Chapter 6
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: D-Rank Breakthrough
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Lee Ji-seong glanced to the side.
Jin-seong was meticulously packing sealed machine parts into boxes.
'Good guy.'
To Lee Ji-seong, Jin-seong was the real deal—no exaggeration.
Jin-seong was diligent. Hardworking. Quiet. And gentle.
He always arrived first. Never once late.
No complaints about tough work, hard life—nothing.
Never stirred up trouble.
'And he's changed.'
Lee Ji-seong's gaze carefully scanned Jin-seong's face.
Those chubby cheeks had noticeably slimmed down.
The thick neck fat—no, jawline—had thinned beyond recognition.
The beer gut that stuck out like an uncle's belly was now quite slim.
'Complexion's better too.'
The dull, sallow skin had brightened remarkably.
The rough texture felt a bit softer, like he'd been applying nutrient cream.
'Especially the vibe.'
His always dead-fish eyes now sparkled with life.
No trace of chronic fatigue on the guy who'd worn it like a badge.
"How many kilos you drop?"
"7.6 kg."
"Whoa? 7.6 kg? Insane!"
Jin-seong had started dieting just over two weeks ago.
Precisely, he'd hit the two-week mark yesterday, making today the full fortnight.
First week: 5.2 kg down. Second: 2.4 kg.
"What's your weight now?"
"87.4 kg currently."
"Damn, epic. You dropped a ton."
"Honestly surprised me too. Faster than expected."
Park Man-bok had said losing 2 kg by week two was a huge win.
But Jin-seong blew past that with 2.4 kg.
"Goal weight?"
"Minimum 86 kg by end of week three. Final target around 70 kg."
"Nice! Hope you hit it."
"Focusing on cardio now. Once under 80 kg, ramp up muscle training."
"Oh? Building the body too?"
"Yeah. Might as well diet and sculpt while working out. Ultimate goal's a buff bod."
Jin-seong's response brimmed with confidence.
"You wanted a girlfriend, right? Bet one pops up soon."
"Would love that. At this age, never even held a girl's hand—feels unreal."
"It'll happen. Wait, scratch that. Want me to hook you up with a good one? Meet soon?"
"Uh...? Hmm...? Club girl might be too pricey though?"
"Hey, you punk, what club girl? You think I'd set you up for regrets? I'll introduce a proper girl."
"Thanks."
He bowed his head in thanks.
Turning down an offer like that would be rude.
Truth was, he was thrilled. Heart pounding, shoulders bouncing with joy.
A girlfriend? A girlfriend?! A girlfriend?!
Never in his life had he gotten a hookup. The thrill of his first one had him buzzing.
"Hyungnim, me too. Hook me up. Me too."
Kim Kwang-woo, who'd been quietly listening, jumped in.
Lee Ji-seong eyed him up and down.
"Sorry, tough to hook you up."
"Why?"
"Network's too thin."
He drew the line.
Truthfully, one reason: 'Hook up a gambler and who knows the backlash.'
Jin-seong changed into workout clothes.
'Status Window open.'
He checked the Status Window.
Opened it at least a hundred times a day.
Watching it trend upward daily filled him with satisfaction.
'Sense of achievement is no joke.'
Used to cling to life out of sheer inability to die.
Now, hooked on the thrill of growth.
And hope had sprouted.
Hope for a brilliant future. Conviction of massive success. Faith in landing a beauty girlfriend.
No doubt he could live in the top 0.01% life.
Grasp exercise principles effortlessly. Boosts efficiency and effects. Reduces injury risk.
Athletic Talent was on the verge of upgrade.
Today's workout would smoothly push it to D Rank.
'Exciting.'
E Rank had been surprisingly helpful.
He'd picked up somewhat efficient methods.
Curious now.
How much better would D Rank be?
💪 Stamina:+2.5
Twenty-five Stamina Booster Pills taken.
Average adult male stamina around 20—this added a solid 12.5% boost.
12.5% might sound small, but it was insanely impactful.
Stamina Booster 2.5 + base stamina + exercise gains created massive synergy.
'Huge help.'
Used to collapse exhausted after work. Now, no more.
