《Infinite Evolution: My Idle Evolution System》


 Chapter 1 My Idle Awakening

    _________________


    [Daily Quest - To Idle, one must stay proactive.]


    GOAL


    [INCOMPLETE] PUSH-UPS ¡ª [0/100]


    [INCOMPLETE] SIT-UPS ¡ª [0/100]


    [INCOMPLETE] CURL-UPS ¡ª [0/100]


    [INCOMPLETE] SQUATS ¡ª [0/100]


    [INCOMPLETE] RUNNING ¡ª [0/10km]


    REWARD - [1 Point in Charisma, 1 Point in Agility, 1 Point in Strength, and 1 Point in Endurance]


    _________________


    [WARNING! ¨C Failure toplete this quest will result in the permanent loss of something precious to the Host... You shall lose what makes you a man!]


    "No matter how many times I see this stupid Daily Quest, I just can''t understand how this nonsense is supposed to be a ''feature'' of an Idle Evolution System," muttered a young man with in, unremarkable features. His messy ck hair stuck out like a bird''s nest, and his tired eyes were clouded with irritation.


    COCKADOODLEDOOOOO!!!!


    A sudden, ear-piercing screech filled the room. Without thinking, the young man''s hand shot out instinctively, quick and precise.


    BAM!


    The antique rm clock flew through the air and crashed into the wooden bedside table, shattering it into splinters. Unfazed, the young man let out azy yawn, rubbed his eyes, and picked up the battered clock. Without a second thought, he set it back on thest unbroken corner of the table, barely noticing the new dent it had earned.


    He stretched with a long, exaggerated groan before rising from his creaky cotton mattress. Stumbling toward the body-length mirror resting against the wall, he examined his reflection with a practiced, critical gaze. His slightly more defined muscles were just enough to push him from "below average" to the razor''s edge of "meh."


    "Still, this is leagues better than how I looked before acquiring that sted Idle Evolution System in that... ''incident.''"


    His expression twisted as memories of that fateful encounter flooded his mind. It was a day marked by both destiny and utter absurdity. The afternoon that closed out his junior year of high school¡ªhis final year in that ursed institution of misery. His school life? An unmitigated disaster... but that was a story for another time.


    To understand how Cassius came into possession of the so-called ''Idle Evolution System,'' one must trace his steps back to ten days prior...


    He had been minding his own business, basking in the grandeur of the school''s main building¡ªadmiring its intricate architecture in a manner most sincere. His appreciation extended to observing the bustling schoolyard scenery... strictly for ''cultural enrichment'' of course.


    Then, fate struck.


    BOOM!


    A colossal white truck burst through the brick wall like a vengeful deity enacting heavenly retribution, catching him utterly off guard in his "appreciative study."


    His intentions were pure! He was merely indulging in a final, heartfelt farewell to the vibrant energy radiating from his schoolmates before summer break. Yet, Truck-kun couldn''t seem to find a f*ck to give, plowing through the courtyard with the cold indifference of destiny itself. His world flipped upside down¡ªand not metaphorically.


    He was out cold before he even realized what hit him.


    However, when Cassius awoke, he was not in some mystical, otherworldly realm. He remained firmly grounded in the quiet countryside of Japan, in his small hometown of Hoshito.


    His first thought was a presumptuous one, yet also a reasonable one. "Did I time-travel back to fix my wretched past? It has to be! This is my Protagonist prologue, isn''t it!?"


    Hope stirred... only to be snuffed out like a lone candle in a storm. His reflection in the mirror shattered all illusions¡ªhis body was the same bby disaster as before, cursed with an extreme case of hypothyroidism that rendered every attempt at exercise or dieting utterly futile. Moreover, he also had the same bad case of Dpidating Body Deterioration Syndrome, which made him as weak as chicken and as frail as ss.


    Yet... something was different this time.


    Cassius had neither been sent to another world nor transported back in time. His fate was neither glorious nor fantastical¡ªbut change hade nheless.


    "Is that... a fu*king flying person?"


    Disbelief warred with reality as he spotted a figure soaring majestically through the sky, defying all logic and reason.


    In his previous reality, people were wholly ordinary¡ªmundane, powerless beings. But in this timeline, at the exact same point in time, humanity had evolved.


    They were called ''Hunters''¡ªindividuals bestowed with supernatural abilities and charged with defending the world from monstrous invaders spilling forth from nightmarish ''Gates'' that had first appeared a century ago.


    Their profession was less about heroism and more about fortune and glory. The strong thrived while the weak perished. Billions aspired to be Hunters, but few seeded.


    Cassius, desperate for answers, questioned everyone he could. His father, perpetually absent on business; his stepmother, whose gaze could cut steel; and finally, his stepsister¡ªa snide, spoiled girl who delighted in mocking his appearance and shared his misery with her ''friends''. Though, anyone with half their sight intact could tell that she was faking it, ying the ssic ''hate with the haters so you don''t get hated'' act. He found it difficult to me her for this.


    His stepmother, strangely, seemed to hesitate as if wishing to say something kinder¡ªbut the moment always passed, leaving only cold indifference in its wake.


    Each passing moment filled Cassius with more fragmented memories of this bizarre timeline. He soon realized that, just like before, nearly everyone around him despised his very existence.


    But perhaps... if he awakened as a Hunter, everything could change.


    Unfortunately, reality was ever cruel.


    His stepsister informed him that he was long past the age of awakening, wearing a disgusted expression while saying this.


    In this world of power, Cassius was...


    Trash.


    Despair crashed down like an avnche, smothering all hope. Perhaps fate had toyed with him long enough¡ªit was time to embrace the sweet release of oblivion. Maybe Truck-kun was still out there, ready for round two.


    Determined to end this joke of a second life, he climbed onto the windowsill of his cramped bedroom and moved his fat rolls forward, ready to greet destiny with open arms¡­


    Then, ''it'' appeared.


    ________________________________


    [Name: Idle Evolution System]


    [Host: Cassius] - [Lvl 1]


    [Title: Calorie Chaser (F)]


    ______________________________


    [HP: 100] [MP: 100]


    [FATIGUE: 0]  [AP: 0]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ______________________________


    [STRENGTH: 3] (Little kids are stronger)


    [AGILITY: 2] (Even Grandma''s can outrun you)


    [ENDURANCE: 2] (You would copse within 3 seconds of warming ady''s bed)


    [INTELLIGENCE: 4] (Your only redeeming quality. Still below average)


    [PERCEPTION: 2] (At this point, someone could aim a gun straight at you and give you ten seconds to dodge, but you would still get hit)


    [CHARISMA: 1] (This is just¡­ sad. You''re so ugly that goblins have better aesthetics.)


    _______________________________


    Cassius: "...."


    It was at that moment that he learned that this ''Idle Evolution System'' was aplete¡­ asshole! It even gave him a useless Title that was only there to remind him of how much fat was present in his body!


    And then, out of nowhere, it hit him with a system notification, but added:


    *Ding~!*


    [Since the Hostcks character development, it is time to build character!]


    [For the next 2 months, the Host is required toplete the ''Daily Quest,'' and for every day missed, the punishment for failure increases.]


    [Punishment for first failure: Pain]


    Cassius shrugged. "Pain? How bad could it be? Worse than running with this cursed body?"


    It was worse. Far, far worse.


    After bemoaning his wretched fate as a perpetual, rotund mortal cursed by the heavens, Cassius surrendered himself to the sweet embrace of procrastination. An entire twenty-four hours slipped by in blissful ignorance as he immersed himself in games and manga, utterly disregarding the so-called "Daily Quest."


    But fate is a merciless overseer.


    When the clock struck midnight, retribution descended with the fury of a vengeful celestial tribtion.


    BZZZZZT!


    Agony surged through his body like bolts of divine lightning. Muscles twisted, nerves seared, and his bones felt as though an ancient beast was gnawing them into splinters. He writhed on the cold, unforgiving floor of his bedroom, wailing like a condemned soul cast into the abyss.


    Thankfully, no one was home to witness his humiliating downfall¡ªsmall mercies from an otherwise merciless universe.


    After enduring a full sixty seconds of soul-shattering torment, Cassius gasped for air like a beached fish. His eyes burned with renewed resolve, a fire lit by the primal instinct for survival. He swore an unyielding oath under his ragged breath:


    "Never again... never, ever again!"


    His resolve was cemented when he read the system''s next warning:


    [Next Punishment for Failure: Permanent Loss of Crown Jewels and Holy Excalibur]


    Cassius''s soul trembled. He wasn''t sure what frightened him more¡ªthe cold, mechanical tone of the system... or its disturbingly specific choice of words.


    "This damn Idle Evolution System... it''s the cruelest bastard I''ve ever encountered¡­"


    Yet, even as he cursed the heavens and his misfortune, Cassius dragged his weary, trembling body off the floor. If divine fate wished to y such a brutal game, he would meet it head-on¡ªeven if it killed him.


    The next morning, the first day of true effort began.


    Push-ups were an impossible task. His arms felt like soggy noodles. Running? After ten agonizing seconds, he copsed like a felled ox. Each movement was torture, each breath a struggle against the suffocating grip of fatigue.


    But even an ant can move a mountain grain by grain.


    Hour by hour, sweat drenched his clothes, and the ground bore witness to his gritted determination. Despite copsing countless times, he endured. His body protested with every fiber of its being, but his will remained unyielding.


    Finally¡ªat the brink of copse, drenched in sweat and gasping for air¡ªhepleted the quest.


    *Ding~!*


    [You Have Completed Daily Quest #2]


    [+1 Agility | +1 Endurance]


    *Thud!*


    Cassius crumpled to the floor like a discarded rag doll, utterly drained. Darkness swiftly imed him.


    He awoke six hourster, battered but alive, only to face the wrath of his sharp-tongued stepmother. Her scornful words stung less than his aching muscles, but he endured them with stoic resolve.


    There was no room for bitterness; his fate was chained to the system now.


    By the time the next Daily Quest appeared, Cassius was ready. The suffering he endured no longer felt insurmountable¡ªit was simply another battle in the endless war against mediocrity.


    Days turned into weeks. Though progress was slow, it was progress nheless. Eachpleted quest added a faint spark of vitality to his weary frame. His steps became lighter, his breathing steadier, and his will sharper than a honed de.


    And then, on this fateful morning, after stretching his aching limbs and brushing his teeth with grim determination, the system bestowed a new revtion upon him¡ªone that hinted at the true depths of its potential.


    BLING!


    {[Idle Evolution System Idling Benefits]}


    [Benefit 1: For every day that you train your body to the absolute limit of what you can endure, you will receive 3 AP (Avable Points), which can be freely used to increase any of your stats.]


    [Benefit 2: LOCKED]


    [Benefit 3: ????]


    [Benefit 4: Have you not caught the hint yet? No more benefits!]


    [Benefit 5: N.O. means NO! Build some more character instead!!]


    BING! BING!


    {[Urgent Side Quest]}


    ¡ª [Drop down and give me two hundred push-ups!]


    [Reward: 1 Point in Perception]


    [Warning!] [Warning!]


    [If you fail toplete this Side Quest within half an hour, you can kiss goodbye to your penis!]


    Cassius: "...."


    He stared nkly at the screen, his face twitching.


    "Even when it rewards me... it''s still such a colossal bastard."


    But deep within his heart, where resentment and despair once festered, a flicker of something long-forgotten ignited¡ªhope.


    If even the heavens could be defied through sheer willpower... perhaps he could rewrite his fate after all.


    Then again¡­

 Chapter 2 All Into Agility!

    Cassius hit the floor with a grunt, his toothbrush bouncing once before rolling pitifully across the cold wooden boards. His arms screamed with fiery pain as he struggled to push himself back up, bloodshot eyes ring at nothing in particr.


    "This system is the absolute worst!" he screamed internally. His thoughts were a boiling mix of outrage and desperation. "What kind of garbage system forces push-ups just to earn a single measly point in Perception?"


    His veins bulged under the strain of each rep, a fiery heat coursing through his limbs as if his body was trying to burn away the humiliation. The Idle Evolution System, as it was mockingly named, gleefully dangled stat increases in front of him like a carrot on a stick, demanding physical suffering in return.


    "I swear to every deity listening," he growled, sweat dripping from his nose onto the floorboards, "one day, I''m going to program some goddamn emotional trauma into you. Just you wait, system. Just. You. Wait."


    The system, of course, offered no response. It didn''t need to. Its smugness radiated in silence, unbothered by his threats.


    Twenty minutester, after air-humping the floor with the fury of a man betrayed by his own destiny, Cassius copsed. His chest heaved as he gulped in air, and sweat slicked his body like he''d just crawled out of a river. His limbs twitched, a reminder that even lying still was now painful.


    *Ding!*


    The system''s notification chimed brightly, at odds with the utter misery in his chest.


    [Side Quest Completed: +1 Perception Point Earned. Congrattions! Your suffering has paid off!]


    Cassius red at the words floating before him. If murderous intent could be digitized, the system would''ve disintegrated on the spot. Still, a part of him knew better than to fully despise the gain. As the Perception point sunk into his stats, the world around him shifted subtly but unmistakably.


    The morning birds outside sounded sharper, every chirp perfectly distinct from the next. The hum of distant car engines became a symphony of mechanical chaos. Even the air carried a strange rity¡ªa sharper sense of the space around him.


    And then, there was a sound far more... distinct.


    Cassius froze, his enhanced senses locking onto the faintest trail of what could only be described as a sultry, feminine moan.


    He squinted at the wall. "Moaning? This early in the morning?" His curiosity surged, mingled with suspicion. It wasn''t every day you encountered such brazen noises before breakfast.


    Driven by both concern and an unhealthy dose of morbid curiosity, he stood. His legs wobbled but held firm as he followed the sound down the hall, eventually stopping in front of a familiar door. Aya''s door.


    Her door was cracked open just enough to offer a glimpse inside.


    Cassius stopped. This was a line. No matter how ridiculous the situation might be, he wasn''t the kind of guy to peep. He''d never live it down. Besides, Aya was his stepsister, and the mere thought made his stomach churn with awkwardness.


    But then, another moan slipped out, this oneced with unmistakable pleasure. His feet hesitated. His mind raced. What if she was hurt? In distress? Surely, it was his duty to make sure everything was okay. Right?


    Peeking wasn''t perverse, he reasoned¡ªit was responsible.


    Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward, his eye aligning with the gap in the door.


    What he saw struck him like lightning.


    Aya, his stepsister,y sprawled across her bed, entirely uninhibited. Her fingers danced between her thighs with shameless intensity, her back arching as her breath hitched in rhythm with each motion. Her skin glistened under the morning light, curves etched with a perfection Cassius had no right to notice.


    "Ahn~! Mhmff~!! OHhHhh~ YES~~!!!"


    She moaned again, louder this time, her body trembling as she reached an undeniable peak. A sound escaped her lips¡ªa cry of bliss¡ªand Cassius bolted back, stumbling into the wall like he''d been shot.


    His brain screamed at him to stop reying the image, but it was toote. It was burned into his mind, a permanent scar.


    "What the actual hell¡­" he muttered, shaking his head as if to rattle loose the memory. "Why is she doing that with the door open? What kind of perverted¡ª" He stopped himself. This wasn''t helping. None of this was helping.


    Desperate to escape the situation, he turned for the stairs, moving as quietly as possible. But as fate¡ªor the system¡ªwould have it, the back door betrayed him with a creaky groan when he pushed it open.


    "Who''s there?!" Aya''s voice rang out, sharp and full of suspicion.


    "Oh, crap!" Cassius bolted without hesitation.


    The world blurred as he sprinted down the street, feet pping against the pavement. He pushed himself harder than ever before, adrenaline propelling him far faster than he thought possible. Blocks passed in seconds, and when he finally stopped, his chest heaved with exertion.


    "She couldn''t have seen me," he muttered, trying to steady his breathing. "No way she could''ve known it was me."


    Aya might''ve been a D-Rank Hunter, leagues above most people, but even she couldn''t have identified him from a creak and a glimpse. At least, that''s what he hoped.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Cassius leaned against amppost, his thoughts swirling. As absurd as the morning had been, it was a stark reminder of his ce in the world. Out of everyone in his family, he was the only one who hadn''t awakened as a Hunter. Aya was a prodigy, a rising D-Rank. His father and stepmother were both E-Ranks, modest but respectable.


    And then there was Cassius, the unawakened ck sheep.


    But maybe, just maybe, the Idle Evolution System could change that.


    "This system is garbage," he said aloud, ring at the faint interface that hovered in his vision. "But it''s my garbage. And if I can wring power out of it, then so be it."


    The day''s earlier reward shed again, the promise of +3 AP hovering before him. He grinned despite himself. All the pain, the humiliation, and the ridiculousness of this morning had culminated in one singr truth: He was getting stronger.


    "All into Agility," he dered, hammering the stat increase button with fervor. "Let''s see someone catch me when I''m faster than light!"


    The numbers ticked up, and a warmth spread through his limbs, a testament to his newfound potential. Passersby nced his way, disturbed by his manicughter, but he didn''t care.


    Cassius was done being the outlier. He might be starting from the bottom, but he was climbing now, one stat point at a time.

 Chapter 3 The Gains

    ________________________________


    [Name: Idle Evolution System]


    [Host: Cassius] - [Lvl 1]


    [Title: Calorie Chaser (F)]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ______________________________


    [HP: 100]                          [MP: 100]


    [FATIGUE: 0].                   [AP: 0]


    ______________________________


    [STRENGTH: 14] (Semi-Athletic)


    [AGILITY: 16] (Could be the star of a Track and Field team)


    [ENDURANCE: 13] (A woman might feel something with this level of endurance, but with what you''re packing, good luck with that)


    [INTELLIGENCE: 12] (You could pass as a nerd, but not a very smart one)


    [PERCEPTION: 9] (You might be able to hear a whistling arrow before it hits you)


    [CHARISMA: 10] (Average. Just average.)


    _______________________________


    Cassius stared at the numbers, his face a mix of interest and annoyance. The words under each stat still managed to insult him, but at least they weren''t as devastating as before.


    "Better than when it called me a ''Potato Sack on Legs'' that one time," he muttered. Still, his stats showed progress¡ªa fact that filled him with a small, albeit cautious, sense of pride.


    "Strength, agility, endurance¡­" He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I guess all those hours of grinding are finally paying off. If only this garbage system would give me something useful like more of those stats instead of shoving snarkyments in my face all the time."


    He started to feel a little full of himself until a rough-looking young man barreled into him on the sidewalk. Cassius staggered back, barely keeping himself upright.


    "What the hell?" Cassius snapped, ring at the offender.


    "What are you doing standing in my way, you fool!?" the man shot back, spitting on the ground near Cassius''s shoes before hurrying after a girl in the distance. "Wait up, Isabe! Don''t you realize just how much I love you!?"


    "Go away, you loser!" the girl shouted, not even ncing back. "I told you, I''m not dating an F-Rank Awakened!"


    "Come on, don''t be like that!"


    Cassius rolled his eyes.


    The hierarchy of Awakened and unawakened individuals was brutal. Only ten percent of the poption had the privilege of awakening, and those who didn''t might as well have been invisible. Even within the Awakened, rank mattered¡ªhigh-rank Awakened were practically celebrities, while lower ranks were barely better than the unawakened.


    Hoshito, with its middling poption, was a perfect breeding ground for this kind of hierarchy. Unless you were wealthy or held an indispensable role in society, unawakened individuals were treated like trash.


    Cassius brushed himself off, sighing as he stood back up. The hot pavement burned against his palms, a harsh reminder of where he stood in the world. "Senior year''sing up, and I''m still at the bottom of the barrel," he muttered.


    But the weight of years of disdain and dismissal pressed down on him, igniting a me deep in his chest. "Let''s see how long everyone can keep looking down on me once I surpass them all."


    His hands clenched into fists as he made a silent vow. He didn''t know what his system''s limits were, or what he''d be by the end of this journey, but one thing was certain: He would push himself until the world had no choice but to acknowledge him.


    For the next week, Cassius trained relentlessly. The streets, parks, and even the small gym he managed to join bore witness to his iron determination. Sit-ups, push-ups, sprints¡ªhis body became a machine of ceaseless motion, driving itself to the edge of copse.


    By the seventh day, his system interface looked like this:


    ________________________________


    [Name: Idle Evolution System]


    [Host: Cassius] - [Lvl 1]


    [Title: Gym Bro (E)]


    ______________________________


    [HP: 100]                          [MP: 100]


    [FATIGUE: 0].                   [AP: 12]


    ______________________________


    [STRENGTH: 22] (Athletic/Bodybuilder)


    [AGILITY: 25] (Can outrun a fast Moped)


    [ENDURANCE: 21] (You can ovee your SDS (Small Dick Syndrome) with this level of stamina)


    [INTELLIGENCE: 20] (Could be a Tutor)


    [PERCEPTION: 20] (Do your spidey senses tingle yet?)


    [CHARISMA: 20] (Pretty handsome)


    _______________________________


    Sweat dripped off Cassius''s shirtless body as he powered through his final set of sit-ups for the day. Each rep brought him closer to his goal, and his body had begun to show the fruits of hisbor. Defined muscles rippled with every movement, and his once-average frame now carried an undeniable aura of strength.


    He let out a deep breath, the motion crisp and controlled. The system might''ve been annoying, but it worked.


    Just as he wiped himself down with a towel, his stepsister Aya barged into the room.


    "Hey, lend me ten bucks¡ª" she began, stopping mid-sentence when her gazended on him.


    Her words faltered as she took in the sight before her. Cassius, still catching his breath, looked up from his towel, his chiseled abs glistening faintly in the room''s light. His medium-length jet-ck hair clung slightly to his forehead, framing a face that had clearly shed its former mediocrity.


    Aya stared, her mind reeling. Was he always¡­ this hot?


    "Hmm?" Cassius blinked, finally registering her presence.


    Aya jolted, suddenly aware of how obvious her staring had be. "I-I¡­ need ten dors¡­" she stammered, her voice unusually timid.


    Cassius raised an eyebrow. "For what?"


    "I, uh¡­ my friends and I¡­ We''re going out." She averted her gaze, the slightest hint of pink coloring her cheeks.


    Cassius considered her request for a moment before shaking his head. "No."


    "No?" Aya repeated, taken aback by his bluntness.


    "You heard me," he said, tossing his towel aside. "I''m not giving you my money."


    Aya fidgeted, her earlier confidence eroding under his straightforward refusal. "I¡­ understand¡­" she murmured, turning to leave.


    But just as she reached the door, Cassius appeared behind her, moving so quietly and swiftly she didn''t even hear him.


    "Here," he said, cing a small wad of cash on her head. "There''s a little over a hundred in there. Use it for something nice¡ªfor yourself. Not for those so-called friends. And Aya¡­ We''re family. If you need something, I''ll do whatever I can to help."


    Aya froze, her fingers curling around the money as she turned to look at him. But by the time she managed to find her voice, he was already gone, descending the stairs with a calm, confident stride.


    She stared at the cash in her hands, warmth spreading through her chest. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as guilt swirled in her heart.


    ''Why did I say all those horrible things to him before? Why was I so cruel to someone who never deserved it?''


    Aya clutched the money tightly, her earlier arrogance reced by a deep, overwhelming sense of regret. "I don''t deserve this¡­" she whispered, tears finally spilling over.

 Chapter 4 Special Side Quest

    "They say you act like the people you hang around," Cassius thought, tugging his hoodie tighter as he meandered through the bustling streets of Hoshito. His steps were unhurried, blending into the crowd, but his mind was anything but idle.


    "With my Perception and Intelligence stats where they are now, I can see and feel things better than before. It''s like pulling back a curtain on the world," he muttered. But quickly, he thought of something else, causing a sigh to escape his lips. "Aya¡­ she''s just a reflection of what others used to do to her," he mused, the realization settling ufortably in his chest.


    For all his lingering bitterness, hating her over something so trivial seemed meaningless now. He clenched his fists. If he wanted to change, if he truly wanted to be better, he had to let go of these petty grudges.


    He sighed, looking up at the brilliant sunlight filtering through a smattering of clouds. "Three weeks. In just three weeks, I''ve be an entirely different person. The old me wouldn''t have given Aya anything, not even if she begged on her knees."


    They say people never truly change. But evolution? Evolution demands change. And through changees transformation.


    His thoughts turned back to the Idle Evolution System, a gift¡ªor curse¡ªthat had turned his life upside down. "It doesn''t really have much to do with evolution, not directly at least. But then again, maybe the system is just the catalyst."


    "Whereas evolution¡­ that''s on me."


    His fingers absently traced the seams of his hoodie as he continued walking, the corners of his lips twitching in amusement. "Still, for a so-called ''Idle System,'' it''s the least idle thing I''ve ever encountered. Every day it hounds me with Daily Quests and Side Quests, making sure I never ck off. It''s like having the world''s most annoying gym coach in my head."


    It wasn''t wrong, though.


    For three straight weeks, he hadn''t had a moment''s rest. Whether it was physical training or rushing toplete ridiculous Side Quests, the system kept him moving. And as much as he hated to admit it, the results spoke for themselves. He was stronger, faster, sharper¡ªall the things he''d dreamed of bing but never thought possible.


    "It''s still an asshole, though," he muttered under his breath.


    And then, as if summoned by his words, the system responded in kind. A glowing blue screen with a red outline popped into his vision, its smugness almost palpable.


    [©°( ??? )©¼]


    [Special Side Quest]


    ¡ª An 18-year-old girl with long brown hair is about to get hit by a truck. After missing its date with you, the truck must be out for blood.


    ¡ª Save the girl and receive +2 Charisma.


    ¡ª Let the girl die and receive a subtraction of two balls from your total number of balls.


    Cassius blinked. "...But I only have two balls."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Then you better save the girl!]


    The silence that followed was deafening. Cassius stared at the screen, a muscle in his jaw twitching.


    "I take back everything I said," he growled. "You really are the worst system in existence."


    Without wasting another second, he bolted toward the sound of screeching brakes. His legs pumped like pistons, his upgraded stats working overtime as he navigated the maze of streets. The terrified screams of bystanders grew louder, and as he rounded a corner, he spotted her¡ªa girl with long brown hair frozen in the middle of a narrow street.


    In her arms, a tiny white Pomeranian trembled, its fluffy body pressed tightly against her chest.


    "She''s frozen," Cassius realized, his mind racing. "She''s not going to move in time."


    He didn''t hesitate. Dumping 5 AP into Agility, he felt the familiar surge of power course through his limbs. His surroundings blurred as he pushed his body to its absolute limit, closing the distance in the blink of an eye.


    "Move!" he shouted, shoving the girl out of harm''s way with every ounce of strength he had.


    Time slowed as he turned his head, locking eyes with the ring headlights of the truck.


    "Wait¡­ I don''t think I thought this through¡ª"


    The impact hit him like a freight train. His world spun, the sound of screeching tires and horrified gasps fading into a dull roar. Pain blossomed in every inch of his body as he was thrown like a ragdoll, skidding across the hot pavement beforeing to an abrupt stop.


    Through the haze of agony, he thought he saw¡­ an angel?


    Her long brown hair framed a face streaked with tears as she knelt beside him, her hands trembling. Something wet and slimy pressed against his cheek.


    ''Why is the angel crying?'' he wondered, his vision dimming. ''And why is she licking me? Is she not an angel but instead a subus¡­? Well, whatever the case, I think I''m about to die¡­''


    A wry smile tugged at his lips as consciousness slipped away. ''What a joke¡­ After all that talk about wanting to be the strongest¡­''


    ¡ª-------------


    "Mhmm¡­"


    Cassius awoke to the soft rustle of curtains and the faint scent of antiseptic. His body felt like it had been run over¡ªwell, it had¡ªbut the pain was manageable.


    Blinking slowly, his gazended on the figure sitting by the hospital window.


    The girl.


    The sunlight streaming through the window framed her like a painting, highlighting her delicate features. Her long brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her hands rested loosely in herp. But what caught Cassius''s attention most was the exhaustion etched into her face¡ªthe dark bags under her eyes, the slight slump in her posture.


    "She''s been here this whole time?" he muttered under his breath.


    He considered calling out to her, but the sight of her sleeping so peacefully gave him pause. Instead, he let his head fall back against the pillow, a small smile ying on his lips.


    "I wonder if I lost my balls," he mused, closing his eyes without bothering to check between his legs.


    ''Maybeter¡­ I''ll checkter¡­''


    The daunting thought genuinely haunted him. Because what if he truly didn''t have his balls anymore? What then??


    Scary¡­

 Chapter 5 Somehow In The Hospital...

    Cassius blinked his eyes open, the faint scent of antiseptic and the soft hum of distant machines pulling him from his groggy state. It took a moment for his vision to focus, but when it did, the sight that greeted him made him question whether he was still unconscious.


    Leaning over his bed was the beautiful brown-haired girl he vaguely remembered saving. Her silky locks spilled over his nket like a cascading waterfall, herrge eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Yet there was something strange in her gaze¡ªa hazy fog, almost as if she were moving on autopilot.


    Cassius felt his eyelids twitch. The girl''s face was steadily drawing closer, her lips barely trembling as if¡­ no, surely not.


    "Is she about to¡ª?" His thoughts froze as the realization hit him.


    She was leaning in for a kiss!


    Cassius didn''t know what to do. Panic coursed through him, but his body refused to respond, caught in a strange limbo between disbelief and awkward eptance. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Should he stop her? Let it happen? Pretend it didn''t afterward?


    But before he could arrive at any decision, the girl hesitated, her lips mere inches away from his.


    Cassius: "???"


    The girl''s cheeks burned a deep crimson as she blinked rapidly, finally regaining herposure. "...Hey¡­ are you awake right now¡­?" she asked, her voice soft and trembling, her blush threatening to consume her face.


    Cassius opened his eyes fully, fixing her with a bemused look. "...Yes, I am¡­"


    Her reaction was immediate. She practically leaped back, pressing herself against the wall beside the window as if trying to merge with it. Her dainty hands fidgeted nervously in front of her, her gaze darting anywhere but toward him. "I-I see¡­" she stammered, visibly mortified. "Y-You''re not going to ask what I was doing¡­?"


    "No, I don''t think so," Cassius replied evenly, his expression unreadable.


    "I¡­ see¡­ T-Thanks¡­"


    "No problem."


    The room fell into an awkward silence, broken only by the faint sounds of summer outside. The humid heat clung to their skin, amplifying the difort of the moment. The girl squirmed under the weight of her own embarrassment, her thoughts spiraling uncontrobly.


    ''W-What was I thinking?!'' she screamed internally. ''Why did I almost¡­? I must be losing my mind! He just looked so peaceful and handsome lying there, and I¡ª'' She buried her face in her hands, her cheeks so red they almost glowed.


    Noticing the oppressive quiet, Cassius decided to cut through the tension. "So¡­ how long have I been out?" He nced down at the bandages wrapped snugly around his torso. The dull ache in his body hinted at the extent of his injuries, but he had no sense of how much time had passed.


    The girl hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper as she answered, "I-It''s been around¡­ thirty hours¡­"


    Cassius blinked. "Thirty hours? That means I missed the Daily Quest cut-off¡­" His voice trailed off as he lifted his nket slightly, checking his pelvis. To his relief, everything was still in ce.


    "Y-You¡­" The girl''s voice faltered as her wide eyes flickered toward him. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she hastily covered her own with her hands. "I-I didn''t know they were supposed to be that¡­ big¡­"


    Cassius froze, question marks practically floating above his head as realization struck him. "Oh. That''s¡­ uh¡­ sorry about that." He offered a slight bow of his head, wincing as pain shot through his torso.


    "D-Don''t move!" the girl scolded, rushing to his bedside. Her hands glowed with a soothing green energy as she pressed them over his injury. The warmth seeped into his body, dulling the pain and leaving him with a strange sense of calm.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Cassius watched in fascination, his curiosity outweighing his difort. "This is¡­ magic?" he murmured, his eyes alight with interest.


    The girl flinched under his gaze, retreating to her chair by the windowsill. "P-Please don''te so close¡­" she whispered, her voice trembling. ''H-He smells good¡­ How can someone smell this nice after being hit by a truck?!''


    "Sorry," Cassius said, leaning back into his pillow. "It''s just¡­ I''ve never seen magic up close. It''s a lot prettier than I expected."


    Her blush deepened, and she began twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. "I-It''s fine¡­ And about earlier¡­"


    "I already forgot what happened," Cassius interrupted with a warm smile.


    The girl''s heart fluttered, a strange warmth spreading through her chest. "...Thanks¡­" she whispered shyly.


    Cassius decided to steer the conversation away from the increasingly awkward air. "How long have you been here?"


    Her response was hesitant, almost reluctant. "...Since you got here¡­"


    Cassius sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You really shouldn''t have done that. We''ve only just met; there was no need for you to put your health at risk like that¡ª" He stopped when he noticed her biting her lip apologetically. He sighed again, softer this time. "I''m not mad. Just¡­ take better care of yourself, okay?"


    "Mhmm¡­" she mumbled, nodding slightly. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress, and a faint smile tugged at her lips.


    Cassius leaned back, studying her for a moment. ''She seems like a good person,'' he thought, noting her shy demeanor. ''But she''s clearly a pushover¡­ I can see people taking advantage of that.''


    His gaze drifted toward the window, taking in the view of Hoshito from the top floor of the hospital. The city stretched out before him, bustling and alive, but his thoughts turned inward. He wondered briefly if his family hade to visit him.


    ''Probably not,'' he thought with a wry smile. ''They wouldn''t even notice if I dropped over dead one day.''


    A faint glow caught his attention, and from the corner of his eye, an all-too-familiar blue pop-up appeared.

 Chapter 6 Gym Bro for Life

    *Ding!*


    [You received 2 Points in Charisma forpleting the Quest: "Save the Pretty Girl from Truck-kun''s Vengeance."]


    [You received 1 Point in Strength and Agility forpleting Daily Quest #23!]


    ¡ª [No punishment was applied due to extenuating circumstances. But to make up for theck of character development while you were snoozing, you will need to do four times the exercises today. Double Stat Points will be allotted! ^~^]


    For a moment, Cassius stared nkly at the glowing screen, his mind torn between disbelief and resignation. "I almost thought you had a change of heart, system," he muttered dryly, "but nope¡ªyou''re still the same petty douchebag."


    He identally said thest part aloud, which caused the girl by the windowsill to flinch. "A douche¡­?" she echoed, her voice soft and uncertain. Her head tilted to the side, a finger resting on her chin as herrge brown eyes searched his face for answers. "A-Am I the douche¡­?"


    The way her expression morphed into one of sad confusion made Cassius feel like he''d just kicked a puppy. Her wide, teary eyes made his heart lurch in a way he wasn''t quite used to. He sighed. "No, you''re not the douche. You''re very nice. And cute," he added before he could think better of it.


    "C-Cute?" she stammered, the word tumbling out like she couldn''t believe it had been said aloud. Her cheeks flushed so deeply it looked like steam might erupt from her ears. She repeated the word under her breath, her voice growing softer each time.


    Cassius shook his head with a bemused smile. ''This girl is definitely odd,'' he thought, but there was something undeniably endearing about her bashful antics.


    Pulling his focus away from her flustered reaction, he brought up his system interface.


    BLING!


    ________________________________


    [Name: Idle Evolution System]


    [Host: Cassius] - [Lvl 1]


    [Title: Gym Bro (E)]


    ______________________________


    [HP: 65/100]                          [MP: 100]


    [FATIGUE: 34].                   [AP: 10]


    ______________________________


    [STRENGTH: 23] (Athletic/Bodybuilder+)


    [AGILITY: 31] (About as fast as a sh*tty Camry Car)


    [ENDURANCE: 21] (You can ovee your SDS (Small Dick Syndrome) with this level of stamina)


    [INTELLIGENCE: 20] (Could be a Tutor)


    [PERCEPTION: 20] (Do your spidey senses tingle yet?)


    [CHARISMA: 22] (Exceptionally handsome)


    _______________________________


    ''Looks like I got 3 AP from something,'' Cassius thought, squinting at the screen. ''Probably the first Idle Benefit?''


    As if in response, another notification appeared.


    *Ding!*


    [Due to extenuating circumstances, the system decided to give you a single pass. Don''t let it happen again; you need all the character development you can get!]


    Cassius''s smile twitched as he read the screen, his expression morphing into something between amusement and exasperation. The sight confused the bunny-like girl still seated by the window. Before she could think too much about it, however, he turned his attention back to her.


    "Your name?"


    "S-Sorry, my what¡­?"


    "Your name. You have one, don''t you?"


    The girl blinked rapidly, her mind spinning. "Y-Yes, of course! My name is¡­" She paused, her gaze drifting to his face and then his exposed abs. Her mind nked entirely. "It''s¡­ Wait¡­ what is it again¡­?"


    She visibly flinched at her own forgetfulness, then brightened with a sudden epiphany. "It''s Grace! Yes, that''s it!" she eximed, looking ridiculously proud of herself for recalling her own name.


    Watching her beam so earnestly made Cassius chuckle despite himself. "You really are a cute one, aren''t you?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Grace froze, her face turning scarlet as her hands fidgeted with her hair. "Y-You don''t have tough¡­" she murmured, her voice so soft it was barely audible. "I know I''m weird¡­"


    "I said cute, not weird," Cassius corrected matter-of-factly, his tone so casual it only flustered her further.


    Grace''s thoughts spiraled. She''d always been uneasy around men, their gazes often filled with either pity or something far less innocent. But Cassius¡­ he was different. He didn''t look at her like she was fragile or something to conquer.


    Talking to him felt¡­ nice.


    ''What''s wrong with me?'' she wondered, her fingers gripping the hem of her shirt.


    Cassius, noticing her staring with his heightened Perception, turned to meet her gaze, only for her to whip her head away in embarrassment. The corner of his mouth quirked upward in amusement, but the motion sent a sharp painncing through his ribs.


    Grace immediately noticed his wince and shot to her feet. "You can''tugh! Stopughing!" she scolded, her attempt at sounding stern failing miserably.


    Her puffed-up cheeks only made Cassiusugh harder, though it was more subdued this time, a quiet chuckle that left him wincing again. Grace''s worry overtook her embarrassment as she stepped closer, her hands glowing faintly green as she prepared to cast her healing spell again.


    "You mustn''t move so much," she chastised gently. "Your injuries are still severe¡­"


    The warm energy from her spell seeped into Cassius''s body, soothing the ache in his muscles. "You''re really good at that," he said, watching her work. "It''s¡­ beautiful, honestly."


    Grace froze, her gaze darting up to meet his. The sincerity in his voice sent her heart racing, and she quickly looked away, her face practically glowing. "I-It''s just a spell¡­ nothing special¡­"


    Cassius smiled softly. "Anyway, you should head home. Your parents must be worried sick."


    Grace hesitated, her hands clenching at her sides. "I-I will¡­ but could I¡­ maybe get your phone number?"


    Cassius raised an eyebrow.


    She immediately panicked. "I-It''s not like that! I just¡­ I wanted to thank you properly another time! A-And Snow hasn''t seen you since you were brought here¡­"


    Cassius chuckled, reaching out to gently pat her head. "Sure, why not?" He handed her his phone, already unlocked. "Add your number."


    Grace hesitated before taking it, savoring the warm touch of his hand on her head. As she typed in her number, she found herself disappointed when he pulled his hand away. A small pout formed on her lips, but she quickly masked it as she handed the phone back.


