MMORPG: Rise of the Peerless Pumpkinmancer

Jack nodded appreciatively to the new guy following him around. He was currently alternating between various postures as they walked. 

"Not bad. Body language is the easiest to screw up, and yet you have great control over it.."

"S-sir, why are we doing this? I mean the whole thing. Why do you want me to follow you? I'm just a random beggar. I swear I didn't intend to scam anyone at first…."

Jack believed him. After being thrown, he had decided (while mid-air) to use the opportunity to make a quick buck and get some revenge. In any case, the target had looked rich enough. 

Somehow he had managed to hide it all from the martial artist's vision too, which wasn't a small feat. Still, it had been easier for Jack to notice as he had been on the sidelines.

"Why are you one tho? You could literally be doing any other job. You might be barely scraping by, but you'd have a better life, no?" Jack asked, curious. 

"I tried, I really tried, but a day job isn't for me. I'd rather be a beggar than a slave, plus it's not like any decent man would employ someone with my resume, haha." He chuckled. 

At that point, they reached a small park, if a few trees and a bench could be called one anyway. Jack sat as he glanced at the man that kept glancing his way shyly. 

"How often do you do this?" 

"I swear I'm not a scammer! I just wanted to…." 

"Then how did you look so natural back there? You looked very experienced."

"That one is easy! I'm a wanderer, so I see a lot of people. I just copied what I saw!" 

In the man's eyes, there was a truthful light. Jack had dealt with enough lying bastards to be able to sniff most of them out, especially IRL, where it was harder to hide one's emotions. 

It sounded simple: he was just reproducing. But this wasn't such an easy thing to do. How long would it take for someone to learn to do that to perfection? 

He was skilled because he saw lots of people? Bullshit! This guy had incredible potential just for this! 

"You said you tried to get a job, right? What if you had another chance right now. What if you could turn your life around and become someone. Would you do it?" Jack asked. 

The man couldn't help but gulp as he saw how serious Jack was. He had been wondering how the man had seen through him, but now he suddenly understood. 

He had seen lots of people, rich, poor, healthy or not, it didn't matter. But never had he seen someone that had such a calm intensity! He looked poor, but at that moment he seemed…regal?! 

He was waiting for an answer and wouldn't wait long for sure. There was a chance that the man was just messing with him, but the beggar still hardened his gaze. 

"I'd take the chance!" 

Jack gave him a slight smile before pointing to the other side of the road: 

"You see that restaurant there? It's a well-known, respected restaurant that is very strict about its dress code. Go in there and get them to bring me a meal. Don't worry. I have the money." 

"What?! How is that supposed to work?! They don't do delivery! Also, have you seen me?!" The man cried out. 

"Of course I have. You look like a beggar, smell like a beggar, and act like a beggar. One of those you have control over. Whether you can pull it off is entirely up to you." He shrugged. 

"That's impossible!" 

"Did I ever say it would be easy?" 

"W-what about the money?" 

"I'll pay when they bring me my meal." 

Jack could faintly hear the man whispering to himself, "crazy bastard," but then he unexpectedly looked at the restaurant with great resolve. 

The <Dawnbringer> was about to get one hell of a visit.

As for success…that would be extremely hard. Jack wanted to see how far he'd go. Chances were that the workers inside would call the cops on him as soon as he appeared. 

As soon as the man entered, the staff was already giving either disdainful or panicked gazes. Some thought he was there to beg, and others believed a robbery was about to happen. 

This would take a little while, for sure. Jack kept track of the situation inside as he played with his phone. 

He was already sending a message to that one Pancakes streamer, updating him on the situation with the new recording feature. 

In the same breath, he also sent him a bunch of footage. He had watched a few of the latest videos and had to admit he was pleasantly surprised. 

It seemed like desperation really drove a man to greatness. He really didn't want to inherit the family business, haha! 

But instead of the usual "Ok Boss, I got it!" or an assurance that he'd do a great job, pancakes sent back a very peculiar message. 

- Pancakes: Boss…. should I keep the same editing style, or should we change it to be more serious? The fans are happy, but is it fine for an official video? 

- Jack'O: What now? Serious? Official? Explain yourself…

- Pancakes: I've seen the Welcome to New Leaf video. Boss, you're actually a Dev at Infinite, right? Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret! I just want the videos to be perfect! 

Welcome to New Leaf, was it? Jack curiously searched for it. 

As he saw the <New Leaf Hidden NPC: The Demon King!>, he couldn't help but stare in wonder. What the hell?! Since when was he an NPC?! 

Pancakes thought he had been sending NPC footage and assumed he was related to the company itself. 

That's when his thoughts were suddenly interrupted as the beggar came back. But he sure didn't feel like one! 

Head held high, straight shoulders, an elegant grace as he walked: it was all very confusing! He felt like a prince from a fairy tale but still looked as destitute! 

Behind him were three individuals: two waiters and a guy who obviously did dishwashing. All three were looking his way with wild curiosity. 

"Master, I've brought you your meal as requested!" The beggar did one hell of a reverence. Seriously how the fuck did that guy look so graceful?! 

"Oh? You actually pulled it off. I was expecting you to be heading to jail right about now!" Jack replied in surprise. 

"Surely you jest, master. I can at least accomplish this much." He smiled so brightly! 

The workers by the man's side only gave a sympathetic look. His new character seemed to be an unfortunate butler with a sadistically playful master. 

A few seconds later, a platter was brought out, and he began eating a freaking steak with some fancy-looking cheesy asparagus. The whole thing had to cost at least 60 credits! 

What the fuck?! What kind of incredible success was this?! But that's when he noticed the shadow of playfulness in the dishwasher's eyes. Damn, it seemed like his new employee had lucked out!

Jack finished the juicy, tender goodness as it melted in his mouth. 

"Alright, guess you're hired." Then he turned to the dishwasher guy. "I've never seen an owner so careless before." 

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[A/N] Hype! Feb Mass Release Time! 🔥

Day 9: Stealing puddings is evil! (3/4) 🍮