God's Ultimate Cheat Console

The following morning, Sherman found himself seated in front of the television, absorbing the day's news. The anchor's words echoed through the room, "And in more national news, the Housing and Rent crisis has worsened as rent prices skyrocket to an all-time high. The number of forced displacements due to this issue has doubled, as well as forced homelessness..."

As he listened, Sherman's gaze wandered around his apartment, the sole occupied space in a building that had seen better days. It had always puzzled him why no one else lived here, but the answer was now glaringly obvious. In its current state, the building was hardly a safe or appealing option for anyone, especially with the housing crisis pushing people to the brink.

But as he looked out the window, an idea began to take shape in his mind. Surrounding his building were several vacant lots, unused and overgrown - a wasteland in the midst of the city. These lots represented potential space that could be transformed and utilized. Sherman's thoughts raced with possibilities.

Quickly getting dressed, he felt a surge of purpose fueling his actions. He was no longer just thinking about himself; he had the resources and the power to make a difference in the community. The housing crisis was a complex issue, but perhaps he could contribute to a solution, starting right here with these neglected lots.

Heading towards City Hall, Sherman's mind buzzed with plans and ideas. He needed to find out who owned these plots of land and what it would take to acquire them. His newfound confidence and assertiveness, bolstered by his recent victories, gave him the courage to navigate the bureaucratic maze he was about to enter.

As he walked, Sherman couldn't help but feel excited about this new chapter in his life. Just days ago, he was struggling to make ends meet, invisible to the world around him. Now, he was on the brink of potentially making a significant impact in his community. He had the means, the motivation, and, thanks to his newfound powers, the ability to effect real change.

Reaching City Hall, Sherman stepped inside, ready to embark on this new venture. He was no longer just Sherman Drake, the man with no magic or skills in a world where such things were prized. He was Sherman Drake, the man who dared to dream bigger, to reach further, and to create a better future not just for himself, but for others as well.

Inside the bustling City Hall, Sherman approached the information desk, where a friendly City Hall worker greeted him. "How can I help you today?" she asked with a warm smile.

"I'm interested in finding out about the ownership of some vacant lots near my building," Sherman explained, providing the specific locations.

The worker quickly navigated through the city's property records. "Let's see what we have here," she murmured as she typed. After a few moments, she looked up with a surprised expression. "Well, it turns out four of these five lots aren't owned by anyone. They're essentially public land."

Sherman's eyes widened in surprise and opportunity. "And the fifth lot?" he inquired.

"That one is owned by Frederick Richards," she replied, her tone changing slightly.

Sherman felt a familiar sense of unease at the mention of that name. Frederick Richards, a well-known businessman in town, was infamous for his ruthless business tactics and his status as an A-rank adventurer. He was known to strong-arm small businesses that he perceived as threats to his own interests.

"I see," Sherman said thoughtfully. "Is there any way I can contact Mr. Richards? I'm interested in acquiring that last lot."

The worker hesitated for a moment, then provided him with the contact details for Richards' office. "You can try reaching out to him, but I must warn you, Mr. Richards has a reputation for being... difficult."

Sherman nodded, undeterred. "Thank you for your help," he said, collecting the land titles for the four unowned lots.

As he left City Hall, Sherman's mind raced with the possibilities. He now had the titles to four lots and a plan to acquire the fifth. The challenge of dealing with Frederick Richards loomed large, but Sherman was not the same person he had been just a few days ago. He had resources, confidence, and a powerful skill at his disposal.

He knew that negotiating with Richards would not be easy. The man was not only a shrewd businessman but also an A-rank adventurer, accustomed to getting his way through intimidation and power. But Sherman's resolve was firm. His plan to help alleviate the housing crisis and make a positive impact in his community hinged on acquiring that final lot.

Sherman stood outside the imposing office building of Mr. Frederick Richards, known colloquially as "Filthy Rich" due to his immense wealth and unscrupulous business practices. Rumors abound about how he had amassed his fortune, often at the expense of small business owners and through aggressive, sometimes borderline unethical, tactics.