    "Thank you," she whispered, her heart fluttering again.


    Cassius simply nodded, leaning back with a smile. "Don''t mention it. In all actuality, it should be my utmost privilege to receive the number of a girl as pretty as you. Don''t you reckon?"

 Chapter 7 Main Quest #1

    "Well, anyway, see youter, Grace," Cassius said, waving warmly as the girl lingered at the door, clearly struggling to leave. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, and her gaze darted between Cassius and the hallway. She didn''t want to go, that much was obvious, but the guilt in her eyes told him she thought he needed more rest.


    "You promise to contact meter¡­?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely louder than a whisper.


    "I promise," he replied with a reassuring smile.


    That seemed to satisfy her, and she nodded, her entire face lighting up as she skipped out of the room in an unnaturally good mood. A few nurses and doctors in the hallway exchanged curious nces, wondering what had happened to the normally reserved girl. But before anyone could ask, she was already gone, leaving behind only a lingering sense of her newfound energy.


    Back in the room, Cassius sighed, his smile fading as he turned his attention to a shing red system screen that demanded his full focus. The light from the disy illuminated his sharp features, casting long shadows on the walls as he stared out the window.


    "It seems like this is where my journey as a Hunter truly begins," he muttered under his breath.


    BLING!


    {[Main Quest #1]} - (E-Rank)


    ¡ª[The world is infested with magical Gates that connect to other dimensions, and as one who aspires to attain maximum character development, it is your duty to conquer them all.]


    ¡ª[Skipping past F-Rank Gates, you are to solo-conquer the E-Rank Gate ''Savage Jungle'' appearing in front of Hoshito General Hospital at midnight, in 12 hours and 45 minutes.]


    ¡ª[Reward for Quest Completion: +3 Points in all Stats.]


    [Warning!] [Warning!] [Warning!]


    [If you fail toplete this Quest within 8 hours of the Gate''s opening, you will not only lose your reproductive organs, but everyone in the Hospital will die. All active Hunters will be upied with other Gates and will thus be unable to intervene.]


    [P.S. Trying to warn the Hunters now will make you seem like a lunatic iming knowledge of Sudden Gates. This will also be seen as defiance of character development. A.K.A., you will lose your balls. ^~^]


    Cassius stared at the screen, the muscles in his jaw tightening. "This system really has it out for my testicles," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "But if this is the way to make me stronger, then I''ll do it. Albeit it reluctantly¡­"


    [Good choice, Host!]


    [Hint: Locate a weapon, maybe through theft, because you will need it!]


    "You''re not going to give me one?"


    [Nope! ^-^ Good luck!]


    The silence that followed was deafening. Cassius''s face contorted into something between annoyance and resignation as he leaned back against his pillow. "Of course not. Why make things easy when you can make them as difficult as possible?"


    Shaking his head, he turned his attention to his injuries. His Endurance stat had already proven its worth by elerating his natural regeneration, and he decided to capitalize on that. Allocating 3 AP into Endurance, he immediately felt a warm sensation spread through his body, his Health Regeneration doubling in speed.


    "That should bring me back to full health before the Gate opens," he mused. "I''ll save the other 7 AP for emergencies."


    With his immediate concerns addressed, Cassius allowed himself to rx, his mind wandering as he contemted his next move. He needed a weapon¡ªsomething practical but essible. A janitor''s closet seemed like his best bet, but the n would have to wait until his health fully recovered.


    For now, it was nap time.


    A few hourster, nurses came and went, their footsteps quiet against the tiled floor. Some lingered longer than necessary, stealing nces at Cassius''s sharp features and toned body. A few even brushed against him under the guise of checking his vitals, but he remained blissfully unaware, his focus elsewhere.


    When his Health hit 100%, Cassius stirred, the faint ache in his muscles now fully gone. Stretching briefly, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and rose to his feet, moving with a precision and silence born of his heightened Agility. His steps were nearly soundless as he slipped into the hallway, the dim lighting casting eerie shadows along the walls.


    He made his way toward the Janitorial Ward, his mind focused. A mop, broom, or even a sturdy metal rod would do. Anything was better than facing an E-Rank Gate empty-handed.


    [Long and hard, unlike what you will lose if you stop pursuing further character development. ^??^]


    "Wow, so funny," Cassius muttered sarcastically, rolling his eyes as he reached the doorbeled Janitor''s Closet. He tried the handle, but it didn''t budge. Locked.


    He frowned, testing the door with a bit of force, but it held firm. Leaning against the wall, he ran through his options, his mind turning over possible solutions.


    That''s when he heard it¡ªa faint, familiar sound echoing through the hallway. Soft moans, low and rhythmic.


    "...You''ve got to be kidding me," Cassius muttered, d¨¦j¨¤ vu washing over him as he followed the noise to its source.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Peering into an open janitor''s room, he spotted the source of themotion. A young nurse and a janitor were fully engaged in an enthusiastic disy of affection against a metal shelf. Cassius blinked, his expression unreadable as he took in the scene.


    "Of course," he muttered under his breath. "Why not have wild sex in a hospital? That''s something only super responsible people do."


    The situation seemed consensual, so he opted not to intervene. Instead, he slipped into the room, his movements silent as a cat''s. The couple''s, ahem, activity provided ample cover for him to move unnoticed as he approached a bucket filled with cleaning supplies.


    After a brief search, he grabbed two mops and four brooms, their sturdy handles the closest thing to a weapon he could find. Turning back, he retraced his steps, the rhythmic creaks of the shelf masking the faint sound of the door as it clicked shut behind him.


    Back in his room, Cassiusid out his "loot" on the bed. Two mops and four brooms.


    He stared at the collection for a moment before shaking his head. "Not exactly the arsenal of a hero," he muttered, picking up a mop and giving it an experimental swing. The bnce was¡­ eptable. Barely.


    Sighing, he leaned the mop against the wall and sat back on the bed, his mind already shifting to the task ahead. Midnight was fast approaching, and with it, the Gate that would mark the true beginning of his journey.

 Chapter 8 Acquiring Some Weapons

    "Lackluster is an understatement," Cassius muttered, staring at his improvised arsenal of wooden brooms and mops spread out on the hospital bed. "But I guess I have no choice but to go and kill monsters with these until I find proper equipment."


    He sighed, scratching the back of his head, but then an idea struck him. His expression brightened slightly. "Wait¡­ I can make these better."


    With newfound determination, Cassius picked up the brooms and mops, snapping them over his knee one by one. The sound of splintering wood echoed through the quiet room as he broke the items down into manageable pieces. Normally, such a task would have sent jolts of pain up his leg, but with his newly enhanced stats, it barely registered.


    One broom. Crack.


    Another. Snap.


    Then a mop. Shatter.


    Within minutes, he had reduced 3 brooms and 1 mop into eight sharp wooden halves. "Not bad," he murmured, holding one of the splintered pieces up to the light.


    Next, he stripped the sweeper and mop heads off the remaining items, leaving him with 8 sharp wooden spikes and 2 sturdy staffs. Each spike was about a foot and a half long, jagged, and wickedly pointed, while the staffs were smooth and just shy of his height.


    Looking at his makeshift arsenal, Cassius allowed himself a small smile. "I don''t have a sword, but I think I''ve done pretty well for myself."


    Still, as he stared at the weapons, doubt began to creep into his mind. "Even with this, taking on monsters will be tough," he admitted, gripping one of the staffs tightly. "Especially since I''m not awakened."


    Hunters, even those at the lowest F-Rank, were far stronger than regr humans. Cassius had no illusions about where he stood¡ªhis recent growth might have made him stronger, faster, and tougher than before, but he had no way to measure himself against awakened Hunters or the monsters lurking in Gates.


    [Remaining Time until E-Rank ''Savage Jungle'' Gate Break: 23 minutes 3 seconds]


    The countdown shed ominously in his peripheral vision. There was no time to second-guess himself.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With a sigh, Cassius packed his weapons into the worn backpack he''d been carrying since the truck ident. After a final nce at the room, he slipped out the door, moving with the quiet precision granted by his Agility stat. His footsteps were nearly silent as he descended the hospital''s northern staircase, avoiding the main corridors bustling with nurses and doctors.


    The cool night air hit him as he exited through a side door on the first floor. The main doors were automatic and heavily monitored, so sneaking out there would have been a surefire way to get caught and dragged back to bed.


    "The fresh air feels good," he murmured, ncing up at the luminescent moon hanging high in the night sky. Its soft glow bathed the hospital grounds in silver light, a stark contrast to the growing tension in his chest.


    Suddenly, his senses sharpened, a prickling awareness spreading across his skin. He turned his gaze toward the front gates of the hospital, where the air seemed to shimmer with unseen energy.


    "The night is a pretty one," he said quietly, his grip tightening on the two wooden staffs in his hands, "but soon, it will be flowing with blood."


    The cold gleam in his piercing blue eyes reflected the swirling energy gathering above the gates. He felt it as much as he saw it¡ªwaves of pressure that made his heart race and his muscles tense.


    BLING!


    [Staff (Melee)] - [F-Rank]


    |¡ª[Attack: ~3]¡ª|


    [Spike (Melee/Ranged)] - [F-Rank]


    |¡ª[Attack: ~2]¡ª|


    Cassius nced at the system descriptions for his weapons. The attack values wereughably low, but they were better than nothing. Still, with no special effects attached, he knew he was going in with the bare minimum.


    Then, it happened¡­


    OOOM!


    The Gate''s energy intensified, swirling into a flickering bluish-orange portal that sent gusts of wind spiraling through the area. Pedestrians walking nearby froze in their tracks, their faces draining of color as they realized what was happening.


    "Ahh! It''s a Gate! A Gate has appeared!!"


    "A Sudden Gate?! Why would one of those appear here?! Monsters will escape within the next thirty minutes!"


    "Quick, call the Hunters!!"


    Panic rippled through the crowd like wildfire. Hospital staff ran out to investigate themotion, their expressions turning to horror as they took in the flickering portal.


    The terror was justified. Everyone, from children to the elderly, knew the implications of a Sudden Gate. Unlike regr Gates, which contained their monsters for a week, Sudden Gates released them in waves, starting within the first thirty minutes. And the waves only grew stronger with time.


    The system hadn''t been exaggerating when it said everyone in the hospital would be dead by the eight-hour mark.


    Unnoticed by the panicking crowd, a lone figure approached the Gate. Cassius''s blue eyes glinted with determination as he stepped into the flickering portal.


    The sensation of crossing into the Gate was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was as if his body had been pulled through a whirlpool of energy, leaving him slightly disoriented as he emerged on the other side.


    The first thing he noticed was the forest. Vast and verdant, it stretched in every direction, the dense canopy of trees blocking out most of the light. The air was thick with humidity, and unnerving animal calls echoed through the darkness, creating a constant backdrop of noise.


    For a moment, Cassius stood frozen, taking in the alienndscape. "So this is an E-Rank Gate¡­"


    The stunning scenery was a fleeting afterthought as the sounds around him shifted. Low growls, rapid rustling, and the unmistakable sound of footsteps¡ªno, paws¡ªcrunching against the underbrush.


    "They know I''m here," Cassius realized, his body tensing.


    The glowing red eyes appeared next. Dozens of them, flickering in the darkness like embers. Blood-curdling screeches followed, each one vibrating with an unnatural intensity.


    [Effect Triggered: Fear]


    Cassius''s heart skipped a beat as the notification shed. The screeches wereced with a Fear Effect, a psychological assault designed to paralyze prey.


    "Shit!" he hissed, gripping his staffs tightly.


    The bushes exploded in movement as the glowing eyes darted closer.

 Chapter 9 First Kill, Lvl 3

    "Shit!" Cassius growled as his limbs felt sluggish, his body refusing to respond the way he needed. The oppressive Fear Effect from the Savage Monkeys'' screeches was taking its toll, weighing him down like lead.


    "I can''t falter here," he muttered through clenched teeth, his gaze darting around the forest for anything he could use to turn the tide. But what was there to find in a forest? Trees? More trees? Moss? He cursed under his breath.


    What the hell am I supposed to do with moss? Knit them a sweater?!


    Whatever was chasing him had the clear advantage. They knew this terrain better than he ever could, and they likely had the strength to back it up. If this was a poker game, his hand was garbage, and they were holding a full house.


    As if on cue, the underbrush rustled violently. Cassius stopped dead in his tracks, his breath hitching. Shadows darted through the trees, and then¡ª


    *Thud, Thud, Thud.*


    Three figures dropped from an overhanging branch,nding directly in front of him.


    "Screech!!!"


    The creatures let loose a blood-curdling cry, their glowing red eyes gleaming in the darkness. Their sharp ws glinted as they shed at the air, demonstrating their lethality.


    Cassius''s heart pounded as he instinctively stepped back, his mind racing. This was his first time seeing a monster, and every fiber of his being screamed at him to run. Their savagery, their predatory grace¡ªit was overwhelming.


    ''Run,'' a voice in his mind whispered. ''You can''t fight this. Get out before it''s toote!''


    For a moment, he almost gave in. His body tensed, ready to turn and sprint for his life. But then his foot stopped mid-step, and he froze.


    He thought about what running would mean¡ªwhat it would make him. A coward. A failure. The same pathetic loser he had been before the system came into his life.


    The memory of scornful gazes, mockingughter, and cruel whispers hit him like a p in the face. The person he had been, the person everyone had dismissed and ridiculed, wed at the back of his mind.


    "No," he whispered, his voice trembling. Then louder, more resolute: "No!"


    With a shout of defiance, Cassius clenched his teeth and swung his bag into his hands.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Damn it!" he roared, spinning just in time to dodge a swipe from one of the creatures. Its ws whistled past his face, close enough for him to feel the rush of air.


    Pain exploded across his shoulder as another creature''s ws raked against his flesh. He staggered back, blood dripping down his arm, but he gritted his teeth and stood firm.


    ''If I run now, I''ll never forgive myself,'' he thought.


    [Savage Monkey (F)]


    The illuminated nametags above their heads gleamed yellow against the darkness. Cassius barely had time to take in the detail, but the color alone was enough to send a chill down his spine.


    *Ding!*


    [The difficulty of monsters is determined by the color of their nametags.]


    [Gray/White ¡ú Yellow/Orange ¡ú Red ¡ú ck]


    [Weak ¡ú Dangerous ¡ú Extremely Dangerous ¡ú Certain Death]


    "Well, isn''t that just peachy," Cassius muttered as he evaded another swipe, the monkey''s ws carving through a nearby tree trunk like butter. "Guess I don''t even rate as dangerous. Must be more like a harmless bunny sort of rating."


    The Savage Monkeys moved with terrifying agility, their ws gleaming as they closed in. Cassius swung one of his wooden staffs at the nearest monkey, but the blow barely slowed it down. Worse, when another monkey shed at the staff, it shattered into splinters.


    "So much for my ''great'' weapons," he grumbled, ducking just in time to avoid decapitation.


    The monkeys lunged again, their screeches reverberating in his ears. Cassius bent backward like a limbo champion, narrowly dodging their ws. In the momentary gap, he reached out and grabbed the tails of two monkeys mid-flight.


    One tail slipped free, but the other monkey wasn''t so lucky.


    "Gotcha!"


    With a primal shout, Cassius swung the creature downward, mming it against arge rock with bone-crunching force. The Savage Monkey shrieked in pain, but he didn''t stop there. Pinning the creature to the ground with his knee, he drew one of his wooden spikes and drove it down.


    "Esceetch!!!"


    The monkey let out an ear-splitting cry as the spike pierced its chest, blood pooling around the wound.


    The other two monkeys screeched in fury, rushing to save theirrade. Cassius nced up, his breath catching as he realized they were about to overwhelm him.


    *Ding!*


    [You have 7 unspent AP.]


    Without hesitation, Cassius opened his system interface, his hand trembling as he tapped the up-arrow beside his Agility stat five times. A surge of power coursed through his body, and the speed of his next motion doubled.


    His spike fell with incredible force, driving deeper into the monkey''s chest. Instead of raw strength, Cassius had relied on gravity and speed to amplify the blow. The result was devastating.


    "Esceetch¡­!!!"


    The Savage Monkey''s body convulsed once before going limp. Blood dripped from its open mouth as its eyes zed over.


    It was dead.


    Cassius stared down at the corpse, his chest heaving. He had just¡­


    He had just killed his first monster.


    *Ding!*


    [You leveled up!]


    [All Stats increased by 1 Point!]


    [You received 2 AP!]


    [You leveled up!]


    [All Stats increased by 1 Point!]


    [You received 2 AP!]


    The notifications shed before his eyes, but Cassius had no time to savor the victory. The remaining two monkeys were upon him, their ws swiping wildly. He rolled off the corpse, narrowly avoiding a strike that would have torn through his neck.


    "Damn it, give me a second to breathe!" he snapped, his voice filled with both frustration and exhration.


    Feeling his newly gained strength settle into his muscles, Cassius turned his icy gaze to the remaining monkeys. They circled him, their glowing red eyes filled with rage, but he noticed something.


    "They''re hesitating," he muttered.


    The death of theirrade had shaken them. Cassius couldn''t afford to waste the opportunity. His grip tightened on his remaining staff, and he felt a grim smile tug at his lips.


    "Alright," he said, raising the staff. "Who''s next?"

 Chapter 10 Copper Skill Boxes

    *Ding!*


    [Achieved Lvl 2] - [Rewards]


    [Reward 1: 1 Stat Point for each Attribute] - (?)


    [Reward 2: Status Recovery] - (_)


    [Reward 3: Copper Skill Box(s) (Random)] - (_)


    [Reward 4: 2 AP] - (?)


    *Ding!*


    [Achieved Lvl 3] - [Rewards]


    [Reward 1: 1 Stat Point for each Attribute] - (?)


    [Reward 2: Status Recovery] - (_)


    [Reward 3: 2 Copper Skill Box(s) (Random)] - (_)


    [Reward 4: 2 AP] - (?)


    Cassius''s icy blue eyes darted over the rewards screen, quickly piecing together how the system operated. The first and fourth rewards were automatically received, leaving the second and third rewards for manual collection. "Makes sense," he muttered, "but couldn''t this have waited until I wasn''t fighting for my life?"


    He nced at the two lifeless Savage Monkeys at his feet and the third green EXP bar slowly filling in his system ovey. The system''s timing wasn''t perfect, but it wasn''t a bad deal either.


    ''They seem slower,'' he thought, gripping his remaining wooden spike. The sluggishness of thest Savage Monkey''s movements confirmed his theory. The monsters weren''t weaker¡ªhe had be stronger. Each level up seemed to heighten his speed and reflexes beyond what he had considered possible.


    "If I''ve gotten this strong by just leveling up," Cassius murmured, his voice cold and calcting, "how much stronger will I get if I keep killing?"


    A ruthless gleam shed through his eyes as his body blurred, moving faster than he ever had before. In an instant, he closed the gap between himself and the third Savage Monkey. Its glowing red eyes widened in rm as Cassius drove the spike into the back of its neck.


    SPURT!


    The monkey let out a choked cry, its body copsing before it even had the chance to counterattack. Cassius yanked the spike free, blood dripping from the jagged edge.


    "That makes three," he said, his voice void of emotion. Yet, as the adrenaline ebbed, a twinge of disappointment flickered across his face. No new system notifications greeted him.


    "Figures," he muttered, stepping back to inspect his situation.


    His health bar was fully restored, glowing red at the top of his vision. His green EXP bar, however, was only one-third full. "So it''s an RPG system," Cassius observed. "Health, Stamina, EXP¡­ it''s all there. But leveling up is going to get much harder, much faster."


    He nced deeper into the shadowy jungle. The sounds of distant growls and rustling foliage made his skin prickle. He wasn''t safe¡ªnot even close.


    "If I want to stop as many waves as possible from reaching the outside world, I''ll have to keep killing," he said quietly. His grip on the bloodied spike tightened. "And if I want to leave my weak self behind, then I have no choice but to¡­ keep killing."


    Still, he paused. The immediate danger had passed, giving him a rare moment to breathe and strategize. "Before I go any further, I should check my rewards and allocate my AP."


    Cassius pulled up the reward screens, his sharp gaze taking in the information. The Status Recovery option caught his attention first¡ªit could fully restore Fatigue, Health, and Mana. "This could be a lifesaver," he muttered. "Better to save it for when I''m in serious trouble."


    The Copper Skill Boxes, on the other hand, intrigued him. He had three of them waiting in his Inventory Space, a pocket dimension the system had unlocked when he reached Level 2.


    "Let''s see what you''ve got," Cassius said, summoning the boxes with a thought.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    PIANG!


    Three cube-shaped copper boxes appeared before him, each glowing faintly with a warm light. A bold question mark was etched into each of their six sides, giving them an almost yful appearance.


    Cassius knelt, inspecting them briefly beforemanding, "Open."


    The boxes levitated into the air, their copper edges shimmering brightly before bursting apart in a cascade of sparks. From within, three glowing cards emerged, each marked with an F at the top.


    Without hesitation, the cards flew toward him, bypassing his defenses and merging seamlessly with his soul.


    [Acquired F-Rank Active Skill: sh]


    [Acquired F-Rank Passive Skill: Muscrity]


    [Acquired F-Rank Active Skill: Sprint]


    Cassius felt a surge of energy ripple through him as the skills took root in his mind. He instinctively understood their effects:


    [sh: A simple skill that increased damage by 20% and improved sword proficiency when executed.]


    [Muscrity: A passive skill that boosted his Strength, Agility, and Endurance by 5%.]


    [Sprint: A burst-speed skill that increased movement speed by 25%, though it came at the cost of Mana.]


    "They''re good," Cassius said, his voice tinged with approval. "But they''re all tied to my current power level. As I grow stronger, their effectiveness will drop off."


    Still, he wasn''t about toin. At his current level, every advantage counted. "Skills can level up too," he noted, examining the glowing indicators beside each skill in his interface. "The more I use them, the stronger they''ll be. It''s all about momentum¡ªkilling to level up, leveling up to kill more effectively."


    A grim smile tugged at his lips. "I can work with that."


    Cassius''s Health had increased to 350, and his Mana to 250, but he knew they would deplete quickly if he wasn''t careful. He made a mental note to conserve resources as much as possible.


    "Time to allocate my AP," he muttered, pulling up his stat screen. The system had given him 8 unspent AP from leveling up, and he needed to decide how best to use them.


    "Strength, Agility, Endurance¡­" he murmured, weighing his options. "Agility''s been my saving grace so far. I''ll put 4 points there, 2 into Endurance, and save thest 2 for emergencies."


    With his preparationsplete, Cassius took a deep breath and nced at the shadowy jungle ahead. The sounds of distant beast roars filled the air, a grim reminder of the danger lurking within.


    He stepped forward, his bloodied spike in hand. "This is only the beginning," he said quietly, his voice steady. "If I want to survive¡ªand grow stronger¡ªI have to keep moving."


    The canopy above him swallowed the moonlight, plunging him into darkness. But Cassius didn''t falter. With each step, he delved deeper into the E-Rank Sudden Gate: Savage Jungle, knowing full well that the path he was walking led straight into the jaws of danger.


    And yet, for the first time in his life, he felt¡­ alive.

 Chapter 11 Black Sparrow Guild

    ¡ª In the Headquarters of the C-Rank Guild ''ck Sparrow'' in Downtown Hoshito ¡ª


    "A Sudden Gate!? At Hoshito General Hospital!?"


    "Yes, sir! It was just reported! We have approximately twenty minutes before the first wave breaks out!"


    Two men in ck suits, one a superior and the other a subordinate, exchanged frantic words. The superior, seated behind a cluttered desk, ran a hand through his graying hair, visibly agitated.


    "Of all times¡­" he muttered, ring at the piles of paperwork threatening to topple over. "A Sudden Gate appears when most of our manpower is out dealing with the B-Rank Gates in Kyoto¡­"


    His voice rose sharply. "Get the newbies on the line and anyone else within range! I want them at Hoshito General Hospital NOW! They are to fend off the first few waves. Under no circumstances should they enter the Gate! Hold the line until reinforcements arrive!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    The subordinate bolted from the office, shouting orders as he sprinted through the multi-floored building. Phones began ringing off the hook, and the hum of the Guild HQ turned into a cacophony of voices and hurried footsteps.


    Left alone, the superior slumped into his chair, pressing his fingers against his temples. "This is going to be a migraine," he muttered, ncing at the blinking alert on his desktop monitor. A Sudden Gate was a nightmare on its own, but having it appear in a crowded area with minimal defenses? Catastrophic.


    ¡ª Meanwhile, in the Steele Household ¡ª


    Aya Steele paced anxiously in her room, her footsteps echoing faintly against the hardwood floor. Her phone screen glowed in the dim light, disying the emergency alert about the Sudden Gate at Hoshito General Hospital.


    "That''s where Cassius is¡­" she whispered, biting her lip.


    She crouched, burying her face in her hands. Memories of her stepbrother shed through her mind¡ªhis rare smiles, the determined gleam in his eyes as he started to change for the better. And then, her thoughts turned to the brown-haired girl who was always at his side in the hospital.


    "Why am I thinking about her right now?" Aya muttered, shaking her head. The frustration bubbling inside her made no sense. Yet it wouldn''t leave her alone.


    "Will he be alright¡­?" she whispered to herself. "They''ll stop the Gate before it can affect him, right?"


    But her worry only grew, and she clenched her fists as a mix of fear and determination swirled within her. Cassius had helped her when she needed it most, standing up for her when no one else would. He had called her family.


    "I can''t just sit here," Aya decided, rising abruptly. "I have to help him. Even if I haven''t been trained as a Hunter yet, I have my stats. I can at least get him out of there!"


    *Thump. Thump. Thump.*


    Aya darted down the stairs, her speed drawing the attention of her parents.


    "Where are you going at thiste hour?" Sasha, her mother, called out, narrowing her sharp blue eyes. "Did you not hear the emergency alert?"


    Aya hesitated, slipping on her sneakers. "Yeah, Mom, I got it. But I left something important at school. I''ll be back soon¡ªpromise!"


    Sasha crossed her arms, her skepticism evident. "Aya, don''t lie to me. You''re not going to the hospital, are you? Monsters aren''t something you can handle just because you''re strong for your age. Even if you can take on ten men, monsters are apletely different story."


    Aya''s shoulders stiffened, but she didn''t stop. "I know, Mom! I''ll stay away from the hospital! I''ll be back soon!"


    Before Sasha could press further, Aya bolted out the door. Her father, Adam, who had been sitting quietly in the living room, watched her leave with a contemtive look.


    "Teenagers," Sasha sighed, shaking her head. "They''re impossible to control."


    Adam remained silent, his thoughts distant. After a moment, Sasha turned to him. "You''ve noticed it too, haven''t you? The changes in Cassius?"


    Her voice softened as she spoke, but her expression was sharp. "He''s not the same as before. It''s more than just a growth spurt or mindset shift, Adam. Something''s happened to him."


    Adam hesitated, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "He''s been working hard. That''s all it is. Determination can lead to remarkable changes."


    "Don''t lie to me," Sasha said, her tone firm. "I know what I see. His transformation isn''t natural. Could it be atent awakening?"


    Adam''s jaw tightened. He wanted to dismiss her theory outright, but the evidence was undeniable. He had considered the possibility himself¡ªbriefly.


    "Even if it were atent awakening," Sasha continued, "those are one-in-a-million cases. What are the odds it would happen to him, and now of all times?"


    Adam''s mind raced. ''If Cassius has truly awakened¡­ then our mission might finally bear fruit.''n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The thought sent a shiver down his spine. For two years, their search had yielded nothing. But if Cassius''s changes were tied to an awakening, then the mysterious force they were hunting might soon reveal itself.


    Sasha misinterpreted his silence as agreement. "If he''s awakened, we need to support him. But we can''t let him get involved with these Gates¡ªnot yet."


    Adam nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. ''I need to confirm this. If he''s awakened, we''ll need to move quickly. The clock is ticking.''


    ¡ª Back on the Streets of Hoshito ¡ª


    Aya sprinted through the quiet streets, her D-Rank stats giving her an edge over the average human. Her long hair streamed behind her as she pushed herself to run faster, her heart pounding not from exertion, but from fear.


    ''I''ll just grab him and get out,'' she told herself. ''In and out. No fighting. No risks.''


    But as she neared the hospital, the glowing orange light of the Sudden Gate loomed in the distance, casting eerie shadows across the buildings. The oppressive energy radiating from it made her steps falter.


    "This¡­ is worse than I thought," Aya whispered, gripping her hands into fists.


    She wasn''t sure what she had expected, but the sheer presence of the Gate made her stomach churn. The air was thick with tension, the kind that made even the bravest soul want to turn and run.


    But Aya clenched her jaw, steeling herself. "Cassius is in there. I can''t back down now."


    ¡ª Meanwhile, at the ck Sparrow Guild ¡ª


    The Guild''s emergency response teams scrambled to prepare. Rookie Hunters suited up, their nervous energy palpable.


    "This is going to be a disaster," the Guild Leader muttered, watching the chaos unfold.


    One of his aides approached, his face pale. "Sir, none of the senior members are responding. They''re still tied up in Kyoto."


    The Guild Leader''s knuckles whitened as he gripped the edge of his desk. "Then it''s on us to hold the line."


    "Sir¡­ with all due respect, these rookies¡ª"


    "I know," the Guild Leader interrupted, his voice low. "But we don''t have a choice."


    ¡ª--------------


    *Thud.*


    Back in the Savage Jungle, Cassius took his first step deeper into the Gate, unaware of the storm brewing outside.


    The path ahead was treacherous, but he didn''t falter. ''I''m not the same as I was before,'' he thought. ''And I''ll prove it¡ªto everyone, and to myself.''

 Chapter 12 The System Being A Prick

    Adam and Sasha Steele reclined on the living room couch, the soft glow of the tscreen TV casting faint shadows across the walls. The news anchor''s urgent tone recounted the Sudden Gate incident, but neither parent seemed particrly rattled. Sasha sipped her tea with a calm that only years of navigating crises could cultivate, while Adam''s gaze lingered on the door.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "She''ll be fine," Sasha reassured, noticing her husband''s preupied look. "Aya''s tough, and she knows better than to get involved in something beyond her abilities."


    Adam nodded slightly, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He wasn''t worried about Aya. His mind kept circling back to Cassius, to the rapid changes in his ''son'', and to the unease that churned in his gut like a storm brewing on the horizon.


    ¡ª Meanwhile, Aya Steele ¡ª


    Aya moved like a blur through the dark streets of Hoshito, her D+ Rank Agility propelling her faster than most cars. Streetlights flickered past in a haze, and the faces of stunned pedestrians became indistinct blurs in her periphery.


    Her heart pounded as the towering bluish-orange Gate came into view. It loomed over the hospital like an ominous beacon, its crackling edges sparking with uncontained energy. The sheer size of the Gate¡ªroughly the height of a small building¡ªmade her breath catch in her throat.


    "It''s bigger than I thought¡­" Aya whispered, her voice trembling.


    Gates varied in size, but their dimensions didn''t necessarily corrte to the strength of the monsters inside. Still, the sight of this one was enough to send a chill down her spine. Her legs faltered for a moment, fear creeping in like an unwee shadow.


    "No!" Aya shook her head, forcing herself to stand tall. "I must stay strong!"


    With renewed determination, she surged forward, weaving through the crowds of panicked civilians evacuating the area. Her smaller frame allowed her to squeeze past the masses, though the asional elbow or frantic shove reminded her of the chaos unfolding around her.


    She pushed through the packed entrance of the hospital, where the interior was a cacophony of noise. Nurses scrambled to wheel patients out, security personnel barked orders, and the cries of frightened visitors filled the air.


    Aya darted to the front desk, her voice raised above themotion. "Can you tell me where patient Cassius is?!"


    The receptionist, a woman with weary eyes and a trembling voice, nced up from herputer. "Patient Cassius? Hold on," she said, fingers flying across the keyboard.


    After a moment, she shook her head, her expression apologetic. "He hasn''t been discharged with the others, but¡­ it says here he went missing during the evacuation."


    Aya''s heart sank. "Missing? What does that mean?!"


    The receptionist hesitated before offering a sliver of hope. "His room is 406. You can check there, but hurry. The Sudden Gate''s first wave will begin in less than fifteen minutes. Don''t stay after that!"


    Before Aya could respond, the receptionist grabbed her belongings and joined the tide of people fleeing the hospital.


    Alone in the chaotic hallway, Aya clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. The fear gnawing at her was overwhelming, but so was the resolve burning in her chest. Cassius was family, and family meant everything.


    "I just need to find him and leave," Aya muttered to herself, her voice firm despite the quiver in her hands.


    She took off toward the staircase, her footsteps echoing sharply against the linoleum floor. Racing up flight after flight, she ignored the burning in her legs and the pounding in her chest. The urgency in her heart drowned out everything else.


    When she reached Room 406, she flung the door open, her breath hitching.


    Empty.


    The bed was neatly made, untouched. The sterile room smelled faintly of disinfectant, a cruel reminder of Cassius''s absence. Aya''s heart clenched as she searched the room, her eyes darting to the window.


    She ran over and pulled back the curtains, but there was no sign of a daring escape. No rope made from bedsheets, no broken ss. Just the faint reflection of her pale face staring back at her.


    Her legs buckled, and she copsed to the floor, tears welling in her eyes. "W-Where are you, Cassius¡­?" she whispered, her voice breaking.


    ¡ª Deep Within the Savage Jungle ¡ª


    SHING! SHING!


    Razor-sharp ws sliced through the air, their gleaming edges missing Cassius by inches. Several strands of his jet-ck hair floated to the ground, severed by the deadly attack.


    Cassius darted to the left, his breath steady despite the tension crackling in the air. His icy blue eyes remained locked on the massive ck panther before him, its sleek body crouched low, ready to pounce.


    [Deadly Panther (E)]


    The name floated above the beast in a menacing orange hue. Its presence radiated danger, the kind that sent a primal chill down Cassius''s spine.


    "If this were twenty minutes ago," Cassius muttered, dodging another swipe, "I''d already be dead."


    But he wasn''t the same person he had been twenty minutes ago. After killing dozens of Savage Monkeys, Cassius had leveled up twice, reaching Level 5. His stats had improved, but the Deadly Panther was still a formidable foe.


    The panther lunged, ws outstretched, its predatory grace unnerving. Cassius rolled to the side, a shallow scrape forming on his arm as he barely evaded the attack. He gritted his teeth against the pain, his mind racing.


    "There''s a pattern¡­" he murmured, his sharp eyes following the panther''s movements.


    The beast''s attacks, while fast and powerful, followed a predictable rhythm. But Cassius''s eyes struggled to keep up, with the panther''s speed pushing his reflexes to their limit.


    ''It''s not my reflexes¡ªit''s my Perception stat¡­!''


    Cassius opened his system interface mid-dodge, his fingers flying to allocate three points into Perception.


    [Perception: +3 ¡ú 18]


    The change was immediate. The panther''s movements slowed¡ªnot in reality, but in his heightened perception. What had been a blur of ws and muscle now became a clear sequence of motions.


    Cassius smirked. "That''s more like it."


    The panther lunged again, its body twisting mid-air, but Cassius sidestepped effortlessly. With a cold glint in his eyes, he drove a jagged nail¡ªharvested from a Savage Monkey¡ªinto the beast''s exposed underbelly.


    Blood sprayed across the jungle floor as the panther let out a guttural roar. Cassius didn''t flinch, his expression calm and detached as he twisted the nail, ensuring the fatal blow.


    The panther convulsed before copsing, its body lifeless.


    *Ding!*


    [You leveled up!]


    [You obtained 1 Stat Point in all of your Main Attributes!]


    [You obtained 2 AP!]


    The system''s antics cut through the grim silence.


    [P.S. The ''Main Attributes'' do not include the Charisma stat, so if you think you can be the sexiest man alive overnight, think again! You require more Character Development!]


    Cassius rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the reminder."


    He turned to the corpse, grimacing as he began prying out the panther''s ws. Each one was as sharp as a dagger, their edges glinting ominously.


    Just as he was about to stash them in his Inventory, another notification appeared, its glowing letters casting an eerie light in the dark jungle.

 Chapter 13 Item Crafting Unlocked

    *Ding!*


    [For reaching Lvl 6, you have unlocked the second system feature of the Idle Evolution System, following the Inventory Space feature.]


    [Unlocked ''Item Crafting'']


    ¡ª[Like the caveman in your blood dictates, try smacking things together to craft something superior! Return to Monkee!]


    "..."


    Cassius stared at the system notification, his expression unreadable. He had grown somewhat ustomed to the system''s bizarre tone, yet it still managed to catch him off guard.


    "Caveman¡­ Really?" he muttered, rolling his eyes.


    Still, despite the system''s obnoxious phrasing, the feature itself intrigued him. Item crafting wasn''t something he expected to unlock this early, and the possibilities it presented could prove invaluable.


    Without wasting time, he decided to test it out. Following the system''s instructions, he ced a Deadly Panther Nail against the staff he had been safeguarding.


    BAM!


    The two items collided, and a bright, pearlescent light erupted from the point of impact, enveloping both objects. For a moment, Cassius had to shield his eyes from the blinding glow.


    When it finally faded, he found himself holding apletely new weapon.


    It was a sleek, ck spear, its jagged tip gleaming with an otherworldly sharpness. A faint red aura pulsed along its edges, hinting at its lethality.


    [Deadly Spear (Melee)] - [E-Rank]


    | ¡ª [Attack: ~11] ¡ª |


    {[Effect 1: ''Bleed'' - (Depletes 1% Health every second for up to ten seconds. Can be stacked.)]}


    Cassius raised an eyebrow, impressed. "This is better than I expected."


    The spear''s Bleed effect was particrly noteworthy. Against monsters with high HP, it could be a game-changer. Testing its weight in his hands, Cassius felt a newfound confidence surge through him.


    "Let''s see how well you perform," he murmured before venturing deeper into the Savage Forest.


    The Savage Forest ¨C Ten Minutes Later


    Cassius moved with purpose, the Deadly Spear leaving trails of crimson in its wake. F-Rank monsters fell like wheat before a scythe, their blood staining the forest floor. Even the E-Rank monsters¡ªDeadly Panthers and Berserker Apes¡ªoffered little resistance against his newfound weapon and sharpened reflexes.


    Each kill brought a fresh surge of power, and his system interface reflected his progress:


    ________________________________


    [Name: Idle Evolution System]


    [Host: Cassius] - [Lvl 7]


    [Title: Gym Bro (E)]


    ______________________________


    [HP: 428/450]                          [MP: 400]


    [FATIGUE: 25].                   [AP: 14]


    ______________________________


    [STRENGTH: 29] (Can lift 500lbs with minimal effort)


    [AGILITY: 42] (A little quicker than your average car)


    [ENDURANCE: 27] (A single woman can bepletely satisfied with this)


    [INTELLIGENCE: 26] (Not bad. You could enter the Top 20 of most High Schools in the Country)


    [PERCEPTION: 29] (Can you see dead people?)


    [CHARISMA: 22] (Exceptionally handsome)


    _______________________________


    Cassius paused briefly, leaning on the spear as he caught his breath. The system interface hovered before him, and he couldn''t help but marvel at the progress he had made.


