Chapter 1: The game
"I’m sorry, Mr. James. I really can’t do it again."
A young man’s voice, tinged with pleading, echoed in the washroom, followed by an older and much more desperate response.
"I... But Mr. John, you promised to sign up pretty soon. May I ask why you decided to slip out at the critical moment? Is there anything wrong? Do you want more compensation? But we already promised to make sure your family lives a comfortable life and even compensate them with a million dollars if anything goes wrong. Moreover, there might not even be a problem, and you’ll definitely shoot to universal fame and prosperity if things go as planned. Don’t you want to be a hero? This is your chance!"
There was a moment of silence, followed by the first voice, shaky yet determined.
"No, your conditions are great, so it’s not about that. It’s just..." the voice turned softer. "I’ve gotten back together with my girlfriend, and now, I just want to spend the rest of my life in her embrace. I can’t take the risk.
Moreover, if I were to bind with this system of yours – didn’t you say I’d be saving heroines and might end up building a harem? It’ll make my girlfriend jealous. I’m sorry, I can’t do it again."
"But Mr. John..."
"I’m truly sorry, Mr. James, but my decision is final... I hope you’ll find someone willing to be your beta tester. Have a nice day."
A soft click followed as the cubicle door opened and footsteps hurried away. It was the ’Mr. John.’
Near the sinks, a young man stood silently, hands slowly rubbing together under cold water. His long fringe hung just above his eyes, his face pale and unreadable. Mike hadn’t moved once during the entire exchange ongoing in the cubicle – but he’d heard everything.
He was a bit curious.