During dinner...
"So, you evolved 200 already-transhuman little girls, and they will be like Supers, having psychic abilities?" - Tess asked.
"Sort of, but they have a much more thorough evolution." - I said.
"And Primrose got an ultra-rare superior evolution to boot? What was it called? Noble?" - She continued asking.
"It's Royalty, and yes." - I nodded.
"... Evolve me." - Tess suddenly said.
"... Hah?" - I blinked.
Bam*
"I said, evolve me! Give me a special evolution, too!" - Tess said louder, slamming her fist on the table.
"Gulp* Well, I can, but..." - I hesitated.
"But?" - Tess narrowed her eyes.
"Im afraid some Super would find you through your increased mental energy and think you are a Super." - I bitterly smiled.
"... Seriously? That is all you are worried about?" - Tess looked at me weirdly.
"... Yes?" - I answered back.
"Iver, even if they come knocking on my door, nothing will happen." - Tess crossed her hands.
"How do you know?" - I asked.
"Because they wouldn't mess with someone they don't know for no reason. Instead of a violent confrontation, they will likely do a background check, send someone to interrogate me, and when that fails, they will apprehend me. Of course, if they try to do that, you can have Arly launch such a major cyber attack that they will beg on their knees for me to go home." - Tess said in a self-assured tone.
"... Well, there are a few loopholes in your plan, but if you want it so much, I will oblige." - I nodded.
In any case, it's not like it would be the end of the world if she is found. Honestly, it is more like a hassle at this point.
"Thank you, honey!" - Tess grinned.
"But there is another problem..." - I said.
"Hm? What?" - Tess blinked.
"It will take you over two weeks to evolve..." - I pursed my lips.
Tess's grin instantly reversed.
"What?! Two weeks?! Didn't you say it only takes a day or two?" - Tess asked distraughtly.
"For the regular evolutions, yes, but the one you want is much stronger, the one I planned to evolve into. Even for me, it would take three and a half days, and that is because I have a special physique." - I raised my hands.
Tess frowned, her finger scratching her temple, before asking.
"Can't you just give me a special physique, too?" - She asked.1Legit question
"Of course n— Wait." - I suddenly widened my eyes.
"Tess, let me think for a moment." - I said.
"Okay." - Tess nodded.
I then spoke to the all-knower.
"Trod?"
{Yes?}
"Can I increase the speed of Tess's evolution?" - I asked.
{Can.}
That was like magic in my ears.
"How do I do that?"
{Increase her energy absorption rate. You can do that by increasing her Universal Energy Affinity.}
"Really?! It's that simple?!" - I incredulously asked.
{Yes, it is that simple.}
"... Is it too late to give it to Primrose?" - I asked.
{It's not.}
"Nice."
I then looked at Tess and smiled.
"Okay, there is a way."
"Really?" - Tess brightened.
"Yes. I'll be giving you an affinity. Let's go to the bedroom after we finish eating." - I said.
"Thank you~" - Tess smiled and ate her food with gusto.
After dinner, Tess lay on the bed face down as I looked over the affinity.
{Category: Physical has been selected.}
{Please select the affinity you want.}
Affinity:
Universal Energy Universal Energy Pathing Universal Energy Infusion Universal Senses Enhancement Universal Body Tempering Universal Body Manipulation
Universal Energy Affinity 1: Grant's affinity to all absorbable energies, converting them into a Universal Energy usable in all realities. Increases Energy Conversion and Energy Regeneration. Price: 1 Enhancement Energy A, 10 Basic Energy
The effects were similar to what I expected, with the added energy capacity as a bonus.
However, the price made me frown a little. For the first time, Enhancement Energy was used instead of Evolution Energy.
"But why Enhancement Energy?" - I asked.
{It concerns the method used to grant those affinities. Ic'thotl'itrod uses the Rune Injection method. It creates a rune from enhancement energy and injects it into the soul, which adjusts the fake soul and body by absorbing soul particles in the atmosphere. This way, no matter how powerful you get, the affinities will eventually return after a period of adjustment.}
"But that also puts pressure on the soul, right?"
