I felt myself being lifted and carried back to the basement.
Before leaving, Richard said,"Leave him here. We'll deal with him in the morning."
The door closed.
SYSTEM CHOICE
The system chimed in:
"Host has not eaten since yesterday afternoon."
"Two options available:"
Body evolves to sustain itself on minimal foodRichard and Elena suffer extreme hunger for one week without being able to eat
For a moment, I was tempted by the second.
But the first… was far more valuable.
I chose evolution.
EVOLUTION PROCESS
A strange sensation spread through my body—warm, cold, and steady at once.
"Digestive system optimisation: Complete."
"Current human efficiency deemed insufficient."
Host its found even if we push you digestive system to maximum limit of a human body. It cannot sustain your well being, with the constant malnutriation.
Then—
Ion exchange and electricity-based co-digestive path to be created
"Whats this, my body is going beyond human limits"
Creation ion exchange codigestion failed
Creation ion exchange codigestion failed
Creation ion exchange codigestion failed
Creation ion exchange codigestion failed
Creation ion exchange codigestion failed
.....
Creation ion exchange codigestion failed (system struggling… rare sight).
Mitochondria function revised – failed
Mitochondria partial function revised – Success
Mitochondria quantity tenfold increase – Success
Codigestion mitochondria nerve path created – success
Mitochondria-based carbohydrate bypass modification – success
The final message chimed in—
"Body successfully modified to function on minimal intake."
I exhaled slowly.
"This… isn't normal. This is something way beyond what current human technology can do"
"Host, this is not magic," it replied."It is advanced technology."
NEW STRENGTH
I stood up.
My body felt lighter. More efficient. Controlled.
I threw a punch.
It was fast, sound waves where generated.
I paused.
"I've… surpassed normal human limits."
"Host is stronger than average humans," the system replied calmly."However, stronger individuals exist."
"You cannot yet face large-scale force like an army alone."
"I understand. Its obvious."
Someone like me who was an underdog and below normal human. Being this strong is miracle.
REWARDS
The system spoke again:
"Performance evaluation for today: Excellent."
"Reward: $200,000 credited."
I barely reacted, but was happy. I needed that fund.
Then—
"Additional reward: 50% increase in lifespan."
I froze.
Money was good
But this—
This changed everything. How is this even possible?
In the silence of the basement, I stood alone.
Stronger. Faster. Different.
Unexpected Visit
Suddenly I heard someone was coming, I suppressed my excitement and lay down (back to acting mode).
I heard my mother's voice with sobs,"Doctor, can you check he's fine"
I was lifted and put on a make shift bed. The doctor examined my head and found no injuries. He checked my pupil, mouth, and pressed blood vessels in my head.
Doctor's Observation
Doctor: I think this child is fine Mam. There are no serious injuries.
Elena: breathing a sigh of relief (temporary humanity detected).
Doctor: Mam, you are too harsh on this child.
Elena: I know, but this is how we deal with children (questionable logic).
The doctor stayed silent after that, not wanting to interfere in rich people's matters .
MC's Thoughts
I thought it's such a big lie.
Both Doris and Dorothy get plenty of money and gifts and do whatever they want (clearly different rules apply).
Aftermath
Elena kept a plate of fruit and porridge beside me and left with the doctor (care package after chaos… very balanced indeed).
After they were gone, I took the food. Finally, some nourishment.
After eating the food, I was preparing to break the basement door and go to my room.
Another Intrusion
Suddenly, I again heard the door opening. Doris, a fat old female servant, and two bodyguards came along.
Doris asked the guards to tie me up (as usual, no manners). Then a glass of water was thrown on my face. I got furious, but System chimed and asked me act out and wait for a reward
Acting & Attack
I slowly opened my eyes, "Who is it… where am I" (performance continues). A blindfold was placed, and Agnes More shouted she would teach me a lesson (very dedicated worker) on behalf of Madame (my biological mother).
She smashed a wooden rod on my head. I felt some pain even after strengthening (surprising).
System Upgrade
System:
Titanium skull & spine + better healingReflect damage
I chose option 1 (long-term gain). Pain vanished instantly.
Host, please note Agnes is lying; your mother didn't send her.
I can guess that much.
Agnes hit me two more times, but I felt nothing. She hurt her own hand instead.
Counter attack
System:
1. Heal & strengthen.
2. Return to Punisher
I chose option 2.
Agnes suddenly screamed violently, holding her head, fell, and fainted (instant karma delivered).
Aftermath
Doris panicked, shouting, "Mom!", and they rushed Agnes away.
I was surprised Agnes is Doris Mom!! Thats why he can do so many things.
System chimed:S - Rank objective completed600K $ awarded
I checked—over 1 million dollars in the account now.
I didn't go to my room due to all these issues today, just went to sleep on a makeshift bed and had a peaceful night (finally).