Infinite Evolution: My Idle Evolution System

*Ding!*

[You received 2 Points in Charisma for completing the Quest: "Save the Pretty Girl from Truck-kun's Vengeance."]

[You received 1 Point in Strength and Agility for completing Daily Quest #23!]

— [No punishment was applied due to extenuating circumstances. But to make up for the lack of character development while you were snoozing, you will need to do four times the exercises today. Double Stat Points will be allotted! ^~^]

For a moment, Cassius stared blankly at the glowing screen, his mind torn between disbelief and resignation. "I almost thought you had a change of heart, system," he muttered dryly, "but nope—you're still the same petty douchebag."

He accidentally said the last part aloud, which caused the girl by the windowsill to flinch. "A douche…?" she echoed, her voice soft and uncertain. Her head tilted to the side, a finger resting on her chin as her large brown eyes searched his face for answers. "A-Am I the douche…?"

The way her expression morphed into one of sad confusion made Cassius feel like he'd just kicked a puppy. Her wide, teary eyes made his heart lurch in a way he wasn't quite used to. He sighed. "No, you're not the douche. You're very nice. And cute," he added before he could think better of it.

"C-Cute?" she stammered, the word tumbling out like she couldn't believe it had been said aloud. Her cheeks flushed so deeply it looked like steam might erupt from her ears. She repeated the word under her breath, her voice growing softer each time.

Cassius shook his head with a bemused smile. 'This girl is definitely odd,' he thought, but there was something undeniably endearing about her bashful antics.

Pulling his focus away from her flustered reaction, he brought up his system interface.

BLING!

________________________________

[Name: Idle Evolution System]

[Host: Cassius] - [Lvl 1]

[Title: Gym Bro (E)]

______________________________

[HP: 65/100] [MP: 100]

[FATIGUE: 34]. [AP: 10]

______________________________

[STRENGTH: 23] (Athletic/Bodybuilder+)

[AGILITY: 31] (About as fast as a sh*tty Camry Car)

[ENDURANCE: 21] (You can overcome your SDS (Small Dick Syndrome) with this level of stamina)

[INTELLIGENCE: 20] (Could become a Tutor)

[PERCEPTION: 20] (Do your spidey senses tingle yet?)

[CHARISMA: 22] (Exceptionally handsome)

_______________________________

'Looks like I got 3 AP from something,' Cassius thought, squinting at the screen. 'Probably the first Idle Benefit?'

As if in response, another notification appeared.

*Ding!*

[Due to extenuating circumstances, the system decided to give you a single pass. Don't let it happen again; you need all the character development you can get!]

Cassius's smile twitched as he read the screen, his expression morphing into something between amusement and exasperation. The sight confused the bunny-like girl still seated by the window. Before she could think too much about it, however, he turned his attention back to her.

"Your name?"

"S-Sorry, my what…?"

"Your name. You have one, don't you?"

The girl blinked rapidly, her mind spinning. "Y-Yes, of course! My name is…" She paused, her gaze drifting to his face and then his exposed abs. Her mind blanked entirely. "It's… Wait… what is it again…?"

She visibly flinched at her own forgetfulness, then brightened with a sudden epiphany. "It's Grace! Yes, that's it!" she exclaimed, looking ridiculously proud of herself for recalling her own name.

Watching her beam so earnestly made Cassius chuckle despite himself. "You really are a cute one, aren't you?"

Grace froze, her face turning scarlet as her hands fidgeted with her hair. "Y-You don't have to laugh…" she murmured, her voice so soft it was barely audible. "I know I'm weird…"

"I said cute, not weird," Cassius corrected matter-of-factly, his tone so casual it only flustered her further.

Grace's thoughts spiraled. She'd always been uneasy around men, their gazes often filled with either pity or something far less innocent. But Cassius… he was different. He didn't look at her like she was fragile or something to conquer.

Talking to him felt… nice.

'What's wrong with me?' she wondered, her fingers gripping the hem of her shirt.

Cassius, noticing her staring with his heightened Perception, turned to meet her gaze, only for her to whip her head away in embarrassment. The corner of his mouth quirked upward in amusement, but the motion sent a sharp pain lancing through his ribs.

Grace immediately noticed his wince and shot to her feet. "You can't laugh! Stop laughing!" she scolded, her attempt at sounding stern failing miserably.

Her puffed-up cheeks only made Cassius laugh harder, though it was more subdued this time, a quiet chuckle that left him wincing again. Grace's worry overtook her embarrassment as she stepped closer, her hands glowing faintly green as she prepared to cast her healing spell again.

"You mustn't move so much," she chastised gently. "Your injuries are still severe…"

The warm energy from her spell seeped into Cassius's body, soothing the ache in his muscles. "You're really good at that," he said, watching her work. "It's… beautiful, honestly."

Grace froze, her gaze darting up to meet his. The sincerity in his voice sent her heart racing, and she quickly looked away, her face practically glowing. "I-It's just a spell… nothing special…"

Cassius smiled softly. "Anyway, you should head home. Your parents must be worried sick."

Grace hesitated, her hands clenching at her sides. "I-I will… but could I… maybe get your phone number?"

Cassius raised an eyebrow.

She immediately panicked. "I-It's not like that! I just… I wanted to thank you properly another time! A-And Snow hasn't seen you since you were brought here…"

Cassius chuckled, reaching out to gently pat her head. "Sure, why not?" He handed her his phone, already unlocked. "Add your number."

Grace hesitated before taking it, savoring the warm touch of his hand on her head. As she typed in her number, she found herself disappointed when he pulled his hand away. A small pout formed on her lips, but she quickly masked it as she handed the phone back.

"Thank you," she whispered, her heart fluttering again.

Cassius simply nodded, leaning back with a smile. "Don't mention it. In all actuality, it should be my utmost privilege to receive the number of a girl as pretty as you. Don't you reckon?"