Reborn as a side character with a system

Feast of Power

Chapter 7:

For the past three days, Leo now fully aware as Nolan had spent nearly every waking moment training at the grounds, pushing his fragile body far beyond what it was ever used to. Sweat clung to his skin, his muscles screamed in protest, yet he refused to stop. By the time he reached his fiftieth push-up, his arms trembled violently, barely able to support his weight.

“I think that’s enough for today, young master,” Ralph said, stepping forward and helping him up.

Nolan rose slowly, breathing heavily as sweat dripped down his face. Ignoring the exhaustion, his eyes shifted toward the translucent system window hovering faintly before him.

[Status Window]

Name: Nolan Weldon

Age: 18

Class: Mage

Level: 10 (Tier–1)

HP: 195/196

Mana: 120/120

Strength: 17 | Speed: 19 | Agility: 18 | Intelligence: 21

Free Tokens: 12

“Hm…” he murmured, resting a hand against his chin. “Not bad… I’ve finally reached Tier–1. But I still haven’t unlocked a single ability… damn it, this is frustrating.”

Before he could think further, a familiar voice called out from the entrance.

“Young master.”

He turned to see Isabella walking toward them, carrying a tray filled with plates of steaming food. The rich aroma spread instantly through the air, cutting through the fatigue lingering in his body.

“You’ve been working hard,” she said calmly. “Lady Layla asked me to bring this. She prepared it herself.”

Nolan wiped his face with a towel and raised a brow. “Is that so? Well, since you’ve both helped me grow, it’s only fair we share the meal.”

“But sir!” Ralph exclaimed, visibly shocked. “Lady Layla’s cooking is… divine. We’ve only tasted it once in our entire lives.”

“Oh? Why is that?” Nolan asked.

Isabella carefully set the tray down. “It is said there was once a mage blessed with the ability to enhance others not only through magic, but even through her cooking. Meals prepared by her can strengthen the body itself.”

Ralph nodded, his expression filled with respect. “That’s no mere story. I’ve witnessed it myself. Your mother is that very legend. A myth in human form. From that day on, I vowed to serve her without question.”

Nolan’s gaze lingered on the food.

So that’s the hidden history behind Nolan’s mother… Strange. None of this was ever written in the records.

“You should gather as much energy as you can,” a calm voice spoke from behind.

Nolan turned to see Hilda standing at the entrance, her presence quiet yet overwhelming.

“Your training begins in ten minutes.”

With that, she turned and left.

“Well, that settles it,” Nolan said, picking up a plate of rare steak. “Let’s eat. I’ll need all of you in top condition for what comes next.”

He took a bite.

And froze.

His eyes widened as a shiver ran through his entire body. Without thinking, he took another bite… then another… devouring the meat rapidly until nothing remained. His body reacted instinctively, craving more.

He reached for bread and soup, tearing the loaf in half and dipping it before eating.

“Mm…”

A soft sound escaped him, tears forming in his eyes as he continued eating without pause.

Across from him, Ralph and Isabella exchanged glances before silently increasing their own pace. What started as a simple meal quickly turned into an unspoken competition.

Moments later, all three lay sprawled across the ground, stomachs full, bodies too heavy to move.

“I… might have overdone it…” Ralph muttered weakly.

“Yeah… that was too much…” Isabella added, clutching her stomach.

Nolan simply lay there, staring upward with a faint smile.

Best meal of my life.

Then—

[System Activated]

[For devouring “Blessing of the Light,” the host has gained additional experience.]

[+3 Strength | +3 Speed | +3 Intelligence | +3 Agility]

[Instilling new status…]

[Installation complete.]

[Updated Status Window]

Name: Nolan Weldon

Level: 10 (Tier–1)

Strength: 20 | Speed: 22 | Agility: 21 | Intelligence: 24

Nolan shot upright instantly, his eyes locked onto the system screen in disbelief. “This… can’t be true.”

“Young lord?” Ralph said, quickly getting to his feet. “Is something wrong?”

Isabella rose as well, scanning the area. “There’s no sign of danger…”

“That’s not it,” Nolan said, staring at his hand. “My stats… they’ve increased.”

“What? How is that possible?” Isabella asked.

Nolan turned to them. “You’re telling me you don’t feel any different?”

Ralph’s expression shifted slightly before he smiled. “There’s one way to find out. Isabella—run the arena at full speed.”

She nodded and took off. In seconds, she completed a full lap.

“What…?” she muttered, staring at her hands, her breathing steady.

“It is as he said,” Hilda’s voice echoed once more as she stepped into view, her presence instantly shifting the atmosphere. “Layla is not a myth… she is the real thing.”

She held a book in one hand and a staff in the other, her gaze settling on Nolan.

“Now, Nolan… shall we begin your training?”

Nolan and Isabella froze, tension rising instantly. Sweat formed along his brow as he swallowed hard before nodding.

“Yeah… let’s get started.”