Before he could step inside, Sherman was greeted by a familiar prompt from the console command. "Increase Businessman Mentality from 2 to 10?" "Increase Business Knowledge from 1 to 10?" the messages read. Without hesitation, Sherman thought, "Yes." A brief, sharp headache followed, but it quickly subsided, leaving him with a newfound sense of acumen and confidence in the realm of business.

As he entered the office, his demeanor had transformed. He now exuded the air of a seasoned businessman, his posture and gaze projecting assurance and authority. Approaching the receptionist, he stated calmly, "I'm here to meet with Mr. Richards regarding a business matter."

The receptionist, initially dismissive, took note of Sherman's confident presence and promptly made a call. "Mr. Richards, there's a gentleman here to see you about a business proposal. Yes, sir, he seems quite serious."

After a brief wait, Sherman was ushered into Richards' lavishly decorated office. The man himself sat behind a large, imposing desk, his demeanor exuding the arrogance and self-importance of someone who was used to being in control.

"Mr. Drake, is it? I don't believe I've heard of you before. What brings you to my office?" Richards asked, his tone condescending.

"Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Richards. I'm interested in a piece of property you own. The vacant lot next to my building," Sherman began, maintaining eye contact.

Richards chuckled dismissively. "And why would I be interested in selling that lot to you? It's a prime piece of real estate, and I have plans for it."

Sherman, undeterred by Richards' demeanor, replied, "I'm prepared to offer a fair price. That lot is the key to a project that could benefit the community, especially given the current housing crisis."

Richards leaned back in his chair, eyeing Sherman skeptically. "Benefit the community? I'm in the business of making money, Mr. Drake, not charity. Unless your offer is significantly above market value, I don't see a reason to sell."

Sherman nodded, expecting this response. "I understand your position, Mr. Richards. However, consider the positive publicity and community goodwill that would come from this.

It's not just about the immediate financial gain. You'd be seen as a benefactor, someone who's part of the solution to the housing crisis. That kind of reputation can open doors that money alone can't."

Richards raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite his initial reluctance. "Go on," he said, leaning forward.

"Additionally, I'm prepared to offer a premium on the market value of the land," Sherman continued, playing to Richards' business instincts. "I believe it's a win-win situation. You profit financially, and you also enhance your standing in the community."

Richards pondered for a moment, his expression betraying a hint of intrigue. "I must admit, the idea of being seen as a community hero is appealing. But it'll take more than just a few kind words to convince me. What's your offer?"

Sherman stated his offer, a figure that was generous but reasonable. Richards listened, his gaze never leaving Sherman's face, trying to gauge his sincerity and resolve.

“Mr. Richards, we’re both businessmen, we know that everything in the world has a price, now I just need to know yours,” he said

“Like I said, the land is Prime Real Estate, I want a competitive price for it, the community hero story is nice, but I see it as a… bonus, not something that is really worth it,” Mr. Richards said

“I want numbers Mr. Richards, not a sob story,” Sherman cut him off

Mr. Richards was taken aback for a few seconds, no one had ever talked to him like that and “lived to tell the tale” but when he was about to answer back at Sherman, he was met with his gaze, the eye contact and the serious expression exuded authority, so he decided to let it slide.

“What say you… pay me… $500,000 for the land,” Mr. Richards said

“Over inflating your land for the financial gain, not a very smart move,” Sherman said “I’ll give $200,000,”

“That is too low, you have to understand, I had already planned a project on that land, and now I’ll have to pay the cancellation fee to the building company… $450,000,” Mr. Richards said trying to squeeze as much money out of Sherman as possible

“I’ll give you $300,000 and I’ll take care of the building company, that is my last offer,” Sherman said with a glare.

