Chapter 2: Recruitment

Here's the updated version with the quest rewards included:

As Alex continued walking through the city, he marveled at how similar it was to Earth. The streets were lined with towering buildings, flashing billboards advertising the latest trends, and shops displaying high-end fashion behind crystal-clear glass. The sidewalks were crowded with people—businessmen in sharp suits hurrying to their offices, teenagers laughing as they shared snacks, and street performers playing their instruments, their melodies blending with the urban noise.

He noticed how lively everything felt, almost surreal. It was like a version of Earth where everything was just slightly different, slightly… off. The architecture had a modern yet unfamiliar touch, and the cars moved silently, likely powered by some advanced energy source.

As he walked, he received many lingering glances, mostly from women. Some whispered to each other while sneaking shy looks his way. Others boldly complimented him as they passed by.

"Wow, he's gorgeous…"

"Did you see that guy?"

"Is he a model?"

Alex couldn't help but smirk slightly. His new body was undeniably attractive, and it seemed people took notice.

However, as he wandered further, the vibrant cityscape slowly faded into a more desolate area. The once-busy streets became quieter, the people less refined. The buildings here were older, their paint peeling, windows cracked. Garbage littered the sidewalks, and the air carried a faint scent of dampness and decay. He had unknowingly wandered close to the slums.

Unlike the bustling city, the atmosphere here was tense. People moved quickly, their eyes darting around with suspicion. Children played barefoot on the streets, their laughter carrying a note of innocence that contrasted the harsh reality surrounding them. Small groups of men stood in alleyways, exchanging goods in a way that suggested they weren't exactly legal.

As Alex kept walking, his eyes locked onto a troubling scene in the distance.

A petite girl, no older than nineteen, was being shoved against the wall by a drunken man. She was small—thin, almost fragile-looking, with ragged clothes that barely held together. Her disheveled, shoulder-length brown hair covered part of her face, but he could see the fear in her wide, exhausted eyes.

The man gripped her wrist tightly, his face flushed with alcohol. His breath reeked even from a distance as he spat out slurred words.

Alex's jaw clenched.

I should stop this…

But as that thought crossed his mind, reality struck him—his stats were low. Strength, agility, resistance—everything was at a beginner's level. He wasn't some overpowered protagonist who could waltz in and beat up a grown man without breaking a sweat. Right now, he was just a slightly stronger-than-average human with good looks.

He hesitated.

His mind raced through possibilities. If I fight him head-on, I'll probably lose. But I can't just leave her there.

Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his posture, straightening his back and walking toward them with slow, deliberate steps. Confidence was key. If he couldn't overpower the man physically, he had to control the situation with his words.

When he was close enough, he spoke.

"Hey."

The drunk man turned sluggishly, his bleary eyes filled with confusion before twisting into irritation. "What the hell do you want?"

Alex ignored the question and instead said, "How much for the girl?"

There was a pause. The man blinked, then let out a hoarse laugh. "Hah? You wanna buy her?" He sized Alex up, his expression shifting from amusement to greed as he rubbed his unshaven chin. "Well, well. Ain't that interestin'."

The girl flinched, her eyes darting between them.

Alex kept his face unreadable, but inside, he was tense.

The man took a step closer, his breath foul as he grinned. "Tell ya what… Gimme a thousand dollars, and she's yours."

Alex didn't hesitate.

"Deal."

The man blinked again, taken aback. He probably wasn't expecting an immediate response.

Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out the crisp bills from his beginner pack. He had been lucky to receive them. Without them, he might've had to come up with another plan.

The man's greedy fingers snatched the money, his bloodshot eyes scanning the bills before nodding with satisfaction. "She's all yours, pretty boy."

With that, he shoved the girl toward Alex. She stumbled but quickly caught herself, looking up at him with wary eyes.

Alex placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're safe now."

She didn't respond immediately, as if trying to process what just happened.

"Come with me," he said. "You need a place to stay, right?"

Still hesitant, she slowly nodded.

Without another word, Alex led her back to his apartment.

When they arrived, he gestured toward the small bathroom. "Go take a shower. You'll feel better."

She looked at him, then at the bathroom door, before nodding slightly and stepping inside.

As the door closed, Alex let out a small sigh, running a hand through his hair.

That was risky, but I couldn't just leave her there.

Just then, a notification popped up in front of him.

[Quest Received!]

Objective: Get yourself a subordinate

Reward: 200 Credits + 3000 Dollars

Failure: None

A smirk played on Alex's lips.

This could be interesting.