022 * Bonus Chapter *

Alex smiled at Claire; of course, most people would be creeped out by this situation. A complete stranger had walked inside where you worked and kept staring at you. Luckily for Alex, he was handsome, and people have different opinions on his actions. One of those people was the other woman waiting tables.

"Omg! Claire, I think that cute guy likes you. He keeps staring at you, and look at that smile. That's the smile of a man in love!"

"Cheryl, I highly doubt he would like me or, as you say, be in love with me. He's probably just never seen someone with different colored eyes, so he's probably just curious."

"Hehe, or he's in love with you."

"Okay, whatever, just help with the tables. It's starting to get busy."

"Alright, just so you know you're no fun."

Claire and Cheryl had kept up this pace for over an hour, defeating the rush. They had some time for a breather, and Cheryl once again teased Claire. Of course, this time Claire didn't have much of a defense.

"Hehe, do you think he's just curious about eyes now?"

"N-no, I don't."

"Hehe, then go talk to him. I'll finish up here."

"Are you sure?"

"Mhm, go get that handsome man, girl."

Claire headed to where Alex was sitting, just after making sure she straightened her hair and clothes.

"H-hello, may I ask if you need anything else?"

"No, I'm alright. Could I get the bill? I was also just wondering if you were free right now. I wanted to talk to you about a few things."

"Yes, I'm free at the moment."

"Are you sure?"

"Mhm!"

Alex sighed; he felt that playing with someone's heart was dirty. However, he didn't care too much, as it was necessary to complete what he wanted to complete in time.

Of course, if Alex knew the troubles that it would cause him later in his life, he might have looked for a different way.

"You see, I would love to get to know you better. If possible, I would like to exchange contact information."

"Mhm! I would love to."

"That's awesome. Well, I have to go now. Text me soon, alright?"

"Wait? How am I going to text you? I don't have your information."

"Check the bill. Have a good day, Claire!"

Claire seemed confused and looked at the bill. The bill was paid; he had even left a tip. However, his phone number was next to an item he had ordered: Starry Night. It was a dark chocolate ice cream with mint chocolate chip and cotton candy. While the combination might sound weird, it was delicious. However, no one but him had ordered it that day, and it was also Claire's favorite item. Maybe it was because of his good looks, or somehow he knew her favorite item on the menu, or his small smile, or even all of the above. An undeniable truth that Claire immediately noticed: she had fallen in love. It was weird and so unlike her, but she fell in love with someone on their first day of meeting.

Alex was already on his way home; he had set in motion Claire, and now he needed to focus on the others. The next on his list was Dark, otherwise known as Hunter. Hunter lived in the slums, where he acquired his skills that he later perfected in the game. Finding him would be fairly easy, but earning his trust wouldn't. He was born and raised in an environment where trusting someone could lead to him losing his life. Of course, that's why I won't need his trust yet; I just need him to be present when I create my guild. That should be easy, as money is something he craves, and that's the main reason he became an assassin affiliated with the Cold Moon Group. They were a group or guild of assassins that would kill anyone for the right price. Luckily for Alex, they don't even know about him yet, so he will be snatching this talent for himself. Alex headed towards the slums, but he knew it wasn't a good idea to go without a weapon. So he brought a combat knife he had bought when he was 15. He walked around the slums for half an hour until he finally found the person he was looking for: a boy around his age with black hair and eyes. He was wearing a tattered white shirt, some ripped jeans, and a pair of worn-out shoes. Alex wanted to have this be as simple as possible, so he walked up and asked him a single question.

"Do you want to make some money?"

"Doing what?"

"To play a simple game while also joining my guild."

"How much would I earn?"

"Depends on how well you do, but I'll pay for the VR pod."

"When?"

"In a couple of days from now, come to the shop."

"What shop?"

"Blue Moon Corporation."

"Alright."

Alex was done with Hunter; he was simple to get but hard to keep. Now Alex moved onto the simple brute; all he needed to do there was beat him in a fight. Of course, he would never win normally, so he just had to bring the fight to his world. The brute who would be a part of the world's #1 adventure group. His name was Liam, and he lived inside a gym near the Blue Moon Corporation. Alex was already on the way there. When he arrived, he noticed that it was extremely popular. Physical fitness was extremely important and popular in this era. If a person had the opportunity to go to the gym or work out, they usually took it. Alex walked inside the gym and headed to the front desk. The front desk was crowded and had a line. He stayed in line for over 30 minutes until it was finally his turn. The receptionist began to tell him the benefits of the gym and becoming a member. While he did want to get into shape, he didn't have the time for the gym.

"No thank you, I just want to know where I can find someone."

"Alright, who are you trying to find?"

"Someone named Liam; he should be working here as a physical instructor."

"Ah! Liam, I can call him up here real quick."

"That would be appreciated. Thanks."

"Mhm."

The receptionist called up Liam to the help desk via a radio. Alex stood to the side to let the receptionist do her job. A few minutes later, a blonde-haired and blue-eyed man walked up to the front desk. His muscles were bulging and seemed to be about to pop out from his shirt. He was wearing a white sweater and black pants. His facial features would entice most females. He first checked in with the receptionist and even seemed to flirt with her briefly. Then he walked up to Alex and asked.

"What did you need me for, sir?"

"I want to make a bet."

"What? A bet."

"That's right. I'm sure you know about the new game called New Beginning."

"Yeah, I do, however, I don't have time for that."

"Maybe, however, this game is something out of this world. It can help you become stronger.

"How would a game help me get stronger?"

"That will be my secret for now, but it will help improve your fighting capabilities."

"Okay? Then why would I agree to this bet of yours? I don't even know you, let alone know the stakes of the bet."

"Well, me and you will fight inside the game. Equal stats and items, and the winner will win the bet. Ill let you ask something you want from this bet, however if I win. I want you to work for me and join my guild inside the game."

"I'll think about it. Im not sure if it will be worth all that trouble and money.

"Well, here's my number. When you have thought it over. Also if I lose ill reimburse you for the VR pod."

Alex simply left after that; he knew that he had already gotten his attention. It was only a matter of time until he contacted Alex, asking more about the job and bet. Now all that's left is Snow, otherwise known as Mia Soft. She would also be the hardest to convince, as she's like him. Alex had already talked to Mia when they were younger. Mia was also in the foster care system, and at one point, they lived in the same temporary home. She was like him, full of scars. She had trust issues and a phobia of men among many other disorders. Alex honestly had no idea how he would get her to agree to this. In their last interaction, she punched him for brushing past her. His hand had barely touched her shoulder, and she punched him, then cried. After that, they were in the same house for another week, and in that week, she completely ignored him. Alex sighed and began to head to where she was at the moment.

She was at Moonlight City Public School.

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A/N

Hey everyone! Hope you enjoyed this bonus chapter! I'm almost done with uploading all the bonus chapters I owe, and should be able to complete it either today or tomorrow. I won't be uploading a normal chapter on Friday as I work, however I might upload a bonus chapter if I get it done. Have a good rest of your day or night!

If you like this book so far you should check out my other work, A Last Wish!