Part-40

  "Self-defense, huh?" she said, a hint of a smile pying on her lips. "Well, James, it seems you've e to the right pbsp; Let me guess, schoolyard bullies giving you trouble?"

  James flushed slightly, surprised at her perceptive guess. Before he could respond, Riva tinued. "Look, James, I might be retired from the force, but I still know a thing or two about handling bullies. A me tell you, a strong body is only half the battle. fidence is key. So, are you serious about learning?"

  James straightened his back, a newfouermination hardening his gaze. "Absolutely," he said, his voice firm. "I'm ready to learn."

  Riva's smile widened. "Good," she said, g her hands together. "The's get started."

  James diligently filled out the registration form Riva provided. As Riva stamped it with a firm hand, a familiar blue window flickered ience, surprising him.

  **Mission plete.**

  **You have unlocked Loop Mission.**

  Curiosity piqued, James focused on the window, waiting for further information. In response, a detailed table materialized, outlining the newly unlocked "Loop Missions." These weren't like the previous mandatory missions; they presented a series of workout routines with clear goals and potential stat increases as rewards.

  | **Mission** | **Goal** | **Reward** |

  | Running | 2 KM | 0.1 |

  | Push-Ups | 100 | 0.1 STR |

  | Bicep Curls* | 50 x 2 KG | 0.01 Attack Speed |

  | Lat Pulldowns* | 50 x 4.5 KG | 0.1 STR |

  | Squats | 50 | 0.05 DEX |

  | Lunges | 50 | 0.05 DEX |

  | Pnk | 1 min | 0.1 INT |

  | Jump Rope | 200 | 0.1 WIS |

  | Bicycle Ride | 5 KM | 0.1 |

  If you plete all of these tasks in a single day, your charm will increase by 1.

  * The weight and reward may ge.

  Eager to put the Loop Missions to the test, James dove headfirst into his workout with Riva's watchful eye. At first ghe list of exercises seemed manageable: a simple jog, some push-ups, squats, and lunges. A triumphant grin spread across James' face. This wouldn't be a problem.

  But uimating the physical demands was a rookie mistake. As James powered through the first few sets of push-ups, his initial fidence began to wane. His muscles screamed in protest, his arms shaking with exertion. By the time he reached the squats, his legs burned like they were filled with lead. The lunges were the final straw. His form faltered with each repetition, his breaths ing in ragged gasps. Finally, with a defeated groan, James colpsed onto the gym mat, his body a trembling mess.

  Riva, unsurprised by his exhaustion, chuckled softly. "Wele to the wonderful world of getting in shape, James," she said, handing him a water bottle. "Those exercise routines might seem easy on paper, but trust me, they'll push you to your limits."

  James gulped dower, his chest heaving. Shame flushed his cheeks. He'd thought he repared, but the reality of physical exertion was far different from his initial bravado.