At the end, I had to reschedule with Jeanne. I just couldn't bring myself to say no to the girl who had practically saved my sorry ass. I would've looked like a total, ungrateful idiot in her eyes.

  However, Jeanne proved to be incredibly understanding. After all, it had been a sudden change without any prior notice. So, we agreed to have our spar on the following day. I couldn't help but feel excited about showcasing my gdiator css against her and exploring how it might differ in every aspect. That new moveset was a total tease.

  Perhaps I'd uncover new techniques or refine my stance, bringing a fresh edge to my fighting style.

  With a resigned sigh, I reach for my cup of milk, taking a long, contemptive sip before gently pcing it back on the table. My mind is lost in thoughts that wouldn't become reality. Not yet, at least.

  But it's still a relief to disconnect from reality for a while and savor the moment. Right now, as I snap back to full attention, my ears catch the faint sound of running water emanating from my room, which had been going on for far too long.

  I've exercised patience, but there comes a point where one must put their foot down. So, I rise from the table, determined to fix the situation.

  I make my way back to my room and head straight for the bathroom, where the shower is still running. With a series of loud knocks, I make my presence clear.

  "Neo, it's been like an hour. Water isn't free!" I shout while banging on the door.

  Water may not be super expensive, but I certainly don't want my bill to skyrocket because of Neo's whims!

  I cease banging on the door, not wanting to risk damaging it, and let out a sigh of growing annoyance as the shower keeps running.

  My gaze shifts back to the room, and my primary focus is on the bed where Neo's clothes are carelessly strewn. Rolling my eyes in mild exasperation, I pick them up and neatly pce them on my chair. The bed, after all, is where I'd be giving her a massage.

  I had delved into the book she had given me, so I had a clear pn in mind for how to proceed with her sudden but earned reward.

  However, I couldn't help but think I would have preferred a different way to spend time with her and her reward, perhaps taking her out to enjoy some sweets or maybe a dinner. It would have been less costly than the constant expenses my home seemed to incur.

  However, my ears perk up at the sound of my shower's abrupt halt.

  Moments ter, the door emits the distinctive unlocking sound and inches open slowly, releasing a thick billow of steam.

  And there it goes all the hot water for tomorrow.

  However, all such thoughts are instantly set aside the moment the steam begin to dissipate, revealing Neo stepping out. It causes me to draw in a sharp breath, as Neo is cd in nothing but a towel, snugly wrapped around her body.

  Her wet hair only enhanced her appearance, making her all the more sexy, no… beautiful. It was impossible for my eyes not to wander downward where her towel covered just enough.

  My mind has been drifting since Neo swiftly brought me back to reality with a gentle poke to my forehead and a smug smile. She pyfully pushed me aside and made her way toward my bed.

  Still dripping wet.

  "Wait! At least dry your..." I begin to protest. "...Legs," I added, but my words trailed off. I let out a long, resigned sigh as the smug girl settles herself onto my bed, instantly soaking it. I couldn't help but notice the damp patches forming on my bedding and the wet footprints she left behind, not to mention the pillow.

  "Whatever," I mutter, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Let's just get this over with."

  Besides, the sooner I finish, the sooner I can deal with the aftermath and get everything dried up.

  I make my way over to the desk, where a small bottle sits on the desk. It is a bottle of oil I had picked up on my way home yesterday. According to the book, special oils were highly recommended for a massage, making the process easier and more comfortable for the person receiving the massage.

  I remove the cap and pour some oil into my left hand, carefully setting the bottle down. I rub my hands together, feeling the oil warm up, and couldn't help but appreciate the pleasant scent of coconut filling the air. Really nice.

  With that task complete, I approach the bed where Neo ys comfortably on top. However, as soon as her mismatched eyes notice me, she pyfully rolls over and reaches for the second pillow, positioning it just right for her head to rest comfortably. And it is impossible not to notice her deliberate gesture, raising her ass ever so suggestively.

  I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her obvious provocation, as if I would look away and become a tomato.

  "Neo, I can't work with the towel on. You should have taken it off," I remind her. The book had suggested that the fewer clothes, the better, and speaking from experience, having damp clothes is a real pain in the ass.

