"How to move faster?" I stared at the scribble in my notebook, pondering a serious dilemma.
You'd think owning the Rabbit Talisman would solve all my mobility issues. Wrong. It accelerates me by a factor of 100, sure—but if I need to travel 100 meters, I still have to physically take 100 steps. To the world, I'm a blur; to myself, I'm just taking a very long, very exhausting walk.
Then there's the Iron Man armor. Flying sounds great in theory, but it's not exactly a casual stroll. It's like riding a high-speed hoverboard; moving slow is easy, but if you want to fly like the movies, you're pulling 200 mph. At that speed, my maneuverability is basically that of a thrown rock. I can't rely on the suit for everything, especially if I need to keep a low profile.
"There has to be a better way."
Running on all fours? I wrote it down, then immediately crossed it out. My human anatomy isn't built for that, and I have some dignity left. Jumping like a kangaroo? I'd just be a supersonic ping-pong ball.
My gaze drifted to a Bleach poster on my wall.
Why reinvent the wheel when anime characters have been flying for decades? I looked into the "Big Three" techniques. Shunpo, Soru, Shunshin...
Turns out, none of the Bleach techniques work for me. Mostly because I lack Reiatsu. I might have spiritual energy, but I don't know how to channel it yet. Still, looking at Ezra Miller's weird "Flash" run gave me a few ideas. It looks stupid until you realize he's trying to manage friction and long-distance momentum.
Other options? Rollerblades? Efficient, but not exactly "badass." A bicycle? I'd look like a kid in an 80s movie. Flying by flapping my arms at super-speed?
I immediately pictured myself in a bird suit, flapping frantically at villains to the tune of "I'm a Bird Mother Fucker."
"Cross that one off too." My brain was fried from lack of sleep. I needed to clear my head. Time to hit the gym.
When I got downstairs, the gym was already occupied. Michelle was there, doing weighted lunges in a white sports top and black leggings, her hair pulled into a ponytail.
"Coming in to train? Hope I'm not in your way," she said without stopping.
"No, you're fine. I should be the one asking," I replied, leaning against the doorframe.
Training in front of an audience was... awkward. Especially since the gym was dead silent except for our breathing. I definitely need to install a sound system in here.
"How did you sleep?" I asked.
"Good. The bed here is way better than my apartment. The room is bigger too. I'm almost jealous."
"Glad you like it," I said, immediately cringing at my own basic response. "Do you train often?"
"Three or four times a week. You?"
"Twice a day. Morning and evening." Her eyes widened. "Just trying to stay 'in shape,'" I added, realizing that sounded ridiculous for a kid who supposedly just started training a week ago.
"It shows," she noted.
"Actually, I only started a week ago. I'm just naturally fit."
"I hate you," she joked, puffing out her cheeks as she set down the dumbbells to start squats. I really shouldn't have stood right behind her. Puberty and "Divine Booties" don't mix well.
"So, what are you practicing? A program from the internet?"
"Martial arts. Eastern style."
"Like Karate or Kung-Fu? Aren't you afraid of hurting yourself, 'Self-Taught'?"
She gave me a smirk that said she knew exactly about my "Drunken Master" mishap from the other day. Those sisters of mine have zero loyalty.
I ignored the jab and moved into my stance. I started with basic palm strikes and elbows, keeping it controlled. I wasn't going to screw up with her watching.
"What?" I asked when I saw her staring.
"Nothing. You're actually really good. You sure you've only been doing this a week?"
"Maybe I'm just a prodigy," I shrugged.
Michelle took her mat and... dropped into a full split. Right in front of me.
Lady, are you trying to kill me? I'm a sixteen-year-old in the middle of a hormonal storm. Don't play with fire. We have a month left together.
"Something wrong?" she asked.
"No. Just... impressive flexibility." I hoped she'd finish soon so I could focus on my own heart rate.
"Thanks," she said, though her ears turned slightly red as she realized exactly what she was showing me.
Later, I went to the attic to look for a "hero outfit." The place was a hoard of old memories.
Why not just use the Iron Man suit? Because it's a trump card. I don't want the government knocking on my door the second I take flight. I need something simple—a mask or a basic disguise.
I found a Santa suit. Hard pass. I found a "Miss Claus" suit. Moving on. I found some old Halloween masks—those went straight into the inventory.
Then, I saw some heavy winter gear. It reminded me of Captain Cold. It's bulky, hides the physique, and has plenty of room to hide gadgets—or even the Iron Man armor underneath.
Plus, I have a theory. Every time I use Ice Make magic, I get a "recoil" of cold. What if I use the winter gear to insulate myself while using the magic to cool down in the summer heat?
I put on an old jacket and tried to channel the energy. I visualized a "blade" of ice growing from my forearm. It worked, and it felt refreshing.
I packed the coat, boots, gloves, and a ski mask into the inventory. The "Frostbite" persona was born.
Before leaving the attic, I saw a giant teddy bear. It was huge enough for an adult to hide inside. I have no idea why I took it, but into the inventory it went.
I checked my stats before planning my first excursion.
Name: Trueno Miguel Alexander
Level: 8
Experience: 3970/4400
HP: 807 | MP: 614/723
Stats: Str 20, End 24, Agi 20, Int 24, Mag 27, Lck 20
Key Skills: Martial Arts 12, Ice Make Magic 13, Power Armor Piloting 4.
I'm stronger, faster, and much more dangerous than I was a week ago. I have the Rabbit Talisman for speed and the Mk. 2 for firepower.
I'm ready. The plan: Metropolis. Two nights from now, when everyone is asleep, I'm making a run for the City of Tomorrow.
I doubt Superman will notice a kid running 500 mph unless I make some noise, but if he doesn't, I'll just enjoy the view.
[ New Quest: First Flight ]
[ Objective: Travel to a major city and challenge crime (or the law). ]
[ Reward: 250 XP, Hero/Villain Mark (Variable). ]
Well, look at that. The System is practically forcing me to break my grounding. Who am I to argue with a higher power?