Morning sunlight poured through the half open curtains, glinting across the quiet apartment. The smell of toasted bread lingering faintly in the air. Katy sat at the table, dressed in her uniform, eating in controlled silence. Across the hallway, Saul and Tuffy snored like synchronized thunder, utterly unaware of the world around them.Shaking her head, Katy scribbled a quick note on the counter.
Breakfast's in the fridge. Heat it up before you eat. Take care till I'm back.She glanced once toward Saul's closed door before sighing and slipping out quietly. The apartment door locked with a soft click.Hours passed.When Saul finally stirred, the sun was already high. He blinked at the clock and muttered, "Perfect. My productivity is undefeated." Tuffy, curled beside him, yawned loudly, convincing Saul they were both victims of time rather than laziness.The university group chat had already confirmed what he suspected classes were suspended for at least a month while reconstruction teams rebuilt the campus. It was officially a holiday. An unwanted one.He reheated the food Katy had left, gulping it down absentmindedly, his mind already on something else. Once again, curiosity got the better of him."Status," he said.The screen appeared with a familiar chime.
{{
Player: Saul Weber
Strength: 0.1
Agility: 0.5
Intelligence: 10
Mana: 1
Charm: 1
Skill Points Available: 10
Skills:Super Regeneration (Level 1),Lightning Bolt (Level 1)
}}
He folded his arms, humming thoughtfully. "Alright, Alrec. Let's talk strategy. I have ten points. Where should I invest them?"The answer came instantly, calm and cold. "Skill points cannot be assigned directly. Skills level up through repeated use. Stat points, however, modify your physical or mental parameters.""So basically, practice makes perfect. Great," Saul said dryly. "Then what do you suggest I spend on?""It is your choice, Master," Alrec replied, voice devoid of warmth. "I operate based on your preferences. Not mine."Saul sighed, leaning back on the couch. "You know, Alrec, your motivational speeches are killing me."Silence followed.He stared at the display a moment longer. "Alright, let's think." His words came slowly, reasoned but uncertain. "If something like that happens again… running seems smarter than fighting. But, I also need to hit hard when I have to."After a moment's hesitation, he confirmed the allocation.
Agility: +7
Strength: +3
A new window blinked open.Do you want to update your stats?
Agility will increase from 0.5 -> 1.2.
Strength will increase from 0.1 -> 0.4.
Yes / No
Saul grinned, muttering, "Let's see what happens." He tapped Yes.The world folded into pain.A burst of energy shot through him like lightning flooding his veins. His body convulsed; every nerve screamed. He clutched the couch, eyes wide, a guttural cry escaping his throat. The room flashed bright blue for a heartbeat and then dimmed.Then silence.
Congratulations!!
You leveled up.
Saul collapsed back, gasping for air. "That… was… awful," he wheezed. His muscles trembled, both drained and alive. "Alrec! What the hell was that?""Recalibration," the voice explained. "When your physiology adjusts to increased parameters, your cells restructure themselves. Pain indicates successful adaptation. You will accustom soon.""Soon might kill me first," Saul muttered, rubbing his temples. Still, when he glanced at himself in the mirror across the room, he froze. His reflection looked different. His posture straighter, shoulders broader. Even his face seemed sharper, more defined. Slightly taller, slightly leaner. Still him, but refined.He raised an eyebrow. "Well… I'll take that upgrade."That afternoon, he decided to test it. The city air outside was crisp and clear as he clipped Tuffy's leash on and stepped into the street. The old dog wagged along happily, oblivious to his owner's existential crisis.Halfway down the block, a familiar voice called out. "Saul! Bro! You alive or what?"Sam jogged up, grinning ear to ear. His messy hair, designer watch, and lazy attitude were the same as always. "You vanish for days, news says mutant attack at your uni, and now you're walking your dog like a weekend grandpa?"Saul smirked. "Nice to see your sympathy is still thriving.""Hey, I sent you a meme about survivor discounts!" Sam said defensively. "That counts."Saul laughed. "That's… horrifyingly you."As always, their conversation spiraled into nonsense Sam bragging about skipping online classes, Saul teasing him about his luxury pens, and Tuffy stealing attention from every passing stranger. For a while, it felt normal again.Until the moment froze.Across the street, a girl stepped off the curb, distracted by her phone. The screech of tires split the air a speeding truck swerved around the corner, brakes screaming. Instinct took over.Time slowed. Saul didn't think. His body moved on reflex.In less than a second, he was gone from Sam's side and reappeared across the road, holding the stunned girl in his arms, both of them safe on the opposite sidewalk. The truck thundered past, smashing into a signpost with a crash of metal.Gasps erupted around them. The girl blinked, trembling but unhurt. Saul quickly set her down, his heart racing. "You alright?" he asked quietly.She nodded speechlessly.When Saul turned, Sam was still standing where he'd been, mouth open, eyes wide in disbelief. "You…" Danny stammered. "You just… teleported?"Saul pulled up his hoodie, forcing a nervous laugh. "Uh… must be adrenaline.""Bruh," Sam said after a long silence, "if that's adrenaline, I want some."Saul chuckled, tugging Tuffy's leash. "Come on, Einstein. Walk before someone films this."They walked off down the street, the girl still staring after them, and Sam occasionally muttering how impossible what he saw was. Saul said nothing..