More text scrolled across his vision, appearing line by line.
‐‐‐
[Level 2 Rewards]
Congratulations! You have earned:
- Endurance Master (Perk) - Automatically Acquired
- 3 Free Attribute Points
- Combat Gloves (Equipment) - Added to Inventory
‐‐‐
Eric focused on the first reward, bringing up more detailed information.
‐‐‐
Endurance Master (Perk)
Value: 100 DP
Effect: Stamina consumption reduced by 25% during all physical activities
Description: Go longer without fatigue. All physical exertion requires less energy, allowing for extended performance in any stamina-intensive activity. This applies to combat, running, athletic performance, and intimate activities.
Status: Automatically Acquired (Level Reward)
Cannot be removed or deactivated
‐‐‐
Eric read through the description twice, his analytical mind immediately calculating implications.
'Twenty-five percent less stamina drain across the board,' he thought, excitement building. 'That's massive. That means I can fight longer without getting tired. Run further before exhaustion hits. And for my work...'
The intimate activities part was almost more valuable than the combat applications. His professional success depended on stamina, on being able to go for hours when clients needed it. A twenty-five percent reduction in fatigue meant he could take on more clients, provide better service, extend sessions that currently left him exhausted.
'This is a game-changer,' Eric realized. 'This single perk might be worth more than all the stat increases combined.'
The next notification appeared automatically.
‐‐‐
3 Free Attribute Points Available
Current Stats:
strength: 11
intelligence: 10
charm: 8
stamina: 11
Allocate now?
[Yes] [No]
‐‐‐
Eric selected No without hesitation. He'd learned from his previous allocations that careful thought produced better results than impulsive decisions. He wanted to consider his options, think about what stats would benefit him most going forward.
'Intelligence is always useful,' he reasoned. 'Better thinking, faster problem-solving, clearer analysis. Charm affects my professional success and probably my interactions with women generally. Strength and stamina matter for combat and physical activities.'
But the decision could wait until he was home, had time to really think it through.
The final notification showed something entirely new.
‐‐‐
[Inventory Updated]
New Item Acquired: Combat Gloves
Access Inventory?
[Yes] [No]
‐‐‐
Eric selected Yes, curiosity overwhelming caution.
His vision shifted, showing a translucent grid like something from a video game inventory screen. Most spaces were empty, but one slot in the upper left contained an icon of black gloves.
He focused on them, and detailed information appeared.
‐‐‐
Combat Gloves
Type: Weapon/Armor (Hand Slot)
Quality: Uncommon
Durability: 100/100
Effects When Equipped:
- +2 strength
- +1 stamina
- Passive: Unarmed strikes deal 50% more damage
- Passive: Reduced hand injury from impacts
- Passive: Improved grip strength
Description: Reinforced tactical gloves designed for hand-to-hand combat. Features knuckle plating, wrist support, and impact-dispersing padding. Protects hands while significantly enhancing striking power.
Weight: 0.5 kg
Value: 500 DP
Equip Item?
[Yes] [No]
‐‐‐
Eric stared at the description, his mind racing.
'A weapon,' he thought, equal parts excited and concerned. 'The system just gave me an actual weapon. With stat bonuses. Because it knows I'm going to need to fight.'
The implications were staggering. If the system was giving him combat equipment at level two, what would he get at higher levels? Better weapons? Armor? Skills?
'And the Obsidian Fang situation,' Eric remembered grimly. 'That brute is looking for me. Having enhanced combat capability isn't optional anymore, it's survival.'
He selected No on equipping them for now. Walking around Stardale in tactical combat gloves would draw attention he didn't need. But knowing they were available, ready to equip if danger appeared, was reassuring.
Eric dismissed the inventory screen and checked his actual stats, pulling up the full status window.
‐‐‐
[Personal]
Name: Eric Reid-Leveson
Age: 22
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
Level: 2
Exp: 0/100
[Status]
strength: 11
intelligence: 10
charm: 8
stamina: 11
Available Points: 3
[Perks]
- Endurance Master: Stamina consumption reduced by 25%
[Inventory]
- Combat Gloves (Uncommon)
DP: 130
‐‐‐
Eric studied the numbers with satisfaction. His strength and stamina were now at eleven, above human baseline. Intelligence at ten meant he was functioning at peak human cognitive capability. Only charm lagged behind at eight, which probably explained why he sometimes had to work harder than he'd like to charm certain women.
'Three points to allocate,' he thought. 'And 130 Debauchery Points that I still can't spend because the shop doesn't unlock until level five.'
The system was clearly designed to build gradually, forcing progression through quests and levels rather than allowing shortcuts.
Eric dismissed the interface and started jogging back to his apartment. His body felt incredible despite the workout, the new perk already making a difference. He felt like he could run another ten kilometers without strain.
'This is addictive,' Eric realized. 'The progression, the rewards, the sense of becoming more. I understand now why people get obsessed with games. Except this isn't a game. This is my actual life improving.'
His apartment building appeared ahead. Eric climbed the stairs two at a time, his enhanced strength making the ascent effortless. He unlocked his door and stepped inside.
Sarah was gone.
The bed was made with military precision, his room tidied far beyond his own standards. His scattered clothes had been folded and placed on his dresser. The bathroom showed signs of use but had been cleaned after.
On his kitchen counter sat a note in Sarah's neat handwriting.
"Had to go home and change for work. Couldn't be late again after yesterday.
Last night was amazing. Better than amazing. I can still feel you inside me and it's driving me crazy.
Call me later. We need to talk about Rafe and figure out how we're telling him about us.
PS - I borrowed one of your shirts. I'll return it eventually. Maybe.
- S"
Eric smiled despite the complications that note implied. Sarah had stolen his shirt. There was something endearing about that, something domestic and girlfriend-like that he'd never experienced before.
'We'll need to tell Rafe,' he thought, the smile fading slightly. 'Eventually. When the time is right and when I figure out how to explain that I'm sleeping with his sister while also maintaining my professional career sleeping with other women.'
That conversation was going to be brutal.
But it could wait. For now, Eric had more immediate concerns.