  Neo gnces over her shoulder, that same mischievous smile pying on her lips as her hand gingerly grabs the edge of her towel. She starts to slowly, almost tantalizingly, push it down.

  I don't avert my gaze. If she wants to put on a show, I'm more than willing to watch from the front row. And she doesn't relent. More like my challenge emboldened her as she continues to pull the towel down. Her smile turns into a wide grin as more is exposed.

  Yet, she stopped right at her waist, revealing only her smooth back.

  I click my tongue in mild annoyance, half-expecting a bit more from her. Nevertheless, I couldn't deny that I'd enjoyed it.

  With a few steps closer, I rub my hands together again, contempting how to start the whole thing. The book had suggested starting with the back and applying some pressure, a quick and easy thing. But it also mentioned the option of beginning with the legs. It's a quick decision as I'm closer to her legs to begin with.

  My hands grip her right calf firmly, and I start by kneading her muscles with gentle force. I work my way up toward her thighs, only to be surprised as I encounter resistance in her muscles, causing her leg to tense up.

  I pause for a moment, adjust my position, and then resume my work until I reach her thigh. I repeat the same process all the way down, this time without encountering any resistance from her leg. Which should be a good sign.

  Following the book's instructions, I pce my hands on her thigh once more and apply firm pressure with long, strong strokes, eliciting the same reaction as before, hard muscles acting up, making me raise an eyebrow.

  It was becoming clear that she must have a lot of knots in her muscles, maybe some strain or injury she never mentioned, but it's likely from stress, if the book isn't leading me astray.

  But Neo has a carefree attitude, and I find it hard to believe that she'd be stressed out, unless it is something recent, perhaps reted to the bitch of Cinder.

  That thought made me pause. Of course, it has to be that woman. A total pain in the ass to everyone. I could only hope she is pestering Roman right now.

  After finishing the strokes, I move slightly to the left and gently take hold of her right ankle. My thumb presses against the tension, and I begin to trace slow, precise circles in the area a few times.

  As I attempt to do the same on the sole of her foot, Neo immediately goes for a kick in my face. Fortunately, my better reaction time spared me from a direct hit on the jaw. I meet her gaze, which now holds a clear frown of disapproval, prompting me to raise my hands in surrender.

  And Neo is looking back at me with a frown, causing me to raise my hands.

  "Should have asked, sorry." My words seem to calm her down, and she returns to her pillow.

  [Novice masseur level increased by 2, 3/50]?Wait two levels just from that?

  That's when something sparks in my mind, a perfect idea, and I found it impossible to suppress the sly grin forming on my lips. The book has provided me with numerous basics and medium techniques, and our dear smug girl hasn't set a time limit.

  Meaning.

  I have ALL THE TIME in the world to deliver the most thorough and comprehensive body massage, all while reaping the most benefits in experience points and increase my stats for the next level up.

  'Payback time'

  -Neo Politan-

  As the massage continued, Neo couldn't help but ask herself, how was he THAT good?

  Not like she was compining. It was a big bonus for her kitten to have another skill, but she literally gave him that book yesterday and even more in her doubts was that he was improving as time passed.

  He was touching spots she didn't know she had. Yet it felt so good.

  And much to her delight, he administered a long stroke on her back, the pressure just right. It was as if her kitten could sense exactly where she carried the most stress and tension. As his hands moved lower, Neo's body seemed to sink further into the bed, and she felt something hard in her lower back dissolve under the gentle ministrations.

  Her kitten's touch was both firm and gentle, a perfect bance that sent waves of pleasure coursing through her body, causing her to shiver, and her hands gripped the bed hard. She savored every moment, relishing the way her muscles responded to his touch.

  Would he learn that much if she gave him another book? Did it have a limit?

  But those were thoughts for ter. There was no way she wasn't asking for a second time.

  -Ma'iq Rak'han-

  I carefully lower Neo's arm onto the bed and take a few steps back, then drop onto the seat beside my bed, letting out a tired sigh. A faint smirk graces my lips as I watch the final notification of my success appear in front of me.

  [Novice masseur level increased by 1, 22/50]?Summoning a water bottle from my inventory, I twist off the cap and take a long swig. The cold water instantly refreshes me, its icy temperature providing a pleasantly invigorating sensation.

