AP Calculus was, as expected, a breeze. Nate effortlessly solved complex equations on the board, leaving his teacher, Mr. Harrison, with an expression of bewildered awe.
The original Nate had barely passed basic algebra, let alone tackled advanced placement math. His sudden, brilliant grasp of calculus was just another puzzle piece in the new persona Nate was building, one that would gradually erase the 'dumb jock' legacy.
He could feel the whispers from his classmates, a mix of genuine surprise and suspicion, but he ignored them. His focus was on the subtle hum within his mind, the constant, reassuring presence of the Limitless Will System.
During a particularly boring history lecture, Nate allowed his mind to fully delve into the system's interface. It wasn't a physical screen he saw, but an overlay, a transparent, ethereal display that appeared only to him, shifting and responding to his thoughts.
It was clean, intuitive, almost as if it had been designed by a master software engineer. Or, you know, a cosmic entity that understood universal user interfaces, he mused, a small smile playing on his lips.
The main screen was elegant, minimalist.
At the top, in flowing, almost archaic script, was the system's name: The Limitless Will System.
Below it, in a bold, unwavering font, its slogan:
"Host, As long as you can imagine it you can have it."
A pretty lofty promise, Nate thought, a thrill of anticipation coursing through him. But if it's already given me this body and a new life, who am I to doubt it?
Beneath the slogan, a series of headings floated. He focused on the first one that had appeared when he first awoke: Attributes. He mentally selected it, and a new sub-screen appeared, displaying his current statistics:
[Host: Nathaniel Thorne]
[Current Attributes:]
Strength: 1.5 (Average human male: 1.0)
Dexterity: 1.4 (Average human male: 1.0)
Stamina: 1.6 (Average human male: 1.0)
Constitution: 1.3 (Average human male: 1.0)
Intelligence: 2.0 (Average human male: 1.0)
Wisdom: 1.2 (Average human male: 1.0)
Charisma: 1.5 (Average human male: 1.0)
[Unspent Attribute Points: 0]
Nate whistled, a silent sound in his mind. Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Constitution… these were clearly boosted by the previous Nate's football training.
A Strength of 1.5 meant he was already 50\% stronger than an average man. No wonder he felt so good. And Intelligence, at 2.0? That confirmed his original Alex-level genius was still very much intact, perhaps even enhanced.
Wisdom and Charisma were also above average, suggesting the new body carried a natural social aptitude that he, Alex, had always lacked, now amplified by his new perspective and confidence.
He mentally tapped on a small 'i' icon next to 'Unspent Attribute Points.' A help bubble popped up:
[Attribute Points are gained through dedicated physical exertion and mental challenges. Engage in rigorous workouts, learn new skills, solve complex problems, and complete System Quests to earn points. These points can be distributed to any attribute as the Host wishes, providing a direct, quantifiable path to improvement.]
Physical exertion, mental challenges, System Quests… Nate's eyes gleamed. This was it. The direct path to becoming utterly unstoppable.
The ultimate cheat code. He could literally train himself into a god. And the more powerful he became, the more the System would surely evolve.
He thought back to his morning workout. He'd done a few sets of push-ups and sit-ups in his room, more out of habit than anything, still trying to get a feel for the new body.
He hadn't felt any immediate point allocation. Clearly, it needed to be rigorous
.
"Alright, Mr. Thorne," Mr. Harrison's voice broke his concentration. "Do you have something to add to the discussion about the fall of the Roman Empire, or are you just admiring the ceiling?"
Nate snapped back to reality. He'd been so lost in the System, he hadn't realized the history class was debating the historical context. He quickly scanned the projector screen, his boosted intellect instantly grasping the key points.
"Actually, Mr. Harrison," Nate began, leaning forward slightly in his chair, "while economic instability and military overreach were certainly major factors, I'd argue that a critical underlying cause was the gradual erosion of civic virtue and the increasing reliance on mercenary forces, leading to a disconnect between the citizenry and the state. The empire became too large, its administrative structures too cumbersome, and its social cohesion fragmented. It wasn't a sudden collapse, but a prolonged decay."
A stunned silence filled the room. Mr. Harrison stared, his mouth slightly agape. Even Amanda, who was in the same class, looked at him with wide eyes.
Nate had just delivered a concise, articulate analysis that went beyond the textbook, touching on socio-political complexities most high schoolers wouldn't even consider.
A small notification flashed in his mental vision: [Mental Challenge Completed: +0.1 Intelligence Attribute Point].
