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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Sorry to intrude like this but I have some important information to share.
If you have started reading this book before Jan 23rd, 2026, please check out and reread the last three chapters (From Chapter 10 to 13)
I have rewritten these chapters prior to the comments on them and I made sure to make it better… adding a few things I should have added before, and removing the scenes that were unnecessary.
Please check it out so you won't get confused later, and so you can understand this chapter you are about to read.
Thank you for understanding, and I apologize once again for the inconvenience.
Happy reading!
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Henry woke to sunlight streaming through the crystalline windows of his room, casting prismatic patterns across the walls. For a moment, he lay there, disoriented by the sheer luxury of his surroundings—the massive bed, the glowing ice walls, the view of Arcadia City stretching out below.
Then he let out a sigh.
"This is my life now."
He sat up, rubbing his eyes, and immediately heard Miley's voice in his head.
[Good morning, Host. Did you sleep well?]
"Like a baby," Henry muttered, stretching. "What time is it?"
[Seven fifteen in the morning. You slept for approximately eight and a half hours]
Henry blinked. "That's... actually the best sleep I've had in years."
[The bed is worth more than most people's annual salary] Miley said dryly. [I would hope it provides adequate rest]
Henry chuckled. "Fair point."
[Now, shall we begin your training?] Miley beckoned.
Henry swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet touching the cool marble floor. "Training?"
[Your daily quests.
[You should complete them while the day is still young. It's more efficient that way]
"Right." Henry pulled up the system interface with a thought.
*Daily Quest: First Steps
[Objective 1: Run 1 kilometer without stopping]
*Reward: 5 EXP, +10 km/h to Top Speed
*Status: Incomplete
[Objective 2: Lift a total of 100 kilograms]
*Reward: 5 EXP, +2 Strength, +2.5 Stamina
*Status: Incomplete
[Objective 3: Do ten pushups and twenty sit-ups]
*Reward: 10 EXP, +5 Durability, +2.5 Stamina
*Status: Incomplete
Henry read through the objectives, his eyebrows rising. "Okay. Seems fair enough."
Miley hummed [I recommend completing the pushups and sit-ups before leaving your room—they require no equipment and can be done quickly]
"Right." Henry stood and stretched, working out the stiffness in his muscles. "Let's do this."
He cleared a space on the floor and dropped into position for pushups.
"One."
His arms lowered smoothly, his chest nearly touching the marble floor, then pushed back up.
"Two."
The motion felt easier than it should have. His enhanced Agility made everything smoother, more controlled.
"Three... four... five..."
By the time he reached ten, there was only a slight burn in his shoulders and chest.
DING!
[Partial Progress: Pushups Complete (10/10)]
"Not bad," Henry said, shaking out his arms. "Now for the sit-ups."
He lay flat on his back, hands behind his head, and took a deep breath before engaging his core.
"One."
His abs screamed immediately. Unlike the pushups, this was hard. His Strength and Agility didn't help as much here—this was pure core endurance, and his abysmal Strength stat made it brutal.
"Two... three... four..."
Sweat began to bead on his forehead. His muscles burned with each repetition.
"Five... six... seven..."
[You're doing well] Miley encouraged. [Push through it]
"Eight... nine... ten..."
Henry gritted his teeth, forcing himself through each movement. His breathing grew ragged.
"Eleven... twelve... thirteen..."
His core felt like it was on fire. Each sit-up took longer than the last, his movements slowing as fatigue set in.
"Fourteen... fifteen... sixteen..."
"Seventeen... eighteen... nineteen..."
Henry's vision swam slightly. His abs trembled with the effort.
"Twenty!"
He collapsed back onto the floor, gasping for air.
DING!
[Objective 3 Complete: Do ten pushups and twenty sit-ups]
[You have received: 10 EXP, +5 Durability, and +2.5 Stamina]
[Exp: 10/100]
[Stamina: 60 >> 62.5]
[Durability: 20 >> 25]
Henry lay there for a moment, catching his breath, feeling the changes ripple through his body. It was subtle—not a dramatic transformation—but he could feel it. His body felt just a bit more solid, a bit more resilient.