  Massages, as it turns out, can be quite exhausting. Who would've guessed?

  But if I'm exhausted, what can I even say about that crazy ice-cream girl who melted into rexation under my touch? It's a win for me, even if she enjoyed it.

  It was nothing short of surprising to discover the amount of knots scattered throughout her body. What initially caught my attention in her legs was but a small thing compared to the tangled web of knots residing in her back and neck.

  My bed suddenly creaks loudly, and I gnce to my left, noticing my satisfied customer getting up from the bed, casually tossing her towel in the opposite direction.

  I grab my water bottle, taking a swig as I slyly attempt to steal a better glimpse of her. I couldn't let this chance slip by.

  Except my eyes only connect with a pair of mismatched eyes inches away from me, causing me to choke on the water I am drinking and start coughing loudly and feeling the gag sensation forcing my hand to drop the bottle and start hitting my chest trying to recover my breath.

  As if mocking my predicament, Neo, with her ever-mischievous demeanor, starts patting my back, as if she were my savior at this comically awkward moment.

  I hold my breath and shoot her a gre, making her giggle in response.

  I rub my chest, grimacing as the pain slowly subsides, and the coughing gradually recedes.

  With a graceful hop, she swings her legs off the bed and walks with an aura of confidence in front of me.

  Wait.

  My eyes widen in sheer surprise, and my heart seems to skip a beat, causing me to inhale sharply. Neo walks fully naked in front me with no shred of shame in her.

  She comes to a halt, gncing back over her shoulder, a casual half-smile pying on her lips as she stretches her arms, showing off plenty of her.

  'Watch all you want. You earned this much.'

  The towel had been a tad tight, but now, without it, she...

  "Wait, wait, wait. Did I just read you?" I interrupt abruptly, my frown deepening. I'm completely fixated on this bizarre revetion, pushing aside everything else as I distinctly recall reading a sentence forming above her.

  Neo slowly turns her entire body, pcing her hands on her hips, wearing the same cheeky smile as words slowly materialize above her head.

  'Of course you did, silly. How else can I talk?'

  My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. She could use her sembnce like that? It's a newfound discovery, I must admit.

  And she is spot-clean down there as well.

  "Well, you've always used your scroll... somehow," I trail off, my attention once again drifting downwards.

  'Everyone can read these, you know?'

  Only to realize her words now pyfully cover her breasts. A snort of amusement escapes me, and she grins in response.

  "I was THAT obvious, wasn't I?" I ask with a chuckle.

  She nods in agreement before stretching her other arm, pcing a significant emphasis on her chest, squeezing it gently between her outstretched arms. But the intent to show off her cleavage is as clear as day. I still enjoy her show, though.

  However, a lingering question remains after a new dispy of her sembnce. "But then, why didn't you talk like this during those other times when we were alone?" I ask, genuinely puzzled.

  Neo pauses in her activities, locking her eyes onto mine. She raises an eyebrow, her smug demeanor intact as she leans in a bit closer, clearly conveying her thoughts without forming a word.

  I lightly sp my forehead, realizing the stupidity of my question. "Yeah, that was a dumb question. It's you, after all," I admit with a self-deprecating grin. I rise from my seat and walk over to the desk where I had neatly pced her clothes. Picking them up, I turn towards the petite girl and hand her all her clothes.

  As much as I enjoy her natural show, the novelty of seeing her naked has worn off. It starts to lose its appeal if that's all that's going to happen and there are other things I need to do.

  She takes her clothes with a delighted expression, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Leaning closer, she tiptoes towards me. 'Don't you want to see how I put my clothes on? How will I bend down to put on my pants and let you see everything?'

  Her words make me stop thinking for a good couple of seconds. "Would you?"

  If she's offering something that generous, I'd be an idiot not to indulge in her offer.

  Neo grins mischievously but shakes her head in pyful denial. Then, without warning, she sps my ass before walking away toward the bathroom, each step accentuating the sway of her hips.

  I can't tear my gaze away from her, the image of her etching itself into my mind and the idea of just returning the sp becoming stronger. But that stops the moment she pauses at the bathroom door and looks back, her expression now different, a new kind of smile pying on her lips.

