Opening my eyes I notice I'm standing outside of an apartment complex. A rather nice one too called Sterling Meadows.

All around me people are rushing back and forth going on with their daily business. A rushing torrent of people that seems like it will only get worse.

Stepping into the lobby I'm greeted by the attendant. "Good evening Mr. Grace. Lovely afternoon, were you able to finish the errand you had talked about while rushing out this morning?"

Simon: "Oh, um. Yes, I did Leon thanks. How is your daughter, she just turned 6 right? Really by the way, you should drop the formalities, its Simon."

Leon: "I'll keep that in mind Mr. Grace," Smiling he continues " She's doing wonderful thanks for asking. You did get some mail by the way if you're interested."

Simon: "If it isn't any bother that would be nice, thanks again."

Grabbing the small stack of mail I wave at Leon as I walk down the hall to the stairs. Stopping confused for a moment I look back, how did I know his name?

Must be something to do with that system update, how convenient. (especially considering I suck at remembering names) Ignoring the elevator as I pass by out of habit (Why is it a habit, this is so weird) I start walking up the stairs. My apartment is only on the third floor, Room 1-B.

Waving the key over the lock I open up the door and am rather surprised at how nice it looks. Two bedrooms, 1 bath, fully stocked kitchen connected to a living room and an extra room to use as I please. Walking into the kitchen I drop the mail on the table and take a quick tour. Peaking my head into my room I immediately run to the queen sized bed. (Thank you Hod for the bed bed) Flopping down I let my self sink for a moment before looking around. Eyeing the closet I walk over to see an assortment of shirts that I normally would wear hanging up over a built in dresser with upon further inspection has jeans and other things in it.

Walking out of my room after shutting off the light I pop my head into the guest room to see that its nicely furnished as well. Looking into the bathroom my eyes are instantly drawn to the multi faceted shower, gosh I'm being spoiled! My last stop on the tour is the empty room but there's nothing to look at in there. Heading back into the kitchen I start sifting through the mail, only tho of which being of any import. One being from Unicorn Corporation and the other a check for ₩600,000 (A little over $500) with a letter saying to not waste it and that the bills/utilities are payed for. Well that's convenient!

Opening the letter from Unicorn Corporation I am pleasantly surprised to see that I had won the competition I had 'Signed up for' and that I'd be getting a free Virtual Console and a years subscription for free. They wanted to let me know that they would be in tomorrow and should be expecting them.

"Cool!"

Noticing how hungry I am all the sudden I grab the check to cash it at my bank and get a bite to eat.

On the way out I mention to Leon how I'm getting in a large package later and to be expecting it. Entering a random restaurant I am happy to note that I'll have my first 'real' Korean dish. After asking the cashier for a referral I sit down to a serving of 'Jjimdak'. I savor the heat and unique flavor before thanking my waiter and leaving. Getting back to the Sterling Meadows I take note that Leon isn't behind the counter before heading up to my room where I end up passing out for the night.

Waking up in the morning I decide to try my hand at some local cooking. Looking through my the pantry and refrigerator I pull out some pork, premade  Kimchi, beef broth and few other things to make a dumpling soup. Throwing some Oil into a pan I start with some onions, putting in some garlic after a few minutes and then pour in some broth I had found. (Beef was all I had but that's not a problem) Putting in a good amount of black pepper before adding in the dumplings that I made beforehand I cook it until they are hot. Adding in the soy sauce I seem to be done. Sitting down at the table I try a bite of my experiment. Underwhelmed by how it tastes I can only console my self that it turned out okay for a first time. After finishing my meal I get a notice.

Regardless of the results of your dish no one is perfect when they make something new. Even if yours was just above the qualifications for a failure you still put in the effort and that is the true path to excelling.

You acquired the skill 'Cooking'

Hey Simon, I'll give you a boost to that so you don't end up embarrassing your self next time you make something. I expect progress next time!

+ Cooking exp 3500

You are now level 5 in cooking(Because you learned cooking in a world similar to your own you retain half the levels gained)

Hey! That's not cool Hod, why don't you live in the western area all your life and then try to make what I did. I'm proud that I did as well as I did. *Hmff*

Regardless I guess I aught to thank him... Maybe later.

Skill Table, show Cooking.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:CookingBeginner55%One of the most common Skills attainable

-Increases flavor of dishes

-Increases satiety provided

-Increases stat bonus by 10%(5% + lvl)