{The injected rune would cause some pressure, but the soul would expand to accommodate it using the Basic Energy as building blocks. An infinite amount of runes can be injected if given enough time for the soul to adjust. It can cause some discomfort during the adjustment, however.}
"Hah? Wouldn't the soul be too big for the body, then?"
{It isn't an outward expansion but an inward one.}
"That doesn't make any sense."
{Think of it as a pocket dimension confined to a finite space but is infinitely large inside, combining Space/Void metaphysics. Power: Storage works on the same concept.}
"I have no idea how that can even work..."
{You will come to understand it in due time. For now, don't you need to do something?}
"Iver, is everything alright?" - Tess glanced at me.
"Ah, nothing. I was checking something. Are you ready?" - I asked.
"Sure." - Tess nodded.
"Okay, here goes nothing..."
With that, I put my hand on her back and granted her the affinity.
Black flames emerged from my palm, forming a tiny ball with a cluster of dense symbols before gently fusing with Tess.
{It's done.}
"Mm... I feel tingly." - Tess muttered, her body involuntarily wriggling.
"That's normal. Wait for a bit." - I said.
And then I asked Trod.
"Can I continue increasing the affinity?"
{When her adjusting stops, you can continue without worries. The rune injection method is very gentle and user-friendly. I only stopped you from granting yourself affinities before because your soul was not stable enough. The burden it puts on the soul heals as fast as it is created normally.}
"Excellent. By the way, how much does this affinity increase her energy absorption?"
{If the body absorption rate is X, it adds X*2^(grade) - 1.}
"Double again, hah? Does it also increase Mental Energy regeneration? And why is it always double? It feels like binary code."
{For the first question, it doesn't. It only helps the body regenerate energy, like Immortal Body, which doubles energy absorption. As for your second question, it is because the world can be represented with bits. Binary, Quantum, and other languages and mathematics use bits as their basis. Although not all gods use this method, many do, especially orthodox gods. It is all about convenience.}
"Makes sense."
Just then, Tess spoke.
"Iver, the tingling stopped. Is it over?" - She asked.
"Hm... About two minutes, hah?" - I thought.
"It is. We can continue right now." - I said.
"Okay! Go ahead." - Tess replied.
I nodded and looked at the price of the next upgrade.
Universal Energy Affinity 2: Grant's affinity to all absorbable energies, converting them into a Universal Energy usable in all realities. Increases Energy Conversion and Energy Regeneration. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A, 100 Basic Energy
Requires: Universal Energy Affinity 1
As expected, the price is multiplied by 10.
"What would happen if I give it without Universal Energy Affinity 1?"
{It won't work. The enhancement uses the first upgrade as the foundation.}
"Reasonable."
And with that, I continued increasing her affinity.
The second time took four minutes for Tess to adjust, the third took eight, and the fourth took sixteen. I didn't do it a fifth time, however. It was a waste of energy at this point.
A 16-times reduction is more than enough.
Basic Energy: 404,738 -> 393,628
Evolution Energy A: 30,677
Enhancement Energy A: 106,300 -> 105,189
In the past, I would be distressed like hell about this loss, but now? Now, points felt like a number.
However, that did raise a question.
"Should I wait until my soul stabilizes, get this affinity to the 5 or 6, and then directly evolve into Dreamer?" - I wondered.
However, my thought process was cut by Tess's voice.
"Iver? You're spacing out again." - She said.
"Haha... I was thinking about how fast your evolution would be now." - I smiled.
"Oh? How fast is it now?" - Tess asked.
"It will be 16 times faster." - I said.
"Wow... Doesn't that mean I can finish everything in a day now?" - Tess's eyes shined.
"Yes." - I nodded.
Tess smiled brightly, got up, and gently hugged me.
"I love you, Iver. Mwa~" - Tess said and pecked my lips.
"I love you too, Tess. Want to start now?" - I smiled and asked.
"I do... But what about the stocks?" - Tess asked worriedly.
"I'll manage." - I replied.
Hearing my words, Tess smiled and suddenly kneeled.