    "I''m stronger than I''ve ever been," he muttered, a small smile tugging at his lips. But the smile quickly faded as the faint sound of screeches echoed in the distance.


    His grip on the spear tightened. "No time to rest. Only to Grind."


    ¡ª-------------


    The Outside World ¨C The First Wave


    Back at the hospital, chaos erupted as the Gate began to stir. Its crackling edges red brighter, and faint silhouettes appeared within its depths. The onlookers'' faces turned pale as the first monsters emerged¡ªwillowy shadows that quickly solidified into screeching, bloodthirsty forms.


    "Monsters!! The first wave is here!! Call the Hunters!!"


    A panicked cry cut through the air, followed by the hurried arrival of a group of armored men and women. Their weapons glinted under the unnatural glow of the Gate, but their expressions betrayed their inexperience.


    Among them was Corra, a valiant young woman with long auburn-colored hair and amanding presence. As a rising star in the C-Rank ck Sparrow Guild and a D-Rank Hunter herself, she had been tasked with leading this team of rookies.


    "Everyone still evacuating needs to move faster!" Corra shouted, her voice cutting through the noise. "Get the critical patients out of here now!"


    Despite her authoritative tone, a flicker of unease crossed her face as she nced at the Gate. This was her first encounter with a Sudden Gate, and the stories she had heard did little to prepare her for the real thing.


    ''Stay calm,'' she told herself, tightening her grip on her silver longsword.


    But herposure wavered as the Gate buzzed violently, and a swarm of Savage Monkeys burst forth, their shrieksced with a palpable Fear Effect.


    "Esceetch!!!"


    The piercing sound sent shockwaves through the area. Civilians copsed in terror, while even some of the Hunters stumbled, their faces pale. Corra gritted her teeth, shaking off the effect as best she could.


    "Stand your ground!" shemanded, raising her sword high. "We can''t let a single one through!"


    The Hunters rallied, their nervous cries mingling with the screeches of the monsters. Then, with a unified shout, they charged forward, shing with the wave of beasts in a chaotic frenzy.


    ¡ª Hoshito General Hospital ¨C Top Floor ¡ª


    Aya sat curled in the corner of Room 406, her knees pulled to her chest. Her body trembled as the sounds of battle reached her ears¡ªscreeches, shouts, the sh of steel against w.


    "What do I do¡­?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Her mind raced with conflicting emotions. She hade here to find Cassius, to help him, but now she was paralyzed with fear.


    "I-I''m not ready for this," Aya stammered, burying her face in her hands. "I thought I could do it, but¡­ I''m scared¡­ Cassius¡­"


    Tears streamed down her face as the reality of the situation sank in. She wasn''t a Hunter yet. She wasn''t prepared for the horrors of a Gate.


    But then, amidst the chaos, a memory surfaced¡ªa fleeting image of Cassius standing tall, his quiet determination unwavering.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "We''re family," he had said. "And family helps each other."


    Aya''s trembling slowed as the words reyed in her mind. She took a shaky breath, wiping her tears.


    "No," she whispered. Her voice grew steadier. "No, I can''t give up."


    Her fear didn''t vanish, but she forced herself to her feet, her fists clenched tightly. "Cassius is out there somewhere¡­ and I''m not leaving without him."

 Chapter 14 [Savage Fur Devil Den (E+)]

    SHING! SPURT!


    Cassius glided through the verdant chaos of the Savage Jungle Gate, his ck spear a blur of precision and lethality. Every strike found its mark, and each E-Rank or F-Rank monster crumbled under his relentless assault. The once-lush environment now bore the grisly aftermath of his efforts¡ªcorpses sprawled across the forest floor, the air thick with the coppery scent of blood.


    *Ding!*


    [You leveled up!]


    [You leveled up!]


    [You leveled up!]


    The system notifications came rapid-fire, but Cassius barely spared them a nce. He knew what they meant¡ªpower, progress, survival. Yet he also understood that the real test was still ahead.


    After roughly half an hour of unrelentingbat, Cassius reached Lvl 12. His muscles ached, his fatigue bar ticked higher, but his resolve remained unshaken as he stood before a foreboding cavern entrance.


    It was massive and dark, the mouth of the cave yawning like a predator waiting to consume him whole. Unnatural howls echoed from within, reverberating off the jagged walls. Above the entrance, a name tag floated ominously, glowing faintly in the dim light.


    [Savage Fur Devil Den (E+)]


    Cassius''s brows furrowed. The addition of the plus sign wasn''t lost on him. While an E-Rank dungeon was already a challenge, the added modifier pushed it perilously close to D-Rank territory. This wasn''t just dangerous¡ªit was potentially suicidal.


    Still, Cassius''s grip on his spear tightened. He took a deep breath, the cool, damp air of the jungle filling his lungs.


    "This is it," he muttered to himself, stepping forward. His voice echoed faintly in the cavern, swallowed by the oppressive silence. "If I want to keep evolving, this is the next step."


    Into the Den.


    The tunnel was unnervingly wide and eerily quiet. The usual sounds of skittering rodents or chirping insects were absent, reced by an oppressive stillness.


    Cassius''s footsteps echoed with unnatural rity as he ventured deeper. Each step sshed faintly in the puddles dotting the floor, the water reflecting the faint glow of the spear''s jagged tip.


    "This ce is home to something terrifying," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Terrifying enough to scare everything else away."


    The deeper he went, the more the tension mounted. His breathing slowed, his grip on the spear tightening as his body prepared for the inevitable.


    Then, without warning, the system chimed, breaking his concentration.


    *Ding~!


    [Seeing as you are so enthusiastic about smashing things together like the monkey you are, what say you experience it yourself?]


    [For Character Development! ^=^]


    "...What?"


    Before Cassius could fully process the system''s cryptic taunt, the wall to his left exploded inward.


    CRASH!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A massive, shadowy figure barreled through the shattered stone, its speed and size leaving no time to react. The beast rammed into Cassius with bone-crushing force, sending him hurtling backward.


    "!!!"


    BOOM!


    Cassius''s body collided with a boulder, the impact reverberating through the cavern. A wet cough escaped his lips as blood sttered onto the cold, damp ground. He slid down the boulder''s jagged surface,ing to rest in a shallow puddle.


    The cold waterpped against his battered face, the ripples distorting his reflection. Through dim, unfocused vision, he could make out the colossal shape of his assant.


    The beast was monstrous, its size dwarfing even the Deadly Panthers he had faced earlier. It had a grotesque, elongated maw brimming with jagged teeth and three pairs of glowing, basketball-sized eyes that red at him with predatory intent.


    [Savage Fur Devil (E+)]


    The name tag hovered above the creature, its dark red hue a grim reminder of the danger he was in.


    Cassius''s body screamed in pain, every nerve alight with agony. His mind wavered, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness.


    ''I thought I''d be strong¡­'' he thought bitterly, his vision blurring. ''But I was wrong. So wrong.''


    The beast took a step closer, its massive frame casting a shadow over Cassius''s prone form. Each step sent tremors through the ground, the sound of its growl vibrating in his chest.


    *Ding!*


    [The First Hint:]


    [Considering that the Host''s Intelligence stat isckingpared to his other stats, the system has provided you with a hint.]


    [What do you receive from each Level Up?]


    "What¡­ do I receive¡­?" Cassius murmured, his thoughts sluggish. His mind raced to decipher the system''s message, the words swirling in his head like a puzzle.


    Then, rity struck.


    "Status¡­ Rec...overy," he whispered, his voice barely audible.


    He focused every ounce of his remaining strength on summoning the system interface. The glowing green text of Reward #2 shimmered before his eyes, and with a desperate thought, he activated it.


    SHING!


    A radiant green light enveloped Cassius''s body, its warmth seeping into his battered form. The pain subsided, his wounds knitting together in seconds. The puddle beneath him turned clear, washing away the blood that had pooled around him.


    When the light faded, Cassius rose to his feet. His body was fully restored, his strength renewed.


    "A miracle drug," he muttered, flexing his fingers as he turned to face the Savage Fur Devil. "And I have ten more of these."


    "ROOOOAAAARRRGGHHHH!!!!"


    The beast roared in frustration, its six eyes narrowing at the sight of its unharmed prey.


    Cassius gripped his spear tightly, his icy blue eyes locking onto the monster with renewed determination. Fear still lingered in the back of his mind, but it was drowned out by the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins.


    The Thrill of Battle.


    "I thought I was going to die," Cassius said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "But now¡­"


    A faint smile crossed his lips.


    "I feel alive. That feeling I felt earlier¡­ It has multiplied."


    The Savage Fur Devil charged, its ws slicing through the air with devastating speed. Cassius dodged to the side, his movements a blur as his enhanced Agility stat came into y.


    He retaliated with a sharp thrust of the Deadly Spear, the weapon''s jagged tip biting into the monster''s thick hide. The Bleed effect activated instantly, crimson lines spreading across the beast''s body as its health began to tick down.


    "ROOAAARGHH!!!"


    The creature roared in pain and fury, swiping at Cassius with wild, frenzied strikes. But he was ready.


    Each dodge, each counterattack was precise, calcted. The Savage Fur Devil wasrger and stronger, but Cassius''s newfound confidence and agility made him a force to be reckoned with.


    "You''re strong," Cassius said, his voice calm as he sidestepped another attack. "But I''ve got something you don''t."


    The monster lunged, its massive jaws snapping inches from Cassius''s face. With a sharp twist, he drove the spear deep into its chest, the weapon glowing faintly as the Bleed effect stacked once more.


    "Character development."


    The battle was far from over, but for the first time since this life-or-death battle began, Cassius felt like he had the upper hand.


    More importantly, however, was how he began to better appreciate the Development of Character¡­


    *Ding~!*


    ''No¡­''

 Chapter 15 Serrated Devil Blade

    [*Crying tears of joy*]


    Cassius''s brows twitched. "I''ll make you cry tears of pain if you keep persisting in being persistently annoying."


    [:< Seems like you need more Character Development]


    "Roooarrrghh!!!"


    The savage beast suddenly charged at Cassius, forcing him to dash out of the way. Luckily, he did so, because in the spot he had just upied, there was no longer a spot to speak of. Therge boulder had been utterly obliterated, with chunks and pieces flying in all directions.


    Cassius felt like the system was controlling things somehow, but he instinctively knew it possessed no such ability. It simply had a keener and more fleshed-out intuition of events, allowing it to almost seem like it could see into the future. He was tempted to ask the system to use this unstated feature to his advantage, but he knew the only thing the system cared about was Character Development¡ªwhich exclusively involved him getting abused in every way possible.


    As the one experiencing this artificial Character Development, it was tough to tell if it was actually working. From a strictly power-driven standpoint, it had undeniably helped him evolve from the weak-willed person he once was. Yet, in moments like these¡ªwhen his life hung by a thread¡ªCassius wondered if he had truly chosen the correct path in life.


    "Well," said Cassius, his breathing more evenly, "in this life, there is no room for regret. And if I want to keep pushing forward, I will need to suffer more."


    [You have learned well, my padawan ^_^ Go get your ass handed to you! It is good for Character Development! And it may or may not lead you to the true features of the Idle Evolution System.]


    "You really are a professional troll," Cassiusmented as he picked up the upper part of the snapped-in-half Deadly Spear. Using only half of it reduced the Attack Stat, but that was secondary to what he had in mind.


    With the grim presence of the terrifying monster reminding him not to hold back, Cassius clicked the up arrow next to a particr stat until he had no AP points left. All 24 of his AP¡ªgone just like that.


    Cassius''s piercing blue eyes shed with a sharp electrical current as he stared at the enraged [Savage Fur Devil (E+)] charging him like a bull. Yet, for some reason, the monster''s movements appeared so slow¡ªor, rather, Cassius was simply moving too fast.


    It felt as though he had be one with the speed force as he slowly walked toward the raging monster, which still seemed sluggish inparison. He sped up and leapt off to the side of its hideous face. As its eyes traced his afterimages, Cassius''s brows knitted together like sharpened swords, his actions emting his steely expression.


    BZZZzzzzttt!!!


    SHING! SHING! SHING!


    In an instant, Cassius unleashed dozens of strikes with his broken Deadly Spear. Not all of them hit their mark, but through sheer quantity alone, every single one of the Fur Devil''s eyes was stabbed at least once. Normally, this wouldn''t be nearly enough to kill a hearty monster like a Savage Fur Devil, but this was no normal situation¡­


    SPURT!


    The blood effect was applied dozens of times in a matter of seconds. When time resumed, Cassius reappeared a few feet behind the Savage Fur Devil. Rxing his posture, he flicked the blood off his broken spear and watched as nearly a hundred shes registered against the behemoth.


    It copsed to the ground, dead.


    "Speed really is the only way to go," Cassius remarked with a razor-sharp gleam in his gaze. He watched as system notifications bombarded his vision.


    Ding!


    [You leveled up!]


    [You obtained 1 Stat Point in all of your Main Attributes!]


    [You received 2 AP!]


    [You cleared the E+ Rank Boss Dungeon Lair, Savage Fur Devil''s Den, subsequently clearing the E+ Rank Sudden Gate ''Savage Jungle.'' Kill all escaped monsters in thest three waves to obtain extra rewards.]


    [You leveled up!]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [You leveled up!]


    [You¡­]


    Combining the experience from killing the Gate Boss and clearing the Gate itself, Cassius leveled up several times and obtained arge number of Stat Points. Additionally, more system notifications revealed unexpected gains.


    *Ding!*


    [Acquired E+ Rank Item ''Fur Devil Tail Spike'']


    [Acquired E Rank Item ''Fur Devil Galldder'']


    [Acquired E+ Rank Item ''Ominous Eye'']


    "These are some unusual items, but I figure smashing them together will give me something massively more useful than my Deadly Spear." Cassius raised a brow before deciding to proceed.


    BANG! BAM!


    After smashing together a weird squishy organ, a creepy slitted eyeball, and arge jagged tail spike, a bright light shed. All items were quickly melted and assimted, forming something vastly superior to their individual parts. Looking at the system tag, Cassius saw:


    [Serrated Devil de (Melee/Extend)] - [D- Rank]


    |¡ª[Attack: ~27]¡ª|


    {[Effect 1: ''Bleed'' - (Depletes 1% Health every second for up to ten seconds. Can be stacked.)]}


    {[Effect 2: ''Serrate'' - (Partially negates the defenses of stronger opponents. Up to 30% Enemy Defense reduction.)]}


    "Ho?" Cassius mused, a contented gleam in his gaze. "It seems like this will indeed be on an entirely different level than the Deadly Spear."


    He examined the one-and-a-half-meter jagged, jigsaw-like de nted firmly in his right hand. It stood imposingly, as if ready to seek out the blood of any who opposed its master. Moreover, there seemed to be a hidden effect rted to the ''Extend'' token.


    Wishing to test it, Cassius called, "Extend." He watched in awe as the de broke into pieces, seemingly connected by a mystical maic force. They dangled and swayed in systematic motion, perfectly synchronized.

 Chapter 16 Corra, Aya in Trouble

    SHING!


    Cassius whipped around the de, tracing its dance-like movements with his crystal blue eyes. It shed outward, cutting through the air, and produced a satisfying whistle. A few meters away, a clean cut mark appeared on a boulder, and the upper half of the boulder slid off the next second.


    BANG!


    "How interesting¡­ It feels almost supernatural."


    Although Cassius had obtained inhuman strength through his efforts and Character Development, this was the first tangible proof that he was surpassing human limits. It worked to slowly adjust him to what he would encounter more of in the future.


    After savoring the moment for a couple of seconds, Cassius conveyed his intent to the Serrated Devil de. Yet, instead of reverting to its intact de form, it spun rhythmically like a coil and wrapped around his exposed right arm. It then adhered to his defined muscles and thinned, appearing almost like a thick sword tattoo.


    "Hmm?"


    Cassius didn''t feel any difort from this unexpected action. Instead, he felt a deeper connection with the sword, almost as if they couldmunicate. Through this connection, he learned that the sword could return to its original form whenever he wanted. But seeing as this form was more convenient for avoiding suspicion upon returning to the outside world, he decided to keep it this way.


    "Speaking of which," Cassius said aloud, "how do I leave a Gate? Do I find the way I came in, or¡­"


    Then, as if to answer him:


    *Ding!*


    [Approximate time till Gate Copses (and squashes you like a bug): 14 minutes 59 seconds.]


    "Ahhh¡­" Cassius furrowed his brows before blurring from his spot. "Looks like I need to get going then."


    Retracing his steps toward the Gate''s entrance, he pulled up his system interface, curious to see how far he hade since entering his first Gate.


    BLING!


    Meanwhile, in the outside world, roughly five minutes before the Sudden Gate''s clearance:


    "Ahhhgh!!! They just keeping!" A young man dodged an iing w sh, then counterattacked with his sword. "What do we do, Leader?!"


    Corra assessed the severity of the situation, quickly realizing that all of the Hunters were running low on stamina. They had been fighting continuously for nearly an hour, and it was no surprise they were running out of steam.


    Before long, they would all be dead¡­


    As the Leader, she had to make a decision. But what could she do? Even though her team consisted of F, E, and D-Rank Hunters, their actualbat experience was severelycking. They could tank some enemy attacks through sheer stat differences, but there was a clear limit to their endurance.


    ''A few of my squad members are already severely injured!'' Corra shed out several times in quick session, cutting down nearly a dozen F-Rank monsters. ''But with every kill, double that number escaped the Gate. We are on wave 4 of 5; as long as we can hold them back for another half-hour, reinforcements will arrive!''n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Leader! A few of them escaped our circle!" shouted an E-Rank Hunter, snapping Corra''s attention to his position. "They''re running for the Hospital! And we still don''t know if everyone sessfully evacuated!"


    "Damn it all!" Corra ground her teeth in frustration. She cut down the monsters obstructing her path before dashing toward the ones entering the Hospital. Yet, these E-Rank Dark Apes were cunning and immediately split up.


    ''How am I supposed to chase them all?!''


    Corra''s eyes darted in multiple directions as the Dark Apes disappeared into different parts of the Hospital. Under the pressure of the moment, she furrowed her brows and bolted after the nearest one. She cleaved it down the middle, but the others had already scurried into different pathways, some ascending to higher floors.


    "Fuck!!!" Corra had no idea what else to do, so she mindlessly chased them, cutting them down one by one.


    Meanwhile, on the Hospital''s 4th floor.


    As a silver sword shed on the first floor of Hoshito General Hospital, a beautiful blonde girl sat curled in a corner of Room 406, her face stained with sadness and fear. She was utterly unsure of what she could do during such a terrifying event.


    It was then that a sharp, high-pitched chattering pierced her ears, causing her to jolt her head up in rm.


    Terror streaked across Aya''s face as her reddened eyes caught sight of a daunting, four-legged shadow mbering outside the open door. Even in her fright, Aya knew she couldn''t allow whatever was outside toe in. She stumbled to her feet and raced to the door, prepared to m it shut.


    Yet, as she reached for the handle, a disturbing, toothy grin appeared in the hallway.


    "Ahhh!" Aya startled back in fright, colliding with the ground. A stinging sensation burned near her hip, but it paled inparison to the terror she felt as the high-pitched chattering grew louder.


    Shaking like a leaf, Aya screamed, "S-Stay away from me!!"


    The Dark Ape didn''t care about her screaming. It advanced, each slow, deliberate step intensifying the looming dread in Aya''s heart. The creature could sense the young woman''s strength¡ªit knew she was stronger than itself. Yet¡­ she was scared.


    This forced a sadistic grin onto the Dark Ape''s face.


    Out of everything in life, it loved scenarios like this one the most.

 Chapter 17 You... Must be tired of Life...?

    "Kakaka!!"


    The Dark Ape chattered its pointy, gruesome teeth together as it stood over the terrified girl. Then, to add to her dismay, it shredded her dress with its sharp ws, leaving only her underwear to conceal her vulnerability.


    "N-Nooo!! St-Stop it!!" Aya screamed, hugging her body in absolute horror. "D-Don''te any closer!!!"


    "Kakaka!!"


    The Dark Ape''s malicious grin widened as it ripped away thest of the fabric covering Aya''s figure. Something between its legs reared its head, and the beast readied itself tomit an unspeakable act.


    "Pl-Please¡­! N-Noooo¡­!!!" Aya''s eyes dimmed as the Dark Ape attempted to spread her legs. Yet, because of her unconscious unwillingness and superior strength, her legs wouldn''t budge.


    Annoyed, the Dark Ape pped her across the face, leaving a dark red mark on her jerked head.


    ''Kakaka! Why even bother resisting when you can''t even properly use your strength?! Just stay still and get mated, bitch!'' The Dark Ape seemed to think this as it forced her legs apart, fully prepared to permanently scar her.


    Yet, before its hideous appendage coulde within inches of Aya, an arm shot through its stomach and lifted its entire body off the ground.


    "What do you think you are doing¡­?"


    "!!!"


    The Dark Ape felt every hair on its body stand on end as it slowly turned its bloodied face. There, it met a pair of ck, spiraling eyes that tunneled deeper into its psyche than any abyss. Fear overwhelmed its mind as all color drained from its previously sinister expression. It squirmed and struggled desperately for its life, but it could do nothing to escape the grasp of the terrifying figure ring at it with an emotionless face.


    In a simrly apathetic voice, Cassius said, "You¡­" His eyes red with uncontroble anger as he observed the sobbing mess Aya had be. Shadows shrouded his face as he used his free hand to grip the Dark Ape by the back of its neck. "...You¡­ must be tired of life¡­?"


    "!!!"


    The Dark Ape peered into those endless abysses sunk into Cassius''s face, its body convulsing violently. The sheer terror coursing through its mind forced it into aa.


    Cassius''s grip on its neck tightened, crushing every bone in its throat, yet he stopped just before killing it. Seeing the red mark on Aya''s tear-streaked face ignited a level of rage in Cassius that he hadn''t believed himself capable of feeling.


    No matter how she had treated him in the past, Aya was still family. To do something like this to family¡­ and to try going even further¡­


    "Tell me¡­ You must really hate living¡­?" Cassius''s abyssal gaze bore into the Dark Ape''s fragile mind, snapping it back to reality.


    The first thing the creature did upon realizing it was still alive was shriek for reinforcements.


    "Jajjkakk!!!!" It screeched deliriously, iling like a worm.


    "...Cass¡­ius¡­?"


    Off to the side, Aya''s eyes cracked open, only to see the enchanting face of the man she had been searching for all this time. Her tears flowed even harder as her reddened face scrunched into a sorrowful state. "...I-I was¡­ l-looking f-for you¡­ B-But I¡­"


    Cassius turned toward the weeping girl. Contrary to the terrifying anger in his expression a second ago, his eyes now held a gentleness that radiated warmth, washing away the terror in Aya''s heart.


    "I know, Aya. Don''t worry; I''ll take care of everything from here. You can sleep."


    Too muddled to notice Cassius''s newfound strength, Aya''s vision blurred. She fell softly to the ground, her crestfallen sleeping face a grim reminder of what had happened¡ªand what almost happened.


    OOOM!


    A frigid iciness exuded from Cassius''s figure as shadows obscured his face. The tattoo on his right arm vibrated before materializing into a dark, obsidian-red sword.


    "...Since you all find amusement in watching others suffer, I shall show you what true suffering feels like¡­"


    The Serrated Devil de broke into pieces, hovering in midair. With an unbelievably quick flick of his hand, dozens of de fragments whizzed through the air, cutting through the oppressive atmosphere. The room''s walls were sliced into pieces, and the dozen Dark Apes rushing through the hallways were diced up as well. Yet, none of them died outright¡ªeven though none of their limbs remained attached.


    "Kaaaa!!!!"


    The Dark Apes screamed in agony as excruciating pain erupted from every part of their bodies.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    By the end of a half-minute-long session of hollering, all that remained were a dozen bloody lumps of flesh, their twisted expressions frozen in pure anguish.


    The Dark Ape still writhing in Cassius''s grasp felt its mind slipping again, but even the reprieve of unconsciousness was a luxury it no longer had.


    "Do you honestly think dying like they did is what you''ll receive¡­?" Cassius sneered, controlling his Devil de to hover just above the Dark Ape''s third leg. "...Well, think again."


    SPURT!


    The Dark Ape''s third leg was slowly shredded, reduced to a mangled, unrecognizable mess. It endured a level of pain so intense it passed out multiple times, only to wake up almost immediately each time. The gruesome cycle persisted for a few agonizing seconds that felt like an eternity.


    Finally, when the Dark Ape was teetering on the verge of death, Cassius struck it in the same spot it had pped Aya. The impact caused its head to explode in a visceral spray.


    POP!

 Chapter 18 A Sudden Change in Sasha

    Cassius emotionlessly watched as the Dark Ape''s eyeballs and pink brain matter sttered against the copsed hospital wall. His face briefly twisted in disgust before he took off his jacket and approached the heartbroken blonde girl. He covered her exposed body, then gently lifted her into a princess carry. As the Serrated Devil de wrapped itself around his right arm, Cassius felt an unfamiliar sting of pain in his heart upon seeing Aya''s utter dismay.


    A part of him couldn''t help but me himself for the incident. Yet, a bigger part of him thanked his earlier self for deciding to double-check the hospital room before assisting with the monster disposal. If he hadn''t made those choices, Aya would have¡­


    Cassius''s face froze over again, but before his mood could worsen further, a feminine voice interrupted his thoughts.


    "Are you one of the patients here? Are you not aware of the evacuation notice?! You need to leave right away¡ª"


    That was when the valiant Corra noticed the blood covering the unknown man from head to toe. Her gaze then shifted to the partially nude girl cradled in his arms. Unconsciously, her de hand tightened, and her expression hardened.


    "What were you doing up here¡­? And who is that girl?"


    When the bloodied man turned to face her, Corra felt an uncontroble sense of fear crawl up and down her spine, eliciting intense shivers. Stuttering, she raised her silver sword shakily andmanded, "St-Stop right there and state your identification! U-Under these emergency circumstances, I have the right to detain you!"


    Cassius''s slow, unassuming footsteps passed right by the jittery Lead Hunter as he coldly turned his face toward her before continuing on his way.


    "Even with this pitiful amount of monsters and so many of you, this was the best you could do¡­? Pathetic."


    "Y-You¡­"


    Corra couldn''t even refute his words¡ªthey were the truth.


    When she turned around to confront him out of desperation, he was already long gone, taking with him all the unanswered questions swirling in her mind. Then, her ears perked up at the distinct shing of a sword and sparks flying all over the hospital grounds.


    Rushing outside, Corra froze in disbelief. All the monsters had been chopped into countless pieces, their Magic Shards scattered everywhere. The other Hunters shared her bewilderment as they stared at a shadowy silhouette sauntering past the hospital gates before vanishing like an illusory ghost.


    "...Leader¡­ Do you know who that monstrous man was?"


    "...No¡­ I couldn''t get a proper look at his face because of all the blood," Corra replied, still reeling from the shock.


    "Neither could we¡­"


    Silence.


    A heavy hush hung in the air, reeking of iron. None of the gathered Hunters had ever experienced anything like this before.


    Breaking the silence, an E-Rank Hunter stepped forward. "I think that man just left the Gate after clearing it. Originally, I thought my fatigued eyes were ying tricks on me. But look for yourself, Leader¡­"


    "!!!"


    Corra''s eyes widened as she followed the Hunter''s pointing finger.


    "How could this be?! The Gate is closing! To do this all by himself¡­ We need to report this to Headquarters and find a way to obtain any information about that man!"


    "Yes, ma''am!"


    The gathered Hunters trailed behind their leader, picking up all the Magic Shards along the way. If the mysterious bloodied man hadn''t taken them, surely he wouldn''t mind them making a profit in his stead?


    A few miles away.


    Cassius felt a sneeze tickle the back of his throat, getting the odd sense that someone was talking about him. He had already returned home but had to sneak in through his room''s window to avoid alerting his father and stepmother to Aya''s condition. Seeing her as she was would surely worry them.


    ''Still, she''s probably been gone for a while. They''re likely starting to feel some trepidation anyway¡­''


    Realizing this, Cassius ran a hot shower, preparing to clean himself up before waking Aya so she could do the same. Being covered in blood would only worsen things. However, just as he put this n into motion, a knock came at the door.


    "Cassius, dear?" Sasha''s soft voice carried a hint of worry despite her efforts to conceal it.


    "Yes?" he replied, curious as to why she was sudden referring to him like that.


    ''She has never been too openly nice to me before... This is... Weird...''


    Oblivious to the growing suspicion in his heart, Sasha said, "I was just wondering¡­ do you have any idea where Aya is? And you must have been discharged from the hospital early because of the Sudden Gate¡­ Are you doing alright?"


    Cassius faintly smiled, a stark contrast to his demeanor from just minutes ago. It felt strange to have someone care about him, but he couldn''t deny that he liked it.


    "I haven''t seen Ayately," he said with a smirk, "but I''m sure she''s doing just fine. I mean, with a mom like hers¡ªstrong-willed, stunning, and clearly unforgettable¡ªit must run in the family, right?"


    A faint blush spread across Sasha''s cheeks. "I-I hope you''re right¡­ And you''re doing fine¡­?" she repeated.


    Cassius''s smile grew fonder. "Yes, I am. Thank you for your concern."


    "Mhmm¡­" Sasha nodded nervously, her worry still apparent as she scurried away. However, before she could leave the hallway, she heard her stepson softly call out, "Goodnight."


    She paused, then replied, "Goodnight, Cassius."


    ''For the first time in two years, I have been able to say what I meant to him... It''s a pleasant feeling... However, it feels horrible to know that I can only get like this when in times of urgency...''


    ''Well, at least this is a step forward... That matters more to me.''


    A slight sense of satisfaction reced some of her worry. It felt like she was finally getting closer to her usually reserved stepson. His past experiences¡ªperhaps involving false usations¡ªseemed to exin why he kept his distance, especially from women. And it wasn''t like her inability to properly articte her thoughts helped the matter any.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ''Still, it was nice to see him speak more freely with me, even if his tone was a bit¡­ flirtatious¡­''

 Chapter 19 Lvl 17, Tons of Skill Boxes

    After staring out his bedroom window for a bit, Cassius''s eyes fell on the distraught, half-nude girl sprawled out on his bed. A sensual memory of her fingering herself briefly shed through his mind, but he quickly shook his head and walked toward the shower before undressing himself.


    "This is not the time to think about nonsense," he muttered before undraping his expertly chiseled body.


    ncing at the bathroom mirror, Cassius quickly realized he had be absolutely shredded after sessfully conquering his first Gate.


    ''Things change quickly¡­ Far faster than one realizes¡­''


    His thoughts bounced around inside his head as the sound of water pattering against tiles filled the small bathroom. Cassius stepped under the stream of the shower. He winced as the hot water struck his back, the dried blood loosening and swirling down the drain in dark spirals. His muscles, tense from the day''s events, began to rx.


    The serrated devil de''s tattoo faintly glowed on his arm, pulsating in time with his heartbeat.


    ''You''re different now,'' the de seemed to whisper in his mind, its voice more emotional than words. It wasn''t the first time he''d felt this peculiar connection with the weapon, and after his most recent battle, it felt stronger than ever.


    Cassius leaned against the cool tiled wall, letting the water cascade over him. Images of Aya''s trembling form shed in his mind, alongside memories he thought he''d buried long ago.


    He was younger then¡ªbarely a teenager¡ªand smaller, too. A group of boys had cornered him in the alley near the schoolyard. Their leader, a stocky brute with a cruel grin, held a stick in one hand while taunting the overweight Cassius with a barrage of insults.


    Cassius''s fists clenched, but he didn''t move. He knew better than to fight back. His family''s precarious position in themunity meant any misstep from him would be blown out of proportion, used as ammunition against them.


    But the taunts escted. They turned to threats. Then, without warning, a rock flew, striking him square in the forehead.


    The humiliation burned hotter than the pain. But what stung most was theughter¡ªmocking, cruel, and loud enough to drown out his own cries of frustration.


    ''Weak.'' The word echoed in his mind, both then and now.


    Cassius''s eyes snapped open, his jaw tightening as steam rose around him. He wasn''t that powerless boy anymore.


    Never again.


    Shaking his head, he thought about the Extra Clear Reward mail he hadn''t opened yet.


    *Ding!*


    [You have fully conquered the E-Rank Sudden Gate ''Savage Jungle.'']


    [You received 20 AP!]


    [You obtained a Bronze- Skill Box!]


    "Hmm¡­" Cassius raised a brow in intrigue. "This is my first time obtaining a Bronze-ranked Skill Box, whereas the others were all Copper-ranked with plus, minus, or neutral ratings. I should probably open them now, but first¡­"


    He decided to check his system interface to gauge his progress.


    BLING!


    ________________________________


    [Name: Idle Evolution System]


    [Host: Cassius] - [Lvl 17]


    [Title: Advent Devil (D)]


    ______________________________


    [HP: 1300/1300]               [MP: 1100]


    [FATIGUE: 0].                   [AP: 44]


    ______________________________


    [STRENGTH: 39] (Can throw a thousand+ pounds)


    [AGILITY: 76] (Faster than a jetne)


    [ENDURANCE: 37] (Can satisfy three women with ease)


    [INTELLIGENCE: 36] (Could rival the Genius of a mid-ranked National Academy)


    [PERCEPTION: 39] (Verging upon a Sixth Sense)


    [CHARISMA: 22] (Exceptionally handsome)


    {[Skills:]}


    [Muscrity (P)(F-)], [sh (A)(F)], [Sprint (A)(F)]


    _______________________________


    Satisfied, Cassius opened the Inventory Space tab at the bottom of his interface. A mostly empty grid appeared, with only four slots containing items:


    [Copper- Skill Box(s): 12]


    [Copper Skill Box(s): 7]


    [Copper+ Skill Box(s): 3]


    [Bronze- Skill Box(s): 1]


    Seeing that he had exactly 23 Skill Boxes, Cassius figured there was no point in letting them gather dust. Starting with the lowest-ranked ones, he clicked on them, watching as more than a dozen Copper Boxes materialized and popped open, throwing cards into his body.


    *Ding!*


    [Acquired - Copper de (A)(F-)] ¨C Basic swordsmanship skill.


    [Acquired - Iron Fist (A)(F)] ¨C Introductory hand-to-handbat technique.


    [Acquired - Steady Aim (P)(F+)] ¨C Increases proficiency with ranged weapons by 15%.


    [Acquired - First Aid (A)(F+)] ¨C Fundamental healing skill.


    [Acquired - Earth Sense (P)(F+)] ¨C Basic environmental awareness skill.


    [Acquired - Fire Spark (A)(F+)] ¨C Entry-level fire magic.


    [Acquired - Stone Shield (A)(F-)] ¨C Basic defensive technique/shield handling.


    [Acquired - Bronze Brew (P)(F-)] ¨C Introductory potion-makingprehension.


    [Acquired - Tinker Tools (P)(F)] ¨C Basic crafting and repair skills.


    [Acquired - Swift Step (A)(F+)] ¨C Foundation-level movement skill.


    [Acquired - Mind Focus (P)(F)] ¨C Increases concentration and mental dexterity by 10%.


    [Acquired - Water Flow (P)(F+)] ¨C Beginner water maniption skill.


    After reviewing the newly acquired Skills, Cassius felt a strange spark ignite within him, creating something from nothing. Previously unfamiliar knowledge flooded his mind, organizing itself into internal grimoires he could ess at will.


    Moreover, he began sensing something new in the atmosphere.


    "Are these¡­ Magicules?" Cassius murmured. He observed the brown, blue, and red blots of energy floating around his showering body.


    Reaching out, he touched one. His fingers reacted positively to the colorful blot, forming a pleasant connection. The sensation felt natural, as though he and the Magicules were inherently linked.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Adjusting to the Magicules'' presence, Cassius returned to opening the remaining Skill Boxes. One by one, he clicked on them, obtaining nearly a dozen more Skills. Among them, two stood out the most, introducing the lightning and wind elements, which manifested as additional floating Magicules.


    With three new elements alongside the original three, Cassius now had ess to a total of six elemental energies. While unsure of their battle effectiveness, he felt the thrill of unlocking new potential.


    These discoveries unearthed hidden aspects of himself, begging to be refined and mastered.


    Finally, it was time to open the Bronze- Skill Box. Cassius hoped to gain something of D-Rank or higher, but who knew exactly whatdy luck had in store for him¡­


    "The Copper Skill Boxes gave Skills ranging from F-Rank to E-Rank," he murmured. "The Bronze Box should yield something much greater."


    As he clicked on the box, a bright bronze light erupted. The question mark-covered cube popped open, spilling its contents.

 Chapter 20 [Now, to bed or not to bed? Tis the question.]

    *Ding!*


    [Acquired - Shadow Step (A)(D-)] ¨C Instantaneous Movement Skill - Blur like a shadow and reappear as a Reaper. |Scales off the Agility stat.|


    "Hmm?" Cassius''s brows furrowed in interest. "This Skill seems very useful, especially when paired up with my Agility stat, which I main in."


    He wanted to test it out right now, but the current environment wasn''t very suitable. Additionally, he still had to settle the situation with Aya¡­


    By the time Cassius stepped out of the bathroom, freshly dressed and significantly less bloodied, Aya had begun to stir. Hershes fluttered, her lips parting slightly as she slowly emerged from her slumber. She then approached the brightly lit bathroom. Noticing the cracked door, she curiously widened it open, only to be momentarily stunned.


    "Big brother Cassius¡­?"


    Not used to hearing that form of address, Cassius took a second to register the presence of the beautiful nude girl currently standing in the bathroom''s doorway. They both locked eyes with each other at the same moment.


    Aya''s face became increasingly red. She crouched and covered her breasts, about to scream. Yet, before she could, Cassius practically teleported beside her and muffled her voice with his hand.


    Flushed redder than a tomato, Aya stuttered, "Y-Youyuu¡­" But was unable to say any more due to the thick, calloused fingers pressed over her mouth. Her eyes instantly began to water as she really felt like crying.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She had never shown her nude body to anyone before (on purpose)! And yet now her stepbrother was close to reaching a negative distance with her! She was scared!!


    Seeing that she really was on the verge of bawling her eyes out, Cassius leaned his face next to hers. "I didn''t mean to grab you so suddenly, but exining this situation to our parents would be¡­" He briefly nced between the two of them, both of whom were naked.


    Aya''s face instantly dropped when she realized what he was trying to say. Yet that didn''t make her tears feel likeing down any less. To prevent that, though, Cassius let go of her and backed away before respectfully turning around. "There''s a towel right over there, which you can use until you get back to your room."


    Aya''s puffy eyes swam around the white bathroom interior, blushing every time she caught a peek at Cassius''s defined back muscles and muscr buttocks. She almost saw something far above average as well, but he stopped her eyes from traveling any further with his quizzical voice. "Have you gotten the towel yet?"


    Embarrassed beyond disbelief, Aya stammered, "N-No, I''m getting it now!" Before she waddled over to the hanging towel that Cassius was originally going to use. After snuggly wrapping it around herself, she said, "D-Done."


    ''Why am I feeling so hot right now¡­? Is something wrong with me??''


    Turning around, Cassius viewed a charming side of his stepsister that he had never seen before. She sheepishly stood by the sink, twirling her curled hair strands, with a scarlet red coloring her cheeks in a burning warmth.