"Okay," he breathed. "Two objectives down. Running and lifting to go."
[Correct. I suggest completing those after breakfast. You'll need the energy]
Henry nodded, pushing himself to his feet. He headed to the bathroom, showered quickly, and changed into the athletic clothes he'd found in his large wardrobe—black pants and a fitted shirt.
As he left his room and headed downstairs, he found Felicity waiting just outside the dining. She was dressed impeccably in a white blouse and tailored black pants. Her white hair was pulled back elegantly, and she looked every bit the powerful leader she was.
"Good morning, Henry," she said with a warm smile as she saw him approaching. "You're up early."
"Yeah, figured I'd get a head start on the day," Henry replied with a smile of his own.
"Alright," Felicity said. "Come on then. Join me for breakfast," she added, gesturing toward the dining hall.
Henry nodded and proceeded to follow her into the dining.
But then Felicity's gaze swept over his athletic attire. "You're planning to go out?" she asked, out of curiosity.
"Yeah," Henry murmured. "Thought I'd do some running. To get some exercise done, you know." he said quickly.
Felicity's eyebrows rose. "Exercise? You?" she chuckled in disbelief.
Henry blinked. "Is that... weird?"
"Well... yeah," Felicity admitted. "The old you wasn't exactly... active. You preferred staying indoors." She tilted her head. "And more importantly, you don't remember the estate layout. How would you find your way around it?"
Henry's heart skipped a beat. He'd completely ruled that out. But just as quickly, he thought of something.
"Actually," he began carefully, "I've gotten some of my memories back."
Felicity's eyes widened. "You have?"
"Yeah," Henry replied. "But it's just fragments of the castle. The layout of the estate, mostly. I can remember some perimeter paths and some of the rooms." He rubbed the back of his neck. "But that's it... I can't remember anything else."
Felicity's expression softened, and she stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Henry, this is wonderful news. That means your memories have started coming back to you. I'm so glad."
"Me too," Henry said, and it wasn't entirely a lie. Having his predecessor's memories did make navigating this world easier.
Felicity's gaze grew thoughtful. "If you've already remembered the estate layout, then perhaps we don't need the tour I promised you," she stated.
"Actually," Henry said quickly, "I'd still like the tour. I don't exactly have all my memories of the castle back—just pieces. Walking through the mansion with you might help jog more things loose."
Felicity studied him for a moment, then her expression brightened. "Of course. I'd be happy to show you around." She glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner. "I have a meeting at the office later this morning, but I still have some time to spare. Shall we have the tour after breakfast?"
Henry nodded. "Yeah, sounds good."
"Alright, then. Let's eat." Felicity smiled. And they walked into the hall together.
....
After breakfast, Felicity led Henry through the mansion with the pride of someone who'd built something extraordinary. They moved from room to room, each one more impressive than the last.
The library was vast—three stories tall, with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with thousands of books, both physical and holographic. Reading nooks were scattered throughout, and a spiral staircase wound up to the higher levels.
"You used to spend a lot of time here," Felicity said softly. "Reading. Thinking. I always hoped you'd share what you were learning, but..." She trailed off, a genuine sadness visible in her expression.
"Maybe I will now," Henry said, trying to make her feel better. "If I remember to."
Felicity smiled. "I'd like that."
Then, they moved to the conservatory... a massive greenhouse filled with exotic plants that somehow thrived despite the icy aesthetic of the mansion. Frost-resistant flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, and crystalline trees grew in elegant patterns.
"These were my mother's," Felicity explained. "She loved gardening. After she passed, I maintained this place in her memory."
Henry looked around, genuinely impressed. "It's beautiful," he said with wonder.
Felicity chuckled. "It sure is."
Next was the training room... a state-of-the-art facility that looked like it could double as a professional gym. Advanced equipment lined the walls: weights, resistance machines, combat dummies, even a holographic sparring system.
