RE: Reality Smuggler (R-18)

Bang* Bang* Bang*

"Come get some, you sons of bitches!" - I shouted while shooting another mob.

"GRAAAA!!!"

A bullshit boss charged at me from the hoard.

"I don't give a fuck about you!" - I shouted and shot it in the head with an armor piercer.

Bang*

Flop*

The giant fell, a hole oozing mashed brain matter open in its forehead.

"Anyone else?! Hah?! Nobody?!" - I shouted at the hoard.

But soon, I noticed that the sky suddenly went dark.

"Hah? It's night already?"

Before I could comprehend what was happening...

My surroundings went darker and darker.

I could barely see a few meters ahead of me.

Tap* Tap* Tap* Tap*

The sounds of soft tapping sounded in my ears. 

"Cree!!!"

"Roar!!!"

The sounds of beastly and monstrous roars sounded in my ears.

I immediately switched my weapon to my shotgun and turned on the built-in flashlight.

"Where are you, fuckers?!" - I shouted, sweat dripping from my forehead.

A shadow flashed in front of my flashlight.

Bang*

I instinctively shot a shell, obviously hitting the air.

"Grahahah...!"

I heard a mocking hideous laugh.

They were playing mind games with me.

Like cats playing with a mouse.

"Come at me if you have the fucking guts!" - I taunted.

But, of course, they didn't buy into that.

They continued to circle me to taunt me, occasionally making me waste a bullet.

Until finally...

Tap* Tap* Tap*

I widened my eyes and turned 180, and fired a shot!

Bang*

"CREEE!!!" - The cowardly boss screamed in pain as it was thrown back.

"GRAAA!!"

"Roar!!"

More cowardly bosses charged from the night.

"GET SOME!!!!" - I shouted and opened fire.

Bang* Bang* Bang*

I hit several of them...

Stab*

Until finally, I saw claws protruding from my chest. I was stabbed in the back.

"G-Gah*" - I opened my mouth to curse, but blood spurted instead, probably because my lungs and stomach were punctured.

And then, under my horrified gaze, I was swarmed by Cowardly bosses...

 

...

 

"AHHHHHHH!!!!"

I woke up with a scream.

"Huff* Huff* Huff*..." - I breathed heavily, sweat dripping from my whole body.

Staring at my surroundings, I found I was inside my room.

It was still dark outside.

"Haaa... Just a nightmare..." - I sighed and collapsed on my pillow.

I then picked up my phone and opened it.

June 17th, 2022.

4:47 AM

"... Alright, I am not in the mood to fall asleep anymore." - I decided and got up.

And so, my daily morning ritual started: Brushing my teeth, showering, taking a dump, eating my bacon and eggs with some toast and butter with greens on the side while watching the morning news, and doing some light stretches.

It should be mentioned that I ate one and a half portions during breakfast because my body demanded more energy. All those muscles are energy burners.

Afterward, I checked the journal to see the daily chores I set.

"Let's see here... Do the laundry and then go to the gym. No other plans." - I nodded.

And then, I took another half an hour before wearing tight-fitting sports clothes and going to the gym.

I didn't walk on foot or take public transportation but used my e-scooter.

Yeah, I have a fucking e-scooter.

It cost me $700, but worth it in the city. Plenty of college students have one, especially to travel inside the campus. It's nearly impossible to walk in that giant place.

Now that I have graduated, I am also considering buying a car, but my great-grandad suddenly died. So yeah. Life happened.

It does the job, but I keep it inside the apartment, or it can get stolen on the street. Seattle isn't crime-free.

Okay, who am I kidding? It is CRAWLING with it. From police reports, 48,000 registered crimes in 2021. Seattle's population is 733,000, so yeah, it's a lot. Most of it is property crime, however.

Anyways...

After driving for ten minutes, I arrived at a nearby gym, Power House Habits.¹Doesn't exist.

It was a gym I found on the Internet. They offered a 3-day free trial, which was perfect for me.

I only wanted to test my limits, not become a regular.

After folding the e-scooter, I took it to a secluded alley. After seeing no cameras, I put it inside my Storage.

"So convenient." - I muttered.

In the past, I would be worried about people stealing my e-scooter when going anywhere. But now, I can put it snuggly inside my Storage.

The ultimate anti-theft solution.

Exiting the alley, I entered the gym. As it was currently early morning, it was pretty full. After all, plenty of people come over before work.

I walked to the counter, where a pretty 19-year-old girl in gym clothes was playing on her phone while chewing bubble gum.

"Hello!" - I greeted her.

"Hm? Oh, hey there! Are you here for the job interview?" - The girl asked with a bright smile, scanning me up and down.

"Er... Pardon?" - I asked her, baffled.

"Oh, sorry, sorry! You're built so good, mister! I thought you were the new fitness instructor supposed to come any minute now!" - The girl apologized.

