Alyson: “Alphon, nice name.”

Nao: “Not as good as Alyson but I do like how our names begin and end the same way.”

Alyson: “Sounds like you believe in destiny.”

Nao: “Not fully, but I understand some things are set in stone. Few things are in our control.”

Alyson: “You have a good head on your shoulders.”

Alyson: (Nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks like this.)

Nao: “So what do you do for fun around here?”

Alyson: “I don’t really do fun.”

Nao: “Come on, we’re young. If not now then when?”

Alyson: (Don’t tell me he’s a party junky.)

Nao: “As long as it’s not parties or loud noise I’m fine.”

Alyson: (Dodged a bullet there pal.)

Alyson: “So what kind of fun are you looking for?”

Nao: “Some place I can relax with someone interesting. Up for it.”

Alsyon: “When you put it like that, I do have some areas in mind. I haven’t…really been before but there’s a first for everything.”

Alyson: (I’ve been letting Nao get into my head too much. I guess I do need a break and this guy seems cool.)

Nao: “…Great, what time do you want to go?”

Alyson: “Slow down, we just met and I don’t much about you. Interested in playing 10 questions with me first.”

Nao: “As long as you don’t mind a few silly answers to make you laugh.”

Alyson: “I guess I can live with that, gives you a nice challenge. I’ll go first, what brings you to our little town?”

Nao: “My father came here for his new job. I’m just along for the ride but if I had to give a personal reason…it would be that something drew me here.”

Alyson: “Let me guess, me?”

Nao: “Nah, the smoothies did. You’re a delightful bonus.”

Alyson: “Shame, I would have preferred to be the main prize.”

Nao: “We’re getting there. My turn,…any siblings?”

Alyson: “Just one but I don’t want to talk about him.”

Nao: “Why? You had a recent sibling fight?”

Alyson: “Not really….it’s complicated.”

Alyson: (Especially after this morning…)

Nao: “I hope you too get along, I wish I had a sibling.”

Alyson: “Be careful what you wish for, you might get one that’s a lazy bum.”

Nao: “Is that how your brother acts around the house?”

Alyson: “I guess…not anymore. But I’m sure he’ll relapse eventually.”

Nao: “You never know, the kid might surprise you.”

Alyson: (Awfully interested in Nao, time switch topics.)

Alyson: “How many girls have you dated?”

Nao: “Not yet. How about you, any boyfriends?”

Alyson: “No, but many tried.”

Alyson: (You’re currently in the front of the pack so far though.)

Nao: “Let’s drop 10 questions, this is starting to feel like an interview.”

Alyson: “Life tends to be like that.”

Nao: “I rather that not be the case with friends.”

Alyson: “…I suppose. What are suggesting we do to get to know each other then?”

Nao: “A fun date around the town. Let’s go to those places you want to go and just relax.”

Alyson: “Don’t call a date.”

Nao: “What do you call two friends going around the town for fun? Back where I’m from we called these dates?”

Alyson: “Dates here imply that you’re trying to get into my pants.”

Nao: “I see, sorry about that. I’ll be sure to be extra direct when that’s my goal. No need to guess at an implication.”

Alyson: “*Blush*”

Alyson: (I actually never gone on a date before. Damn, I need to do some research. Like with everything else, I’ll ace this)

Nao: “So when do you want to go, new friend.”

Alyson: “How about tomorrow. I won’t have time during school days. Speaking of which, are you attending Hillview?”

Nao: “No, but I don’t mind dropping by every once in a while for you.”

Alyson: (That might be a bad idea considering Trevor…)

Alyson: “That’s kind but you don’t have to, if I want to meet I’ll come to you.

Nao: “I love when a girl comes for me.”

Alyson: “Okay, that’s a bit too much on the nose.”

Nao: “…Sorry.”

Alyson: (God, why is he so attractive. I usually can deal with this kind of flirting but from him…I need to get out of here.)

Alyson: “Well, I best get going. I have some more work at home to do.”

Nao: “Can I have your number?”

Alyson: (Damn, I forgot to give him my number. Pull it together Alyson.)

Alyson: “I thought you wanted to be just friends?”

Nao: “Friends can’t share phone numbers in this town?”

She smiles and writes down her number on a notecard. She hands it to me and for an instant our hands made contact. I didn’t have to read her mind to tell that she liked that.

I loved watching her leave with that cute booty swaying back and forth. I lick my lips in anticipation of ravaging that body and…

Wait a minute that’s my step sister. This is just a mission, I’m not suppose to fall for her.

But she is hot and wants it bad, why not go for it for real? Give her the relaxation her body is craving.

Nao: “No…I don’t want…it?”

I cup my head and try to collect myself.