  'Next time, I want a happy ending.'

  And with that, the door to my bathroom closes shut.

  I can't help but admit that Neo's sudden and short performance was quite the treat for my eyes.

  "Wait…happy ending?"

  -Later-

  It's te into the night, the sky painted in pitch bck, illuminated only by the soft radiance of the moon and the twinkle of stars. The commercial district is alive with activity as people fill the streets, infusing the area with a lively atmosphere as always.

  In my case, I'm on my way home, a bag of groceries in tow. It's not my usual grocery day, but the temptation of a special promotion on cereals and fruits proved irresistible, prompting me to replenish some of my kitchen at a discounted rate.

  Yet, my sudden grocery run serves as a welcome distraction from the events of earlier today.

  The image of Neo's small but generously stacked body is still fresh in my mind. And while she isn't the first girl I've seen naked, she is definitely special compared to the rest. I just don't know how to put it in the right words.

  There is just something different about her. Too perfect?

  I really should have taken my chances and returned that sp, rather than stay there watching her leave, or maybe make up an excuse to touch her a little higher.

  Call it unprofessional, but I am not a professional to begin with. Although, I will have another chance with her since she wants another massage some time in the future, so I should buy a more advanced book. Also that drastic level increase is definitely gonna affect my next level up, I just need to kill some grimm.

  I will have to sneak my way in. There is no other option.

  My scroll suddenly rings, jolting me from my thoughts.

  Before retrieving it, I quickly check my surroundings. The few people in the streets are engrossed in their own affairs, a good opportunity to transfer my bag of groceries into my inventory.

  Then I answer the call.

  "Yes?"

  'Come to the club. It's time to work.'

  My expression grows serious as I realize that Junior is finally cashing in his favor. "Will be there."

  The kingpin ends the call, and I pivot on my heel, making my way to the edge of the pavement. With a quick gesture, I signal for a taxi, and one promptly pulls over.

  A short ride, but it beats walking.

  I disembark on the opposite side of the street from where the club should be. Unlike my previous visits, the entire area is eerily devoid of people, even though it's the time when it should be teeming with young party goers ready to have a good time. However, the building is concealed behind rge panels and metallic structures.

  As I approach, I spot signs of construction tools and discarded materials sacks strewn about. It appears that Junior has already begun the repairs, a bit surprising considering he hasn't called on me for help with moving stuff. Perhaps he simply forgot.

  Upon reaching the entrance, the imposing bouncer stands guard as usual. Without a word, he swings the door open for me and gestures for me to step inside.

  The first time I came here, the bring music reverberated through the entire establishment, the beats pulsating through the walls. But this time, the pce is silent. I can even hear the sound of my own footsteps as I descend the long staircase.

  Upon reaching the floor, I discover the pce is just as empty, save for numerous piles of building materials and additional metallic structures where the gss pilrs used to stand. There are also plenty of markers and warning signs, clearly instructing anyone not to enter the construction zone.

  Although I don't see any workers in sight, it's evident that they're hard at work elsewhere, likely being pushed by the big guy to complete the construction as fast as possible.

  The boss himself is seated on a couch, one of many that occupy the tables. He's leisurely puffing on a cigar. Meanwhile, the twins are at another table engrossed in a card game, half-empty drinks scattered about.

  As I approach the boss, he notices my arrival and removes the cigar, extinguishing it in an ashtray. He rises from his seat, meeting me halfway.

  Soon, I find myself standing next to the boss, and I can't help but be taken aback by our stark difference in size. I hadn't bothered to gauge it during our st encounter, given that he was always seated, but now I see that he can tower over me.

  Another observation that doesn't escape me is how remarkably well he looks, practically in perfect health. His face bears no trace of that once-swollen bck eye. Shifting my gaze slightly to the twins, I notice the same, not a single bruise marring their features.

  Turning my attention back to my quasi-boss, I cross my arms and cut to the chase. "So, what's the job?"

  The bearded man raises a hand and signals to one of his henchmen. The henchman rushes over, handing him a file, which he then passes to me.

  I take the file from his hands, flipping it open and extracting a couple of photographs. The first picture dispys a girl with long blonde hair and striking lic eyes. The second captures a hotel, while the final image reveals a good looking yellow bike.