"Oh, haha! It's fine. I just wanted the—"

Pat*

"There you are!"

A strong hand patted my shoulder.

I turned and saw a 6ft balding Caucasian man with balloon-like muscles with tattoos smiling at me.

I don't know the guy.

"And you are...?" - I asked and reached for an awkward handshake.

"It's Gregor! We talked on the phone just a few minutes ago!" - He said and shook my hand firmly.

"Talked? Oh... Oh! You got the wrong guy, haha!" - I finally realized and laughed.

I found the situation funny. Two people mistake me for being the new fitness instructor in succession. I am honestly flattered.

"Gregor, I think he's here to register!" - The receptionist said.

"Ah! Sorry. Your build is so good and fits the description that I thought you were the guy!" - Gregor apologized and let go of my shoulder.

"It's fine! I only want to—"

"Hey there! I'm Aaron! I'm here for the fitness instructor position." - I heard a voice behind me.

When I turned to look, I saw a fit Caucasian young man that looked so like me that we could pass as twins. Even our hairstyle and frame were identical. However, there were minute differences between our faces, including our eye color. He had brown eyes, while I had deep emerald eyes.

He had a good build and fit body and would generally pass as a fitness instructor, but...

When he stood next to me, a man with a Peak Body, one had to wonder who is the instructor.

The receptionist made a weird face as she started comparing the two of us.

Gregor also unintentionally compared us with his eyes.

"Hello?" - Aaron asked, a bit annoyed.

"Ah! Sorry! Gregor, he's yours!" - The receptionist woke up and told Gregor.

"Okay, Aaron. Follow me." - Gregor said, far less enthusiastic than before.

"Alright..." - Aaron said, feeling uncomfortable.

And so, they walked to the manager's office.

"D-Did I just screw up that guy's chances?" - I made a bitter face.

"Gregor isn't that petty. But he will have a more difficult time, haha!" - The receptionist laughed unkindly.

"Well, I'm here for the free trial..." - I drawled.

"Oh, sure! What's your name, mister?" - She asked while opening her terminal.

"Gulliver Goodman." - I say.

"Alright... found yah. I see you registered online already." - The girl nodded.

"Yes, yesterday evening." - I replied.

"Good. Please enjoy yourself, Gulliver! And register if you like it here. By the way, I'm Esme. Nice to meet yah," - Esme reached out for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you too, Esme." - I smiled and shook her hand.

"By the way, how come I never saw you before? Did you move in recently?" - She suddenly asked.

"Hm? I just finished college recently before moving over just over two weeks ago, so..." - I reply with a bitter face.

I started renting my apartment at the start of this month after graduating, wanting to get a job in the city and a girlfriend, but then great-grandpa croaked. Fate is a bitch sometimes.

"Ah! I knew I wouldn't forget someone with a body like yours. So, were you doing some modeling or commercials?" - She leaned over and asked while holding her chin with both hands, smiling.

"Is she flirting with me?" - I wondered.

"No, I am just a hobbyist." - I gave my cover story.

"Hobby? With that kind of body?! What a waste! My uncle runs an ad agency. If you want, I can introduce you." - She smiled and said.

"Ah, she's advertising for her uncle." - I understood.

"No thanks, I'm good. If I change my mind, I will tell you." - I smile curtly.

"Whatever you say, handsome. I won't keep you." - She smiled and returned to her phone.

"What a hard worker..." - I half-mocked in my head and continued with my business.

First, bench press.

I walked to the bench press, where a guy finished his rep.

"Are you finishing here?" - I asked.

"Yeah, go ahead. Need a spotter? You look alone." - The guy asked.

"That will be great, thanks." - I smiled.

I went to the gym before college, so I knew the drill.

"Aight. I'm Mike." - He stretched his slightly sweaty hand.

"Iver." - I shook his hand without care.

I looked at the barbell. It was carrying 200lb. I removed 100lb.

"Okay, I will start with this." - I nodded and lay on the bench.

"Sure, go ahead, tiger." - Mike said and stood behind me.

I then started lifting. It was easy. I finished a 10-set before I knew it.

"Hm... I will raise it by 100lb." - I said, putting more weights on the bar.

Mike nodded wordlessly. Probably trusting I can lift it because of my impressive body.

I then started lifting.

I felt moderate pressure, but I finished it without issue.

"Meh, too light. 100 more." - I said.

"Whatever you say, tiger, but don't punch above your weight class. You will hurt yourself." - Mike advised.

"I know, thanks for warning me." - I said and lifted.

This time, It started being hard, but not to the point I found it too hard. I finished the set.

In other words, I found benching 345lb challenging but doable. Still not my limit, however.²The bar is 45lb

"Wow! You're strong, even for a competitive powerlifter!" - Mike said, impressed.

"Thanks for the help!" - I said and smiled.

"Don't mention it, Iver. Want to partner up?" - He asked.