    Absentmindedly, hemented, "Stunning." Only to realize that this was hardly the time for that. "Sorry¡­ I didn''t mean it like that¡ª"


    "N-No, it''s okay, I-I¡­" Aya had already be indistinguishable from a beet as her pretty sapphire blue pupils erratically flickered. Smoke puffed out of the top of her head as she didn''t know where to look anymore; her eyes always seemed to find their way back to Cassius''s dashing figure. ''H-Has he always been this attractive¡­!? And his words are so sweet¡­! I don''t think I can handle this new version of him... Definitely not...! And then there was him at the Hospital¡ª''


    Aya''s mind suddenly shed with all of the events leading up to this point in time, causing her expression to morph from despair to terror¡­ to a warmth that made her heart beat faster. Yet, there was a part of her that believed everything was just a dream; after all, how could the unawakened Cassius possibly be so strong?


    However, when she saw the dried blood on her body, she realized that all of it had undoubtedly happened.


    Upon recalling the sadistic smirk on the Dark Ape''s face and the way it pped her, she¡­


    "D-Did it¡­?" Her eyes lifelessly dimmed, yet brightened up like a wave of spring when Cassius grabbed her and took her into a hug. "You don''t have to worry," he said warmly, his hands gently ced along the curve of her back. "That monster worm wasn''t able to get what it wanted. Live with ease of mind, Aya."


    Aya''s face suddenly scrunched up as the tears began to overflow. "T-Thank you, C-Caassius¡­ Thaankk yoouu¡­Thankk youuu.¡­" She repeated, her voice getting muffled by the snot and tears streaming down her face as she buried her head in his chest.


    Despite the wetness smearing his cleaned body, Cassius simply stood there and gently rubbed her head. A feminine orchid fragrance assaulted his nostrils, capable of ring the urges of even a monk. Yet he resisted those urges with ease, as this was not the time to be getting caught up in the moment, especially not when Aya was in such a vulnerable state.


    [^-^ Solid Character Development!]


    [Now, to bed or not to bed? Tis the question.]


    Cassius instinctively ignored his shitty system, and after eight to nine minutes of staying silent while holding Aya, he carefully took her off of him. She seemed resistant at first, butplied after a second more of soaking in his presence.


    Her eyes misted over as she furtively nced at every part of his body and face, yet he didn''t take her looks to heart. "You should exin things to our parents, but you will need your clothes. Well, just stay here a moment; I will grab them."


    A lot of color left Aya''s face as she stretched out her hand. "Wa-Wait, don''t leave me alone¡ª" Yet, in the very same moment Cassius vanished, he reappeared in that same spot, with a shadowy ck energy seeping off of him. ''So that''s how that Skill works¡­ Extremely useful, as expected. And it even seems to give me Permutation to a certain extent, allowing me to pass through objects.''


    ...¡­..

 Chapter 21 Everything is About Luck

    *Pu!*


    A soft, womanly body suddenly collided with his, throwing him a bit off guard. Curious, Cassius looked down, only to see the reddened ears of a ravishing blonde beauty. "D-Don''t leave me again¡­ Please¡­ I don''t want to be alone¡­"


    An invisible force tugged at Cassius''s lips as he softly patted the head of the girl who was acting uncharacteristically meek and timid. ''I guess anyone has the potential to change¡­ That much I should know very well¡­''


    ''I think I understand why the system keeps insisting on Character Development, though I still don''t know what its purpose for guiding me is¡­ Well, I don''t think any protagonist in the novels I used to read ever knew what the intentions of their systems were¡­''N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After a few more moments of idle thinking, Cassius once again pushed away the unusually clingy girl, this time catching an idental glimpse of her towel slipping down her alluring curves. "Here, your clothes," he said, averting his eyes out of respect for her privacy.


    Realizing why he was acting that way, Aya furiously blushed before nodding like a bunny rabbit. She snatched up the clothes, also noticing that he had grabbed a pair of her more risqu¨¦ underwear, which only made the blush on her beautiful face even more prominent.


    "M-Make sure¡­ t-to not look," Aya murmured softly, yet with an adorable fierceness in her voice.


    Cassius nodded.


    A lovely smile formed on Aya''s face upon seeing how considerate he was.


    As she made enticing sounds while sliding on her clothes, she reflected on her past actions, a tinge of regret streaking across her face. ''I must''ve just misunderstood him before¡­ He''s such a nice person; he even saved me¡­! And yet I¡­ said all those mean things about him¡­ Things that I hated more than anything when I was in a simr situation as him¡­''


    The silhouette of arger, less attractive, and more rotund girl seemed to ovep with Aya''s changing figure, sending wave after wave of regret and self-hate washing over her.


    After finishing putting on her clothes, Aya whipped around to Cassius, prepared to do whatever it took to apologize for all that she had done to him. Yet, as if he already knew what she was about to say, he cut her off.


    "It''s fine, Aya. The past can remain the past. I know you are not a bad person."


    "B-But I¡ª"


    "I already said it''s fine," Cassius interrupted. "Just try to find some better friends. You are too sweet and beautiful to settle for terrible characters as the people you hang around."


    Aya''s face colored red, yet she still shyly nodded. Then she remembered what she had been meaning to ask earlier. "Your power; have you somehow awakened¡­?"


    Firmly denying such a im, Cassius shook his head. "I have not awakened, but I havee across a stroke of¡­ good fortune that enabled me to gain some power." Remembering all that the Idle Evolution System had put him through made him reconsider its presumed goodwill. But there was no denying that its methods had made him stronger, which was something virtually impossible among Hunters.


    A Hunter could increase their skill proficiencies and gain more experience, but obtaining greater base power was not possible. Unlike Cassius, who had a sadistic system, people in this world awakened, and that was it. What they got was what they got. Of course, there were differences in skills among Hunters, yet even those were designated upon awakening and capped at Level 9.


    It was rumored that a powerful S-Rank Hunter from Japan, who specialized in the katana, had once achieved the peak Level 9 of his Quick Sheath skill. With his power, he had shed out at an Overlord S-Rank Monster that had escaped a Purple-ranked Gate, bringing the entire country to its knees. The incident had happened a little over ten years ago, but those present could still vividly recall the immensity of that man''s single sh.


    An entire evacuated prefecture had been reduced to ash. Gone, obliterated, dested.


    Yet, even in spite of the Japanese man''s aplishments in singlehandedly clearing a Purple-ranked Gate outbreak, he wore a soured look on his face. In the country''s greatest time of need, his power had reached its pinnacle, yet he could instinctively feel that he could progress no further in his life''s joy¡ªhis Quick Sheath S-Rank skill. In his frustrations, he hadn''t even stayed behind to receive his medal and the appreciation of the country. He left, never to be seen again, rumored to have be obsessed with something that would never grace his skill with the de.


    This was the fate of most who refused to ept that they could progress no further. Their stats were set, their skills were designated, and those same skills had upper limits¡ªwhat was even the point of it all? They worked arduously for their entire lives as Hunters, only to find that some mysterious force prevented them from continuing to progress!


    ''Everything truly is about the luck of the pull,'' Cassius thought with a hint of mncholy. ''Even I, with a system, pulled one of the shorter strings among those who obtain systems in web novels.''


    ''Typically, their lives are smooth sailing right after acquiring their systems, with them barely having to exert any real effort. Yet I am worked, sometimes beaten to the bone, by my system¡­ All under the pretense of ''Building Character''...''

 Chapter 22 Newbie 1 Equipment Set

    Taking Cassius out of his depressing thoughts, Aya walked toward the bathroom door, only to furtively nce at him before attempting a sneaky escape. "D-Don''t mention this to anyone, okay?" she tried to demand with her usual fierceness, yet found it tough to hold his intense gaze. "And about the hospital¡­ Thank you¡­ I mean it¡­ If you weren''t there, I would have¡­"


    Cassius waved his hand dismissively. "Go on, then. And try not to get chewed out too hard by your mother," he chuckled softly, causing her heart rate to quicken. She scuttered out of his room while furiously blushing. "I-I will repay the favor¡­!" she promised before her cute, bouncy tushy vanished from view.


    "You don''t have to¡­" Cassius attempted to say, yet realized that she could no longer hear him.


    He heaved a breath of tired air before putting on a pair of underwear and finding himself sprawled out on his bed. Even though his Fatigue was not very high, the mental waves of exhaustion weighing on his mind had stacked up enough times to elicit a prompt state of slumber.


    While dozing off, he could faintly hear the soft yellinging from downstairs, which made him wistfully try to remember if anyone had ever cared about him enough to do something like that. Yet, in the end, he couldn''t recall any such memory. When he was young, he might have experienced something simr with his father.


    However, sometime after his early childhood, something changed in him¡­ Cassius couldn''t quite put his finger on it, but his father seemed¡­ odd. Almost alien to him.


    Cassius''s ridiculous thoughts followed him as he entered thend of dreams.


    Early the next morning, he awoke even before his annoying yet sturdy rm clock could go off. Figuring that there was no real need to keep around such an irritating clock with his almost supernatural senses, Cassius eyed it dangerously before grabbing it. He used a small fraction of his strength to crumple it, reducing it to a condensed ball of metal and scraps.


    After getting his long overdue vengeance for all the sleepless nights it had caused with its faulty behavior, he rolled off his bed. Sauntering toward his drawers, he swiftly pulled out a ck dress shirt and a pair of shorts with a matching color scheme. He set them on the wide drawer, nning to wear them in a second.


    Firstly, however, it was time for the grind. Yet, just as Cassius was about to start with one hundred unbelievably fast push-ups, the system presented him with an increase in difficulty.


    *Ding!*


    [If the Daily Quest is too easy, then you aren''t properly building character!]


    [Here, have a set of newbie equipment on the house! You mustplete the tasks of the Daily Quest with these if you want the rewards!]


    *Thud, Thud, Thud!*


    Several hundred pounds of condensed sand hit the ground with resounding thuds, nearly cracking through the floor. Luckily, everyone in his house was a deep sleeper, or else he would certainly have some exining to do. Nevertheless, upon looking at the system tags of theseically absurd weights, Cassius''s brows creased in dramatic apathy.


    [Acquired 100lb Wrist Weight X2]


    [Acquired 400lb Full-body Weight Vest]


    [Acquired 150lb Ankle Weight X2]


    "...Is this really necessary¡­?" asked Cassius, his brows furrowed in frustration. "Even with my increased strength, this is¡­"


    [You are denying Character Development?]


    [For that, have another Newbie Package gift, on the house! ^_^]


    *Thud!*


    [Acquired 300lb Waist Weight]


    Veins appeared all over Cassius''s face as he found it tough to hold himself back from walloping his smug system. And weren''t Newbie Package Gifts supposed to be things like a sword, a potion, and some flexible armor? Why the hell was he receiving this crap as his Newbie Package Gifts?? What the hell did he ever do to the Idle Evolution System!?


    "Your name is a sham," Cassius indignantly murmured as he lifted and donned the surprisingly thin weights on his body. Yet, with the system''s impable hearing, how could it not hear his defamatory words?


    *Ding!*


    [In consideration of the Host''sck of proper character development, as evident by hisck of etiquette, the system has decided to give an additional Daily Quest task and an opportunity for more rewards!]


    [Wear the entire ''Newbie 1 Character Development Weight Set'' for a total of 12 hours!]


    ¡ª[Reward: 1 Point in Charisma and 1 Point in Strength (on top of whatpleting the other tasks will allot you)]


    Cassius: "...."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The system was tantly bullying him, but at least the rewards were good, was all he could tell himself as he hit the floor.


    With all his ''Newbie Equipment'' on, he felt like he was carrying the whole world on his back, yet he just had to grit his teeth and push through the exercises. One by one, hepleted all of them, even though sweat poured from all his pores and entuated his constantly contracting muscles in a shimmering sheen.


    With sheer willpower, honed by the system''s sadism, Cassius finished all of the exercises he could do inside. He had woken up not even an hour ago, yet he already felt exhaustion attempting to take him away. However, that didn''t stop the Idle Evolution System from increasing his workload further.


    *Ding!*


    [Say, don''t you feel embarrassed about having to rely on the system for everything?]


    ''Rely on what exactly!? You are the Devil System, not the Idle Evolution System!''

 Chapter 23 Daily Quest #2, Road to 100 Swings

    Oblivious to Cassius''s begrudged curses, the system continued where it left off.


    [The system is feeling generous today! On top of the luxurious Newbie 1 Package Set, you will also be receiving an additional Newbie 1 item (Don''t tell my boss) and another Daily Quest that will need to bepleted daily (Assuming you want your crown jewels!)]


    ''...The system is still a dick, but maybe the reward will actually be something good this time around...''


    He jinxed it.


    *Thud!*


    [Acquired ''Newbie 1 Weighted Wooden Training Sword''!]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An eastern-style wooden katana plopped in front of Cassius, leaving a splintered floor where it fell. Its weight was higher than each individual Newbie Item given so far,ing in at over 1,000 pounds.


    Then, to add to his disgruntlement, another system notification appeared.


    *Ding!*


    {[Daily Quest 2]}


    ¡ª[You are looking awfully bby as ofte. But worry not, the system has decided to be magnanimous and add a tougher regimen!]


    ¡ª[Swing Newbie 1 Training Sword 100 times, with that number increasing daily based on the Fiboni Sequence, starting with Day 2 being 150 times. Day 3 will be 250 times, Day 4 will be 400 times, and so on.]


    [Reward: 1 Point in Agility and 1 Point in Strength]


    [Failure: Loss of what makes you a man]


    Silence.


    Cassius didn''t even know why he bothered with the Idle Evolution System anymore. But seeing as this was another way to get stronger¡ªand he didn''t want to lose his balls and joystick¡ªhe reluctantly gave in to his fate. How hard could it possibly be to swing around a sword anyway?


    He went to pick up the sword sunken into the ground, yet quickly felt every muscle in his arm contract just to keep the weapon from dropping. His knees buckled under the pressure, with his feet smashing into the floor.


    ''I thought it was only around 1,000 pounds, but the weight of this thing immediately increased to double that as soon as I touched it! Seriously, what the hell is wrong with this sadistic system!?''


    Cassius felt like using up his saved AP to increase his Strength stat, but he had a harrowing feeling that the system would just smugly smirk and increase the Daily Quest difficulty appropriately if he did that. It had be abundantly obvious that the Idle Evolution System only wanted him to suffer! There was no escaping this fate!


    ''Why can''t I just be like the protagonists in novels when they acquire a system¡­? Is this the difference between fiction and reality¡­??''


    Even though Cassiusmented over his shitty luck in obtaining that evil system, he pumped every muscle in his body to heave the sword over his shoulder. Although it hurt a lot to leave it pressed against his deltoids, he clenched his jaw and endured. He took heavy, uncontrolled steps toward his clothes, with nearly 4,000 pounds weighing him down from the sword and weighted clothes.


    Yet, before Cassius grabbed the clothes, he figured he should swing the sword first and wipe himself off afterward.


    With that in mind, he gritted his teeth and steadily took the sword off his shoulder, briefly ncing at the red imprint it left on his right deltoid. However, as if the stinging pain weren''t even there, he faced the open space of his room. A glint of resolve shed past his cold blue eyes as he swung downward, making use of every muscle in his body in order to not facent the ground.


    *Ding!*


    [1/100 Sword Swings]


    The quest counter went up by one. Now, it was time to get it to go up once more.


    Tightening the muscles that already felt like they were rupturing, Cassius raised his arms and swung down once more. The wind slightly whistled, with the force from the sword swing blowing away all the sparse dirt on the ground.


    [2/100 Sword Swings]


    Again.


    [3/100 Sword Swings]


    Again.


    [4/100 Sword Swings]


    Again. Again. Again¡­


    [13/100 Sword Swings]


    Again¡­ Just go up¡­ Again¡­ Just go up!


    [42/100 Sword Swings]


    Again. Goddamnit, just swing! Move, body! Move!


    [78/100 Sword Swings]


    Arghh!! It hurts so damn much¡­! Every fiber of my being feels like evaporating! Fuck!! Just keep on swinging!!! Stop being a pussy!!!


    [99/100 Sword Swings]


    Just one more time¡­ Just go up once more¡­ Why won''t you move¡­???


    No matter how much Cassius willed it, his body just wouldn''t budge. He put his full mental capacity toward throwing up the sword once more, yet he felt like every one of his muscles had frozen in ce. The only reason he hadn''t copsed to the ground yet was because he became so stiff that his body literally got the rest of him stuck.


    Sweat glistened off of his shredded figure, further entuating his physique. Yet, the frustrated grimace twisted his handsome appearance into something fiercer.


    ''Damn it all!!! Just move already!!!''


    Cassius couldn''t even open his mouth anymore, but as if he exceeded some sort of physical limitation, his arms moved, and the sword cut through the air.


    [100/100 Sword Swings]


    *Ding!*


    [You have sessfullypleted Daily Quest #2]


    [You obtained 1 Stat Point in Strength and 1 Stat Point in Agility!]


    [Daily Quest 1 Progress: 67%]


    *Thud!*


    After the quest''s status switched topleted, Cassius let his body copse to the ground, with his sword falling right beside him with a resounding bang.


    However, before he could enter a very deep state of sleep that could leave him unconscious for an unknown period of time, he drowsily pulled up his long list of Level-up rewards. Then, with a single click that used up strength he didn''t have, a bright golden light shed and enveloped his body.


    [Status Recovered!]

 Chapter 24 Addition to Daily Quest #2

    [Status Recovered!]


    "Huff¡­!" Cassius felt like a new life had been granted to him as he shot up and returned oxygen to his lungs. "I hate to have to waste one of my limited Status Recoveries on something like this, but it was necessary if I want to avoid suspicions."


    After feeling a tinge of regret over the loss he incurred, Cassius finally got around to putting on his clothes. Strangely, with them on, he appeared very sharp. His slightly chiseled facial features did the ck dress shirt and shorts some justice. Yet, just when he was beginning to appreciate how handsome he had be, the system made him scrunch his face.


    *Ding!*


    [The Host seems a bit narcissistic to me¡ª]


    "That isn''t it¡­"


    [¡ªSeeing as the Host has so much free time on his hands, he can surely carry around his trusty Newbie Sword along with his Newbie Armor! ^-^]


    ''You call this shit armor!? But wait¡­ Not another one¡­''


    *Ding!*


    [To supplement your deficiencies, a sudden extension to Daily Quest #2 will now be implemented!]


    {[Daily Quest 2]}


    ¨C [100/100 Sword Swings] - [?]


    ¨C [Carry around trusty ''Newbie Sword 1'' for 12 hours. Cannot leave your approximate location.] - [0/720 minutes] - [_]


    "Shit¡­" Cassius''s face drooped. He didn''t even know why he bothered hoping for any modicum of respite from his sadistic system. He sighed before picking up the sword he had nned to stay away from for the next 24 hours.


    After realizing that the sword was quite a bit lighter than before because of the 1 Strength Stat Point, he tried to find somewhere on his person to store it. However, in the end, he had no choice but to hold it with his left arm, which strained more than expected, mostly because of the thin wrist weights he had equipped. Yet, rather than wrist weights, they looked more like sweatbands, somehow being so thin while containing an absurd amount of weight.


    When everything that could be done here was settled, Cassius left his room with slow, heavy steps, still adjusting to the extreme conditions he now had to constantly endure. On his way out, he saw the charming appearance of his messy-haired stepsister, with her bird''s-nest-do only making her appear all the more attractive. Yet, instead of her stunning appearance, his eyes almost naturally fell on the sloppy, alluring way her red panda bear pajamas were sliding off of her curvaceous curves.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Suddenly jolting awake, Aya let out a shrill shriek, which would have surely woken everyone up if they hadn''t already left for work. "W-What are¡­ you doing here¡­!?" She cupped her breasts defensively, her cheeks redder than a blood moon.


    Cassius looked at the girl as if she were kind of dumb. "I live here¡­"


    Aya only became more embarrassed over this reasonable response. Her mind seemed to keep trailing back to the night prior, when she saw his almost picture-perfect body and that¡­ long thing. A deeper blush formed on her face as smoke rose from her head, her eyes subconsciously finding their way to his especiallyrge morning package.


    She wound up scampering away with tears bubbling up in her big, beautiful eyes. "Y-You big dummy!" she loudly grumbled before mming her room door behind her somewhat erotic figure.


    Question marks flew off in Cassius''s mind as he found himself bing more and more perplexed by women with each passing day. Broaching upon this subject also reminded him of the bunny-like brown-haired beauty he got hit by a truck for. Considering that he almost got isekai-ed because of her, he figured shooting his shot couldn''t hurt.


    Pulling out his phone, Cassius looked through his very limited contacts, quickly finding one that said ''Grace'' with an adorable bunny emoji at the end, put there by him after deciding it fit her best.


    He clicked on the call button and stuck it up to his ear, yet not even a secondter, Grace picked up on the other end. "Cassius, is that you??" she asked with a bit of concealed excitement.


    Curious, Cassius asked, "How did you know it was me? The number shouldn''t have appeared on your end."


    Grace''s eyes swam around as shey belly-first on her pink, stuffed-animal-covered bed. She couldn''t exactly tell him that she memorized his number just in case he forgot to call¡­ "I-I just made a guess¡­!" she ended up saying in a panicky tone.


    To which Cassius said, "I see¡­ Well, you can deny my offer if you want, but would you like to go to the shopping district today? I don''t have much money, but I was looking to go somewhere¡ª"


    Grace''s eyes lit up like shimmering Christmas ornaments as she jerked off her bed in glee. "I-I will go!" But her face quickly turned a deep shade of scarlet when she realized how desperate she must sound. Yet, contrary to her expectations, Cassius chuckled softly before saying, "It''s a date, then. We can meet up at the City Square, say around 11 a.m.?"


    d that he didn''t see her as easy, and overjoyed that he called it a date, Grace bobbed her head several times in her room. "Yes, yes! I will definitely be there!"


    "Good, I will see you there, Grace."


    With that, the call ended, and Grace was left to bounce around in her extremely cute room, her bunny pajama ears flopping all around.

 Chapter 25 Just Stay Still

    Cassius slipped his smartphone back into his pocket, wearing a kind smile that held no semnce to the demonic way he looked when he found Aya in that horrid state. His jaw clenched just remembering that scene, but he quickly calmed his nerves and thought about what he should do for the next four or so hours.


    That was when he recalled the evil voice of the Idle Evolution System chanting, "You need more Character Development!" into his ears.


    Left with no other choice if he wanted to have an enjoyable day out with no distractionster, he made the sacrifice and lifted himself down the stairs, careful not to identally blow more holes through the house.


    After sessfully incurring very little damage to the once-pristine home, Cassius left through the front door, staying purposefully oblivious to the red panda pajama-wearing woman peeking her head over the top-floor railings.


    ''Where is he going¡­?'' Aya''s heart suddenly filled with worry. ''Is he heading out to meet another girl¡­??'' She struggled between displeasure and trepidation, not sure how to process her own feelings. ''Surely he''s not¡­ Cassius has never been good at talking with girls¡ª'' That was when she recalled how sweet and kind he was to herst night.


    Yet she still fervently believed that him going to meet a different girl was impossible.


    ''M-Maybe he''s just going out for a run like he has been doing as ofte¡­! Yes, yes, that must be it! What am I even worrying for!? It''s not like I like him or anything! Right¡­?''


    Aya''s worry was now for something else entirely as she huddled into a ball on the ground, her red panda pajama hoodie hanging over her pouty yet conflicted face. After a few seconds of perplexed sulking, she figured it wouldn''t hurt to trail behind him and see what he was up to.


    So that''s precisely what she did¡­


    Aya swiftly threw on a ck trench coat and a pair of gaudy ck sunsses, going full Men in ck on this operation to ensure the safety of her stepbrother, who could very well get taken advantage of! Though to any passerby who caught sight of her hiding behind metal poles and garbage cans, she earned herself the title of ''Stalker.''


    As Cassius, dressed up for the asion, strolled through the active streets of his neighborhood, he felt like someone was following him. However, sensing that they held no ill intent, he paid them no mind and left the borders of his neighborhood. Eventually, he made it to a wide intersection, where beyond that intersection was the prosperous downtown district of Hoshito City. It wasn''t at the level of somewhere like Tokyo or the capitals of any of the nine regions, but it still remained a bustling ce ofmerce, with thousands of people going about their business in the city of ss and stone.


    After maneuvering through crowds of people and traveling another five or so minutes, Cassius finally made it to the City Square, where arge sprinkling fountainy situated. Right next to the fountain, however, was an utterly breathtaking sight.


    A girl with soft brown hair and warm brown eyes sat on the side of the fountain, her fingers tracing the water''s edge. She smiled nervously, ncing around as she adjusted her flowy white dress, anticipation and hope shining in her eyes as she waited for her first-ever date to arrive.


    Seeing Cassius begin his approach toward this gorgeous girl, what Aya feared most threw a bucket of cold water over her head. A deste summer breeze blew through her disguise, leaving her feeling empty inside. Yet that didn''t mean she could just give up here! She had to know what their rtionship was!


    ''After everything he has done¡­ and seen of me, it''s the manly thing to take responsibility! He can''t shirk away under the wings of this vixen! I-I will see just how he ns to exin himself when I catch him red-handed in the act of an affair¡­!''N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ''And for it to be with that woman who stayed by his hospital bedside, basically blocking me from seeing him, no less! I won''t stand for this! I won''t stand for it¡­!''


    While remaining blissfully unaware of the fact that they weren''t in any sort of rtionship that extended beyond family, Aya maintained her stalker disposition and got a little closer to the adulterers in the ''act''.


    Meanwhile, Cassius had just made it within a few dozen feet of Grace, with her seeing him as well. Her eyes lit up, and just as she was about to wave him over, some rough-looking unsavory phnderers grouped around her.


    "Hey, lovely beautiful Miss~ What are you doing here all alone~?"


    "Yeah, someone as pretty as you shouldn''t be all by herself. Why don''t youe and have some fun with us~? We promise to show you a good time~"


    Grace''s outstretched hand retracted as a bit of fear mixed with her nervousness. She wasn''t very good around groups of people. Just her getting her family''s permission toe out today and enter the pedestrian parts of the city did a number on her.


    Not sure how to respond to these strange men who huddled around her, she stuttered, "N-No, I am waiting on someone¡ª"


    "Come on, don''t be like that~" One of the blonde-haired men said flirtatiously. "Just let us show you a good time~"


    As soon as his handnded on her shoulder, Grace''splexion turned ashen as she raised her voice, "N-Nooo! Ple-Please don''t touch me!"


    "Just stay still, sweetheart~" the blonde-haired man''s ''friendly'' smile widened. Yet before he could go any further in his unsanctioned acts of harassment, arge, muscr hand suddenly grabbed onto his own and bent it back, nearly breaking his finger bones.


    He hollered in pain. "Ahhghh!! What the fuck are you doing, y-you damn bastard!?"

 Chapter 26 A Date

    "Ahhghh!! What the hell are you doing, you psycho!?"


    The hollering hooligan''s outburst was met with a cold, unimpressed re. "Can''t you see you''re bothering her?" Cassius said evenly, twisting the man''s arm just enough to elicit another high-pitched shriek.


    "Who even are you!?"


    "Let go of Jacob, freak!" one of his friends yelled, though his voice cracked halfway through.


    Cassius turned his gaze to the peanut gallery, who froze like deer in headlights. "Shut up," he said tly, his tone as sharp as a knife. The wannabe tough guys visibly shrank, suddenly unsure if they wanted to continue their catcalling careers.


    "Cassius¡­" Grace muttered, a mix of awe and relief flooding her expression. Her knight in slightly worn jeans hade to the rescue. Still, the intensity on his face gave her pause¡ªit was a little too much, like he''d been fighting¡­ monsters¡­ instead of idiots.


    Realizing he might''ve overdone it, Cassius released the blonde guy''s hand and gave him a swift kick to the rear for good measure. The man hit the ground with a yelp.


    "Scram," Cassius ordered, his voice as cold as winter frost. The hooligans exchanged nervous nces before fleeing with bruised egos and possibly a few bruised body parts. One couldn''t resist yelling back, "You''ll regret this!" as he tripped over his own feet.


    Cassius sighed and turned back to Grace, his expression softening. "So, what do you wanna eat?" he asked, attempting to shift the mood.


    Grace blinked at him, then broke into a dazzling smile. "There''s this sushi ce I''ve been dying to try, but my parents wouldn''t let me. Want to go there with me?"


    Her bright, hopeful expression was enough to knock the wind out of him. How could he say no to those puppy-dog eyes? "Sure," he said with a small smile. "Lead the way."


    Grace giggled, the earlier incident already forgotten, and practically skipped ahead of him. She paused a few stepster and turned back, her cheeks pink. "By the way¡­ thanks for helping me back there. You were¡­ really cool." She stumbled over thest part, turning redder by the second.


    Cassius chuckled, jogging to catch up. "I didn''t get the chance earlier, but you look lovely today," he said. "Though, honestly, you didn''t need to dress up for someone like me."


    Grace nearly tripped over her own feet. "Wha¡ªthis? It''s nothing special!" she sputtered, staring at her shoes as if they were suddenly fascinating.


    Then her gaze darted to the wooden sword strapped to his back. "Uh¡­ about the sword. Why are you carrying that around? It''s kind of¡­ unique."


    Cassius nced at it and shrugged, shifting its weight on his shoulder. "I''ve been getting into a new hobby. Hope you don''t mind me bringing it."


    Grace waved her hands frantically. "No, no! It''s cool¡ªreally cool! Like¡­ like you''re some kind of modern knight or something¡­"


    Her voice trailed off into an unintelligible mumble, but Cassius caught enough to grin. "Modern knight, huh? I''ll take it," he said, reaching out to pat her on the head.


    Grace froze, her cheeks turning scarlet as steam practically poured from her ears. "Wha¡ªyou can''t just¡ª"


    "Toote," Cassius teased, his hand still on her head. "You''re officially knight-approved."


    Behind them, a dark aura loomed as Aya, draped in ck like a discount ninja, gripped the metal pole she was hiding behind. ''Ugh, they''re not even holding hands! What is this, a Hallmark movie?'' Her eyes narrowed, and the pole creaked under her grip. ''And I was saved by him too! She''s not special! I''ve known him longer, anyway¡­''


    Grace snapped back to reality as they arrived at their destination. Cassius stopped in front of a neon sign that read "Sushi Haven." It wasn''t fancy enough to be high-end, but it was leagues above the average chain.


    "This the ce?" he asked, ncing at Grace, whose wide eyes sparkled as she took in the restaurant.


    "Yep! I''ve always wanted toe here!" she said, practically bouncing with excitement. Cassius couldn''t help but smile at her enthusiasm. He reached out and ruffled her hair again, earning a muffled squeak.


    "Seriously?" Grace muttered while pretending to swat at his hand. "You''re treating me like some fluffy pet¡­"


    "If you hate it, just say so," Cassius said,ughing as he moved to pull his hand away.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    To his surprise, Grace grabbed his wrist and held it in ce, her face a shade of red that could rival a fire truck. "I didn''t say I hated it¡­"


    Cassius blinked, then smiled, deciding not to push his luck. "I see," he said with a yful chuckle, letting her keep his hand where it was as they headed inside.


    Aya, meanwhile, growled from her hiding spot. ''This isn''t over, Grace. Just wait until he sees how much more girly I am!'' She crushed the pole in her grip, startling several bystanders who immediately turned and walked the other way.

 Chapter 27 An Extraterrestrial Threat...

    "Why did you take your hand off again¡­? It''s not that I don''t like the pets.¡­" Grace mumbled.


    "So you do like it? How much do you like it?" Cassius couldn''t stop himself from teasing the adorable girl a bit, both with his words and his hands..


    Although embarrassed, Grace answered, "Mhmm¡­ A-A lot¡­" with a blush seemingly glued to her peachy features. She was unable to look at him as she was, so she pulled him through thest set of spinning doors of the Sushi Haven Restaurant.


    Cassius kept his eyes on the perfectly curved back of the beautiful brown-haired girl dragging him around in an unusually forward manner. He enjoyed her presence; it was a breath of fresh air, one that he hadn''t known he needed. However, there was arge part of him that didn''t believe he deserved something so nice.


    His entire life, he lived believing the bare minimum was already too good for him¡­ Yet to suddenly encounter Grace and get to know a new side of Aya¡­ It almost felt too good to be true.


    And then there were the continuous improvements to his strength, which although acquired because of the system''s sadism, still left him joyous beyond belief.


    Yet, that once again made him think that something was amiss¡­


    ''A ploy¡­?'' Cassius''s overly cautious side got the better of him as he thought useless things.


    Why would anyone out there be plotting against someone as inconsequential as he was?


    ¡ª--------------------


    ¡ª Outside an Airport Runway in Hoshito ¡ª


    BAM!


    A small explosion urred around the body of Adam Steele. His eruption of rage startled the flight attendant females lined up on the side. They all kept their heads down, afraid to offend Adam and the ssy woman walking next to him.


    "You must calm yourself, Mkar," said the woman, her gaze cold and calctive. "I know you have been patiently waiting for ''it'' to return to her son. But you and I both know we can''t rush things."


    Adam''s face further scrunched in anger as his brows deeply furrowed. "I know that as much as you do, but I secretly checked the ipetent son of that bitch, and although his physique has miraculously improved, he''s still as useless as ever! Awakened humans are already inferior creatures as it is, and yet that one is even more useless!! If I were his mother, I would nevere back to save him, so what''s even the point of keeping him around as bait!??"


    ''He''s still as short-tempered as always¡­ I really can''t understand why the Mothership decided him to be the one most fit for this assignment¡­'' The ssy woman sighed heavily before ascending the stairs of a golden-ted private jet. ''Well, at least he is a decent enough actor¡­ that Sasha character we meticulously selected in hopes of activating ''its'' maternal jealousy should also be bringing forth some results. Yet we have no idea how close ''it'' is toing out of hiding¡­ Hah¡­''


    The ssy woman, whose name was Selena, rubbed her temples before finding herself a seat on the jet.


    The livid Adam (Mkar) came in a secondter and sat down in the row of seats next to hers. His body seemed to rapidly expand and protrude in a few areas as a purplish shell-like material took the ce of his skin. Yet, before he could revert to his original form and take up all the seats, Selena red at him.


    "Don''t do anything rash while we''re still blending in among the humans," she said. "Though the strongest of the humans are still ants to the weakest of us, you should know as well as anybody of those anomalies. That is how you got that scar, isn''t it?"


    Following her eyes, Mkar ground his sharp teeth in anger upon seeing therge, gnarly scar strewn out from the top of his chest down to his waist. He could still faintly recall the ethereal human with his sword-like eyebrows and his long, flowing ck hair. He had stood domineeringly atop a massive greatsword while looking down on him as if he were mere trash.


    "I am the Guardian of this Floor, Outsider. You and your friends up there may continueing down here, but you will simply keep on losing. Your life; your choice. But if I see you again¡­ I''ll kill you."


    The man''s icy sharp eyes then shed as he somehow flicked the giant greatsword around like a blur and left Mkar with his scar.


    Mkar ground his teeth to the verge of turning them to dust just remembering the sheer level of disdain that puny human had held for him.


    "Damn it all!!" Mkar bellowed as he was about to disregard everything and morph into his Kaiju form. Yet, before he could do something so foolish, Selena dispersed his aura andmanded, "Sit."


    "S-Selena, you!!!" Mkar''s eyes lit up in anger, yet he knew that it would be unbelievably stupid to go against the one who held the title of ''Intergctic Sorcerer.''


    "Do not get ahead of yourself, Mkar," Selena said as she calmly sipped on a cup of tea. Her neutral face suddenly frosted over, with her swirling frigid gaze boring into the monstrous Mkar like the coldest of tundras.


    "You may be the one leading the mission of getting ''it'' toe out of hiding, but I am the one tasked with making sure you do your job properly. You are to get ''it'' out of hiding without angering ''it'' enough to prevent us from ascending to the next floor. With that Floor Guardian being abnormally powerful for those of a Tower like this one, we must take this backdoor method and ascend the Tower without encountering that man. To do that¡­"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Selena pierced through all of Mkar''s defenses with just her gaze.


    "To do that, you need to get yourself together and strike at a different angle. We need to let down ''its'' guard, and the only real method we have is holding her son hostage, which means that we can''t kill him. Find a different way to force ''it'' out. You know the deadline before a recement for you is found and sent down."


    "A different way!?" Mkar roared, concealing the fear he felt because of this unearthly beauty before him. "What other way is there!??"


    Selena''s irises frosted over at his tone. "I don''t know; that''s not my job to figure out. It''s yours." She returned to ignoring the fuming man''s presence, not caring a single bit about his grievances.


    The private jet started moving before ascending to the skies like a bird in a gust of wind. Their destination was a skull-shaped ind to the far east¡ªan ind that would not show up on any conventional map in the world. In that ind lived several extraterrestrial existences that did not belong to this Realm¡ªmysterious beings capable of crushing S-Rank, city-destroying level humans like bugs.


    Yet, even though they were so powerful, they seemed to be constantly stepping on eggshells, afraid to so much as stick their heads out too far.


    All because of a single man¡­


    Atop the zenith point of a mountain that touched upon the clouds, a refined middle-aged man with a piece of horsetail whisk in his mouth tipped his ragged traveler''s hat to the east.


    With his entire face shrouded by ckened shadow lines, he spoke in an antiquated voice that didn''t match his handsome, youthful visage. "It seems like things are finally getting interesting." He then vanished from his spot, with slight traces of a wistful smirk flowing through the speed stream.

 Chapter 28 An Unexpected Stalker...

    ¡ª In the downtown area of Hoshito City, inside Sushi Haven, at a windowsill table ¡ª


    *Nom, Nom, Nom.*


    "You must really love sushi," said Cassius, a fond smile painting his handsome, attentive features. On the other side of the table was a bunny-like girl with long, silky brown hair andrge doe eyes that squinted in joy after each voracious chew.


    Realizing that she was being a bit uncouth, Grace swallowed onest piece of sushi with a look of euphoria before reluctantly cing her chopsticks to the side. "I-I''m sorry¡­ You must think less of me now¡­" Imaginary bunny ears seemed to droop atop her head as she silently moved her small pink lips.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Cassius rested his chin on his hands, a warm, soothing smile gracing his features. "Pay no mind to me; I think watching you eat is far more enjoyable than eating alone¡ªor even eating at all."


    "T-That is¡­" Grace''s face flushed red, yet she readily took him up on his offer. After all, she hadn''t eaten anything beforeing to the date because she wanted to do more things with him.


    Cassius also began choosing from therge assortment of sushi he had ordered. At first, Grace had tried to insist that she would pay, but he firmly rejected that proposal. As a man¡ªalbeit a pathetic one¡ªhow could he let a woman pay for the date? Even though he didn''t have much money, he still had a part-time job, which he just so happened to need to show up for tomorrow morning.


    It was merely a library gig, but the people there were weing and kind, so it served as afort from the grueling training he had endured when he first startedpleting the system''s Daily Quests. The current Quests were just as physically difficult, but his mind had long since grown ustomed to how tough the system''s Quests were. Even the Side Quests and Urgent Quests it gave him had left him on the verge of death¡­ yet he still pushed through them.