After a moment of silence, Richards stood up and extended his hand. "You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Drake. But I accept your offer. It's not often someone comes in here and impresses me like you have."

As they shook hands, Sherman knew he had achieved a significant milestone. He had negotiated on equal terms with one of the most formidable businessmen in the city and come out successful. This deal was more than just acquiring a piece of land; it was a testament to his growth and the potential of the powers he wielded.

Leaving Richards' office, Sherman felt a sense of accomplishment. He had taken another crucial step in his plan to make a positive impact on the housing crisis. With the final piece of land secured, he could now move forward with his project, a project that had the potential to change lives and make a real difference in the community.

However, back in his office, Filthy Rich, looked out of his window, following Sherman as he left the business.

He then turned and looked at the mountain of wads of cash he had placed in his desk totalling $300,000.

Filthy Rich grabbed one wad of cash and used it as a fan as he gathered his thoughts, and then his face lost all the little friendliness it had.

He reached for his phone and dialed a number

“It me… call Flim and Flam… we might have a new… problem on the rise, and while you’re at it, find all the information you can about this, Sherman Drake,” he said as he hung up and an evil smile crept onto his face “Town hero?... HA! I want to own the city… and no one will get between me and my goal… NO ONE!” he said as he turned around to look at the Canterlot Palace with a smirk.

LATER THAT DAY

As Sherman strolled through the nearby park, he couldn't help but absorb the joy and laughter around him. Families playing together, couples sharing tender moments, expecting mothers dreaming about their future. It was a scene filled with happiness and hope, yet a tinge of sadness touched Sherman's heart. He smiled, comforted by the thought that his actions might contribute to the future happiness of these families, especially the children.

His attention, however, was soon drawn to a solitary figure on a bench, a stark contrast to the surrounding mirth. An elderly man sat there, his demeanor one of deep sadness and regret. Sherman watched him for a moment, wondering about the story behind those sorrowful eyes.

Then, God's voice echoed in his head, "That, Spike, is what happens when one cares more about their career than anything else." The words resonated with Sherman, a poignant reminder of the balance between ambition and personal connections.

Curious to know more about the man, Sherman discreetly activated the console, aiming it at the figure on the bench. The screen flickered to life, revealing the man's information:

Name: Harold Jenkins
Age: 72
Marital Status: Single
Children: None
Siblings: None
Parents: Deceased
Occupation: Retired Adventurer, Former Corporate Executive

The details painted a picture of a life filled with professional accomplishments but devoid of personal connections. Harold Jenkins, once a daring adventurer, had retired to devote his life to the corporate world. In doing so, he had sacrificed relationships and the warmth of a family.

Sherman felt a wave of empathy for Harold. Here was a man who had achieved so much in his life, yet in these twilight years, he was alone, with only memories for company. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of balancing one's ambitions with the need for human connection and love.

Approaching Harold cautiously, Sherman sat down on the other end of the bench. "Beautiful day, isn't it?" he started, hoping to strike up a conversation. He didn't know if he could offer any comfort or change Harold's situation, but perhaps, just maybe, he could provide a moment of companionship to a soul in need.

Harold glanced at him, his eyes reflecting years of solitude. "Yes, it is. But sometimes, the most beautiful days can be the loneliest," he replied, his voice tinged with melancholy.

Sherman nodded, sensing the deep regret in Harold's words. "It seems like you've had quite a journey in life," he said softly, encouraging Harold to share more.

Harold sighed, looking out towards the playground. "A journey, yes, but one I often wish I'd traveled differently. I spent my years chasing career goals, thinking that was all I needed. Now, here I am, watching families, seeing what I missed out on."

Sherman listened intently as Harold continued. "I was an adventurer in my youth, then I moved into the corporate world. Success, status, wealth – I achieved it all. But at what cost? No wife to grow old with, no children to call me 'Dad,' no siblings to reminisce about old times. My advice to you, young man, is to find someone to share your life with. Don't make the mistake I did."