"Okay... But I will be unconscious for a day, so why not help you unwind a little first?" - She asked, rubbing Jr. through my pants.
"... Yes, Please."
Tess's smile grew wider.
Zip*
...
Basic Energy: 393,628 -> 393,128
Evolution Energy A: 30,677 -> 30,627
After helping me unwind, I evolved Tess, now wrapped in black flames.
Of course, I didn't factory reset her original memories but gave her the knowledge as a separate data folder.
It would take her less than 2 hours to evolve into an Ascended, and that is because a Human's energy absorption is comparatively low.
With nothing to do, I sat next to her and learned the basics of stocks while waiting for Tess to finish evolving.
And so, about two hours later...
"Iver?" - Tess's voice sounded.
Opening my eyes, I looked toward the bed and saw her.
Her trimmed brown hair was now long, wavy platinum green. Her Azure eyes were golden. And she had an onyx crystal on her forehead.
Looking at her, I smirked and sent her a message through the Crystal Network.
"How does it feel to become an Ascended?" - I kindly asked.
Tess widened her eyes.
"Oh, wow! We can talk telepathically... It feels so great." - She replied in marvel.
She then raised her hands in the air, clenching and unclenching them.
And then she frowned.
"Hm? It's hard for me to control my strength." - Tess looked at her hands.
"That's normal. It took me days to get used to." - I replied.
"Days? That would be a bit problematic... That means I can't function daily..." - Tess looked at me sorrowfully.
"It's fine! I'll take care of the delicate stuff." - I said reassuringly.
"... And I might hurt you during sex." - She said with an almost crying look.
"... Okay, that IS a problem." - I agreed.
I then remembered that there was an affinity that sounded suitable for the task, so I looked at it.
Universal Body Manipulation 1: Grants affinity to all body types and strengths, allowing quick adjustment and skillful manipulation in all situations. Price: 1 Enhancement Energy A, 10 Basic Energy
"Bingo."
"I found something. Stay on the bed for me." - I said.
"Okay." - Tess nodded and stayed put.
I then placed a hand on her stomach and gave her the affinity.
Two minutes later...
"How is it now?" - I asked, looking at Tess moving her hands.
"It's easier now." - Tess reported.
"Good. But let's do it a few more times and see how that works." - I said.
"Thank you~."
Half an hour later...
Basic Energy: 393,128 -> 382,018
Enhancement Energy A: 105,189 -> 104,078
"Wow! It feels so natural now! No, maybe even more than before evolving." - Tess exclaimed.
"That much?" - I raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, that much. It's incredible." - Tess said.
And then she seemed to remember something.
"Ah, right! I didn't get to see what I look like." - Tess said while grabbing her now-long hair.
"Wow... So silky and smooth. And this color... I love it!" - Tess smiled from ear to ear.
She then reached for her phone and activated the face camera.
"Ah... Wow~ I look like a cosplayer!" - Tess said excitedly.
"Hahaha... Wait until you have shapeshifting affinity. Then you can take cosplay to a new level." - I laughed and said.
"Shapeshifting?! Taking it to a new level... True cosplay?!" - She asked, slack-jawed.
"Yes, that kind of thing." - I nodded.
"Awesome! It'll be so much fun the next time I go to a Comicon!" - Tess giddily said.
I forgot to mention. Tess wasn't ALWAYS locked home. Sometimes, she went out to Comicons while wearing a costume that hid her face.
While Tess was happy, suddenly, her expression changed. A seductive grin played on her lips.
"And I think we can have... Other uses for that." - She said meaningfully.
"... I love you so much." - I couldn't help but utter.
"Hmhmhm~ I love you more~."
After a quick flirting session, I started her strengthening process.
Basic Energy: 393,128 -> 388,128
Evolution Energy A: 30,627 -> 30.127
It took less than 40 minutes for Tess to finish her Strengthening process.
"How do you feel? Can you control your strength?" - I asked her.
"Hm... I think I can. It's pretty easy." - Tess said while stretching her limbs.
"Wow, I'm kinda jelly now. I had to adjust myself for over five days." - I enviously looked at her.
