Chapter 6: First Contact and New Skills
The agony was gone, leaving behind a subtle, thrilling tension in Alex's newly contoured jaw and narrowed hips. He stood naked in the dim apartment light, mesmerized by the reflection of his own face—a face he no longer recognized. It was his, but perfected, sculpted into something delicate and impossibly beautiful.
This was the first time in his life Alex had ever touched his body with anything approaching curiosity, let alone appreciation. He brought a tentative hand up and traced the line of his cheekbone. It was sharp, smooth, and defined, like polished marble under the velvet skin. His eyes closed, and he ran his fingertips along the precise curve of his newly refined jaw.
A deep, visceral wave of realization washed over him. This wasn't the face of the boy who wanted to jump. This was the face the system intended for him—a work of art. The sensation was profoundly intense; a moment of pure, sensual self-intimacy where the only observer was the host and the only beloved object was the new reflection. The disgust he'd always felt for his body was replaced by a trembling awe.
He opened his eyes and checked the system. He had 10 SP. The next massive modification, the Full Musculature and Fat Repositioning, was locked behind the [Aesthetics] tree.
Alex immediately navigated to the [Aesthetics] skills list.
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| Skill | Cost (SP) | Effect |
| Basic Posture Control (Lvl 1) | 4 SP | Grants instant mastery of elegant posture and fluid movement. (+5 Charm) |
| Foundation Makeup Mastery (Lvl 1) | 6 SP | Grants knowledge of foundation application to perfect skin and contouring. (+10 Charm when active) |
| Basic Hair Styling (Lvl 1) | 3 SP | Grants knowledge of essential styling techniques for current hair length. (+5 Charm when active) |
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The choice was clear. The quest required two skills, and the first two combined exactly equaled his 10 SP. He needed that next physical evolution more than anything else.
He selected both Basic Posture Control and Foundation Makeup Mastery.
"System, purchase both 'Basic Posture Control' and 'Foundation Makeup Mastery'. "
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[CONFIRM PURCHASE]
Skills: Basic Posture Control (Lvl 1) and Foundation Makeup Mastery (Lvl 1)
Cost: 10 SP
Current SP: 10
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Purchase Complete. SP balance: 0.
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The skill acquisition was not painful, but informational. A flood of complex, technical data—on spinal alignment, pelvic tilt, subtle facial shadowing, and brush techniques—was instantly imprinted into Alex's mind. He knew, instinctively, how to stand properly to enhance his figure and how to apply makeup.
He immediately tested Basic Posture Control. He straightened up, and the difference was incredible. His shoulders, though still heavy, settled back with a poise that made his neck seem longer and more delicate. He wasn't slouching in shame anymore. The skill forced his body into an elegant, naturally confident pose.
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[HOST STATS] UPDATED (Aesthetic Skill Acquisition)
Appearance: B+ Rank (Current Beauty Score: 460/1000)
Charm: 110 (+5 from Basic Posture Control)
Passive Skills: Enhanced Metabolism (Lvl 1), Basic Posture Control (Lvl 1), Foundation Makeup Mastery (Lvl 1)
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A soft chiming sound then announced the completion of the prerequisite quest.
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[MANDATORY QUEST 3: ACQUIRE AESTHETICS]
Task: Master two Level 1 Aesthetic Skills.
Status: COMPLETE.
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REWARD DELIVERY INITIATED:
+ 20 SP
+ Second Body Modification: Full Musculature and Fat Repositioning.
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Alex felt a tremor of fear and exhilaration. He had achieved the reward, but the system had merely initiated the delivery; the final physical change was not yet complete. The system was waiting for optimal conditions—or perhaps, it was waiting for him.
He now had 20 SP. The final major step in his physical form was imminent, but he needed a clean slate. He had a few pounds of excess skin and lingering toxins from his former life that the system hadn't fixed, and he knew he couldn't undergo the full muscular overhaul in his cramped, messy apartment.
He had to get out, and this time, he wasn't just buying food. He needed to buy his disguise and prepare for the ultimate transformation.
Alex looked at his new score: B+ Rank. He was halfway to the top tier, and he was ready for the change that would finally shed his old identity for good.