Rise Of The System User

8. A Better Day at Work

The next morning, Kael woke up feeling more refreshed and alert than ever. After a quick session of running and body refinement to complete his daily mission, he ate a hearty breakfast and headed toward the construction workshop where he had worked for the past two years. The work was physically demanding, low-paying, and exhausting. But today, everything would feel different.

As he walked through the familiar streets, Kael noticed how much sharper his senses had become since reaching Level 2. He could hear the sound of birds chirping from faraway trees, feel the texture of the wind against his skin, and spot small obstacles on the road long before they came close. His body felt light and full of stored energy, ready to be used whenever needed.

When he arrived at the workshop, his boss, Mr. Hendra, looked up from his desk with a usual stern expression. “You’re on time, as always,” he said, though his tone held little warmth. “We have a big delivery today. Several crates of heavy materials need to be moved to the new site at the edge of town. It’s hard work, so don’t slack off.”

“I understand, Sir,” Kael replied calmly.

In the past, moving those heavy wooden crates filled with cement blocks and iron rods would take him and two other men nearly the whole morning, leaving them panting and aching by noon. But today, Kael stood in front of the first crate, which weighed well over fifty kilograms, and wrapped his hands firmly around the edges.

He took a quiet breath, guiding the gentle flow of energy through his muscles using the Basic Body Refinement Technique. With a steady push, he lifted the crate smoothly and carried it toward the truck parked nearby.

The two other workers, Joko and Rian, paused what they were doing and stared in surprise.

“Did you see that?” Joko whispered. “That crate usually takes both of us to lift, and he just picked it up alone like it was nothing!”

Rian nodded, eyes wide. “He must have been training secretly. He looks different lately — taller, stronger, more solid.”

Kael ignored their curious glances and continued working. Crate after crate, he moved them quickly and efficiently, his movements fluid and controlled. Sweat formed on his forehead, but it did not drip heavily, and his breathing remained even — far from the gasping exhaustion he used to feel after only a few loads.

By mid-morning, while the others were still taking frequent breaks, Kael had already loaded nearly three-quarters of the materials by himself. Mr. Hendra came out to check the progress, and his eyes widened in clear astonishment.

“Kael,” he called out, walking closer. “You’re moving twice as fast as usual. How are you managing this without getting worn out?”

Kael paused for a moment, wiping his face with a cloth. “I’ve started exercising regularly and eating better, Sir. It makes a big difference,” he replied, giving a simple explanation that did not reveal the truth about the System.

Mr. Hendra studied him for a few seconds, then nodded slowly. “Well, whatever you’re doing, keep it up. We need reliable workers like you. If you can finish this early, I’ll give you a good bonus today.”

“Thank you, Sir. I’ll do my best,” Kael said with a small smile.

As he went back to work, a soft notification appeared in his vision:

SIDE MISSION TRIGGERED ... 

Mission Name: Prove Your Worth. Description: Complete all assigned work tasks efficiently and safely within the given time. Reward: +20 EXP, +1 Agility, +10%. Favorability from Employer. Time Limit: 4 Hours. 

Kael’s lips curved upward slightly. Even ordinary daily work could turn into a mission and bring rewards. This was another advantage of having the System.

He increased his pace a little, still maintaining control over his strength so he would not draw too much suspicion. By the time the sun reached its highest point, the entire load was secured in the truck, and the work area was cleaned and organized.

[Side Mission completed!]

[Rewards received: +20 EXP, +1 Agility, +10% Favorability from Mr. Hendra.]

STATUS UPDATE : EXP: 10 / 200 --> 30 / 200. Agility: 12 --> 13. Available Points: 3

Mr. Hendra inspected the work and gave a satisfied nod. “Excellent work, Kael. This would have taken all three of you until evening. Here’s your pay, plus an extra bonus as promised.” He handed over an envelope containing money — an amount nearly thirty percent higher than what Kael usually earned in a single day.

“Thank you very much, Sir,” Kael said sincerely, feeling a warm sense of satisfaction.

On his way home during the afternoon break, Kael stopped by a small stall to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. With his improved Luck stat, he found the best quality produce at fair prices without being overcharged. He even helped an elderly vendor move a heavy basket of goods, and received a few extra pieces of fruit as a thank-you.

Back at home, his mother noticed the extra money and the healthier supplies. “Did you get a raise, son?” she asked, her eyes lighting up.

“Not exactly a raise, but I worked faster and better today, so the boss gave me a bonus,” Kael explained. “Things are getting better, Mother. I can feel it.”

Later that evening, after dinner, Kael sat in his room and opened the System panel again. He looked at his updated stats, feeling more confident than ever.

He had only reached Level 2, but the changes in his life were already clear: better health, more strength, higher income, and a clear path forward. He opened the System Shop briefly, checking the available items again. Now with 30 EXP saved, he was already closer to buying his first technique or potion.

[Daily progress stable. Continue improving your work and training. Small consistent steps will lead to great growth.] the System reminded him.

Kael closed the panel and looked out the window at the quiet night. Today had been just another ordinary day in appearance, but it marked another important step in his new life.