The next morning…
Jayden woke before the sun had fully stretched its arms across the skyline. The light was soft and golden, painting the room in a warm haze.
He didn't waste time.
Track pants. Running shoes. Hoodie over his tee.
He hit the park trail with the kind of focus only beast-blooded instincts could forge. He arrived at the park, completed his daily quest, and received the expected reward.
But like he planned, he didn't allocate the given stat points. He kept them for future purposes.
By the time he got back, the sun was stretching higher. He stripped off his sweat-drenched hoodie, hopped into a long, cold shower, and let the water wash away whatever tension hadn't been burned off by the workout.
After toweling off, he made himself a decent breakfast... toast, eggs, and beast jerky that he swore was growing on him, and scarfed it down while scrolling his holo-tab.
