Back on Earth, Alex and the myths were in their Victorian house that belonged to Amelia Watson's family. Inside Alex's room, he lay asleep on his bed, covered with a white blanket. Alex was naked, and the white blanket covered his muscular physique. He groaned as he slowly opened his eyes, then sat up on the left side of his bed, revealing the scars that marked his body—scars from his time at the monastery. Alex remained seated for a moment, trying to clear his head.
The room, despite its initial feeling of emptiness and being too dark, now felt strangely peaceful. Alex slowly began to stretch his sore muscles, groaning with each movement as he massaged the stiffness away. The groaning eased into a series of satisfying pops and cracks as he worked out the knots in his back and shoulders. He also massaged his tired leg muscles, feeling the pleasant burn in his thighs and calves.
Alex glanced from the clock to a small drawer next to his bed and saw the time. It was 3:00 AM, as he was waking up early. Alex's expression remained stoic as he thought to himself, "I'm guessing the girls are still sleeping." He stood up from his bed and walked towards his wardrobe.
Alex put on a tight, long-sleeved black turtleneck that revealed his well-defined muscles, loose-fitting red martial arts pants. A long, gray, hairless tail extended to his ankles. His messy, long white hair reached his neck. He had pale skin, onyx eyes, and thick, defined eyebrows. He didn't wear the brown rope belt, the red gauntlets with metallic studs, and the black combat boots with gold designs on the sides, front, and buttons. This outfit hailed from the Forsaken Monks' mountain temple in the East, renowned for their ancient martial arts.
Once Alex was dressed, he slowly walked to the door of his room, opened it, and stepped outside. As he did, he noticed that the girls were indeed still asleep; after all, it was 3:00 in the morning, so of course, they would be. The hallway of the mansion was pitch black. Now outside his room, Alex took a deep breath, the cool, still air filling his lungs. He was no stranger to darkness; the Forsaken Monks often trained in the deepest darkness, honing their senses to pierce through the void using their ki sensing.
Alex quietly closed the door behind him, his bare feet making no sound against the polished wood floor. He extended his senses, not relying solely on sight, but feeling the subtle shifts in air pressure, the faint vibrations in the floorboards beneath his bare feet. He could hear the soft, rhythmic breathing of the girls in their rooms, the subtle hum of the mansion's electrical systems, and the faint rustling of leaves outside.
Alex moved silently down the hallway, a shadow among shadows. He knew the layout of the mansion well; it was important to familiarize oneself with any environment, a lesson drilled into him by the head monk. He was heading to the kitchen to get some water. He reached the grand staircase that led down to the main floor, the moonlight filtering through the large window at the landing casting long, distorted shadows. Alex descended, his hand lightly gliding along the smooth, cool bannister. The silence of the house was broken only by his quiet footsteps and the occasional creak of the old wood.
As he reached the bottom, he turned towards the kitchen, went straight to the cabinets, and got a glass cup. After that, he walked to the refrigerator, opened it, and the yellow light illuminated his face as he searched for a water pitcher. Finding it, he grabbed it and poured himself some cold water into his glass cup. When the glass was almost full, he slowly drank it. After emptying the glass cup, he walked towards the wooden dining table where he and the girls had lunched yesterday, still holding the water pitcher and the empty glass cup.
Alex placed the water pitcher and his glass cup on the dining table, pulled out a chair, and quietly sat down. It was exactly what he needed to fully wake up and prepare for the day ahead—his first day at KFP, working with Kiara as his boss. I mean, it's not really his first day on KFP, for like his second day. The first time he went to KFP is when the girls found him in the city, meditating in the forest, where the girls found him and brought him to KFP.
The thought brought a small, almost imperceptible smile to his face. He still found it hard to believe that he, a warrior monk from a hidden mountain temple, was now going to be working at a fast-food restaurant. Life was certainly full of surprises. He only hoped that everything would be okay, knowing how bold Kiara could be towards him.
Alex closed his eyes, letting the quiet of the house settle around him. He pictured Kiara, her bright orange hair, her infectious energy, and the way she seemed to be perpetually bouncing with enthusiasm. He knew she was genuinely excited to have him at KFP, even if her excitement manifested in unconventional ways. He'd quickly learned that "unconventional" was practically Kiara's middle name. A shiver ran down his spine, not from the cold, but from a premonition of the chaos that was likely to ensue. Working alongside a phoenix at a fried chicken restaurant was a far cry from meditating in the mountains and honing his martial arts skills.
