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Chapter 7 - Messages and Metrics

Before Jerry could think of a reply, the screen shimmered and four glowing response options appeared.

[System Prompt - Choose Your Response]

A. "Only if you promise not to bite... too hard."

B. "I'm blushing already. Stop bullying me, miss demon queen. "

C. "Sweet dreams, heartbreaker. But next time, I'm bringing fire too. "

D. Ignore and play it cool. Let her sweat a little. 

Alric: "Don't pick D! Don't ghost the devil woman!"

Zen: "C is smooth. Very smooth. I approve."

Ragnar: "Option A. Show dominance. Be the flame, not the moth."

Jerry, chuckling, tapped B. It felt honest. Flirty, but still him.

Jerry:

I'm blushing already. Stop bullying me, miss demon queen. 😳

Three dots danced on screen. She was typing.

Vess 🔥💋:

No promises. But I like when you beg a little. 😈Maybe next time, I'll let you earn a reward for being so cute. 

Zen: "You activated something. God help us."

Ragnar: "You need strength. And holy water."

Jerry pocketed his phone, laughing softly.

By the time he reached home, his head was a mix of music, flirty texts, and a burning curiosity about whatever strange thing had awakened inside him. His parents were in the living room, sipping tea and watching the news with half-interest.

He stepped inside and cleared his throat. "Hey… Mom, Dad? Can we talk for a sec?"

They both looked up.

"I think it might be better if I move into the academy dorms early," Jerry said.

His mom tilted her head. "Already? Didn't you just say you were settling in fine here?"

"Yeah, I was. But there are orientation events, some late-night practice sessions... and, honestly, I think I'll fit in better if I'm around more. Everyone else is moving in already."

His dad raised a brow. "You sure it's not just peer pressure?"

Jerry gave a small smile. "Maybe a little. But it feels like the right move. I want to be present there, not just show up from the sidelines."

There was a beat of silence. Then his dad gave a nod. "If you think it'll help you grow, we'll support it. Just don't vanish entirely."

"I won't," Jerry promised.

He packed light that night—just the basics. A few clothes, his guitar, some books, and a travel mug he'd stolen from the kitchen. The real move would come later, but for now, he wanted to feel like he was stepping forward.

After dinner, after a reminder from Mom to iron his shirts and sleep early, Jerry finally collapsed into bed.

But before sleep could truly take him…

a soft hum filled the room.

His vision blurred—and then sharpened.

A glowing panel floated in front of his face.

He bolted upright. "What the—?!"

[SYSTEM BOOT COMPLETE]

Cognitive Link Established

System Interface Now Active

Panels bloomed open like digital flowers.

User Profile: Jerry Foster

Race: Human (??? – Potential Unlocked)

Emotional Drive: 72%

Charm: 6/10 

Luck: 4/10 

Libido: 9/10 

Physical Appearance: 7/10 

Physical Strength: 3/10 

Agility: 5/10 

Jerry stared.

Zen: "Welp. It's official. You're the protagonist now."

Alric: "This is how legends start… or crash."

Ragnar: "Prepare. The hunt begins."

Another panel popped up, glowing in a soft gradient.

[System Update: Path to Optimization Activated]

Jerry Foster – Current Form: 64% Efficiency

Social Potential: Bottlenecked

Recommendation: Initiate Appearance Upgrade Protocol

Transformation Path Suggested:

→ Objective: Upgrade Physical Stats for Attraction & Survival

→ Action Plan – Week 1:

Join campus-affiliated gym (open early for pre-semester training)

Wake up at 6:30 AM

Diet: High Protein, Moderate Carbs, Hydration Focus

Daily Tasks:

Resistance Training (45 mins)

10k Steps / Day

Morning Mirror Affirmation

Reward: +1 Charisma Boost / Chance to unlock "Alternate Outfit Interaction" scenes

Punishment for Failure: -2 Charm for 7 days / System will auto-initiate embarrassing "Wardrobe Mishap Event"

Accept Plan?

✅ Yes ❌ No 🕓 Remind Me Tomorrow

Zen whistled. "Dude. This is the glow-up arc. Say yes and prepare the fan service montages."

Ragnar: "Forge the flesh. Prepare for conquest."

Alric: "Honestly, it'll help your back posture. You hunch like an anxious turtle."

Jerry groaned and rubbed his face, then exhaled. "Screw it. Let's go."

He tapped ✅ Yes.

A rush of warmth spread through his body like sunlight underwater.

[Plan Accepted – Progress will be tracked. Rewards contingent on completion.]

He leaned back on his pillow, heart thudding.

Whatever this was—system, hallucination, or divine prank—it was real. And if the universe wanted a main character?

He'd give them one.

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