*Ding*

Points : 2

Nao: “What was that?”

I look down at my blue game screen and remember.

Nao: “Arc?”

Arc: “Yes.”

Nao: “Is there something…wrong with me?”

Arc: “No, this is a normal reaction to putting a lot of points into your stats. You’ll get used to it when you get stronger.”

Nao: “…If you…say so.”

Make Magic Items (+5 per Item) [Only for today]

Nao: “That’s a lot of points, better get home and learn how to do this.”

I go back into the bathroom and transform back to who I am. I run back home to get that running exercise point.

*Ding*

Points: 3

I enter the house and go to my room to exercise.

*Ding*

Points: 6

Arc: “Now you’re ready to learn how to make magic items.”

Nao: “Got it, what do I have to do?

Arc: “Usually, you need special ingredients or materials to make good magical items. Sadly, there’s none in the area at this time.”

Arc: “So instead we’re going to make temporary magical items. Think of them as spell storage. You can pick anything to infuse a spell with but its usage will depend on the item. After you use it enough times the item will explode.”

Arc: “You can only infuse spells you know into items. There are many reasons to use a magic item like this. Sneak attacks, backup spells, spells that won’t drain energy or in case you lose me.”

Nao: “Okay, so I need to find something I don’t mind losing.”

I look around my room for anything that I don’t want. But, most of the things here are stuff I love or will use. But I remember that there are things for school that I wouldn’t mind seeing disappear.

Nao: “Will pens or participation pins work?

Arc: “Sure but you’ll only get to use them once before they break.”

Nao: “I’m fine with that, got to start somewhere. So how do I infuse spells into this pen.”

Arc: “First set down and hold the item tightly in your hand.”

I do as it says and pick the pen to go first.

Arc: “This will take less time the more you do it but for the first time it will take 15 minutes.”

Nao: “What?! That’s way longer than I thought.”

Arc: “It would be hours and much more focus if you didn’t have me. Be grateful.”

Nao: “*Gulp* I will. Thank you Arc for making this way easier for me.”

Arc: “You’re welcome, now lets begin. Focus on what spell you want in the item and imagine the mana inside you flow into the item. Starting from the abdomen and ending at your fingertips. Keep doing this for 15 minutes and you’ll be done.”

I do as Arc says and begin channeling minor illusion into the pen. But there was a major problem that Arc failed to mention. If I missed up even once in the 15 minutes I would have to start over.

I failed multiple times and I never failed to voice my complaints. Eventually though, I sat down and kept my mouth shut. I entered into a meditative trance and thought only about making this magic item.

Before I knew it a light emerged from my enclosed hand. I open my eyes to see my pen slightly glowing a warm blue. It was tough, but at the end of it, I felt more focused and ready to take on the next one.

*Ding*

Points:11

Nao: “I would love to test it but I don’t want to waste all of that work.”

Arc: “Since the item is a pen, just point it at your target and do the same thing you usually do.”

Nao: “Alright, let’s go for the next one!”

I sat the pen down on my desk and picked up the participation pin. I swap out mind reading out for scan and start channeling it into the new item.

By the end of the second one I was sweating all over and had a slightly bloody nose. I wiped off the blood and sweat while keeping an eye on the clock.

Nao: “Man, doing 4 more is going to be exhausting.”

*Ding*

Points: 16

I took the time to finish any homework I had and eat a quick meal in my room. While eating, I look to my phone on the desk.

I remember my time with Alyson and can barely believe I pulled that off. I never saw her like…that before. Innocent, cute, and not a total bitch.

Increasing charisma really paid off. I never could get Alyson’s number otherwise. Even mom asking us to exchange numbers for emergencies didn’t work. But it all paid off now, she doesn’t know my number so I don’t have to change it to text.

But should I call her now? Will that come off as greedy? Why do I want to talk to her?

Despite the questions, my hand was already reaching for the phone and messenger. Fuck, let’s just do it.

Nao: “Sup, how are you?”

…

Now that I think about it, this is the first time I ever talked to a girl over the phone.

…

…

Damn, should I have waited a day?

Alyson: “I didn’t expect you to text so quick.”

Hum, what about to say? I just started this because I wanted to talk to her again. Kick in anytime charisma.

Nao: “Just wanted to see if you gave me the right number.”

Alyson: “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t do that.”

Nao: “Did you finish your work?”

Alyson: “Yeah, I’m in a bed right now.”

*Gulp*

Nao: “What are you doing?”

Alyson: “Lying…down.”

Right, of course. What the hell was I thinking?

Nao: “Same, sorry for texting you out of boredom.”

Alyson: “It’s fine, I felt the same way but ignored the urge. I usually don’t have much to do on the weekend so I’m…glad you came along.”