Interesting, Nate thought, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips. So even intellectual effort grants points. This truly is limitless.
The rest of the school day passed in a blur of adjusting to his new social landscape. He continued to deflect Mark's attempts at intimidation with calm confidence, subtly cementing his new persona.
He even found himself offering genuine help to a few classmates struggling with assignments – not to be manipulative, but because he genuinely enjoyed the problem-solving and the fleeting expression of gratitude on their faces.
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Nate felt a surge of anticipation.
Football practice was next. This wasn't just about athletic achievement anymore; it was about raw, quantifiable growth.
He changed quickly in the locker room, the familiar scent of sweat and liniment filling the air. He noticed the other players, already dressed, eyeing him.
The 'old Nate' was apparently known for slacking off or complaining about practice.
"Alright, Thorne! Hustle up!" Coach Miller, a burly man with a booming voice, barked from the field.
Nate jogged out, feeling the familiar pull of the System.
[Workout Session Initiated: Earning Attribute Points will be active.]
The practice was grueling. Drills, sprints, scrimmages. Nate pushed himself, harder than the 'old Nate' ever would have.
He felt the burn in his muscles, the sweat stinging his eyes, but he also felt an immense satisfaction as he pushed past his new body's already impressive limits.
Every powerful tackle, every explosive sprint, every precise catch – he could feel the System humming, working in the background.
Notifications began to pop up:
[Rigorous Physical Exertion Detected: +2 Strength Attribute Point]
[Improved Agility: +1 Dexterity Attribute Point]
[Increased Endurance: +2 Stamina Attribute Point]
[Successful Tackle: +1 Strength Attribute Point]
[Exceptional Speed Burst: +1 Dexterity Attribute Point]
By the end of practice, Nate was drenched in sweat, but his exhilaration was boundless. He mentally checked his attributes.
[Host: Nathaniel Thorne]
[Current Attributes:]
* Strength: 5.5 (1.5 + 2 + 1 + 1)
* Dexterity: 3.4 (1.4 + 1 + 1)
* Stamina: 3.6 (1.6 + 2)
* Constitution: 1.3
* Intelligence: 2.1
* Wisdom: 1.2
* Charisma: 1.5
[Unspent Attribute Points: 0]
"Wow," Nate breathed, a wide, genuine smile spreading across his face. "This is insane!" His Strength had soared to 5.5.
That meant he was now 5.5 times stronger than an average man, a monumental leap in just a single afternoon! He felt an invigorating surge of power, a tangible shift in his very being.
His muscles felt dense, primed, and capable of so much more than before. This wasn't just being "strong for a high schooler"; this was a level of physical prowess that bordered on superhuman.
His Dexterity was now 3.4, making him over three times as agile and coordinated, and his Stamina had jumped to 3.6, signifying a remarkable increase in his endurance. This rapid, quantifiable growth was more than he could have ever dreamed.
The "generous rewards" the system promised were already evident, and in such a short amount of time! Other system protagonists probably had to complete monumental tasks for such small gains.
Here, simply existing and pushing himself was enough.
A jolt of confidence, unlike anything he'd felt before, coursed through him. If he could gain this much power in one football practice, what would he be capable of in a month? A year? He was already 5.5 times the strength of an average human.
If this pace continued, he would undoubtedly become one of the strongest humans on Earth. The thought was intoxicating.
He wouldn't be the only one, of course; he knew there were other formidable figures in this world – the raw power of the Hulk, the cosmic might of Thor, and countless other superhumans and mutants who could increase their power as much or even more. But this system offered him a clear, direct path to stand among them, to carve out his own legend.
He could feel the potential, a boundless energy thrumming beneath his skin. This wasn't just about becoming strong for football; it was about preparing for the larger world, the one filled with Iron Man, Captain America, and eventually… Thanos. He was going to need every single point he could get.
As he walked off the field, Coach Miller clapped him on the shoulder, a rare expression of approval on his stern face.
"Thorne! What got into you today, son? That was the best practice you've had all season! You're playing like a man possessed!"
Nate grinned, looking out at the setting sun. "Just a new motivation, Coach," he said, his voice brimming with a quiet confidence. "Just getting started."
He knew, with absolute certainty, that this was his dream come true. A family, influence, wealth, and a system that promised literal boundless power.
He was going to grab this second chance with both hands and squeeze every ounce of potential from it.
The Marvel Universe was about to discover what truly OP looked like. And he couldn't wait.