Beyond Death: the rise of atreya

Back in my room, I slammed the door shut, leaning against it as the weight of the day crashed down on me. My breaths came in short, uneven gasps, my hands trembling as anger and frustration boiled within me.

The whispers of mockery, the disdainful gazes of the knights, my father's cold indifference—all of it played on an endless loop in my head.

"Useless. Weak. A disgrace to the Kerwin name."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. The pain was sharp but grounding.

[No. I won't let them define me. Not again. I didn't get a second life to live as a failure.]

I paced the room, my thoughts racing. My body was frail, and this world was unforgiving. I needed a way to grow stronger—faster. My memories of Earth, of fantasy novels and games, bubbled to the surface. Those heroes always had something—a system, a guide, a way to surpass their limits.

[If no one will help me, then I'll create something that will.]

I sat cross-legged on the floor, reaching deep into the well of magic within me. The energy was faint, flickering like a dying ember, but it was there. I closed my eyes, focusing on the concept of creation.

Creation magic.

It was an ability unique to this body—an ability I barely understood, yet one I was willing to risk using.

"This isn't just about power," I murmured. "It's about survival. Growth. Control."

I visualized it: a system tailored to my needs, one that could track my progress, set goals, and reward me for every step forward. A system that would push me to rise above my weaknesses.

The magic surged, raw and untamed. I felt it seep into my surroundings, bending reality to my will. Symbols and runes formed in the air, glowing faintly as the magic began to take shape.

"Come on," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Work. Just work."

The runes swirled faster, aligning themselves into a cohesive structure. Then, with a final surge of energy, the magic solidified. A faint, cold voice echoed in my mind:

[System Initialized. Welcome, Atreya Kerwin.]

I opened my eyes, staring in awe at the translucent blue screen hovering before me.

[System Interface]

1. Status

2. Quests

3. Skills

4. Inventory

It wasn't perfect—not yet. But it was a start.

---

Testing the System

I tapped on "Status," and another screen appeared, detailing my current state:

Name: Atreya Kerwin

Age: 14

Title: The Cursed Noble

Strength: 3

Agility: 2

Vitality: 1

Magic: 5

My lips curled into a bitter smile. Pathetic.

[No matter. This is just the beginning.]

Next, I selected "Quests," and the system generated its first task:

Quest Activated: Break the Chains of Weakness.

Task: Complete 10 push-ups.

Reward: +1 Strength.

I scoffed. Push-ups? My body could barely handle standing for long periods, let alone exercise. But the reward was enticing—proof that the system could help me grow stronger.

I dropped to the floor, my arms shaking as I attempted the first push-up. My muscles screamed in protest, my breaths ragged. By the fifth attempt, I collapsed, gasping for air.

[No. I won't stop. Not now.]

I forced myself up again, pushing through the pain. One by one, I completed the task.

Quest Completed: +1 Strength.

A faint warmth spread through my body, subtle yet noticeable. My arms felt just a little stronger, my breaths slightly steadier.

I grinned, the taste of victory sweet and addictive.

---

A Warning from the System

As I scrolled through the interface, a new message appeared:

[Warning: Overreliance on the System may lead to unforeseen consequences. Proceed with caution.]

I frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The system didn't respond, its silence unsettling. But I pushed the thought aside. For now, the system was a tool—a lifeline I desperately needed.

I stared out the window, the moonlight casting a pale glow over the room. The world outside was vast and unforgiving, but I wasn't afraid. Not anymore.

"This is my chance," I whispered. "My second chance. And I won't waste it."