The morning after the first training session, Hiroto woke up feeling like he had been run over by a truck… again.
He sat up slowly, wincing as his muscles protested. Every part of his body ached, but instead of wallowing, a dry, self-aware smile crept onto his face.
Strength 7… System, you really know how to humble a guy. I went from software engineer to human punching bag in one reincarnation. Career progression of the century.
He stood up and looked at himself in the small mirror.
"Alright, Hiroto. You died once as a background character. This time, you're not going out like that."
His voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it.
"I'm not going to stay at Strength 7 forever. I'm going to grind, improve, and turn this pathetic starting stats into something respectable. Because if I'm going to be a Harem Lord in a world full of futanari amazons, I'd rather not be known as 'the guy who got protected to death.' That's just bad branding."
He changed into his training clothes and stepped outside.
Sylvara was already waiting in the clearing, looking fresh and composed. Her training outfit hugged her athletic yet voluptuous figure tightly, accentuating her full breasts and the prominent bulge straining against the front of her pants.
"Morning," Hiroto said, stretching his sore arms. "Ready to continue turning me into something slightly less useless?"
Sylvara raised an eyebrow, amused.
"You're in a surprisingly good mood for someone who spent yesterday kissing the grass repeatedly."
Before Hiroto could reply, the System's mechanical voice rang in his head, dripping with sarcasm.
[Good morning, Host. I see you're still operating at peak 'human disaster' efficiency. Strength 7 remains undefeated. Would you like me to start a betting pool on how many times you'll fall today? Current odds are quite generous.]
Hiroto muttered under his breath.
"…You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
[Immensely. Your survival rate improves by 87% when you hide behind Lady Sylvara. I'm just doing my job as your personal commentator and emotional support system.]
Sylvara tilted her head, noticing his expression.
"Talking to yourself again?"
Hiroto sighed.
"The System is developing a personality. And it's a sarcastic asshole."
The training began.
Sylvara corrected his stance and movements with sharp, teasing feedback.
"Too wide. You're telegraphing your moves like you're sending a love letter to the enemy."
"Shoulders down. You look like you're trying to carry the entire village on your back… with Strength 7."
Hiroto swung again, lost his balance, and nearly fell. He caught himself at the last second.
"Nice save," Sylvara said with a smirk.
The System chimed in immediately.
[Impressive. That was almost a 0.8 out of 10. Personal best.]
Hiroto laughed despite himself.
"You know, if you keep roasting me like this, I might actually get motivated out of pure spite."
[That's the plan, Host. Spite is one of the few reliable fuels for someone with your base stats.]
By the end of the session, Hiroto was exhausted but felt a small sense of progress. He had lasted noticeably longer without falling.
Sylvara stepped closer, her body heat radiating against him. She brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, then let her hand rest on his chest, fingers tracing lightly downward.
The System chimed again, this time with clear amusement.
[Quest Progress: Form your First Bond with a Futanari Companion — 87% Complete.]
[Warning: Continued physical contact with Lady Sylvara may cause increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, and spontaneous awkward physiological reactions. Proceed with caution, or don't. I'm not your mom.]
Sylvara noticed the glow and leaned in, her voice low and sultry.
"It's rising fast. Your Charm is dangerous… and that wit of yours is making it worse."
She pressed closer, her full breasts brushing firmly against his chest, the thick, warm bulge in her pants pressing against his hip.
"Tell me, clever boy…" she whispered, her breath hot against his ear, "how far are you willing to go to stop being the 'comedy relief' in your own story?"
Hiroto's breath hitched at the contact, but he managed a small, wry smile.
"As far as it takes. Even if it means getting my ass kicked by a beautiful futanari knight every morning… while enjoying the view."
Sylvara's eyes darkened with clear desire. She stayed pressed against him for a few long seconds, her body heat enveloping him, before slowly pulling back.
"Good answer."
She gave him one last lingering look.
"Tomorrow, we continue. And I won't hold back."
She walked away, leaving Hiroto standing there with a racing heart and a smirk on his face.
87%… This bond system is playing dirty.
But if this is what it takes to stop being the weak punchline… then I'll take the heat.
And you — he thought toward the System, — can keep your commentary to yourself.
The System replied instantly.
[Noted. But no promises.]