The Heart System Chapter 495

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SHOP [Page 2]

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• Hypnotic Perfume (40c)

• Time Stop (90c)

• 500 Dollars (50c)

• 1 Ability Point (150c)

• 1 Mastery Point (160c)

• Desire Aura (100c)

• Reputation Point +30 (200c)

• Mastery Evolve (1500c)

• Random Skill (2000c)

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Credits: 22489c

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A Random Skill... however, I decided against purchasing that for now. My priority remained utilizing Mastery Evolve before eventually working to clear my Villain status. I swiped the menu away and observed as the status window materialized instead.

"I'm..." Kayla whispered. "Wow."

"Exhausted..." Mendy added, her breath still coming in shallow gasps. "Goodness... that was so intense..."

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CURRENT STATS

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◆ Strength: 20

◆ Charm: 20

- Manipulative Charm

⤷ Honeyed Words (▩▩▩▩▩)

⤷ Gaslight (⏹☐☐☐☐)

⤷ Emotional Charisma (☐☐☐☐☐)

⤷ Seductive Allure (☐)

◆ Libido: 20

⤷ Endless Vigor (☐☐☐☐☐)

◆ Pleasure: 30 (+50)

⤷ Sensory Overload (⏹⏹☐☐☐)

⤷ Erogenous Insight (⏹)

⤷ Bliss Multiplier (▣▣▣▣▣)

◆ Luck: 10

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◆ Passive Skill: On a Roll

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14 Unused Ability Points

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Incredible, did leveling up currently reward me with five ability points? Mana really was incredibly generous, channeling so much of her essence into me... I supposed. I still lacked a clear understanding of how Goddesses operated. Honestly, I preferred to keep it that way. I was perfectly content with the status quo.

I grunted while shifting, propping my weight onto one elbow, and reached out toward the nightstand. My fingers couldn't quite reach my device, and even after another attempt, I gave up. My fatigue was absolute.

Mendy glanced over, retrieved the phone, and handed it to me. I offered a smile and kissed her stomach, which elicited a breathless giggle, before I collapsed back onto the bedding.

"Damn..."

"Hmm?" Mendy mumbled.

"Oh... it's nothing."

"Alright... whew. Wow..."

Actually, it was definitely something. Ivy had sent a message revealing she was fully aware of her mother's pregnancy. This wasn't ideal. I had hoped to keep that secret buried indefinitely, but it seemed the jig was up.

She had texted just moments ago. She was likely out drinking; I certainly couldn't fault her for that after the entire debacle with Chase Bellings.

I locked the screen and rested the device against my chest. No... I mentally prepared myself to ignore it.

What I needed most was sleep...

⟁ ⟁ ⟁

Following that night, instead of feeling like a conqueror, I was right back to my old routine. I sat behind my workspace, adjusting Nala’s appointments as if the previous events held no significance. To make matters worse, I had the trivial complication of a literal goddess hunting me, alongside the minor issue of someone called K possessing blackmail that could destroy us all.

Yes, things were going swimmingly.

Leaning into my chair, I rubbed my weary eyes.

"I require caffeine..."

Rising to my feet, I headed for the hallway. The breakroom appeared vacant save for a lone individual standing by the machine, awaiting his brew. The balcony door remained shut, confirming the area was clear.

Perfect.

Entering the lounge, I stood behind him, shifting my weight between my feet. Moments later, he secured his drink and exited. Stepping up, I selected black coffee and watched as the steaming liquid filled my mug.

Yesterday had been chaotic. I had stayed secluded at home, attempting to unwind with television, board games, and the pretense of normalcy.

It was a lie.

"Man... I'm so drained."

I gripped my mug and nudged the balcony door open with my shoulder. The exterior air was stagnant; no breeze, no drizzle, just oppressive clouds hovering heavily as if ready to rupture at any moment.

Resting against the wall, I took a slow sip and surveyed the landscape below.

For a brief instant, tranquility returned.

"Pardon me?"

I started in surprise and swiveled my head. I hadn't even heard the entrance open.

A man was standing there, clutching a cup and observing me like he was questioning whether to approach. He was shorter than me, roughly 5'7", featuring cropped blonde hair and hazel eyes. His white shirt appeared polished, yet the cravat and rumpled trousers gave him an unkempt air... as if he were trying far too hard.

"Hey," I responded, peering at him critically. "Do we know each other?"

"I’m Melvin," he replied briskly, stepping forward and securing the door. "You're Evan, correct? A pleasure to meet you."

He reached out his hand far too enthusiastically. I hesitated for a heartbeat before giving an internal sigh and shaking it.

"Yeah. Pleasure."

He withdrew his hand and immediately fidgeted, leaning against the opposing railing instead of looking out at the city. His gaze remained fixed on me, which felt distinctly invasive.

I took another pull of the coffee.

"So," I prompted, meeting his eyes, "did you have something on your mind, Melvin?"

"Oh... um... perhaps?" he stammered, scratching at his neck. His eyes darted about before snapping back to mine. "It’s just... you see..."

"No," I replied flatly. "I don't see."

"I..." He paused, lips parting slightly before sealing shut once more. "I just want to learn more about you."

I blinked once, holding up a palm between us.

"I’m not into that crowd, man," I said firmly. "Not interested."

His eyes bulged as he vehemently shook his head.

"No, no, no, no! Good heavens, no!" he blurted out, nearly splashing his coffee. "You've misunderstood! I like women!"

I stared at him for a moment before taking another sip.

"Fine," I said slowly. "Then what? You’re hoping we can be... friends?"

"S-something along those lines?" he murmured, sounding unsure as well.

I stayed silent for a moment, simply leaning there and contemplating leaving to pretend this interaction never occurred.

Melvin cleared his throat, placed his drink on the railing, and clapped his palms together as if preparing for a big moment. He inhaled deeply, squared his shoulders, and regarded me with forced resolve.

Yeah. I definitely wasn’t going to enjoy this.