Calm down. I knew it was a missed chance, but I had to look on the bright side.
Did I really want my first time to happen inside a simulation?
Of course not. Nothing beats the real thing. And it wasn’t like I’d lost my chance forever. I had a system—getting girls would only be a matter of time.
What I needed to focus on was getting back into shape.
I began circulating my ki through the blocked meridians.
Bit by bit the blockage cracked like a wall under steady pressure.
Heat spread through my channels, and a tingling crawled into the fingers of my right hand. It wasn’t much, but even a tiny spark was a small victory.
"Inhale... exhale."
Another breathing cycle passed, and I could feel not just my body but even my organs growing stronger.
I was becoming more comfortable with the breathing technique, and realized the air in this world was far richer compared to the simulation.
Each breath brimmed with energy, speeding up my progress exponentially.
This was most likely because of the Tower’s existence.
Researchers discovered that those mysterious structures released a strange element into the air.
It changed the land around them—soil became richer, and plants grew faster and larger. In places near a Tower, trees and crops could grow up to ten times bigger than usual.
Even the animals were affected, growing bigger and stronger, though most became far more aggressive.
If the Towers really cause awakenings, then by absorbing enough of that element, I’ll awaken too.
When my vision began to fade, I decided to rest.
My meridians could only endure so much tempering at a time. It was like training a muscle—it needed time to recover before I could strengthen it again.
click!
The door opened, revealing a pretty woman.
It was Aunt Ellie, looking more well-dressed than usual. Her tailored white blazer was spotless, the kind that gave off the air of a rich wife.
Expensive jewelry adorned her—sparkling earrings and a diamond covered necklace that gleamed with every movement.
Anyone passing by would surely turn their head to look at her.
However, something was off about her expression. She looked sad, glancing at her luxury watch as if time were already slipping through her fingers.
"What’s wrong?" I inquired, just before she shut and locked the door behind her.
"I came just as promised, but I can’t stay long. Your father asked me to meet him for a business meeting with another company, CEO" she explained.
"It’s alright, Aunt Ellie. I’m just glad you came to see me."
Relief softened her smile; with that, she said her goodbye.
[NEW MISSION: Raise Ellie’s affection until she sees you as a man]
I almost cursed the system out loud for giving me the mission too late, but then I noticed the men in black—her bodyguards—waiting outside my room.
Alright, I’ll forgive the system for now—at least it thought that far ahead.
Minutes later, another person entered.
"Mr. Ace." Claire got closer and was looking a bit flustered.
"Maybe drop that name when it’s just the two of us."
She sat down and gave me a quick kiss on the lips, remembering our deal.
"H-How do you want me to call you?"
"Just Ace will do—or Darling, if you’re up for it," I teased, and she turned pink as a rose.
I really liked how easy and gullible Claire was. It made me want to tease her even more.
"Darling," she forced out. It almost made me want to kiss her, but the unease in her eyes held me back.
"Did something happened?" I inquired.
"About your promise... to help my mother" she fidgeted with her pen.
Oh crap. I almost forgot about all that nonsense I been feeding her before.
"I already talked Aunt Ellie about it. She needs more information about your mother, so you write it in a note, and I’ll just show it to her tomorrow."
She nodded, grabbing a pen. Her hand hovered over the paper for a moment before she started scribbling, then looked up at me with a bright, cheerful smile.
"Thank you so much. This will really help me."
I could tell she truly loved her mother. I may have started with a lie, but once I’m cured and regain access to my wealth, I’ll keep my word and solve all her financial problems.
As for her boyfriend... I’m not the type to share, so I would make sure he was out of the picture.
"Claire, could you do me a favor?"
"What is it?" she asked, setting the paper down on the desk.
"Since we’re a couple now, shouldn’t we try doing more couple stuff... besides kissing?"
She caught on right away. After composing herself, she glanced around the room, then moved to lock the door.
When she turned back, she rubbed her arms.
"So... what do you want to do, darling?" she mumbled , her lashes trembling as she shyly turned her gaze away.