Sherman felt a pang of empathy for Harold. Here was a man who had achieved so much, yet regretted so much more. "Thank you for the advice," he replied sincerely. "Life is a balance, isn't it? Success and relationships, work and personal life."

"Exactly," Harold nodded. "Find that balance while you can."

As Harold shared his story, Sherman discreetly activated the console, curious about Harold's past relationships. While Harold spoke, Sherman's attention was split between listening to the old man's heartfelt regrets and scanning through the console, searching for glimpses of Harold's past that might have gone unnoticed or forgotten.

The conversation with Harold was a poignant reminder to Sherman about the importance of personal connections and the impact of the choices one makes in life. As he delved into the console, he wondered if there might be a way to bring some solace or closure to Harold's life. But for now, he simply listened, offering a sympathetic ear to

a man who had lived a life full of achievements but devoid of the warmth of shared experiences and love. Sherman realized that success, in its truest form, was not just about what one achieved but also about who was there to share in those achievements.

As they continued to talk, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park. The conversation between Sherman and Harold, a mix of wisdom, regret, and reflection, was a powerful reminder of the complexities of life's journey. For Sherman, it was an unexpected lesson, one that he would carry with him as he navigated his own path, now armed with powers that could change not just his life, but potentially the lives of others as well.

“Ok, Harold, what can your relationships do for you?... business, business, business… oh, and old squadmate… oh, no he’s dead… THIS GUY HAS NO MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS!!!” Sherman thought as he continued scrolling through his relationships, they weren’t many, but none of them were meaningful enough to us.

Then, he noticed something, a name “Melanie Yu… they were old squadmate and classmates… by the looks of it, they had feelings for each other but they never got together… let’s look into her…” Sherman thought as he switched the screen in the console to the “Person search” option in the “Relationship” part of the console “... there you are! Melanie Yu… known as the Huntress back in the day… she is 69… never married, no children, she does have siblings and nieces and nephews… she currently lives at a retirement home outside of town… and she looks miserable… let’s change that…” Though Sherman as he opened up the “Add Relationship” option.

“Alright then… Harold Jenkins and Melani Yu, are married… anniversary… 14/02/1973, just months after completing the big mission he said his squad finished… ok, what’s next?... “modify family”... yeah that sounds about right…” Sherman thought as he opened the option in the console “... there we go… Play with genetics… What a handsome baby boy… now to age you… Date of birth, 06/01/1974… name… well, he always wanted a son to be his namesake so… Harold Patrick Jenkins Yu Jr.… Ok… now she always wanted to have a daughter named Mina… your wish is about to come true… Mina Alice Jenkins Yu… born… 10/05/1977… and 1 more, why not… “randomize”... Chase Jacob Jenkins Yu, born 23/11/1980… perfect!... now to give them grandchildren… ok…” Sherman was about to create new beings, but then he had a better idea, he went to the “Person Search” option and typed “Lonely, single, late 40s,” and a list of people who never married in the are appeared, amongst them he selected 3 in particular “Rina Sanchez, age 45, never married do to having social anxiety… let’s correct that,” Sherman said as he added Rina to the family tree and modified her life “... alright, now, you met Harold Jr at a… corporate party… you dated for 1 year and got married on 20/08/1999, and then you gave birth to your only son Robert Axel Jenkins Sanchez on 06/10/2000… Ok, done with the eldest, now goes the daughter… I’ll pair her with Alexander Davidssen, he is 48, he didn’t marry because he suffered a severe lack of self-esteem, but with a little help from a friend… me, we’ll change that… although he is older than her… OH! They were classmates, and they fell in love when he helped her emotionally when she was dumped by her ex… they dated for 7 years before marrying… but had a daughter when they were still dating… Amira Davidssen Jenkins, she was born 17/06/1995… now they have 3 kids with twins Lars and Markus Davidseen Jenkins, who were born 13/10/2003… and lastly we have Chase, I’ll pair you with Stephany Rogers… according to her description, she is 42, she was an orphan, abandoned by her parents when she was months old, this caused her to have severe trust issues, however, she became successful businesswoman… we’ll leave that part intact… she started her own trading company at 25 in 2006, making it a very successful company in 2008… where she met Chase, who worked for a client of hers, he helped her out when she was in a pickle and love blossomed… by 2010 they were married and their daughter Felicia was born on 01/04/2010… there… OH! Why don’t I make it more interesting…” Sherman said with a smirk, he then went back to the “Person Search” and typed something random, when something caught his attention, there, on the first row of people that appeared before placing any parameters, there was a young woman… her name was Marie Thompson, and her description had just changed with the words “Feels so alone, she is on her way to commit suicide”.

