[B1] Chapter 12: Not Giving Up on Man’s Pride
Elena, realizing her previous cautions might fall on deaf ears due to his unwavering resolve, shifted her approach. Instead of urging rest, she became his beacon of hope.
"Just a little further, Master. We're almost there," she whispered her encouragement.
Upon reaching the base of the mountain, Theo's legs gave way beneath him, and he crumpled to the ground. The cool night air did little to soothe his burning lungs, every inch of his body crying out for rest.
Elena moved close, gently using a soft cloth to dab away the beads of sweat that had formed on his forehead. As she did, her eyes lingered on his face with a hint of admiration, 'Even the most talented of the Empire's geniuses would have found it challenging to do what he just did with this huge physique,' she mused silently.
She knew all too well the challenge he faced, carrying his body around without awakening his class. After all, she had witnessed him panting merely from descending the mansion's stairs.
Yet, here he was, enduring the rigorous training of climbing and ascending, refusing to give up even when every cell of his being screamed for a rest. A deep, genuine respect for the boy swelled in her heart.
Beyond that, her happiness knew no bounds; not only had he recovered from the curse, regaining his ability to speak and act normal, but he also displayed a keen desire to transform himself, dedicating time to train and strengthen his body.
Minutes passed, each second feeling like an eternity as Theo's breathing grew steadier. Eventually, he found his voice, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "I... I really don't think I can move another step. Maybe, I should sleep right here."
Elena's soft giggle broke the silence. Her voice was both sweet and sincere as she shook her head, saying, "If you can't get up, Master, then I'll just have to carry you on my back."
Theo looked at her, seeing the genuine offer in her concerned eyes. It stung his pride a bit. The amusing image of being carried by Elena, of all people, made him momentarily freeze. 'She wouldn't dare... Would she?' he thought.
The mental image of being hoisted onto Elena's back, like a sack of potatoes, was almost too much for Theo. His man's pride flared, battling his fatigue.
"No need," he replied, feigning offense, and using every ounce of his remaining energy to push himself upright. He tried to stand even though his legs felt like they might betray him any moment. "I can walk on my own, thank you."
Indeed, just the thought of being carried by Elena lent him a surprising burst of strength. Legs wobbly, yet determined, Theo began the slow trek back to the mansion.
As they walked back up, there was a moment when Theo almost stopped. Elena looked at him, worried. But when their eyes met, Theo seemed to find hidden new energy to continue.
Elena was surprised at his unwavering resolve and didn't know it, but Theo was thinking about her offer to carry him. It made him laugh inside and gave him the push he needed.
By the time they got back to the mansion, a bell rang out. Theo looked at the notification messages hovering in front of his eyes, surprised.
<<<<
[Quest Complete: "Breaking Barriers"]
[~ Having pushed your body beyond its limits once again, you've tapped into untapped potential within. Your unrelenting perseverance has led to results that exceed mere physical strength.]
[Reward: +1 Stamina Point Gained]
[Quest Complete: "Breaking Barriers and Not Giving Up on Man's Pride"]
[~ Congratulations! You've defied your own limits, refusing to surrender even when on the brink of unconsciousness. Your determination and pride have yielded results beyond mere physical strength.]
[Reward: +1 Charisma Point Gained]
>>>>
Gazing at the notification, he chuckled, "So I get a charisma point for keeping my manly pride intact? No wonder they say, 'always follow your gut.'"
With each step to his bedroom feeling like a journey itself, he fell onto his bed without a second thought about the pungent aroma coming from him after his rigorous workout. The idea of a shower was tempting, but he had barely enough energy to breathe. However, a satisfied smile graced his face as he remembered the notifications from earlier.
His sleep that night was so deep and undisturbed that it felt as though he'd been transported to another realm.
Elena peeked in later, her expression lined with worry, but understanding the Herculean effort he had put in, she let him be. He had earned every second of this sleep.
