43 Saturday Training [1]
"Haa!"
I stretched my arms upward, a gentle yawn escaping as I glanced at the clock. It read 6:32 AM.
Since it was Saturday, I decided it might be a good idea to dedicate some time to training, especially considering the challenges ahead.
The next artifact I needed for the Manaficial ritual was the 'Scepter of Binding', located in the 'Temple du Sceptre Lié' in the Emerald Coastline Region.
I remembered from the descriptions in the Webnovel that this temple was filled with more traps than the one I had just navigated, which meant I could benefit from some rigorous preparation.
"I should go to the Emerald Coastline tomorrow."
SLAM!
My train of thought was abruptly interrupted by the sound of my bedroom door flying open.
There, stood Andre, dressed casually in a black shirt, grey shorts, and white rubber shoes.
"Switch to something comfortable; we're starting training in 10 minutes," he announced briskly, then shut the door before I could respond.
"Oh, right, I forgot."
A reminder flashed in my mind—Maurice had mentioned that Andre would be training me today.
It seemed he was wasting no time in getting started.
Quickly shaking off my drowsiness, I got out of bed and walked over to my drawers to find suitable training attire.
***
Dressed in a simple white shirt, black shorts, and white rubber shoes, I stepped outside and was immediately struck by the sight of Andre in the midst of a weightlifting session.
He was effortlessly hoisting two large dumbbells, each emblazoned with "200 KG."
His display of strength was nothing short of impressive.
"Hey, Dad, I'm here," I called out, drawing his attention.
Andre paused and set the dumbbells down with a thud that vibrated through the ground.
"Well then, let's start, shall we?" he grinned, his tone upbeat. "Let's begin with some stretches to warm up."
I nodded and joined him, positioning myself to mirror his movements.
We went through a series of stretches, methodically loosening our muscles.
The morning air was crisp, making the routine feel especially invigorating.
After a while, we wrapped up our stretching session and took a short break, perching ourselves on the top of our backyard fence.
"Dominic, I have something to tell you," Andre said, turning serious.
I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it, Dad?"
"Me and Maurice have decided to collaborate on training you," he explained. "He'll focus on refining your fighting skills, while I'll strengthen your body and mind."
The arrangement piqued my interest, but also left me wondering about their specific roles.
"But why is Maurice handling my fighting skills training instead of you?"
"Well, Maurice's 'Spatial' magic attribute is extremely versatile for training scenarios. He can adapt and manipulate environments in ways that benefit combat practice. My 'Dark' magic, while powerful, isn't as flexible for training purposes."
"I see…"
My gaze drifted upward, contemplating the clouds swirling above.
"When did you guys plan all this?"
"Last Saturday, after you went unconscious."
"Oh…"
"Anyway, let's get to the main part of today's session," Andre said, hopping off the fence with a determined look. "We'll start with a 10 km run, followed by 100 push-ups, 100 squats, 100 sit-ups, 100 pull-ups, and lifting 50kg dumbbells."
Hearing the daunting list made my sweat glands work overtime.
Andre smirked at my reaction. "Since you handled the last session so well, I thought we'd step it up a notch."
"Uhh…thanks, Dad," I replied, half-hearted but ready to tackle the challenge.
===New Quest!===
Quest: Do a 10 km run, 100 push ups, 100 squats, 100 sit-ups, 100 pull-ups, and you have to lift 50kg dumbbells.
Rewards: 50 Stat Points.
==================
Just then, the System chimed in with a new quest, surprisingly offering only 50 Stat Points for a significantly tougher challenge.
Why is that?
===============
Master, the reason for the modest rewards is that you can naturally boost your abilities through these exercises. For instance, running enhances your Speed stat, while push-ups strengthen your Strength and Endurance stats, and so on.
===============
I see why the Stat Points I'll earn are minimal, as I would gain benefits directly from performing these exercises.
"Dominic, what are you waiting for?"
Andre's question snapped me out of my thoughts.
I then went off the fence and went toward him.
***
Panting heavily, I pushed myself to keep up with Andre, who seemed barely winded despite the pace.
===============
Speed (+1)
Endurance (+1)
===============
The regular updates from the System were a small consolation as I felt my body adapt slightly with each step.
The incremental boosts in my stats were helping, but the physical toll was unmistakable.
And it seems just like before, a specific stat will increase every five minutes.
===Quest Progress===
10km run (82%)
100 push ups (0%)
100 squats (0%)
100 sit-ups (0%)
100 pull-ups (0%)
Lift 40kg dumbbells (0%)
===================
"Eighty-two percent? Almost there…"
The last time I had attempted a run of this length, I had struggled significantly more.