    ''Speaking of which, on the matter of money, I wonder if I can make use of my strength to acquire more of it¡ªbut do so without attracting too much attention to myself¡­''


    Bringing this matter up to Grace, she spoke in between adorable chews. "I don''t know much about making money because my family won''t let me work, but you seem very strong. I know you''re not awakened, but if you can somehow match up to the weakest of Hunters, you can explore Gates with a Party or Guild and obtain some Magic Shards."


    "Though, it is very dangerous¡­ I would prefer you didn''t do this¡­" Her tone dampened, and her imaginary bunny ears once again drooped. "I-If you really need money that badly, then I can ask my family¡­! I''m sure they can¡ª"


    "That won''t be necessary," Cassius said gently, seemingly in deep contemtion about something. "Don''t worry; I won''t do anything I know I can''t handle. But you mentioned these ''Magic Shards''¡ªwhat are they, if you don''t mind my asking?"


    Although still worried, Grace replied, "Magic Shards are what lie inside the bodies of monsters, sort of like their cores. If you¡­ slice them open, you can find them."


    "They vary in size, color, and the number of pointed edges depending on the strength of the in monster." She gagged a little at imagining something so gruesome yet quickly forgot about it when lines of sushi were stuffed into her gerbil-like cheeks.


    "Inside of them¡­ Ahh¡­ Damn¡­" Cassius suddenly recalled a few shiny things protruding from the corpses of the monsters he killed.


    He felt a tinge of regret over not snatching them up and obtaining some pocket money. Though, unbeknownst to him, thebined Magic Shards from all the monsters he had in would have been enough to buy him a small house or a nice car.


    "Izzz shomthingg da matttter?" Grace asked through her munching, tilting her head cutely.


    Cassius sighed before shaking his head and returning that warm smile to his face. "It''s nothing much. Though, sometimes I wonder if I''m just empty air up here." Heically knocked on his head, which made Grace chortle. A bit of food spat out of her mouth, causing her to shrink in embarrassment. Yet Cassius only chuckled in response before eating more of the sushi himself.


    "Just make sure to eat to your heart''s content," he requested with a smile.


    "Mhmmhkay~!" Grace had no qualms. Even with a few customers staring at her beauty, she devoured the tes like she had been starved her whole life.


    "Hah¡­"


    The atmosphere inside that corner of Sushi Haven really was like a little slice of heaven. But the same could not be said for arge bush sitting directly outside the window the pair was dining at.


    ''Fucking fluffers!! Why are they acting so chummy in there!? Don''t they have any shame!? Where is the morality!?'' Aya thought as she shamelessly wiggled her plump figure all around inside a bush, sessfully scaring away nearby pedestrians.


    Suddenly realizing how she was acting, she frantically corrected herself. ''I-It''s not like I''m jealous or anything¡­! I just wish they would learn some shame! Damn adulterers!!''


    Seeing the bush jump all around and hearing terrifying grumblings, several pedestrians reported it to the authorities out of fear of a pervert being inside.


    For a while, Aya had to outrun the police in a bush¡­


    When she finally managed to lose them with her D-Rank Stats and return to the restaurant window, she was distressed to find that they had already left! It wasn''t until five minutester of extensive searching that she found the adultering coupleughing and giggling while heading toward the¡­


    "Hunter''s Association??" Aya blurted out, attracting the attention of a small child.


    "Mama, that bush over there is talking¡­!"


    "What nonsense are you speaking¡ª Wait, that''s the pervert from earlier! The police¡ªI must call them!"


    "!!!" ''They''re onto me again! Time to ditch the bush!''

 Chapter 29 Entering The Hunters Association

    Aya leapt out of the abused bush and sprinted away like a true criminal, which only further solidified the mother''s suspicions. After another series of chases by the local police, she eventually made her way just outside the massive Hunter''s Association building, where the adulterers had just ascended a flight of marbled stairs to enter.


    She once again entered incognito stalker mode and did what she did best¡ªstalking.


    "You seemed interested in the Magic Shard discussion earlier," Grace said in a soft voice. "Is that why we''re here right now? Are you nning to be¡­ a Hunter¡­?"


    As much as Cassius wanted to do just that, he knew that only death gs awaited him if he became a Hunter with what little strength he currently had. No, rather than make a fool of himself and possibly raise suspicion when he came back stronger after each raid, he wanted something else.


    "I want information on the locations of Gates," replied Cassius, his toneced with a gentleness that made Grace feel warm inside. Yet she still asked, "Why would you wish to know the locations of Gates if you don''t n to be a Hunter¡­?"


    Answering her question, Cassius''s lips raised mysteriously. "I don''t know; why would I want to know something like that?"


    Grace''s cheeks filled with air as she mock-pouted. "Fine then, don''t tell me. Humph!" She turned her head away, pretending to be angry, yet failing terribly.


    Cassius let a softugh escape his lips, which only made Grace''s charming pout more prominent. However, before she could be genuinely aggrieved, he said, "I will tell you some other time, alright?"


    Grace''s heart fluttered at these words, especially the "nother time" part, which meant they would be meeting up more often, right? Right??


    "Mhm! You promise??"


    "Yes, I promise."


    Grace could no longer restrain her giddy grin as she made a cute "Yippee!" sound before abruptly grabbing his hand. Yet, when she realized what she had done in her moment of glee, she furiously blushed and let go of his hand. "I-I didn''t mean to do that, I j-just¡­"


    "It''s fine," Cassius patted her head. "You can hold my hand whenever you feel like it. But maybe that would make you feel ufortable in the crowded environment inside?"


    In her excitement, Grace hadpletely overlooked how they had already entered the Hunter''s Association and were now in the presence of hundreds of people. She felt mortified over how she conducted herself, quickly finding a hiding spot behind Cassius, where she shrank away and soaked in the shame. He found this amusing, yet his mood soured when two F-Rank Hunters took proud strides over to them, clearly up to no good.


    Cassius was still enjoying the sight of his short, bunny-likepanion and the several expansive floors of the enormous, modern Hunter''s Association branch when those idiots slipped around him. They couldn''t feel an aura from him, so theypletely disregarded his existence. Their target, though, was the meek girl hiding behind him. She naturally became frightened when the two men began eyeing her up and down, failing to conceal their lust.


    "Say, you have the aura of a Healer¡ªare you looking to form a team with us?" asked the man with a Mohawk. "I am a DPS dealer, while he is a Tank. So what say you? Wanna join a reliable Hunter''s party?"


    "Yeah, we promise to treat you well, miss!"


    Although they hid their intentions behind friendly, shadowy smiles, Cassius understood them as if they were open books. He audibly scoffed before turning his back and Grace away from the men. She silently thanked him in her heart, a lovely grin forming on her small, round face as she clung a bit closer to him.


    The faces of the two men immediately scrunched up in annoyance at the trouble caused by this unawakened nobody. Even if they were only F-Rank, they were still several times stronger than a strong mortal. To dare impede them in their pursuit of a woman¡ªjust who did this foolish man think he was? Plus, he was handsome, so he was just asking for a beating!


    "Listen, dude, we know you just want to y the cool guy, but you need to learn your ce," the Mohawk man scorned. Therger man beside him added, "Brother is right; this is no longer the world of 40 years ago, where you can get away with things if you''re good-looking and tall. Just back away from the girl while we''re still being nice. After all, we only wish to discuss some things with her~"


    Grace: "!!!"


    She shrank back in fright upon seeing the looks on their faces; it reminded her of the way those snake-faced distant family members used to look at her when they came by to speak with her parents.


    Feeling the poor girl''s dread through the shaky hands clutching his ck dress shirt made Cassius''s face ice over. One after another, these idiots kepting over to pester him and Grace.


    Did she have to experience this every time she went out? Was that one of the reasons she seemed so sheltered? Even on the unfortunate day they met, Grace appeared to be "awwing" and "oohing" at everything in an ordinary neighborhood.


    Seeing the two buffoons attempt to slip around to her again had Cassius on the verge of shing them down to dust. The badass sword tattoo on his right arm started to vibrate in response to his intent, seemingly ready to reap another life at a moment''s notice. Yet, before both he and Serrated Devil de could take their first human life, a valiant feminine voice echoed out from atop the building''s second floor:


    "You dare harass a girl in the Hunter''s Association?? And threatening someone is grounds for egging a fight, which is strictly prohibited in the Hunter''s Association! What do you have to say for yourselves!?"


    A woman who looked akin to an armored Valkyrie gracefully leapt from the second floor of the mall-like Association building.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 30 Corras Valiant Entrance

    Under the interested eyes of dozens of Hunters in the vicinity, the Valkyrie-like girl elegantlynded on the first floor before proceeding to draw her de on the two unscrupulous young men. While doing so, she discreetly took nces at the icy-faced man shielding a cute girl.


    "Is that Corra? The rising star of the C-Rank ck Sparrow Guild, someone at the very peak of the D-Rank?"


    "Yes, there''s no mistaking it! That has to be her! Just how can she be any sexier? The way her armor reveals just the right amounts of her smooth, powdery skin is so¡­ ha¡­"


    "God, I''ve been a fan of hers for the longest time! How do you think I should go about sparking up a conversation with her?"


    "You, an F-minus Rank? You must surely be kidding yourself!"


    "Hey! Don''t be rude!"


    As the chattering among the Hunters invested in this exchange became a little heated, Corra''s eyes crackled with a fierce justice. "Well, what do you two have to say for yourselves?! If you are causing trouble here, then with the backing of my Guild, I have the authority to severely punish you however I see fit!"


    The two young men felt their hair stand on end. They suddenly turned sheepish while wearing fawning smiles. "We would never dream of stirring up trouble here, Miss Corra! This is all just one big misunderstanding!" Adding to the lie, therger man fanned, "Yes, yes, we were just worried for the safety of that girl! That is just how we, as Hunters of the Hunters Association, felt it best to assist her!"


    Not wanting to listen to any more of their nonsense, Corra shouted, "Get lost!"


    "R-right away!" The two young men then skedaddled, but not before throwing a couple of venomous res at the emotionless Cassius, only to be further frightened by his dead stare. They promptly fucked right off, never to be seen or mentioned again.


    Corra snorted in disdain while watching them run for the hills, then turned her attention to Cassius and the bunny girl shyly peeking her head out from behind him.


    A bead of sweat formed on Corra''s temple when she thought about how close of a call that just was. If she had interfered even a secondter, she feared those two would no longer have their heads¡­


    That''s right; she didn''t interfere to protect Cassius and the girl, but because she didn''t want blood to be spilled on Association grounds. Even with the non-aggression pact in Association territory in effect and the standard nationalws prohibiting murder, she highly doubted this fellow cared about any of that.


    From what Corra saw of that monster yesterday, she wouldn''t put it past him to ughter indiscriminately. And he could likely get away with it as well; after all, although she could not speak for his other qualities, his speed was absurd. It had probably already touched upon the C-Rank, surpassing even her own!


    Corra lightly coughed to clear the air, then formally introduced herself. "We met yesterday, but I wasn''t in the right state of mind back then, so I apologize for what I said. My name is Corra; may I know yours?"


    Hearing this, the spectating crowd wore slightly shocked expressions.


    "Does Miss Corra know this unknown man? Are they friends¡­ or lovers?"


    "Are you an idiot?! It''s obvious that they are acquaintances at best! Stop besmirching the reputation of our goddess like that!"


    "A-ah, yes, my bad!"


    Ignoring the stupidments from the idlers, Cassius reciprocated Corra''s introduction. "My name is Cass, and yes, yesterday can just be seen as a misunderstanding. I was not in a¡­ pleasant mood."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Corra briefly nced at the hiding bunny girl, only to find that it wasn''t the same girl as yesterday, with that unknown girl likely being the reason why he was so pissed at the hospital.


    Returning her eyes to the exceptionally handsome tall man before her, she smiled graciously. "Mhmm, Ipletely understand. Say, if you aren''t too busy, would you be willing to discuss something with me over coffee¡ª"


    "Grrrr¡­"


    Corra: "???"


    She could''ve sworn she just heard a low growle from the innocent-looking face of the brown-haired girl. Shaking her head to clear such ridiculous thoughts, she repeated the question. "Would you like to go and get some coffee together, perhaps¡ª?"


    "Grrrr¡­.!"


    Yet Corra once again heard that growling sound, this time fiercer than before. She looked back at Grace, only to see her appear seemingly unaware of everything happening.


    Cassius, of course, noticed what the silly girl was doing, but it was quite cute, so he let it be. And after a few rounds of getting cut off by progressively angry, cute growls, Corra heaved a tired sigh. "Another time then. I should be going now."


    "Yes, another time it is," said Cassius, unable to conceal his amusement over the whole ordeal.


    He and the innocent-seeming girl watched as the valiant Corra slugged away with a dejected air about her. She was really hoping toplete the request of her higher-ups and sessfully recruit the mysterious man into their Guild, but it seemed today was not the day. Still, she would try again next time and surely win him over!


    Cassius chuckled a little when he saw the receding figure of the defeated woman suddenly regain all of her previous vivaciousness. Yet, by the side, Grace''s cheeks ballooned a bit as she silently pouted, very much unlike the boisterous grumbling that someone like Aya would do. Cassius, of course, still noticed it, but it was cute all the same.


    After relishing in the moment for a bit, he led Grace over to a counter, where a pretty receptionist stood on the other end. The receptionist''s eyes stayed on Cassius for a moment, as she wondered why she had never seen such a hot, cold man in the Association before.


    "How may I help you?" she asked, her voice cordial.


    Cassius replied, "I would like to know if I can get the locations of the Gates in the surrounding area. You see, I am nning to buy a house soon and don''t want to be next to a Gate."


    ...¡­..

 Chapter 31 Getting a Map of Gates

    Thedy receptionist didn''t know if she had ever been asked this question before, yet she still smilingly responded, "I can do that for you; just give me a second to scan the records and print a copy."


    Cassius nodded in appreciation, then waited by the counter.


    Feeling something tugging at his side, he looked down, only to see Grace''s erratically flickering doe eyes. "I-It''s just¡­ I didn''t think you were looking to buy some property¡­ You seem too young to be doing something like that¡­ Unless you''re nning to get m-married¡­"


    Cassius softly chuckled at the furiously blushing girl. He patted her head and said, "I''m not doing it for now, but for the future."


    "The future¡­?" Grace''s eyes sparkled as her thoughts stirred. ''If it''s the future, then maybe he is looking to get married soon!? Could it be that he is interested in someone¡­!? C-Could it be¡­ me? B-But I don''t know if I am ready for marriage¡­!''


    Looking away from the flustered girl getting lost in her own delusions, Cassius received a paper from the amicable receptionist. On the paper was a highly detailed 4D map that somehow stuck to its surface using some kind of magic. The map depicted the City of Hoshito on a magnified scale, with numerous white, orange, and green dots of varying sizes scattered throughout.


    Noticing his confusion, thedy receptionist exined, "The dots on the map are the Gate locations you are searching for. Hoshito isn''t a hotspot area like Tokyo or Yokohama, so the quality of Gates is not nearly as severe as it is in those cities. If that were truly the case, then we would''ve long since been wiped out when our strongest Hunters are of the C-Rank and B-Rank."


    "There are a few B-Rank Hunters that asionally pass by, but they are not residents of the city. All in all, White Tier, Orange Tier, and Green Tier Gates are the norm for Hoshito, with a select few of them remaining unclosed because therge Guilds use them to train their newer Hunters. Plus, it''s very profitable."


    After digesting the information from the receptionist''s lengthy exnation, Cassius slightly nodded. "Thank you for all the help."


    But before he could walk away with the map in hand, the receptionist''s melodious voice rang out once more. "If you click on the dots, you can see any relevant details about them. Moreover, the Gate locations and appearances change by the minute, based on real-time reports."


    "I see¡­" Cassius briefly paused. "How much do I owe you for this? It seems too valuable to be given away for free¡ª"


    "Don''t worry about it, hihi," the receptionist waved dismissively. "Though, if you are that adamant about paying me back, you could do so over dinner¡ª"


    "Grrrr¡­"


    "Or, I guess not," the receptionist giggled at the adorable woman sticking to him like glue. She hadn''t noticed her before, but she was definitely a looker.


    "Well, if you ever find yourself single, feel free toe back here and find me." With a suggestive smirk, she watched as Grace hurriedly pushed the handsome man out of the building, seemingly trying to get him away from a supposed ''harlot.''


    The receptionist bemused, "I would likely do the same thing if I had a snack like that around me~." She seductively licked her lips, causing the meek bunny girl to turn oddly hostile, though she just came out looking cuter.


    When Cassius and Grace exited the packed building, an old man with a slicked-back haircut spoke without turning his head. "So he was the one who singlehandedly cleared an E-Rank Sudden Gate?"


    "Yes, sir. It has already been fact-checked several times," replied a man in a ssy ck suit.


    The old man sped his hands behind his back, his wizened gaze following the movements of the seemingly ordinary man. "Then that would mean his power is roughly that of a D-Rank Hunter, with his Speed stat presumably being at the D+ Rank¡­ How have we not heard of his existence before?"


    "That is¡­" the ssy man''s mouth moved around, yet no more words came out. "It seems he is past the age for awakening and is not an Awakened¡­ Sir, he doesn''t have the aura that a powerful Awakener should have. He doesn''t even have an aura to begin with¡­"


    The old man''s brows furrowed, putting him in deep thought. ''I have been in the Hunter business for more than 40 years, yet I have never heard of a case like this one. Just what sort of secrets is that boy hiding to be capable of rivaling a D-Rank Hunter without being an Awakened¡­? Was the Awakening Tester Equipment simply faulty, or is it something¡­ else?''


    "Hmm?" Cassius nced behind him after leaving the Hunter''s Association. ''I felt someone¡­ analyzing me.''


    His eyes narrowed dangerously, as he had a bad feeling about something.


    Yet, when Grace nudged him and grabbed his hand, he left his vicious thoughts. If someone was plotting something behind his back, then he would just deal with it when it came around.


    "Cassius¡­" Grace''s eyes zed over as she observed every unique contour of his face. Her expression suddenly erupted in a stunning glow as she smilingly said, "I don''t get out much, so I may seem a bit weird, but today I had a lot of fun¡­! S-So what I''m trying to say is¡­ thank you!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Seeing the girl struggle so much while squirming like a restless rabbit made Cassius unconsciously pet her head. "It has been enjoyable for me as well, but we aren''t even close to being done for the day."


    Grace sheepishly asked, "We aren''t¡­?"


    Cassius chuckled. "Well, as long as you are fine with it, I was nning to spend the entire day with you." ''I also have my 12-hour Daily Quests toplete, so having her spirited presence is just a bonus.''


    Grace''s pupils visibly sparkled as she fervently bobbed her head. "I would very much like that! I just assumed you would have grown tired of me by now¡­ so¡­"


    ...

 Chapter 32 Human Trafficking...!?

    "I would very much like that! I just assumed you would have grown tired of me by now¡­ so¡­"


    "How could that possibly be?" Cassius gently cupped Grace''s left cheek, his smile warm. "Your presence is always wee. Even after today, you can feel free to contact me anytime."


    Scarlet colored Grace''s cheeks; his smile was far too dangerous. And the way he was considerately holding her cheek¡­ Gah¡­! She was on the verge of fainting from sweetness overload. Yet Cassius was also feeling something simr upon seeing her wless face warm up and twist beautifully.


    He had to let her cheek go if he didn''t want to get too caught up in the moment.


    She dismayed a bit at him letting go of her so soon, but quickly found more enjoyment as they continued strolling through the city.


    Cassius had long since grown ustomed to controlling his body under the stress of so much weight, as he seemed to have a natural talent for it, so the date passed in a rxed manner. At least, it did for them¡­


    CRACK¡ª


    Aya''s face became covered by more and more ck streaks as she crushed yet another metal pole, making it the twentieth one today. She fumed and darkly mumbled to herself, scaring away anyone in the area. Meanwhile, inside her mess of a head:


    ''First, they act all lovey-dovey with each other, and now they even hold hands and go couple shopping with each other!? They have already been into over ten different stores¡ªdo they know no shame!? Have they no consideration for others!?? Gawshh!! Gah!!''


    Aya lightly banged her head on the metal pole, feeling so unbelievably vexed. She didn''t even really know what she was so angry about, but she was angry about it! She was so, so annoyed!


    Cassius had been feeling something since the date first began, but he couldn''t quite pinpoint what it was, or even if it was really all that malevolent. However, seeing as no real deathly intent was mixed into this feeling, he left it alone, same as before.


    He had a good idea of what¡ªor rather who¡ªwas producing these feelings, but it didn''t feel appropriate to confirm his suspicions just yet; therefore, he kept them to himself.


    As the jubnt day neared its end, with the sun''s rays receding into the background, Grace and Cassius stopped in front of the gates to arge mansion. A winding path ahead of the gates led up to that mansion, which was situated atop the lip of a neatly trimmed hill. Though, despite the beautiful scenery of this isted area in the outer parts of Hoshito, Grace''s face seemed to lose a lot of its color upon seeing this home of hers.


    Puzzled, Cassius asked, "This is the correct location, right? I can check again if it isn''t¡ª"


    "No, it''s the right ce. It''s just¡­ it''splicated¡­" Grace''s voice trailed off as she left Cassius''s side, with the gates automatically opening up as soon as they sensed her presence.


    However, before ascending the winding path, she suddenly turned around and rushed up to him before pecking him on the cheek.


    Embarrassed, she mumbled, "T-Thank you again for today¡­! B-Bye¡­!!" She then ran up the hill, her face redder than that of a tomato.


    Cassius stood there, sword in hand, staring off with a nk look on his face. Although he knew of the tropes for events like this, he still hadn''t expected it to happen to someone like him¡­


    While lost in his thoughts, he failed to notice the ck miasma exuding from the curvaceous figure of a blonde girl draped in all ck. She tightly clenched onto a tree, with her fingers pressing down so hard that the tree cracked.


    Abusing random inanimate objects seemed to have be her new hobby.


    ''Gahh!! That damn cutesy whore! Doesn''t she know that I have known him longer!? To do something so shameless with me right over here; just Gahhh¡­!!!''


    Aya pulled at her hair while silently hollering like a lunatic. Yet, it was in her lunacy that she let that dummy get away¡­


    "Noaarr!! I can''t let him get away that easily¡­! He needs to be held ountable for this adultery!!" She jerked and bolted through the small forest that surrounded the fancy manor. To the wild animals in the vicinity, she appeared like a crazy yellow blur, with her aura spooking the hell out of them.


    By the time Aya caught up to his sauntering figure in the cityscape outside, something unexpected urred. Three men covered in tattoos and wearingscivious grins leapt out from a shadowy alleyway. They obstructed her path, and right before she could reach him no less.


    Her face twisted in annoyance, but that only seemed to further excite the men.


    "Listen, beautiful, you are going toe with us, okay~?"


    "We have some very high-end clients that would be interested in someone with your¡­ qualities. And you could even potentially make some good money if you do a good job."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ''Human trafficking?? And right in our neighborhood no less???''


    Aya''s expression morphed into one of disgust. She tried to look past the men and find her stepbrother, but he was nowhere to be seen.


    "Cassius¡­"


    "Cassius?" The leading man smirked. "Is that your boyfriend or something?? If so, then you should just forget about him and let yourself sumb to the bliss of a better life!" He reached out his grubby hand, nning to catch a feel of that bountiful body that had been a feast for his eyes. ''We should get a taste of her before selling her off to the highest bidder!''


    Yet, before his hand could make it to herrge breasts, a vein popped on Aya''s temple as she nted a fist straight into his stomach, causing him to violently cough up blood. He flew backward like a cannonball before crashing into a grouping of trashcans, seemingly returning to his origins.


    The other two unsavory men slowly turned their horrified expressions away from their unconscious brother, only to see a face that was nothing like how she was at the hospital.


    With a voice colder than the depths of the abyss, she intoned, "If you don''t want to spend the rest of your pathetic lives in a wheelchair, leave."


    "!!!" "!!!"


    ...

 Chapter 33 Cloak of Invisibility

    "Y-Yes!"


    Not a single one of the unsavory men still wished to mess with this insanedy and her crazy eyes. They raced over to their brother, lifted him up, and then bolted for the hills. However, after reaching a sufficient distance away, three lines of blood appeared on their necks.


    "Wha¡ª?"


    *Thud, Thud, Thud!*


    They copsed to the hard pavement of an abandoned alleyway, their eyes rolling to the back of their heads, with those same heads rolling away right after.


    A cold pair of glowing blue eyes faded from an adjacent rooftop of the alleyway, with this event marking the first human lives Cassius had ever taken. Though, rather than feel repulsed by his own actions, he didn''t feel much of anything. He could sense that their hands had been stained with an enormous amount of blood, with their nefarious actions likely extending beyond just their kill count.


    Taking care of them was more a matter of karma than anything.


    *Ding!*


    [You have killed a Lvl 1 Human!]


    [You have killed a Lvl 1 Human!]


    [You have killed a Lvl 1 Human!]


    "¡­So killing humans also gives experience points," Cassiusmented casually as he nced at his exp bar go up by an almost unnoticeable amount. "This will definitely make things more convenient in the future¡­"


    A cold, ruthless gleam momentarily passed through his piercing gaze as he repeatedly used Shadow Step to return to where Aya was brewing up a storm of frustrations.


    ''She is far too kind-hearted to fully pull out the roots, even if it''s with deplorable scum like them. But if we were to let them be, they would surely not hesitate to go after more girls, possibly acting more viciously than now. Disposing of them was necessary¡­''


    ''And their deaths should be swept under the rug, considering the extensive criminal records that they certainly have.''


    ''On the contrary, I could wind up receiving some unweed trouble because of this, as the corruption in this country runs deep¡­ But that just means I need to be stronger.''


    As if to give him a bout of encouragement, the Idle Evolution System threw up another system notification.


    *Ding!*


    [Shadow Step (D-) has leveled up from (Lvl 1) ¡ú (Lvl 2)]


    Cassius''s brows raised a bit at this pop-up. His other, lower-level Skills had already reached Lvl 2, with some even at Lvl 3, which made him worry for Shadow Step''s progress. However, it seemed that a skill''s level-up advancement speed wasrgely dependent on the rank of the skill, with lower-rank skills being far easier to level up.


    FWIP! FWIP!


    Cassius felt a sudden increase in his speed while using the Shadow Step skill. Its level-up had increased his speed while using it by around 15%, which was quite substantial when his base speed was hundreds of miles per hour.


    His figure looked like nothing more than an evanescent blur as he leapt from rooftop to rooftop.


    Before long, he had arrived atop a modest family house''s rooftop. His shadowy eyes fell on the ck-cloaked girl who was still grumbling over not being able to confront him, and all because of those stinky bastards!


    "Damn! I should have hit those scumbags more!!"


    Hearing her quietly shout like this put a small smile on Cassius''s icy face. ''It seems like something has allowed her to quickly get over the trauma induced from that night.''


    He remainedpletely unaware that he was the cause of this change in his stepsister. She was just so irritated about him and Grace''s interactions that her fears blew away into the wind.


    ''If she encounters something like what happened with the Dark Ape again, and assuming she is stronger, then she should be able to handle herself just fine.''


    Cassius''s fond thoughts of the fuming girl storming through the door of their house were swiftly interrupted by a couple of pop-ups.


    ''Ding~!*


    [720/720 minutes walking around with the ''Full Newbie 1 Set''] - [?]


    [720/720 minutes carrying ''Newbie 1 Training Sword''] - [?]


    [You obtained 2 Stat Points in Charisma, 1 Point in Strength, and 1 Point in Endurance!]


    OOOM!


    Cassius suddenly felt a magical power wash over his body. It cleared his pores, made his appearance sharper, improved his overall aesthetic, and tightened his muscles. Moreover, it heightened the effectiveness of his lung capacity, making it possible for him to fight on for longer periods of time.


    "Although the struggle was real, at least the rewards are satisfying," Cassius said as he clenched and unclenched his fists.


    He lifted the Newbie 1 Training Sword higher in the air, feeling that it was significantly lighter than before. "With this level of strength, I should just barely be able toplete the Daily Quests without needing to waste a Status Recovery reward. However, if I want to keep on getting the Idle 1 Benefits, I will need to push myself further after a couple of days of stat gains."


    With that, Cassius nned to sneak through the front door and head up to his room to rest. It wasn''t too extraordinarilyte, so no problems should arise. Yet, just as he was about to open the house door, an unexpected system notification rang out. It was one that he hadpletely forgotten he was owed.


    *Ding!*


    [Your rewards forpleting Main Quest 1 have just registered, which includes your bonuses from wiping out the monsters that escaped the E-Rank Sudden Gate.]


    [Reward 1: 3 Stat Points in all Main Attributes] - [Y/N]


    [Bonus Reward: Special Grade Item ''Cloak of Invisibility''] - [Y/N]


    Cassius had mild surprise color his features, yet he quickly adjusted and epted the rewards, then watched as his strength increased by another wide margin. After making sure he didn''t identally step forward and crash through a wall, he pulled up the details of the Cloak of Invisibility.


    [Cloak of Invisibility (SG)] - [Effectiveness depends on the power level of the user.]


    ¡ª[Be invisible as soon as it''s put on. Invisibilitysts for 30 minutes and can only be used once per 24 hours.]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ¡ª[Invisibility is only effective against those 2 or fewer Major Ranks greater than the user. (Pertains strictly to the Perception Stat) (Example: if the User has D- Perception, the User will appear invisible to anyone at or below the B- Perception Rank.)]


    ...

 Chapter 34 How... Lewd...

    Cassius''s brows furrowed in interest. "This could definitely prove to be extremely useful if I ever encounter an enemy I can''t handle. And it also appears to be useful even at the higher Ranks, though I don''t know where its upper ceiling resides." He ended up storing the clear-colored Cloak of Invisibility in his Inventory Space, only nning to use it in an emergency predicament.


    After opening up the door to his house, Cassius realized that he had been idling outside for too long, as Aya stood right before him, arms crossed under her ample bosom. Her short figure, paired with her angry pout, made her look like a¡­


    "Pikachu¡­?" Cassius identally blurted out, which made Aya''s pout all the more prominent. She lurched forward, grabbed him by the shirt, and pulled him through the door. Yet, rather than hit him as he expected, she wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled into his embrace.


    Before Cassius could voice his confusion, Aya mumbled softly, "Leaving me all alone for another girl¡­ and for an entire day no less¡­ You big jerk."


    "...Ha¡­" Cassius shook his head in defeat, then waddled through the dimly lit corridor, with Aya sticking to him like an inseparable sloth. "I promise I won''t leave again without telling you first, alright?" he said warmly. Then his voice turned awkward. "Now could you please let go so I can walk¡­?"


    "Uhn-uh," Aya rejected. "Just a minute more. That woman had you all day, and you can''t even do this much with me? Am I not good enough¡­?"


    Cassius heaved a heavy sigh before petting the dismayed girl''s head, giving her the go-ahead to do whatever she pleased. A lovely smile graced her beautiful features as she rubbed her cheeks against his shirt, with small hearts and flowers seemingly leaving her head and bouncing off the exasperated man she was smothering.


    Yet, when Sasha, their stepmother, walked by with a drowsy countenance, Aya jerked back and pushed Cassius away. "M-Mother, what are you doing up thiste?? I had thought you were already asleep!" she shouted in a low voice, her eyes erratically darting everywhere.


    Even in her groggy state, Sasha could clearly see the scarlet blush touching upon her daughter''s cheeks. She looked between her and the unusually handsome youth standing in the doorway. A small, insinuating smirk yed her lips into a charming crescendo. "And who might this handsome young man be, my little Aya~?"


    Aya''s embarrassment was quickly reced by confusion as she tilted her head. "...Mom, he''s Cassius¡­"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Hello, Miss Sasha," Cassius chimed in. "We didn''t mean to wake you, if we did. But I apologize if that''s the case."


    His respectful yet distant tone was the same, his mannerisms were simr, but his appearance and height were not what Sasha remembered! There was no way this dashing young man was Cassius! And if so, what were he and her daughter out doing after curfew??


    "...Are you really Cassius¡­?" asked Sasha, no longer half-awake. Answering, Cassius said, "Yes, Miss Sasha¡­"


    Sasha''s eyes widened in surprise. She took short, quick steps over to Cassius, sizing him up with her hands and eyes. After fondling just about every part of his chiseled body, a streak of ck shrouded the expression she was making. A brief pauseter, she muttered, "You''re jacked¡­"


    Cassius awkwardly chuckled, "Y-Yes¡­"


    "And you''re supposed to be Cassius¡­?? How is this possible in a few short weeks¡­!?" Sasha''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as she staggered a bit, finding it tough to keep her bnce.


    She hadn''t seen much more than her stepson''s receding silhouette these past weeks, but little to no interaction with him had always been the norm. Of course, when she stopped by the hospital, she noticed the changes, but she just thought that to be temporary side effects of the truck crash. Yet that didn''t seem to be the case¡­


    "Did this all happen because of your ident!?" Sasha spoke her mind. To which Cassius reluctantly nodded, "It''s something like that¡­"


    "...Unbelievable¡­" Sasha wobbled to a wall, disbelief etched across her pretty, timeless facial features. Yet, when she felt a sudden surge of hostilitye from her daughter, she turned and asked, "Is something the matter, dear?"


    Aya coldly huffed, "Nope! It''s nothing, m.o.t.h.e.r!" She wasn''t thick-skinned enough to just outright admit that she didn''t like how her mom got all touchy-feely with Cassius. She hadn''t even got to hold hands with him, and yet her mother was doing as she pleased! It was infuriating! Especially when that other floozy got even further ahead!


    Question marks flew around Sasha''s head as she truly had no idea what her daughter seemed so irked about. To even go so far as to call her ''mother,'' something she never did¡ªthat was when the pieces clicked and the clues came together. She rapidly flipped her gaze between her grumbling daughter and the handsome aloof man whom she had treated like a son for two years. Realization dawned on her as she parted her lips, unable to find the proper words.


    So she spoke improperly. "How¡­ lewd¡­"


    Even Cassius was slightly taken aback by Sasha''s words, let alone the flustered tsundere mess that was Aya. Her face turned redder than a sea of blood as she rushed over to her mother to sp her mouth, then she pulled her into the backrooms. Before disappearing from sight, Aya bit her lips while furtively ncing at Cassius, with her on the verge of tears. Using her eyes, she seemed to be telling him not to listen to a single word her stupid mother said. Then, with a door m, she and the sexy milf in lingerie vanished into the backrooms.


    "Luckily, Dad is out on that very long business trip, or he definitely would have woken up from that," Cassius sighed, finding it harder and harder to live near two non-blood-rted females. "Dad is almost always away on work for that mysterious job of his, constantly leaving me alone with these two. Though it wasn''t a problem before, because of my fugly appearance, I have changed greatly since then. I should be more careful from now on¡­"


    ...

 Chapter 35 Rise of Charisma

    With Cassius''s Charisma stat now at 25 and still on the rise, it was inevitable that those of the opposite sex would begin putting more focus on him. The system even went so far as to say (Could be an amateur model) right next to his Charisma stat. As such, Cassius had to be more mindful around family, though he had a bad omen about the direction Aya was heading in, especially when considering how she was definitely the one following him all day. He wasn''t dense enough to not see what was going on here.


    Ultimately, Cassius heaved a tired sigh before deciding to let his future self deal with everything. For now, he would let himself get some rest, prepared to get up early the next morning for work. After that would be Gate searching with the 4D map he obtained from the Hunter Association receptionist.


    The very next morning, Cassius rose his upper half from slumber, only to feel something lumpy and soft beside him. ''It can''t possibly be¡­''


    Yep, it was that clich¨¦. Sprawled out on the bed, pressing up against his arm, was the scantily dressed Aya. Through the almost see-through red blouse she was wearing, one could see her fair and tender skin. It shimmered invitingly under the rays of morning sunlight shining their glow down upon her, further entuating her alluring mountains of milky pudding, as well as her slim stomach and plump thighs.


    Though, even with such a country-toppling sight before him, the only thing to pass through Cassius''s mind was, ''How was she able to not set off my Perception¡­? Maybe the intent needs to be malicious for it toe into effect?''


    Bingo!


    ''Well, no matter¡­ I guess I should just slip away¡ª'' Was what he wanted to do, but Aya cutely rubbing her drowsy eyes quickly made him rethink his next move. For a moment, the two of them simply stared at each other, but when she looked at where his eyes kept falling, her cheeks turned crimson red from the bottom up.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Eek!" Aya yelped as she covered her melon-sized breasts and scooted over to the end of the bed. "Y-You didn''t see anything, did you¡­?" she asked, appearing more like a defenseless puppy than the vixen who slipped into her stepbrother''s bed in the middle of the night.


    "Did I see anything?" Cassius stared straight ahead, then lied without blinking, "Of course not."


    Aya breathed a sigh of relief, though she still looked quite aggrieved. "You promise¡­?"


    "I promise."


    Silence.


    The room seemed to get consumed by an air of solemnity as Cassius and Aya didn''t know where next to take this conversation. Clearing up the confusion itching away at her heart, Aya said, "D-Don''t misunderstand¡­! It''s just that I had a nightmare about that day¡­ and I¡­ slept next to you because it felt safe¡­"


    ''...It seems like she isn''t as over that incident as I originally assumed,'' thought Cassius. Though, if he were being honest, he didn''t believe it to be possible for something as traumatic as that to be whisked under the rug in a single night.


    He sighed before extending his hands as if asking for a hug. Although embarrassed, Aya epted the invitation and wrapped her arms around his muscr waist.


    Speaking softly next to her reddened ears, Cassius said, "I was just surprised when I found youying here. But if you ever have trouble sleeping, you can feel free to wee yourself into my bed. Though you might want to wear something a little less prone to slipping off." He chortled, faintly recalling the snowy white mountain tops that appeared through the loose cor part of her blouse.


    Instinctively knowing what he was thinking about, Aya pounded her cotton fists on his chest before murmuring, "Dummy¡­."


    "Yes, yes," agreed Cassius. "Even in school, I was not the brightest around. Who would''ve thought my ineptitude extended beyond just the books, though?" he joked, receiving a melodicugh in return.


    Aya''s peach blossom eyes scanned the defined chest muscles she was sticking to, her blush deepening in response. She quickly burrowed her head away from sight, finding it difficult to even so much as endure his unintentionally burning gaze. However, though her cuteness was just begging to be teased, Cassius let her be.


    After a couple minutes of staying at a distance where they could hear the rhythm of each other''s heartbeats, Aya finally let go. She averted her eyes from the face that only seemed to have be more striking. "...You have work to get to, don''t you? I don''t want you to bete¡­"


    "Oh?" Cassius debated another round of teasing, yet held back at thest second. "You are right, I have to earn my keep here. Don''t want to be deemed an irredeemable bum and get kicked out of here, because then I won''t be able to see something."


    "See what¡­?" asked Aya, curiosity brimming in her moistened eyes.


    Cassius smiled warmly as he leaned off his bed and let the resplendent morning rays hit his smooth skin. While momentarily stunned, Aya failed to notice when he replied, "If I get kicked out, I won''t be able to see you anymore. Wouldn''t that be unfortunate? My eyesight would be deprived at that point."