"Really? Can't you give yourself the affinity?" - Tess curiously asked.
"Eh... I couldn't use it back then. I'm also recovering from something else, so I require a few weeks." - I shrugged.
"Are you okay?" - Tess asked worriedly.
"Does it look like I am not okay?" - I asked while flexing my muscles.
Tess looked at me, then my strong arms, and then locked her gaze on my crotch.
"Plenty strong, alright." - She grinned.
"Naughty girl. So, want to evolve now?" - I asked, amused.
"Yes~ But first, how about giving me a good night kiss?" - Tess smiled and hugged me.
"Don't mind if I do." - I smiled back and kissed her.
However, a moment later...
Tess suddenly frowned and separated from me.
"I taste another girl on your lips. And her smell is all over you. It's that Primrose, isn't it?" - Tess looked at me, irritated.
"Haha... She kinda did a number on me there." - I awkwardly laughed.
"Let me guess, she made a sneak attack on you and stole a kiss, told you I can have you for now, and THEN told you to say hi in her name, right?" - Tess rolled her eyes.
"Are you a prophet?!" - I exclaimed.
"Dammit! A little girl is challenging me for my boyfriend! I am SO mad!" - Tess angrily stamped her foot.
She then glared at me and poked her finger at my chest.
"And you! Be more assertive and draw a clear line! No more daddy bullshit, no more hugs, no more kinship, and NEVER sleep in her proximity! Order it if you have to! I don't care if you bone her when her body is fully matured, breed an entire town full of horny down-to-fuck sluts, or take a hundred more girlfriends, but Tess Hudson is not dating a pedophile, even if it is only technical. Period. Got it?!"
I was shocked. This was the first time Tess got so angry.
However, the point of why she was angry was a bit wrong. I can understand her hating pedophilia since I share the same views, but not to THAT extent. It was to the point where she, as my Zealot, threatened to break up with me. It was more like a deep-seated obsession... A mental scar.
I felt there was a story behind this.
"Something bothering you, Tess? Want to lay it off your chest?" - I asked in concern.
Uncharacteristically, Tess looked down, the white of her eyes growing red as they started filling with water.
I didn't say anything. I just gave her a silent supporting hug.
As if the floodgates were opened, Tess started quietly sobbing.
"I'm sorry..." - She muttered.
"It's okay, Tess. Let it all out." - I comforted while rubbing her back.
Fifteen minutes and a soaked shirt later, she finally calmed down.
"If you are comfortable with it, want to tell me what happened?" - I asked.
Tess remained quiet.
"I won't force you if you don't want to, and I won't judge, either. I merely want to know." - I said.
"... Okay." - Tess nodded and started narrating.
One sickening story on memory lane later...
"Okay, we are killing them." - I said my verdict.
Jail isn't enough. Such trash should just be deleted from this world.
"B-But isn't that illegal? What if we get caught?" - Tess asked in fear.
However, that glimmer of excitement and hatred was noticed by me.
"No worries. We technically won't be the ones killing after all." - I said, vicious murder in my eyes.
"Technically? You mean..." - Tess's eyes widened.
"Yeah. Let's evolve you first and then talk about it." - I said.
Tess quietly nodded and lay on the bed.
"Sleep well, Tess." - I said.
"Thank you, Iver." - Tess smiled.
And with that, I started evolving her into an Ascended Polymath. Evolving her into Royalty was meaningless, after all.
Basic Energy: 388,128 -> 288,128
Evolution Energy A: 30.127 -> 20,127
Enhancement Energy A: 104,078
And so, I spent the rest of the night studying, and the next day I was handling the stocks program, not stepping an inch out of home.
The chances of running into trouble should have been close to zero. Everything should have been smooth sailing.
But, as usual, Murphy's law likes to mess with me, and anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
...
"Hey, I have a reading!"
bignt
Well, some of you pissed me off by repeatedly wanting Tess to evolve, so here it is! Your damn wish is granted, along with the worst-case scenario.
Oh, and did I mention Iver has bad luck and NO plot armor? It kinda runs in the family.
Cheers.
