Level Up!

{Achievement Unlocked: First win}

{The first win may not be the biggest, but it's usually the most important and defining moment in a person's life. Congratulations, you made it happen}

{+150 exp}

{Level Up 1 --> 2}

{+3 unused stat points}

Dylan read the series of messages from the comfort of his car. He would have been ecstatic, unfortunately, he was in a serious conversation.

"Man, I ain't gonna lie, you did good," he muttered, lighting a cigarette. "Didn't think you had it in you."

Dylan shrugged off the compliment, he knew getting 20 Shots bailed was the easy part.

"I'll accept your compliment as soon as you tell me what caused the fight that night... I can't win this if you keep hiding important information from me." Dylan's voice was laced with annoyance.

20 Shots exhaled a plume of smoke, and his narrowed scouted the perimeter.

"I don't know what was going on that night, man. On my momma, Ramon came at me tweaking, saying I called him a thief and shit." He mumbled with a hint of annoyance as the scene flashed through his eyes.

Dylan nodded; he had feared it had to be something illegal that could be used against them.

He leaned back, his hands rubbing against his chin while he pondered in silence. Dylan abruptly sat up, his eyes dilating with shock as a thought crossed his mind.

"Have you considered the possibility that the entire incident was instigated by Jamal?" Dylan asked, his question attracting a suspicious look from 20 Shots.

He tilted his head while pondering, his eyes filled with doubt.

"Come on, you are the gangster here, think fast!" Dylan scolded.

"The loud exchanges in the club... the lights tripping off... Jamal and his uncle just happened to come out with people when the lights came on. I know it's a nasty L to take, but you got played." Dylan's explanation turned 20 Shot's confusion into rage.

His eyes reddened, and he took a long drag of his cigarette, tossing the stick out in annoyance.

"They kill my homeboy and set me up? It's all good." 20 Shots chuckled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Calm down, shooter. I know what's going through your mind, and I can assure you this is not the time to slide." Dylan patted his shoulder.

20 Shots nodded reluctantly, blowing out another plume of smoke.

"I hear you. What's next?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You keep a low profile and stay out of trouble while I get that subpoena and find out why you got set up." Dylan straightened his tie and 20 Shots nodded in agreement.

They exchanged contacts and handshakes before parting ways.

Huff!

Dylan exhaled sharply, gently caressing his aching temple as he noticed the cigarette and lighter on the passenger seat. Opening the glove box, he tossed them in and returned his focus to the stat points.

"I know the effects of charisma stat is magical. However, I can't let other stats suffer because of my selfish urge to look pretty. I have to make the right decision this time." Dylan said, his eyes beaming with determination.

{2 pts --> Charisma}

{1 pt --> Strength}

----

Dylan walked into the company building a new man, his looks on par with popular celebrities. A proud smile was etched on his face as he walked through the security checkpoints and entered the elevator.

Emerging at the fourth floor, Dylan's eyes widened in shock as he was swarmed by numerous female colleagues, shoving flowers at his face.

"Congratulations on your victory today!" They cheered excitedly like fans meeting a celebrity.

Taken aback and feeling embarrassed, Dylan could only make thanks while making his way through the small crowd. He collected their flowers, his gaze lingering on Clara, who buried her face in her work, but it felt like she was avoiding his gaze.

From the corner of his eyes, he noticed two figures observing him from the staircase leading to the upper floors. He glanced over, frowning when he realized it was only Aria and Nate.

Dylan's eyes gleamed with contempt, his smile blooming into a mocking grin. Nate's attempt to get rid of him was like a double-edged sword, lethal if used properly, but it also had a chance of backfiring.

Bam!

Dylan slammed the door behind him, shoving all the flowers down his waste bin before heading over to his seat.

{Isn't that what you wanted? You have people's attention now.} The voice asked and Dylan shrugged.

"Didn't I tell you? I'm not the dog that humps everything that moves. By the way, the best act of vengeance I can carry out against them is being within arm's length but too far to reach." Dylan chuckled cruelly.

Now he had the looks, and his career was taking a good turn; he wasn't just going to make himself available to everyone.

No, he will make them thirst, hunger, and daydream of him!

{Aah, I misunderstood your intentions.} The voice chuckled cruelly, it was intrigued by Dylan's pettiness.

Unfortunately, Dylan didn't have much time to bask in his silly thoughts. He had 24 hours at most before his subpoena request was approved and issued.

"Things are about to get a bit hectic." He muttered under his breath.