The Parisian sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains of Alex Mercer's luxurious hotel suite, gently rousing him from his slumber. He stirred, feeling the pleasant ache in his muscles—a delightful reminder of the previous night's escapades with Sam. As consciousness fully returned, the events of the past 48 hours crashed over him like a tidal wave.
'Christ,' Alex thought, running a hand through his tousled hair. 'Has it really only been two days?'
Alex groaned, his voice still thick with sleep. "Might as well. Hit me with it, June."
A holographic display materialized before him:
[Name - Alex Mercer]
• Strength - 51
• Speed - 51
• Endurance - 51
• Intelligence - 51
• Luck - 51
• Charm - 51
---
[Financial Status]
[Initial Balance - $8,000]
[Expenses]
• Illusion Skill - $700
• Travel Skill - $2,000
[Current Balance - $5,300]
---
Alex studied the figures, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Well, at least I'm consistent. Mediocre across the board."
"Right," Alex muttered, swinging his legs off the bed. "Because nothing says 'advantageous' like being decidedly average at everything."
He padded to the window, drawing back the curtains to reveal the breathtaking Parisian skyline. The Eiffel Tower stood proud in the distance, a silent sentinel over the City of Light. For a moment, Alex allowed himself to be awed by the view, a stark reminder of how far he'd come from his ordinary life just days ago.
'From small-town nobody to cosmic Uber driver in Paris,' he mused. 'Life's got a hell of a sense of humor.'
After a long, hot shower that did wonders for his aching muscles, Alex dressed in a casual yet stylish ensemble—dark jeans, a crisp white shirt, and a navy blazer. He had a few hours to kill before the gala, and his stomach was making its emptiness known.
The hotel's café was a quaint affair, all gleaming marble and brass fixtures. As Alex approached the counter, a familiar face greeted him with a warm smile.
"Well, good morning, stranger," Sara said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I was beginning to think you'd sleep the day away."
Alex grinned. "What can I say? Someone wore me out last night."
Sara's cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes sparkled. "Smooth talker. The usual?"
"You know me so well already," Alex replied, leaning on the counter.
Alex felt a rush of warmth at the sight of her. Their night together had been unexpected but thoroughly enjoyable. "You're a sight for sore eyes. How's the morning shift treating you?"
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, you know. Entitled tourists, jet-lagged businessmen—the usual. But it's looking up now," she added with a wink.
Their banter continued as Sara prepared Alex's order—a strong espresso and a flaky croissant. As she worked, Alex couldn't help but admire the graceful efficiency of her movements.
"So," Sara said, sliding his order across the counter. "Any exciting plans for today? More mysterious business meetings?"
Alex chuckled, remembering the half-truths he'd told her the night before. "Something like that. There's a party tonight that I need to attend."
"Ooh, fancy," Sara teased. "Should I be jealous?"
"Absolutely," Alex replied with a grin. "I'll be rubbing elbows with the crème de la crème of Parisian society. CEOs, Execs, you know, the usual crowd." Alex said with a smile almost as if he couldn't leave.
"Jerk," Sara laughed, swatting him with a napkin. "Just try not to forget us little people when you're hobnobbing with the rich and famous."
As Alex enjoyed his breakfast, they continued to chat, their conversation flowing easily. It was a welcome respite from the weight of his new responsibilities, a moment of normalcy in the chaos his life had become.
Alex sighed. "Duty calls, I'm afraid. Thanks for breakfast, Sara. Rain check on that drink?"
"I'll hold you to that," Sara smiled. "Try not to have too much fun without me."
With reluctance, Alex bid Sara farewell, promising to catch up with her again before he left Paris. As he walked back to his room, his mind shifted gears, focusing on the task ahead.
The afternoon passed in a flurry of preparation. Alex meticulously groomed himself, donning a bespoke tuxedo that fit him like a second skin. As the sun began to set, painting the Parisian sky in hues of gold and crimson, he made his way to where he had parked his truck.
Standing before the utilitarian vehicle, Alex closed his eyes and concentrated on the Illusion Skill he had purchased.
Alex pictured a sleek, midnight blue Aston Martin DB11, its lines speaking of power and luxury. When he opened his eyes, the transformation was complete. Where once stood a nondescript truck now gleamed a vehicle that would turn heads even in this city of opulence.
With a satisfied nod, Alex slipped into the driver's seat and set off for the gala. After minutes of driving, Alex arrived at his destination.
He pulled up to a mansion in his illusory Aston Martin. The place was huge, lit up like a Christmas tree. Valets in crisp uniforms rushed to open car doors for guests decked out in clothes that probably cost more than his yearly salary.
'Well, this is intimidating,' Alex thought, handing his keys to a valet. 'Hope this tux rental is good enough to fool these people.'
He walked up the steps, trying not to gawk at the opulent surroundings. The foyer was all marble and gold, with mirrors everywhere and chandeliers that looked like they weighed a ton.
'Christ, the electric bill for this place must be insane,' he mused, snagging a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
Alex sipped his drink, scanning the room. He recognized a few faces from the news - politicians, CEOs, and if he wasn't mistaken, at least one guy who was definitely on Interpol's most wanted list. With nothing to do with his life besides work, he had time for these sort of news.
'Right, the woman who invited me. Hard to forget someone like that,' Alex thought, remembering their previous encounter.
As if on cue, the crowd parted, and there she was. Tatiana glided into the room wearing a red dress that left little to the imagination. Alex felt his mouth go dry.
'Wow. Okay, keep it together, Mercer. You've got a job to do.'
Tatiana's eyes locked onto his, and she smiled. Alex's heart rate picked up as she made her way towards him.
"Alex, darling," Tatiana purred, her voice sending a shiver down his spine. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."
Alex took her offered hand, brushing his lips across her knuckles. "And miss the chance to see you again? Not a chance."
'Smooth, Mercer. Real smooth,' he thought, hoping his nervousness didn't show.
Tatiana laughed, a rich sound that drew admiring glances from nearby guests. "Such a charmer. I must say, you clean up rather nicely."
Her eyes raked over him, and Alex felt his face heat up. "Thanks," he managed. "You look... incredible."
'Understatement of the century,' he added silently.
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Tatiana said, linking her arm through his. The contact sent a jolt through him. "Come, let me introduce you to some people. I have a feeling you'll fit right in with this crowd."
As Tatiana led him deeper into the party, Alex's mind raced. 'Alright, this is it. Time to find out why I'm really here. Just gotta play it cool, gather information, and try not to trip over my own feet.'
'Great,' Alex thought sarcastically. 'No pressure at all.'
He plastered on his most charming smile as Tatiana began introducing him to various guests. Each handshake felt like stepping further into a den of wolves, and Alex couldn't shake the feeling that he was way out of his depth.
'Well, June,' he thought, accepting a fresh glass of champagne, 'you wanted me to find information. Let's see what secrets this party holds.'