Harem Quest: From Trash to King

Ryan limped into the classroom like a dying man, every step weighed down by sore muscles and deep regret.

The seat beside Arthur was like a promised land… if the promised land came with the ache of 100 pushups and the trauma of trying to do dips on rusty monkey bars.

Arthur, as always, had his head resting on the desk, hoodie pulled low. He looked completely disconnected from the world.

Ryan slumped into his seat beside him, trying not to groan out loud. His entire body felt like someone had thrown him into a cement mixer.

Then, without lifting his head, Arthur spoke in a deadpan voice.

"You wanna hit the gym with me today?"

Ryan blinked, confused. "…Me?"

Arthur didn't even open his eyes. "Yeah. You."

'What the hell? Did he just… invite me? Is this a trap?'

Sweat broke out on Ryan's forehead. "Y-Yeah, sure. I'll come…"

He stuttered the words out, unsure whether he had just accepted a death sentence or been knighted into something bigger.

The rest of the class passed in a blur of aching muscles and anxiety. When the P.E. bell rang, Arthur stood up, stretched like a lazy beast, and yawned.

"Let's go."

They headed toward the gym together. Ryan tried not to limp like a wounded animal, walking a step behind Arthur like some loyal, nervous henchman.

The school gym was massive—hidden beneath the main courtyard like a secret facility.

Ryan's eyes widened the moment he stepped inside.

There were rows upon rows of dumbbells, barbells, resistance machines, and mirror-lined walls reflecting students mid-rep. Treadmills lined the far side, buzzing with runners.

On the left, a professional-grade boxing ring loomed, surrounded by punching bags, speed bags, and footwork ladders.

Boys in tight gym shirts grunted as they lifted. Girls in athletic shorts moved like jungle cats—sweat dripping, hair tied high.

And in the middle of all this?

Arthur Vale. The moment he entered, a hush fell over the gym.

A few guys who had been shadowboxing in the ring immediately stepped out. Whispers sparked like wildfire.

"Arthur's here."

"Shit—let's go use the treadmill instead."

Even the upperclassmen gave him space.

Ryan glanced around nervously.

'Why's everyone so scared of him? Is he some kind of boss-level monster in this school?'

Arthur didn't even acknowledge them. He walked straight to the ring and started wrapping his hands, completely focused.

Then, he entered the ring and began his routine.

Ryan stood outside, mesmerized.

Arthur's movements were a damn masterclass.

Each jab was razor-sharp. His footwork was fluid like water, no wasted motion, no hesitation. He pivoted, ducked, feinted—then unleashed a hook that made the nearby speed bag jump.

'What the hell am I looking at… this guy isn't just strong—he's trained. Like, really trained.'

Ryan whispered, "System… can you scan his stats?"

DING!

[Scanning target…]

[Name: Arthur Vale]

[Strength: S]

[Agility: S]

[Endurance: S]

[Reflex: S]

[Skill: S]

Ryan's jaw nearly unhinged.

'All S-rank?! What the hell?! Is he even human? I'm barely crawling out of F-tier and this dude's stats look like a final boss!'

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind them.

"Oho~ Arthur brought someone new today?"

Ryan turned.

A girl was walking toward them, toweling off her neck. She had the kind of beauty that made every gym bro pause mid-rep and pretend they weren't watching.

Her black gym top hugged her curves, showing off sculpted abs and a generous bust. Her tight shorts hugged toned legs that looked like they could kill a man.

Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, a few strands sticking to her forehead from sweat. There was a light flush on her cheeks—and a mischievous smile on her lips.

Ryan gulped.

She looked at Arthur and grinned. "Still ignoring people, huh?"

Arthur didn't answer. He was mid-combo, focused entirely on his rhythm.

The girl rolled her eyes and turned to Ryan.

"And who are you, kid?"

Ryan stood up straighter, trying not to look at her chest. "I-I'm Ryan West. I just transferred. Same class as Arthur."

She tilted her head. "Same class as Arthur? And you're hanging out with him?"

Ryan scratched the back of his neck. "...I don't know if I'm his friend. He kind of just told me to come."

She chuckled. "Honest. I like that. You've got guts, fatty."

"...Th-Thanks?"

She extended a hand. "I'm Maya Jin. Kickboxer. Top 5 in the prefecture. Let's be friends."

Ryan shook her hand, stunned. 'Kickboxer? She looks like she could dropkick me through a wall…'

The system chimed.

DING!

[New Character Registered: Maya Jin]

[Potential Ally. Potential Harem Member. Status: Neutral]

[Future Quest Triggered: Impress Maya in Combat]

Ryan's eye twitched.

'Wait, did that just say harem member?! What kind of system am I dealing with here?!'

Arthur finally finished his set, took a sip from his water bottle, and nodded toward Ryan.

"Grab gloves. You're training today."

Ryan gulped.

Maya grinned. "Don't worry. If he knocks your teeth out, I'll kick his ass for you."