Is there anything better than waking up because your body is actually finished resting?
Despite yesterday's—or technically this morning's—marathon to Gotham and back, where I pounded three muggers and chased off a street gang, I feel recharged.
My mana isn't fully back yet, but I'm used to that low-battery feeling by now.
I checked the clock: 9:30 AM.
I spent a few more minutes stretching on the bed, enjoying the silence while plotting my day.
I could run to Metropolis, but showing up in two major cities two nights in a row? Probably not the best move, especially since I already flagged myself to "someone" in Gotham.
I'll rest for now. Train until the weekend, and once my parents fly out to Europe, I'll visit the City of Tomorrow. During the day. Like a civilized person.
I opened my Status to see what I needed to hit Level 10. Time to admire the numbers.
Level: 9
Experience: 4720/5400
HP: 845 | MP: 609/745
Effects: Genius, Natural Constitution, Hero Mark
Stats: Str 20, End 26, Agi 22, Int 24, Mag 27, Lck 20
I really need to buff my "Kung-Fu." It's messing up my aesthetic as a "Martial Arts Master."
Super-speed running is easy enough to level—one round trip to Metropolis and I'll probably hit Level 15.
Magic, however, is becoming a pain. The higher it gets, the harder it is to grind. I need a new method.
I have dozens of "lifestyle" skills that give tiny bits of XP, but the one that caught my eye...
Masturbation: Level 18.
Awkward silence. Heavy internal processing.
Hey, look. XP is XP. I'm a sixteen-year-old in a high-testosterone body—there's nothing to be ashamed of.
Actually, I'm genuinely curious what happens at Level 20. If my memories of Skyrim are right, that's when the talent tree usually opens up. Does it make the "effect" stronger?
Strokes chin.
Shit. Now I'm actually going to do it just to see the results. I've reached a new low.
I also need to grind Calligraphy, Cooking, and Cleaning. Maybe some sword practice in the Iron Man suit.
I dumped my free points: 4 into Endurance and 3 into Magic, bringing both to 30. The last 3 went into Luck. Let's hope RNGesus is watching.
I spent the day in a brutal training cycle. Even with 30 Endurance, my body was screaming. I need Level 10, and I need it before the weekend.
Why? Because the Gacha has a new "Independence Day" banner starting July 2nd. 75% increased drop rate for American-themed gear, abilities, and characters.
I have 460 Fantasms. I need that level-up bonus to afford a guaranteed multi-roll.
"System, give me a quest for Metropolis. Anything!"
Silence. Of course. You only work when it's inconvenient for me, don't you, you digital parasite?
At dinner, the whole family—minus Michelle—sat together.
"So, Miguel," Dad started, cutting into his steak. "Any news from your friends?"
"Not really. Why?"
"Just curious. We've been thinking... for your 'good behavior'..."
Ignore the jealous glare from my sisters, Michael. Focus. "...we're lifting the ban on your computer and console."
Wait, WHAT?
"Mostly so you don't bother Michelle too much while we're gone," Mom added.
[ Skill: Trolling increased. ]
Not the words I wanted to hear, but I'll take the PC back.
"Where is Michelle anyway?" I asked.
"Her friends invited her to celebrate the holiday in Metropolis. She'll be back the day after tomorrow."
My sisters whined about wanting to see the fireworks in the big city, but Mom shut them down.
If my theory about Michelle's "friends" at the "Garden of Eden" club is right, my sisters would be very out of place there.
Instead, our small town was doing its own display tonight so everyone could head to Metropolis for the big ones on the weekend.
Later that night, I helped Dad set up the pyrotechnics in the backyard.
Sheriff Collins stopped by: "Hey there, young offender. Living life on the outside?"
"It's an experience, Sheriff."
We set off our display at 9:00 PM. I think Dad went a little overboard. We practically outshone the official town display.
The whole street was lit up in neon colors. It was beautiful.
Meanwhile, miles away, a breathless Michelle entered a dressing room filled with half-naked women. It was "holiday chaos"—the Friday/Saturday rush.
She sat down, pulling cash out of her stockings, and peeled the heart-shaped pasties off her chest.
"They told us they changed the glue on these. It's still trash," she muttered.
"How's the babysitting gig, Michelle?" a colleague named Nikki asked, smirking.
"I'm not a babysitter, I'm a 'monitor'..."
"Oh, so you're a cop now? Does the 'prisoner' demand punishments?" Nikki teased.
"Very funny. He's my cousin."
"In Alabama, that wouldn't stop anyone!" Nikki laughed.
Michelle rolled her eyes. "It's fine. I get five thousand bucks to watch a self-sufficient teenager in a mansion for a month. It's a vacation."
"Minaj! Your clients are waiting!" the manager yelled.
"Leroy! You've got a private in room four. Police costume, brunette. Fifteen minutes!"
Michelle sighed. The irony of the "police" order wasn't lost on her. "On it."