During dinner...
"So, you evolved 200 already-transhuman little girls, and they will be like Supers, having psychic abilities?" - Tess asked.
"Sort of, but they have a much more thorough evolution." - I said.
"And Primrose got an ultra-rare superior evolution to boot? What was it called? Noble?" - She continued asking.
"It's Royalty, and yes." - I nodded.
"... Evolve me." - Tess suddenly said.
"... Hah?" - I blinked.
Bam*
"I said, evolve me! Give me a special evolution, too!" - Tess said louder, slamming her fist on the table.
"Gulp* Well, I can, but..." - I hesitated.
"But?" - Tess narrowed her eyes.
"Im afraid some Super would find you through your increased mental energy and think you are a Super." - I bitterly smiled.
"... Seriously? That is all you are worried about?" - Tess looked at me weirdly.
"... Yes?" - I answered back.
"Iver, even if they come knocking on my door, nothing will happen." - Tess crossed her hands.
"How do you know?" - I asked.
"Because they wouldn't mess with someone they don't know for no reason. Instead of a violent confrontation, they will likely do a background check, send someone to interrogate me, and when that fails, they will apprehend me. Of course, if they try to do that, you can have Arly launch such a major cyber attack that they will beg on their knees for me to go home." - Tess said in a self-assured tone.
"... Well, there are a few loopholes in your plan, but if you want it so much, I will oblige." - I nodded.
In any case, it's not like it would be the end of the world if she is found. Honestly, it is more like a hassle at this point.
"Thank you, honey!" - Tess grinned.
"But there is another problem..." - I said.
"Hm? What?" - Tess blinked.
"It will take you over two weeks to evolve..." - I pursed my lips.
Tess's grin instantly reversed.
"What?! Two weeks?! Didn't you say it only takes a day or two?" - Tess asked distraughtly.
"For the regular evolutions, yes, but the one you want is much stronger, the one I planned to evolve into. Even for me, it would take three and a half days, and that is because I have a special physique." - I raised my hands.
Tess frowned, her finger scratching her temple, before asking.
"Can't you just give me a special physique, too?" - She asked.1Legit question
"Of course n— Wait." - I suddenly widened my eyes.
"Tess, let me think for a moment." - I said.
"Okay." - Tess nodded.
I then spoke to the all-knower.
"Trod?"
{Yes?}
"Can I increase the speed of Tess's evolution?" - I asked.
{Can.}
That was like magic in my ears.
"How do I do that?"
{Increase her energy absorption rate. You can do that by increasing her Universal Energy Affinity.}
"Really?! It's that simple?!" - I incredulously asked.
{Yes, it is that simple.}
"... Is it too late to give it to Primrose?" - I asked.
{It's not.}
"Nice."
I then looked at Tess and smiled.
"Okay, there is a way."
"Really?" - Tess brightened.
"Yes. I'll be giving you an affinity. Let's go to the bedroom after we finish eating." - I said.
"Thank you~" - Tess smiled and ate her food with gusto.
After dinner, Tess lay on the bed face down as I looked over the affinity.
{Category: Physical has been selected.}
{Please select the affinity you want.}
Affinity:
Universal Energy Universal Energy Pathing Universal Energy Infusion Universal Senses Enhancement Universal Body Tempering Universal Body Manipulation
Universal Energy Affinity 1: Grant's affinity to all absorbable energies, converting them into a Universal Energy usable in all realities. Increases Energy Conversion and Energy Regeneration. Price: 1 Enhancement Energy A, 10 Basic Energy
The effects were similar to what I expected, with the added energy capacity as a bonus.
However, the price made me frown a little. For the first time, Enhancement Energy was used instead of Evolution Energy.
"But why Enhancement Energy?" - I asked.
{It concerns the method used to grant those affinities. Ic'thotl'itrod uses the Rune Injection method. It creates a rune from enhancement energy and injects it into the soul, which adjusts the fake soul and body by absorbing soul particles in the atmosphere. This way, no matter how powerful you get, the affinities will eventually return after a period of adjustment.}
"But that also puts pressure on the soul, right?"
