That aside... Walking to the general store with a smile on a clear sunny day is a bit weird. Most of the time, I usually kept my head down while cautiously entering the store without pissing my boss or any of my co-workers. Was it because of the outcome of my bet with Lawrence? Or was it from a side-effect of my first transformation? Whatever it is, it doesn't matter. I learned that I can't do anything if I let anyone turn me into a punching bag. I'm done being the guy who kept making excuses to avoid a conflict.
As I stood in front of the door of my workplace, I took a deep breath and lost my smile for a while. Whatever happens inside will change my life forever. I open the door and see my co-workers all strangely present. When some of them notice me, they start staring at me weirdly while dealing with some customers inside. Well, not that it matters to me anymore. Besides, the only person I need to see right now is...
"Lowell!"
I turned around once I heard my last name and saw not only my boss by the counter but also my two female co-workers standing on both sides I can't describe what this reminds me of.
"I've been expecting you," my boss said. "I have something to discuss about something."
Something about his smirk troubles me. I have a bad feeling about this. Am I walking right into a trap? Yet why am I calm about this? Is it because I knew Eric had something to do with this sudden "talk"? Well, I might play along. Besides, I took out an envelope from my back pocket and kept it behind me for a while.
"What a coincidence. I was about to tell you something important," I said while keeping my cool in front of his sneer.
"Why don't you keep your cockiness to yourself, Lowell? I'm unhappy with what I heard from Ms. Franklin and Ms. Savege."
Before I ask further, one of the women points her finger at me.
"Don't act like you don't know, Lowell!" Alaya Franklin said. "How dare you treat me like a toy?!"
"Huh?" I raised my eyebrow over the nonsense she was spouting.
"Yeah! You said I'm your only girl and yet, you backstabbed me with another girl!" Jillie Savege yelled. "You good-for-nothing cheater!"
...Oh, I see. I have an inkling of what they're trying to do. I didn't smile at that thought to avoid suspicion, but I would have laughed at their attempt if it had not been poorly planned out. I guess I should break out my secret weapon sooner or later.
"Why the sudden silence, Lucas Lowell? Seems like those are huge accusations from the gals," my boss sneered. "Well, you should make your defense if you want to keep your j-"
"I quit."
With those two words, every employee stopped what they were doing and turned their heads to me. When I look around, I see that Brycen arrived at the store in the nick of time. Looks like I got everyone's attention.
"...What did you say, Lowell?"
A nice transition from my now-former boss. This gives me a chance to take out my envelope while retaining my emotionless fa?ade.
"You heard me. As of today, I am resigning my position as a part-time employee of the Goodie General Store," I sternly declared. "I appreciate everyone for their help during my first day. But it seems like my time here won't fit with my current income and well-being any longer."
"What the hell are you rambling about, Lowell?! You haven't complained about your work at all and yet, you have the gall to quit after all of the benefits I've given you!"
"Benefits?" I huffed. He never stopped being a hypocrite just to keep me in line. "Do you call holding back my pay raise a "benefit"? When Walter and Terry destroyed most of the toilet paper to harass me and I'm the only one who gets punished, do you call that my "benefit"? Can you say the same when you gave me too many jobs to take over when most of them have gone AWOL for a few days? I only put up with all of your nonsense because of my responsibilities and dedication to keep myself afloat without becoming homeless in the process. Although you seem to have a different definition of that word when it came to me, sir."
My former boss quickly flinched once I told him the reasons for leaving. He will deny it all he wants, but I'm only saying this from experience. Then again, words aren't enough to convince them and they might rebuke it with more lies against me. Regardless, I placed the envelope on the counter seeing he won't counter with anything to keep me here.
"OBJECTION!"
Oh? I turn around and to my (not-so) surprise, Eric is there standing at the door pointing at me like some video game lawyer. To be honest, I knew there was a 50% chance of him to arrive here to witness my resignation. But I didn't expect him to cook up an idiotic scheme to drive me into a corner. Talk about a coincidental turn of events.
"You're just trying to quit before Jillie and Alaya outed you for those horrendous actions you did to them!" Eric bellowed in a faux sense of confidence while I rolled my eyes. "If you think you're gonna sing in front of the crowd claiming how shitty your job is to divert those accusations to you, then you're sadly mistaken, Lucas Lowell!"
Oh, brother... I think he watched too many episodes of that musical demon web cartoon online. I can also tell from Bryan's rolling eyes that he's not believing every bullshit Eric spouted in public. Looks like they will keep up this claim until I kneel. Too bad this is real life, so I should play another card in my hand.
"Eric is right! You can't run from your sinful actions, Lowell!" Jillie shouted. "You're going to p-"
"Ooh~ Stop it, Eric. Not in that spot!"
Both of the girls flinched once I turned on my recorder as Jillie's voice was first revealed. I honestly thought I couldn't use this against them since it might risk my job. But now that I chose to quit instead, I won't hesitate to bring out everything I had for a counterattack.