    When Aya finally got around to his words, her eyes glimmered gold as her heartbeat quickened. No longer able to take that smoldering gaze of his, she covered her face in her long luscious locks of gold before fumbling off the bed and scurrying away like a deer caught in headlights. Yet, before Aya fully vanished into the outside corridor, she murmured, "H-Have a good day at work¡­!" Then left for good, with a door at the end of the hallway closing shut immediately after.


    Once again left alone, Cassius wondered if he had said something unusual. He shrugged dismissively. "I don''t recall saying anything unusual." While alsopletely forgetting about all the ''Be careful what I say around family'' stuff from earlier.


    ...¡­.

 Chapter 36 Increase in Weight

    After figuring that nothing he did was wrong, Cassius walked over to the weights he had set in a corner of the room. He put on the whole ''Newbie 1'' set, then got into perfect push-up form while looking like a taller, buffer Jackie Chan. His appearance was superior as well, though he wasn''t one to gloat about something so superficial.


    Leaning low to the ground, Cassius began to count.


    ''1¡­''


    Again.


    ''2¡­''


    Again.


    ''3¡­''


    Again.


    ''7¡­''


    Again.


    ''28¡­''


    Each and every push-up strained every muscle group in his upper body, as he had definitely been worrying about nothing when it came to obtaining the Idle 1 Benefits. It was clear that the Idle Evolution System would continue adjusting the weight of his Newbie 1 Equipment just enough to push him to his limits.


    If yesterday the ''Newbie 1 Equipment Set'' had a total weight of roughly 1,500 pounds, then now it was around 3,000. It surely wouldn''t be long before the weights became heavy enough to crush through the floor¡­


    Cassius was already surprised that it held up this long, but considering the nature of this new world, there were likely many improvements made to things like infrastructurepared to what they were in his previous world.


    After working up a sweat.


    Cassius let his body slowly fall to the ground. He could feel the fatigue that had built up in his body, yet he could also feel a lot of it disappear with each passing second. By the end of a thirty-second resting period, his body was ready to go again. From push-ups to sit-ups to squats¡ªCassiuspleted them all, and did so with¡­ extreme difficulty.


    ''Everything looked so easygoing in novels, but reality is so different¡­ Haiz¡­ Why am I so unlucky¡­?''


    Even though Cassius thought like this, he learned to find a bit of joy in pushing himself to new heights. It made him feel a sense of aplishment that he never was able to experience because of his extreme hyperthyroidism, which had barred him from even attempting to change himself for the better.


    It wasn''t like Cassius hadn''t still tried to work out even when he was told straight to his face by a doctor that no results woulde from it. However, just as the doctor had said would happen, nothing he did made a difference. He still remained morbidly obese, with his appearance akin to that of a goblin''s.


    Now, however, Cassius had the potential for improvement. And though it was incredibly tough and taxing on both his body and mind, he would still cherish and thrive on this chance.


    After finishing up all the inside exercises for the day, Cassius took a minute to recuperate, then he sauntered over to a different corner of the room, where a heavy wooden katanay embedded in the ground. While picking it up and surprisingly feeling no difference in its weight, the Idle 1 Benefit rang out.


    *Ding!*


    [Idle 1 Benefit: 3 AP] - [?]


    "With that out of the way, I just need to swing 150 times, then get my work clothes on and leave before 6:30," Cassiusmented, a small smile gracing his lips.


    With his Newbie 1 Equipment still equipped, he swung the Newbie 1 Training Sword around like a madman. Contrary to the day prior, 1,000 odd pounds no longer posed much of a challenge to him. It still pumped the veins in his arms and upper body, but it was nowhere near asa-inducing as yesterday.


    Cassius made quick work of the swinging task for Daily Quest #2, then he wiped himself off and put on his modest work uniform while ncing at the system notifications.


    *Ding!*


    [150/150 Sword Swings] - [?]


    [15/720 minutes] - [_]


    After adorning himself in a buttoned dress shirt and a pair of long khaki pants, Cassius viewed himself in a nearby mirror. There, he saw someone with medium-length, slightly curly ck hair, a thin nose, a chiseled jawline, and a pair of striking blue eyes that glowed with a docile lethality.


    For a moment, he was left standing there in shock. He knew that the Charisma stat worked in miraculous ways, but he hadn''t expected it to make him look like a model straight out of a runway magazine. The difference between his self a few weeks ago and now was like the difference between heaven and earth.


    "It''s no wonder Miss Sasha was unable to figure out who I was," Cassiusmented casually as he rolled back his sleeves, unintentionally showing off his veiny forearms. "I really have changed¡­ both inside and out."


    His eyes zed over as he took another moment to gauge his current self before heavily exhaling. His expression hardened, then softened. Walking away from the mirror, he approached the door to his room and opened it, only to once again be greeted by the charming sight of his stepsister in pajamas.


    Yet, like a deer in headlights, the moment she saw him, she ran for the hills, her soft steps on the stairs echoing through the house.


    "Hmm¡­" Cassius momentarily nced at Aya''s reddened figure bounce down to the bottom of the stairs and run toward the door, where she then made her flustered exit.


    After making it down the stairs himself, though in a far more rxed manner, Cassius caught a whiff of a heavenly pomegranate perfume. He looked toward the source of this divine scent, his eyes quickly making out the backend silhouette of a voluptuous woman. Cascading down her curves was her bright golden hair, its strands shimmering under the rays of sunlight seeping in through the windows of the front door.


    To Cassius, she appeared kind of¡­ sad.


    Approaching the beautiful, dazed figure in a casual way, he spooked her a little, saying, "You worry a lot about Aya, don''t you?"


    After the initial jolt, Sasha''s flickering eyes of sparkling gold settled on the tall, handsome blue-eyed young man standing to her right side. Perplexion formed on her beautiful face as she thought about what he had just said.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 37 We are Family

    A troublesome look marred Sasha''s exquisite appearance as she let a mncholic sigh escape her perfectly parted crimson red lips. "It''s not that I don''t understand that she can take care of herself, it''s just that¡­ Haiz¡­ Sometimes, it seems like she is struggling with something that she can''t bring herself to tell me about¡­ She didn''t even eat breakfast¡­"


    Cassius nced over at theid-out pallet of food on the kitchen table. Seeing a total of three tes on the table made him feel especially conflicted. It was also at that moment that he realized part of this whole ordeal was his burden to bear. He turned toward Sasha''s saddened side view, prompting her to hold his smoldering gaze. Although still extremely taken aback by how much he had changed, she still listened to every word he was about to say.


    "Aya is a very hard-to-understand person, and she surely has many things troubling her at school," Cassius began with an earnest tone. "And though she believes it to be too much trouble to bother us about it, we are, after all, a family. As such, I will help figure out what has been happening with her summer school life."


    Looking at his sincere expression made Sasha feel a warmth that spread throughout her unholy figure. A kind smile soon graced her lips as her eyes domed into crescents. "I would appreciate that very much, Cassius."


    Cassius nodded. Committed, he said, "We are family; there is no need for thanks."


    "Mhmm!" Sasha''s previously glum mood improved by leaps and bounds. Radiantly smiling, she motioned to the food she had prepared not too long ago. "Would you like to have some before you head to work?"


    Seeing that almost pleading expression on the face of someone possessing such mature beauty made Cassius''s heart waver. He liked to arrive early, but denying Sasha now would surely break her heart. Realizing this, he cracked a wry smile and replied, "Sure¡­"


    "Good, good!" Sasha bubbled up in gleeful joy as she hurried over to the kitchen table in an oddly adorable manner, which greatly contrasted with her mature charm. "Please,e sit!"


    Cassiusplied, and he quickly found himself dining on homemade biscuits and gravy, with his gorgeous stepmother watching his every movement with sparkling eyes. She seemed to be expecting something, and after understanding what she wanted, he wholeheartedlyplimented, "What you made is extremely good, nearly on par with a top-tier restaurant."


    Seeing him speak from the heart with that gentle smile touching upon his abnormally handsome features made the jittery milf twitch a little in embarrassment. She wanted to hear his thoughts, but she hadn''t expected them to be so heartfelt. It made her squirm a bit in her seat, with her plump butt finding it difficult not to slide off the edge. A hint of scarlet colored her features, with her round golden peach blossom eyes looking slightly off to the side.


    Not wishing to repeat his previous mistake with Aya, Cassius changed the subject. "So, where is my father at? Another business trip?"


    Reason suddenly returned to Sasha as she nodded, trying her best to conceal her grievances. "He told me he could be gone for many weeks, possibly not returning until after summer break ends¡­ I don''t want to say this, as he is your father, but he has been acting¡­ weird as ofte¡­"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Weird, huh¡­" Cassius could sense the loneliness in his stepmother''s gaze, yet he could also see a weariness lurking about. "Maybe the stress from work has just been doing a number on him. I am sure that he will recover soon enough."


    "I hope so¡­" Sasha sighed deeply, with her hot, fragrant breath creating a wave of¡­ pent-up lust?


    Cassius couldn''t believe it himself, but that was most definitely the case. Furthermore, it seemed like his stepmother became more and more restless the longer he stayed near her. His eyes suddenly brightened in realization. ''The Charisma Stat definitely affects more than merely my appearance. Just like all the other stats, it has its own side effects, and one of those likely has to do with appeal. This is also probably why Sasha flipped her attitude toward me in aplete ¡ã180.''


    Upon realizing this, Cassius speedily finished up his te of food, which left Sasha feeling very pleased. Yet, when she saw him rush to his feet and make his way out the front door, a sense of emptiness filled her heart.


    "I will see youter, Miss Sasha. Oh, and thanks for the meal," said Cassius as he waved behind himself, a warm smile stered across his face. "And don''t worry about Aya; I will figure out what is vexing her so greatly."


    "Ahh¡­ Alright¡­ Have a good day at work," replied Sasha. Aplicated look formed on her face as she twitched a bit, yet still maintained a friendly smile.


    However, in thest moments before Cassius vanished from view, she murmured, "...But you really don''t have to leave so soon¡­"


    But, by that point, Cassius was already ten feet outside the driveway. And even with his improved hearing, he could not make out what Sasha murmured under her breath.


    He briefly looked behind for a moment, yet quickly shook his head and resumed his trot to work.


    Passersby whispered as he walked by, not only because of his superior appearance but also because of the wooden katana he held close to his hip. Many wondered if he was an actor heading toward a shoot. A few bold girls even approached him and asked for his snap or phone number, which he gave without further contemtion.


    It wasn''t like he especially fancied any of them, even though they were pretty. It was just that they must''ve had a good reason for asking for his contact information. Perhaps they saw his sword and assumed he was a bodyguard for hire?


    Either way, Cassius couldn''t just leave a bunch of obviously desperate girls to fend for themselves. Not after what nearly happened to Aya, or even with the hooligans that bothered both Grace and Aya.


    He was partly noble, super dense, and 100% an idiot. That was simply all there was to it.


    But along with power came change. And who knew just how much he would change over time¡­

 Chapter 38 Bookworms Paradise

    Cassius didn''t consider himself to be someone righteous, but r*pe was definitely one of the few things that could tip him over the edge.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Yet, it wouldn''t be untilter that night, when he received dozens of nudes and suggestivements, that he realized what was actually happening with the girl number situation¡­


    The longer Cassius walked, the more attention he garnered from pedestrians, envious men, and swooning women. Yet, as if oblivious to it all, he focused on better bncing his body under the stress of so much weight. Even though his stats had improved considerably and the weight of each piece of Newbie Equipment hadn''t changed much, it was still difficult to control his body the same way as before.


    However, during his ten-minute walk to work, Cassius felt like he had be more attuned to the conditions imposed on him by his Newbie 1 Equipment set. Incidentally, the veins all over his body bulged and multiplied, which attracted even more female gazes, but at least he felt morefortable living this way from now on.


    A few minutester.


    By the time Cassius ultimately made it to his job, the whole town had started spreading rumors about the handsome, rogue-like actor. None of them had ever seen him on TV before, but it was certainly possible that he was a rising talent about to make his debut.


    However, many people became confused upon seeing this refined man stop in front of a two-story bookstore. Sure, the ce was quite nice and had a ssical, historian feel to it, but why would someone like that go to a bookstore?


    "Maybe he is a fan of literary works?"


    "That could very well be possible¡­ But I had assumed that all rich, luxurious people lived lives having not ever known the feel of a book¡­"


    "Same¡­ But now that I know this, I can''t help but find him even more¡­ attractive¡­"


    "Geez, woman! Can you stop being so damn thirsty!? It isn''t even 7, and yet you''re already slobbering at just the mere sight of him!"


    "Well, what would you know, you toad!? That man is a hundred thousand times better than you are!"


    "Hwa!?"


    Ignoring the pointless argument of a man and woman on the nearby street, Cassius walked through the front wooden ss doors of the ''Bookworm''s Paradise'' Library. A bell above the door rang, and the eloquent voice of a pretty ck-haired girl drifted into his ears right after:


    "Wee to Bookworm''s Paradise! Feel free to peruse at your own leisure¡ª Wait, you look familiar¡­"


    The girl turned around a corner. As her neatlybed ponytail swung behind her, she closely scrutinized the extraordinarily handsome man before her.


    Suddenly widening her eyes, she blurted out, "Cassius!? Is that actually you!?? What happened¡­ Did you get some of that expensive stic surgery or something??? You shouldn''t have done something like that¡­"


    ''Be¡­'' Cassius''s lips raised awkwardly as he replied, "It''s nothing like that, Be. I just had another one of thosete bloomer growth spurts¡­"


    Be further narrowed her twinkling twilight eyes in suspicion. She had been hearing the same excuse for the past couple of weeks, but it just didn''t make any sense! How could someone possibly change so drastically naturally?


    Though, in the end, she coldly sniffed. "I know you''re keeping something from me, but if you don''t want to tell me what that something is, then so be it. See if I care, humph!" She cutely pouted with her arms hugging the under area of her alluring breasts. "Just make sure not to lie your way through questions with other women, lest you end up single for your entire life!"


    Cutting short her pouting, Be nced past him and looked through the shop''s windows. "Those people crowded outside¡­"


    Cassius looked behind him before refocusing on the ck-haired beauty frustratingly tapping her perfectly carved feet. "I think they want protection services from me¡­"


    "Protection services? What does that mean¡ª" That was when Be saw his pumped muscles,pletely missing the intimidating wooden katana hanging in his veiny hands. "Have you been working out¡­?"


    "...You could say that," replied Cassius as he averted his eyes from that suspicious re of hers. "I just happened to find out that I have a knack for gaining muscle¡­"


    "And this realization came before or after your repeated ''growth spurts''?" Be further narrowed her eyes, not believing a single thinging out of his mouth. Yet all she received in response was an awkward chuckle and the sight of her coworker and ssmate scratching his neck.


    Be huffed, displeased.


    She stormed away in a puff of smoke and made her way toward the second floor, where she got back to organizing the library''s books from atop a tall wooden stepdder.


    Cassius, on the other hand, was left standing right beside the bookstore''s front desk, with dozens of people staring at him from outside.


    He heard things like, "So the handsome actor is actually an employee here?? How can that be???" Yet he remained oblivious to the underlying context of the situation. Instead, he put his focus on the cart of used books that were bundled off to the side of the front desk.


    While returning those returned books to their rightful spots in the bookstore, Cassius''s mind traced back to the stunning ck-haired beauty who worked with him. He asionally nced at her industrious figure, wondering how exactly he wound up working directly alongside one of the five ravishing beauties of Hoshito High.


    ''Ahh, that''s right,'' he thought as a light bulb shed inside his mind. ''When I first started this part-time job three''ish weeks ago, Be had started working here for the summer as well. Yet, when she first saw me, rather than avert her eyes like most people, she appraised me with her resplendent ck globes and said, "You have honest eyes," then went to treat me like a decent human being.''


    ''I still have no idea what exactly Be meant with thatment, but she was the first person to not appear visibly repulsed at being in my presence. She even made an effort to speak to me when we were on the same shifts¡­''

 Chapter 39 Bella, the... Unusual Work Friend

    Cassius had a very fond view of the beautiful girl idolized by all in their school. And though they had never previously interacted with each other, he was sure that she would treat him just the same if given the chance.


    As the seconds turned into minutes, then hours, Be ultimately descended from the top floor, appearing more like a graceful fairy than a human being.


    As a C-Ranked Awakener, it was only natural for her movements to appear otherworldly. In fact, it was because of the way she moved¡ªand a little bit of digging around¡ªthat scouts from major Hoshito guilds like the ck Sparrow Guild became incredibly interested in her prospects. Many times, she had been offered a direct high-ranking position in C-Rank guilds, yet she firmly denied all of them, adamantly refusing to be embroiled with Hunters and Gates at this point in time.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Cassius had been a little curious as to why Be seemed to steer away from all things Hunter-rted, especially given her talents, but he decided not to pry. She appreciated this, which was likely one of the leading reasons she remained so friendly with him. And now, even after seeing that his appearance had changed so much, she treated him no differently than before, not caring one bit about superficial things like looks.


    From what Cassius had heard before summer break began, Be was also this way around other students. This sometimes annoyed the generally attractive people who approached her in hopes of using their appearances to get closer to her.


    Even excluding Be''s immense beauty, she was still a C-Rank Awakener and the daughter of the chairman of arge Hoshito conglomerate. Her family''s and business''s influence extended far beyond the small town of Hoshito, yet she still deigned to work part-time at a humble bookstore.


    "She is truly something special," Cassius murmured fondly, his eyes respectfully tracing the immacte curves of the ck-haired fairy.


    Be''s small ears twitched cutely as she eyed the devilishly handsome man holding a wooden sword. She was going to ask if he had said something just now but quickly changed her mind when she noticed the sword in his hand.


    "What are you doing with a sword at work? Do you believe yourself to be a samurai or something?"


    Watching such a short, pretty girl berate him made Cassius ovey her image with that of an angry squirrel. "She is surprisingly cute," he identally blurted out. And for the first time since they''d known each other, he was able to see a charming blush grace her small features.


    "Y-You''re getting ahead of yourself as ofte, humph!" Be coldly sniffed before turning her head to the side.


    No longer wishing to see that stupid face of his, she turned on her heel and walked off.


    "There are an excessive amount of customers in here because of you, so you''d better do your job properly!" she shouted softly, yet added, "B-But don''t push yourself too much¡­" before briskly taking her mock steps of fury back to the wide second floor.


    A spark of confusion passed through Cassius''s striking blue eyes as he wondered what had gotten into her all of a sudden, utterly unaware of what he had let slip out of his loose-lipped mouth.


    ''Maybe Be doesn''t like so many customers in the shop?'' he thought keenly. ''But she already has quite the fan base in this town because of her slightly cold yet caring personality, which only further increases the appeal garnered from her riveting appearance.''


    ''I highly doubt that the¡­ girlsing in here for bodyguard consultations outweigh the sheer quantity of people that swarm here on a daily basis to catch a glimpse of Be¡­''


    Cassius''s eyes were suddenly pulled away from the sight of dozens of fawning men surrounding the focused beauty, instead falling on the dozen or so women huddled around the book aisle he was working on. They whispered and giggled among themselves, making sure to savor their quaint bookstore eye candy for the rest of the day.


    "I had no clue such a cute boy was working here! We should definitelye back again!"


    "Hehe~! If you think just looking at him is enough, wait until you hear that he gave me his phone number when he passionately locked eyes with me two blocks away!"


    "You did what!? He actually gave you his number!? I''m so jealous!"


    Envious stares.


    "H-Hey,e on now! Don''t look at me like that! I really won''t give it to you!"


    "Don''t be like that! Just hand it over, Vicky!"


    As several women quietly tangled with each other in a game of grab and flee, Cassius finished up his aisle. Yet, when he went to work on organizing the next aisle, a dainty painted hand suddenly met his. He jerked back instinctively, with the same thing happening to the hand that touched his.


    Yet, when he saw the owner of that delicate hand, his brows raised slightly. "Grace? What are you doing here?"


    Upon seeing a face that had only be more handsome since shest saw it, Grace''s eyes lit up in effulgent joy.


    She snatched his hand back to hers and beamed. "I never would have thought I''d be fortunate enough to meet you again so soon! And just as I was fidgeting while wondering if I should take out my phone and call you!"


    However, when she realized how forward she was being, she reluctantly let go of his hand and recoiled a few steps. "I-I didn''t mean to do that¡­ I-It''s just that I was excited to see you¡­ I even came to this bookstore because you said you were an avid book reader¡­"


    She murmured thest part, but Cassius could clearly hear it with his Perception stat.


    He held his hand to his face and chortled a little, thenid a warm hand just between the imaginary bunny ears sticking up from her head. "I have been thinking about you as well, but I just wasn''t sure that you wanted to talk to me so soon after west met up¡ª"

 Chapter 40 Protecting Ones Husband!

    "How could that be!?" Grace spoke uncharacteristically loudly, yet still held her ground. "You can contact me at any time! I will always be on the other end to answer! That is the least I can do after you saved¡­ my life¡­" She sniffled a little as her ears drooped.


    She recalled the terrible condition he was in after pushing her out of the way of thatrge truck. The memory made her feel terrible.


    *Pat, Pat.*


    Grace: "???"


    Cassius''s pats came down softer and more caring as his already kind smile became even kinder. "Adorable you are; a burden you are not," he said in a voice mimicking a certain green-colored wizened master. "Silly you are being; Not silly you should be."


    Grace''s beautiful face cracked into a wide smile, then outrightughter as she found what he said to be both sweet and unbelievably funny given the serious atmosphere. "...Hah¡­ Yo-You¡­ I-I think I might really like you¡­! I might like you a lot, a lot!"


    Under the peal of uncontrobleughter and the vexed ramblings of the women still watching him, Cassius was unable to catch what exactly she said.


    "I think I might really fight you?" he parroted as best he could. "Is that what you said? But why would you want to fight me¡­? Maybe it''s because of the sword?"


    Flustered, Grace nervously waved her hands in front of his face. "N-No, that isn''t what I said¡­! J-Just forget all about it! All about it!" Her skin turned as red as a beet as she sped his mouth with her hands, utterly unaware of their seemingly intimate skin contact.


    However, even if Grace herself hadn''t realized what she was doing, the owner of a pair of unusually swirling ck eyes discreetly honed in on the hand movements of the meek brown-haired girl.


    Be''s grip on the staircase tightened considerably, nearly shattering it, while her ckened eyes became even darker. Unknown thoughts bounced around inside her head as she put an index finger to her chin.


    Unbeknownst to all the die-hard fans gathered around Be, an evilness tugged at her lips, briefly morphing her face into something overflowing with long-since concealed obsession and possession.


    ''...I had assumed the seal ced on his body to degrade his appearance and decrease his ability to lose weight would havested until adulthood, but¡­ it seems that is no longer the case¡­ The seal is weakening, which likely means that he will soon regain the unearthly charm that he had as an infant¡­''


    Be''s eyes swirled dangerously as a ck miasma seeped out of her seemingly benign visage. She secretly grated her teeth in anger, her frustration and killing intent growing the more Cassius interacted with Grace.


    ''It''s bad enough that the seal I asked my father to ce on him is beginning to break, but to also have all these f*ing bitches tainting his presence with their cow tits¡­!! Damn it!!! My Cassius, near those bitches!! I won''t allow it!!!''


    Be had meticulously nned everything out from the very beginning, even going so far as to conceal her true age and secretly repeat grades. She ensured that not even women with the lowest standards would fall in love with her man. And just as she had followed him to this bookstore and pulled some strings to get a job here, all in hopes of prematurely finalizing their soon-to-be marriage, Cassius''s seal had to go and start cracking!


    ''Daddy had promised me that my Cass''s seal wouldst until he turns 18, but it seems that was all a big fat lie!! Goshdammit!!!''


    Be wanted to race over to the bothersome bitches¡ªespecially the cutesy brown-haired one¡ªand ughter them all. But she knew very well that, even if she used her family''s power to cover up the legal consequences, her husband would begin to see her as some sort of monster. She wasn''t a monster! She just loved him so, so, so much!!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Be had been stalkin¡ª protecting her husband since he was in diapers, making extra sure that no whores could slip through the and see the true him. Yet, during the few weeks that she had important business to attend to and couldn''t actively stal¡ª protect him, he had somehow be closely acquainted with a damn vixen!


    ''How could this have happened!? When!? I don''t understand why!! After all that I have done to ensure that he bes mine through marriage and our family''s blood ritual, something like this urs mere months before he turns 18!?''


    Since the very first moment Be caught sight of baby Cassius when she was but five years old¡ªduring a meeting his real father held with hers¡ªshe immediately knew that there would be no one else in the world for her. His looks, even as a baby in diapers, were at the level of the gods. Just a flutter of one of his baby eyshes was capable of inciting mass indoctrination.


    It was also because of his appearance that everyone else Be met in the world looked exactly the same to her¡ªnd and in.


    The only one for her had always been Cassius, so she pleaded with her father to do away with his appearance, potential power, and anything else that could make him seem appealing. And after the mysterious Adam Steele suddenly disappeared one night, she was finally able to get her wish with the help of her father.


    Then came all the many years of nning, which should have led to a happily ever after¡ª


    ''Yet, what is all this shit!?'' Be''s expression became explosively livid as she watched some dumb bitch fawning all over her Cassius. ''I want to kill her¡­! He''s mine, he''s mine! I want to kill her! I want to kill her! HE''S MINE!!!''


    She was nearly on the verge of losing it!


    Her dangerously sharp fangs gleamed under the bookstore''s romantic glow. Yet, before she exploded before the watchful eyes of so many people, she took a deep breath and calmed her twitching face.

 Chapter 41 A Yandere

    ''It was bad enough that my Cassius suddenly got a stepmother and stepsister out of nowhere, but if anyone knows Cassius best, it''s me. And I know he would never attempt anything with family,'' Be thought evenly, trying her best to assuage her growing fury. ''But now that his appearance has partially returned, things have changed¡­''


    ck streaks covered her scary face, hiding beneath them two bottomless abysses. ''...I will truly have no other choice but to¡­ kill them. Every single one of them.''


    For but a brief instant, Be morphed into a vampyric devil capable of eliciting absolute fear from the toughest of morsels. Yet, as quickly as it came, it disappeared just as fast.


    After a couple of minutes of conversing with the mellow-toned Grace, Cassius bid her farewell under the promise of taking her out again on their next day off. Be, of course, saw this but did her absolute best to hold back her anger, instead recing her livid expression with a friendly one.


    With her ''face'' put on, she made her way back down to the first floor, where she then came face-to-face with her hardworking coworker.


    "I see that you have been getting around as ofte!" Be raised her voice as she patted him on the back, causing him to stagger forward, even with the weights on his body weighing him down. "Not only are you lying to me, but you''re even secretly dating a cute girl! You sly dog~!" ''I''ll kill her.''


    Cassius felt something off but couldn''t quite put his finger on what that something was. Ultimately, though, he shrugged his shoulders and neutrally replied, "She isn''t my girlfriend. We met by chance after my ident, and then we met up afterward to wander around Hoshito."


    "Is that so¡­" ''I''ll kill her. I''ll kill her. I''ll bloody kill her!!! Wait¡­ Did he say ident? What ident??''


    Approaching this topic as best she could, Be worriedly asked, "ident?? Could it be that you got hurt over thest period of time??? Quick, let me see¡ª I mean, since we are on break, I am open to hearing about this incident of yours¡­" She nearly let a part of her true self slip, yet caught herself just in the nick of time.


    Cassius was really starting to feel this ominous, foreboding feeling itching at the back of his brain, but he couldn''t quite figure out what irked him so.


    ''It''s probably nothing¡­''


    His Perception Stat was not yet high enough to discern every minute detail and change of a crafty person, hence it was only natural that Be''s nuances eluded him. Yet, to answer her question, he briefly exined to her what happened leading up to his ident and the brief period afterward.


    He could''ve sworn that he heard the faint sound of gnashing teeth toward the end of his retelling, but he also seemed to feel an intense unease and worry assault his senses.


    Cassius''s first thought was that Be was directing these barely discernible emotions toward him, but he quickly dismissed that thought as soon as it arrived. He and the school beauty were not anywhere close enough for something like that. Yet that was also when he felt that ominous feeling again.


    Taking him out of his thoughts was the crisp, melodic voice of the girl before him. "I am sorry that all happened to you. Just let me know if you require any help from here on out; I will assist to the best of my abilities."


    "Yes¡­" Cassius replied, a bit of perplexity lingering in his pearl-blue irises. "Thanks for saying that. I will keep it in mind."


    Be nodded in casual friendliness, then bowed her head slightly and walked away. She went back to conducting her work, whereas he was left standing there, feeling that something was incredibly off about that whole interaction.


    Yet, even with extensive contemtion, Cassius was unable to properly articte his unease.


    Meanwhile, Be stood above a wooden staircase with a mock smile etched onto her beautiful face. Under the gawks of her ''fans,'' her thoughts zed into dangerous territories.


    ''I will have to kill all the damn vixens! That is the only way I can steer the train back on track!!''


    A creepy, malevolent giggle slightly escaped her moist throat. Yet she expertly concealed it with a cute hup that sent the hearts of the watching men aflutter.


    Ignoring the pestering gaze of a bunch of worms, Be continued her train of thought. ''Once the bitches are dead, it will only be me in my Cass''s world¡­! And with his 18th birthday fast approaching, our marriage and blood contract will be cemented in stone!''


    Be suddenly recalled the matter of his loosening seal, prompting her face to lightly twist in anger.


    ''My naive and innocent Cass could fight against the idea of the permanent blood contract, and it is unknown just how much of his power and potential he will regain before he turns 18¡­ Even though I''m confident in my strength whenpared to all these blood bags, my husband is not like them¡­''n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Be''s expression briefly emted herplete infatuation, yet it was quickly overwhelmed by an unhealthy level of darkness.


    ''Even if ites down to it, I''ll just need to force him down and exin everything to him afterward. He will surely understand why I did everything I did as long as I carefully exin it to him¡­! He must! It''s just me and him in this world, so what I know is something he will understand wholeheartedly!!!''


    With his enhanced hearing, Cassius could''ve sworn that he heard an insane peal ofughter resound from somewhere. However, with it disappearing in less than an instant, he had no time to track it back to its source. But with work about to end for today, he decided to cast the inexplicable matter aside and quicken his pace.


    His hands flitted across the bookshelves as he hastily grabbed returned books off a cart and precisely ced them in the right spots.


    To the onlookers, however, his movements were akin to streaks of lightning dancing to and fro from location to location. They had never seen anything quite like it, as it could only be described as a beautiful symphony of the hands.

 Chapter 42 A Confused Stalker

    For a long while, the stylish girls were left awed by the effortless disy of suaveness by a young man who looked like he was preparing to take the lead role in a movie. Be noticed this out of the corner of her eye, as she was always stealing nces at her man, but this only served to further solidify her goal to murder all the bitches who even so much as looked his way.


    Yet, there was also a part of her that was slightly astounded by the speed his hands shed through the bookstore aisles.


    ''Has Cass already begun nearing the C-Rank in terms of speed?? But it has only been, at most, four weeks since his seal started to weaken¡­! If he keeps progressing at this rate, then even I might encounter some trouble when he turns 18!!''


    Be was seriously debating whether she should abandon the original n and take him away by force right here and now. However, that was when she remembered that run-down father of hers.


    ''My old man may be a pushover among the high nobility of Nightingale, but he is still a Duke-level vampire. As long as my hubby doesn''t exceed the limits of this world by the time he turns 18, I can just have that old codger help me take him away by force!''


    As if she had figured it all out, Be snorted proudly and ced an especially ostentatious book on the top shelf of one of the many shelves in therge bookstore. After sorting through a few more, she shot a nce toward where Cassius just was, only to find that his cart was empty, with him now pushing it and a few other carts back to the front desk.


    Knowing that those carts were thest of the major workload for the day made Be''s expression sour ever so slightly.


    Even though she knew it was inevitable that they had to part ways for now, it still greatly annoyed her to know that her hubby had be a delectable b of steak to all of the blood-bag whores of this world. She wanted to kill everything again¡­ but she found herself achieving higher and higher levels of restraint.


    Be was not usually one who knew when to take a step back, but for the sake of her happily-ever-after, she was willing to hold herself back. Thest thing she wanted was her hubby''s ire and hate, which would naturally materialize if she killed all the bitches before they could be bonded by a blood contract. Yet none of that would matter after the blood contract, because a deep connection would be formed between both relevant parties.


    And once her hubby saw her immense love for him, he would certainly overlook the murder sprees she would dish out!


    Although Be was expectant of the future, she still wore a barely visible expression of extreme sadness when she saw Cassius clock out for the day. That was when she remembered her having the same hours as he did.


    Not willing to waste even a single second of her potential time with him, she pulled upon a gust of wind from a nearby window.


    "Woah!"


    "What''s up with the wind in here!?"


    "I can''t see my goddess!"


    "Where did that handsome actor go!?"


    The intentional gust of wind temporarily obscured the vision of everyone in the bookstore, and in the same instant that the store doorbell rang with Cassius''s departure, Be shed from her spot. She moved so fast that not even a full afterimage could be produced in her wake.


    When she finally settled down, her elegant profile was already on the first floor, with the rest of her designated books somehow miraculously put in their correct ces on the second floor.


    Be''s tremendous speed far surpassed that of even A-Rank Hunters, yet not a single person was able to determine that she moved at all.


    When her devout fans saw their goddess briefly passing on the baton to the ones taking the next shift, they widened their eyes in bewilderment. They were put in even more of a stun lock when they saw that very same goddess race out the front door and catch up to the handsome bastard from before.


    For once, both the girls and the guys felt the same about this matter, as they seethed in frustration, envy, and jealousy¡­


    ¡ª---------


    Meanwhile, a few dozen steps outside Bookworm''s Haven.


    "Hmm?" Cassius''s senses perked up, prompting him to turn his head behind him, only to see the stunning profile of his coworker. "What are you doing out here?"


    "What? Am I not allowed to leave my shift as well?" Be coldly sniffed, then adjusted her pace to his, with them both walking side by side.


    They received many stares due to their unnatural beauty, but neither paid any heed to the attention. Rather, they were too caught up in mulling over what the other was thinking to care about things like the ogling gawks of passersby.


    Answering her, Cassius shook his head. "You know that''s not what I meant¡­ I am just puzzled as to why you are following me."


    "Following you??" Be snorted in displeasure. "You must really believe yourself to be quite the hotshot. Why would I purposefully follow you home? We are simply going in the same direction, as I have some business to attend to in C-block."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Cassius nearly believed what she was saying, at least until she mentioned the name of his neighborhood. "How did you know that I lived in C-block?"


    He narrowed his eyes in suspicion, finding something especially off about the starry-eyed beauty.


    Be''s eyelids nervously twitched, but she concealed it with an apathetic harrumph. "I just happened to see your address on your application paper when you came in at the same time as me for your interview¡­! Do you honestly think that I would have any reason to follow someone like you??"


    "Someone like me¡­" Cassius''s keen gleam quickly dimmed, instead reced with a bit of glumness. "I guess someone like me would indeed not receive such treatment."

 Chapter 43 Youre more than just a Training Sword...?

    "A-As long as you''re aware! Hmph!" Be struggled to retort, finding it even harder to avert her eyes from him. ''It wasn''t like I wanted to say something so mean, but if his confidence grows more than it needs to before our marriage, the bitches will be swarming him in droves!''


    ''Under no circumstances can I allow that to happen! Even if my hubby thinks less of me now, he will certainly understand why I did what I did in due time! S-Surely¡­''


    She couldn''t help but feel hesitant about the way she was doing things, but this was not the time to be getting cold feet. As long as she could hold out for another few months without caving in due to her own behavior, then her lifelong dreams woulde to fruition! Just a while longer!


    Be and Cassius were quiet most of the way back, but somewhere in the middle of the trip, he recalled that thing he had to do.


    Turning to the ethereal woman beside him, his pupils registered something that astonished him. Yet, as if it were all just an optical illusion, the crazed expression and aura he just witnessed vanished without a trace.


    Be tilted her head in confusion, seemingly wondering why he was looking at her as if he had just seen a ghost.


    "Why are you staring at me? Are you perhaps¡­ enamored by my beauty¡ª"


    "No, it isn''t anything like that," replied Cassius. "I just thought I saw something there. But it must have been my imagination."


    "I see¡­" Be''s eyes flickered a little out of focus; she was doing her utmost not to show how frustrated she was over his response. That was when she noticed the uncertain look in his gaze. "Is there somewhere you need to be? We aren''t in C-block yet¡­"


    Be was hoping to spend more time with Cassius, but if he had to go, then it would only make her seem weird if she stopped him. And much to her dismay, he responded with a nod.


    "Yes, there is somewhere I have to go before returning home. I am sure that I have already kept you here for long enough, and my presence is likely making you very ufortable¡­ I know that you only trailed beside me because you thought it would hurt my feelings, and I appreciate it, but you don''t need to do something like that again. I can handle things like that, just the same as always."


    Seeing that warm smile had Be''s heart beating like crazy. Yet she also felt a painful stinging sensation upon repeating his dispirited words inside her head.


    ''I know that he is only this way because of what I did to him, but I still feel like such a monster¡­ Love really is so very agonizing¡­''


    She forced a perfect smile on her face, then said, "I have no idea what you are talking about, but if you have somewhere you need to go, then be on your way. I won''t hold up your womanizing adventures any longer!"


    Be spoke such things with a yfully disappointed expression, so it was no surprise that the weaker Cassius was unable to discern the truth of her feelings. He simply nodded before turning around.


    "You are wrong," he said while waving behind him. "Someone like me can only wonder what it would be like to call a woman my own. Someone pretty and nice like you, perhaps¡­?"


    "Haah¡­ What am I even saying anymore?"


    Cassius awkwardly scratched his head before turning around a corner. However, beforepletely vanishing from view, he spun on his heel and looked at the indiscernible expression of the ck-haired goddess standing a few dozen feet away.


    "Would you like me to take you home first? I have something I need to do, but I can make time if it''s for you."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Still utterly shell-shocked by what she had just hearde out of his mouth, Be was left even more at a loss for words by the nonchnt sweetness oozing from his pink lips. She stood there, trembling in ce. But with her sanity on the line and that irresistible man making his way back to her, she had to think fast.


    Covering her face with her hair, Be waved her hands ahead. "T-There is no need for that! I am a C-Rank Awakener¡ªdon''t you remember¡­?? Why would I need you to walk me home? Plus, it''s not even past 4 p.m. yet! What are you¡ªmy dad??"


    Cassius stopped in his tracks, finding everything she said to make perfect sense. "I understand. Then have a nice rest of your day, Be."


    "Y-Yes, I will. You as well¡­" Be mumbled thest part, but he could still clearly hear it.


    ''Although she is harsh with her words some of the time, she is too nice for her own good,'' thought Cassius. ''I have no idea what that uneasy feeling was all about earlier, but it was probably nothing¡­''


    With that, he retraced his steps and once again turned around that corner, this time disappearing for good.


    Be, on the other hand, was left in the middle of a deste neighborhood street, with only the whistling wind and her thoughts to keep herpany. There was also a ck and orange cat prancing atop a brick wall, but it quickly recoiled and got the hell out of there as soon as it saw the deranged woman creepily mumbling to herself.


    None could understand what exactly she was saying, but it was most certainly a curse of some sort.


