Lily raised her fist, trembling slightly.
"Don't test me," she said.
Mike leaned back on the chair.
"Relax. You're a mage. Your punches won't hurt."
She glared at him for a few seconds, then slowly lowered her hand and sighed.
"…You're really annoying," she muttered.
Mike smiled.
"Yeah, I hear that a lot."
She sat down across from him.
"But seriously," Lily said, calmer now, "thank you. No one has ever done this much for me."
Mike shrugged.
"You're my friend. That's enough."
She looked away, a little embarrassed.
"Still… I won't waste it. I'll get strong. Strong enough that your investment pays off."
"I know," Mike replied. "That's why I chose you."
They sat quietly for a moment.
Then Mike stood up.
"Alright. Let's start upgrading your stuff."
"You're going to do it here?" Lily asked, surprised.
Mike shook his head.
"No. I meant let's go to my home or your home. We can do it there."
She looked at him strangely.