  However, these images don't offer much context, prompting me to shoot Junior a questioning look.

  A sentiment he grasps almost instantly. He snatches the picture of the blonde girl from my hand, his expression turning darker as he crumples it between his fingers before tossing it aside. "That goldilocks is responsible for trashing my club and beating up my men," He growls as he returns to his seat, frustration evident in his voice as he expins. "It took some time, but I have my ways to get all the information about her."

  Junior retrieves another cigar and ignites it with his lighter, taking a long drag before leaning back in his chair. "The problem is, she's practically a Beacon's student, which means she's under the headmaster's protection, making her legally untouchable. At best, I could file a compint that'll end up buried under piles of paperwork, if it doesn't get shredded the moment it nds on someone's desk."

  I furrow my brow in confusion as I approach the table. "Legal terms?"

  He takes another leisurely puff from his cigar. "Not everything in this line of work is done with guns and broken bones. You won't get far like that." He turns his head slowly to meet my gaze, his eyes locking onto mine. "If I had my way, I would have drowned her in debt for the rest of her miserable life if she was just some random brat with aura."

  "And we would have made sure to shave her hair." Meine interjects with a sly grin.

  "Along with a rearranged face," Miltia adds with a scowl.

  Junior removes the cigar from his mouth, releasing a sigh of resignation. "Unfortunately, none of that is an option. So, I'll have to settle for the next best thing: her bike."

  I state the obvious out loud, "And that's where I come into the picture. Steal her bike." My words prompt a nod from him.

  "Exactly, with your sembnce, might pull it off without any issue. But in case you are limited by the size, then you can just break it apart. Both options work for me."

  "Steal or break, seems easy enough." I reply with a nonchant shrug, pcing the file and the pictures on the table. Another gnce at the bike sparks an idea in my mind, reminding me of my curiosity about whether I can store a vehicle in my inventory.

  This presents the perfect opportunity for a test run.

  "We've already scouted the location where that brat is staying, along with two others whom I assume are her family," Junior informs me, tapping his finger on the hotel picture. "Her bike is in the garage, protected only by a standard padlock." He pauses and raises an inquisitive brow. "You do know how to pick a lock, don't you?"

  I roll my eyes, but nod in response. It seems Roman's shitty lessons were useful after all, finally real practical application of his words.

  "Good, you can go today or tomorrow. We already found her pattern and right now she has that bike parked in that garage. And don't worry about any silent arms or the cameras, the hotel owner just installed props to give the illusion of security."

  "Convenient. So, today or tomorrow?" I ponder aloud, rubbing my chin as I delve into deep thought.

  Tomorrow could provide more time for preparation or even the chance to ask for some advice. However, I'm already here, with little else to do except drop off my shopping bags and sleep. It could also offer a chance to cool my head.

  "Can I keep the bike?" I ask. Possessing a vehicle would cross off the first item on my to-do list, which is getting away from Cinder. While I'd need to learn how to drive one, I'm confident I can pick up the basics fairly quickly.

  Junior raises an eyebrow before shrugging. "Fine by me, as long as that becomes the extra reward you were looking for."

  Well, it's a free bike. And everyone wins on this one, except that blondie.

  "Deal, I guess." I shrug.

  The bearded man nods. "Good. My men are already waiting in the backdoor, they will drop you off a street away."

  I nod in response and bid a brief farewell to the twins. Miltia waves back while Menie seizes the opportunity to sneak a peek at her sister's cards.

  Upon reaching the back door, I push it open and find the same guy as before, dressed in that colorful fake delivery uniform. He's standing in the alley, gesturing for me to follow him. We make our way to the same delivery truck as before.

  On the bright side, I don't have to wear that dumb uniform. I really hated wearing that cap.

  Once inside the truck, I notice a few differences. The driver has sprayed something that makes the air smell considerably better, and there's even a small decoration hanging from the rearview mirror.

  But these are minor details, and I find a comfortable position in the seat, leaning against the window, and patiently await the guy to take me to my destination.

  The ride isn't short by any means. There are numerous turns and streets along the way, and eventually, we arrive on a retively empty street. The driver parks the truck near a mppost.

