Chapter 2

Emily quickly began enjoying the benefits of her new system.

Like all Destiny Systems, ours granted an initial boost.

The Elite Athlete System enhanced her reflexes, coordination, endurance, and body awareness. Every drill came naturally to her, and every workout produced results far beyond those of an ordinary athlete.

She couldn't wait to show everyone.

During gym class and after-school training, she was suddenly outperforming varsity athletes who had trained for years.

"Since when is Emily this athletic?"

"She's incredible."

"I've never seen anyone improve that fast."

Emily basked in the admiration.

Then, catching sight of me from the corner of her eye, she covered her mouth with a small laugh.

"My sister trains really hard after school too. It's just no matter how much she practices, she never seems to improve."

She sighed dramatically.

"If Olivia wanted, I'd gladly share my training routine with her. But she's too proud to ask."

A teammate who had been asking Emily for advice immediately chimed in.

"Come on, Olivia just isn't naturally athletic. Even if you coached her, it wouldn't make a difference."

"You two are sisters. How did Emily end up so talented while Olivia got none of the athletic genes?"

Untalented?

I lowered my eyes to the A on my latest fitness assessment.

The truth was, I wasn't doing badly at all. Emily simply had a way of planting ideas in people's minds. Little by little, everyone started believing I was secretly obsessed with catching up to her, and jealous that I never could.

In high school, people naturally admired gifted athletes.

Especially someone like Emily, who seemed to excel without breaking a sweat.

Natural talent was rare. And because it was rare, everyone envied it.

Meanwhile, some of the boys in school began teasing me just to get my attention.

The Beauty System had begun revealing its power as well.

Emily and I had always looked alike.

But as we grew older, subtle changes began to appear.

I was going through a transformation. I grew taller, my figure became more graceful and athletic, my complexion cleared, and my features became more defined.

At a school where almost everyone dressed casually and wore little makeup, my appearance gradually became impossible to ignore.

"So what if she's pretty? This is school. Athletics and grades matter more."

"Exactly. Olivia may be gorgeous, but Emily's the real star. If I had to choose, Emily's still my favorite."

Emily looked thoroughly pleased with herself.

I simply watched without saying a word.

What she didn't understand was that the Elite Athlete System didn't magically create champions.

In my previous life, she had needed to earn someone's genuine love before the Beauty System rewarded her.

Likewise, I had needed to train relentlessly, day after day, before I could ever stand on an Olympic podium.

Talent alone had never been enough. The people who reached the very top were never lacking in ability.

In the end, what separated them wasn't talent. It was discipline. Who could work harder. Who could endure years without immediate results.

The world is full of beautiful people. It's also full of talented athletes.

But very few ever become truly successful.

Every glamorous moment is paid for by countless unseen hours of sacrifice.

Fate has never rewarded those unwilling to earn what they've been given.