"This is where Emily and I train," Felicity said, before turning to face him. "And hopefully... one day, where you'll be training too."
Henry smiled. "Yeah, I hope so," he murmured before walking out of the room with her.
They passed through the music room, the gallery, and the guest wing before finally, they returned to the main foyer.
"Okay. That covers most of the important areas," Felicity said. "The rest you'll discover over time. Any questions?"
Henry shook his head. "None," he said with a smile. "Thanks for showing me around. This place really is amazing."
Felicity smiled. "I'm glad you're settling in." She paused, then checked her wristband. "Alright, I need to get going for my meeting. Will you be alright on your own?"
"Yeah," Henry nodded. "I'm just going to do that run I mentioned and maybe explore the castle a bit more."
"Alright. But make sure to stay within safe grounds, please. And Henry?" Felicity's gaze softened. "I'm glad you're opening up. Even if you don't remember everything, this... this feels like progress. I'm really glad I didn't lose you forever."
Henry forced a smile. "Thanks, Mom."
Felicity's eyes shimmered slightly, and she leaned forward to kiss his forehead. "I'll see you at dinner." Then she was gone, leaving Henry alone in the foyer.
Henry stood there for a while, reflecting on the moment he just had with Felicity.
"Wh... what was that?" he muttered to himself. And Miley heard clearly.
[What was what?] she asked.
Henry stared down the path Felicity had walked through. "I don't know why but, when she... when mum, and I were together, it felt as though I've known her my whole life."
Miley sighed. [That's because the memories you inherited belonged to someone who did know her his whole life] she explained. [What you're experiencing is your brain trying to get accustomed to the memories of the previous Henry]
Henry shook his head. "No, this is entirely different," he argued. "It's truly a memory, but... it's my memory. From my past life."
[What?] Miley sounded surprised. [Are you saying you knew her in your past life?]
Henry breathed. "Well... it feels like that, yes."
[Woah. How is that even possible?]
"I don't know," Henry exhaled. "But I intend to find out."
A while later,
Henry stepped outside into the crisp morning air. The estate grounds were magnificent as always—sprawling gardens, frozen fountains, perfectly manicured pathways lined with frost-covered trees.
He greeted the guards at the gate before walking out of the estate, directly entering the main street.
Taking a runner stance, he let out a deep breath, then took off running.
When Henry began sprinting, at first, it felt normal—his legs pumping, his lungs working, his heart beating steadily. But then, as he picked up speed, something shifted.
His strides became effortless. His feet barely touched the ground. The world around him began to blur, colors streaking past as he accelerated.
And the system made sure to notify him of his increasing velocity.
[Speed Rate: 50 km/hr]
"Woah," he breathed. "This feels... amazing."
[You're currently running at fifty kilometers per hour] Miley reported. [And you're not even trying hard]
Henry grinned. "Let's see what happens if I do."
Then he increased his pace, pushing himself faster. The wind whipped against his face, cold and invigorating. The frozen trees became streaks of white and brown, the path unwinding beneath him like a ribbon.
[Speed Rate: 60 km/hr]
[Speed Rate: 70 km/hr....]
[80 km/hr....
90 km/hr....
100 km/hr....]
The meter just kept rising and rising.
Henry laughed—a breathless, exhilarated sound. This was incredible. He'd never felt so alive, so free.
[Wow. You're approaching your top speed] Miley pointed out. [Keep it up]
Henry pushed harder, his legs pumping faster, his heart racing not from exertion but from pure adrenaline.
Just then, a different notification appeared in his line of sight.
[Stamina: 15/62.5]
[Warning! Host's stamina is low]
But Henry didn't pay attention to this message. He just kept running and running, his muscles already starting to ache. Within seconds, he covered several meters and even exceeded the required distance he needed to complete the quest.
He kept pushing, his hands and legs moving back and forth in a rapid motion.
And eventually, he reached his limit.
[Speed Rate: 110 km/hr....]
[Speed Rate: 120 km/hr]
[Host has reached his current top speed]