    *Achoo!*


    Cassius rubbed his nose after releasing a violent sneeze, wondering just who could be talking behind his back. Yet, after a second or two, he shook his head to disperse such distracting thoughts, instead putting all his focus on the matter he had been waiting for all day.


    "This will be my first regr Gate Experience, but I''m not really sure how I should actually go about it," he said thoughtfully, with the wooden sword by his side resonating for blood.


    "...What??" Question marks rose above his head. "You''re more than just a Training Sword¡­?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 49 The Kobold King

    Cassius had originally contemted taking off a couple of his Newbie Equipment 1 pieces after seeing that the Kobold Titan had survived. But it looked like his contemtion was unnecessary. The Kobold Titan had only survived due to a miraculous bout of luck, and because none of his attacks had hit its vitals.


    Now, however¡­


    "Tell me," Cassius repeated as lightning crackled beneath his soles. "...Can you even¡­"


    FWIP! SHING! SPURT!


    "¡­see me?"


    Without even taking out Lilith, Cassius sted through the other end of the Kobold Titan using the momentum behind the front end of his Newbie 1 Training Sword. Somehow, the wooden sword emerged from this gruesome disy without a single scratch on it.


    Cassius''s eyes shed with momentary disappointment. "It seems that, in the end, you never really could see me," he muttered before disappearing from the area, taking with him the Magic Shards of all the surrounding corpses.


    While he ventured further and further into the perilous caverns of the dangerous D+ Gate, a young girl of around sixteen was being carried through various rocky corridors. Tears streamed down her face, the dread having long since settled in. Stay connected with empire


    Memphis realized very early on that resistance was futile, as the massive Kobold lugging her around like a pinto bean had¡­ killed her father with a single strike.


    She teared up more upon thinking of the cruel way her father had been split in half. However, nothing seemed toe out, as her tear stock had run dry. It was also this event that made her realize the grim truth of the situation.


    Memphis believed everything that had happened was her fault¡ªfrom the courageous death of her father after protecting her to the way she begged him to give her this opportunity to see what a Gate was really like. Every moment after they were first ambushed by abnormally powerful Kobolds had been filled with regret. She should have nevere into the Gate. She should''ve just enjoyed her summer days off.


    ''M-Maybe¡­ Maybe if I never came, my dad and his friends wouldn''t have¡­ died¡­''


    Memphis''s depressing thoughts swirled around unrelentingly as the D+ monster known as the Kobold Goliath General brought her to arge metallic door. It stood in at dozens of meters tall, with deathly skulls embedded into the metal that made up its surface.


    After a brief moment of silence, the door slowly creaked open, and the Kobold Goliath, along with the other high-ranking Kobolds, began their trot into the space beyond. Large torches lined the lumpy stone walls of an area that stretched forward for a seemingly infinite distance. Yet, within minutes of walking through the hallway, the Kobold Goliath and the others reached a wide, spacious area with an even greater number of torches illuminating the surroundings.


    As soon as a three-meter, imperious figure sitting atop a bloody throne came into view, the Kobold Goliath and the other Kobolds hit the ground and bowed.


    The Kobold King raised his awe-inspiringly sturdy hand,manding them all to rise, which they did.


    "What is this?" A deep, profoundly savage voice resounded through the gory throne room. Just his voice was enough to spike fear through the hearts of all the Kobolds, though a few of them managed to suppress their fear outwardly.


    Speaking up, the Kobold Goliath addressed its King in the Kobold tongue. "I have brought you a concubine, my Lord! This female human is very beautiful and will surely make an excellent addition to your collection!"


    "As the mightiest King of the Kobolds, you can never have too many lovers! And with those annoying races outside preventing your greatness from taking whomever you please, otherworlders like these are perfect for someone as magnificent as the King!"


    The Kobold King tapped his throne in interest. "Is what you say really the truth? Is she one of the most beautiful among the humans?" he asked, his tone brooking no falsehoods.


    The Kobold Goliath vehemently shook its head, sweat raining down its hideous, dog-like face. "I am positive that this one is among the best that the inferior human species has to offer! Here, I will present her before you, sire!!" An obsequious smile emerged on its face as it picked up the despairing girl with a single hand and ced her a few dozen feet away from its King.


    Even from such a distance, the Kobold King could clearly make out the exquisite facial features of the girl who had lost all hope. He repeatedly nodded, pleased with what he was seeing. "It looks like you were right this time, Goliath. But why is it crying?"


    The Kobold Goliath threw a menacing re in Memphis''s direction, causing her to shudder in immense fright. She truly felt she was better off dead. Although she couldn''t understand what these horrid monsters were saying, the intent was practically tangible.


    For most of Memphis''s life, her father had always told her to preserve her purity for the man she truly loved and wait until after marriage. She had adhered to those words until now, even after receiving more confessions at school than she could count. Yet now¡­


    Memphis''s grayed eyes flickered in absolute horror as she noticed the presence of lust in the enormous eyes of the Kobold King. The monstrous creature scanned her from head to toe, its expression gingerly zing over as it took in more.


    It had to admit that, of all the human females it had captured, she was the most marvelous.


    Answering the King''s question, the Kobold Goliath stuttered nervously, "M-My Lord¡­ You know how these fragile creatures are. They cry over anything¡­" Feeling something life-threatening in the King''s expression, the Goliath hurriedly added, "B-But, of course, my Lord, if this worm knew it was you whom she would be servicing and bearing children for, she would be beyond overjoyed!!"


    "Hmm¡­" The Kobold King calmed his killing intent, instead refocusing on the sorrowful human female. An invisible force suddenly pulled his lips into a crude, sadistic grin. "Well, I really don''t mind if they are crying, or even if they are resistant. After all, it is far more fun when they struggle! Jajaja!!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 50 Memphis, Facing the Kobold King

    A peal of boisterousughter silenced the fears of the Kobold Goliath and any others who might''ve gotten caught in the crossfire of their king''s short temper. They heaved sighs of relief, and when their king nonchntly waved them off without even looking their way, they immediately took their chance to skedaddle.


    However, just as they were about to vacate the pungent throne room, the distinct sound of sword ngs echoed in from outside. And then, with none of them knowing better, seven High D-Rank Kobold Royal Guards crashed through the throne room doors! They sted all the way to the steps of the Kobold King''s throne, with their massive bodies and faces battered beyond recognition.


    No life was left in their bloodless husks.


    The Kobold King was about to dine on the small girl, wearing a disgusting look on his face, when he abruptly froze in ce. Slowly, he turned his livid expression toward the source of the disturbance. Wrath washed over every fiber of his being as his slitted eyes visibly lit ame.


    "Who dares create trouble in my Royal Throne Room!? Are you wishing for death!? Even the Orcs of the East and the Lizardmen to the West know not toe here and do as they please unless they have a death wish!! So, who are you and what faction are you from¡ª!?"


    That was when the Kobold King saw the rtively short silhouette of a smoky, hooded figure. The figure held onto the gigantic head of a D+ Kobold Royal Guard, with his deathly blue eyes searching through the unfamiliar environment for something. Blood constantly leaked out of the Royal Guard''s corpse and magically seeped into the surface of a terrifyingly sharp de. This left the Kobold Royal Guard in the same shriveled-up state as the others.


    As everything in the throne room was still taken aback by his out-of-the-blue appearance, Cassius finally found who he was looking for. He also saw a smaller Kobold in possession of a presence that far outweighed the rest of the scrubs in the extremely wide room.


    "Are you the boss monster?" he casually asked, not caring a single bit about the venomous res emerging among the Kobold extras. Yet, all he received in response to this silence-shattering question was a bunch of unintelligible grunting and bellowing from the three-meter Kobold.


    Realizing that questioning was surely going to get him nowhere, Cassius decided to get closer and convey his intent a different way.


    Fwooop!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Those in the throne room were about to go berserk and murder this brazen intruder. However, they were forced to reconsider their thoughtless actions when the human lightly tapped against the floor before somehow appearing right in front of the frightened human girl.


    A deep frown formed on Cassius''s partially covered face upon seeing the terrible condition of the poor girl. "Are you okay, pretty miss?" he asked, then addedically, "I seem to have gotten lost somewhere in my travels of Japan. Hah¡­ Sometimes, I just feel so muddle-minded¡­ But I would appreciate it if you could give me some instructions! It would be invaluable to me, yep yep."


    A hoarse feminine giggle echoed through the rage-filled halls as Memphis found it difficult not tough. Yet, when she realized what she was doing, she quickly went to cover her mouth. Her expression was one that emted all her troubles, as she felt like feeling an emotion that made her feel good was not meant for someone as horrible as she was. Though, to Cassius, she looked kind of like a cutely apprehensive ko or kangaroo.


    He chuckled softly, which left the pitiable girl a little dazed. Memphis couldn''t figure out what the mysterious man looked like due to the shadowy hood covering his face, but she could sense kindness in his voice. And it was also this understanding that led to her decisively urging him to leave. Even without being able to use her mouth because of a gag, she iled her bound arms toward the smashed open door.


    Although Cassius was a bit dense, he was not stupid. He knew precisely what she wanted him to do, but did that mean he wouldply?


    Cassius bobbed his head in understanding, seemingly grasping everything Memphis was trying to convey. "So what I''m getting from all this," he began. "...is that you want me to buy you some snacks once we get out of here? Hey, if that''s what you want, then why don''t we go a step further. Dinner for tonight is on me! But dessert is¡­" He leaned next to her ear, his hot breath mingling with her lobes. "Do you have any money on hand? Because we might have to go halfsies on dessert."


    "Pfft!" Memphis once again cracked a muffledugh, yet quickly piped down when she felt the suffocating pressure of the infuriated Kobold King pressing down on her.


    Noticing this, Cassius''s yful grin froze over as he turned his goofy expression away from the scared girl; it immediately turned terrifyingly cold.


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    Looking the intimidating ruler straight in the eyes, he uttered coldly, "I don''t think anyone asked for your interference, bitch. Just sit back in your ugly throne; I will deal with you when I get around to it."


    "!?!?" Even though the Kobold King could not understand the humannguage of the world they came from, it could still feel the utter disrespect oozing from the human''s mouth.


    "To not only barge into my throne room andpletely disregard my existence, but also prance up to my possession and converse as you please!? And then to take things a step further and disrespect me right to my face!?!? You''re truly courting DEATH, WORM!!!!!!"


    Sensing the fury on the verge of erupting like a volcano put a deep furrow on Cassius''s annoyed expression. He suddenly turned to the trembling girl, with his now warm smile shining through his shadowy mask. "Well, it looks like we''ll have to continue this conversation in a bit. For now, do you mind waiting here?"

 Chapter 51 Battling the Kobold King

    Urgency immediately appeared in Memphis''s pretty green eyes as she fervently shook her head, wiggling around in a flurry of actions that all pointed to no. She wanted him to run away and leave her to her own fate! She didn''t wish for anyone else to die because of her!


    Cassius felt a bit of anger rush up his throat upon watching such a kind girl not care a single bit about herself.


    ''To push her to this state¡­ And here I thought I was a horrible human being¡­''


    "It looks like I still have a lot to learn about being evil," Cassius sighed. "But it does seem like you are fine with remaining still for a bit, so I will get this done quick and then return to you."


    *Mmmf!! Mmmf!!*


    ''NOOooooo!!!!'' Memphis cried out inside her mind as she wiggled over to him in her tied-up state, trying to get him to understand once more. Yet, by the time she blinked her eyes, he was already gone, now standing mere feet away from the monstrous profile of the Kobold King.


    "Say, you ugly fucker," said Cassius. "Can you¡­ even see me¡­?"


    "!!!"


    The Kobold King was preparing to attack when, from down below, the audacious human blurred from his spot and sparked through the air. The Kobold King felt an imminent threat to his life, urging him to throw up his hands and defend against an onught of attacks, all of which contained deadly killing intent.


    "My Lord!!"


    "The human dares!?"


    "How dare he!!?!?"


    The Kobolds in the throne room were about to join the fray, but before they could, the Kobold King shot them a ferocious re. His message was clear: If you interfere in this fight, I will kill you. And knowing how their King got when he was really spun out like this, they held their ws and patiently watched from afar.


    Although they didn''t possess much intelligence, they at least respected the hierarchy.


    After warning his subordinates, the Kobold King''s fierce eyes fell on the darkened silhouette stabbing him from all directions. Humiliated, he shouted, "You damn rat!! Do you really believe that these itches will do anything against my skin!??" Then he expanded his aura outward and pushed Cassius back by twenty dozen meters.


    Cassius expertlynded his flying body on the ground with a backflip. Then he stood back up and red at the powering-up Kobold. The King''s fur began to change to a mightier, darker red color from his original light red. Moreover, his three-meter figure rapidly expanded and exploded beyond the seven-meter mark, making him thergest Kobold in attendance.


    Memphis''s worry only grew exponentially. However, Cassius simply gave her a small, gentle nod before concentrating on his battle with the Kobold King.


    The magnitude of things had definitely exceeded his expectations, for even if he were faster than the beast, he would never be able to crack deep enough into its flesh as he was. Now, the most logical solution to this would be to just increase his Strength stat with the AP left over from his grind.


    However¡­ Cassius was not a conventional person.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His blue eyes crackled with electricity as he eyed down the dog behemoth roaring to the skies, breaking through the eardrums of everyone present. The Kobold King''s strength was now only a step away from the C-Rank, and though this meant certain death for him, he couldn''t help but feel that same anticipatory thrill he felt in hisst few big fights.


    Cassius was beginning to notice a change urring within himself. It was unknown exactly when it started, but it was definitely happening. But rather than ignore or try to suppress this change, he decided to embrace it.


    Trails of purplish-red electricity shot out from his body before surrounding him in a fantastical way. The lightning, however, was produced not from any of the elements he could use, but because of the sheer level at which his body was vibrating. The more he veered from the path of the orthodox, the more thrilling it felt to have moments like this one.


    Showing just what he meant by that, Cassius lifted up his right arm and ced it on his left arm, then forcefully pried off the weight that seemed to be glued to his skin. A resounding thud thundered out when an astounding 500 pounds hit the ground.


    Yet, that was far from the end of the spectacle toe¡­


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    As more and more heavy weights nted into the ground after being casually tossed away by their owner, everyone in the throne room was left at a loss for words. Some of the Kobolds looked between one another, trying to glean the truth from each other.


    Even Memphis wore an astonished look on her face as she watched thousands of pounds crash into the hard room surface. She couldn''t understand why the unknown man would purposefully ce weights on himself! But when the final waist weight came off, let alone her mind, she couldn''t even believe what her eyes were transmitting to her!


    Even the Kobold King, with all his unbridled power, felt like a basin of cold water had been poured over his daunting existence when the small human began to naturally blur in and out of reality. He was not moving even a single step, yet his body looked as if it had just been freed from a mountain of stress and was now free to let loose.


    As sparks of electrified energy boomed outward, adding to the image produced from an overly charged body, the owner of said body turned his head up. Upon meeting the ferocious gaze of the Kobold King, stimted tension formed in the distance that separated them.


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    The Kobold King was ready to go all out, even if the mystery surrounding the absurd human confused him!


    Yet, as if that tension was worth less than dirt for Cassius, he shifted his gaze toward thin air. A grin formed on his shadowy face upon seeing his Agility stat well into the three-figure mark. He brought his casual smirk back to the livid dog behemoth, only to ask:


    "Say¡­ Can you¡­ even¡ª"

 Chapter 52 Unlocking Idle Benefit #2

    He had no reason to exin why, but the Kobold King felt a huge, bloody scythe hanging over his head. "I can''t let him finish that chant!!!" he roared while stomping his feet and lunging forward. His giant ws gleamed dangerously under the dim cavern light, illuminating the ce in a forlorn way.


    Memphis''s saddened face ashened as she could feel the power contained within that overdriven dog-beast body. From what she had seen of Hunters because of her dad''s work, even a C-Rank Hunter would experience trouble when pitted against something of that level!


    ''He will die¡­!!'' she thought grimly, instinctively closing her eyes out of fear of what was toe. Discover hidden stories at empire


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    However, after hearing countless ear-deafening sonic booms reverberate, Memphis pried her eyelids open against every instinct telling her not to. She then saw a sight that could only be described as unbelievable¡­


    The Kobold King''s massive, terrifying body was now split into six massive chunks of meat and blood, all of which were sttered behind its throne. There wasn''t even enough time for it to register or respond to anything, but if it had been given that time, disbelief would surely have been strewn across its hideous face.


    To add to Memphis''s astonishment, every other powerful Kobold monster in the throne room was dead. From the King to the lowliest of peons, all of them looked as if they had been quite literally hacked at until they died.


    "...Even see me¡­ Oh, wait, they''re already dead," Cassius chuckled before allowing Lilith to absorb all the blood smeared in every corner of the room. "I''ll return my Newbie 1 Set back to their proper spots while Lilith is evolving, and maybe nce at my system notifications."


    Doing just that, he stuck his limiters back on, somehow feeling a lot morefortable than when his Agility stat of 125 was fully unleashed. He had originally used up a good chunk of his AP just before entering the throne room, just to be on the safer side. However, even if he had barely reached the C-Rank, around the 100 mark, he still probably could''ve handled the unruly mutt with ease.


    "...Well, not like I really lost anything¡­" Cassius consoled himself while looking at the barrage of pop-ups spamming his peripheral vision.


    *Ding!*


    [You have killed dozens of D-, D, and D+ Kobolds!]


    [Your Experience Bar has drastically moved!]


    [You leveled up!]


    [You leveled up!]


    [Level has increased from ''25'' ¡ú ''27'']


    [You have killed a D++ King Kobold!]


    [Your Experience Bar has tremendously moved!]


    [You leveled up!]


    [You leveled up!]


    [Level has increased from ''27'' ¡ú ''29'']


    [You received 8 Stat Points in all of your Main Attributes!]


    [You obtained 16 AP!]


    [Your Battle Power has improved by leaps and bounds!]


    Following these system notifications were the ones that came forpleting the 2nd Main Quest.


    BLING!


    {[Main Quest 2:]} ¨C [?]


    ¡ª[Due to a freak change in the quality of Gate Energy in Japan, one or two Gates have suddenly and instantly had their ranks increased!]


    |Clear D+ Kobold''s Catbs| ¨C [?]


    [Reward 1: 2 Stat Points in Strength, 1 in Agility, 1 in Defense, 2 in Endurance, and 3 in Perception.] ¨C [Y/N]


    [Reward 2: 5 AP] ¨C [Y/N]


    [Reward 3: ''Troll System'' Idle Benefit #2 will be unlocked] ¨C [Y/N]


    [Reward 4: ''Are you looking to get face-pped?''] ¨C [Y/N]


    {[Bonus Objectives:]} ¨C [?]


    [Bonus Reward 1: 10 AP] ¨C [Y/N]


    [Bonus Reward 2: 5 Common Grade Evoballs] ¨C [Y/N]


    [Bonus Reward 3: 1 ''Heap of EXP''] ¨C [Y/N]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After a moment of thought, Cassius said, "ept all normal rewards."


    *Ding!*


    [You have received 2 Stat Points in Strength, 1 in Agility, 1 in Defense, 2 in Endurance, and 3 in Perception.]


    [You obtained 5 AP!]


    [Acquired ''Troll System - Idle Benefit #2'']


    [Acquired Special Grade Skill ''Are you looking to get face-pped?'']


    Cassius felt another eruption of power course through his veins. He relished that feeling of empowerment for a moment before fixing his attention on the third reward. He had no idea what the hell a ''Troll System'' was, but for it to be the 2nd Idle Benefit, it must surely be something spectacr.


    Opening up his Idle Benefits section, his perceptive eyes quickly fell on the relevant details.


    {[Idle Benefit 2: Troll System]}


    ¡ª[You now have the ability to acquire trace amounts of AP by trolling other living beings. The stronger the target and the more numerous they are, the more AP you will acquire. (AP acquisition is most dependent on how angry or emotional you make your target.)]


    [Learn to be a good Troll as per required of your free-of-charge Character Development course! ^~^]


    "...I see¡­" Cassius was momentarily speechless, but if this was yet another thing that could improve his strength until he could truly begin idling, then he would ept it with open arms.


    "Anger¡­ I just need to make other people angry? And how far does ''emotional'' extend, I wonder¡­?"


    Ultimately, he decided to test out the featureter. In the meantime, he had some more rewards to peruse, which was exactly what he did.


    "''Are you looking to get face-pped''?"


    Question marks sparked above Cassius''s head as he tried to figure out what this thing did. But seeing as it was a skill, he would just test it out on an enemyter and see what happens. "...Too bad it doesn''te with a description¡­ Will kind of be going into this in the dark¡­ But oh well, next set of rewards for now."


    Upon pressing yes for all of the Bonus Rewards, more system notifications rang out.


    *Ding!*


    [You obtained 10 AP!]


    [You obtained 5 Common-grade Evoballs!]


    [You received ''1 Heap of EXP'']


    [Your Experience Bar has moved tremendously!]


    [You leveled up!]


    [You leveled up!]


    "Damn, two levels up just from that?" said Cassius. "It looks like I''ll need to keep a better lookout for more Heaps of EXP in the future."


    With that, his attention was drawn to the Common-grade Evoballs, which was when a brief description for them popped up.

 Chapter 53 {[Common-Grade Evoball]}

    {[Common-grade Evoball]}


    ¡ª[Lowest-ranking Evoballs, but can still be used to capture and keep any monsters at or below the D-Rank. The stronger and more willful the monster, the less likely the Evoball is to sessfully capture said target. It is rmended that the target first be beaten into submission before attempting to subdue it with an Evoball.]


    Cassius''s expression turned unreadable for a second as he wondered how something like this could be best utilized. "With so few of them, and all of them capped at the D-Rank, they won''t prove to be very useful¡­ But maybe I am missing something here?"


    Just as he said that¡­


    *Ding!*


    [The captured monsters of Evoballs can be temporarily fused with the user, which will give the user specific racial traits of the monster. This can be considered the first step of the ''Evolution'' segment of the system''s details and will eventually lead to more intricate features.]


    [Only the evolutionary qualities of a SINGLE captured monster can be fused with the user at a time. Furthermore, only 10 ''Evomonsters'' can be stored at the same time with the Host''s current capabilities.]


    "How interesting," Cassius mused, already brainstorming various ways that this could be used if he yed his cards right. "For now, however, I have something more urgent to attend to."


    His striking blue eyes instinctively fell on the stunned girl tied up in bonds. Her babydoll eyshes quivered in response as she saw the mysteriously powerful hooded man approach her.


    Memphis closed her eyes, prepared for the worst. Yet, she was bewildered to find all the ropes on her body suddenly loosen. Moreover, her gag had been taken out, allowing her to finally speak once more.


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    "T-Thank you¡­ for saving me," she mumbled meekly, her pupils darting everywhere but toward where Cassius was standing. "W-Without you¡­ I would''ve ended up li-like¡­ my dad¡ª"


    "You don''t have to think about it if you don''t want to," said Cassius as he bent down and ruffled her hair, with only his kind smile shining through. "Say, how about we get out of here? Mypanion just finished the clean-up, but the decor of this ce is simply horrid! Wouldn''t you agree?"


    Memphis shifted her flickering eyes to the hundreds of drained Kobold husks scattered about. Confused, she softly murmured a question. "What happened to them¡­?"


    "Oh, that?" replied Cassius, a yful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It''s all because of mypanion here." He promptly raised up Lilith in full sword form, who was currently going through a dazzling blood evolution. Her stats were being constantly improved the more blood shepletely assimted, which led to several eruptions of crimson energy tendrils.


    "Isn''t she beautiful?" asked Cassius.


    "Mhmm¡­" Memphis was left momentarily dazed, both because of Lilith''s resplendence and the mildly enamored look stered across Cassius''s covered face. She couldn''t help but wonder what he looked like underneath. However, figuring it to be rude to ask something like that, she kept quiet.


    Noticing a bit of discontentment in the golden-eyed girl, Cassius exined, "The hood is there to shield the world from my hideous appearance¡­ Haiz, it''s rough being so ugly¡­."


    "...Are you really that ugly underneath¡­? I don''t think that''s true¡­"


    Cassius chuckled. "Maybe, maybe not. I have been told that I have terrible aesthetic taste."


    Confused, Memphis asked, "What do you mean by that?"


    "You want an example?" Cassius''s grin widened.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Memphis got a bad feeling, but she still nodded.


    "...I would like one, please," she murmured, to which he replied, "Sure, I''ll give you an example."


    He then leaned in close, getting just close enough for her to glimpse at his thin nose. "The truth is that I believe blood to be especially beautiful, just like my Lilith here."


    Lilith vibrated happily while continuing to undergo her evolutions.


    "...You think blood is beautiful¡­?" asked Memphis, her head tilted cutely. "Isn''t blood gruesome? Often associated with¡­"


    "Death," said Cassius, his smile shining brightly. "That may be true, but is death not something beautiful as well? Death itself may be saddening to some, but the act of dying can oftentimes be charmingly poetic. I know I told you not to think of it, but your dad''s death¡­ Were the actions leading up to his death not something that weaved his death into something awe-inspiring¡­?"


    "Awe-inspiring¡­" Memphis''s eyes watered as she recalled how her father jumped out in front of her and held on until his veryst moments.


    "...Yeah, it was awe-inspiring," she said as crystalline tears streamed down her dazzling, smiling expression. "It really was¡­!" She beamed, her eyes creasing up exquisitely.


    Cassius nodded warmly as he let go of her head. "You are tough, Memphis. Now, can you get up and walk out of here with me? Or would you prefer it if I carried you? I don''t mind either way¡ª"


    Embarrassment mixed with Memphis''s sorrow as she vehemently shook her head, causing her long silky ck hair to sling left and right. "I-I can get up myself," she said.


    She attempted to get up, only to immediately fail to stand. Her legs were just too shaky from everything that happened to make it possible for her to walk.


    Wasting no time, Cassius swooped her up into his thick arms in a gentlemanly manner. Looking down at her, he smilingly said, "We can just pretend this never happened, alright? If you won''t tell, then I won''t tell," he joked.


    Flustered, Memphis hid her gorgeously flushed face from sight. "...Mhmm¡­" was all she mumbled before staying silent the rest of the return journey.


    As the two of them silently walked, both thinking about a multitude ofplicated matters, Cassius received numerous system notifications. They also just so happened toe as he was leaving the Gate after having collected all of the valuable parts of the Kobolds, which included their Magic Shards.


    *Ding!*


    [You have trolled Memphis for 0.3 AP!]


    [|Devil de: Lilith| has absorbed tens of thousands of gallons of D-, D, D+, and D++ Blood!]


    [|Devil de: Lilith| has ranked up from the D+ Rank to the D++ Rank, achieving the peak stage of the D Realm!]


    [|Devil de: Lilith| ¨C |Attack +35|]


    OOOM!

 Chapter 54 A Flustered Corra

    OOOM!


    Lilith erupted with newfound power, causing the air around her to shoot out and copse back into itself, creating a sight that left Memphis''s golden eyes shining. She nudged Cassius.


    Puzzled, he asked, "What is it?"


    "...Your de," mumbled Memphis. "My¡­ father and his friends never had anything as unique as it¡­ Why is yours so special¡­?"


    Cassius patted the beautiful girl tangled in his arms, his smile growing fonder. "Other items are not like my Lilith because I made her myself. She and I were just meant to be."


    "Meant to be?" Memphis parroted, her irises zing over in confusion. "...That sounds romantic¡­" Enjoy more content from empire


    "Hmm?" Cassius pondered.


    "I guess it does," he chuckled. "But I would say that our rtionship is something deeper¡­ Almost like our intent and intentions are clearly disyed before one another. This is also why we have never gotten into a fight."


    "Gotten into a fight¡­? With a sword¡­?" Memphis hid her face in his clothes, trying to suppress a contagious giggle. "That is silly¡­"


    Cassius awkwardly scratched his neck. "Yeah¡­ Now that you mention it, there is definitely something unusual about what I just said¡­ But you know, sometimes, the unusual things are the most pleasant to experience."


    "Is that why you''re so pleasant to be around¡ª?"


    Memphis quickly covered her mouth, embarrassed on several levels. She saw a sh of amusement pass through his mesmerizing eyes, prompting her to hide even further into his clothes.


    "J-Just forget that I¡­ said that¡­"


    "Very well," said Cassius, unable to conceal the invisible force cracking away at his straight face. Noticing this made Memphis even more mortified; she hid away for the rest of the short return trip, refusing to speak another word.


    After finishing the gathering of all the Magic Shards into his Inventory Space, Cassius overlooked the curiosity of the quiet girl in his arms and approached the Gate''s exit. Without wasting any more time inside, he walked through and reached the other side.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, as it became immediately clear that the people outside had realized what had happened with the Gate''s rank change, he had to slip out unnoticed.


    Cassius''s |Shadow Step| skill had already leveled up many times and ranked up twice during his time grinding monsters in the Gate, so he was able to effortlessly evade the eyes of everyone. Yet, there were a couple of exceptions¡ªthose with extraordinarily high Perception stats.


    The Branch Master of the Hoshito Hunter Branch was one such person, and his perceptive eyes traced the fast-moving shadow traversing through the sea of citizens, reporters, and the like before eventually disappearing into the distance.


    A slight smile tugged at the Branch Master''s cracked lips as he spoke up, directing his voice toward a valiantly dressed woman by his side. "That mysterious man you spoke of¡ªa student at Hoshito High¡ªhow powerful did you say he seemed again?"


    Although taken aback by the abrupt question, Corra quickly regained her bearings and replied, "He was likely of the high D-Rank, with his speed being his most prominent attribute. Furthermore, his skills were unique, efficient, and unlike anything that I''ve ever witnessed among the higher-ranking Hunters."


    The Branch Master''s smile curved upward as he watched where he assumed the youngster to be right now. "It would appear that we either have a venomous snake lurking in our midst, just waiting to strike and take us by surprise¡­ or we have someone who could send Hoshito to new heights¡ªlikely even further than the fame we acquired after raising and nurturing the A-Rank Hunter, Firecracker, who is currently a rising star in Tokyo."


    Corra''s brows raised in surprise. She knew there was something special about that young man, but for him to be appraised so highly by the illustrious B-Rank Branch Master¡­ Just how much could one person be hiding?


    Luckily for her curiosity, the Branch Master spoke up again, saying:


    "You aren''t too much older than that¡­ Cassius, I think it was."


    "...Yes¡­?" Corra felt a sense of foreboding, and just as she expected, the Branch Master sped his hands behind his back before saying, "I believe it would be in your best interest to keep close to him¡ªmaybe even close enough to be considered ssmates. Wouldn''t you agree, young Corra?"


    "...Yes, sir," replied Corra, helpless to refute the obvious request being made of her.


    The Branch Master softlyughed while patting her on the back. "There is no need to appear so glum. It isn''t like I''m forcing you to do this, as I really am saying this for your sake and the rtionship I had with yourte parents. Bing something like a friend of this Cassius will surely bring you many unexpected benefits. And hey, maybe if you put in a bit more initiative, you might be able to be more than friends¡ª"


    "Okay, that is enough¡­!" Corra cut through his jokes, flustered beyond belief. "I-I will do this and join his school, but not because you said so! I wish to see what exactly makes you think so highly of him!"


    The Branch Master chortled at the sudden outburst of his little niece, one which put her feisty and determined personality on disy. "If that is what you truly want, then I will not impede you. But I would keep a lookout, because yourpetition is definitely going to be fierce," he warned as he glimpsed the faint silhouette of a gorgeous girl cuddled in Cassius''s arms.


    "W-Whatpetition¡­!?" Corra blurted out, her mind fuzzy and her cheeks painted a deep crimson, matching her auburn hair. "Stop speaking nonsense, old man," she grumbled while taking peeks at the ce where the Branch Master was looking, wondering just what he was talking about.


    Seeing his little niece react in such a manner caused the Branch Master to let out a peal ofughter. He stroked his long white beard, conveniently ignoring her irate ramblings.


    Meanwhile, in a dark location miles away from where the Kobold''s Catbs Gate was on the verge of copse, Cassius materialized into reality with a flushed girl in his arms. He strolled up to a brightly litmplight area and sat himself on a bench.

 Chapter 55 Partial 5th Idle Benefit - [Affection Ratings]

    Cassius was about to nce at the system notifications he received for saving Memphis, but before he got the chance, she spoke up, mumbling:


    "Y-You can let me down now¡­" She wiggled and squirmed in hisp. She wasn''t the least bit ufortable¡ªat least not physically¡ªbut something weird was messing with her insides, causing her to experience mild difort.


    "Ahh, yes," said Cassius, seemingly calm about the whole ordeal.


    He gentlyid her on the seat beside him, then took the opportunity to ask, "Do you have any family that I could help you get into contact with¡­?"


    Realization dawned upon Memphis as reality washed over her embarrassment. A lot of color drained from her otherwise beautiful face; she clenched her fists while looking down at her feet.


    "...I have an uncle who lives a few towns over, but¡­ but I really don''t want to contact him¡­ And I would like to stay in Hoshito High if at all possible¡­ I-I really don''t know what to do¡­"


    Cassius''s brows furrowed in understanding. He could sense more to her aversion to her uncle than something merely childish. Moreover, he sympathized with her wanting to stay in the school district she had been in her whole life, even though she knew it was inconvenient to hold on.


    Yet, none of that made this situation any less convoluted¡­


    Feeling theplicated aura permeating around them, Cassius sighed. He snuggled his hand into her hair, causing her nerves to loosen up tremendously. "Don''t worry. From now on, you will be staying with me. Only if you want to, of course."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Memphis''s eyes brightened with genuine joy. "Do you truly mean that?? I can stay with you!?"


    Cassius nearly fell off the bench from how far he had to lean away from the girl who seemed far too excited about this information.


    "Ahh¡­ I-I''m sorry¡­!"


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    Upon realizing how brazen she was acting, Memphis returned to her spot, once again falling silent. However, contrary tost time, the silence was very peaceful, as she repeated his words over and over again in her mind.


    Small illusory flowers seemed to bounce off her head; she was practically overflowing with gratefulness and a sweetness that was almost sickening.


    Cassius instantly understood that there was no turning back on what he said¡ªnot unless he wanted to anger some god above.


    ''Well, not that I was nning on reneging on my proposal to begin with¡­ Though, I will still require Sasha''s permission¡­''


    ''Until I can figure out a way to purchase her some housing of her own, I will need to somehow smooth things over¡­''


    Then, as if to reward him for a good deed while expecting nothing in return, the Idle Evolution System notified him of a few things.


    *Ding!*


    {[Side Quest - Main Quest 2]}


    [Reward 1: Slightly less disdain from the Idle Evolution System] ¨C [Y/N]


    [Reward 2: 5 AP] ¨C [Y/N]


    [Reward 3: The gratitude of a pretty girl who is about to awaken as an S-Rank Awakener] - (Don''t make this weird¡­)] ¨C [Y/N]


    As soon as Cassius saw these screens appear in front of him, he clicked ept on the first silly reward, then epted the second one. Andstly, he epted the final one, though that one didn''t actually do anything¡ªor, at least, that was what he originally assumed.


    {[Memphis: 16 y/o]} ¨C [Affection: 55]


    "???"


    He was extremely perplexed by what he was seeing, but as someone who considered himself to be pretty adaptive, he made his spections about what this screen could entail. Then, as if to assist him in reaching a conclusion, another few screens expanded around the first one.


    BLING!


    {[Partial 5th Idle Benefit]} ¨C [Given due to the Host being rtively close with five or more girls.]


    [Girls (Familiar (10-25) - Close (26-50) - Affectionate (51-80) - Extremely Affectionate (81-95) - Obsessed (96-99) - Out for Blood (100):]


    [Trolling any Girls with at least a Familiar rtionship status will allot the Host more AP than usual, with that bonus being greater the better the rtionship status.]


    {[Memphis: 55]}


    {[Aya: 73]}


    {[Grace: 75]}


    {[Sasha: 43]}


    {[Corra: 18]}


    {[Be: 100]}


    Cassius''s expression remained rather neutral as he read through the details of this sneak peek of the Idle Benefit that woulde after his next one. That was until his eyes fell on the affection rating of his coworker and one of the most popr girls at his school. He couldn''t take his gaze away from the number and name as he tried his best to quantify what the hell he was looking at.


    ''Why would the girl who forces herself to be friendly around me have an affection rating of 100???'' Cassius thought in pure bewilderment. ''Is this thing bugged or something¡­??''


    Noticing the confusion present on his sculpted face, Memphis asked, "Is something the matter? If you''re having second thoughts about letting me stay at your ce, then¡­ then I understand¡ª" But before she could finish that gloomy statement, Cassius cut her off, saying:


    "It''s nothing like that. I was simply mulling over something that seems far too silly¡­ Ha¡­ How ridiculous¡­"


    Memphis''s curiosity piqued as her ears perked up. "...This something¡­ Do you mind telling me about it¡­?"


    "Ahh¡­ Hmm, I guess it wouldn''t hurt to tell ya," replied Cassius. "What if there was this person you thought you only knew as an acquaintance. Yet, a very reliable source told you differently. In fact, this source stated that the person would quite literally kill for you!" He described with a bit of dramatic pause. "Now, tell me: how would you take this information?"


    "Well¡­" Memphis seriously thought over the matter, which made her appear earnestly adorable. Suddenly, her eyes shed with inspiration as she said, "This person must be insane! After all, if you were left under the assumption that you weren''t even friends but mere acquaintances, yet this person felt so passionately about your rtionship to kill for you, then¡­ Then that person must be clinically insane!"


    A starry-eyed girl hanging upside down in a spooky mansion blew an unnaturally loud sneeze. Frustrated over not being able to spend more time with her husband, she grumbled in annoyance while wiping her cute nose.

 Chapter 56 A Friend...?

    "Insane¡­ huh?"


    Cassius pondered deeply about this matter. Either the Idle Evolution System was trolling him, just as it wanted him to do to others, or there was something more to this matter with Be. ''Just what is she hiding¡­?''


    A hush fell over the lit-up bench area of a street located right outside Cassius''s home as he thought about several different usible scenarios. Memphis, on the other hand, was too preupied with the previous subject of living together.


    ''Living together¡­ Isn''t t-that what a man and woman do after¡­ ma-marr¡­ marriage¡­??''


    Smoke escaped her head through her ears as she turned redder than a tomato. Now that her mind was clearer, she was seriously beginning to wonder if this whole thing was a good idea. However, when she recalled thescivious look on her uncle''s face and the innocent kindness of the young shadowy hooded man beside her, her mind resolved.


    With newfound determination, Memphis turned to the contemtive Cassius. "I want to live with you!"


    "...Is that so¡­?"


    Continue reading at empireN?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Yes! If you let me stay at your ce for a period of time, I promise you that I will repay the favor when I eventually awaken as a Hunter!"


    "Very well."


    "And additionally¡ª Ahh, wait, what was that?" Memphis''s well-thought-out speech came to a sudden halt as she started forward.


    Cassius raised an amused brow at her adorable mannerisms. "I said that you can stay. And you can do so for as long as you need to. Of course, you and I will both need to put some effort into convincing my stepmother."


    Although Memphis didn''t understand how she managed to get away with something so monumental so easily, that didn''t mean she would say anything to refute his words.


    Giddy, she said loudly, "I will do everything I can to convince your stepmother! You can trust me!"


