Chapter 4 : An Unexpected Opportunity
As the blinding light faded, I felt a rush of sensations that disoriented me. When I opened my eyes, I was back in my bedroom, the familiar chaos of clothes and video game paraphernalia surrounding me. But this time, something was different.
I stared at my reflection in the nearby mirror, my breath hitching in my throat. The face looking back was not the one I remembered. Gone was the chubby, awkward boy with unkempt hair and a self-conscious slouch. In his place stood a striking young man with dark black hair flowing down to shoulders and sharp, emerald green eyes that glimmered like gemstones. He had small beauty mark beneath his right eye. A feminine face , almost too pretty for a guy, It was how my character look in Soleria.
"Is this real?" I whispered, reaching out to touch my cheek, half-expecting it to be a dream. The smoothness of my skin and the chiseled jawline left me stunned.
Memories of my life flooded back, stinging with the sharp pain of reality. My parents had passed away four years ago, leaving me with a modest inheritance that was now dwindling. For years, I had managed to scrape by, but I was running out of money. The thought of returning to school filled me with dread. I had been bullied mercilessly there, my classmates mocking my appearance and ridiculing me for being an orphan. It had turned me into a recluse, a home shut-in who avoided social interactions at all costs.
But now, with this transformation, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me. I looked good—better than I ever thought possible. Maybe, just maybe, I could start fresh.
With newfound determination, I grabbed my phone and opened my game app, eager to check my status:
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Status:
Name: Renji Sato
Race: God of Creation
Class: World Shaper
Title(s): Overseer of Soleria, First Guardian, The Silent Architect
Health: Immortal
Mana: Infinite
Stamina: Boundless
Abilities:
Creation: The ability to shape and manipulate the elements and environment at will.
Rejuvenation: Accelerated healing for self and others.
Time Manipulation: Control over time, allowing brief pauses or accelerations (currently restricted).
Spatial Awareness: Ability to sense and manipulate space around me.
Elemental Mastery: Mastery over fire, water, earth, and air (limited to basic forms currently).
Divine Intervention: A powerful skill that can manifest in dire situations (locked).
Note: Powers are not fully unlocked in this world, and there are some restrictions on strength, stamina, and mana usage.
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While I reveled in the discovery of my game-like powers, I realized they were not fully unlocked in this world. The sheer potential excited me, and the thought of what I could achieve sparked my imagination.
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After a quick shower, I dressed in clothes that fit my new form better, eager to show off my transformation. As I stepped outside, I felt people's gazes land on me. It was subtle at first, just a lingering glance here or there, but it soon became obvious—people were noticing me.
I tried to ignore it as I walked through the crowded streets, but it was hard to shake the feeling of eyes following my every step. Some people whispered to one another after I passed by, their voices hushed but their words reaching my ears.
"Did you see that guy? He looks like a model or something."
"He's definitely not from around here."
I wasn't sure how to feel about the attention. A part of me wanted to revel in it, but another part—the part that remembered all those years of being ridiculed—felt uneasy. I wasn't used to being in the spotlight. Still, I held my head high and kept walking, focusing on my destination.
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I didn't plan to stop at the café that day. In fact, I hadn't even been thinking about it until I stumbled upon it. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, and a banner outside caught my eye. It read, "Now Hiring: Part-Time Help Needed."
Without thinking too much about it, I walked in. The familiar scent of pastries and coffee was comforting, and the atmosphere felt like a good place to start something new.
The café was busy, but not overwhelmingly so. I approached the counter, and a friendly-looking woman greeted me.
"Can I help you?" she asked, her smile welcoming.
"I noticed the hiring sign outside. I'm looking for a part-time job," I said, feeling a little nervous but trying to hide it.
She studied me for a moment, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You definitely have the look that could attract customers," she said with a smile. "I think we could use someone like you here. Let's talk."
The interview was quick, and before I knew it, I was hired. I could hardly believe it! Working in the café felt like a fresh start—a way to move forward from the painful past I wanted to leave behind.
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Yuki Takahashi's Perspective
From her usual seat near the window, Yuki Takahashi watched as Renji moved about the café, efficiently handling orders and interacting with customers. She had been coming here regularly ever since she spotted him that first time, and each time, her conviction grew. This guy was exactly what the agency was looking for.
Tall, handsome, with a certain charm that couldn't be taught—he had potential. But what intrigued her most was that he didn't seem aware of it. Or if he did, he didn't flaunt it like so many others in the industry.
Yuki had waited for the right moment, and today, she decided to act. As Renji finished cleaning a nearby table, she stood up and approached him.
"Renji, right?" she asked casually.
He turned, his emerald green eyes briefly flickering with curiosity. "Yeah. Do you need something?"
Yuki smiled. "Actually, I'm a talent scout for a modeling agency."
His brows furrowed slightly in surprise. "A modeling agency?"
"That's right. You have a look that could really take you far. Have you ever thought about modeling?"
Renji hesitated, clearly taken aback by the offer. "No, I haven't."
Yuki smiled. "It's something worth thinking about. If you're interested, I'd love to help you get started. No pressure though—you can take your time."
Renji seemed unsure, but he nodded. "Thanks. I'll think about it."
Yuki handed him her card, flashing him a warm smile before leaving the café. She could already see the potential in him. Now it was just a matter of time.
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Renji's Perspective
As Yuki left, I stood there, holding her business card in my hand. A modeling agency? It was absurd. Me—a model? I wasn't the type for that. Or at least, the old me wasn't.
The thought lingered in my mind as I finished my shift at the café. When I finally made it back home, the day's events felt like a blur. I tossed my bag onto the floor and collapsed onto my bed, pulling out my phone almost instinctively.
I opened the app, not expecting much, but as the screen loaded, my eyes widened at what I saw.
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