The second we stepped out of Rosalina's Secret, I thanked every divine entity who might be listening that I'd poured eighteen hundred points into that strength upgrade. Between Aurora's shopping spree and Addison's "just a few things I need," I was carrying six bags in each hand. Not small bags either. The kind with thick rope handles that dig trenches into your palm if you're not careful.
A month ago, I would've been sweating and panting after half a block. Now? The bags felt like they were filled with cotton balls. The C-rank strength coursing through my newly sculpted muscles made this feel like carrying empty grocery sacks. I adjusted my grip, redistributing weight between hands as we walked down Ventura's main strip.
"We should drop these off at the hotel," Aurora said, looking at her phone. "Dinner reservations aren't until seven. No reason to drag everything around."
Addison nodded. "Smart. I don't want my new stuff getting wrinkled while we're drinking somewhere."
