Practice?

[Aren't you going to practice the walking skill that I had just provided?] Avian's voice suddenly appeared out of nowhere startling Marcel.

'Eh?' Marcel said after a short pause that was hardly noticeable.

[You need to practice. Taking part in Sherry's project would give you exposure and if you introduce yourself as a model you should at least have mastered the basics] Avian reasoned out.

'You have a point. How long will it take for me to master this?' Marcel asked curiously.

[Since you are already provided with a lot of information on the subject it will take approximately twenty-days to master this if you invest at least two hours of practice every day. The greater your daily investment the shorter the time] Avian explained.

'Isn't two weeks a bit too much? What if I want to master a skill immediately?' Marcel asked.

[Once you reach the level of an upgrade you be provided with a space within the system where you can practice that will cut down the time by a quarter] Avian explained.

'So you'll reduce my time by three days?' Marcel asked with a frown.

[Of course, this is the prerequisite that you practice the skills that have been given to you in the system space] Avian replied.

"System space? That's actually a thing?' Marcel asked in excitement.

[Yes, but it will take a lot of work from you for me to develop to optimum functionality. ] Avian neutrally explained.

'So if I continue upgrading that would mean that you would upgrade resulting in more benefits on my behalf?' Marcel asked again.

[That is the case] Avian replied flatly.

'Oh, then I'll just practice as I get everything else done' Marcel said and proceeded to walk out of the studio.

[Are you starting now?] Avian asked in confusion.

'Yes,' Marcel answered proudly.

[Then can you at least make an effort? Your overall posture is deplorable] Avian commented.

'What do you mean? I was always complimented for my walk. In the historical movies I was in, when I played models, I was always complimented!' Marcel said defensively.

[You are now a man, whatever was flattering then is not flattering now. You acted as a female model, it is very easy to look appealing while walking when you are a woman because of the way that female bodies are shaped, but now you have wider shoulders, a flatter stomach, a broader back, a slightly thicker waist and slim hips. On top of that, you are taller than you were before by almost ten inches. You used to walk around while twisting your waist and swinging your hips. You can't do that anymore, otherwise people will misunderstand you.] Avian said bluntly bursting Marcel's bubble.

Marcel was not expecting to be put in place with Avian reminding him that he was now a man and all the feminine gestures he had learned in the past would not be too flattering to the image he was trying to develop.

'Ah,' Marcel exclaimed as if he just attained a form of enlightenment.

[Exactly, now make sure that your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles form a straight line, make sure you do not rush. Leisure will let you impersonate different personas in the duration of the catwalk] Avian strictly dictated surprising Marcel.

Marcel obediently followed Avian's instructions, his walking was awkward and some people even started looking at how strange he was being because of how awkward he looked.

'How much practice do I have to put in if I want to finish this sooner?' Marcel asked Avian.

[If you practice for six hours a day you can be considered good in a week] Avian replied.

'So I just need to practice for 42 hours right?' Marcel asked.

[40 hours] Avian replied.

Marcel nodded when he heard the response. If he knew earlier he would have started yesterday and practised the walk as he was going to the entertainment district instead of taking the bus. He could have at least practised for five hours. Unfortunately, he could not turn back time and since he had an appointment he could not even walk to the entertainment district anymore.

He was going to meet Sherry's manager who is going to brief him on the whole project before they sign a contract. Although Sherry was not very famous, the fact that she was in Big Star entertainment meant that she was at least talented.

She was in a girl group but because she had a very low presence, so it was hard for her to stand out when she performed with the other three girls. Even though she could be considered the prettiest one among the four, she was slightly socially awkward and did not take initiative to socialise with her fans to avoid awkward encounters.

In fact, she was releasing a song by herself without her group members because the president of the company wanted her to at least build up her image more but she was not confident that it would be well received, that was why she kept on insisting on having a handsome co-star with her so at least people can enjoy the music video even if they hated her song.

In short, Sherry had very low self-esteem and bad communication skills and this was her agency's attempt at fixing her image since a lot of people just thought that she was arrogant. Her other group members were a bit envious that she was able to release a song with her name but they understood the reason so they did their best in helping her since the more popular their group was, the more work and appearances they will get which translates to more money.

Marcel arrived at the company and waited for Sherry's manager to come and collect him. The receptionist kept stealing glances at him and after a while, she could not help but steal a picture of him.

Marcel knew that she took a picture but he really did not care since he was already used to such actions from his previous life. Although he was not wearing trendy clothes but a slightly old white t-shirt and a pair of washed-out jeans. His clothes were clean, and he was good looking enough for the clothes to be ignored.

After waiting around for five minutes, Sherry's manager finally went to pick him up and the two of them went to discuss the project.

"I hope you are satisfied with the offer we made" the manager said trying to make small talk as they waited for the elevator.

"Very" Marcel answered.

"I personally think we are overpaying you, but Sherry insisted on giving you that much money. I hope you work proportionally to the money you receive" the manager said seriously.

Marcel turned his head and looked at the manager and smiled mysteriously. He had never worked half-heartedly, even when he was on the peak of his career, now that he was just starting out the chances of him slacking off were even lower.

Marcel pushed his hair out of his face when he entered the elevator with the manager and couldn't help but look at the short man once more.

[A/N: He is not short, you're just too tall my friend]