When Sevs got home, before bed, he noticed a new notification was waiting for him, so he pulled up his status page.

ID

X77

Progress

Tutorial: Lvl 6

Titles

STR

-10%

DEX

-10%

INT

-10%

AGI

-10%

WIS

-10%

CHA

+60%

CON

-10%

He had gone up a level, but not much else had changed. It might not be too long before he can really start earning EXP. Though this tutorial was shaping up to put him in one of the best starting points he had ever had. So leveling out of the tutorial might not be the play, especially when he could still learn new skills. It would be much faster to grind skills in a main world, but the ability to learn new skills was not always accessible. He would be so busy with other things that there might not be a chance. Beyond learning system skills, he felt he was actually growing and developing his actual mind. It had been so long since he noticed real growth. After a quick look at his status, he checked out the notification that had caught his attention.

Congratulations! Through studying under a master of the skill you have learned Physical Fitness. You have taken the first steps down the path of learning to use your body as was intended. You will be able to do basic physical actions with slightly less effort. Learning physically demanding skills will be slightly easier. (Normal training restrictions suppressed)

The skill list had also been updated to reflect his new skill. He had also gained a level in leadership which was nice.

Skills: Leadership 2, Physical Fitness 1

Getting one of the basic physical skills would not be that surprising, except he was not running a physical build. If he had ever made it to a main world with his attempt at an agility/dexterity build he probably would have gotten the skill rather quickly. However, what was odd about receiving the skill now was that it wasn’t for a physical build. Maybe there was something special about charisma builds?

***

Sevs and Father found their new rhythm. Days started to blend together. They would start each day in the early morning, going to get breakfast and coffee for Father at their favorite diner. By now, the staff knew them on sight and had their drinks delivered as they were sitting down. It might have helped that Father was a great tipper. Then on weekdays, they would drive to work, where Father would take care of his job, and Sevs would read. Soon Father would need to restock the bookshelf he kept in his office. They would go grab lunch, and if they had extra time, they might meet Markus at some restaurant nearby. More reading and work would follow before they would find someplace to eat dinner. Then they would go home. Father might run on the treadmill for a bit, they might watch tv, or they would just sit and talk. Father might have a glass of whiskey and make Sevs a virgin drink. He was becoming quite the bartender after a bit of practice.

The weekends after breakfast went a little differently. Sometimes they would just hang out at home. Once they went and saw a football game. Father made an effort to plan a day where they could go out and try something new, a movie, play ping pong, rock climbing, etc… The other day was left open where they could each relax.

This routine continued for a few weeks before they had their first deviation. Again Father had an important meeting that Sevs would not be able to sit quietly in the corner for. This actually came up during a lunch excursion with Markus.

“So Sevs, when are you gonna come visit me again? It's been lonely over in engineering land,” Markus asked.

Father cut in. “Actually if you don’t mind on Thursday, the 12th I’m going to have a meeting that he won’t be allowed in the room during.”

“Yeah for sure, Sevs you good or would you rather go pick your nose in daycare?”

“Ya know Markus I think I might see less boogers there than sitting next to you. What with the height difference and all it a clear view.” Sevs said.

Father started to chuckle, and Markus shot him a glare. “What! you won’t stand up for your old friend? You are just going to sit there and laugh?” Markus said indignantly.

“Stand up for you against a little kid? To be fair he is my son so I see why you are so helpless.”

Markus shot back at Sevs with, “One of these days you can’t keep hiding behind that little kid crutch. You'll have to come face me like a real man.” With that, he mimed throwing a right cross and made a pow sound.

Not missing a beat Sevs, “Anytime old man, you won’t keep up.”

The banter paused for a second as the waitress stopped by to refill the drinks and ask if they needed anything else. Father requested the check, and as the waitress walked away, they picked it back up. Markus, in a rare case, was not the instigator. He was actually trying to convince Father to let him split the bill. Father came in and absolutely blindsided Sevs “Consider it payment for babysitting”

As Father said that, he sent Sevs a wink to ensure he knew he was kidding. He needn't be worried. Sevs was laughing along, “As long as he gets me an apple juice, I won’t give him too many problems.”

Never able to be really kept down, Markus busted out with his usual over-the-top laugh, leaning back in his chair, drawing looks from all around the restaurant. Markus was wiping a tear from the corner of his eye when the check came and missed his chance to grab it. Father threw some bills down, and they all stood up and left the restaurant.

As they walked back, Father split off to go to his meeting. “It’s only for an hour so you can get him back after that.”

Father noticed Markus and Sevs exchanging a look and sighed. “Of course, if you would both rather, I can come over after I am done with my day. If you feel the need to continue being a bad influence.”

Markus offered Sevs a high five, “I feel like I just got permission to let my friend sleep over when I was in elementary school. But I’ll watch him for however long you need. Take your time and get your stuff done.”

Seeing Sev's enthusiastic return of Markus’s high five, Father simply shook his head and walked away. “See you two later!”