**Chapter Five**
When I looked in the mirror, a wide grin spread across my lips. Reflected back was a lean physique covered in well-defined muscles. I had thought my magic might decrease, but instead my appearance had become insanely well-proportioned.
"System."
Now that I'd confirmed my appearance, it was time to check my stats.
{[Name: Kim Hyul]}
Age: 16
Strength: 32→42
Intelligence: 52→55
Magic: 90→92
Mana: 22→23
Unused Points: 0
Average Human Stats: 50.
"Finally!"
My strength had increased dramatically, along with my intelligence. Though I'd focused mostly on training, I'd made sure to boost my smarts by studying this world's ancient records.
As for mana and magic? I wasn't sure why they'd increased. Maybe magic improved from constant practice, but the mana increase was puzzling.
"Slap!"
I smacked my forehead to clear my thoughts.
"Damn, that hurts!"
A sharp stinging sensation spread across my face. Had I known it would hurt this much, I wouldn't have tried it.
Before beginning training, I prepared a feast - fish, rabbits, and some fruits I'd foraged from the forest. Even bodybuilders get cheat days.
"Grrr..."
As I thought about food, a small sound came from my stomach. Well, no matter - I was heading home anyway.
I walked slowly, glancing around nervously. I was terrified the tiger might have recovered and be ready to give me a free tour of its digestive system.
I looked at the forest and found the tree where I'd carved my training schedule. This forest held a special place in my heart - I always felt at peace wandering through it, especially loving the fresh air.
"I've made my decision."
I would get rid of this tree.
I grabbed a lighter I'd bought from the shop. I'm not sure why I tried burning it - the green wood wouldn't catch. Honestly, I think anyone would do the same - it's like tearing up your exam schedule after finals.
[The host's thinking is strange, not other people's]
"I don't know why you've become so annoying, but you're really getting on my nerves lately."
After venting some frustration at the System, I searched the forest for something flammable.
"Finally!"
I found a dry, broken tree. Grabbing a dry branch, I lit it.
The flames spread quickly, intense heat washing over my face.
"Damn...!"
Startled, I dropped it without thinking.
The fire spread rapidly, burning nearby trees. Since I caused this problem, I had to fix it.
"System!"
My training spot was near the river, but by the time I fetched water, the fire would consume the entire forest.
[What do you want.........]
"I want you to put out the fire."
[This will require many unused points]
I ignored the System's warning.
"I caused this - I should at least try to fix it."
[50 unused points required]
"Put it out... Wait!!"
"How much?"
[50 points]
"No thanks."
Honestly, I'd never liked this forest anyway. I always felt uncomfortable walking through it, plus the air smelled disgusting.
Reflecting, I realized all the hardships I'd endured these past two months. Some might think the forest wouldn't regrow, but let me tell you - it would recover in just a few days thanks to this world's unique nature.
I hurried toward where I'd left my food - my reward for two months of effort.
When I reached the house, I found food scattered everywhere. Following the mess, I discovered the black tiger I'd blinded two months ago waiting inside.
A wide grin spread across my face.
[..............System Quest..............]
[ ∆ Eliminate the Black Tiger ]
[ ∆ Rewards: 1-(5000 Shop Points)....2-(2 Unused Points)]
Seeing the rewards, a devilish smile appeared.
"My first System quest."
Two months ago I would have fled in terror, but now I believed I could win.
"System, show the black tiger's stats."
[Request confirmed]
{(Name: Black Tiger)}
Type: Evolved
Strength:86
Speed:66
Intelligence:33
Mana:40
Seeing those stats, my smile disappeared. Cold sweat covered my back.
Run...run....run...run .....run
Run...run.....run ...run .....run
Run ....run...run.....run....run
All I could hear was... run... in my mind.
Did I train for two months just to become tiger food?
When reading novels, heroines would slay monsters in one strike, making me think they'd be easy. But facing this tiger, I understood the truth - the monsters weren't weak. We were.
Sweat dripped to the ground. My reflection in the tiger's eyes showed me smiling, though all my muscles had locked up.
"Summon dagger."
After I spoke, a dagger appeared from nowhere.
I grabbed and threw it at the tiger. Sensing my resolve, it dodged quickly and prepared to attack.
Just as it was about to pounce, it stopped.
The tiger looked around but couldn't find the human who'd stabbed it.
Meanwhile, a handsome black-haired boy waited outside the house.
That boy was me.
I'd slipped out while the beast was distracted.
"System, what happens to items inside if I store the house?"
[You may choose what happens to them]
Looking at the house, I grinned widely.
Had the tiger been outside, I'd have been a free meal. But it made the mistake of its life.
"Store house."
[Storing...]
[Lifeform detected inside. Specify action.]
"Dispose of it."
[Request confirmed]
[Due to host using unconventional methods, half of rewards will be deducted]
[Rewards: 1-2500 Shop Points.2-1 Unused Point]
[Warning: Host should avoid unconventional methods or penalties will apply]
"Can I know what penalties?"
[10 points will be deducted from all core stats]
Hearing this, my face muscles froze.
Had the System applied penalties without warning, I'd be dead.
Though annoyed at losing half the rewards, I was deeply grateful to the System.
Only three days remained until the academy started - I needed to move quickly.
[New Quest: Reach the Academy on Time]
∆Rewards:.....
I could only rub my eyes at the reward section.
"Why is this here?"
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Hope you enjoyed the chapter! ( ˶ ❛ ꁞ ❛ ˶ )
...........Thank you.........