**Chapter Four**
My pale white skin had become even fairer, my eyes now a striking crimson hue, and my once-messy hair now fell in beautiful locks. Even my lips, which had been an orange tint, had turned a rosy pink...
*Had I become a girl?*
I quickly reached down to check—but my "little brother" was still there.
*"If my previous appearance was considered handsome, I can proudly say my new look is insanely cute."*
**[The most beautiful person in the world has an Appearance stat of 72.]**
When the System's voice chimed in, I realized just how extraordinary this appearance was.
*"What happens when the Appearance stat reaches 100?"*
The System didn't respond.
Honestly, I liked my new look—but I had no intention of acting feminine. *This was the last shred of my dignity as a man.*
Now, I had to consider every possible scenario to make the heroines fall for me.
Especially since this was a *pure love* novel, meaning I'd have to compete with *five protagonists*.
The heroines who would meet their love interests this year would be difficult to sway. Childhood friends and arranged marriages? That would take *serious effort*.
Luckily, I still had *at least two months* before the story began.
Some might wonder how I could tell the difference between the game world and the novel. But I knew I was in the novel because of the *garbage dump*—a recent addition to the story.
*This was the advantage of being an experienced player.*
After inspecting the house, I went to check the traps.
Since I'd set up so many, I should at least be able to prepare dinner.
But as I walked—
*"Rustle."*
A sound from the trees made me jump. I grabbed a stone from the ground.
The rustling grew louder.
Something was approaching.
If this were Korea, I'd have assumed it was a rabbit. But in a world filled with magic? *No such luck.*
From the trees emerged a *black tiger with crimson eyes*.
Its appearance was *nauseatingly terrifying*—razor-sharp teeth that could shred flesh with a touch, a body covered in lethal scars and wounds.
With every movement, it left behind pools of blood.
Even wounded, it was horrifying. But I *recognized* this creature.
*"System, bring out the knife."*
A white knife I'd purchased earlier materialized in my hand.
I gripped it tightly and *lunged straight for its eye*.
The blade sank in with a sickening *squelch*.
Perhaps because the tiger was already weakened, it couldn't dodge in time.
All it could do was *scream in agony* and flail wildly.
Seeing its chaotic thrashing, I *backed away quickly*.
Even half-dead, it could *easily tear apart* my frail body.
As I retreated, the tiger staggered away from the river.
Once it was gone, I *collapsed to the ground*.
My legs couldn't handle the shock. *Countless scenarios raced through my mind.*
*What if the tiger had been at full strength?*
*"I'd have died before the academy even started."*
I didn't chase the wounded tiger—that would've been *suicidal*, especially with this weak physique.
But this only *strengthened my resolve* to train over the next two months.
After checking the traps and gathering food, I returned home.
I cooked over the firewood, and while waiting, I hurried to the bathroom.
My body was drenched in sweat, my clothes soaked.
I stripped and stared at myself in the mirror.
*"I'll have to push myself beyond limits if I want to survive and reach the heroines."*
I turned on the shower.
As the cold water hit my bare skin, a *shiver ran through me*.
The sensation was the only way to *clear my mind* after today's events.
After showering, I changed into comfortable clothes and checked the food.
I brought a spoonful slowly to my lips—
*"Hot—! Aah... damn it!"*
The soup *burned my tongue*.
After that, I made sure to *blow on every bite*.
Once finished, I stepped outside for fresh air.
The crisp scent *tickled my nose*.
I approached a large tree, took out a knife, and began carving.
An hour later, the tree bore a *grid of squares*, each containing notes.
*"Finally, my training schedule is complete."*
I could've written it on paper, but *carving it felt more satisfying*.
The schedule outlined *two months of brutal daily training*.
I'd have to give it *everything*.
For these two months, I focused on *physical strength* and abandoned Mana.
Mana required *years* of training—I only had *months*. Strength was my priority.
*"Shop."*
I spent my remaining points on *training equipment and protein supplements*.
I didn't want a bulky, intimidating build—just *lean, balanced muscle* to appeal to the heroines.
*"Alright. Time to work hard."*
───── **Two Months Later** ─────
Finally, it was time to see the results of my efforts.
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Hope you enjoyed the chapter! ( *´ω｀* )
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