{The injected rune would cause some pressure, but the soul would expand to accommodate it using the Basic Energy as building blocks. An infinite amount of runes can be injected if given enough time for the soul to adjust. It can cause some discomfort during the adjustment, however.}
"Hah? Wouldn't the soul be too big for the body, then?"
{It isn't an outward expansion but an inward one.}
"That doesn't make any sense."
{Think of it as a pocket dimension confined to a finite space but is infinitely large inside, combining Space/Void metaphysics. Power: Storage works on the same concept.}
"I have no idea how that can even work..."
{You will come to understand it in due time. For now, don't you need to do something?}
"Iver, is everything alright?" - Tess glanced at me.
"Ah, nothing. I was checking something. Are you ready?" - I asked.
"Sure." - Tess nodded.
"Okay, here goes nothing..."
With that, I put my hand on her back and granted her the affinity.
Black flames emerged from my palm, forming a tiny ball with a cluster of dense symbols before gently fusing with Tess.
{It's done.}
"Mm... I feel tingly." - Tess muttered, her body involuntarily wriggling.
"That's normal. Wait for a bit." - I said.
And then I asked Trod.
"Can I continue increasing the affinity?"
{When her adjusting stops, you can continue without worries. The rune injection method is very gentle and user-friendly. I only stopped you from granting yourself affinities before because your soul was not stable enough. The burden it puts on the soul heals as fast as it is created normally.}
"Excellent. By the way, how much does this affinity increase her energy absorption?"
{If the body absorption rate is X, it adds X*2^(grade) - 1.}
"Double again, hah? Does it also increase Mental Energy regeneration? And why is it always double? It feels like binary code."
{For the first question, it doesn't. It only helps the body regenerate energy, like Immortal Body, which doubles energy absorption. As for your second question, it is because the world can be represented with bits. Binary, Quantum, and other languages and mathematics use bits as their basis. Although not all gods use this method, many do, especially orthodox gods. It is all about convenience.}
"Makes sense."
Just then, Tess spoke.
"Iver, the tingling stopped. Is it over?" - She asked.
"Hm... About two minutes, hah?" - I thought.
"It is. We can continue right now." - I said.
"Okay! Go ahead." - Tess replied.
I nodded and looked at the price of the next upgrade.
Universal Energy Affinity 2: Grant's affinity to all absorbable energies, converting them into a Universal Energy usable in all realities. Increases Energy Conversion and Energy Regeneration. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A, 100 Basic Energy
Requires: Universal Energy Affinity 1
As expected, the price is multiplied by 10.
"What would happen if I give it without Universal Energy Affinity 1?"
{It won't work. The enhancement uses the first upgrade as the foundation.}
"Reasonable."
And with that, I continued increasing her affinity.
The second time took four minutes for Tess to adjust, the third took eight, and the fourth took sixteen. I didn't do it a fifth time, however. It was a waste of energy at this point.
A 16-times reduction is more than enough.
Basic Energy: 404,738 -> 393,628
Evolution Energy A: 30,677
Enhancement Energy A: 106,300 -> 105,189
In the past, I would be distressed like hell about this loss, but now? Now, points felt like a number.
However, that did raise a question.
"Should I wait until my soul stabilizes, get this affinity to the 5 or 6, and then directly evolve into Dreamer?" - I wondered.
However, my thought process was cut by Tess's voice.
"Iver? You're spacing out again." - She said.
"Haha... I was thinking about how fast your evolution would be now." - I smiled.
"Oh? How fast is it now?" - Tess asked.
"It will be 16 times faster." - I said.
"Wow... Doesn't that mean I can finish everything in a day now?" - Tess's eyes shined.
"Yes." - I nodded.
Tess smiled brightly, got up, and gently hugged me.
"I love you, Iver. Mwa~" - Tess said and pecked my lips.
"I love you too, Tess. Want to start now?" - I smiled and asked.
"I do... But what about the stocks?" - Tess asked worriedly.
"I'll manage." - I replied.
Hearing my words, Tess smiled and suddenly kneeled.
