The door bursts open and Powder rushes in, his face a mix of worry and mild confusion. Our eyes meet, and at least this time, he's not looking at me like I'm the type of guy who'd take advantage of a passed-out girl.
"You're okay?" he asks, sounding unsure, eyes flicking between me and Roxy sprawled out on the floor.
"You say that like you half-expected—or half-hoped—I wouldn't be," I reply, laughing lightly. His reactions are always priceless. I stand up from the chair, a little too late to make it disappear, but whatever, let's call it a gift for Roxy. This house could use some upgrades anyway.
"No, no, no!" Powder throws up his hands in defense, panic and guilt all over his face. "That's not what I meant! I just… I didn't expect to walk in on… this."
His gaze shifts to Roxy again, a flicker of terror in his eyes.
"She just passed out, I think. Maybe she was exhausted. But I'm fine, really. Thanks for checking on me. As for Roxy, I'll handle her personally." I walk over and clap him on the shoulder. "Thanks for coming to my rescue. How'd you avoid getting locked up? Or did you break out on your own?"
It really bothers me... Was he also naked at any point? Or was that a special treatment reserved for me?
"It's been two days, Quill… You were out cold, and Roxy wouldn't say why. She kept me here, grilling me with questions but never letting me check up on you. When I overheard her muttering that she'd had enough and was ending things today, I panicked. After struggling to get my sword out of storage…" His face flushes red with embarrassment.
"…I rushed here as fast as I could. I would've fought Roxy to the death for you, I swear!"
"I know." I pull him into a brotherly hug, steadying him. Powder's body started to shiver just moments ago—that subtle tremor he gets when he's on the edge of a panic attack. That's Powder for you… tough on the outside, but as sensitive as they come.
"I've always believed in you, brother. From the days we were wetting our pants together to now, and on into whatever unknown future we've got. I'll never doubt you, or your intentions." I speak softly, gently nudging him away, one step at a time.
A smile as bright as the sky blooms across his face, his eyes shimmering. "Really?" He looks like a little kid again, even though we're both nearly adults.
"Yes," I nod, giving him a look with a bit of hidden meaning. "Now do me a favor—give me some time alone with Roxy. When she wakes up, you'll only make her angrier."
"Then shouldn't we just escape—?"
I close the door in his face before he can finish. I turn back to Roxy, still sleeping on the floor, her pink hair fanned out beneath her. Just watching her breathe calms me down too, but it's almost time to wake her, and I know I need to be ready to bolt the second she opens her eyes.
Moving carefully, I consider binding her in place… but what if she never gets free? I don't want that on my conscience. I'll tie her up gently, nothing too tight, just in case. I draw a line in the air and a thick rope, strong enough to hold a bull, materializes at my command. I tie it loosely around Roxy, just enough to keep her from turning me into firewood the moment she wakes.
I pat my hands together, dusting them off. "That'll do… good job, me." My gaze lands on the massive axe beside Roxy. "Now I just need to move this." I clap my hands, roll my shoulders, and—
"Hooo, hiiii, haaa! Mooove!" I strain and stumble, barely budging the thing. Weakest farmer to ever live, right? Seriously though, her axe must weigh at least thirty kilograms…
No matter! I'm an author. Big deal… an axe. Maybe it's time to try that trick one of the readers suggested. But how do I actually enhance myself…? The normal quill won't cut it, so I'll have to use the most powerful form.
This time, I don't draw a shape—I write the words, finger flying as I scrawl into the air:
{Tremendous power washes over me, allowing me to pick up the axe and carry it to the other side of the room.}
The letters glow crimson, burning in the air before vanishing in a quick flash of flame.
Did it work?
Suddenly, a surge of strength explodes through me. I feel like I could lift a mountain! With one hand, I grab the axe and toss it from palm to palm like it's a balloon. Incredible! So much power! If Roxy saw me now, she'd probably have a heart attack.
Crack, pop.
An explosion of pain rips through my arms. Something inside my bones snaps—crap, I've been careless. I stagger over and set the axe down as quickly as I can, and the instant my job's done, the strength vanishes, leaving my hands screaming in agony, like I'd been trampled by a stampede of horses.
My whole body aches, not just my arms. So, enhancing myself means I still have to deal with my body's limits? That's… disappointing. Here I was, thinking I'd be able to lift a mountain if I just wished for it. I mean, technically, I could with my quill… but it would feel so much more rewarding if my muscles did the work, right?
Still, I can't just let the pain kill me. An idea pops into my head—something I once saw a hero do for a farmer who'd cut his hand. She used magic to heal him in seconds. If she could do it, why can't I? I might not know the spell, but maybe, if I do what I just did…
My finger starts dancing through the air, writing quickly:
{Mysterious healing energy washes over me, and my body regenerates in the blink of an eye, relieving me of all wounds and illnesses.}
The letters glow green, leaves blooming around them before they dissipate. And then—magic. Warmth floods my body, and all my pain fades as if it was never there. In fact, I… actually feel stronger.
[Durability +5][Strength +5]
The system window pops up with exactly what I'd hoped for. Of course! Push the body past its limits, heal it perfectly, and you come out stronger. This… this is the kind of crazy idea only a true madman would dream up.
I glance at Roxy—and suddenly, the idea of getting beaten up doesn't sound so bad.
"Wake up, Roxy…"