The next morning, mischievous sunlight snuck in through a tiny window gap, nudging Theo's eyelids awake. The sun was already climbing, hinting that he'd overslept. His body, however, protested every movement with aches and twinges.
Just as he tried to sit up, a familiar chime sounded, unveiling a familiar quest before his eyes.
<<<<
[Quest Name: "The Weight of Destiny"]
[Quest Description]
[~Your body has been poisoned with a mysterious bug that causes you to gain 50 grams of weight every day. If your weight surpasses 190 kg, you will suffer a fatal heart attack. There is only one way to counteract the poison – regular exercise. Dieting is not an option as it would worsen the situation. You must undertake the "Workout Challenge" to prevent his untimely demise.]
[Quest Objective]
[~The quest requires you to work out rigorously for 2 hours each day (repeatable). The more you exercises, the more you can counteract the weight gain caused by the poison. Your goal is to keep your weight below the dangerous threshold of 190 kg.]
[Quest Rewards]
[~Upon completion of each 2-hour workout session, You will receive a random reward.]
[Quest Failure]
~ If you don't complete your daily exercise goal, you will gain an extra 1 kg, bringing you one step closer to death.
[Current Body Weight: 176 kg]
>>>>
"Ah, the repeatable quest," he murmured. "I lost 2 kg too. Not bad for one day." But as he tried to shift, his body screamed in pain. He groaned, "At this rate, I'm not even sure I can do today's quest."
After a while, the door creaked open, revealing Elena's face, filled with concern. She had come earlier but he was in a deep sleep. She asked with a worried tone, "What's wrong, Master?"
"It's just the aftereffect of yesterday's workout," Theo replied, wincing inwardly. "My muscles aren't used to such a workout, and now I'm paying the price."
Elena's face clouded with sympathy, "You pushed yourself really hard, Master."
As if remembering something, the girl brightened a bit, "Master, I have a healing spell that could ease your pain. Would you allow me to try?"
Desperate for relief, Theo managed a nod, hope gleaming in his eyes.
The boy had never personally experienced magic, his only knowledge of it came from the memories of his doppelganger, which made him all the more curious to experience it firsthand.
Elena approached, placing her delicate hand on his chest. Theo's gaze met hers momentarily before she closed her eyes to concentrate.
The room seemed to quieten, making each second feel like an eternity and then she mumbled, “Healing Mist.”
A moment later, two blue, gleaming rings, like bracelets, appeared around her wrist, making a blue glow emanate from her palm. The light, pure and blue, expanded to cover Theo's entire frame.
The sensation was memorable; it felt as though refreshing water was washing away the searing pain in his muscles. It was cold, but not uncomfortably so—more like the soothing touch of mist on the skin.
He could sense the tight knots in his body relaxing, the burning ache dulling with every passing moment. The radiance of the spell seemed to seep deep into his tissues, mending and rejuvenating them.
The light faded as Elena withdrew her hand, looking at Theo with hopeful eyes, she asked. "How do you feel now, Master?"
He moved slightly, testing his newly healed muscles. "The relief is incredible. But there's still a slight edge of pain. Can you cast the healing spell again?"
Without hesitation, Elena's lips curved into a gentle smile, "Of course, Master." She repeated the gesture to chant the spell, and once again, the soothing blue light enveloped him. This time, when it receded, Theo felt completely healed.
He sat up straight, a look of surprise in his eyes. "Princess Liliana certainly has good eyes. She sent me quite the capable maid."
Her cheeks tinted pink, Elena's smile blossomed at the praise.
The relief from pain made Theo acutely aware of other sensations. One, in particular, stood out: a rather strong odor that seemed to cling to the air. It took a moment for him to realize that he was the source. A quick glance at Elena showed no sign of distaste on her face, but Theo felt the need to address it.
"I should freshen up," he mumbled, embarrassed.
Elena, with a comforting smile, handed him a set of clothes from the cupboard in the room, her tone sweet. "Please take your time, Master. I'll prepare breakfast in the grand hallway while you shower."