Afternoons used to drag with fatigue. Now, efficiency stayed high.
Exercise volume up. More exercise → better body → more stamina gains. Positive loop.
Spare energy born. Short stamina meant irritability, laziness, negativity. Now, stamina surplus brought positivity.
'Even got praised by the boss.'
Recent compliments: "You're doing amazing lately." With encouragement.
One army's a fitting slave for our company. Can't let low pay drive him off—need a slight raise.
"Slave" stung.
But raise hints sparked joy.
Raise → living expenses up → budget slack.
Slack? → Flex on good sneakers → diet upgrades → grooming possible.
Good mood.
Worked his ass off. Showing off for the boss.
Exited the changing room.
Park Ha-yeon was mopping the gym floor.
Thin black training wear.
Mop forward, upper body dipped—highlighting her butt crack.
Peachy plump, yet oddly shadowy allure.
Impulse to bury his face there.
'Whoa. Body's insane.'
Not just Jin-seong eyeing Ha-yeon's lower half.
A few fit members stole glances too.
Any guy's instincts would lock on—her figure and charm were exceptional.
Bastards, here to work out? Focus on that, not ogling people openly. Ugh, that diligent pig staring creepy again.
Park Ha-yeon's label for Jin-seong upgraded from "pig" to "diligent pig." Favorability hit 15.
'Park Ha-yeon...'
Daily gym check-ins revealed facts about her.
'Daughter of Boss Park.'
Park Man-bok of Manbok Gym's one and only daughter.
College student.
Days: studies. Afternoons: diner part-time. Nights: gym workouts and odd jobs for dad.
Scholarship kid. Part-time covers tuition and living. Devoted daughter helping family biz.
'Time to weigh in.'
Pre-workout weigh-in was habit now.
"Whoa! Down 0.2 kg—success!"
Scale read 87.2 kg.
7.8 kg in half a month? Diligent pig—gotta acknowledge that hustle.
A pleased smile formed.
But diligent pig, trim that fur? Hair and beard a mess—way too bushy.
Jin-seong checked the mirror.
Untamed hair was a shaggy disaster.
Lazy unshaved beard heading toward bandit levels.
'Messy as hell. Yeah... even if I were a girl, this look would turn my stomach.'
Had to admit it.
'Barber this weekend. Shave daily. Every 2-3 days ain't cutting it.'
Wanted to impress Park Ha-yeon.
Sudden curiosity struck.
If he cleaned up hair and beard neat, what would she think?
Favorability up? Indifferent? Just "Diligent pig cleaned up"?
'Hope favor goes up.'
Achievement 15 Achieved!
+25 Points awarded.
Main focus lately: cardio. Ran 50 minutes straight. Nailed Achievement 15 easily.
Athletics (E) proficiency reached threshold.
Athletics (E) Talent → Athletics (D) Talent
Athletic Talent hit D Rank.
'Mind-blowing.'
D Rank was pure astonishment.
Huge gap from E to D.
For example.
E Rank: 10 effort units per minute running.
D Rank: Just 8 now.
Posture optimized. Rhythm flowed. Less strain. Overall efficiency soared.
'Tough.'
Workout done. Soul scorched.
'But manageable.'
Stamina boost? D Rank upgrade?
Higher intensity, yet not brutally exhausting.
'I... grew... again today.'
Showered and emerged. Sought Park Ha-yeon.
'Gone.'
No sign of her anywhere.
'Bummer.'
Wanted to see her on the way out.
Shoved disappointment aside and left the gym.
'Hm?'
A woman's voice from behind the gym.
Familiar tone. Venomous, sharp as hell.
Approached closer.
'Park Ha-yeon?'
It was her.
Park Ha-yeon faced a guy, face full of irritation.
"Ugh, seriously, please! I told you I'm not interested in you, senior! I hate it! How many times do I have to say it?!"
"Ha-yeon..."
"Quit the stalking already. You're driving me insane. Literally!"
"......"
He eyed the guy.
Profile generated.
"Gasp?!"
Checking the profile, Jin-seong couldn't help jolting in shock.
'Crazy.'