Novel's Extra: I Awakened The Strongest Physique From The Start

Alex sat comfortably in a quiet room, his back resting against the couch as he watched Zahara and Mira settle before him.

The room was dimly lit, illuminated by a few warm, flickering light orbs that gave the space an intimate glow.

Lilia had excused herself a moment ago, sensing that Alex wanted to have a private conversation with Zahara and Mira.

She thought it was something between them as they were in a relationship, and although it made her sad knowing that she wasn't a part of it, she wanted to take some more time to think her decision through.

Lilia had decided to join Alex's harem, but a question made her hesitate.

'Would I not be able to have him all for myself?' She had asked herself many times.

She wondered if she could somehow have Alex leave Zahara and Mira for herself.

She didn't even know about Sophie, so she thought it was possible since she had spent a lot of time with Alex—more than Zahara and Mira, at least.

The real reason Alex wanted to talk to Zahara and Mira alone was the system update. He could've just talked telepathically with them, but since Lilia went out herself, he didn't need to do it anymore.

Zahara, ever composed, tucked a loose strand of red hair behind her ear before offering Alex a gentle smile. "So? What did you want to talk about?"

Mira, on the other hand, said nothing, but she had already moved closer to Alex, resting her hand lightly on his arm, a silent indication that she was listening.

She never spoke much, but her presence was always felt in subtle ways.

Alex exhaled and leaned forward slightly. "It's about the system. There's been a significant update, and since both of you are tied to it, I need you to know what's changed."

Zahara gave him a small nod, her red eyes filled with curiosity. Mira merely blinked at him, waiting.

"There are three major changes," Alex began, glancing at them. "First, the system now grants me a telepathic link with you."

Zahara's eyes widened slightly, and Mira tilted her head in intrigue.

"I actually tested it earlier," Alex continued, smirking at Zahara. "I called out to you in your mind."

Realization dawned on her face. "Wait… that was real?!"

'It seems she still couldn't believe it was real,' Alex chuckled. "Yes, it was. And I heard your thoughts loud and clear."

Zahara's face turned a shade darker, remembering what she had initially thought when she heard his voice.

She cleared her throat, quickly regaining her composure. "That... is a useful ability," she said, choosing to move on.

Mira, on the other hand, tugged lightly at Alex's sleeve. "Can you hear me?" she asked softly, her light blue eyes fixed on him.

Alex shook his head. "No, it only works if I actively connect to you. And it's two-way only for you and Zahara. For others, like pseudo-retainers or servants, it's one-sided."

Mira nodded slightly, her grip on his sleeve tightening in what he recognized as a sign of approval.

"The second change," Alex continued, "is related to the stars in our cultivation. Normally, after reaching the star-connection realm, once you imbue an element into a star, you're stuck with it. But now, we can switch the elements infused in our stars at will."

Zahara's eyebrows rose slightly. "That's... absurd. Elemental stars are supposed to be permanent."

Like Alex, Zahara also realized how absurd this function was, even more so when she had dual elemental affinity.

Her main element was fire, which had a 60% affinity, but she also had wind affinity, even though it was only 10%. But even 10% becomes 110% once you imbue it into a star, and that was why this ability was so broken.

Mira didn't understand much but remained silent, and Alex could feel her body lean into him slightly, a sign she was listening intently.

"It is, as it means we can change our elemental affinity depending on who we're fighting," Alex explained. "If an opponent is using fire, we can switch to water. If they're using darkness, we can counter with light. We won't be limited anymore."

Mira's grip on his sleeve loosened as she processed the implications. "Stronger," she murmured.

"Much stronger," Zahara agreed, nodding slowly. "This makes us adaptable in ways no one else can be."

Alex smiled. "Exactly."

Zahara exhaled softly, absorbing the information. "And the third change?"

At this, Alex's expression darkened slightly. "New dungeons are appearing in the dream world. They're stronger and more dangerous. The system says they will be unlike anything before."

Zahara frowned. "And what does that mean for you?"

Alex leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It means I have new challenges waiting for me. More powerful monsters, higher risks… but also better rewards."

Alex wasn't lying when he said that.

Until now, even the beasts Alex had faced in the seven-star, red dungeon who had reached the star-connection realm and were monsters on their own accord hadn't imbued their stars with elements—except the Manticore, of course.

That made them considerably weaker.

But now, the ones Alex would face in the new dungeons were different. They had elements infused in their stars.

Zahara didn't know all that, but she still sighed, knowing full well that Alex wouldn't back down from danger. "You're going to test them soon, aren't you?"

He grinned. "Obviously."

Mira finally moved, pressing her forehead against his shoulder. "Reckless," she muttered softly.

Alex chuckled and reached up to gently ruffle her cream-colored hair. "You know me."

Zahara, watching the two of them, sighed again but smiled. "Then we'll be prepared."

"That's the plan," Alex confirmed. "I'll let you both know when I enter the first new dungeon."

Mira didn't respond, but she nuzzled slightly closer, while Zahara gave him an approving nod.

Alex stared at them, especially Zahara, wondering if he should visit her kingdom now.

Going to her kingdom would start her arc after all, and once it starts, Zahara would start growing.

Alex was sure by the time they returned to the academy after completing everything in her kingdom, Zahara would've improved by leaps and bounds.

But just then, before he could think more about it, something happened.

The pendant around his neck trembled, shining with a blue light and vibrating.

Alex's eyes sharpened as he straightened, frowning.

It was the pendant his mother gave him long ago.

Even Zahara and Mira knew what it was, as Zahara had personally experienced that artifact's power during the assassination attempt on Alex's birthday, and Mira heard about it from Vanessa.

Alex, however, was more tense because he knew that the reaction the pendant showed would only happen if his mother were trying to contact him.

She would never do it unless it was an emergency, as she didn't like intruding on his privacy.

Pushing his mana into the pendant, Alex quickly connected himself to the pendant.

'Mother—' He called out, but before he could complete his word, Vanessa's voice came from the other side as cold as it usually is. 'Where are you?'

To anyone else, it might sound like Vanessa was angry, but Alex wasn't just anyone; he was her son, and he could feel the worry and tension in her voice, making him frown harder.

'What's wrong, Mother—?' Alex tried to speak, but Vanessa cut him off again.

'Alex. Where are you?'