Episode 7

Lost in contemplation while observing the array of gifts displayed by the System, Vino racked his brain in an attempt to select two presents from the multitude showcased on the floating screen.

After brooding for well over half an hour, Vino finally settled on two choices.

"I choose Height Increase and Calisthenics Body!" Vino exclaimed, standing in the midst of his room.

Subsequently, a tingling sensation emerged on Vino's face and head, persisting for over a minute.

Simultaneously, Vino's skin regained its rich, ripe persimmon hue.

A previously acquired knowledge of speaking and understanding English faded from Vino's mind. These abilities were no longer accessible to him.

[Ding! All attributes have been removed except for Height Increase 182 cm and Calisthenics Body!]

[Congratulations on acquiring Height Increase 182 cm and Calisthenics Body!]

Presently, Vino stood in front of a wardrobe featuring a full-length mirror, scrutinizing the reflection that emerged.

The once overweight, unkempt, unattractive, and miserable Vino had transformed into a tall, muscular man.

Though his skin still bore the ripe persimmon shade, it appeared clean and pleasant to the eye.

The curves and contours of muscle on Vino's body were impressively sculpted, complemented by his stature reaching 182 cm.

Vino's height outdid that of his wardrobe, causing him to stoop slightly to view his face.

Any traces of fat on his belly and extremities had dissipated, replaced by firm, dense muscles, which also redefined his unattractive, puffy face.

Vino now sported a chiseled and lean jawline, making his face decently attractive—scoring a six out of ten.

Not too bad at all.

Indeed, compared to the handsome visage Vino once displayed, his current appearance was markedly less striking.

Tremors racked Vino's frame as he stood before the mirror, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Within Vino's eyes, hues of grey were replaced by new colors, enriching his view of the world with beauty.

Frustration, depression, disappointment, sorrow, rage, and agitation—these emotions dissipated gradually from Vino's heart.

Warmth coursed through his being, imbuing him with a sense of wonder.

"Is this how the world looks to the ordinary eye?" Vino murmured, touching the mirror before him as he knelt, his face still wet with tears. "It’s so beautiful…"

In the next moment, memories of warmth and affection shared with Callie infused the once-vacant chamber of Vino's heart with joy, filling a void of many years.

"I… thank you, System."

Vino wept as he gazed at his reflection. Despite the oddity, his sorrow and gratitude were unstoppable, and he occasionally sobbed, coughing fitfully.

Standing and wiping away tears, Vino hurried from the room to shower in the communal bathroom outside.

Meanwhile, the garments previously arranged by the System had been reclaimed, leaving Vino sans attire.

The apartments offered communal bathrooms, with tenants taking turns for use.

When Vino entered the shower, a co-tenant furrowed his brow in confusion at the bathroom door.

"Is that a new tenant?" the man muttered to himself in bafflement.

Unaware of the co-tenant's brief sighting, Vino was preoccupied with the considerable size of his endowment, admittedly large both in length and girth.

After the shower, clothed in a casual outfit procured by Callie, Vino's appearance revealed a toned, appealing physique, sure to captivate any onlooking woman.

"Five in the morning?"

A glance at his phone's clock surprised Vino.

On investigating, he realized it was 6 p.m. in New York; thus, 5 a.m. in Indonesia, with a new day dawning.

Now, Vino contemplated whether to sleep or not.

A routine evening visit to the store sparked a confrontation with a local tough around dusk.

Trilling!

The incoming call ringtone startled Vino, and upon inspection, Frengki's name flashed onscreen.

"Damn, he's the caller."

Without a second thought, Vino's hand pressed 'reject.'

But post-rejection, Frengki sent an intimidating message, suggesting a visit to Vino's quarters if the call remained unanswered.

The call tone persisted, Vino's response undeterred; his index finger consistently pressed 'reject' as he performed one-armed push-ups.

Vino's current form was markedly contrasted with his former self, the upper body unclothed, muscles distinctly pronounced yet sleek—not bulging under casual wear.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Open up, Vino the Eyesore!"

A skinny, sallow-skinned man feigning handsomeness hammered on Vino's door, rage brimming.

Then, Vino's room door swung open, revealing a perspiring Vino with a chiseled six-pack.

Facing Frengki, the Slender Boy, Vino inquired with an impassive expression, "What brings you here?"

Momentarily, Frengki's expression stalled before the embarrassed smile ensued. "Um, is Vino inside, Sir?"

Up close to Vino's muscular build, Frengki felt a tinge of fear, submitting to the man's formidable presence.

'That man's muscles are terrifying! Mom, I'm scared!' Frengki's thoughts revealed a mix of lowered self-esteem and fear.

However, Frengki's fright transformed upon hearing the muscular man's next words.

"I am Vino. What's your business with me?"

"You're Vino?!" Amazed, Frengki quickly realized.

The muscular man bore a strong resemblance to Vino, voice and facial features aligning. As Vino's frequent tormentor, he was well acquainted with the man's presence.

Convinced, Frengki nearly lost balance, about to topple backward when suddenly, a hand swiftly caught his collar, hoisting him aloft.

"I'll ask you once more." Vino's gaze sharpened, drilling into Frengki. "What's your reason for coming here?!"

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