The following days at Anteiku were quiet. I spent most of my time sitting at the back corner, observing the customers while Touka served them with her usual mix of apathy and hostility. I couldn't help but admire how effortlessly she moved, balancing trays and taking orders without missing a beat.
Yoshimura often gave me simple tasks—cleaning tables, washing dishes—but he never pressed me for details about my past. Touka, on the other hand, kept a suspicious eye on me. I could feel her gaze on my back whenever I wasn't moving.
One evening, after closing up, she tossed me a broom. "If you're staying here, you better pull your weight."
I caught it with one hand, a small smirk forming on my lips. "Got it."
She scoffed. "Don't act cocky. You're still a clueless idiot."
As I swept the floor, a familiar ping sounded in my head.
[You have been idle for 5 hours. Physical Endurance increased by 7. Dexterity increased by 4.]
It still didn't make sense to me—growing stronger just by doing nothing. My fingers brushed the strange marking on my hand, wondering how it had changed me so completely. I needed to understand this power. I needed control.
Later that night, I slipped out of Anteiku and wandered the dark alleys. The moonlight painted long shadows on the cracked pavement as I practiced moving, striking, and dodging imaginary foes. Every movement felt lighter, faster. My body wasn't just adapting—it was evolving.
Suddenly, a presence appeared behind me. I turned swiftly, only to find Touka standing there, arms crossed and eyebrow raised.
"Stalking me now?" I teased.
She shot me a glare. "Idiot. You'll attract trouble running around like that. You really don't know how dangerous this place is, do you?"
I gave a slight shrug. "Maybe I just don't care."
Her expression softened, just a fraction. "You're reckless."
There was something unspoken in her eyes—a flicker of worry. My chest tightened at the thought of her being concerned about me. Was I really getting attached to this tough, sarcastic girl?
"Touka," I said, my voice quieter than usual. "Why are you helping me?"
She hesitated, looking away. "You're annoying. Too weak to fend for yourself."
I couldn't help but laugh. "You know that's not true anymore."
She glared at me, but there was no real anger in it. "Just don't do anything stupid," she muttered before walking away, her steps fading into the night.
As I stood there, a notification flickered before my eyes.
[You have been idle for 30 minutes. Emotional Awareness increased by 2. Intuition increased by 1.]
My hand tightened into a fist. Whatever this power was, I wasn't going to waste it. I'd grow stronger, faster, and smarter. I would find the truth behind my transformation and, if it meant protecting those around me—even her—I'd embrace this power, no matter the cost.
The wind whispered through the alley, and I couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning of a much greater struggle.