Sherman quickly opened her profile and saw that she had a big family, but her parents only cared about her brothers, and not her, they belittled her, and treated her as a waste.

“Un-fucking-believable, people like them still exist… I have to stop her, by the looks of her description she has a heart of gold, even though her parents are shit…” Sherman said as he began to move thing around, but stopped when he noticed something, something BIG

“She just turned 18, 5 months ago, if I give her a child, that’ll mean she became a mother when she was underage… unless… “ Sherman said as he joined her to Harold’s family tree matching her with Robert, and then went over to Genetics and typed “5 months pregnant” and then her belly got swollen like any 5 month old pregnant woman’s.

Happy with what he had done he was about to press save, when God’s voice sounded in his head

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he said

“I can, can’t I?” Sherman said

“Of course… just, not very often… however, your idea of using already living people and change their lives is better than what I thought you were going to do,” God said

“So, this is the first limitation to the console?” asked Sherman

“Indeed, you must follow the balance of life, for there to be a life there must be a death… this is why I am modifying the Family Tree function to let you know how many new lives you can create, after discounting the births of the day, of course,” God said

“I can live with that,” Sherman said as he pressed “save and done”

Sherman stood up from the bench, looking down at Harold with a soft smile. "Well, it is getting late. Enjoy your picnic," he said gently before turning to walk away.

Harold, puzzled, called after him, "What picnic?" But before he could get an answer, a young girl came running up to him with the energy and excitement only a child could possess. "Grandpa, Grandpa! Dad said the BBQ is ready," she chirped, grabbing his hand.

Harold looked down at the girl in confusion. He didn't recognize her, yet she called him grandpa with such familiarity. "Something wrong, Grandpa?" she asked, her small hand tugging at his. "Because the food is going to get cold!"

Still bewildered, Harold allowed himself to be led by the little girl to the BBQ tables of the park. There, a large family gathering was in full swing. He saw Melanie Yu, his former squad companion from his adventuring days, surrounded by two older men and women who resembled her, along with their partners and children.

"And who are they?" Harold asked the little girl, trying to sound playful despite his growing astonishment.

"You don't remember?" she giggled. "That's Grandma Melanie, Uncle Harold and his wife Auntie Rina, that's their son cousin Robert and his girlfriend Marie. She has a baby in her belly! And that's Auntie Mina and Uncle Alexander, and those are their children Amira, the oldest, and the twins, Lars and Markus. You usually punish them for being pranksters. And that's my mom and dad, Mommy Stephany and Daddy Chase. And I'm Felicia!"

As Felicia spoke, a cascade of memories flooded Harold's mind, each one more vivid and heartwarming than the last. Memories of laughter, love, and family moments he had long forgotten or never knew he had. Tears welled up in his eyes as the realization hit him – this was his family, a family he never knew he had.

"Something wrong, Grandpa?" Felicia asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"No, no, my love, just remembering things," Harold replied, his voice trembling with emotion.

"GRANDMA MELANIE! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH GRANDPA!" Felicia shouted, running towards the table, her voice laced with worry.

