Saint:My Daily Routine Became My Superpower

Kael stumbled through the tree line, blood soaked into his shirt, dagger still gripped tight in his blistered hand. The mountainside loomed quietly behind him, but each step felt heavier—like he was dragging the weight of the entire world.

When the ranger shelter came into view, his legs finally gave out.

He collapsed at the door.

The last thing he saw was his mother's horrified face, framed by rising sunlight.

Then—darkness.

---

He awoke to warmth.

A wet cloth dabbed at his forehead. His ribs throbbed, his hand burned. But he was alive.

"Kael!" his mother gasped.

He opened his eyes slowly. His brothers hovered behind her, wide-eyed, ashamed. Even Dren, who rarely shut up, was silent.

"You're awake…" his father muttered.

Kael tried to sit up. Groaned.

"What happened?" Arien finally asked.

Kael blinked. "Four men. They wanted my supplies."

"You look like you fought a bear," Dren whispered.

Kael chuckled, then winced.

"Felt like it."

He leaned back, closing his eyes. Then the notification blinked again, as if it had waited for this moment.

> [Secret Task Complete]

Helped others in need without reward.

Cleansed those who preyed on the weak.

Reward: Soul Light Fragment – Unclassified

A soft glow appeared in his palm.

The Soul Light Fragment hovered, pure white with threads of gold spiraling inward.

> [Soul Light Fragment: A crystallized echo of intent. Can be consumed to gain a permanent passive upgrade. Attributes enhanced based on the wielder's path and principles. Only usable once. Unique per person.]

Kael felt his breath catch. A one-time gift. Something rare.

Something precious.

He absorbed it without hesitation.

Light spread across his veins. Gentle. Burning.

> [Passive Upgrade Received: +5% to All Physical Attributes Permanently]

He felt the change instantly. Not overwhelming. But clean. His senses sharpened. Pain dulled. His breath deepened.

Strength born from selflessness.

He sat upright.

"Where are my shoes?"

His mother blinked. "What?"

"I need to work out."

His father stared. "You just almost died."

"I know," Kael muttered. "That's why I need to."

He stood—slowly, but without help. Then walked outside.

The cold mountain air stung his skin. But he welcomed it.

Push-ups first. Then squats. Then shadow punches.

The pain was still there. The exhaustion. But this time, he embraced it.

Because now he understood.

Routine was no longer habit.

It was survival.

> Next: Chapter 20 – Dust, Bone, and Blood