After the exchange ended, I put my phone on silent and tossed it on the bed.
Reciting "System" in my mind, the familiar screen appeared in front of me, and I began navigating it.
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**Satisfaction System**
[Shop]
[Lottery]
[Stats]
[Harem]
[Inventory]
——————
'Might as well go in order.'
Starting with the first option, I selected [Shop].
——————
**Shop**
SP: 20
[Suitable Items will be added based on host's satisfaction needs.]
——————
'Based on my needs, huh? That's pretty cool. I don't really need anything right now, so I'll check back later.'
Next, I turned my attention to [Lottery], which had piqued my interest.
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**Lottery**
~ 1 Spin = 1000 SP
~ 10 Spins = 9000 SP
——————
'Prices seem quite high for the current me, but I still have 5 free spins to use. System, what kind of things can I get from the lottery?'
'Skills? Before he killed me, I realized Daniel was stronger than usual. Is that connected to this?'
Awakened families have used their power for centuries to amass wealth and prestige. They have many strong warriors and techniques at their disposal, so I advise caution.> 'Damn. That's an even bigger problem... No need to panic yet. I'm sure I'll get something to help my plans.' 'These physiques sounds interesting. What kind of benefits do they provide? And which one does Daniel have?' The system then went on to explain some more. Digesting the information, my head spun a little as I was introduced into a new world. It seems awakening a physique usually happens at age 13. If it doesn't, the child is deemed a "waste" as the chances drop significantly after that. People outside who awaken are almost immediately recruited by big families or corporations. If they refuse, they might be killed if seen as a future threat. 'I'll explore this more after I finish looking through the system.' Next up was [Stats]. —————— **Stats** Name: Akashic Torre SP: 20 Skills: — Physique: — Strength: 12 Agility: 10 Stamina: 11 —————— Everything seemed straightforward, but I wanted some clarification. 'What are the stats for a regular person?' Looking at my numbers, I knew I had a long way to go. Finally, I clicked on the most unexpected tab: [Harem]. Curious, I selected it to see if there was any more information. —————— **Harem** [None] —————— "Ah... What'd I expect?" Why a harem tab? Maybe when I was in middle school I'd have thought about it, but it's completely unrealistic for me. Besides I've never thought of another girl like that besides Alexia... 'Whatever, I have bigger things to worry about.' That was the last tab. I'd already seen the [Inventory], so I had no more to explore for now. I glanced down and realized my food had gone cold. I'd gotten so absorbed in the system. "Damn…" [-2 Satisfaction Points] There it was—the first deduction. It made me even more dissatisfied, but I didn't lose any more points. At least that was thought out, or It'd be a constant decline. I put my plate in the microwave, reheated my meal, and went back to the table to finish it. The bite wasn't particularly satisfying or dissatisfying, so nothing happened. After I finished eating, I cleaned up and checked the time. It was 10:36 a.m. With nothing pressing to do, I decided to head out to get some groceries. As I walked through the hallway, rubbing my temples, I tried to clear my head. There was a lot to think about, and it was starting to give me a headache. While I was out, I'd make sure to call my grandparents and say good morning. Ever since I moved out for college, they'd been worried about me. They've been there for me through everything, and I truly appreciated them for that. I thought about my death. How would that have affected them? I also thought about Naomi and Aunt Karin. I hadn't seen them since I moved away. I hoped Naomi didn't hate me for it. We were really close before I left. Should I go back to visit them? 'No, I *will* go back. If I want to be happy in this life, I can't deny my feelings. I miss them, and I'm sure they miss me.' It was settled. Once things calmed down here, I'd visit them. ~ The rest of the day was spent exploring the city, taking in the fresh air, and appreciating being alive. Alexia texted me halfway through, asking if I was home. I couldn't reply at the moment, so I sent her a voice message saying I was out grocery shopping. It was getting late by the time I finished up and returned home. As I walked up to my door, I noticed the building manager standing outside, shaking. When I saw him the anger in my heart grew as I remembered he was the one who led Daniel directly to me. And that ugly look on his face as accepted his money. "Why are you here?" Even before that happened I never liked him. He made living here terrible for me and other tenants. I liked the apartment and my