Enji To The Rescue

Haruto glanced at the glowing screen of his phone as the familiar system notification caught his eye: 

[Congratulations, Host!] 

[Mari's Deprivation Matrix Updated!] 

[Corruption: 60]

[Lust Affinity: 70] 

[Based on the interaction with Mari, the host has gained 800 EXP!] 

[Host Status Update!] 

[Level 34 → Level 35]

Before he could fully process the updates, his phone buzzed again. A familiar voice came through, slightly muffled by the background noise. 

"Where are you? I'm in the lobby now," Enji said, sounding impatient. 

Haruto pinched the bridge of his nose. "Wait for me a bit." 

"Don't make me wait too long. And hey, did you upgrade the room so I can eat with the buffet?" Enji's tone shifted to excitement, the chatter of a crowd faintly audible behind him. 

Haruto let out a long sigh, massaging the back of his neck. "You really ask a lot for someone getting all this for free."