"Sure, man!" - I said and went on a round tour with him.

And so, I went around the place and did most exercises there. All of them reached the competitive powerlifting level. And it wasn't my limit.

My results seemed quite impressive for a guy my size since I garnered a lot of attention, some even thinking I was an instructor or training for a championship. Some even came to me for business.

By the time I finished...

"Here's my card, champ! Call me if you change your mind." - A guy that bothered me for two minutes gave me a card.

"Thanks." - I thanked the man, the eighth this morning.

It wasn't out of actually appreciating the offer. It was to shoo the idiot.

"Well, you're talented! I counted what? Six offers?" - Esme approached and asked.

"Eight. Nine if I include you." - I said with pursed lips and drank from my bottle.

Two sports ad offers. Three for fashion modeling. One for commercial ads. One for being a stuntman in a movie. And the final one... was from the porn industry.

I feel dirty just talking to the guy.

"Iver, you were here for what? One hour? You were scouted eight times by agents. Never seen something like that." - She said.

"It's annoying." - I rolled my eyes.

"I thought someone like you already got used to this kind of thing with that killer body of yours." - She said with a raised eyebrow.

"I..." - I was stumped.

I am not known for many things, and getting scouted for anything is not one of them. I was NOT prepared for this.

"Is this the woe of being too handsome?" - I wondered.

Some people might need to deal with these things daily and are already used to it, but I was nuked. I want to go back to being the average Joe I was.

"You..." - She drawled after me.

"Forget it. It's still annoying." - I shook my head.

"If you say so, handsome. I am on break now, so if you want, I know a great cafe!" - She smiled and offered ambiguously.

"Okay, she is hitting on me." - I understood.

I am not naive enough not to understand how women work. Unlike most guys who bone anything that looks good(Like me), girls have a unique spectrum of attractiveness to guys. 20-30% is looks, while the rest is personality and success. Women evolved for hundreds of thousands of years to develop this mindset.

Great-grandpa once talked to me about this. With success come women. At first, as a grunt worker, he was by no means a chick magnet. But, after he became successful, women were attracted to him, even when he was in his 50s. He was no saint, and he was away from home for months at a time, so what happened, happened.

And now, I have proven my success by being scouted many times, proving I have a bright future. This is a form of attraction.

In other words, I am a hot piece of ass right now.

However, despite knowing all that in my mind...

"Sorry, I gotta go to a job interview." - I lied, feeling like bashing my skull in.

I chickened out.

Yes, I am no virgin, but that is because I got an alcohol boost.

So, despite killing around 2,000 monsters and being a literal pseudo-god, I still chickened out when hit on by generic girl A.

I am so pathetic.

Disappointment flashed in Esme's eyes but soon disappeared.

"Okay! See you next time, Iver!" - She smiled.

"Right, bye!" - I said and left the gym, feeling regret deep in my stomach.

"Dammit, Gulliver! You cowardly piece of shit! Get it together, man! Do you wanna get laid or not?!" - I scolded myself.

After taking a deep breath, I calmed down and started running back home.

Yeah, not using the scooter, but running back home.

And guess what? It took me around 10 minutes to get back home, the same time it took with the e-scooter. Mighty impressive, if I do say so myself.

 

 

After taking a hot shower, I started thinking about my evolution.

"What should I pick?" - I asked myself.

The monsters found my hideout last night. It will likely be dangerous the next time I go. Perhaps an ambush will be in place.

The Soldier is, without a doubt, a killing machine. On the battlefield, and with enough armor, it is a monster, especially on a chaotic battlefield. The strength, toughness, vitality, and shock resistance can increase survivability. It was the kind of badassery I liked.

However, I am not going on the battlefield. I am going solo into enemy territory. That is the job of a scout.

I need to be able to sense my enemy, to be able to react, to be able to run when needed.

That nightmare I had today still haunted me.

The hopelessness I felt as the cowardly bosses surrounded and played me like a toy.

If I picked the Soldier, would I end differently?

No.

I would be surrounded and butchered like a dog. Sure, It will take more to take me down, but I will end the same.

But, if I took the Stalker path...

I can take the initiative in my hands.

I can use my senses to dodge and weave through the streets and roofs, occasionally teleporting to reposition myself and draw some distance.

My advantage as a gunner will be fully displayed then.

And...

There is one more thing.

 

Conceal Presence 1: Able to conceal the Host's presence and eliminate sound and scent to an extent. Price: 10 Enhancement Energy A

 

If I get this function, the roles will reverse.

From the prey, I will be the hunter.

It was enough.

With that in mind, I went to my bedroom. Laying on my bed in my underwear, I said.

"Trod, evolve me into Stalker."

{Are you sure? You can't reverse it until you get Devolve.} - Trod cautioned.

"Yes, I'm sure. Go." - I said.

{Affirmitive.}

{Commencing evolution.}

And then I lost consciousness.