Luke had a dark gray hoodie and faded black jeans on as he walked to a construction site. He adjusted the cap on his head, causing it to cover more of his upper face as a mix of emotions coursed through his body upon his arrival at the site.
This was one of his part-time jobs—his highest-paying one.
'Ever since I got out of juvie, it's been one rollercoaster after another…' He sighed. 'This is my life now.'
He had accepted it a long time ago.
But… with the existence of Hunters & Dragons, there was no reason for him to get stuck in this strata of life. After witnessing how amazing Draco was in the game, Luke felt a wave of inspiration hit him.
He also desired to be stronger… better.
This was exactly why he had a conflicted expression on his face upon arriving at the construction site. Despite not wanting to earn money this way, as a mere laborer, he had no choice if he wanted to survive.
Besides, this was simply insurance.
"Oh, you're here, kid!"
"Yes, boss!" Luke smiled as he looked at the section leader he worked directly under. "Is there a lot of work today?"
"Ahh… yes. We might not even be done with our part today."
"Really?" Luke was glad to hear this since that meant he would be earning more money. This work paid him the most, and was one of the few non-illegal places he could earn money without any kind of special requirement.
If not for the physical strain this sort of job had on his body, and the limited work schedule it had, he would have simply chosen this as a full-time thing.
'With my new physique, though, I think I should be able to manage more work.'
"Yup! Now go change and meet me outside in five."
"Yes sir!"
Luke hurried inside the stall-like building that served as the residence for some of the construction workers. It was like a mobile home that had all the necessary facilities, so workers usually changed, showered, ate, and some even slept there.
Within a minute or two, Luke was already back outside wearing his light blue, orange and green construction worker uniform.
"That was fast."
"Where do we begin, sir? I want to know how much per quota?"
"Well, it's the same rate. However, since there is a lot of work to do, there's an opportunity to earn more. Complete more quotas for today and there will even be a bonus."
'Great! I did hear that the contractor wants the project done as swiftly as possible.' Luke beamed, clenching his fist in preparation for his laborer job.
"Understood! I'll try my best."
***********
[Several Hours Later]
"I-Impossible…!"
"How is he still going? Who is this kid? I've never noticed him before."
"I-is that really him? When did he get so strong?!"
Luke's coworkers were shocked—almost frightened—at the level of speed and strength Luke displayed during his work hours. He efficiently lifted all of the heaviest concrete or metal rods without any assistance from anyone.
He also refused to take any breaks despite others doing so.
At first, the supervisor wanted to impose the break, but after Luke explained his need for money and also the fact that he was nowhere near exhausted, he was allowed to continue work.
By the time everyone returned from the break, Luke had done even more work, far exceeding their expectations.
It almost seemed like… he was no longer human.
'Incredible!' Luke himself was amazed by his extraordinary physique. 'Even now, I barely feel exhausted at all.'
He had been working for nearly ten hours straight, and he was almost perfectly fine.
His muscles ached slightly, and he did feel hungry and a bit nauseated as a result of the hunger, but it was perfectly bearable. Luke knew he had felt way worse after only a few hours working construction.
'In these ten hours, I've done about five times my usual quota.'
That was five times the pay!
Luke reasoned that if he kept this up for three days, he would be on the right track to earn some serious money. Even if it wouldn't be quite enough to pay for the rent, he would be able to pay about half.
'It's risky, but I can only hope that stingy old man can see my sincerity and hold off on the eviction.' Of course, all of this was only determinant on whether or not he would be able to reach the System Requirements before his landlord arrived.
It was better to be safe than sorry.
"Alright everyone! Work for the day is over." The voice of the section leader echoed out loud. "Gather around for your payments."
"Huu…"
Luke rubbed off the sweat from his brows and heaved a satisfied sigh, walking to their leader with the rest of his colleagues who constantly shot him glances of both fear and admiration; practically as though he was not a human.
Not anymore..
************
"Cus I'm happy… mhmmm… I'm so happy…"
Luke was dancing and humming to himself as he walked in the direction of his home, a big smile permanently plastered on his face as his melodious hums rang out. If anyone took notice of him in the dark streets, they would think he was a little crazy with the way he walked rhythmically.
Luke paid no mind to the gazes, however.
He was simply happy.
'Just tonight, due to my incredible work, the boss told me he could refer me to another section leader once I finish my quotas.' That meant he would have no lack of work. 'It's a shame I'm not yet qualified for a loan, but…'
If he could get a loan from the construction company, most of his problems would be resolved.
'I guess this is the downside of being a part-time contract worker.' Luke sighed.
He was at the lowest end of the food chain.
Still—
"Hehehe!"
—The future was looking bright, and so all he could do was smile.
"Hey, punk!" A sudden voice pulled him from his thoughts, causing him to take a good look around him for the first time since the night began.
A very tall, muscular man stood in front of him, with a much lankier man right beside the tall man. The latter was the one who spoke, and he had a blade in his hand, spreading out his lips to form a cruel smile.
'H-huh? Where did these guys come from?' Luke wondered, his senses slowly traveling to the sounds of footsteps he heard coming from behind him.
He was completely cornered.
"What's got you in such a good mood today, huh? You're usually walking around these parts with some stupid exhausted face, so we usually don't pay you any mind, but today seems to be different."
"Well…"
"Hehe!" The lanky man walked closer. "You got the jackpot, didn't you? Whether it was the lottery, or promotion at work, or something… I can tell… you're loaded right now, aren't you?"
Luke felt a mounting pressure on him as all the men moved closer to him.
He was currently in a dark, relatively empty street, which meant there was no one to really call for help, and even if there were, no one would respond. This was a crime-infested area, a ghetto of sorts; the only place he could get an apartment of substandard quality for dirt cheap.
Already recognizing this fact, Luke already knew his options.
'I could save myself the hassle and just run off…' He sincerely doubted they'd be able to chase him down due to his improved speed.
However, Luke didn't feel like running away tonight.
He no longer wanted to run away.
'What would Draco do?' His mind was clear, and his next course of action was evident as soon as this echoed in his thoughts.
'Fight!'