Alex then suddenly remembered yesterday when he and the girls went shopping at the Mall of Asia, where the girls bought him some male staff that he could use in the mansion, which was his first time entering a large and big mall. Technology is not foreign to him, since there is also electricity in the monastery, especially TVs and other modern technologies. But going into the Mall of Asia was his first time, as he had never been to any mall in his life.
Alex sighed, the weight of the unknown settling upon him. He knew Kiara enjoyed teasing him, pushing his boundaries with playful banter and suggestive remarks. He could handle that, but what if her boldness interfered with their work? Could he maintain his stoic facade, his disciplined composure, when she was around? He took a heavy breath, a sound barely audible in the quiet kitchen. "I guess I'll find out soon enough," Alex muttered to himself.
As Alex was still sitting in the wooden chair, he leaned back and tried to think about what he was going to do next. He still had some hours before sunrise. He needed to get ready for his first day at KFP, and he didn't want to just sit around doing nothing. He stood up, picked up the pitcher and his glass, and placed them back in the refrigerator and the cabinet, respectively. He then exited the kitchen and walked back towards the grand staircase, ascending it with the same quiet grace as before. As he reached the second floor, he turned towards his room.
Back in his room, Alex walked toward his wardrobe and opened it once more. This time, he took the brown rope and wrapped it around his waist, finally wearing the brown rope belt. After that, he took the red gauntlets with metallic studs and wore them on his arms. He was finally done wearing both the brown rope on his waist and the red gauntlets with metallic studs. He exited his room again, his expression stoic and serious, as he headed this time to the entrance, as he was going to wear the black combat boots with gold designs on the sides, front, and buttons.
As Alex finally reached the entrance door, he wore the black combat boots with gold designs on the sides, front, and buttons. Once he was done wearing his combat boots, he went outside the Victorian mansion to find out how large the surrounding area of the mansion was, and also to find an area where he could train quietly.
The cool dawn air nipped at Alex's exposed skin as he stepped out of the mansion, as he took a deep breath, taking the fresh air. The sprawling grounds were shrouded in a pre-dawn mist, the manicured lawns and sculpted gardens barely visible in the dim light. The only sound was the gentle rustling of leaves in the ancient trees that lined the perimeter of the property. He took a deep breath, the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers filling his lungs, a stark contrast to the sterile air of the monastery.
Alex began to walk, his senses on high alert, his bare feet soundless on the damp grass. He moved with the quiet grace of a predator, his eyes scanning the surroundings, mapping the terrain in his mind. He needed a place where he could train undisturbed, a space where he could hone his skills and prepare himself for the day ahead.
The grounds were vast, much larger than he had initially anticipated. As he moved further from the house, the cultivated landscape gave way to more natural terrain. He found a small clearing nestled between a cluster of towering oak trees, the ground covered in soft, mossy grass. It was secluded, shielded from view, and possessed a sense of tranquility that resonated with him.
He soon found a secluded grove, a circle of ancient trees guarding a small clearing. The mist clung to the ground, creating an ethereal atmosphere, as if the world itself was holding its breath. This would do nicely. He took another deep breath, the cool air invigorating him, and began to stretch.
"This will do," he murmured to himself, his voice barely a whisper. He began his warm-up routine, a series of fluid stretches and controlled movements designed to awaken his muscles and focus his mind. Each movement was deliberate, precise, a testament to years of rigorous training. He moved with a grace that belied his size and strength, his body a perfectly honed instrument.
Alex started his routine. He started with a series of slow, deliberate stretches, working the kinks out of his muscles and preparing his body for more strenuous activity. He moved with a fluid grace that belied his formidable strength, each movement precise and controlled. He could feel the energy flowing through his body, the ki that was his constant companion.
After stretching, he moved into a series of martial arts forms, each movement a testament to years of dedicated training. He practiced the Forsaken Martial Arts, the ancient fighting system that was both his heritage and his way of life. He moved with power and speed, his fists and feet a blur as he executed each strike and block with perfect precision. The air crackled with energy as he unleashed his techniques, a testament to the power he wielded.
Alex transitioned into more demanding exercises. He practiced his forms, each strike and block executed with unwavering focus. He moved through the air with blinding speed, his fists a blur as he unleashed a series of devastating punches and kicks. The air cracked with the force of his blows, the quiet of the morning punctuated by the sharp whoosh of his movements.
