The late morning sun streamed through the blinds, casting harsh lines of light across Jayden's face. He groaned, squeezing his eyes shut as a deep, bone-weary ache radiated through his muscles. He rolled over and checked the digital clock on his nightstand.
11:45 AM.
Jayden blinked, his sleep-fogged brain struggling to process the numbers. This was the absolute latest he had ever slept in since acquiring the System. He tried to sit up, and a wave of intense lethargy washed over him. Last night's fight—the use of his intangibility—had taken a massive toll on his cellular structure after all. The adrenaline of the fight and the ride home had masked it last night, but now, his body felt like it was made of lead.
Still wearing his pajamas, he forced himself out of bed. He rubbed his face, completely ignoring the bathroom sink—he didn't even have the energy to brush his teeth or splash water on his face right now.
He just needed food.
He trudged out of his room and headed downstairs.