neighbors enough to put up with him, but if I'd had the money, I would've moved ages ago. "Yes! Mr. Torre, I'm glad to see you! How was your day?" He sounded unusually friendly which made me uncomfortable. When I got closer, he handed me a black bag, warm to the touch. Before I could voice my confusion, he spoke again. "Ms. Sparrow stopped by earlier. She brought this for you, but you weren't home. She couldn't stay, so she...politely asked if I could give it to you." The way he was shaking and sweating suggested otherwise, but I didn't care. The look of terror on his face was enough to calm my rage. More importantly Alexia brought something for me? That was surprising. Ignoring him, I grabbed my key and unlocked the door. "Is there anything else you need, sir?" His tone had completely changed. Must've been quite the conversation. I gave him a blank stare and shut the door in his face. He didn't deserve my kindness. Still, I wondered what had happened. Though, Sparrow is a powerful name around here, so I understood his fear. Whenever I hung out with Alexia, I never thought much about her family name—just her. What else had she said to him? I smiled as I placed the bag on the table and opened it. Inside, I found soup, animal crackers, and a specific brand of juice that was only sold in the city where I was born. It didn't seem like much, and outsiders would probably scoff at it, but it was exactly what my mother made me whenever I was sick. I'd mentioned it to Alexia in passing. She remembered… A wave of emotions surged through me. Memories of my mother, of Alexia's death... Anger and sadness swirled inside me, but they were soon replaced by happiness and love. Tears welled up in my eyes as I sat down to enjoy the meal, fond memories filling my mind. [+100 Satisfaction Points] I felt amazing. I have to thank her in person and let her know how much it meant to me. …. After resting for a bit, I cleaned the bowl and prepared to take another shower as it was particularly hot outside, causing me to sweat. Once ready, I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked to the mirror. Looking at my body, I felt proud. I'd worked hard on it, but I always wished my muscles were more defined. I still thought I was quite handsome, though. At the same time I thought that, the system alerted me to an update. I opened the system and went to the [Shop] tab. —————— **Shop** Balance: 118 SP [Body Enhancement] 100 SP —————— 'I see how this works now. Quite convenient.' I had 118 points at the moment, having lost 2 earlier. "Eh, why not." I took the plunge and bought it. *Thump* Regret hit me immediately as I collapsed to the floor, pain shooting through my body. It felt like one giant cramp, and I couldn't move. 'Bad idea.' I couldn't even speak aloud; I could only express my pain in my mind through obscenities. It felt like hours before it finally subsided. When it was over, I stood up, noticing a horrible smell coming from me. I hurried into the shower and scrubbed until the smell was gone. I even made sure to thoroughly wash my hair, which was long and tedious to manage, but I didn't like strangers touching my head Stepping out, I looked in the mirror—and what I saw surprised me. It wasn't a complete change, but I looked... better. My jawline was sharper, my nose was perfect, my lips, my eyebrows, even my hair was a little lighter. I looked like a perfect version of myself. It wasn't drastic enough that people who knew me wouldn't recognize me, but they'd be surprised. My body enhanced as well, my chest, abs, arms, and my legs were more defined, it looked like a sculpture. The only thing that didn't change was my downstairs friend, that stayed the same which gave me a sense of pride. Since it's body enhancement, my stats should've gone up. ——— Stats Name: Akashic Torre SP: 18 Skills: — Physique: — Strength: 25 Agility: 20 Stamina: 22 ——— Everything pretty much doubled I looked at myself a little longer before brushing my teeth and getting dressed, noticing my clothes seemed a little snug now, but not enough to bother me. I sat on my bed and thought of what I should do for the future I still had two months until anything major happens so I'll test out different options. First I'll talk to Sierra and see if I can help her win back her families support. Even if that doesn't work out hopefully I'll learn some interesting information that could help me. Though it's still a hail mary but with this system maybe it'll work out. I laid down and grabbed my phone to play some music lightly while I tried to fall asleep. But then an idea hit me. A way to get some easy points "…Anything that gives satisfaction?" It was something I hadn't done in awhile, but this is all in the name of research! With my phone in hand I slid down my pants, and switched to incognito mode… ... [+300 Satisfaction Points]