Chapter 3: A New Dawn

The morning sun filters through the dusty windows of the orphanage dormitory, rousing me from a fitful sleep.

For a moment, I'm disoriented, the unfamiliar-familiar surroundings jarring my senses.

Then reality crashes back – I'm 10 years old again, with a second chance at life and a mysterious Taekwondo System to guide me.

I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The other boys in the room are still fast asleep, their soft snores filling the air.

A quick glance at the old clock on the wall tells me it's just past 5 AM. Perfect.

In my previous life, I'd developed a habit of early morning training. No reason to break that habit now.

Quietly, I slip out of bed and change into the only set of workout clothes I own – a threadbare t-shirt and shorts that have seen better days.

As I tiptoe out of the room, a notification pops up:

[Daily Quest: Complete Morning Training]

[Reward: +5 Stats]

A grin spreads across my face. Looks like the system approves of my initiative.

The backyard is silent and still in the early morning light. Dew clings to the grass, soaking my worn sneakers as I make my way to the old punching bag. I take a deep breath, centering myself, then begin my warm-up routine.

Stretch. Breathe. Focus.

As I move through the familiar exercises, I can feel my body protesting. It's young and untrained, nothing like the finely-tuned instrument I'd honed over years of dedicated practice. But that's okay. I know what this body is capable of becoming.

I start with basic forms, moving slowly and deliberately. Each punch, each kick, is a reintroduction to the art I'd devoted my life to.

[Skill: Basic Punch leveled up! Now Level 2]

[Skill: Basic Roundhouse Kick leveled up! Now Level 2]

[New Skill Acquired: Basic Front Kick - Level 1]

The notifications come in rapid succession, spurring me on. I lose myself in the rhythm of the workout, pushing my young body to its limits.

By the time I finish, the sun has fully risen, and I'm drenched in sweat. My muscles ache, but it's a good pain – the kind that promises growth and improvement.

[Daily Quest Completed!]

[Reward: +5]

[Stats Increased:

Speed: 12 → 17

Endurance: 10 → 15

Flexibility: 10 → 15

Spiritual Energy: 20 → 25]

I can't help but smile at the progress. It's small, but it's a start.

As I catch my breath, leaning against the old tree, I hear the back door open. Mrs. Kim steps out, her eyes widening as she spots me.

"Jae-Hoon? What are you doing up so early?"

I straighten up, suddenly aware of how odd this must look. "Just... exercising, Mrs. Kim. I couldn't sleep."

She approaches, concern etched on her face. "Is everything alright? You've been acting strange since yesterday."

For a moment, I consider telling her everything – about my death, my rebirth, the system. But I know how crazy it would sound. Instead, I opt for a partial truth.

"I've been thinking a lot about my future," I say slowly. "About what I want to do with my life. I want to be strong, Mrs. Kim. I want to be someone people can rely on."

Her expression softens, and she places a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Oh, Jae-Hoon. You're just a child. You don't need to worry about such things yet."

But I'm not just a child, am I? Not really. I manage a smile. "Maybe not. But it doesn't hurt to start early, right?"

Mrs. Kim chuckles, shaking her head. "I suppose not. Well, since you're up, why don't you help me prepare breakfast? We can talk more about these big dreams of yours."

As I follow her inside, another notification pops up:

[Side Mission: Adapt to Orphanage Life - Progress 35%]

Looks like opening up a little has its benefits. As we enter the kitchen, the familiar scent of rice and soup filling the air, I can't help but feel a sense of purpose.