The Scumbag's Guide To Heroism novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32: 32 | Blindfolded Dexterity

I extended Spectral Reach, wrapped the construct around the tennis ball, and lifted. So far so good. I moved it laterally to my right, bringing it around behind my back.

And immediately lost my grip.

The ball dropped and bounced across the mat. Sloane smirked.

"Your control breaks down when the object leaves your direct line of sight. That’s a common beginner problem. Your brain wants visual confirmation of what your Aspect is doing."

I retrieved the ball and tried again. Same result. The moment the construct moved behind me where I couldn’t see it, my focus wavered and the connection snapped.

"This is harder than it looks."

"Welcome to actual Aspect training. Now do it five hundred more times until your brain learns."

She wasn’t exaggerating. For the next forty minutes I picked up that damn tennis ball, moved it in circles around my body, and dropped it repeatedly. My success rate improved slowly, agonizingly, from complete failure to managing half a rotation before losing control.

Sloane circled me like a shark, calling out corrections.

"You’re tensing your shoulders. The Aspect’s not coming from there."

"Stop holding your breath. You need oxygen to maintain focus."

"Your stance is shit. Plant your feet or you’re going to tip over."

By the fiftieth attempt, I managed one complete rotation without dropping the ball. By the hundredth, I could do three in a row. My forehead was drenched in sweat despite Boundless Stamina keeping my energy levels topped up.

The System chimed in helpfully.

〘 Dexterity attribute detecting improvement through repetitive practice. Current efficiency: 68%. Projected mastery timeline: 12-15 hours of focused training. 〙

"Can you make it go faster?" I asked under my breath.

〘 Attribute point allocation to Dexterity would accelerate neural pathway development. However, current SP reserves insufficient for meaningful investment. Recommendation: continue manual skill development while pursuing additional quests for currency generation. 〙

"So I’m stuck doing this the hard way."

〘 Correct. Though you could theoretically trade sexual favors for SP if you wish to accelerate the timeline. 〙

I nearly dropped the ball again. "What?"

〘 Apologies. That was humor. Your discomfort amuses me. 〙

"I hate you so much."

Sloane stopped in front of me. "You say something?"

"Talking to myself. Helps me focus."

She studied my face for a moment, then nodded. "Weird, but whatever works. Take five. Drink some water."

I collapsed onto the mat and grabbed my water bottle, chugging half of it in one go. Sloane sat down next to me, close enough that our legs touched from hip to ankle. The contact sent electricity straight through my nervous system.

"You’re picking it up faster than I expected," she said.

"Is that a compliment?"

"It’s an observation. Most people with new manifestations spend weeks just learning to activate their Aspect consistently. You’re already working on fine control." She bumped her shoulder against mine. "Maybe you’re not completely hopeless."

"High praise."

"Don’t let it go to your head."

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both of us breathing hard, both of us very aware of how close we were sitting. Her Gauge ticked up to 57% in my peripheral vision.

Physical proximity increases attachment metrics. Great. So every time we trained together, every casual touch, every moment like this where we existed in each other’s space without tension—all of it fed the System’s progression engine.

Sloane leaned her head against my shoulder.

"I’m glad you manifested," she said quietly. "Not just because it means you can actually apply to Halloran now. I’m glad because you seem happier. Less like you’re carrying something heavy all the time."

Guilt twisted in my gut. She thought I was happier because I’d finally gained powers. The truth was more complicated and significantly more fucked up.

"Yeah. It feels good to finally have something."

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