The next morning started exactly like the previous one — Sayuri yelling, Ayame teasing, Mom humming some idol song from ten years ago — only this time, I was armed with a blender and a plan.
"Round two," I muttered, eyeing the fruits like they were soldiers about to enter battle.If the system liked "creative compliance," I'd give it that in bulk.
Ayame stumbled into the kitchen, half asleep. "...You again?"
"Yes," I said proudly, holding up the blender. "Nutrition is key to a healthy life."
Sayuri groaned. "You're seriously making more of those smoothies?"
"Of course. You all loved them yesterday."
"Loved is a strong word," Ayame mumbled.
Mom entered next, smiling warmly. "Rin, that was very thoughtful yesterday. I felt full of energy all day!"
I blinked. "...You did?"
"Mm! Maybe you should make this every morning."
I forced a grin. "Yeah. Sure. Every morning. Definitely not a problem." sweat was already starting to come down.
I poured the new batch, identical to yesterday's and gave them their daily dose.
Well, can you blame me? With a skill like that it's clear that I will use it, eheh.
Everyone drank. The system gave a faint hum in my head, but no new notification popped up.
Good. Peaceful. Safe.
At school, I zoned out during class, pretending to listen while staring out the window.
Tokyo looked as normal as ever — kids laughing, trains rumbling in the distance, blue sky stretching endlessly.
Silently, I checked my stats.
[Status Window]
Name: Rin TakamineAge: 13Race: Human (???)Level: 1HP: 100MP: 120Strength: 6Agility: 7Endurance: 5Intelligence: 8Spirit: 23Luck:???
I frowned. "Figures. Not even a protagonist buff. Just a tired middle-schooler with good vibes."
[Note: Spirit value indicates soul density. Current level: high for age group.]
I smirked slightly. "So I'm spiritually swole. Great."
During lunch, Sayuri threw a rice ball at my head. "Stop mumbling weird stuff."
I caught it midair, grinning. "Reflexes of a ninja."
"You just got lucky."
"...Luck's kinda my thing."
If only she knew how true that might be.
That night, I remembered the daily quest.
[Daily Mission: Do 100 push-ups. Do 100 sit-ups. Do 100 squats. Run 10 km.Reward: ???Penalty: ???]
"Ugh, fine."
I changed into sports clothes, slipped out quietly, and started the punishment disguised as exercise.
The first twenty push-ups were easy.
By fifty, my arms were spaghetti.
By a hundred, I was questioning my life decisions.
"Sit-ups," I groaned, collapsing on the tatami floor. "Fine. I'll have abs like an anime protagonist or die trying."
An hour later, drenched in sweat, I stumbled outside for the final part — the run.
The streets were quieter now, washed in orange streetlights. Crickets chirped. The air smelled faintly of ramen and asphalt.
I ran through the residential area, down the slope toward the main road. My legs burned, lungs on fire.
Then I heard it.
RING! RING!
A bicycle bell. Fast. Determined.
I turned my head just in time to see him — A guy on a normal bicycle, pedaling like his life depended on it. Helmet shining under the streetlights. Sweat flying. Eyes burning with justice.
He made my heart skip.
"...No way," I whispered.
He passed right by me, shouting, "Justice never rests!"
And then he was gone — the Mumen Rider.
The Cyclist for Justice.
I slowed down, heart pounding, mind blank.
"Holy crap. That was him."
Which meant… One Punch Man existed here.
Which meant Saitama existed here.
Which meant… this world wasn't just an hentai world.
It was a mix.
I looked up at the night sky, breathing heavily. "So this really is that kind of world, huh?"
The system chimed.
[Daily Mission Complete.Reward: +1 Stat Point. Title Unlocked – "Persistent Idiot."]
I laughed, out loud this time. "Perfect. Absolutely perfect."
I walked home under the dim glow of the city, exhausted but grinning.
If the world had Mumen Rider, who else might show up next? Heroes, demons, magic—
Maybe even some of the ones I really didn't want to meet.