As the family quickly gathered around Harold, concern etched on their faces, he looked at each of them, truly seeing them for the first time. Melanie approached, her face showing a mix of concern and affection. "Harold, are you alright?" she asked, her hand reaching out to touch his arm gently.

Harold nodded, unable to speak as he was overwhelmed by the warmth and love surrounding him. He felt a sense of belonging, a connection he had longed for all his life but never realized he had been missing. The realization that he was not alone, that he had a family who cared for him, was a balm to his lonely soul.

From a distance, Sherman watched the emotional scene unfold. A smile graced his lips, knowing he had played a part in reuniting Harold with his family, in restoring memories and connections that had been lost. It was a powerful reminder of the impact he could have on people's lives with his newfound abilities.

As the family laughed and talked, welcoming Harold back into their fold, Sherman felt a profound sense of fulfillment. He had not only helped Harold find a sense of belonging but had also given a family back their patriarch, filling a void they might not even have known existed.

Turning away from the heartwarming scene, Sherman walked on, his heart full. He had witnessed the power of love and family, the healing that came from reconnection and belonging. It was a lesson he would carry with him as he continued on his journey, using his powers not just for personal gain, but to bring joy, healing, and hope to others. In a world where magic and power were often sought for personal achievement, Sherman had found a greater purpose – to use his abilities to create meaningful, positive change in the lives around him.

As Sherman continued his walk through the park, the sight of families and couples around him stirred a deep sense of loneliness within him. He couldn't help but feel a void, a longing for a connection that he had never truly experienced. In a moment of impulse, he opened the console and navigated to the "Relationships" section, typing in his own name. His profile appeared, but to his surprise, all he could modify were his friendship levels with strangers.

Just then, God's voice echoed in his mind, "Yeah, I can't let you cheat on your own love life, it won't do you any good... If a girl or boy falls in love with you, it should be because the feeling is natural, just like you did with Harold and Melanie."

Sherman frowned slightly, "But what about their kids? I forced the love with their spouses."

"Well, they were lonely and yearning for love," God explained.

"So am I!" Sherman retorted, his voice tinged with frustration.

"I know, but even though your heart is pure, I'd prefer it if you wouldn't cheat your own romance into life. Let it happen naturally," God advised.

Sherman paused, taking in these words. He understood the wisdom in them. Love, to be genuine and fulfilling, needed to be real and unforced. The idea of artificially creating a romantic relationship through his powers now seemed hollow and unappealing.

He closed the console, a resigned yet accepting smile on his face. "Alright, I understand. I'll wait for love to find me naturally," he murmured to himself.

As he continued his walk,

Sherman reflected on the conversation with God. There was a certain beauty in the unpredictability of life, in the natural ebb and flow of relationships. Love was not something to be manufactured or manipulated; it was to be discovered, nurtured, and cherished.

He thought about the relationships he had just witnessed – families reuniting, couples sharing moments, children laughing. These were the genuine expressions of love and connection that he longed for. And while he had the power to change many things, some aspects of life, like love, were meant

to be experienced in their purest form, untouched by any external influence.

As he left the park, Sherman felt a sense of peace with this limitation of his powers. He had always yearned for love and companionship, but now he understood the value of letting such a fundamental human experience unfold naturally. The realization that some things were beyond his control, and rightly so, was both humbling and liberating.

The next morning, Sherman stood outside the apartment building he now owned, watching as his belongings were moved into storage. A burly, no-nonsense construction foreman approached him. "Well, after looking at all the lots and this building, I have to say, it'll take at least six months of construction to get everything ready, including demolishing this old place," he said.

Sherman nodded, "And money-wise?"

The foreman scratched his head, "Around 5 to 6 million dollars, give or take."

"Very well. When can you start?" Sherman asked, his voice steady and determined.

"Tomorrow, 5 AM sharp," the foreman replied.

Sherman then handed over several suitcases filled with cash, totaling 6 million dollars. "Thank you, sir. We'll get all the needed materials and build your dream. That's our motto," the foreman said, visibly impressed by Sherman's readiness.