  "For safety reasons, we're dropping you off two streets away," the driver announces as he hands me a slip of paper. "This has the exact direction."

  "Fine," I respond, taking the note and giving it a quick read before exiting the truck and heading towards the hotel.

  The area is peaceful and rather pleasant, certainly not as wary as my own neighborhood. I remain cautious of my surroundings, as habits die hard, but this pce doesn't have the same air of potential danger as the slums. With aura, most people tend to think twice before trying anything funny.

  I eventually find myself at a street corner, where a sign with the street name directs me on the correct path. I continue walking for another block before reaching the street where the hotel should be.

  Finding the hotel isn't a challenging task; a rge lighted sign proudly dispys the word 'Vacancy.' Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this pce is leagues ahead of Jeanne's motel in terms of appearance. It's well-maintained, and even the exterior exudes a sense of comfort, a nice pce to sleep.

  I take a few steps back and survey my surroundings, but the street appears deserted, devoid of people. Leaning forward, I try to peer inside, only to find the reception area equally empty.Perhaps the receptionist is on a bathroom break or something. I can't afford to squander this golden opportunity, so I cautiously approach the garage door.

  My jaw drops in surprise as I discover that the padlock is...

  …Outside?

  What the fuck? Who built this thing?

  Junior had mentioned that there were no arms or security measures beyond the conspicuous padlock hanging outside. Did the owner have extreme confidence on his bluff?

  Or perhaps this pce is frequented by hunters or individuals with unlocked auras? It wouldn't be wise for a would-be thief to take chances with a crowd capable of snapping them in half. But unlike the majority of people, I have aura. Still, I need to exercise caution.

  Summoning the multi-tool, I quickly sift through its extensive options, searching for a lockpick. After a few tries, I manage to extract a lockpick from the multi-tool and kneel in front of the padlock and start lock-picking.

  It turns out the lock isn't particurly complex; there are no tricks or safety mechanisms to contend with. I simply start fiddling with the pins, methodically connecting them until I hear the satisfying clicking sounds, signaling my success.

  I retrieve the now-open lock and tuck it into my pocket. Then I cautiously grasp the garage door handle and lift it just enough to slip underneath. I don't fully open it, as that would undoubtedly draw attention. Unfortunately, I had to get my clothes dirty in the process.

  But a quick session with the washing machine would make my clothes brand clean, still though, people should sweep the floor more often. My shirt is now bck from all the dirt and dust gathered.I dismiss that problem for ter and look inside the garage, where I swiftly spot two small cars parked. But more importantly, there's the yellow bike leaning against the wall.

  A smirk forms on my face as I realize just how easy it was to reach the bike. Less than five minutes of work, and I'm standing next to my objective. I pce a hand on top of it, ready to use my inventory, but then I notice something surprising—the keys are still in the bike's ignition.

  That blondie must have been either overly confident or incredibly zy, leaving her bike unlocked with the keys in it. Regardless, it's a big win for me, as I won't have to do anything other than use those keys to start it up.I remove the keys and tuck them into my pocket, contempting the idea of sending the vehicle to my inventory. To my delight, the bike begins to dematerialize, just like other objects do when they're sent to my gamer inventory.

  [Bumblebee has been added to your inventory.]?Reading the notifications brings a satisfied smile to my face, but soon that satisfaction dangerously escates to ughter, which I quickly suppress.

  I've just learned that my inventory is capable of storing vehicles—a retively small one, but a vehicle nonetheless. That fact shouldn't be underestimated. Now, the next question that forms in my mind is, what's the size limit?And when will I have the opportunity to test it with more vehicles?

  At least I can be reasonably sure I won't be storing cargo ships anytime soon.

  Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I decide it's best not to linger in this pce. I'm essentially an intruder here, and pushing my luck with the rightful owner showing up is not a gamble I want to take.

  Returning to a crouched position, I exit the garage and close the door behind me. I then carefully reattach the padlock and secure it as if nothing had ever touched that door.

  After rubbing my neck for a moment, I start walking away with no clear destination in mind. I know I should report back to Junior, but I feel like indulging in a quick detour.

  After all, this deserves a small celebration.