With his fresh clothes in hand, Theo quickly headed for his bath. The warm water washed away the grime and the pungent smell, replacing them with a refreshing scent. Feeling clean and more himself, he dressed and headed to the grand hallway.
A welcoming sight greeted him. A long table adorned with various dishes, steam wafting from the bowls, enveloping the air with appetizing aromas. Elena stood beside it, waiting. Theo motioned to the chair beside him. "Please, join me."
Elena's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that... appropriate, master?"
Theo calmly said, "I don't want to eat alone, so leave those noble etiquettes outside this mansion and do as I say."
On Earth, it was unusual to follow such noble traditions. Plus, Theo wanted to repay Elena's kindness. He believed that he could do so by treating her better and decided to take small steps in that direction. He truly didn't feel like eating alone.
Given that she had taken care of him almost like a mother, she had more than earned the right to dine with him at the same table. He didn't care about noble etiquettes at all.
What Theo didn't know yet was how deeply this small act would become the reason to divert the course of their destiny, sparing him from a future guilt so heavy, it could shatter his soul.
Elena hesitated but seeing his serious gaze she nodded, taking the seat he offered. As she settled, her posture was still tense, her eyes casting downwards, evidently feeling out of place.
Hoping to make her more comfortable, Theo began to serve himself but he paused, realizing that some bowls were out of his reach. Considering his imposing stature, it would require more effort for him to access them.
Elena, noticing his struggle, quickly intervened, "Master, please allow me to serve you."
He gave her an awkward smile, nodding in agreement. He then settled into a chair, which seemed to be specially crafted for his size, fitting him perfectly without any restrictive blocks on either side.
She promptly began serving the rice, veggies, and soup. Even though the meal was simple, the aroma was enticing.
As he was about to dig in, Elena's voice, tinged with a hint of regret, pulled him back to the present. "I'm sorry, master, for offering just these three dishes."
"This is more than enough.," Theo responded lightly, "Always be aware of your limits. If you wear yourself out to the point of collapse, where will I find another devoted maid like you? Do you want to get rid of me so soon?" he teased, keeping a serious face but there was a hint of playfulness flickering in his gaze.
Elena's eyes widened in surprise, and in her rush to respond, she accidentally knocked a spoon off the table. "No, master, never!" she exclaimed, her face reddening.
Finding her action cute, he laughed inwardly at her flustered state and reassured her in a gentle voice, "Don't worry about it, Elena. Your sincerity speaks for itself."
They continued eating, with Theo refraining from teasing the already nervous Elena. Each bite tasted similar to what he knew from Earth. However, the way Elena had cooked it, he could tell the veggies were spiced differently. He wanted to ask her secret recipe, but seeing her current nervousness, he decided to let her eat in peace.
Watching the adorable squirrel, Theo's thoughts flowed calmly, 'She is keeping her eyes on her plate, still a little embarrassed from before. It's interesting how in such a short time, Elena and I have built such a bond.
We're from entirely different worlds. I wonder if there's anyone on Earth as dedicated as her. I must say, I owe a lot to Liliana for allowing Elena to take care of me, especially considering the condition my older self – my doppelganger – was in. He was in a catatonic state, much like a robot, unable to talk. It seemed he was soulless. Yet, How there were two of me remains a mystery.'
'Elena has mentioned Liliana a few times,' he mused. 'It's clear Liliana values Elena more than just a maid—almost like a friend. It makes sense now why she was chosen to be by my side to look after me.'
His thoughts then ventured further back.
'Liliana and I, were we twelve when we first met? Or even younger? There's more to our relationship than what I currently understand. We share a deep history, I'm sure of it.'
As he was consumed by these thoughts, he realized Elena had finished eating.
Shaking off his contemplation, Theo said, "Thanks for the meal. I'll head to my room to rest a bit."
Elena nodded as she began to collect the dishes. "Rest well, Master," she responded softly.
