Chapter x 3 x WHICH ONE YOU WORKIN

Poverty is a bitch. Simple as that. A woman scorned by all the lovers in her life, if you want to be elaborate. Hunger and the fulfillment of your appetite, undoubtedly leads to either ambition or greed. Which one you working?

"You know what Ko you a pessimist. That shit ain't gone get you nowhere but paranoid at every opportunity that comes your way. "

Spoken like a real conman.

"How else do you expect me to survive my G. I have no desire to be a part of the machine. When I can be the mechanic to fix this broken hell we live in. You asking me to put poison into an ecosystem that I currently reside. That's suicidal don't you think?"

[System Update- Host has received 3 skill points in CHARISMA for flawless execution of dissuading dumb ass plans of dumb ass friend. Current CHA value set at 4. STRENGTH, PERCEPTION, INTELLIGENCE, ENDURANCE, AGILITY and LUCK current value set 1. Gained 100 XP! Level 1-900 XP till level up.]

Damn. That was easy! I wonder what the stat cap is? Better yet what is the level cap? No the better question would be, was I able to gain stats and XP just from mundane tasks? Trust me being the voice of better judgement, between us two, seems to be the paragon life chose for me.

Time for questions about this system later. Now the immediate need to survive is at the forefront of my mind. How shall I go about that today? Winter stalls most of the work that the Workers Union provides for the abled bodied slum dwellers. The odds that there is work are slim, but I have to take that gamble.

Without looking back at Shakka in the doorway, taking a drag of his blunt, I continued to get myself together for the day. Finishing hygiene and grabbing a few granola bars and a bottle of water I walked out the door.

"What's the move since your so full of ideas Ko? Lord knows only a fucked up person wants to trap. Sometimes you have to play the fool to play the fool. "

Even in defeat my G don't give up. That hunger, is that hunger going to manifest in greed or ambition? Sometimes I wonder.

"Well fool, how about first we find some way to make money that doesn't involve either going to jail or getting shot the fuck up. I was thinking about mobbing down to the WU and seeing if any contracts are available. Your more then welcome to come with."

"Fuck it! I ain't got nun else better to do. "

Following in line Shakka passes me the blunt. There's not much that perks me up like a well-rolled hog leg of Zazas. Inhaling deeply and allowing my entire body to enjoy the sweet kiss of my latest lover. She introduced herself as Bubblegum and lord did she pop! I don't agree with drugs, herbs though are a different story entirely.

"Shakka, where you get this from fam? You the GOAT when it comes to finding bud."

"Aw shit this the last of the Mohicans of the shit I got from Peanut before he got knocked. I know a breezy uptown that's working with that bag tho. Lady Macc don't play, but she gotta sweet tooth for yella niggas. You might be able to pound cakes ya dig!"

I couldn't help but chuckle. My bro a whole fool out here. Crazy thing about it, he dead ass serious.

"Nigga quit tryna pimp me out so you can get deals on bud. Better yet on second thought I might pimp myself out. This shit fire!"

"Trust me I know. I bought the shit. Now pass that shit Chief Keef!"

Laughing together at each other's expense is a weird form of affection we've obtained. In a world that doesn't allow one of us to appear weak, when weakness appears you often have to put on a facade. That facade wears and tears at your psyche so when you have someone, that tears down your guard with humor, you tend to keep them close. It's a thin line though. Many fist and judo flips have been attempted by both parties due to one or the others ill-timed insensitive joke. I'm thankful it never ended in anything else but a deeper understanding and respect for each other.

Three blocks and a generous application of cologne later we finally make it to the WU. The Workers Union's building was a modest brick building surrounded by a moat of shrubs. The only walkway not attacked by foliage was a winding cobblestone path. The path led to flight of stairs that for all intended purposes is more symbolic then practical. The first step you come to automatically adjust to a little over half of the incoming targets height. Really complex shit that you feel was unnecessary to prove a point. The point being the first step is always the hardest. The remaining steps leading to the entrance were much more appropriately sized.

"Ko I hate those stairs with a passion. I don't stretch enough for this type of rigorous activity fam."

Ignoring Shakka as I rush into the Wu, the winter time breeze finally getting to me. Shaking off the light fluffs of snow I take a moment to warm my body and relax my mind. Manifesting gainful employ and prosperity the only things worth energy at this moment.