I felt different from the inside out, as if things had changed fundamentally for me. And it wasn't far from the truth. After all, I achieved what those gym bois spent months and years working for in a matter of days.
'What a day to be alive!'
When the stone went cold and crumbled into dust in my palm, I checked the monitor again.
[Strength: 47 | Speed: 41 | Endurance: 54 | Reflex: 43]
[Overall Combat Rating: E (Peak)]
"Almost there," Zero said, peering over my shoulder. "Some practice and you'll cross into D properly. Your body needs to settle the new mass before the rank tips."
"D-rank." I rolled the word in my mouth. "I'm going to be a D-rank."
"My baby is graduating," she cooed.
"Don't."
"Such a big, strong sugar boy."
"Don't."
She laughed and patted my cheek and stole the last bite of my third sandwich, which I had been saving for myself.
Whatever. Her laugh also made me happy, so it was worth it.
...
We talked through the rest of the plan over the dishes.