[B1] Chapter 12: Not Giving Up on Man’s Pride
Elena, realizing her previous cautions might fall on deaf ears due to his unwavering resolve, shifted her approach. Instead of urging rest, she became his beacon of hope.
"Just a little further, Master. We're almost there," she whispered her encouragement.
Upon reaching the base of the mountain, Theo's legs gave way beneath him, and he crumpled to the ground. The cool night air did little to soothe his burning lungs, every inch of his body crying out for rest.
Elena moved close, gently using a soft cloth to dab away the beads of sweat that had formed on his forehead. As she did, her eyes lingered on his face with a hint of admiration, 'Even the most talented of the Empire's geniuses would have found it challenging to do what he just did with this huge physique,' she mused silently.
She knew all too well the challenge he faced, carrying his body around without awakening his class. After all, she had witnessed him panting merely from descending the mansion's stairs.
Yet, here he was, enduring the rigorous training of climbing and ascending, refusing to give up even when every cell of his being screamed for a rest. A deep, genuine respect for the boy swelled in her heart.
Beyond that, her happiness knew no bounds; not only had he recovered from the curse, regaining his ability to speak and act normal, but he also displayed a keen desire to transform himself, dedicating time to train and strengthen his body.
Minutes passed, each second feeling like an eternity as Theo's breathing grew steadier. Eventually, he found his voice, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "I... I really don't think I can move another step. Maybe, I should sleep right here."
Elena's soft giggle broke the silence. Her voice was both sweet and sincere as she shook her head, saying, "If you can't get up, Master, then I'll just have to carry you on my back."
Theo looked at her, seeing the genuine offer in her concerned eyes. It stung his pride a bit. The amusing image of being carried by Elena, of all people, made him momentarily freeze. 'She wouldn't dare... Would she?' he thought.
The mental image of being hoisted onto Elena's back, like a sack of potatoes, was almost too much for Theo. His man's pride flared, battling his fatigue.
"No need," he replied, feigning offense, and using every ounce of his remaining energy to push himself upright. He tried to stand even though his legs felt like they might betray him any moment. "I can walk on my own, thank you."
Indeed, just the thought of being carried by Elena lent him a surprising burst of strength. Legs wobbly, yet determined, Theo began the slow trek back to the mansion.
As they walked back up, there was a moment when Theo almost stopped. Elena looked at him, worried. But when their eyes met, Theo seemed to find hidden new energy to continue.
Elena was surprised at his unwavering resolve and didn't know it, but Theo was thinking about her offer to carry him. It made him laugh inside and gave him the push he needed.
By the time they got back to the mansion, a bell rang out. Theo looked at the notification messages hovering in front of his eyes, surprised.
<<<<
[Quest Complete: "Breaking Barriers"]
[~ Having pushed your body beyond its limits once again, you've tapped into untapped potential within. Your unrelenting perseverance has led to results that exceed mere physical strength.]
[Reward: +1 Stamina Point Gained]
[Quest Complete: "Breaking Barriers and Not Giving Up on Man's Pride"]
[~ Congratulations! You've defied your own limits, refusing to surrender even when on the brink of unconsciousness. Your determination and pride have yielded results beyond mere physical strength.]
[Reward: +1 Charisma Point Gained]
>>>>
Gazing at the notification, he chuckled, "So I get a charisma point for keeping my manly pride intact? No wonder they say, 'always follow your gut.'"
With each step to his bedroom feeling like a journey itself, he fell onto his bed without a second thought about the pungent aroma coming from him after his rigorous workout. The idea of a shower was tempting, but he had barely enough energy to breathe. However, a satisfied smile graced his face as he remembered the notifications from earlier.
His sleep that night was so deep and undisturbed that it felt as though he'd been transported to another realm.
Elena peeked in later, her expression lined with worry, but understanding the Herculean effort he had put in, she let him be. He had earned every second of this sleep.