"Okay... But I will be unconscious for a day, so why not help you unwind a little first?" - She asked, rubbing Jr. through my pants.
"... Yes, Please."
Tess's smile grew wider.
Zip*
...
Basic Energy: 393,628 -> 393,128
Evolution Energy A: 30,677 -> 30,627
After helping me unwind, I evolved Tess, now wrapped in black flames.
Of course, I didn't factory reset her original memories but gave her the knowledge as a separate data folder.
It would take her less than 2 hours to evolve into an Ascended, and that is because a Human's energy absorption is comparatively low.
With nothing to do, I sat next to her and learned the basics of stocks while waiting for Tess to finish evolving.
And so, about two hours later...
"Iver?" - Tess's voice sounded.
Opening my eyes, I looked toward the bed and saw her.
Her trimmed brown hair was now long, wavy platinum green. Her Azure eyes were golden. And she had an onyx crystal on her forehead.
Looking at her, I smirked and sent her a message through the Crystal Network.
"How does it feel to become an Ascended?" - I kindly asked.
Tess widened her eyes.
"Oh, wow! We can talk telepathically... It feels so great." - She replied in marvel.
She then raised her hands in the air, clenching and unclenching them.
And then she frowned.
"Hm? It's hard for me to control my strength." - Tess looked at her hands.
"That's normal. It took me days to get used to." - I replied.
"Days? That would be a bit problematic... That means I can't function daily..." - Tess looked at me sorrowfully.
"It's fine! I'll take care of the delicate stuff." - I said reassuringly.
"... And I might hurt you during sex." - She said with an almost crying look.
"... Okay, that IS a problem." - I agreed.
I then remembered that there was an affinity that sounded suitable for the task, so I looked at it.
Universal Body Manipulation 1: Grants affinity to all body types and strengths, allowing quick adjustment and skillful manipulation in all situations. Price: 1 Enhancement Energy A, 10 Basic Energy
"Bingo."
"I found something. Stay on the bed for me." - I said.
"Okay." - Tess nodded and stayed put.
I then placed a hand on her stomach and gave her the affinity.
Two minutes later...
"How is it now?" - I asked, looking at Tess moving her hands.
"It's easier now." - Tess reported.
"Good. But let's do it a few more times and see how that works." - I said.
"Thank you~."
Half an hour later...
Basic Energy: 393,128 -> 382,018
Enhancement Energy A: 105,189 -> 104,078
"Wow! It feels so natural now! No, maybe even more than before evolving." - Tess exclaimed.
"That much?" - I raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, that much. It's incredible." - Tess said.
And then she seemed to remember something.
"Ah, right! I didn't get to see what I look like." - Tess said while grabbing her now-long hair.
"Wow... So silky and smooth. And this color... I love it!" - Tess smiled from ear to ear.
She then reached for her phone and activated the face camera.
"Ah... Wow~ I look like a cosplayer!" - Tess said excitedly.
"Hahaha... Wait until you have shapeshifting affinity. Then you can take cosplay to a new level." - I laughed and said.
"Shapeshifting?! Taking it to a new level... True cosplay?!" - She asked, slack-jawed.
"Yes, that kind of thing." - I nodded.
"Awesome! It'll be so much fun the next time I go to a Comicon!" - Tess giddily said.
I forgot to mention. Tess wasn't ALWAYS locked home. Sometimes, she went out to Comicons while wearing a costume that hid her face.
While Tess was happy, suddenly, her expression changed. A seductive grin played on her lips.
"And I think we can have... Other uses for that." - She said meaningfully.
"... I love you so much." - I couldn't help but utter.
"Hmhmhm~ I love you more~."
After a quick flirting session, I started her strengthening process.
Basic Energy: 393,128 -> 388,128
Evolution Energy A: 30,627 -> 30.127
It took less than 40 minutes for Tess to finish her Strengthening process.
"How do you feel? Can you control your strength?" - I asked her.
"Hm... I think I can. It's pretty easy." - Tess said while stretching her limbs.
"Wow, I'm kinda jelly now. I had to adjust myself for over five days." - I enviously looked at her.
