The next morning, I woke up to the sunlight streaming through the window of my small room at Aunt Helena and Uncle Bertram's estate. I groaned, still feeling the aches from yesterday's exertion. Just as I tried to snuggle back into my blanket, a familiar, annoyingly chipper voice broke the morning silence.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead!" the system chirped. "Time to get those lazy bones moving."
I groaned louder, covering my face with a pillow. "Do you ever take a day off?"
"And deprive you of my delightful company? Never," the system replied with exaggerated cheer. "Now, up and at 'em! We've got a whole day of suffering—I mean, training—ahead of us."
Reluctantly, I threw off the blanket and got out of bed. "Fine. What torturous plans do you have for me today?"
"Glad you asked," the system said. "Every morning, you'll have a set of exercises. Think of it as your personal hell—er, warm-up. Then, I'll assign a daily challenge. Complete it, and you'll earn a reward. Fail, and you'll face a penalty. Sound fun?"
I frowned, trying to hide my apprehension. "What kind of penalties are we talking about?"
"Oh, you know," the system said nonchalantly, "little things like extra push-ups, running laps, or maybe I'll just mute myself for an hour. Oops, did I say that out loud?"
"Terrifying," I muttered. "So what's today's delightful torture?"
"First, your workout," the system announced gleefully. "Give me 100 push-ups, 120 sit-ups, and a 3 mile run. And no half-assing it, or there'll be consequences."
I sighed but got to work. The exercises were grueling, especially with my still-aching muscles, but I pushed through. As I finished the last of my push-ups, I collapsed onto the grass, panting.
"Aww, is the poor baby tired?" the system teased. "Too bad, because now it's time for your challenge."
I sat up, wiping sweat from my forehead. "What sadistic task do you have for me today?"
"You're going to practice your control," the system said. "See that row of trees over there?"
I glanced at the line of tall oaks at the edge of the estate. "Yeah?"
"Your job is to use your powers to trim the branches," the system explained, its voice dripping with faux enthusiasm. "Shape them into something neat and tidy. No hands, just your magic. And remember, there's a penalty if you fail."
I stared at the trees, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Trim the branches with my energy? Are you serious?"
"Serious as a heart attack," the system said, its tone gleefully mocking. "Or, in your case, serious as a paper cut. Get to it, hero."
With a sigh, I walked over to the trees. This was going to be tough. I stood in front of the first oak, focusing on the energy within me. I raised my hands, trying to channel the power like I had in the cave.
A small spark of light and dark energy flickered from my palms, but it sputtered out before reaching the branches. I clenched my fists, frustration building.
"Oh come on, really?" the system said. "You call that a spark? I've seen more impressive fireworks at a child's birthday party."
"Thanks for the support," I muttered, focusing again. I visualized the energy as invisible shears, cutting through the branches. I released the power, and this time, the tendrils of energy extended further, trimming a few small twigs.
It wasn't much, but it was progress. I continued to practice, each attempt bringing me a little closer to the control I needed. By the time noon approached, I had managed to trim several branches, shaping the trees into a rough semblance of order.
"Well, would you look at that," the system said, its tone grudgingly approving. "You managed to do something useful. Miracles do happen."
I couldn't help but smile. "So, what's my reward for today?"
"A small boost to your energy control," the system replied. "Should make tomorrow's torture session a bit more bearable. And no penalty today, since you didn't completely fail. You must be so proud."
"Ecstatic," I said dryly, walking back to the estate. Despite the system's sarcasm, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I was getting better, little by little.
"Rest up, kid," the system said as I reached my room. "You'll need it for tomorrow's workout. Spoiler alert: it's going to suck."
"Can't wait," I muttered, collapsing onto my bed.