Old Enough

"Ahh... yes, ahh, that feels so good..." Natasha let out a soft, relieved sigh as Carl slowly massaged her foot and worked his way up her cramped hamstring.

"I learned this techniques a long time ago, Ms. Natasha. I'm just really glad I can help you out," Carl said, gently applying rhythmic pressure to her lower leg.

"Ahh, yes... I'm so thankful you're here, Carl. That feels incredible..." Natasha let out another faint moan as she felt the tight knot in her muscle gradually release, her leg returning to normal.

"I'll always be here to help you, Ms. Natasha." Carl smiled softly, noticing the system progress bar had already leaped to 78%.

He was beginning to fully grasp the mechanic now: he didn't necessarily need to rely on cringey, overt flirting to raise the meter. Perfect timing, attentive touch, and confident body language were far more effective.

"Ahh... I don't think I can continue today's session after a cramp like this..." Natasha admitted solemnly, realizing she needed to rest her leg properly.

"Don't worry about that, Mrs. Carter. Everything is under control here, so please just focus on resting," Silvia chimed in. She was still thoroughly surprised—and a bit confused—as to where Carl had picked up such proficient physical therapy techniques.

"Yes, Auntie! Don't worry about us at all. Your health comes first," Diane added. She had been the one attempting to take charge earlier, but she stepped back after seeing what a fantastic job Carl was doing.

"Haha, my body is clearly getting old... I'm sorry for interrupting the class, everyone," Natasha said, playing innocent and hiding the true origin of her sudden fatigue.

"Don't say that! How about you head back home to rest, Auntie? Someone can help walk you back." Natasha's house was only a very short distance down the pathway from the studio.

"Ahh... I certainly wouldn't mind the help. I don't think I can walk properly on my own just yet."

"I'll carry her back. You two can stay here and enjoy the rest of the yoga session, Sister Diane," Carl offered immediately, refusing to let such a golden opportunity pass him by.

"Oh? Are you serious, Carl?" Diane asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, Step-Sil. Besides, the session had just started. I can handle carrying her—it's only a few meters down the road."

"Haha! Look at my little brother step up! I'm starting to like you more and more, kid!" Diane laughed loudly, giving Carl an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

[ System Warning: Insufficient Strength to Carry Natasha! ]

Requirement: You need to reach at least 2/10 Strength to lift her safely.

Action Required: Convert Silver Gacha Pull to Strength +1? (Yes/No)

'Yes, convert it right now!' Carl commanded in his mind. He couldn't afford to stumble here. His base physical stats were absolute trash, and that was an undeniable reality he needed to fix immediately.

[ System Notification ]

Converted Silver Gacha Pull into Strength +1!

Current Strength: 2/10

Effect: Physical load capacity increased. Aura farming capabilities enhanced.

Carl felt a sudden, strange surge of energy course through his muscle fibers. It was an odd, exhilarating burst of physical power adapting to his body in real time.

"Are you sure you can lift me, Carl? I'm not light..." Natasha faltered slightly, feeling embarrassed. A boy with his relatively slender frame trying to lift a fully developed adult woman seemed like a stretch.

[ Quest Progress: 80% ] [ Natasha's Affection increased to 36%! ] (She is holding higher expectations for your performance...)

"Don't worry at all, Ms. Natasha. I could carry a whole mountain if it belonged to you," Carl murmured smoothly. He slid one arm under her back and the other beneath her knee pit, scooping her up into a seamless princess carry.

"Ahh... you cheeky boy," Natasha blushed, her cheeks warming as he teased her again. Yet, she thoroughly enjoyed his proactive demeanor—an assertive, confident young man was always deeply appealing to an older woman.

"I'll carry you with the utmost care, Ms. Natasha—as if you're a precious treasure I'd gladly hold forever." Carl adjusted his grip, pulling her body slightly closer to his chest while she instinctively wrapped her soft arms around his neck for balance.

"W-What are you saying..." She quickly turned her head away, trying to act like an innocent young maiden even though she was very much a gorgeous, mature MILF.

[ Natasha's Affection increased to 40%! ] [ Quest Progress: 87%! ]

"Are you really sure you're alright carrying her all the way back, Carl?" Silvia asked, a worried expression visible on her face as she stepped forward.

"I'm completely fine, Step-Sil. I'll head back over right after I drop Ms. Natasha off at her place."

"Hmm... okay then." Silvia nodded, relenting. There was no stretcher around, and Carl seemed surprisingly stable holding her.

"Then let's head out, Ms. Natasha. I'll carry you wherever you want to go."

"N-No need for a grand journey... my home is more than enough."

'Damn, is she actually taking me literally? I definitely need to start hitting the gym hard starting today...' Carl thought to himself, exerting every bit of his newly acquired strength while maintaining an effortlessly cool, unbothered expression on his face.

...

"Ms. Natasha... why are you so breathtakingly beautiful? I think I'd fall completely head over heels for you if we were the same age," Carl murmured as he stepped out onto the paved neighborhood walkway, laying down even more smooth lines as they moved.

The progress bar flashed in his vision—finally hitting 90%!

"Haha... there are countless young, pretty girls around every corner of the world, Carl. Don't you think I'm far too mature for such bold words?" Natasha chuckled softly, leaning into his solid embrace as a cozy sense of comfort washed over her.

"How could you say you're too mature, Ms. Natasha, when your figure is this stunning?"

"W-What... don't say things like that out in the open. People will talk..." They were only a few paces away from her front entrance now.

"I'm already eighteen years old, Ms. Natasha, which means I'm fully allowed to express my mind."

Creak...

Carl pushed the front door open, stepping inside. The interior of the house was structured with a simple yet elegant modern design, creating a vibrant, aesthetic atmosphere that was thoroughly pleasing to the eye.

"Besides... I meant every single word, Ms. Natasha."