"Really? Can't you give yourself the affinity?" - Tess curiously asked.
"Eh... I couldn't use it back then. I'm also recovering from something else, so I require a few weeks." - I shrugged.
"Are you okay?" - Tess asked worriedly.
"Does it look like I am not okay?" - I asked while flexing my muscles.
Tess looked at me, then my strong arms, and then locked her gaze on my crotch.
"Plenty strong, alright." - She grinned.
"Naughty girl. So, want to evolve now?" - I asked, amused.
"Yes~ But first, how about giving me a good night kiss?" - Tess smiled and hugged me.
"Don't mind if I do." - I smiled back and kissed her.
However, a moment later...
Tess suddenly frowned and separated from me.
"I taste another girl on your lips. And her smell is all over you. It's that Primrose, isn't it?" - Tess looked at me, irritated.
"Haha... She kinda did a number on me there." - I awkwardly laughed.
"Let me guess, she made a sneak attack on you and stole a kiss, told you I can have you for now, and THEN told you to say hi in her name, right?" - Tess rolled her eyes.
"Are you a prophet?!" - I exclaimed.
"Dammit! A little girl is challenging me for my boyfriend! I am SO mad!" - Tess angrily stamped her foot.
She then glared at me and poked her finger at my chest.
"And you! Be more assertive and draw a clear line! No more daddy bullshit, no more hugs, no more kinship, and NEVER sleep in her proximity! Order it if you have to! I don't care if you bone her when her body is fully matured, breed an entire town full of horny down-to-fuck sluts, or take a hundred more girlfriends, but Tess Hudson is not dating a pedophile, even if it is only technical. Period. Got it?!"
I was shocked. This was the first time Tess got so angry.
However, the point of why she was angry was a bit wrong. I can understand her hating pedophilia since I share the same views, but not to THAT extent. It was to the point where she, as my Zealot, threatened to break up with me. It was more like a deep-seated obsession... A mental scar.
I felt there was a story behind this.
"Something bothering you, Tess? Want to lay it off your chest?" - I asked in concern.
Uncharacteristically, Tess looked down, the white of her eyes growing red as they started filling with water.
I didn't say anything. I just gave her a silent supporting hug.
As if the floodgates were opened, Tess started quietly sobbing.
"I'm sorry..." - She muttered.
"It's okay, Tess. Let it all out." - I comforted while rubbing her back.
Fifteen minutes and a soaked shirt later, she finally calmed down.
"If you are comfortable with it, want to tell me what happened?" - I asked.
Tess remained quiet.
"I won't force you if you don't want to, and I won't judge, either. I merely want to know." - I said.
"... Okay." - Tess nodded and started narrating.
One sickening story on memory lane later...
"Okay, we are killing them." - I said my verdict.
Jail isn't enough. Such trash should just be deleted from this world.
"B-But isn't that illegal? What if we get caught?" - Tess asked in fear.
However, that glimmer of excitement and hatred was noticed by me.
"No worries. We technically won't be the ones killing after all." - I said, vicious murder in my eyes.
"Technically? You mean..." - Tess's eyes widened.
"Yeah. Let's evolve you first and then talk about it." - I said.
Tess quietly nodded and lay on the bed.
"Sleep well, Tess." - I said.
"Thank you, Iver." - Tess smiled.
And with that, I started evolving her into an Ascended Polymath. Evolving her into Royalty was meaningless, after all.
Basic Energy: 388,128 -> 288,128
Evolution Energy A: 30.127 -> 20,127
Enhancement Energy A: 104,078
And so, I spent the rest of the night studying, and the next day I was handling the stocks program, not stepping an inch out of home.
The chances of running into trouble should have been close to zero. Everything should have been smooth sailing.
But, as usual, Murphy's law likes to mess with me, and anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
...
"Hey, I have a reading!"
bignt
Well, some of you pissed me off by repeatedly wanting Tess to evolve, so here it is! Your damn wish is granted, along with the worst-case scenario.
Oh, and did I mention Iver has bad luck and NO plot armor? It kinda runs in the family.
Cheers.
