From Gangster to Idol    

Cain was amazed at the screen listing the tasks he needed to complete.

"Wait. I have to do all this in a single day?"

"Take it step by step. Some tasks will pop up regularly, while others are one-time challenges. Completing these will boost your Idol Points quicker. And keep an eye out for special missions sent by the universe; they offer a chance to earn more points and you can level your stat faster. Tackle those as soon as they arrive!"

"And what's the deal with these Idol Points?"

"For every five Idol Points you earn, you can increase one stat."

"Stat?"

"You can access your stats by thinking about it."

"Really?" Cain was skeptical but focused his thoughts on his stats. A new screen appeared before him, replacing the previous one. "Oh."

|| C A I N ||

CHA +5

DEX +10

CONS +10

TALENTS:

1. Fighting LV. 20

During a fight your constitution and dexterity increase by 20%.

|| E N D ||

Cain smirked. "Heh. Figures. My only talent is really fighting."

"Don't act so proud," Fifi deadpanned. "To be an idol, you need more than talent to rise to the top. You need manners too which you extremely lack."

Cain restrained himself from rolling his eyes. "What about this CHA, DEX, and CONS stuff?"

"CHA stands for Charisma," explained Fifi. "Charisma is the personal quality that enables you to attract, influence, and inspire others. It is often characterized by a combination of charm, confidence, and communication skills.

"On the other hand, DEX refers to Dexterity, a measure of agility, reflexes, and fine motor skills. It's associated with abilities like dodging attacks, performing acrobatics, and the likes."

"And lastly, CONS means Constitution, which refers to your overall health, endurance, and physical resilience. These three are the most important stats you need to become an idol.

"You need charisma to charm others, flexibility in your body to perform various dance, and endurance to perform on stage for long hours non-stop. If you can increase these three stats, your rise to the top of being an idol is guaranteed."

"Hmm . . ."

"What? What's with that lack of enthusiasm?"

"I could say the same to you. Your face looks like a statue, and your voice is so soft and you talk so slow."

"This is my normal resting bitch face, and this voice is what I was born with so deal with it."

"You don't say." Cain wanted to mention that her appearance and voice didn't match her foul-mouthed personality at all, but he restrained himself, not wanting another trip to hell.

"Anyway, it looks like your base stats are all good. You have a solid foundation, except for your appearance and lack of manners."

"You don't have to rub it in."

"Don't worry, we can fix all that with Idol Points."

"I'm not worried at all. I'm more concerned about how to be this other person without breaking my current lifestyle."

There was a light trace of exasperation on Fifi's face. "You . . . you still want to be an ugly gangster with no direction in life? Seriously?"

Cain glared at her. "Watch it. I didn't ask for any of this, remember?"

"And yet here you are, complaining about an opportunity most people would kill for. You know what? Stay a low-life thug if you want. It'll just make my job easier if you decide to give up. Less work for me, and I can find someone who actually wants to succeed." That was a lie. Only the universe decides which lucky human to become an idol. Even she didn't know how the selection works. 

Cain's jaw tightened. "Fine. I'll do it. But don't think for a second I'm doing this because of you. I'm doing this because I don't want to die early."

Fifi rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Spare me the bravado. Just start completing your tasks and watch how quickly you transform. Maybe then, you'll see what a pathetic existence you've been clinging to all this time."

Cain took a deep breath, swallowing his pride. "Alright, let's get started. What's first?"

Fifi smirked. "First, you need a bath. Seriously, you stink."

Cain grumbled but nodded.

"Looks like you've officially agreed to become an idol, so let's shake on it to seal our long-lasting relationship in the future," Fifi said, extending her tiny hand to Cain.

Cain flinched slightly, and Fifi noticed the strange reaction. "Hey, don't act like I have a disease."

Cain pressed his lips tight before reluctantly accepting Fifi's little finger.

Fifi's expression softened just a bit. "Good. From now on, let's work together in turning you into a top idol!" Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "This is the start of an epic journey, and I expect nothing less than your best! . . . Or it's hell for you."