The next morning, mischievous sunlight snuck in through a tiny window gap, nudging Theo's eyelids awake. The sun was already climbing, hinting that he'd overslept. His body, however, protested every movement with aches and twinges.
Just as he tried to sit up, a familiar chime sounded, unveiling a familiar quest before his eyes.
<<<<
[Quest Name: "The Weight of Destiny"]
[Quest Description]
[~Your body has been poisoned with a mysterious bug that causes you to gain 50 grams of weight every day. If your weight surpasses 190 kg, you will suffer a fatal heart attack. There is only one way to counteract the poison – regular exercise. Dieting is not an option as it would worsen the situation. You must undertake the "Workout Challenge" to prevent his untimely demise.]
[Quest Objective]
[~The quest requires you to work out rigorously for 2 hours each day (repeatable). The more you exercises, the more you can counteract the weight gain caused by the poison. Your goal is to keep your weight below the dangerous threshold of 190 kg.]
[Quest Rewards]
[~Upon completion of each 2-hour workout session, You will receive a random reward.]
[Quest Failure]
~ If you don't complete your daily exercise goal, you will gain an extra 1 kg, bringing you one step closer to death.
[Current Body Weight: 176 kg]
>>>>
"Ah, the repeatable quest," he murmured. "I lost 2 kg too. Not bad for one day." But as he tried to shift, his body screamed in pain. He groaned, "At this rate, I'm not even sure I can do today's quest."
After a while, the door creaked open, revealing Elena's face, filled with concern. She had come earlier but he was in a deep sleep. She asked with a worried tone, "What's wrong, Master?"
"It's just the aftereffect of yesterday's workout," Theo replied, wincing inwardly. "My muscles aren't used to such a workout, and now I'm paying the price."
Elena's face clouded with sympathy, "You pushed yourself really hard, Master."
As if remembering something, the girl brightened a bit, "Master, I have a healing spell that could ease your pain. Would you allow me to try?"
Desperate for relief, Theo managed a nod, hope gleaming in his eyes.
The boy had never personally experienced magic, his only knowledge of it came from the memories of his doppelganger, which made him all the more curious to experience it firsthand.
Elena approached, placing her delicate hand on his chest. Theo's gaze met hers momentarily before she closed her eyes to concentrate.
The room seemed to quieten, making each second feel like an eternity and then she mumbled, “Healing Mist.”
A moment later, two blue, gleaming rings, like bracelets, appeared around her wrist, making a blue glow emanate from her palm. The light, pure and blue, expanded to cover Theo's entire frame.
The sensation was memorable; it felt as though refreshing water was washing away the searing pain in his muscles. It was cold, but not uncomfortably so—more like the soothing touch of mist on the skin.
He could sense the tight knots in his body relaxing, the burning ache dulling with every passing moment. The radiance of the spell seemed to seep deep into his tissues, mending and rejuvenating them.
The light faded as Elena withdrew her hand, looking at Theo with hopeful eyes, she asked. "How do you feel now, Master?"
He moved slightly, testing his newly healed muscles. "The relief is incredible. But there's still a slight edge of pain. Can you cast the healing spell again?"
Without hesitation, Elena's lips curved into a gentle smile, "Of course, Master." She repeated the gesture to chant the spell, and once again, the soothing blue light enveloped him. This time, when it receded, Theo felt completely healed.
He sat up straight, a look of surprise in his eyes. "Princess Liliana certainly has good eyes. She sent me quite the capable maid."
Her cheeks tinted pink, Elena's smile blossomed at the praise.
The relief from pain made Theo acutely aware of other sensations. One, in particular, stood out: a rather strong odor that seemed to cling to the air. It took a moment for him to realize that he was the source. A quick glance at Elena showed no sign of distaste on her face, but Theo felt the need to address it.
"I should freshen up," he mumbled, embarrassed.
Elena, with a comforting smile, handed him a set of clothes from the cupboard in the room, her tone sweet. "Please take your time, Master. I'll prepare breakfast in the grand hallway while you shower."
