CHAPTER 203: BODY TEMPERING

Noah had already formulated an efficient training schedule that would maximise his development while utilising both natural training and the idle room’s effectiveness.

Three hours of personal training today should get me to level 7.

He also planned to utilise the idle room’s four-hour daily limit tomorrow, which would translate to eight hours of training normally. Combined with additional personal practice that would total six hours, the schedule would bring his body tempering to level 10 within two days.

It was perfect timing, by the time he relocated, his attributes would be more balanced.

Noah settled into the demanding body tempering training. Unlike his magical skills that required meditation and energy manipulation, body tempering demanded intense physical exertion designed to strengthen every aspect of his constitution.

He had to overfill his body with mana, using it as a way to stress his body; each component stressed different aspects of his physical development while the skill enhanced his body’s overall sturdiness and durability.

Three hours later, sweat pouring down his face and his muscles screaming in protest, Noah finally allowed himself to rest as the familiar system notification appeared.

[Your skill Body Tempering has reached level 7!]

Noah stood up slowly, his body aching from the intensive training session. This was enough physical punishment for one day; pushing further wouldn’t be an efficient use of his time.

Level 7. Good progress. Tomorrow’s idle room session will push this to level 9, then I can finish level 10 with another session like this.

He was sweating profusely, his clothes soaked through from the demanding physical regimen. The items on his shelves had restocked once again during his training, but he still didn’t bother opening the shop for business.

Lola can handle the evening customers. I have other priorities right now.

With his training complete and his immediate goals in Esta accomplished, Noah decided to end his time in the magical world for now. He needed a shower to wash away the sweat and grime from both the minotaur hunt and his intensive body tempering session.

More importantly, he had promised himself to visit Ethan’s school and test whether his magical healing bread could address his cousin’s Type 1 diabetes. The experiment represented both a potential cure for family and valuable data about his products’ effectiveness against chronic conditions.

Noah grabbed two loaves of bread from his restocked shelves, one for testing with Ethan, and one as backup in case the one proved insufficient for addressing such a complex medical condition.

With his supplies secured and his immediate goals in Esta complete, Noah stepped through the portal and appeared in his Earth home.

Inside his house, Noah headed straight to the shower, his body still aching from the intensive body tempering session and carrying the lingering scents of combat from their minotaur encounter.

The hot water felt incredible against his tired muscles, washing away sweat, dirt, and the physical evidence of his magical world adventures. Steam filled the bathroom as he took his time, allowing the heat to soothe his body.

This is one of the things I miss most when I’m in the other world. Modern plumbing and unlimited hot water.

...

Dressed and dried up, Noah made his way downstairs to check on his father, following the enticing aromas that were already filling the house.

His father was in the kitchen cooking their lunch, moving around the kitchen with confidence. The kitchen wasn’t just a place for his father; it was like his second body.

Noah didn’t reprimand him for the effort, despite his protective instincts wanting to insist that his father shouldn’t be doing the cooking, and should rest at his old age. But this was Alan’s way of showing his love and contributing to their household, and Noah had learned to appreciate these gestures rather than worry about them.

Cooking for family gives him happiness. Taking that away would be cruel, not protective.

He didn’t ask where his father had been during his absence either, recognizing that Alan deserved privacy and independence after months of medical supervision and constant monitoring.

He’s earned the right to have his own life again.

Who knew? Maybe his father was exploring the possibility of bringing him a stepmother, bringing a special someone into their lives. The thought didn’t disturb Noah as much as it might have years earlier.

To be honest, I’d prefer that outcome.

His father had genuinely struggled with the passing of Noah’s mother, carrying grief and loneliness that had undoubtedly contributed to his declining health. The man needed to move forward, to experience life and relationships again rather than remaining trapped in memories of loss.

Mom would have wanted him to find happiness again. She wouldn’t want him spending the rest of his life alone.

The beef jerky’s vitality enhancement had restored more than just physical health—it had given Alan back the energy and confidence to consider a future that extended beyond mere survival. That future might include romance, companionship, or simply expanded social connections that had been impossible during his illness.

He deserves love. He deserves to live, not just exist. My father has worked really hard for our family, he has spent sweat, blood and tears. Working tirelessly to provide for our little family. He deserves to rest now and enjoy his life more.

"Smells incredible in here, Dad," Noah called out as he entered the kitchen, his voice carrying genuine appreciation for both the meal and the man preparing it.

Alan turned with a smile that reached his eyes, the kind of expression that had never left his face, even during the darkest periods of his condition.

"Just some simple pasta with that sauce you like," he replied with obvious pleasure at having to cook again. "Figured we should both eat a good meal. You are also busy with your work, so I prepared it."

Noah settled at their small dining table, content to let his father fuss over dinner preparations while he planned his afternoon visit to Ethan’s school.