with the Guild's ancient insignia. The main entrance, a heavy wooden door, opened into a wide hall decorated with old armor and weapons, showcasing the Guild's history and strength. The air was filled with the chatter of adventurers discussing their quests and future plans.
Ahead, Eden spotted the reception desk where a Guild staff member sat behind a large desk piled with paperwork. Walking up to the desk, Eden spoke in a calm voice.
"Hello, I'd like to rent a training room."
The staff member handed him a quick registration form after Eden placed the payment on the desk. Once completed, Eden headed toward the training area. The rooms were uniquely designed, each tailored for specific skill training, such as combat, magic, or physical conditioning. Some rooms featured magical dummies, while others offered virtual combat arenas to simulate real battles.
Eden selected a private room for physical training, his primary focus. The rental fee was 50 copper coins, sufficient for ten hours of use.
He immediately began jogging around the room. While the room wasn't enormous, it was adequate for running laps. Eden kept glancing at the system screen to track his progress. He ran and ran for an entire hour until he felt his lungs might give out.
Collapsed on the floor from exhaustion, his legs trembled from the pain and strain.
He was drenched in sweat, and his breathing was erratic.
"Damn this weak body."
Eden cursed his frail physique. No matter how much knowledge or intelligence he possessed, in this world, strength was the ultimate law.
After resting for five minutes, he pushed his weary body up and started doing push-ups.
It took him an hour and a half to complete the push-ups because the system only recognized proper form.
Eden persevered through the exercises, and by the time he completed them all, he collapsed on the floor from sheer exhaustion. His breathing was heavy, and his chest rose and fell rapidly.
Yet, a faint smile adorned his face as he gazed at the system screen.
---
[Mission Completed: Begin Training]
Push-Ups: 100/100
Squats: 100/100
Plank: 5 minutes/5 minutes
Run: 5 kilometers/5 kilometers
Rewards Obtained:
Skill: Evaluation
Stat Increase
---
A surge of power coursed through Eden's veins, rejuvenating his body.
He felt as though he could crush a dragon—though, of course, that was just a fleeting fantasy. Yet the newfound strength was undeniable.
His physical state returned to peak condition after the training, and his breathing stabilized.
Eden slowly stood up and glanced at the clock above the room's door, noting that his time in the training room had ended. Before leaving, he decided to test his new skill.
---
[Evaluation, Level 1: Allows you to evaluate anything and obtain complete information, whether about humans, animals, or materials.]
---
A corner of Eden's lips curled upward.
"This is a good skill. While it doesn't directly enhance my strength, it helps me gather critical information."
Leaving the training room, Eden found the Adventurer's Guild as lively as when he arrived, perhaps even more so.
He exited the Guild to find that night had fallen, and the streets of Iron Fortress City were illuminated by magical lamps.
Returning to the inn where he was staying, Eden experimented with the Evaluation skill along the way, finding it effective, though most of the insights it provided were of little value to him.
After eating dinner, Eden went to his room and sat deep in thought.
"It seems the money I have won't cover my training, food, and lodging for long."
Eden contemplated his situation, his financial struggles weighing heavily on his mind.
He stood and looked out the window, a sharp glint in his eyes that turned icy cold.
"It looks like I'll have to spill some blood to survive. Should I start collecting on old debts?"
He spoke the words without hesitation or fear, his tone icy. The temperature in the room seemed to drop as he said them.
Finally, Eden resolved to begin his revenge against those who had betrayed him, starting with his wife and every member of her family.