Chapter 18: Gwen's Change

"Recharge of five million USD successful, 500 clovers obtained!" 

"Current clover count: 956."

Alan winced as he looked at his dramatically increased clover count, feeling a pang of pain in his heart.

With the clovers in hand, he quickly scrolled through the store, searching for power-up items to strengthen the frog.

- [Iron Body]

 - Price: 250 clovers

 - Type: One-time use item

 - Effect: Permanently enhances the frog's defense.

- [Strength of an Ox]

 - Price: 250 clovers

 - Type: One-time use item

 - Effect: Permanently increases the frog's strength.

"If the frog is going to Resident Evil's world, I think these two would be most suitable," Alan pondered, weighing Wesker's combat strength against which enhancements would provide the best value in the dangerous world of Resident Evil.

After all, these clovers... were ridiculously expensive!

"Alright, I'll buy these three!"

[Weapon Mastery]

 - Price: 280 clovers

 - Type: One-time use item

 - Effect: Grants the frog mastery of all weapon types, including firearms.

[Martial Arts Master]

 - Price: 250 clovers

 - Type: One-time use item

 - Effect: Makes the frog a master of various martial arts from around the world.

[Deadpool's Twin Katanas]

 - Price: 260 clovers

 - Type: Weapon

 - Description: A pair of adamantium katanas from Deadpool (Wade) in the Marvel Universe. Not only are they razor-sharp, but they are also incredibly durable—even cannon blasts won't damage them.

In total, Alan spent 790 clovers. After making the purchases, his clover balance dropped to just 166.

Next, he impulsively bought a 50-clover bento box to ensure the frog was well-fed before heading off to settle its scores!

"Frog, your dad has splurged to help you get your revenge this time. You better bring back something good next time."

Alan chuckled as he opened the inventory, equipping the newly purchased items onto the frog.

When the [Deadpool's Twin Katanas] were equipped, two long swords appeared strapped to the frog's back, making it look quite cute in a bizarre way.

"Alright, everything's set for your next trip. Let's hope this money wasn't wasted."

After placing the bento box into the frog's backpack, Alan logged out of the game.

But before leaving, he extracted the [Book of Firearms]. A flood of firearm knowledge surged into his mind like a tidal wave.

Alan sat cross-legged on his yoga mat, digesting the influx of knowledge while meditating to strengthen his mental powers.

He hadn't been meditating for long when a notification sound chimed.

"The frog has gone traveling!"

Alan couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

"Is this really a vacation? Rushing out the door like that, it's obvious the frog doesn't hold grudges overnight."

"Silly frog, you better not come back injured. Your dad's broke and can't afford to heal you right now…"

...

At Gwen's house.

After having dinner with her parents, Gwen returned to her room.

Unlike Alan, who wandered around just to find excitement, she had gone out with a purpose—to learn. She had even taken down a lot of notes.

Sitting at her desk, Gwen reached into her backpack to grab her notebook.

But as soon as her hand touched something inside, a sharp pain shot through her fingers. "Ouch…!"

"What is that?"

Gwen quickly pulled her hand out and saw two tiny puncture marks on the back of her hand, as if something had bitten her.

A moment later, she saw something leap out of her backpack, startling her so much that she jumped out of her chair with a shriek.

In her panic, she stomped on the unknown creature that had jumped out, crushing it into an unrecognizable mess.

Gwen glanced at the seemingly harmless punctures on her hand and didn't think much of it.

Meanwhile, her parents, George and his wife, rushed upstairs after hearing her scream. George pushed open Gwen's door, concerned.

"What happened? Are you okay?"

"There was some sort of bug that scared me," Gwen explained, still a bit shaken.

George scanned the room, and after confirming there were no other issues, he asked, "Do you need me to chase that bug out for you?"

"No, Dad, it just startled me because it came out of nowhere."

"Okay, I didn't think my daughter would be so easily scared," George said proudly, preparing to leave.

But before he could step out, Gwen crossed her arms and called out to him.

"Dad, next time, could you knock before coming into my room?"

Realizing his mistake, George smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about that, sweetie."

"Alright, just call me if you need anything."

After George left, Gwen checked her hand again, then grabbed the first aid kit from the house to clean and disinfect the small wound.

While treating her hand, she noticed something on the floor near where she had been standing earlier.

Upon closer inspection, she realized it was the remains of the unfortunate bug she'd accidentally crushed under her foot.

"You bit me, and I squashed you. I guess we're even now," Gwen muttered to herself. Once everything was tidied up, she settled back down to review her notes from the day.

As she studied, Gwen's thoughts wandered, and before long, the image of Alan popped into her mind—his sharp, handsome features captivating her imagination.

"I wonder if Alan is free tomorrow…"

"I'd love to go over to his place for some of that delicious Asian food," she thought, picking up her phone to send him a message.

However, just as she was about to type, a wave of nausea and dizziness suddenly hit her.

"Was that bug venomous?" she wondered, opening her mouth to call for George, but no sound came out. The dizziness grew more intense until Gwen passed out at her desk.

In her unconscious state, Gwen had a strange dream. She dreamt she had turned into a giant, hideous spider, terrifying and grotesque.

In the dream, Alan appeared before her, and in one swift move, she swallowed him whole.

"No…!"

Gwen jolted awake from the nightmare, only to find herself lying in her bed, tucked under the covers. Her body was drenched in sweat.

"What just happened?"

Feeling disoriented, Gwen got out of bed and headed downstairs. At the dining table, George was enjoying his breakfast.

When he saw Gwen, he smiled and reminded her, "Next time you get tired from studying, make sure to go to bed. Sleeping at your desk can make you catch a cold."

"Dad, did you come into my room last night?" Gwen asked.

"Your mom brought you some coffee and knocked, but you didn't respond. When she came in, she found you asleep at your desk, so I went up and carried you to bed," George explained.

Gwen's mother came out of the kitchen and nodded. "Next time, take care not to overwork yourself. You were up late studying again."

Gwen still looked confused as she tried to recall the events of the previous night. But when she looked at her hand, it was completely smooth—no puncture marks, no wounds.

"Get dressed and come have breakfast, you're almost late for school," her mother reminded her.

Glancing at the clock, Gwen's eyes widened. "Oh no! I have class first thing this morning!"

She quickly dashed back upstairs. Just as she neared her bedroom door, she slipped on something and began to fall forward.

Acting on instinct, Gwen twisted her body midair and did a perfect side flip, landing gracefully on her feet.

"Oh my god…"

...