Alex closed his eyes, focusing his mind and controlling his breathing. He could feel the energy building within him, the silver aura intensifying. He delved deeper into his practice, honing his signature techniques. He worked on his "Water Release Placid Palms," seamlessly deflecting imaginary attacks with fluid, water-like motions. Then, he unleashed the "Iron Breeze One-Inch Punch," focusing his entire being into a single, devastating blow, the impact sending tremors through the ground.
Finally, he reached the "Wolf Flash Attack," a technique he had developed long ago, a combination of speed, power, and precision. He visualized an opponent, striking with lightning-fast punches and kicks, the air around him shimmering with the force of his Ki. He finished the sequence with the lightning-fast double palm strike, the Baybayin symbols of the attack flashing in his mind's eye. As he was done performing the move, he formalized his stance as he crossed his arms, forming an X symbol, his leg stretched. Then he slowly lowered his arms as he took a deep breath.
Then Alex seated himself on the ground, assuming a lotus position (Padmasana): legs crossed, feet on opposite thighs; hands resting in his lap, palms up; head slightly bowed; spine straight; eyes closed. Deeply concentrated, his expression was stoic and relaxed. Alex's senses expanded as he attuned to his surroundings, perceiving every living entity in the world—the plants, animals, and everything in between—using his Ki.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Alex allowed the sensations to wash over him, grounding him in the present moment. He wasn't just Alex Garcia, the warrior monk, the Sakarian prince, or the soon-to-be KFP employee. He was a part of this place, a single thread in the intricate tapestry of life that vibrated with Ki. He focused on the flow of energy within himself, tracing its path through his body, from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes.
Alex visualized it as a silver river, flowing smoothly, unobstructed. He felt the subtle hum of his own power, the dormant potential waiting to be unleashed. He deepened his breath, drawing in the energy of the world around him, merging it with his own, feeling his connection to everything deepen. Suddenly, as the sun started to rise in the sky, Alex slowly opened his eyes, still in the lotus position.
Alex remained in the lotus position, the dawn's golden rays filtering through the leaves, illuminating his serene face. He felt a deep connection to the world around him, a sense of peace he hadn't experienced since leaving the monastery. Yet, a nagging feeling lingered—a sense of unease about the day ahead. KFP. The image of Kiara, with her mischievous grin and fiery spirit, flashed in his mind.
He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, attempting to quell the rising anxiety. He couldn't allow his worries to cloud his focus. He was a warrior monk, trained to face any challenge with unwavering resolve. He would approach his new job with the same discipline and dedication he applied to his martial arts.
Rising gracefully to his feet, Alex surveyed the grove one last time, etching its tranquility into his memory. He knew he would need to draw upon this peace throughout the day. Turning, he began to make his way back towards the mansion, his footsteps light and silent on the dewy grass.
Back at the mansion, as the sun slowly raced across the skies, the girls slowly woke up from their beds, ready for what was coming today. The time was now 8:00 AM, meaning Alex spent a lot of time outside. The girls, one by one, descended downstairs, going to prepare breakfast in the kitchen. The girls needed to prepare a lot of food, not just for themselves, but also for Alex, since he ate a lot. But the girls were unaware that Alex was outside, doing his daily routine.
As Alex approached the mansion, the aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, a stark contrast to the earthy scents of the grove. He paused for a moment, inhaling deeply, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. It seemed the girls were already hard at work. He entered the mansion through the back entrance, shedding his combat boots at the door. The sounds of laughter and chatter grew louder as he made his way towards the kitchen. He rounded the corner and stopped in the doorway, observing the scene before him.
Alex found the girls in the kitchen, a flurry of activity as they prepared a veritable feast. Amelia was frying slices of fish, Ina was carefully arranging slices of bacon on a platter, Gura was attempting to whisk eggs (with questionable success), and Mori and Kiara were putting plates on the table. Alex was surprised to see all of them awake already.
"Ah, Alex, you're back!" Mori greeted him with a smile. "Just in time for breakfast. We were starting to wonder where you'd gone off to."
"Good morning," Alex replied, his voice calm and even. "I was merely taking a walk, exploring the grounds." He said in a stoic expression, removing his combat boots before entering the mansion.
"Exploring, huh?" Gura piped up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Were you looking for treasure?"
