Urban System in America
Chapter 180 - 179: Exercise and Call

Chapter 180: Chapter 179: Exercise and Call

He looked down at himself—his frame had indeed changed, and not just a little. Broader shoulders. Firmer build. More presence. The kind of transformation that didn’t come from gym memberships but from sheer supernatural grind.

"A bit," he admitted. "Blame good nutrition, weird genetics, and pure hard work."

"You men and your delusions of muscle," she teased.

"Mmm. Delightfully cryptic. I love it."

She paused, then her voice turned just a touch warmer—sultry, but professional.

"Mmhm. I’ll prepare something," she said, already thinking out loud. "Come by the boutique first thing in the morning. Don’t be late. I’ve already got something in mind for you—something that says I belong here, but you’re not sure how."

"I trust you," he said. "Your sense of fashion might be the difference between looking like an insider... or a fanboy who sneaked in through the kitchen."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," she murmured, voice lowering like a purr.

He raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you’re casting a spell."

"Darling," she replied, smug as ever, "fashion is magic. And tomorrow night? You’ll be enchanting."

"Now sleep. You’ll need your energy."

Click.

The call ended with a soft click, but the warmth of her voice lingered like a perfume.

Rex stared at the phone for a moment, then leaned back, arms behind his head, smile still tugging at his lips.

That was one crisis (almost) handled.

Now all he had to do was blend in with the stars, survive the high-society jungle... and complete that strange system quest and maybe collect a few secrets along the way.

Simple, right?

...

The next morning, the city had barely stirred when Rex opened his eyes.

6:00 AM sharp.

Not because of any alarm, but because his body had just... adjusted. Whether it was his newly improved constitution or just sheer routine, he was wide awake the moment the sun peeked over the horizon.

He let out a low groan as he stretched in bed, limbs cracking satisfyingly. Outside, the city was just beginning to wake, the sky bathed in hues of soft lavender and pale orange. He yawned, sat up, and lazily brushed his hair back.

"Another day, another grind," he muttered, then stood up and got moving.

He rolled out of bed with practiced ease, already dressed in light workout gear by the time most people were still stuck in dreams. Outside, the air was crisp and slightly cool—a soft marine breeze drifting through the still-shadowed streets of Los Angeles.

As usual, Kaelan was already waiting by the gate, looking as calm and immovable as ever. His toned figure and blank expression made him look more like a statue carved from discipline itself than an actual person. Calm, alert, always scanning, even during a morning jog.

Kaelan gave a curt nod as Rex stepped out. "Ready, boss?"

"Let’s go," Rex replied, adjusting the wireless buds in his ears. "Let’s get the blood pumping."

And off they went.

The local park wasn’t crowded at this hour. Just a few committed joggers, old men doing light stretches, and dog walkers dragging their sleepy pets. But the vibe was nice — fresh air, chirping birds, dew still glistening on the grass.

Rex set a steady pace while Kaelan jogged beside him, occasionally correcting his posture or stride. Victor followed behind, eyes scanning casually but precisely, noting anyone who passed by, every movement around them.

"Your form’s improved," Kaelan commented after a lap. "No wasted movement."

"That’s what happens when you run with a drill sergeant breathing down your neck," Rex said, smirking.

Kaelan smirked back. "That was only once."

"And I still have nightmares," Rex muttered under his breath.

Jogging.

Sprints.

Pushups.

Bodyweight drills.

Some light combat reflex work.

All under Kaelan’s silent, strict supervision. No wasted movement. No mercy.

An hour passed quickly in the rhythm of movement and breath. By the time the sun had fully risen and the city had begun to stir, Rex’s shirt was clinging to him with sweat, hair damp, skin glowing with effort and his muscles felt satisfyingly sore. Just the way he liked it.

After a cooldown stretch session with Kaelan instructing, they headed back. Rex walked ahead, towel slung over his shoulders.

Once home, Rex peeled off his sweat-soaked clothes, tossed them into the laundry, and headed straight for the shower. Steam rose around him, washing away the exhaustion. After that, he stepped out, dried off, and changed into a loose-fit black T-shirt and jogger pants.

Down in the kitchen, he made himself a hearty breakfast: scrambled eggs with cheese, buttered toast, avocado slices, sautéed mushrooms, and a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice A simple but delicious reward for the effort. He hummed softly to himself as he plated everything and set the table like a quiet ritual.

There was still a bit of time before the shops opened. He sat down with his fork mid-air when—

Bzzt! Bzzt!

His phone buzzed.

Incoming call. He glanced at the name flashing across the screen.

Seraphina Marcella.

He glanced at the name flashing across the screen.

Without a second’s hesitation, he wiped his hand, picked it up, and answered casually.

"Good morning," he said, voice still a little husky from the workout.

From the other side, her voice flowed in—smooth, sultry, with a teasing edge that always made it sound like she was two steps ahead in some game only she knew the rules to.

"Well, well... the golden boy’s awake early. Do you greet everyone this intimately, or am I special?" She said in a voice that made it impossible to tell if she was flirting or mocking.

He smiled, leaning back in his chair.

"You called me, remember?"

"Of course I know, I did," she purred. "I was impressed. You actually got up and exercised before sunrise? Color me shocked."

"Well, I aim to be a man of many surprises, you’ll be surprised, if you have few more contacts."

"Mmm, multitasking and muscle. You’re starting to sound dangerously appealing," she said in a teasing tone.

(End of Chapter)

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