The sun had barely risen when the system's cheerful voice yanked me out of sleep.
"Good morning, champion! Ready for today's challenge?"
I groaned, rolling over in bed. "Can't you ever let me sleep in?"
"And miss out on all this fun? Not a chance," the system replied, its tone chipper and utterly unrelenting. "Up and at 'em!"
Reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed and headed to the courtyard, where today's setup was waiting. Suspended rings and swinging wooden blocks lined the space, looking more like a medieval torture device than a training exercise.
"Today's challenge is all about precision and agility," the system explained with an edge of glee. "Move an energy ball through these rings while dodging the blocks. Drop the ball or get hit, and you start over. Simple!"
"Yeah, sure," I muttered, eyeing the setup warily. "Simple."
I took a deep breath, conjuring a small ball of energy between my hands. Concentrating, I guided it towards the first ring. The ball wavered, and I almost lost control when a block swung toward me. I barely dodged it, but the ball fizzled out.
"Nice try!" the system chimed. "Try again."
Gritting my teeth, I started over. I managed to get the ball through two rings before a block clipped my shoulder, causing me to lose focus. The energy dissipated instantly.
"Almost had it!" the system said, its voice dripping with faux encouragement. "Again!"
Hours passed, the sun climbing higher as my patience wore thinner. I either couldn't keep the ball steady, or I failed to dodge the blocks in time. Each failure stung, the system's sarcastic commentary only adding to my frustration.
"You're really putting on a show here," it remarked as I fumbled yet another attempt. "A comedy show, that is."
"Shut up," I snapped, sweat trickling down my forehead. "I'm trying."
"Trying isn't enough," the system said bluntly. "You need to succeed."
I clenched my fists, determination flaring despite my exhaustion. I attempted again, managing to get the ball through three rings before a block struck me in the side. I stumbled, and the ball vanished.
"Wow, so close!" the system teased. "Yet so far."
"Why are you so invested in torturing me?" I grumbled, wiping my brow. "Can't we call it a day?"
"Quitting already?" the system taunted. "And miss out on all this character-building fun? Keep going, hero."
I kept at it, attempt after failed attempt, pushing through the afternoon and into the evening. Each time I thought I was getting the hang of it, a block would swing in, knocking me off balance, or I'd lose control of the energy ball.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the courtyard, I stumbled through another attempt. My vision blurred with exhaustion, and my muscles screamed in protest. The ball wobbled, and I nearly had it through the final ring when my foot slipped. I toppled over, and the ball of energy dissipated into the night air.
"That's it," the system declared, a touch of finality in its voice. "Time's up."
I collapsed onto the ground, too tired to even be angry. "I tried… I really tried," I panted.
"I'll give you that," the system said, surprisingly serious. "But you didn't complete the challenge. And you know what that means."
I sighed, closing my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. What's the penalty?"
"You'll love this," the system said, the sarcasm back in full force. "No energy manipulation for the next twenty-four hours."
"What? That's not fair!" I protested, sitting up. "How am I supposed to train?"
"Maybe you'll have to use that time to think about why you failed," the system said pointedly. "And come up with a better plan for next time."
I groaned, flopping back onto the ground. "Great. Just great."
"Look on the bright side," the system added. "At least you're not dead."
"Yet," I muttered, too exhausted to argue further.
As I lay there, staring up at the twilight sky.
Tomorrow, I told myself. Tomorrow I'd do better.