It was the middle of the night.
"Ding! Ding!"
The phone rang abruptly, relentlessly, with the clear attitude that it wouldn't stop until its goal was achieved.
"Mmm..."
An arm struggled out from under the blanket, grabbed the phone, flipped it open, and accurately pressed the call button.
"You have ten seconds to give me a reason," a muffled voice came from beneath the quilt, "or I guarantee your car will never get another part from me."
After a brief pause, he added, "And don't even think about me doing any more modifications for you."
It still didn't sound very threatening.
But to anyone who had ever come to him for repairs or modifications, it was a deadly warning.
"It's Dom."
The bald, muscular man on the other end was grinning widely.
"Hey, Morin. I need your help."
"Damn it, Dom, do you know what time it is?" Morin forced himself upright.
It wasn't difficult because the two girls sprawled across him were heavy.
It was difficult because, at least on the surface, he was a gentleman.
Which meant he had to move slowly and carefully.
"I know, I know," Dominic Toretto said, sitting casually on a table. "But it's urgent. I need you to help me with some cars."
"Then you remember my rules," Morin said, finally freeing himself from the two girls clinging to him like octopuses.
He let out a breath and shook his head.
"You do remember them, right?"
"Of course," Toretto replied quickly. "How could I forget? What was it you always say... 'Good fences make good neighbors'?"
His accent was terrible, and the quote was barely recognizable.
"Don't worry. This time, it's a big job."
"How big?" Morin jumped out of bed, pulled on a tank top, and dropped onto the living room couch.
"Have you decided to rob a bank?"
"No," Toretto said immediately. "Banks are low-end."
"And besides, this time we're robbing the rich to give to the poor."
"Sounds nice." Morin poured himself a glass of clear, fragrant, historically rich, and profoundly plain water.
He leaned back.
"But this 'poor' you're giving to... isn't yourselves, right?"
"Hahahaha!"
Toretto laughed loudly, then his tone shifted.
"Seriously. My sister's pregnant."
"What?" Morin's eyes widened.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure. You think I'd joke about that?"
"Damn it." Morin stood up instantly.
"I'm warning you, Dom. I never touched your sister."
"What?" Toretto froze for a second, then exploded. "The hell? I know it wasn't you!"
"Good." Morin relaxed and dropped back onto the couch.
"Even though I originally decided to be your brother because of your sister, I'm a man of my word."
"Really?" Toretto shot back. "Didn't you say it was because I was a great driver?"
Morin's excuse, which changed every time, was mercilessly exposed.
"Let's just say that was also one of the reasons," Morin replied calmly.
With his thick skin, small inconsistencies didn't matter.
"So," he continued, "it's that kid... Brian O'Conner?"
"Yeah," Toretto said.
"So-"
"I get it," Morin cut in. "You want to settle down and do one last job for startup money."
"Yes."
"Actually, if it's just money," Morin began, "I can-"
"Morin," Toretto interrupted, "you know me. I'm not there yet."
"Alright." Morin shrugged.
"When?"
"And the location and target."
"Rio," Toretto said. "We're going after Hernan Reyes. Biggest drug lord there. One hundred million in cash."
"That's definitely big," Morin said, clicking his tongue.
"You're planning to mess with the local king snake."
"Isn't that my style?" Toretto laughed.
"Yeah," Morin replied. "It is."
"The best?" Toretto asked.
"Of course the best."
"Money's no object this time."
"Interesting," Morin said, swirling his water like a seasoned wine taster.
"Talking big before you even have the money."
He paused.
"But you know I rarely work outside the city. If I have to travel..."
"I know, I know," Toretto said, rubbing his bald head.
Clearly frustrated by one of Morin's many "rules."
"I brought in some extra help this time. Great body. Good looks. No steady boyfriend, as far as I know."
"And Rio's beaches aren't bad either."
"Perfect." Morin whistled.
Long legs. Slim waist. Pretty face.
The image formed instantly.
"Send me the address. I'll be there in... two days, with what you need."
"By the way, how many cars?"
"Four."
"Alright. Wait for my good news."
The call ended.
Morin tossed the Nokia aside, drained his glass in one gulp, and leaned back on the couch, eyes closed.
"Finally..."
He "looked" at the interface in his mind and let out a quiet sigh.
"It's finally time to open a new world."
In the interface, a full-body 3D projection of Morin slowly rotated.
Perfect physique.
Handsome face.
Above it floated a title.
[Auto Mechanic • Intermediate (990/1000)]
Title Bonuses:
* [Physical] • 110
(As an auto mechanic, you need a strong body to move cars for repairs. Don't ask why you're moving cars instead of using a jack.)
*
* [Intelligence] • 110
(As an auto mechanic, you need a brain capable of pushing performance to the limit.)
*
* [Automotive Master]
(You can instantly understand a car's condition.)
*
* [Dimensional Wrench]
(As an auto mechanic, carrying a wrench is normal. What if it appears and disappears at will? That's normal too.)
*
* [Intermediate Driving Skills]
(Yes, you read that right. Why would a mechanic need driving skills? I'll tell you why... I won't.)
*
Morin ignored the slightly deranged descriptions and focused on the projection.
With a thought, another interface unfolded.
[Morin]
* Number of Job Titles Held: 1
*
* Opportunities to Open a New World: 0
(One chance is granted when a job reaches Advanced or higher.)
*
* Current World: Fast & Furious Series
*
* [Physical]: 191
*
* [Intelligence]: 193
*
* [Magic]: 100
*
"Hm..."
Morin examined the data calmly.
"I've been in this Fast & Furious world for years now."
"And with the fifth movie about to start..."
He closed the interface.
"...I can finally open a new world soon."
Support me with Powerstones, Reviews and comments Please
Add to your library