Nao: “I’m happy I could help…relax you.”

Alyson: ‘If only you knew how to massage, you’d rank up to best friend in a heartbeat.”

I guess I need to learn that now.

Nao: “Maybe I’ll surprise you tomorrow.”

Alyson: “I’m looking forward to it.”

With nothing left to say I put my phone down and sigh.

Nao: “What am I doing?”

*Door opening*

Anthony: “Hey Nao, how’s it going?”

The group comes through the door around the time they said. They even have some snacks I’m sure mom gave them.

Anthony: “How was your first date with Alyson?”

Nao: “It was-”

Mat: “Enough about that! Did you learn how to make magic items, I have so many ideas?”

I nod and explain everything I learned from Arc to the group.

Tallow: “I knew I should have brought something.”

Mat: “Well, I did! Bam!”

Mat takes out a water handgun from his pocket.

Velo: “A gun? We’re not going to hurt anyone, why bring something shaped like a gun?”

Anthony: “Better safe than sorry.”

Velo: “But-”

Anthony: “Can we take some of your pens or pencils?”

Nao: “Sure, I do need time so play on my PS4 in meantime. So who’s first?”

The group looked toward each other and instantly got into attacking position.

Nao: “Wait, what’s happening?”

They said nothing and just stared each other down. They’re not going to fight over this right?

Mat: “Rock!”

Tallow: “Paper!”

Anthony: “Scissors!”

Everyone: “Shoot!”

Oh…

Tallow: “I win!”

Anthony: “Damn.”

Mat: “Oh man.”

Velo: “Good job Tallow.”

Tallow: “Thanks. I’ll take the mind reading spell.”

Nao: “Got it, give at least 15 minutes.”

Everyone starts digging into my game library to find a co-op game to play. I get on my bed and swapped out scan out for mind reading.

Before I could start, I heard a buzz from my phone. I pick it up and see a new text from Alyson.

Alyson: “Can you keep me company, my brother’s friends came over and I need a distraction.”

You know, I’m starting to get a bit jealous. All you need is a pretty face and long legs to make even girls like Alyson open up for you. I imagine my original face and compared it to the transformation.

…Is that really the only reason why my sister started to act like a bitch to me and everyone like me. Is she really that shallow?

…

…

I wish we could go back to how we were before….

Enough, I need to re-focus. Alyson is the enemy and I’m going to take her place on the top. Let’s see how she likes it, being on the bottom and disregarded by everyone.

I text her back a quick reply about Alphon feeling tired after exercising and place my phone on silent. I go back to focusing on creating this magic item.

This time was much easier so I got it done in 30 minutes. The group was a bit upset by my speed but the game kept them occupied.

*Ding*

Points: 21

The next game of rock, paper, scissors occurred and this time Mat won.

Mat: “I want a spell that blows the clothes off of people with one press of the trigger.”

…

…

Anthony: “Pick another.”

Mat: “But-”

Anthony: “Mat.”

Mat: “Fine, give me a stun gun.”

Paralysis: 12

Points: 9

I swap mind reading for Paralysis. Finally got it down to 15 minutes this time. Since Mat’s item is a water gun the usage is 3 shots instead of a one-time use.

*Ding*

Points: 14

Velo: “Healing please.

Basic Healing: 7

Points: 7

I’m starting to sweat now and even bleed through my nose a bit. Forcing my head to learn these new spells and then infusing them, it’s a lot. But I have to…keep going.

Anthony: “….I skip mine for today.”

Nao: “No…I keep going.”

Anthony: “No, you can’t. I don’t want what happened this morning to repeat itself.”

Mat: “Yeah man, you’ve done plenty. We’re sorry for asking for you to do this all in one day.”

Velo: “Sorry Nao.”

Anthony: “Rest for the day, we’ll see you tomorrow. Focus on your date with Alyson which I’m assuming went well today.”

Nao: “It…did. No need to worry.”

Anthony: “Good, see you tomorrow Nao.”

The group leaves and I collapse on the bed panting. All of this is taking its toll but it will all be worth it. It has to.

I blink and take a look at my points.

Points: 7

What should I do with these? Save them or….

The events of this morning flash in my head and I decide against it. I’m going to focus on getting spells for now.

I close my eyes and drift over to sleep. Hopefully, it will be a pleasant one.

Nao’s Current Stats and Spells:

Strength: 16

Endurance: 10

Intelligence: 14

Charisma: 18

Agility: 10

Magic: 15

Spells:

Scan

Minor Illusion [Active]

Magic Missile

Control Water

Acid Blast

Shape Shift [Active]

Mind Reading [Active]

Paralysis

Basic Healing