Like What I Expected

For the first time, I went outside without being stared at for the wrong reason. It felt good. Everyone that was looking at me was either my face or my rank.

Without any distractions, I arrived at the bakery. Checking out the cake stand, there were various kinds that I was interested in taking.

"Could I take the chocolate cake?"

It was rare for me to eat anything that had chocolate in it. I had a sweet tooth, but it was a shame that I fulfilled my needs.

"That would be 55 dollars."

The cashier, who was female in her near twenties, smiled at me. I couldn't tell if she was interested in me or valued me as a customer. It was rare for someone to smile at me.

My heart started to hurt, seeing that the cake was expensive. But today was my day. And I'm going to do my best to celebrate it.

Taking out my money, I handed it over to her. I had six thousand dollars in my bank. For someone who was working for three years, that was pitiful.

"You must be strong for someone your age."

The female cashier initiated a conversation. I couldn't help but sigh inwardly, seeing how the girl started that as a conversation starter.

Checking the female worker ranking, she was ranked 9B—someone who was higher ranked than average.

"I'm not that strong. I don't know how to fight."

What I said was the truth, and besides. With ranking out, it was genuinely hard for people to fall in love.

Since this society was now talent-based, everyone's goal was to earn the attraction of a higher-ranked person, regardless of gender.

"Is that so? Who are you buying your cake for?"

"I'm buying one for my girlfriend."

What? I'm not going to tell someone I'm buying a cake for myself. And I would rather slap myself in the face than give my parents anything good.

"She must be one lucky person."

I could hear the disappointment coming from her voice.

"Sorry, but I must go."

Getting the cake, I left. Honestly, if the female worker wanted to throw herself at me, I wouldn't mind. But considering my circumstances, I needed to chill out.

First things first, I need to disown my parents. Now that I have the power to do so, I might as well do it. I can't have them leech off of me.

Next is financial. Now that I have quit my job, I need some way to earn money. I could use my ability, but it would be hard for someone to hire me because of it.

But the chances of someone trying to meet me were high. After all, the ranking in abilities has changed. If they were smart enough, they would immediately rope me in.

Thinking about what I would do, I arrived at my apartment on the way to my door. There were three people outside my door.

Just like what I had expected. They were here to recruit me. I couldn't help but grin, seeing how my resources flew to me. I quickly changed my face before they noticed what I was thinking.

"Could I ask what you three are doing waiting around at the door?"

"Are you Charles Anderson?"

"Yes?"

The three of them were dumbfounded. It was understandable, considering the significant change in my body and face. The body enhancer was stacked.

"Ahem. I'm Karl, a representative from the International Defense Agency. I want to offer you a deal."

Karl, an old man in his fifties here, quickly introduced himself. His hair was neatly trimmed and was black with a shade of gray. He was aging, but his body was still as good as an adult male's. He looked like an excellent grandpa-typed character.

"I'm Jasmine, a representative from the Interdimensional Union Committee."

Jasmine, unlike Karl, was someone who looked like she was in her twenties. Nevertheless, her long black hair and brown eyes were attractive.

Coupled with the fact that she was developed nicely, her black suit perfectly defined her features.

"I'm Katie, representative of the Specialized Ranker's Agency."

Katie, like Jasmine, was somewhere in her twenties. Her blond hair and blue eyes made it easy to look at. While she wasn't as stacked as Jasmine, she still had a nice body.

"Why don't you three come in? It would make it easier than to stand here."

The three of them agreed that we would talk for a while. For times like these, I wished I had more chairs. Luckily I had a clean carpet, and my apartment was cleaned three days ago.

Sitting down on a carpet, everyone here already knew that I was poor. After all, they should have some information about me since they're here to recruit me.

"I will be honest with you all. I will be taking the deal that will give me the most benefit."

It was better for them to know what I wanted. I don't want any grudges coming off of them just because I rejected them. They could fight each other for all I care.

Karl, the old man, had frowned upon hearing that. Did he not like what I said?

"Is that so? I don't think you fit for our organization if you're filled with greed."

"You should know how my life has been."

Karl didn't seem like someone who wanted to negotiate with me. He let out a grunt and left the house.

That was fine. I don't think I will work in a place like the International Defense Agency. I wasn't someone who would help people for the good of it.

The Interdimensional Union Committee and the Specialized Ranker's Agency are ideal organizations for me to join.

"Charles Anderson, we from the Specialized Ranker's Agency would like to offer you 500M Yearly, with full-on training expenses, and a bodyguard within the top 1000 in combat power.

Katie, who broke my thought, had offered me a large sum. I couldn't help but mentally drool at the price I was being offered.