"Come on, babe. Lowell isn't here to ruin our fun. He's too busy doing my job with the inventory to notice," Eric's voice came out next. "So we can have all the time we want."
"Awww~ Don't hog the pretty boy, Jillie! It's been a while since we have one who isn't a lame-o," Alaya said last on the recorder. "Ever heard of sharing? I can give you all of me if you want~"
The customers gasped while most of them covered the children's ears. Yeah, that was my bad. It was supposed to counter their claims, but I didn't realize that there were kids here until now. I should apologize once this is over.
"Y-You must have used AI to copy our voices and impersonate us to get away with it!"
Typical of Jillie making more lies just to spite me over my appearance...
"First, I'm not the type to use AI in my writing and art, especially when it comes to voices. As a writer, it's a disrespect to all kinds of art and media," I countered. "Second, this is a digital voice recorder, not my phone. I usually used this for oral notes on college studies and brainstorming story ideas. Plus, since this is an old-fashioned recorder, I can't doctored the audio recording without a computer and my [VeilCon] back home isn't compatible with connecting this old model. I would have used my phone to record you guys on video. But that's not my style and it's illegal."
Not to mention it might be too obvious and a waste of money on hidden cameras. But again, it's not my style.
Alaya suddenly started crying and wailed, "How could you, Lucas?! We're supposed to be co-workers, your friends! Why do you keep accusing us that we're blaming you for cheating on us?!"
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I narrowed my eyes and put down my recorder back in my pocket. "Cut the crap, Franklin. I know you bribed the boss to skip work days so you could go hooky with your friends while still getting the money. Thanks to you, I'm the one who had to suffer all of those overnight time crunches which left me with little time on my college projects. Just so you know Eric wasn't the first one I recorded."
I pulled out the recorder one more time and pressed play.
"Come on, boss~ We can have fun in the backroom in exchange for a raise~"
She widened her eyes and collapsed on her knees. I wish I didn't play that recording along with Eric's, but it's time I have to shut her lying mouth once and for all. I looked around and I saw some customers were already taking out their smartphones to capture every moment. Of course, some of them started talking behind our backs, mentioning that Alaya was nothing but a cheating scum. A bit too much, if you ask me. But it's already too late for her to hide her true face.
"You bastard!" Eric roared. "How could you do that to Alaya?!"
I sighed as I adjusted my glasses. "Just so you know, if this is blackmail, I wouldn't bother playing this recorder in public. Besides, aren't you tired of lying, Eric?"
He flinched as soon as I glared at him. Of course, when he's not playing [Isekai], he's gone back to his sniveling lying self.
"L-Lying?! You're the one who's lying! You're about to sing and dance why we suck and..."
I grabbed the envelope back from the counter and opened the contents I wrote. "Why don't grow up and get out from your cartoon-style lies?" I showed the paper to everyone. "Everything I mentioned is right here in my resignation letter. As my letter states, I will resign from my job starting today without a two-week notice and will leave my uniform back in my locker. As for severance pay, I won't accept it. Call it a foolish move, but I won't accept money from the people who won't do their job right and only see employees like me as liability and slaves!"
I took a deep breath and calmly placed the letter back on the counter. "I have said what it needs to be said. With that, I wish nothing but the best. Have a good day."
I turned my back and sighed. I did it. I finally left my shitty job. There's no need to waste my breath on my former boss and co-workers.
"W-Wait! Y-You're not going to report me to the higher-ups, do you?!" My former boss stuttered. It seemed like he read my letter. "I promise I will give you a raise just like you wanted! Even a promotion you wanted! Just please...!"
Damn... Even after my speech, he still cared about his reputation. Even Eric's eyes widen and gasp. Guess he didn't expect that kind of betrayal.
"Boss, how could you?!" He yelled. "He's nothing but a poor son of his no-good parents! He's got nothing but his dumb airheaded family and two freaks he calls "friends"!"
"Freaks"?! Calling her ugly was bad enough, but calling Brycen and Harley that word is a step too far gone. Of course, I won't punch him in retaliation. But I'm not the type to let him slander my loved ones like that. Besides, I have my way to shut him up once and for all.
"That's amusing. You called my friends "freaks" while you were hanging out with David as the former. However, we worked together as a team, supported each other in our time of need, and respected each other as equals. But that's the opposite for you and David. You suck it up to him without shame, judge everyone based on circumstances and appearances, and willing to follow every order like a slave. Tell me, who is the real "freak" around here?"
That last question seemed to be enough for his face to turn red like a ball.
"YOU BASTARD!!!"
There goes his temper. He tried his best forcing me to go on the offensive. But the stress of my resignation and accusations of backfiring on him is enough to drive him to hurt me physically. But I can see it clearly. His punch looks sloppy compared to the ones I saw in the game. I grab his arm before his fist can reach my face. I didn't pull his arm in, but I used his momentum before throwing him onto the floor. Not an exact judo throw, but Lawrence taught me a few minutes before I logged out. Either way, that final gambit is enough to seal his fate.