    Cassius chuckled softly as he rose from the bench and extended a hand in her direction. "Well, let''s see you put those skills to the test then."


    Memphis only slightly hesitated before taking hisrge, rough hand and pulling herself forward. "I can do it!"


    Now able to walk just fine, she tookrge confident strides away from the bench.


    However, somewhere in the middle of her stride, she froze in ce and slowly swiveled her head around like a mechanically impaired toy.


    "Wh-Which way is your home¡­?" she asked with a twitching smile. The answer she received was a silent one, as Cassius threw up a thumb pointing behind him. "It''s right there." He pointed to the two-story Japanese house located right next to the bench.


    "...Really¡­?"


    "Yep."


    "...I see¡­"


    A hint of crimson touched Memphis''s cheeks as she awkwardly raced back over to Cassius before lightly knocking her forehead against his chest. "...You won''t mention this, right¡­?" she practically squeaked, with no evidence of her previous mojo still present.


    Cassius watched her affection for him scale close to 65, finding the difference between her actions and actual feelings quite amusing. Still, he answered, "Of course not." While smiling warmly.


    "Mhmm¡­"


    They both then walked toward the front entrance to his house.


    She gained back a lot of her confidence uponing into contact with the door, yet lost most of it as soon as she heard faint footsteps echo out from inside. Luckily, Cassius was there to help alleviate most of the pressure she was feeling.


    It was also during this time that Memphis was finally able to see whaty beneath that shadowy hood of his. And for the rest of the time before the footsteps approached the other side of the door, she was left breathless, with her heart beating way out of rhythm.


    Cassius saw her affection increase by another 5 points and hit 68, but he had no idea it was solely because of his appearance, assuming that it happened because of the outward intimacy of a cannon event like this one.


    Tap, Tap, Tap!


    Sasha finally made it to the door and promptly opened it up. The moment she saw the tall, handsome figure ahead, her golden eyes slightly glossed over as she recalled the frivolous thoughts that passed through her mind earlier that day. However, when her eyes fell on the pretty girl standing beside him, they unintentionally darkened a little. This also caused her affection rating to increase by 5, which greatly confused Cassius.


    Yet, before he could broach the matter, she spoke first:


    "This girl is¡­ a friend of yours¡­?"


    "Ahh, yes." Cassius snapped out of it as he gestured to the gorgeous girl nervously squirming in ce. "She is someone currently going through a rough patch, and I was hoping that you would allow her to stay here with us until she finds somewhere else to stay."


    Realizing that this was her part to add something in, Memphis bowed at a low angle, letting her silky ck hair flow over her head. "I-It''s very nice to meet you, Miss Sasha! I-I am Memphis, and I would¡ª" She stuttered repeatedly, yet only worsened things when she bowed a little too much and tipped over.


    Fortunately, Cassius caught her by the back of her ripped-up dress just before she could facent the ground.


    Shifting his eyes back to the judging Sasha, he said, "Memphis may be a bit clumsy, but she is a good girl¡­ Just¡­ she has been through some things recently." Suddenly turning serious, he bowed as well, surprising both Sasha and Memphis. "I would be in your debt if you could permit her to stay here for the time being. Please¡­"


    "C-Cassius¡­" Memphis really didn''t like seeing him go so far for her, especially not after she messed things up so badly.


    "Fine."


    "What¡­?" Both Cassius and Memphis were confused.


    Sasha sighed as she lightly shook her head, bringing with that action the jiggling of her motherly milky white valleys, which were clearly visible in her risqu¨¦ nightwear.


    "I was never going to deny your request to begin with, but seeing you get so serious about something¡­ It makes me happy." She smiled genuinely, dazing both Cassius and Memphis.


    They would never deny it if someone said that this woman had maxed out her mature charm; it even made thetter feel a bit inferior.

 Chapter 57 {[I AM SPEED (P)(C-)]}

    "Anyway," said Sasha. "Head on in and show your friend to the guest room. I will bring some spare clothes up in a bit."


    She turned around and sashayed with her plump cheeks swaying hypnotically, yet before she fully disappeared from the hallway, she side-eyed the pair. "Just don''t be getting up to anything that kids your age would be doing at night."


    With that, she walked away.


    Memphis was left furiously blushing, whereas Cassius remained blissfully unaware of his stepmother''s slight nuances, taking full advantage of his selective-density protagonist powers.


    After making his way to the guest room and giving Memphis a brief rundown, he bid farewell to her, much to her dismay.


    Walking to his room, he crossed paths with the mildly glum blonde MILF. However, when she saw him, the glumness vanished as if it were never there to begin with. Yet, instead of starting a conversation like she would normally do, she curtly nodded before hastily breezing past him with a set of feminine nightwear in her hands.


    Cassius was a bit puzzled by this interaction but quickly shook his head to clear his mind before retreating into the whitish confines of his room. Afterward, he sat down on his bed in a lotus position and swiped up his system interface, curious to see how far he hade after his first official Gate Raid.


    BLING!


    ________________________________


    [Name: Idle Evolution System]


    [Host: Cassius] - [Lvl 29]


    [Title: Advent Devil (C-)]


    ______________________________


    [HP: 4360/4360]               [MP: 8000]


    [FATIGUE: 4].                   [AP: 25]


    ______________________________


    [STRENGTH: 57] (Juggling vans is possible.)


    [AGILITY: 133] (Mach 8. Are you trying to be the red blur?.)


    [ENDURANCE: 52] (Your appearance and temperament have really been improving as ofte. You should be able to put this stamina to good use soon enough!)


    [INTELLIGENCE: 51] (Keep at it and Sage status will be left in the dust, paving way for bing a Great Sage.)


    [PERCEPTION: 54] (Don''t do anything perverted with this level of sense¡­ No, seriously¡­)


    [CHARISMA: 26] (Experienced Model-level)


    {[Skills:]}


    [Shadow Step (A)(D+)(Lvl2)], [Muscrity (P)(D-)(Lvl4], [sh (A)(E+)(Lvl3], [Sprint (A)(F+)(Lvl2]


    [Harden (A)(E+)(Lvl5)], [Extreme Fortitude (P)(D-)(Lvl5)], [Mind Focus (P)(D)(Lvl2)], [Tinker Tools (P)(F+)(Lvl4]..... ¨C[Extend to see more¡­]


    _______________________________


    [P.S. Only skills with high synchrony to the Host will be able to level up and rank up the fastest, even superseding the difference between lower ranks and higher ranks.]


    [Do some of that new-gen stuff and try discovering yourself! Just don''t dye your hair blue and walk around in a dress! That would signify terrible character development¡ª]


    Before the Idle Evolution System could finish its bunch of nonsense, Cassius''s voice cut through the air. "I should have a decent amount of Random Skill Boxes saved up from my level-ups, no? Try opening them instead of running your mouth."


    [...]


    [Rude >¡ê< But a cold and rude personality trait is very much considered good character development¡­]


    [Conflicted¡­]


    "...Can you please stop ying around with me and just open the boxes¡­?" Cassius was on the verge of begging at this point. Enjoy exclusive content from empire


    He would just open the boxes himself if he could, but it seemed the Idle Evolution System had predicted this and locked them in the Inventory.


    [Hmm¡­ Deep pondering¡­]


    [Very well! And as a reward for ying along, the system has decided to give you an opportunity for greater benefits!]


    [You have precisely 300+ Random Skill Boxes of the Copper Minus, Neutral, and Plus Rank. Moreover, you have 50+ Random Skill Boxes of the Bronze Minus, Neutral, and Plus Rank!]


    [Would you like to convert them all into a single Silver-Specific Skill Box of the Agility Aspect? (What you receive is still randomized, but it will be within the bounds of Agility.)]


    Cassius seriously considered what the system was asking him, but then¡­


    [Offer going once!]


    [Offer going twice!]


    [Offer going¡­]


    "Fine, just do it!" Cassius bemoaned his fate as one of the pushy Idle Evolution System''s victims.


    If not for how much power it allowed him to gather, he would¡­! Haiz¡­


    [Wise choice, dear Host! ^=^]


    A lottery board then appeared in front of him, containing thousands of different colored options. Some had names that appeared more imposing than the others, but the clicker didn''t seem to discriminate as it danced along the Skill options.


    After a while, the clicker came to a gradual crawl. Then, with one final flutter, itnded on a pure ck option that held a series of three words in loud white italic lettering. ''I AM SPEED,'' it read. The description, even more unusual, went as such:


    {[I AM SPEED (P)(C-)]}


    [If you thought you were fast before, then just try to move now. Therger the gap between your Agility stat and your other stats, the faster you move.]


    [No known upper limits for the skill.]


    ¨C [Current Speed Boost: 135%]


    The moment this passive Skill was acquired, Cassius felt his body uncontrobly blur. He moved all over the ce at an utterly insane speed yet hadn''t moved a single inch. It was almost as if the very atoms and molecules that made up his being were struggling to remain in the same point in time as the rest of his existence.


    Some timeter¡­n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Cassius managed to control his ludicrous speed to a tolerable level, then breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn''t expected an unexpected and troublesome boon like this one toe from the System''s forced decisions, but he was partly d it did. The other,rger part of himself, however, was uncertain and weary of how this would affect his future.


    If he kept erging the gap between his Agility stat and the other stats, wouldn''t he be able to be so fast that he could potentiallyp the whole world several times over¡­? And that was with the current rank of the Skill,pletely excluding what it could be at higher ranks. Which, with his synchrony with the Agility attribute, were rank-ups that were more a matter of time than anything¡­

 Chapter 58 Sashas Unexpected Worry

    "Maybe I shouldy off the Agility stat for a while¡­?" However, as soon as this thought entered Cassius''s frontal lobe, it left in that same instant. "Who am I kidding? I was born to go fast, and this is just a shortcut to bing faster than everyone else."


    With that, he kept the special Skill to the back of his mind.


    Entertaining a different train of thought, he considered whether to take off his Newbie 1 Training Set before going to sleep. Even though he felt that taking his weights off was the logical thing to do, something was telling him that good things woulde if he kept them on for longer. His first assumption was that the Perception stat was hinting at something, either directly or indirectly through the Idle Evolution System.


    Following a period of contemtion:


    "I guess I''ll just keep them on and also have my Newbie 1 Sword close to my person as well," Cassius decided. "And I will also do another set of exercises for the day, as I feel a connection between doing that and what my gut is telling me to do on this matter as well."


    He promptly fell to the floor with a quiet, controlled thud, then went through each of the exercise sequences. However, as hepleted them all in record times, he felt that they had already be far too easy.


    Even though he barely put any AP into the Strength stat, the gains were stilling. The Strength stat, more than the others, naturally umted due to how much stress was constantly being ced on Cassius''s body. Endurance was also up there, but not nearly at the same level.


    Nheless, he figured the Idle Evolution System would soon solve his¡­ ck of good grinding''...? Soon enough. But before then, he would humbly ept the easy wins.


    After exceeding the 100 mark, eventually touching upon the 200 mark¡ªwhich was the absolute cap for the basic exercises¡ªhe returned to his bed. Surprise over the bed not instantly copsing because of the weight was evident in his expression, but he once again surmised the sturdiness of everything in the household to be a result of an extremely skilled construction worker.


    When, in actuality, it was something far moreplicated and mysterious than that¡­


    After settling into his covers, Cassius snoozed off into the inexplicablend of dreams, utterly unaware of the eerie shadows that lurked outside his bedroom window.


    They lingered there for a while, simply staring with their spiraling beady eyes and salivating from their long slimy tongues. However, after hearing something only they could hear, they simultaneously shot their heads in the same direction. With the same level of synchronicity, they leapt from his bedroom window and raced above the Hoshito housetops at speeds far surpassing even the B-Rank.


    They, along with many other unnervingly terrifying creatures, had their eyes set on the cosmopolitan city of Tokyo. Their intentions were unknown to all, but they appeared from every corner of the nation at the exact same time and advanced in a chaotically orderly fashion, with their destinations being the most popted area in Japan¡­n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As unexinable undercurrents washed through the nation, Cassius unknowingly experienced the setting of the sun in the west and the rising of the sun in the east a total of seven times.


    He woke up bright and early one particr day, feeling exceptionally refreshed. This surprised him; after all, sleeping with thousands of pounds of weights pressing down on one''s body would surely be incredibly ufortable. But for some reason, it made him feel at home, almost as if being restricted was the only way of life he had ever known. Find more chapters on empire


    ''It''s sort of depressing¡­ But at least it makes me stronger,'' he thought to himself while casually rolling out of bed.


    After dressing himself appropriately for a work day off, Cassius opened his door and walked out into the hallway. He noticed no one outside today, but he didn''t fixate on it. His footsteps echoed out softly, but with Aya''s senses, she could immediately tell it was him, prompting her to peek through her slightly ajar door.


    Usually, she would stay asleep until nearly noon during the summer, but as ofte, she began waking up earlier. Her reasons were obvious, but one would never be able to hear them directly from her mouth.


    "Hmm¡­"


    Cassius felt the bear-like stare of the blonde pajama-wearing beauty silently stalking him around the house, yet he didn''t confront her, merely chuckling as he made his way to the kitchen. Waiting for him was a pair of watery golden-brown eyes who, upon seeing him, pleaded with him to save her.


    ''Memphis seems to be adjusting just fine,'' he mused before taking a seat right next to the aggrieved, mouse-like girl. She immediately clung to his shirt, averting her shaky eyes away from the cold-faced MILF sitting opposite her.


    Cassius could tell that something was up, urging him to ask, "Did something happen?"


    Memphis shuddered a little, whereas Sasha huffed. "That girl has been speaking about one day going into Gates! And no matter how I defer her away from that dangerous thought, she just keeps on nodding while retaining that unyielding glint in her gaze! It''s simply¡­! Humph!"


    ''Ahh, so they''re not fighting; Sasha is just worried.'' Cassius warmly smiled, briefly dazzling both the girls at the table and even the one hiding behind a wall. "As long as you two are getting along, I think everything else can be worked out."


    Sasha left her stupor at his words before turning her face to the side. A small pout touched upon her timeless features, which left a vast contrast to her motherly demeanor.


    "That girl is too stubborn for me to possibly get along with her! She''s already going to be attending your school for the new school year and is still a couple of years away from graduation¡ªwhy is she so adamant about venturing into Gates and getting herself killed¡­!?"

 Chapter 59 {[HELLs 1st Floor Key]} - [S+++ Rank]

    Cassius could tell that his stepmother was very passionate about this subject, which frightened the timid Memphis even further. She loved to adventure and discover new things, but when it came to this terrifying woman, she couldn''t even muster an ounce of courage. Realizing this, Cassius patted her head before concentrating on Sasha.


    "Her yearning for the Gates has a lot more to it than some rash pursuit. If that is what she wants if she awakens, then there is nothing either of us can do to persuade her otherwise."


    Although reluctant to agree, Sasha knew he was right. Yet that only seemed to increase her irritation.


    Ever since her stepson began changing, he didn''t seem to be wrong about anything. And that casual, cooling smile stered across his normally apathetic expression only served to further her annoyance.


    Ultimately, Sasha gave in and dejectedly nodded before rising from the dining table. Her mood became a bit glum as she aimlessly wandered around the kitchen; clearly, something else entwined with the Gate matter was irking her. However, seeing as it was likely a very touchy subject, Cassius didn''t bring it up, instead redirecting his focus toward the sleepy beauty walking into the kitchen as if she had just gotten there.


    No matter how many times he observed the tendencies of these women, he couldn''t stop himself from finding them all adorable in their own ways.


    Aya, upon entering the kitchen, approached her seat at the table and began eating without saying a single word. She tried her best to keep her eyes away from the devilishly handsome man a few feet away from her, yet struggled immensely. None besides Cassius noticed this peculiar ncing session she was having with his seemingly oblivious self. But when Sasha finally simmered down enough to be more aware of her surroundings, her face once more contorted in cute frustration.


    "Youngdy!" Sasha eximed. "Why have you been waking up so early?? Are you sick or something!?"


    Hearing this sudden announcement, both Cassius and Memphis hid their lowughs behind their hands. Aya, on the other hand, froze in ce, with her face reddening in proportion to her immense embarrassment.


    "...Mom¡­"


    "Yes, sweetie?" replied Sasha, a bit puzzled over the concealed anger in her tone.


    The shadows covering Aya''s expression flushed away in an instant as she turned her head up and locked her golden eyes with the simrly colored eyes of her mother.


    "You suck!" she announced before storming away in a huff. She couldn''t believe that her mother had embarrassed her so publicly, and in front of Cassius no less! Gosh!!


    A silence hung over the kitchen table as Cassius and Memphis cautiously watched Sasha''s expression fall to the floor. She no longer had a peachy, vigorousplexion; it was instead reced with a level of desteness that reminded them of a barren desert. Discover hidden tales at empire


    Understanding that this was their cue to skedaddle, they silently put their tes away and retreated through the house''s back door. It also just so happened to be the door that Cassius escaped through a few weeks ago, back when he nearly got caught by the recently relieved Aya.


    The vivid memory remained fresh in his mind, but with the massive changes in her attitude and stance toward him, it was hard to ovep them as the same person.


    As Cassius''s mind swirled with nonsense, Memphis, who ran beside him, could swear that she heard the shattering of something loud back where they had juste from. Yet, when she realized that she was closely sticking to him in an almost intimate manner, she furiously blushed before backing away in a fluster.


    Before Cassius had the chance to question her on her unusual behavior, she swiftly vanished from the scene, leaving him all alone in the middle of a street popted by lovey-dovey couples. "Ahh¡­" As if understanding the truth of the universe, he shook his head slightly, apanied by a faint, bitter smile.


    Left to stroll the streets as a single duckling, he received many stares because of his appearance and purposeful istion, as many wondered how someone so handsome could be by himself.


    Taking this time to search through his thoughts, Cassius asionally wondered whether Memphis made it home fine. Yet, more than that, his mind traced back to the events that urred over thest week.


    Following the sessful conquest of his first Gate, he woke up the next morning and received a ''nice'' system notification informing him of the upgrade of his Newbie Training Equipment. He spoke in jest the night prior, in no way expecting his words to actuallye true¡­n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    From 5,000 odd pounds, the total weight of his Newbie 2 Equipment exponentially multiplied to 15,000, with just his Newbie 2 Sword making up half of that! Just performing a single sword swing for the Daily Quest had be virtually impossible, let alone doing 100 of them!


    Cassius felt scammed! But what could he do about it¡­?


    It was only after pushing his body to its limits dozens of times that he finally managed to perform 100 excruciatingly painful sword swings. It was also around this time that he received the system rewards earned for doing exactly double the necessary amount of Daily Quest exercises. From that, he received 20 AP, 2 Stat Points in Charisma, and a ''Key.''


    As opposed to the other time-system rewards that the Idle Evolution System gave out for leveling up, this ''Key'' was something far rarer and harder to acquire. Its description read as such:


    {[HELL''s 1st Floor Key]} - [S+++ Rank]


    [Normally, it is impossible for one who hasn''t achieved transcendence to traverse between the Realms of a Gctic Tower, but this key is one of the few exceptions.]


    [Use it on any door of your choice to open up an entryway that only you can see. If you so choose to risk your worthless, moocher life, then feel free to open up this entryway before achieving a prowess of the B-Rank!]

 Chapter 60 Evo Fusion

    After seeing this description and locating the system''s hidden warning message, Cassius saw a crimson-ck skull key drop into his hands. It radiated death and certain demise; for him, there was no question about the veracity of the system''s words. If he leapt into what would be created by this key before achieving a B-Rank power level, he would undoubtedly die. And even with his most recent gains included, he was still far from the 250 stat mark that would indicate the B-Rank.


    Furthermore, that 250 stat mark was usually meant to be an all-around milestone, as in every single main stat should be at or above 250. Cumtively, the weakest B-Rank Hunter would have around 1250 stat points distributed mostly evenly.


    Of course, Hunters had their strengths and weaknesses, but they never varied greatly enough to exceed a rank.


    Unlike Cassius, who had his Agility stat nearly a rank and a half above his other stats, most Hunters simply hadrge differences within normal scopes. Of course, there were exceptions to this, such as Mage-type Hunters, who had extremely high Intelligence stats yet would oftentimes becking in Strength, Agility, and Endurance, which facilitated every major physical attribute.


    Some Mage Hunters, like the S-Rank Mage Lord from Russia, had Intelligence stats that exceeded their physical stats by 2¨C3 ranks. However, no one had ever heard of someone who mained Agility so drastically.


    Well, there was one¡­ But to most in the world, he was regarded as aplete lunatic, someone who traveled around the world in search of anyone who imed to be the fastest of their respective territories.


    The sheer number of Hunters that werepped and viciously killed by this S-Rank Speedster Hunter had already exceeded that of small towns¡­n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    To the world, he was an S-Rank menace that went by the title of ''Speed of Light Blur Devil.''


    Yet, to those who knew him on a personal level, he was Victor Rapido¡ªthe one regarded as the fastest person on the!


    Cassius, like Victor Rapido, was following a simr path. However, the biggest difference between the two of them was that Victor''s speed was set from awakening, whereas Cassius would only continue growing.


    How long Victor would remain as the supposed ''fastest in the world'' was still to be seen¡­


    ''After receiving HELL''s 1st Floor Key, I then went on to challenge Gate after Gate, all while remaining aplete mystery,'' Cassius continued his recap from where he left off.


    At first, the rate at which he conquered F-Rank and E-Rank Gates was rather slow, as he usually struggled with locating the Boss area and the rest of the monster stragglers.


    To temporarily leave a Gate inactive, one only needed to eliminate some Elite monsters and the Boss Monster; this method was typically used by the Government and the Guilds that had ownership over these lucrative Gates. To permanently close a Gate, on the other hand, required the participating Hunters to exterminate everyst monster and then leave before the dimension copsed on them; this method was used when a Gate too dangerous to keep around appeared.


    Stay connected through empire


    In an average F-Rank, E-Rank, and D-Rank Gate, there would normally be thousands of monsters, all varying in rank. And topletely clean one of such Gates, one would need to spend weeks inside the Gate, which would not only be a waste of time and resources but also pointless since the Gate would break open before all monsters inside could be killed.


    Sending in stronger Hunters would naturally solve this issue, but that would be even more of a waste when there were far more powerful Gates that needed to be managed.


    It was for these reasons that countless Gates were left open to farming in Japan and the rest of the world. In just Japan alone, the number of C-Rank and below Gates, which equated to Yellow-rank and below, had already reached the tens of thousands. And for a small country like Japan, this was a matter that was just a few mishaps away from being catastrophic¡­


    As ofte, even the Japanese government had made ns to redistribute Hunter forces and focus on gradually clearing the lower-rank Gates.


    Not a single government official could have possibly expected someone like Cassius to appear out of nowhere and start making quick work of various Gates with the assistance of his Evomon. That was the name he decided on to easily organize his growing force of rebranded Pok¨¦mon. Only, rather than peaceful and typically chill creatures, his Evomon only knew how to shed blood in their endless ughtering of monsters¡­


    After an entire week of clearing dozens of Gates scattered around Hoshito, Cassius was able to gather together 15 powerful D++ Rank Evomon, which used to be capped at 10 prior to his Agility stat passing 150. Now, with 15 Peak Orange-ranked Gate bosses standing by his side, he was able to effortlessly sweep through D-Rank Gates in less than 20 minutes, which was an insanely fast clear rate for someone with less than 400 cumtive stats.


    Yet, that was all without considering the most spectacr part of the whole Evomon and monster-enving feature which, although morally questionable, came with the benefit of ''Evolution.''


    Cassius had tried out the ''Evo Fusion'' almost right after acquiring it and beating into submission his first D++ Boss Monster. And though the qualities of him and the Evomon didn''t mesh well, he was still able to tremendously improve his power following the transformation of his body into something akin to a water bear humanoid Spirit. It was an amazing thing to experience, and his abilities even more so.


    He could shoot outrge beams of water, summon miniature tsunamis, and even run on water while in ''Aqua Bear'' form, and though it was temporary, he experienced what it was like to Lord over the sea. The feeling was thrilling, to say the least.


    Moreover, this emboldened him to act more proactively in his search for more suitable Evomon to fuse with.

 Chapter 61 {[Shadow Monarchs Hoodie (C-)]}

    It wasn''t until Cassius''s sixth day of searching that he entered a D-Rank Gate and encountered a Boss Monster even more troublesome than the Kobold King from the Kobold Catbs. The boss easily blended into the ancient ruin surroundings and seemed to appear in dozens of different locations all at the same time. Extraordinarily powerful lightning electrified the air and shot out from its innumerable clones, all while further increasing the Boss Monster''s speed.


    It wasn''t until after passing a three-hour intense struggle and finally subduing the elusive Boss Monster that Cassius threw a Common Evoball out. Yet, even with it in a half-dead state, it took five of the balls to capture it, when it would normally only take one or two. However, this only increased the feeling urging him that this monster was the one for him. Lilith vibrated in annoyance upon sensing this thought of his but calmed down after a bit more ughtering.


    While killing monsters with Lilith, Cassius learned more about the truth of the lightning/shadow element boss monster¡ªnow Evomon.


    It was through these observations and physical intuition that he discovered the true nature of its "cloning ability," which was, in actuality, a trick of the mind, produced by abination of its extremely quick speed, its original two elements, and the "Illusion" element. Only after all these aspects came together in seamless fashion could an enemy far surpassing its ranke into being.


    Now, though, that enemy had be Cassius''s Evomon, thus renamed "Nyxvoldar," and would likely remain as part of his strength for many moons toe.


    It was on the seventh day following Cassius''s first conquest of a normal Gate, immediately after his reminiscent recap was finished, that he noticed something up with the people in his immediate vicinity. They were all gathered around arge marble building in a part of Hoshito''s downtown city area.


    Attracted by themotion, Cassius heard people screaming and shouting as if they had lost their minds. His first assumption was that a Sudden Gate had appeared, eliciting mass frenzy. However, after nearing the boisterous crowd and leaning over the heads, he realized exactly what was going on here¡­


    ''Celebrities¡­ Whether in this life or my previous life¡ªthey never change,'' he thought with a sigh. ''And neither do their fans¡­''


    A few dozen meters ahead of him, a group of exceptionally good-looking men and women were standing on a weirdly shaped stage. Their appearances were certainly morous, with many standoffish tassels and adornments attached to their persons. The men posed coolly, while the women were a mix of personalities, with some colder and others wanton enough to blow kisses and wave around in feigned glee.


    Cassius flipped up his shadowy hood and was simply going to turn around and go about his way, as he nned to meet Grace again today. Yet, before his thoughts could be put into action, he suddenly heard something interestinge from the crazed ramblings of the pop star fans.


    "The B-Rank Hunter Party, MoonShiners, actually came to our small city of Hoshito!! What have we done to deserve such good fortune!?"


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    "Oh, God, I really love them! Especially Dominic! He''s my favorite!! So dashing!"


    "Dominic!? You are surely fooling yourself with that one! Lexi is clearly the best-looking among them!"


    "Lexi!? Ha! What a joke! Ste is the only one for me! Just look at how she waves and blows kisses! They are intimate gestures directed toward just me!"


    "Ha!? What a delusional fool! You are not only delusional, but you are also stupid enough to fall for her fake act!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Cassius zoned out the rest of the crowd''s quibbling, instead focusing on the B-Rank Hunter Party part.


    ''There are actually these types of Hunter Parties, and of such high ranking as well¡­ How very unusual¡­''


    Curious, he weaved through the sea of people and made his way toward the front of the group. Normally, with his outstanding appearance, he would stand out no matter where he went, but thanks to the item crafting system feature, he was able to create a magical shadow hood that perfected what he was previously attempting to imitate.


    {[Shadow Monarch''s Hoodie (C-)]}


    |¡ª[Defense: ~102]¡ª|


    [Effect 1 (Too ugly for viewership):] - [Can conceal the facial appearance of the User (Only applicable against those less than 3 Perception ranks higher than the User)]


    [Effect 2:] - [200% increased effectiveness with the Shadow Element]


    [Effect 3 (Night Stalker):] - [During the night, the wearer is able to blend into the darkness and remainpletely undetected by all those with a Perception stat less than 4 ranks higher than yours. (As soon as you attack, this effect will be negated)]


    Cassius obviously knew that the Idle Evolution System was trolling him a bit, but what more could he expect from something that quite literally gave him a trolling system feature? Perhaps it was a bit salty that he hadn''t been using the feature to its fullest capacity.


    ''Over the past week, I''ve obtained roughly 55 AP through the ''trolling'' of those close to me, but I guess that''s not good enough for the system,'' Cassius thought as he tuned into the voiceing through the speaker system on stage. ''Maybe I should try to make some enemies and troll them¡­?''


    Unusual thoughts whirled around inside his head as the Head of the MoonShiner Hunter Party, Dominic, spoke through his microphone:


    "Hello, people of Hoshito!! As some of you are aware, we are the B-Rank Hunter Party, the MoonShiners!"


    His voice caused the citizens in the crowd to erupt in loud cheers.


    It was Dominic''s dignified voice that truly set the reality out before them. A real-life B-Rank Hunter Party had arrived in Hoshito! As for why they were here¡ªwell, who really cared!?


    Dominic inwardly smirked at the zealousness of the na?ve Hoshito denizens. Though, outwardly, he exhibited nothing less than the epitome of gentlemanliness, leaving the fervent girls below swooning.


    A few of the guys were jealous and envious, but more than that, the presence of an actual B-Rank Party weighed far heavier on their minds.


    ...¡­..

 Chapter 62 The B-Rank MoonShiner Hunter Party

    Continuing from where he left off, Dominic said, "We have arrived in Hoshito today to request your vocal support in ouring raid of the High-Yellow ''Tyrant''s Obsession'' Gate!"


    Hearing this, the crowd became even more rowdy, but Dominic was not yet finished. "If the more generous among you are feeling froggy, then you can even support us in the mary sense! But again, you do not need to, and only the most loyal of fans should even consider it!"


    Like an expert at this game, Dominic was able to slip in his true objective while still making himself and the rest of the MoonShiners appear humble and magnanimous. In the eyes of the people of Hoshito, a B-Rank Hunter Party should never be in need of money; after all, theyted tens of millions of USD every year. However, what they failed to ount for was the insatiable greed of the human heart.


    A couple of the MoonShiner members, such as the vivacious Ste, were secretly appalled by the behavior of their Party Leader. But they could do nothing but stand back and keep quiet while looking pretty.


    Cassius, with his heightened senses, was able to understand a lot of things. Moreover, with his Intelligence stat thrown in the mix, the truth of their appearance here was quickly surmised.


    He sighed.


    ''I expected more from a powerful party of B-Rank Hunters, but I guess the human heart is as fickle and materialistic as ever.''


    Cassius''s piercing blue eyes flickered as he wondered how people could possibly be so greedy for something so useless.


    In thest period of time, during his secret conquest of dozens of Gates, he collected too many Magic Shards to count, with some even being individually worth thousands. Yet, even after bringing them to the Hunter''s Association and selling them under an anonymous identity for reduced prices, the six figures in his once-empty bank ount didn''t go to his head. He kept the money in mind, but beyond that, life for him continued as per usual.


    Cassius never stopped working at Bookworm''s Paradise, even though he could likely purchase the whole store and then some.


    He met the seemingly bipr Be nearly every shift; he went out with the meek Grace every now and then, yet not once had he entertained the idea of gloating about his wealth or even showing it off.


    Simply put, he found something greater than measly dor bills to pursue¡ªstrength.


    After experiencing more than a month of the Idle Evolution System''s sadism, Cassius''s mindset hardened to the point where true, hard-earned power was the only thing that interested him. His yearning for greater character development further incensed the Idle Evolution System, subsequently prompting it to give out Side Quests left and right. And with him now needing to perform thousands of sword swings every day, everything was gradually bing too much for him.


    However, for some stupidly weird reason, the insane hell difficulty of the system''s tasks only made Cassius more excited. This unnatural behavior pushed him to newfound heights, with his previous weak-willed self nowhere to be seen.


    Now, even without the extra benefits from the Idle Evolution System, he was bringing in nearly a dozen stat points a day, all acquired because of his absurd will to strive. His AP had reached astronomical numbers, as he hadn''t spent a single point since saving Memphis, yet his stats only kept increasing.


    At his current rate of advancement, it surely wouldn''t be long before he reached the minimum suggested requirement to attempt HELL''s 1st Floor. Though, that was a matter for another time.


    With Newbie Sword 2 kept close to his hip, and veins bulging from his arms, Cassius listened to Dominic, the MoonShiner party head, go on and on about the noble aspirations of their Hunter Party. For the most part, he was the only one who spoke; however, to maximize fan benefits, those like the expressionless 1st Vice Leader Lexi and 2nd Vice Leader Issa voiced their nonsense.


    Yet, like moths to a me, thousands of Hoshito citizens ate up their words like they were the most appetizing things ever.


    ''When faced with beings of higher and more luxurious statuses, those with sheep mentality will simply break,'' Cassius thought evenly. ''The pebbles that these people will provide to the B-Rank Hunter Party certainly won''t amount to much, yet this whole charade is urring for that very reason¡­ It''s sad, really¡­''


    He was about to walk away and resume his weighted grind when he suddenly saw something extremely interesting. On the fair neck of the lively Ste, there was a ne.


    The ne was encased in beautiful blue sapphire and gold, but it was rather the symbol embedded into the ne that truly attracted his attention. It was that of a magnificent tree, with the tree''s branches being uncountable, and the tree''s luster an eye-catching greenish iridescence.


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    ''That symbol is¡­'' Cassius seemed to recall blurry memories from a time before he could even speak¡ªa time when his mother was still around. ''That''s right. My mother used to wear a ne identical to this one, yet it was enveloped in jewels far more magnificent and polished.''


    On the surface, the ne he was seeing on this woman and the ne from his memories in no way looked like they were of the same origin. However, with that uncannily simr symbol, the truth was unmistakable.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ''If this Ste has some sort of connection with my mother, then I need to figure out the truth of the matter.''


    Cassius''s eyes dangerously narrowed as he shed away from the crowd, his destination unknown.


    After a while.


    Dominic, along with the rest of the MoonShiners, descended the stage and walked away from their passionate fans. Just as they were going to enter a luxurious golden-ck limo and begin their journey toward the B-Rank Gate, Ste''s expression morphed ever so slightly.


    For the first time in a very long while, she was letting her true emotions show. Yet, with very little time to deliberate, she stopped in her tracks.


    ...¡­..

 Chapter 63 You are Speed...?

    Confused, Dominic, while still warmly smiling, turned toward her from inside the limo. "What are you doing, Ste? We have a schedule to stick to; hurry up now and get in the car. Stop wasting everyone''s time."


    Ste shivered at the sight of her Party Leader''s ''friendly'' smile as she bit her lower lip and averted her shaky eyes. "...I have to use thedies'' room; it''s an emergency¡­"


    "Just get in the car¡ª" Dominic went to irrefutably retort, yet the other girls, Lexi and Issa, guessing what Ste was talking about, interrupted, saying:


    "There is no harm in letting Ste go her own way for now, Dominic," said Lexi. "She can always catch up to uster."


    Adding something else in, Issa said, "Furthermore, we aren''t scheduled to begin the Gate Raid of thispletely unexplored Gate until six hourster, when the paparazzi and Hunter Association higher-ups arrive."


    Dominic''s expression remained unreadable for a few seconds as he silently considered.


    ck lines clouded his face, and for an instant, the other seemingly amiable B-Rank Hunters in the limo felt the looming threat of death. Yet, it came and went just as fast, with the tension in the air returning to normal.


    "Just don''t let it happen again," he said smilingly before rolling up the tinted window of the limo.


    The limo then drove off into the distance, leaving a troubled and slightly trembling Ste standing by the edge of a busy city road. Even though she had expected her Party Leader to react like he did, it was always increasingly unnerving the more times he acted like that. If not for the voice she just heard speak directly into her head, she never would''ve done something that would make her stand out like that.


    After steadying her uneven breathing and calming her nerves, Ste looked toward a certain alleyway off to the side.


    Approaching the alleyway, she thought about many things. One of which concerned the method that the voice used to speak directly into her mind; she had heard of skills that could produce simr effects, but why would someone like that mess with her and even mention her family heirloom?


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    ''...If what the voice says is true, then he might have a connection with the mysterious force that my grandma used to crazily rave about¡ªthe World Tree''s Sanctuary¡­''


    Meanwhile, Cassius, casually leaning up against a dry brick wall of a restaurant, saw a silhouettee into view. She wore a flowy set of shiny, flowery armor, revealing way more skin than should be necessary for battle armor.


    Her skin was fair, her snowy white hair long and silky, and her figure capable of arousing the desires of many. If one looked close enough, they would even be able to see her two perfectly round and squishy butt cheeks leaving the confines of the short pink shorts she wore underneath her revealing dress.


    It immediately became clear to Cassius that this girl was ufortable while dressed like that, yet she acted in such an unscrupulous manner while on stage. Even yourmon person could tell that she was faking everything, but she was still doing it; why was that?


    As he pondered that very question, the girl in question walked up to this shadowy figure, her eyes emting her weariness. "...Who are you?" she asked, not the least bit resembling the bubbly girl who was dancing around on stage earlier. "And how do you know of this symbol¡­?"


    Although Ste maintained a cautious approach, she was, after all, a powerful B-Rank Hunter. And considering that she couldn''t feel an ounce of aura from the man in front of her, she unconsciously took an upper-ground advantage. Noticing this, Cassius figured he would do something to fully cement what woulde from this discussion.


    "You," he said cryptically. "Sit down¡­ if you would?" He gestured to a pair of illusory wind chairs that he conjured from thin air. Yet, figuring that this simple request would not be enough to take the lead in the conversation, he stuck up a cloaked finger, then blurred.


    "!!!"


    "You¡ª!" Before Ste had the time to react and cast a spell, that shadowy finger made it less than a centimeter away from her tender throat.


    Sweat beads trickled down her wless skin; she froze in ce, trembling in even grander fashion than when faced with the intimidating aura of Dominic. With him, she knew that he would never actually go too far; however, with the mysterious man standing by her side, she could tell¡ªif she acted, she would die.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Cassius, through his shadowy hood, showed an amused smirk. "Even though your Agility is your worst stat and nearly on the verge of being counted as being in the C-Rank, you were almost able to stop me. Though it is unfortunate¡­"


    "...What do you mean by that¡­?" asked Ste, her tone indicating her nervousness. "And how do you know what my stats are at¡­? The Hunter''s Association doesn''t publicly disclose personal information like that¡­"


    Answering her first question, Cassius smilingly said, "If I were someone ordinary, then you surely would have thwarted my sudden advance, but what you weren''t aware of is that¡­ I Am Speed."


    Confusion shed past Ste''s dazzling tundra-blue irises. "...You are speed¡­?" she echoed. "What does that mean?"


    Instead of replying to that follow-up question, Cassius diverted back to the second original question. "I am able to see many things with these eyes thanks to a Skill of mine, and the approximate stats of others just so happen to be one of those things."


    Listening to his perplexing way of answering made Ste even more confused. As a B-Rank Hunter, she was privy to many things, but a Skill like the one this cloaked figure described was not one of those things.


    However, with his energy-coated razor-sharp finger lingering next to her neck, she found it hard to maintain a coherent train of thought, let alone rack her mind for information on any such skills.


    ...


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