Morning came earlier than usual.
Or maybe—
He just woke up before it.
Han Chandu sat up slowly, his body still carrying the soreness from the previous night, his arms heavy, his shoulders tight, every movement reminding him that his body was still far from strong, still far from ready.
But that didn't matter.
Because today—
He wasn't training first.
He was going out.
To work.
The house was quiet.
His mother was already awake, preparing what little food they had, her movements slow but steady, while his younger sister sat beside her, still silent, still watching, her small presence unchanged.
Han Sen wasn't there.
Probably already gone.
Han Chandu didn't ask.
Didn't need to.
He washed, ate quietly, and stood up.
"I'm going out," he said.
His mother paused slightly.
"…be careful," she replied.
That was all.
No questions.
No stopping him.
Because she already understood.
Outside, the morning air felt different.
Not calm.
Not peaceful.
But real.
He walked without stopping, his steps steady as he moved through the streets, his eyes observing everything, small shops opening, workers moving, people already busy with their lives, each one carrying their own purpose.
And now—
He needed one too.
The first place he stopped at was a small shop.
"Do you need part-time help?" he asked.
The owner looked at him once.
Then shook his head.
"No."
Simple.
Direct.
No explanation.
He moved on.
Second place.
A small hotel.
"Any work?"
"Experience?"
"No."
"Then no."
Third place.
A mechanic shed.
They didn't even let him finish speaking.
"Too young."
"Come later."
Fourth.
Fifth.
Sixth.
Each answer the same.
No.
Not needed.
Not suitable.
Not now.
Time passed.
The sun rose higher.
The heat settled in.
His steps slowed slightly, not because he wanted to stop, but because his body was starting to feel the strain, the lack of rest, the leftover fatigue from training, everything catching up to him.
But he didn't stop.
Because stopping meant going back with nothing.
And that—
Was not an option.
He reached another place.
A small store.
"Work?"
The man inside looked at him carefully this time.
"Can you lift heavy items?"
"Yes."
"Come tomorrow morning."
A pause.
Then—
"We'll see."
Not accepted.
Not rejected.
Just—
A possibility.
Han Chandu nodded once.
That was enough.
He turned and walked away.
Not satisfied.
But not empty.
The day wasn't over yet.
He kept going.
More places.
More rejections.
More silence.
By the time the sun began to lower, his body felt heavier, his legs slightly strained, his throat dry, but his expression didn't change.
Because now—
He understood.
This was reality.
No one cared.
No one helped.
No one gave chances easily.
Everything had to be taken—
Step by step.
Effort by effort.
When he finally returned home, the sky had already darkened, the house still carrying the same quiet atmosphere, but something felt slightly different.
Han Sen was there.
Sitting.
Silent.
Tired.
Their eyes met briefly.
No words.
But understanding passed between them.
Same day.
Same struggle.
Different paths.
Han Chandu didn't speak.
He turned.
And stepped outside again.
The night air greeted him.
Cool.
Silent.
Unchanging.
He took his stance.
And punched.
Again.
And again.
Each movement slower than before, his body protesting, his muscles already exhausted, but he didn't stop.
Because today had shown him something clearly—
Strength wasn't optional.
It was necessary.
His breathing grew heavier.
His arms trembled.
But he continued.
Time passed.
Finally—
He stopped.
A faint panel appeared before his eyes.
[ Skill Panel ]
Taijutsu → 2 / 100
Super Body → Locked
Geno Lock → Not Opened
One more point.
After everything.
After the exhaustion.
After the struggle.
Just one.
He looked at it quietly.
"…slow," he murmured.
But there was no frustration in his voice.
Only acceptance.
Because now—
He understood both paths.
Earning money—
Was hard.
Getting stronger—
Was slow.
But both—
Were necessary.
A slow breath left him as he lowered his arms.
"…then I'll do both."
Simple.
Clear.
No hesitation.
Inside the house, the light remained on.
Two brothers.
Carrying the same burden.
Walking different paths.
And outside—
Under the silent night—
Han Chandu stood still for a moment before taking another step forward.
Because this time—
He wasn't just surviving.
He was fighting his way forward.