"I don't doubt you will," Sherman responded. As the foreman walked away, Sherman discreetly used the console to enhance the skills of all the construction workers, ensuring the highest quality work for his project.

With the construction underway, Sherman had one more task on his agenda. He hailed a taxi and directed it to a secluded cabin in the Evergreen woods. Once there, and after ensuring the taxi had left, he made his way to the nearby waterfalls. It was winter, and the area was desolate, making it the perfect spot for his next plan – to improve his body.

Standing at the edge of the waterfall, Sherman opened the console command. He navigated to the "Body" section, contemplating the changes he wanted to make. This time, he wasn't just altering his external environment or circumstances; he was about to transform himself.

With a deep breath, he began inputting his desired modifications. He focused on enhancing his physical strength, endurance, and overall health. He was careful and precise, aware of the powerful tool at his disposal.

As he made the changes, he felt a tingling sensation coursing through his body, a sign that the modifications were taking effect. Muscles firmed, his posture straightened, and a feeling of vitality flooded his system. Sherman stepped back, feeling a new sense of power and capability within him.

As he gazed at the majestic waterfall, Sherman realized he was no longer the same person who had stumbled upon these incredible powers. He had a vision, a purpose, and now, the physical and mental means to achieve it. He was ready to not only rebuild the structures around him but also to build a new life for himself and for those he hoped to help.

Sherman, standing under the cascade of the waterfall, focused intently on the console's "Life Cheats" and "Body" section. His digital avatar appeared, ready for modification. With a sense of purpose, he adjusted his height to an imposing 6'6", then tweaked the body sliders, transforming his physique into something fit and muscular. He even refined his facial features, turning his double chin into a chiseled jawline. Satisfied, he hit "Save and Done."

As he confirmed his choices, God's voice echoed, "Are you sure?" Without hesitation, Sherman affirmed, "Yes." Instantly, his body began to convulse violently, far beyond anything he had anticipated. The pain was excruciating, making horror movies pale in comparison. His eyes turned bloodshot, and he vomited blood amidst the torturous transformation.

After ten agonizing minutes, the convulsions ceased. Sherman lay exhausted in the shallow waters of the lake, gasping for air. In a mix of anger and pain, he yelled, "YOU COULD'VE WARNED ME IT WAS GOING TO BE AGONIZINGLY PAINFUL!"

God's voice came, somewhat amused, "I asked if you were sure. Plus, did no one ever tell you that the easy way is not always the best way? Besides, compared to the pain of childbirth, that was a mere 6."

"Really!" Sherman retorted, still reeling from the experience. Then, suddenly, his stomach began to churn and growl ominously.

"What's happening?" he asked, alarmed.

"That's all the excess fat leaving your body. It has to go somewhere. I suggest you start running if you want to reach a bathroom in time," God replied, a chuckle in His voice.

Realizing the urgency, Sherman scrambled to his feet and bolted through the woods, clutching his stomach. As he ran, he could feel his new body's strength and agility, but the immediate concern was finding a restroom.

Once the emergency had passed and Sherman had a chance to catch his breath, he took a moment to reflect on his transformation. He was now physically the person he had always wanted to be, but the process had taught him a valuable lesson – shortcuts, even those provided by divine powers, came with their own challenges and pains.

He also took the time to materialize a “Biohazard” sign and yellow tape and placed it at the entrance of the bathroom. He knew they’ll need a team of cleaners to take care of all that, he could only pray for their forgiveness.

As he walked back to his cabin, feeling his new strength with each step, Sherman understood that this transformation was more than physical. It was a symbol of his journey, a reminder that growth, change, and achieving one's dreams often come with unexpected trials. He was ready to face these challenges head-on, embracing both the pains and joys of his new life.

And now, he knew what was his next step: “Get stronger!” knowing full well that to do that, he’ll have to start adventuring and dungeon crawling.