Increase In Social Status!

Sanchez stood in front of a sleek, futuristic-looking powerbike, grinning like a kid showing off his favourite toy. 

Hugo stared at the bike with amazement. Excitement was swelling dangerously within him and he felt like he was floating.

Was it what he thought it was?

Was Sanchez really giving him this bike?!

Taking deep breaths, Hugo studied the bike carefully.

The bike was all sharp edges and gleaming chrome, with neon-blue lights that pulsed along its body like it had a heartbeat of its own. 

It looked like something out of a sci-fi movie—like a bike Batman would ride if he ever had an eco-friendly phase.

"Behold!" Sanchez gestured dramatically, like he was unveiling the eighth wonder of the world. "The Voltaris X9000! Electric, silent, and fast as hell."

Hugo's eyes widened as he took in the machine. "Dude, this thing looks like it could outrun a cheetah on steroids!"

Not only was it extremely aesthetic and aerodynamic, it's tyres were surprisingly huge, making it look even more futuristic and intimidating.

Sanchez smirked. "Oh, it can. Here, let me hit you with the specs: 0 to 100 in under 2 seconds. Top speed of 300 miles per hour. Fully electric, charges in 10 minutes, lasts for 500 miles. And it has a built-in sound system that blasts tunes while you ride."

Hugo's jaw dropped. "A sound system?! So I can literally speed away from my problems while listening to Eye of the Tiger? This is the greatest thing ever!"

Hugo's mind began churning cool scenes of him on this bike with a sexy damsel behind, clutching his waist tightly. 

The softness of her body pressed against his, the exotic scent she exuded, and most especially, her hands that were dangerously close to his belt...

He hurriedly pulled his mind out of the gutter.

"Exactly," Sanchez said, crossing his arms smugly. "I used to ride it before I made it big. Now it's just sitting here, collecting dust. But you... I think you need it more than me."

Hugo's heart was pounding. He could already picture himself zipping through the streets, looking like the coolest guy in the world. 

This was amazing!

No more awkward bus rides or struggling to keep up with everyone else. No more standing at crosswalks waiting for the light to turn green like some kind of pedestrian peasant. 

He was about to become a legend!

He turned to Sanchez, eyes gleaming with excitement. "I... I don't even know what to say. This is amazing! You're amazing! I'm gonna be unstoppable on this thing!"

As if on cue, a sudden Ding! echoed in Hugo's mind.

[System Notification: Status increase +1!]

Hugo blinked. "Wait, did I just... level up from excitement?"

He felt like he had just found a cheat. Was it really possible to level up from being excited?! 

It only took him a moment to realise that it was actually because of the bike. Since he now had a bike, of course his social status should increase!

Afterall, bikes were the cheatcode to looking cooler. Any expendable would tell you that.

As he was still examining his new bike, his stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl, breaking the moment.

Sanchez raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You sound like a lion with indigestion. Let's hit the dining room before you pass out from hunger."

_____

The dining table was massive, like something you'd expect to see at a royal banquet. It was covered in every type of food imaginable—grilled meats, piles of pasta, gourmet salads, desserts that looked too fancy to eat and even a loaf of bread that looked suspiciously like ass... 

Hugo felt like he had stepped into a dream where he was the king of food.

"Wow! Is this a buffet or the result of a food explosion?" He gasped, eyes darting from plate to plate.

"Welcome to my world," Sanchez grinned, already loading his plate. "Dig in before I change my mind and call for takeout instead."

His stomach roared again, and without a second thought, he dove in, stuffing his face with the kind of enthusiasm that could only be matched by a starving man at an all-you-can-eat buffet. 

He was halfway through a mountain of spaghetti when he noticed her.

Standing by the wall, watching them with a bored expression, was the sexiest maid Hugo had ever seen. 

Her uniform was just the right blend of cute and daring, and Hugo felt his heart do a little flip.

She had that kind of effortless beauty that made his brain go fuzzy.

He nearly choked on his pasta. "Dude... who is that?"

Sanchez didn't even look up. "Oh, that's Maria. But don't even think about it."

"Why not? She's a total knockout!" Hugo exclaimed, trying to maintain his composure.

Which healthy male hadn't fantasized about some cute, extremely obedient maid at least 40 times in their life?!

Hugo had done it too many times to count!

"Trust me, man. She's a lesbian. Tried it, failed miserably. She'll laugh in your face faster than you can say 'awkward.'"

Hugo's enthusiasm deflated like a sad balloon. "Oh... great. So, no hope there."

"Welcome to my life," Sanchez said for the second time, snickering as he stuffed a piece of steak into his mouth. "Now, focus on the food, buddy."

Hugo's face fell. "Oh."

Deflated but still hungry, he went back to his plate, stuffing his face with renewed focus. 

He wasn't going to let a little rejection ruin his day—especially when there was enough food to feed a small army.

Just as Hugo was reaching for some dessert, Sanchez wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up. "Alright, enough eating. We've got work to do."

Hugo looked up, confused. "Work?"

Sanchez grinned, his eyes gleaming. "Yeah, remember? We're going out. I'm going to teach you the art of being me."

Hugo's heart skipped a beat. This was it. The moment he'd been waiting for. He shoved the last bite of cake into his mouth and jumped up, excitement bubbling in his chest.

"I'm ready," he mumbled through a mouthful of frosting.

"Just remember to breathe and try not to trip over your own feet." Sanchez chuckled. "I'd hate for you to make headlines as the guy who face-planted at a bar."

"I'll be fine! I've got this!" Hugo insisted, puffing out his chest. But internally, he was a whirlwind of nerves and excitement. 

This was his chance to reinvent himself!

Sanchez chuckled, tossing his napkin onto the table. "Good. Let's go make you legendary."