With his fresh clothes in hand, Theo quickly headed for his bath. The warm water washed away the grime and the pungent smell, replacing them with a refreshing scent. Feeling clean and more himself, he dressed and headed to the grand hallway.
A welcoming sight greeted him. A long table adorned with various dishes, steam wafting from the bowls, enveloping the air with appetizing aromas. Elena stood beside it, waiting. Theo motioned to the chair beside him. "Please, join me."
Elena's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that... appropriate, master?"
Theo calmly said, "I don't want to eat alone, so leave those noble etiquettes outside this mansion and do as I say."
On Earth, it was unusual to follow such noble traditions. Plus, Theo wanted to repay Elena's kindness. He believed that he could do so by treating her better and decided to take small steps in that direction. He truly didn't feel like eating alone.
Given that she had taken care of him almost like a mother, she had more than earned the right to dine with him at the same table. He didn't care about noble etiquettes at all.
What Theo didn't know yet was how deeply this small act would become the reason to divert the course of their destiny, sparing him from a future guilt so heavy, it could shatter his soul.
Elena hesitated but seeing his serious gaze she nodded, taking the seat he offered. As she settled, her posture was still tense, her eyes casting downwards, evidently feeling out of place.
Hoping to make her more comfortable, Theo began to serve himself but he paused, realizing that some bowls were out of his reach. Considering his imposing stature, it would require more effort for him to access them.
Elena, noticing his struggle, quickly intervened, "Master, please allow me to serve you."
He gave her an awkward smile, nodding in agreement. He then settled into a chair, which seemed to be specially crafted for his size, fitting him perfectly without any restrictive blocks on either side.
She promptly began serving the rice, veggies, and soup. Even though the meal was simple, the aroma was enticing.
As he was about to dig in, Elena's voice, tinged with a hint of regret, pulled him back to the present. "I'm sorry, master, for offering just these three dishes."
"This is more than enough.," Theo responded lightly, "Always be aware of your limits. If you wear yourself out to the point of collapse, where will I find another devoted maid like you? Do you want to get rid of me so soon?" he teased, keeping a serious face but there was a hint of playfulness flickering in his gaze.
Elena's eyes widened in surprise, and in her rush to respond, she accidentally knocked a spoon off the table. "No, master, never!" she exclaimed, her face reddening.
Finding her action cute, he laughed inwardly at her flustered state and reassured her in a gentle voice, "Don't worry about it, Elena. Your sincerity speaks for itself."
They continued eating, with Theo refraining from teasing the already nervous Elena. Each bite tasted similar to what he knew from Earth. However, the way Elena had cooked it, he could tell the veggies were spiced differently. He wanted to ask her secret recipe, but seeing her current nervousness, he decided to let her eat in peace.
Watching the adorable squirrel, Theo's thoughts flowed calmly, 'She is keeping her eyes on her plate, still a little embarrassed from before. It's interesting how in such a short time, Elena and I have built such a bond.
We're from entirely different worlds. I wonder if there's anyone on Earth as dedicated as her. I must say, I owe a lot to Liliana for allowing Elena to take care of me, especially considering the condition my older self – my doppelganger – was in. He was in a catatonic state, much like a robot, unable to talk. It seemed he was soulless. Yet, How there were two of me remains a mystery.'
'Elena has mentioned Liliana a few times,' he mused. 'It's clear Liliana values Elena more than just a maid—almost like a friend. It makes sense now why she was chosen to be by my side to look after me.'
His thoughts then ventured further back.
'Liliana and I, were we twelve when we first met? Or even younger? There's more to our relationship than what I currently understand. We share a deep history, I'm sure of it.'
As he was consumed by these thoughts, he realized Elena had finished eating.
Shaking off his contemplation, Theo said, "Thanks for the meal. I'll head to my room to rest a bit."
Elena nodded as she began to collect the dishes. "Rest well, Master," she responded softly.