"Did you see that?!"
"That guy tried to assault him, but he managed to judo-throw him on the floor instead!"
"And he didn't bother to throw a punch back, too!"
Guess that is enough to start a whole new scandal. I turn back and walk away without a word.
"H-Hey! Wait! What are you all doing?!" I hear my former boss barking orders at the customers. "Stop taking photos and videos! This is only a private matter! I'm telling you! PRIVATE! Lowell, come back! I promise to raise your salary! Just keep the uniform if you don't tell a soul! PLEASE!"
I doubt I can do anything about that. Once you have done something incriminating in public, you can't stop them from sharing on the internet and you can't erase it forever. Besides, Eric threw a punch, not me. It's only fair for him to face the consequences. But that's the whole other story. I'm moving on from this fiasco and the aftermath doesn't matter to me anymore.
For the first time in my life, I'm finally free and happy. Away from the toxic part-time job and the people who put me down for too long.
After leaving the store, Brycen joined me as we walked around the streets of Manhattan for a while.
"Damn! I can't believe you burned down on your former boss and Eric! And the only fighting move you did is a judo throw Lawrence taught you!" Brycen exclaimed. "And who says you can't imitate everything you see on TV?"
I groaned. "I don't. I almost broke my back if it wasn't for Lawrence's advice. There's no way I repeat that stunt without any real-life practice. Either way, it's all over and I don't want to think about that dreaded store again. I should find other stores to avoid any traumatic memories."
"But what are you going to do now? Since you quit without a paycheck, you're technically broke. How will you tell her about this? There's no way you have to borrow from Ms. Love again."
As expected, he's already panicking about my future. I would do the same, but I smiled instead. "Who says I didn't quit without a Plan B?"
"Huh?"
I'm not surprised that he's confused about it. Besides, I'm not wandering around Manhattan for nothing. Because when I stop walking, I turn around and see a small restaurant building right beside it. The entrance is surrounded by several photos of celebrities and movie posters, something that Brycen can recognize.
"Wait, this is..." He stares at the restaurant from bottom to top, having taken aback by its appearance. "It is! This is the 2010 cafe I've been hearing about! The "Tennie's Hangout"! Why are we here? There's no way you can afford it with just two of us!"
"Correction: That's three of us."
Heh... Looks like he's here. I looked at the familiar man with the short black hair and waved at him. "Sorry it took a while, "Lawrence". I had a little bump on my resignation."
When I briefly look at Brycen again, it looks like his eyes are about to pop out. "Huh?"
"I can tell from your expression. I'm glad you made the right choice, Lunar."
"Huh?!"
"Geez... I only did it because I won the bet and I did resign anyway. I mean, what's the point of it now that I need to stop making excuses anymore? Still, I'm glad I quit that deadass job anyway."
"Okay, time out!" Bryan interrupted by stepping in between us. "Who is that guy and why are you sure that's the werewolf guy?"
Right... I'm the only one who knew him beforehand. Still, the cat's been out of the bag since this morning and I should let him in the secret.
"That's because we found out by accident yesterday."
"HUH?!?!?! YOU FOUND THAT OUT SO EASILY?!?!?!"
Uhhh... Brycen's overreaction aside, I continue my conversation with "Lawrence".
"Anyways... About your offer from the bet..."
"Ah, yes." "Lawrence" scratched the back of his head with a smile. "I take it you already made your decision. Change can be scary, but it is necessary in life. It's only a simple offer and I can't force you despite my victory. But you proved to me by facing that [Hidden Quest] and I know you have made the first step in overcoming your weaknesses. So..." He stretches his hand out to me. "What is your answer?"
A stepping stone... I already made the aforementioned "first step" by becoming a [Lycan] in the game. For all of my life, I made nonsensical excuses and outcomes that stagnate my perspective on the world. Even if it's the result of my dysfunctional relationship with my parents, I shouldn't use it as an excuse for my cowardice. If I want to get serious and grind
All it takes to take the second step and beyond is three sentences.
"Lowell. My name is Lucas Lowell. I'm not much of a barista kind of guy, but I'll give it a shot."
The man behind Lawrence smiled back at me.
"The name's Scott Spencer. I'm the manager of the Moonlight Star Cafe located in the heart of Queens."
I nodded. "Yeah. Happy to be on board, Mr. Spencer."
And with that, my life as a deadbeat general store employee has ended. As we went inside the restaurant with Bryan tagging along, I began to reflect on how I had come so far.
Who knew that small [Hidden Quest] who propelled me into a whole new whole both in real life and in
My journey as a [Lycanthrope] in
Nonetheless, this is just the start of my new playthrough in this Virtual Lycanthrope life. Or was it Virtual Lycan for short?
[Full Moon Transformation]!
Christine Luu, you can read the second arc early after a week hiatus! So make sure to join in if you want more Virtual Lycan and Artificial Fantasy content!