Pleased with the upgrade I grab a new outfit for the day and take a shower. Getting out I put on a simple Black shirt and pants. grabbing my Jacket I zip it up 3/4's of the way and sit back down in the kitchen pulling out the laptop I noticed as I was running about. Signing in with a password that once again I don't remember setting but can recall it as it comes up I start doing some research on Royal Road. Seems to say here that it hasn't even been opened to the public yet, looks like the system decided to run time back a bit before the book took place. From the way it looks, 20 people won the contest and get a 5 day early access before the public. The servers going online at 6:00 pm later tonight. The letter said they should be here around 2 with a 30 minute installation, mostly calibration and connecting it to the servers. Once they are done I can log in right away but can only go through the character creation process, and a short tutorial to get you used to the movements as well as how certain things work in-game, for instance spells and classes.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Hearing a buzz I assume is Leon letting me know that its time I look at the time on the laptop. {2:13 pm}  They aren't too off on when I was told they'd be here. Not bothered in the least I walk over to the door and open it, looking down the hall I see the elevator open with a man walking out pulling a dolly. Shortly after I see a woman come up through the stair way access, interestingly enough she seems to be of American origin. Not shocking just odd considering this is a building normally used for people who live in this area. Then again, I'm not one to talk. In English (not sure how I could switch back and forth, they sound the same to me) I say "Good afternoon." as she's walking by, Likewise as well as showing mild surprise like me at seeing me here she greets me back. "Hey" Stopping for a brief moment in front of my door she continues

" I'm Jess, I live a few doors down. You move in recently?"

"Simon and yes, just moved in a month ago. Although I have to ask the same, I don't think I'm much of a recluse but I am pretty sure I haven't seen you around before."

"Well, I've lived here for 2 years now. But I have been out funnily enough for about a month now. Some friends and I went traveling about for a bit. A little camping here and there. I live in room 7-B, Just down the hall a bit. If you have a moment later maybe you'll stop by, I can't say I have much stocked at the moment considering but I wouldn't mind the company. It would seem too like you've got some free time with having to wait for that to get plugged in. I noticed the sticker on the box, You're pretty lucky huh."

"I think I'll do just that, just let me get everything started first. Thanks! Oh and once again, Its Jess right?"

"Yup, See ya in a bit Simon!"

As she headed off the guy Pushing the dolly came up. Switching languages with out even noticing it I extend my hand.

"Simon, Simon Grace. That's for me right?"

Shaking my hand he mentions needing to sign something and to ask where I wanted it set up. Directing him to the conveniently empty room I ask if he needs anything else.

"Nope, but thanks. This should be up and running in 30 or so minutes but you're free to get in any time after that. The servers do open at 6:00 pm though if you want to get on then."

"Alright, Well I will leave you too it. Should be right down the hall if I am needed. If not, my Number is on the counter there if anything is wrong."

Smiling I walk out, closing the door behind me. Its not too big of a deal leaving him in there alone. Not like I have much of anything to steal and if nothing else there's always contacting the police and Unicorn Corporation. Heading to Jess's door I knock, hearing a muffled "Come In" I take the hint. Noting the slight amount of dust to account for her story I walk over to where I thought I heard the yell. Sure enough she is running around getting things in order. The layout seems to be the same as mine, the only difference being decor. I'd have to say, Hod being my God(dess) does alter the looks a bit. With most everything being rather 'cold' colors. Then again, that fits my personality like a glove so I feel right at home. Back to present time I ask if she wants any help with anything, waving it off Jess there's no need but from the looks of it she could use some help. Grabbing a conveniently placed duster (Go figure!) I start clearing off any surfaces I can. She makes a face like she's about to complain then decides against it. (probably because, A. It really needed done (No offense Jess!) and B. she can already tell I'm not the kind of guy to just stop when it comes to these things.) Finishing a few minutes later I hear a *pop* signifying a system message but wave it off.

"Hey, Jess? I am done now, You need anything else done?"

Coming back into view she seems surprised by the state of the room, expecting me to half ass is but instead being welcomed to spotlessness. I think I even see a shine on everything... Gamer skill for the win??? Open Notifications

Achievement earned 'Spotless'

-20 exp

-When you clean things will look better faster, and have a 'wax like' finish to them

"Ha ha, looks like I got carried away.."

"Wow, It looks, spotless? Did you wax or something too?"

" Ya, that was my thought when I finished too. No I didn't, must have magic fingers!"

I wiggle them for emphasis. This achievement is dangerous !! I'll be stuck cleaning for the rest of my life.

Jess walks over and sits on the couch. (Which also looks shiny too)

"Nope, pretty sure that's everything that has to be done. You are an interesting person Simon. You just met me and are already making my house sparkle. I don't know whether to be thrilled, Jealous or disturbed. Although I am pretty sure I can scratch off one of those. I mean.. Who'd be jealous of you!"

Hey hey hey, no need to be rude!" Scratching my head I continue "I'm a little confused my self, I normally don't make things 'shine' just by running a cloth over it. I must have a god's favor or something haha." Did it just get colder in here!?!? Okay, just me (I think)

"You are an interesting guy Simon, I will give you that. Now that I think about it, I do need groceries. Would you like to go with me, I could use a slave to cart around my bags." Smiling at me I realizing she's totally serious about the slave part. Perhaps not as serious as real slavery but I'm thinking pretty close.

As if to affirm my thoughts i hear another ding.

*Quest*Slave your self to the woman you just met, assist her in refilling her pantry.

Rewards

- 20 exp

- +1 Str

- ???