It was a testament to how much I had improved since then.
"Come on, Dominic, we're almost done with the 10km run!"
Andre called back over his shoulder, his voice encouraging yet challenging.
He picked up the pace, his strides lengthening as he seemed to glide effortlessly over the path.
"Hah… wait…"
I wheezed out, my legs burning with the effort of maintaining speed.
But I wasn't about to let him outpace me so easily.
Digging deep for that last reservoir of energy, I increased my stride, the wind whipping past my face as I narrowed the gap between us.
***
===Quest Progress===
10km run (100%)
100 push ups (0%)
100 squats (0%)
100 sit-ups (0%)
100 pull-ups (0%)
Lift 40kg dumbbells (0%)
===================
"Hah…hah…"
Panting heavily, I tried to catch my breath.
Despite the exertion, I managed to stay on my feet, a noticeable improvement from the last time I had attempted this run.
"You've improved, Dominic." Andre handed me a water bottle. "Last time, you were so exhausted you collapsed."
Gratefully, I took the water bottle and took a long drink.
The cool water was incredibly refreshing, helping to ease the burning in my lungs.
"Let's take a short break," Andre suggested, settling down on a nearby rock.
I found a spot under a tree, sinking down to sit with my back against the trunk, welcoming the brief respite.
With the run behind me, I was curious about how much my Speed and Endurance stats had improved during the exercise.
"System, show my current status, please."
===Info===
Name: Dominic Eñerforte
Age: 15
Title: None
===Stats===
Strength: 205.5 (D)
Endurance: 229.5 (D)
Agility: 208.5 (D)
Speed: 231.5 (D)
Mana: 0 (F)
Luck: 402 (C+)
Instinct: 747 (A+)
Charisma: 362 (C)
Stat Points: 0
===Manual Arts===
Basic Gun Arts (D+) – Beginner (99%)
Basic Gun Arts encompass a wide range of basic combat techniques involving the use of firearms from range to melee. This art form requires not just physical dexterity to shoot and maneuver accurately but also a deep understanding of the firearms themselves—maintenance, bullet types, and the physics of shooting.
===============
I observed the 12-point increase in both Speed and Endurance, a solid improvement from the rigorous run.
My eyes then caught the progress in 'Basic Gun Arts'—99%. Just a fraction away from advancing.
"It's just one percent more, huh."
I muttered. I regret not bringing 'Galahad's Judgement'.
Practicing some techniques now would have probably pushed me to the next level.
"Dominic, let's go," Andre called out, bringing me back to the present. "Let's do 100 push-ups next."
"Okay."
I pushed myself up from the tree and joining him, ready to tackle the next training regimen.
***
"Nine-seven... Ninety-eight..."
I was counting each push-up out loud, feeling my muscles strain but strengthen with each number.
============
Strength (+1)
Endurance (+1)
=============
"Ninety-nine... and one hundred."
Finishing the last push-up, I slowly stood up and stretched my arms above my head, relieving the tension in my shoulders.
===Quest Progress===
10km run (100%)
100 push ups (100%)
100 squats (0%)
100 sit-ups (0%)
100 pull-ups (0%)
Lift 40kg dumbbells (0%)
===================
The 100 push-ups took 30 minutes, as I took rests between sets. Which is an improvement than the last time I did it- which took an hour.
"Let's take a short break, Dominic," Andre suggested, heading back to his spot on the rock.
I nodded in agreement and walked back to the tree where I had rested earlier, sinking down with my back against its trunk.
Since the push-ups took thirty minutes, I gained six points each for Strength and Endurance.
I calculate that my Strength is now 211.5, and my Endurance has increased to 223.5.
I looked up at the sky, feeling the wind caress my skin.
GROWL!
My stomach growled loudly.
Right, I hadn't eaten breakfast yet.
I pressed my hand to my belly, trying to quiet it.
"Dominic, I heard that," Andre called out, amusement in his tone as he walked towards me.
Was my stomach really that loud?
"Uh, yeah, I'm pretty hungry."
My cheeks warmed with embarrassment as I scratched my cheek.
Andre chuckled, clearly amused.
"How about we eat some breakfast before we continue?"
The thought alone made me drool a bit.
"Okay."
Andre raised his hand and flicked his fingers.
Suddenly, a large shadowy hand emerged from his own shadow, holding a picnic basket.
"Bon Appétit!" he announced, setting the basket down between us.
