A Hero's Touch

Chapter 12

Panic clawed at Emily. A man she'd just met, and here she was... The sound of water splashing from the bathroom sent a jolt through her. Yet, the image of his heroic form filled her mind, and a strange resolve settled in. This wasn't recklessness, it was liberation.

A notification chimed on her phone, sharp and insistent. Ignoring it for a moment, Emily stared at the message. It was Charles, her coworker, filled with worry. "[Emily, where are you?!] I heard you were attacked in the hospital? [Are you alright?!] [Where are you, do you want me to take a taxi to pick you up. What do you want to eat at night..]"

A frown creased her brow. Just as she considered replying, the bathroom door clicked shut, and Alex emerged. A blush flooded her cheeks. Forget Charles, forget soothing his worried messages. Everything else paled in comparison to the perfect specimen before her. The sculpted lines of his physique were unlike anything she'd ever seen.

...

Alex gazed down at the sleeping Emily, surprised by the innocence beneath her impulsive actions. He watched her peaceful slumber, a strange calmness washing over him. With a flick of his mind, his attribute panel materialized before him.

[NAME: Alex Cain]

[AGE: 21]

[CLASS: Lightning Monarch (SSS)]

[LV: 3 EXP: 0/10]

[HP: 10/10]

[STR: 6]

[AGI: 6]

[VIT: 6]

[MP: 7/7]

SP: 0

EP: 2.1

[SKILL: Appraisal]

[TALENT: Lightning Manipulation]

[AUTHORITY: Lightning(1.5%)]

His gaze lingered on his class, "Lightning Monarch." This power thrummed within him, a constant source of fascination. Each jolt of electricity he absorbed fueled his growth, granting him evolution points. Right now, he had 2.1 points to spend.

Carefully, Alex delved into his evolutionary tree, analyzing the different paths before him. Finally, he focused all 2.1 points on his "Lightning Essence" talent. A surge of energy coursed through him, a tangible confirmation of his choice.

[Lightning Essence Evolution: Authority (Lightning: +0.5%) Strength +5, Agility +5, Vitality +5]

He awoke from a deep sleep, feeling the surge of power coursing through his veins. His attributes had noticeably increased, but the Authority boost was minimal. Perhaps there were limitations, something he'd uncover later.

Glancing at Emily, still asleep, Alex rose and headed to the kitchen. When Emily awoke to the aroma of food, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over her. Shame for her recklessness battled with the memory of last night and the sight of a delicious breakfast waiting for her.

"So good!" she exclaimed, nose twitching with delight. "You can cook?"

Alex simply raised an eyebrow. "Wash your hands first. They're covered in gems." His newly enhanced talent allowed him to see the faint traces clinging to her skin.

Emily huffed, a touch of annoyance mixing with the lingering attraction. "Yesterday, I was covered in you, and everywhere was full of gems! Humph!"

Despite her grumbling, she did as instructed, returning with a sheepish grin. She devoured the food with gusto, earning a slight twitch of Alex's lips.

"How long has it been since you last ate?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.