Chapter 7: The Test Run and Stealth Skills
Alex stared at the glowing number: SP: 20. It was the most power he'd ever held. The reward—Full Musculature and Fat Repositioning—was now queued, waiting for him to prepare. He knew he couldn't undergo a body overhaul of that magnitude in a messy, unfurnished apartment. He needed supplies, and he needed them now.
But the memory of Liam's truck was fresh. Now that his face was B-Rank beautiful, his "Cloaking Mantle" was significantly weaker. A second glance, even from a distracted person, could ruin everything.
Alex navigated to the [Utility] and [Physiology] trees. He had to prioritize safety and endurance.
The following skills appeared on his purchase list:
1) A crucial protective measure that dramatically reduces the Host's perceived presence, making them easily forgettable in crowds and difficult for non-System users to focus on. Aura Dampening (Lvl 2) [5 SP]
2) A mild analgesic that reduces muscle inflammation and general exercise-related aches, ensuring the Host can maintain peak training efficiency without burnout. Minor Pain Dampener (Lvl 1) [1 SP]
3) The most powerful protective measure against the residual effects of self-hatred and fear. This skill helps the Host project calmness even under extreme emotional duress. Emotional Fortitude (Lvl 1) [3 SP]
Alex immediately selected the two most practical skills.
"System, purchase Aura Dampening and Minor Pain Dampener."
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[CONFIRM PURCHASE]
Skills: Aura Dampening (Lvl 2) and Minor Pain Dampener (Lvl 1)
Cost: 6 SP
Current SP: 20
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Purchase Complete. SP balance: 14.
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The skills settled immediately. Minor Pain Dampener was a gentle, constant thrum, relaxing the deep ache in his newly-structured bones. Aura Dampening felt like a cool mist settling over his skin. He felt less like a beacon of anxiety and more like a background character in a movie.
He quickly pulled on the baggiest clothes he owned—three layers of old, shapeless cotton, topped with the cap that hid his luxurious hair and the thick scarf that muffled his refined jawline. He was an anonymous mound of fabric, but now, he was also mentally cloaked.
It was 10:00 AM—the riskiest time of day, but the time he needed to be out to reach the only decent department store ten miles away. He had to buy things for his new body: clothing essentials, the highest quality makeup he could afford (guided by his Foundation Makeup Mastery skill), and—crucially—a yoga mat and basic weights for his apartment gym.
He took the bus, sitting at the back, his head against the glass. The Aura Dampening was unnerving. People looked through him. A woman across the aisle glanced in his direction, her eyes scanning right past his face to the empty seat beside him. No pity, no disgust, just nothing.
His beautiful face remained completely unseen behind the veil of his size and his new psychological shield.
He reached the major commercial district—a chaotic landscape of stores and people. Alex walked with his new Basic Posture Control active. Even under three layers of fabric, the fluid, elegant way he carried his weight felt incredibly different. He wasn't slouching; he felt like he was gliding.
In the makeup aisle of a large store, his Foundation Makeup Mastery skill activated, guiding his eyes instinctively to the correct shade, formula, and brush sets. He bought professional-grade concealer, contour kits, and foundation that matched the perfect hue of his system-generated skin.
As Alex exited the store with a heavy bag of clothes and cosmetics, he felt a prickle of alarm—the first emotional residue that the Aura Dampening couldn't completely block.
Across the busy intersection, lounging outside a coffee shop, were two figures he recognized instantly: Marcus and Chad, two of the college bullies, clearly taking a break from campus.
Alex froze, instinctively pulling his scarf higher. They hadn't seen him. Their backs were half-turned, talking loudly about something on a phone.
He needed to cross the street to get to the bus stop, which meant walking directly past them.
No. I have a skill for this.
He focused on the Aura Dampening skill, pouring all his focus into becoming the most forgettable person in the area. His elegant, B-Rank face was hidden, and his focus was absolute.
He started walking, his new Basic Posture Control preventing him from hunching over in panic. He moved with a subtle, unhurried grace, a contradiction to the sheer size of his form.
He passed within five feet of Chad, who was laughing and showing Marcus his phone.
Chad glanced up, his eyes meeting Alex's for a fleeting second. Chad's gaze was blank, dismissive. He registered a large, anonymous person in a grey hoodie, carrying a shopping bag, and immediately returned his attention to his phone screen without a flicker of recognition.
They saw the "Glutton" and looked right through the beautiful face beneath the disguise. The system's Cloaking Mantle, combined with Aura Dampening, was perfectly effective.
Alex felt a fierce, almost vengeful surge of triumph. They didn't even see him.
He reached the bus stop, his body trembling, but his mind exhausted. He had faced his tormentors in broad daylight and walked away a ghost.
He realised how much he had changed.
Back in the safety of his apartment, Alex stripped off his clothes. The system immediately registered the full commitment to the next stage. He had his supplies, his training was consistent, and his new skills were online.
He looked at his profile one last time before resting.
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[HOST STATS]
Name: Alex Maxwell
Level: 2
Title: Beginner
Appearance: B+ Rank (Current Beauty Score: 460/1000)
Charm: 110
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 15
Passive Skills: Enhanced Metabolism (Lvl 1), Basic Posture Control (Lvl 1), Foundation Makeup Mastery (Lvl 1), Aura Dampening (Lvl 2), Minor Pain Dampener (Lvl 1)
Skill Points (SP): 14
Evolution Currency (EC): 0
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ATTENTION HOST: All prerequisites for Mandatory Quest 3 reward are met.
Second Body Modification scheduled for 03:00 AM.
Preparation required: Fasting 4 hours prior.
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The notification was the most exciting thing he had ever read. At 3:00 AM, the massive and obviously painful process of becoming truly sleek and feminine would begin. He was finally going to shed the mass he hated and gain the form of the beautiful femboy the system promised.