---
The numbers adjusted in front of his mind. Chaos Energy and Chaos Body climbed. The battle power calculation was updated.
His overall battle power rose. He felt it physically, like his limbs had become lighter and stronger at the same time.
The system confirmed it with blunt clarity.
[Overall Battle Power: 11,500]
Sekhmet leaned back in his chair slowly. A quiet laugh escaped him. Not joy. Not madness. A laugh of disbelief.
"I'm really climbing," he thought. "Even in a single night."
Bat Bat chose that moment to hop off the bed and stomp across the table like an angry tiny commander.
"Why do you eat blood," Bat Bat demanded, voice sharp, childish. "Why not give Bat Bat."
Sekhmet lifted his gaze.
Bat Bat's tiny fists —claws— were on its hips. It looked absurdly serious.
Sekhmet exhaled through his nose. He had to answer without mentioning the system. He chose his words carefully.
"I needed to strengthen my blood," Sekhmet said.
Bat Bat blinked.
