I started the day the same way I had for the past few weeks: rolling out of bed and grumbling my way through a grueling workout. The system's chirpy voice was there to greet me, as usual.
"Good morning, champ! Ready to face another day of pain and suffering?" the system said with exaggerated enthusiasm.
"Just what I need," I muttered, rubbing my eyes. "What's today's challenge?"
"Ah, eager for punishment, I see," the system replied. "First, your warm-up . Then, the real fun begins."
With a sigh, I got to work. The exercises were as brutal as ever, my muscles still sore from yesterday's session. The system's constant commentary didn't help.
"Come on, is that the best you can do?" it taunted. "I've seen snails with more pep in their step."
"Maybe you should try it," I shot back between push-ups. "Oh wait, you don't have a body."
"Details, details," the system said breezily. "Now, time for today's challenge. You're going to love this one."
I doubted that. "What is it?"
"Today, you're going to practice your multitasking skills," the system explained. "You need to lift rocks with your energy while keeping a spinning top going. Drop either, and you start over."
"Great," I said flatly. "Because one spell at a time wasn't hard enough."
"Exactly!" the system said, missing—or ignoring—my sarcasm. "You've got until sunset to master it. And remember, if you fail, there's a penalty."
I took a deep breath and focused on the first rock, trying to lift it with my energy. It wobbled in the air, hovering unsteadily. At the same time, I channeled another stream of energy to keep the top spinning.
The top immediately careened off course, and the rock dropped with a thud. I clenched my fists in frustration.
"Not quite the dazzling display I was hoping for," the system said, mockingly. "Try again."
I gritted my teeth and tried once more. This time, I managed to lift the rock and keep the top spinning for a few seconds before both fell. The system's sarcastic comments continued unabated.
"Well, at least you're consistent," it remarked. "Consistently terrible, that is."
"Thanks for the encouragement," I muttered, wiping sweat from my forehead. I tried again and again, each attempt ending in failure.
Hours passed, and I was no closer to success. The sun climbed higher, and my frustration grew. By mid-afternoon, I was ready to throw in the towel, but the system's incessant needling kept me going.
"Giving up already?" it said. "And here I thought you had potential. Silly me."
"I'm not giving up," I snapped. "I just need a break."
"Breaks are for the weak," the system said dismissively. "You've got this. Probably."
I took a deep breath, centering myself. This time, I focused on controlling the flow of my energy more precisely. I lifted the rock, visualizing it as an extension of my will, while keeping the top spinning steadily.
To my surprise, it worked. The rock hovered, and the top spun smoothly. I managed to move the rock across the yard and set it down without incident.
"Well, color me impressed," the system said, sounding genuinely surprised. "You actually did it. Maybe you're not completely hopeless after all."
"High praise," I said dryly, collapsing onto the grass. "So, what's my reward for this?"
"A little boost to your control," the system replied. "And no penalty today. You must be so proud."
"I am," I admitted, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Despite the system's sarcasm, I was getting better. Little by little, I was mastering my abilities.