Chapter 15 - Finally, some progress
Liam's arms trembled as he pumped out push-up number twenty-three, the courtyard's stone digging into his palms. Sweat stung his eyes, dripping off his nose to splatter on the ground, and his breath came in sharp, ragged huffs. "Twenty-four," he grunted, teeth gritted, muscles screaming as he forced himself down and up again.
The sun beat down, relentless, turning the garden into an oven, but he kept going—twenty-five—his biceps flexing, veins popping under skin that wasn't so scrawny anymore.
"Twenty-six," he growled, shoving against the earth, feeling the burn ripple through his chest. Three days of this—push-ups, sit-ups, laps around the courtyard—and he was starting to feel it, really feel it. Twenty-seven. His form wobbled, but he locked his elbows, refusing to collapse. Twenty-eight. The air smelled of dust and his own stink, nothing like that sex-drenched room from nights ago. Twenty-nine. One more. He pushed, hard, and hit thirty, then flopped onto his back with a groan, chest heaving as he stared up at the cloudless sky.
The screen shimmered into view, uninvited as always, glowing above him like a smug little shit. Task Complete: 30 Push-Ups. His profile updated, stats ticking up:
Name: Liam Carter
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Level: 2
Physical: 4 (+1)
Stamina: 6 (+1)
Energy: 5
Abilities: None
Traits: Lustbound
He sighed, long and loud, letting his arms flop to his sides. "Three days," he muttered to the sky, voice rough from exertion. "Three days since that night, since they left for Mytheris, and not a word." No Lysandra, no Selene, no Erynn—just him, alone, with this system dishing out workout quests like some sadistic gym coach. No juicy tasks, no hot missions—just sweat and boredom chewing at his skull. On the flip side, though, he wasn't that twiggy guy who'd stumbled into this world. His shirt clung to actual muscle now—biceps with some heft, a chest that didn't cave in. He flexed an arm, smirking faintly. "Not bad, huh?"
The system had tossed him a bone, at least—lust points. Unlocked after that wild night, like a reward for getting laid by three goddesses. He could cash 'em in for items in the system's store, whatever that meant. He waved a hand, materializing the screen again, and squinted at the top right corner: Lust Points: 5. "Whaaatttt?" he barked, sitting up fast, dirt crunching under him. "Five? I had over five hundred, I swear—fuck me, what happened?"
Then it clicked. Two nights ago, staring at his junk in the mirror, doubting himself—too small, too average. He'd burned a pile of lust points to juice it up, tacking on two extra inches. Felt like a goddamn king when he saw it, thick and proud, but... "That cost five hundred?" he groaned, slapping his forehead. "Didn't even check the price. Shit." He shrugged, a sheepish grin creeping in. "Whatever, it's done. Worth it."
He hauled himself up, brushing dirt off his pants, and popped the waistband open, peering down. Yep—still there, bigger, heavier, a quiet brag to himself. He chuckled, stupidly pleased, and snapped it shut, heading inside. The courtyard's heat faded as he stepped into the cool stone hall, boots scuffing the floor. He was halfway up the stairs to his room—dreaming of a shower to wash off the grime—when the maid's voice cut through.
"Hero!" she called, her mousy frame popping up at the base of the stairs. "There's a guard from the palace here. Wants to see you."
"Me?" Liam paused, one hand on the railing, sweat still trickling down his neck. "What for?"
"Yes," she said. "Says he's got a message from the king."
"Alright," he muttered, curiosity piqued. He turned, following her down to the main hall where a guard stood—tall, armored, helm tucked under one arm. The guy straightened when he saw Liam, offering a crisp nod.
"Greetings, Hero," the guard said, voice gruff but formal. "The king requests your presence at the palace tomorrow."
Liam blinked, wiping sweat off his brow. "Why's that?"
"A celebration," the guard replied, a faint smile cracking his stern face. "To welcome back those who fought at Mytheris. The battle's over and we were victorious."
Liam's face lit up, a real, goofy grin breaking through. "Really?" His chest puffed a little—Lysandra, Selene, Erynn, they'd made it, kicked ass, and were coming back. Tomorrow. "That's awesome."
The guard nodded. "The king wants you there. A hero's place, he said."
"Tell him I'll be there," Liam said, clapping the guy's shoulder without thinking. "Gladly." The guard bowed, turned on his heel, and marched out, leaving Liam buzzing.
He spun back to the stairs, taking them two at a time, energy surging despite the workout. A shower, some clean clothes, and he'd be ready—ready to see them again, maybe pick up where they'd left off. The thought made his grin widen, a little dirty, a little hopeful. Three days of nothing, and now this—Mytheris won, the girls back, a party at the palace. Things were finally looking up.
He hit his room, kicking the door shut, and peeled off his shirt, tossing it to the side. The stench was gone now, but the memories weren't—hot, wild, burned into his brain.
"Tomorrow," he muttered, stripping down and heading for the washbasin. "Gotta look good for it." He splashed water on his face, scrubbing off the dirt, feeling the ache in his arms ease. The system might've been harsh with its push-ups, but it'd made him stronger—strong enough to handle whatever came next.