Ortega was deeply perplexed by the Alpha Male System phenomenon and was struggling to comprehend it. He had many questions that he hoped to find answers to soon.
However, before he could delve deeper into the system, he decided to head back home. He looked around to ensure that no one had seen him talking to himself earlier and then made his way to the elevator. He arrived at the ground floor, said goodbye to the receptionist, and took a ride back to his apartment.
Upon reaching his room, Ortega immediately summoned the system's interface. To his amazement, the pop-up holographic screen appeared again before him with translucent blue hues. It was an alien sight, yet he could summon it easily, just like breathing air.
His curiosity piqued, he wondered if he could touch it. He swiped his index finger across the screen, and to his surprise, it responded.
Something changed, and a string of bright cursive letters appeared on the screen. Ortega read the letters carefully, and as he did, his facial expression slowly transformed from confusion to excitement.
The screen displayed a character profile, which showed his details.
Host: Ortega Dike
Age: 21
Rank: Omega
Titles: None
Occupation: Marketer
Status: Employed
Net Worth: -$1,000 {Remark: A debtor by circumstances}
Salary: N/A
Attractiveness: 5/10
Talent(s): Intellectual (basic level 8), Gift of Gab (basic level 6)
Skill(s): Creativity (basic level 4), Social Skills (basic level 5), Problem-Solving (basic level 5) Leadership (basic level 1). Adaptability (Basic level 7)
Trait(s): Unattractive but intelligent.
Current goal(s): Glow up
Ortega was awestruck by the profile and wondered if it was similar to a character profile in a video game. He pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the fact that the information displayed about him was accurate.
He had graduated from University some months ago and would soon begin work at BeautyPlus, a fashion and retail company that sold various female clothing, accessories, and products. Despite being employed, he was still struggling to clear his debts, and he hoped to earn his first paycheck soon.
Ortega was a little downcast to be reminded of his pitiful financial status, so as a distraction, he clicked on terms he wasn't clear on.
His 'Omega' rank was allocated because of his unapproachable characteristics and lacking social status. It was his position in the human social hierarchy. Its description read that he was 'the lowest of the lowest.' As hurtful as it sounded, he had no way of refuting the system's judgment.
Attractiveness was rated majorly by his physical appearance and 5 out of 10 just emphasized his average looks more.
Talents and skills measured his level of competency in his profession.
And 'current goal(s)' wasn't explained when tapped, rather Ortega was met by a request to convert to an active quest, to which he readily agreed.
{Quest is now active...}
Quest: {Your employer is not happy with your looks. Get your attractiveness to 6 by the end of the week.}
Time Left: 7 days
Reward:???
Punishment: -1 attractiveness and job loss.
Ortega almost panicked seeing the punishment. He remembered Miss Velvet's words about looking professional and by her stern demeanor, he could easily determine that his job would be taken if he did not meet her standards. Luckily, the system's interface included a help center, identified by a question mark icon. Ortega tapped on it...
Quest description: {You need to increase your looks by a point or you end up losing your job. Here are some habits to make; Get a fitting hairstyle, work out and hydrate regularly, practice a skincare routine, get at least 8 hours of sleep, and eat good food. The secret of your success is fixed in your daily routine. Good luck!}
{The above criteria must be met daily to ensure completion of the quest.}
{Warning: Failure to do so warrants penalties.}
{Ding!}
{A workout regimen and diet plan have been prepared. Does the user wish to make use of it?}
{A. Yes B. No C. Later}
Once again, Ortega felt marveled by the system's practicality and the things he could achieve with its help. The Alpha Male System was the perfect self-improvement plan. Looking at his options, he remembered his employers and vowed to become the best possible version of himself. His life had changed for the better and would no longer be the same.
"He firmly declared, his face showing his determination, "Let's do this."
***
A man stormed out of the conference room, his expensive three-piece suit immaculate but his balled fists and red face betrayed his anger. The echo of his footsteps down the hallway accompanied his audible curses, making it clear he was livid. The three women left behind seemed unfazed by his outburst, indicating they were accustomed to his dramatic exits.
Dr. Sylvia took a sip of her coffee, her blue eyes flashing with indignation. "The nerve of some men these days," she remarked, her voice tinged with frustration. "It makes me wonder if we made the right decision hiring that boy."
Mrs. Laura, always the mediator, tried to calm the atmosphere. "Oh, Sylvia, don't be so cynical," she said in a soothing tone. "Let's not stereotype all men. Besides, weren't you impressed with what Ortega had to offer? Gunther is just being a jerk. Don't let his venom get to you."
Sylvia laughed nonchalantly, trying to show that Gunther's behavior couldn't affect her. "Thanks for caring, but I have no attachments to him anymore. He's just desperate."
Both women turned to Velvet, awaiting her opinion. Her expression remained calm, giving little away. She spoke in a measured tone, but her words held a hint of defiance.
"I know I've gone against our creed by employing Ortega," Velvet began, her voice low and deliberate, "but we needed to bring a man on board to divert public attention from our dealings. He's the safest pick among the pack of hungry wolves called men."
Her statement hung in the air, filled with tension. Sylvia and Laura exchanged glances, sensing the weight of her words.
"Trust me when I say this," Velvet continued, her voice dropping to a whisper but carrying a note of suspicion, "I am just as skeptical of men as you both are... and that will never change."