Alex's expression remained stoic and calmly said. "No, Gura, I was doing my daily morning routine..." He said calmly.
Kiara, who had been strangely silent until now, suddenly emerged from the pantry, a wide grin plastered on her face. "Ah, a morning routine, huh? Don't tell me you were doing some hot and sweaty training outside. If I had known, I might have joined you in your morning routine, while watching you flex your hot muscles," she said teasingly, as she smiled mischievously. Her tone was innocent, but her eyes betrayed her excitement and intrigue, which made all the girls giggle at Kiara teasing Alex. Alex took a deep sigh, as he already anticipated that Kiara was going to tease him, simply facepalming, his expression looking sad.
"Kiara," Mori chided gently, a knowing smile on her face. "Give the poor guy a break. He's probably starving after all that 'hot and sweaty training,'" she said with a chuckle.
Kiara simply winked, unfazed. "But where's the fun in that, Mori? Besides, I'm just trying to make him feel welcome. Right, Alex?" She turned her bright, expectant gaze towards him, her orange hair practically radiating energy.
Alex, still facepalming, simply groaned. He lowered his hand, his onyx eyes meeting Kiara's with a mixture of exasperation and resignation. "I appreciate the sentiment, Kiara," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "But I assure you, I am quite capable of feeling welcome without the... added attention."
"Aww, but you're so cute when you're flustered!" Gura chimed in, earning a playful swat from Ina.
Mori chuckled, patting Alex on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Alex. Kiara's just being Kiara. Pay her no mind."
Ina'nis also nodded in agreement. "She's always like this. Just ignore her flirting."
Amelia, ever the peacemaker, cleared her throat. "Alright, girls, let's focus on breakfast. Alex, why don't you go wash up? Food's almost ready."
Alex gratefully seized the opportunity to escape the teasing, nodded, and moved towards the bathroom, offering a slight bow before retreating. His movements were precise and efficient. As he headed towards the bathroom, he could still hear the faint giggles of the girls, and Kiara's mischievous laughter echoing in his ears.
As they all sat down to eat, the atmosphere was lively and cheerful. The girls chattered about their plans for the day, while Alex listened in silence, occasionally offering a brief comment or observation. He ate with a quiet intensity, consuming a large portion of the food that had been prepared.
"So, Alex," Kiara said, her voice dripping with curiosity. "Are you excited about your first day at KFP?"
Alex spoke, swallowing a mouthful of rice. "I am... cautiously optimistic," he replied. "I have no prior experience in the culinary arts, but I am willing to learn." He said, his voice sounding calm.
"Oh, you'll do great!" Kiara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "Besides, it would be amazing having a super hot martial artist as my security guard..." She said flirtatiously, winking at Alex.
Alex simply closed his eyes, his stoic expression still unchanged. "You don't need to worry. I am certain about what I'm supposed to do. I am uncertain about the role as a guard; it's not my first time protecting someone." He said, his expression unchanged.
Kiara smiled mischievously and spoke. "Yeah, I know, you said you were a warrior monk from your monastery, right?" She said, her mischievous smile didn't disappear. "But hey, if you do your job well at KFP, and manage to do your job perfectly, I may give you a secret reward that you will truly enjoy..." She said flirtatiously towards Alex, which made Alex raise an eyebrow slightly at her bold words.
Alex maintained his stoic facade, remaining quiet for a moment. He had encountered countless challenges in his life, faced down formidable opponents, and endured rigorous training, but he had never quite encountered someone like Kiara. Her relentless teasing, her boundless energy, and her blatant flirting were a unique and perplexing challenge.
As a matter of fact, Alex knew what type of rewards Kiara would give him, and those were the type of rewards that he would never accept, because it would break his vow to the monastery. He spoke, his voice low and measured, "I do not require rewards for fulfilling my duties, Kiara. I will perform my responsibilities to the best of my ability, regardless of any... incentives."
Kiara chuckled, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Oh, come on, Alex, where's your sense of fun? Can't you take a little teasing? It's not like I'm offering you the world, just a little something to show my appreciation."
"And what precisely would this 'secret reward' entail?" Alex asked, his voice devoid of any discernible emotion.
Kiara chuckled, a melodious sound that filled the kitchen. "Oh, you naughty boy, I couldn't possibly tell you. It wouldn't be a surprise, then, would it? But if you're that interested, then do your job perfectly as a bodyguard. Then I will show it to you, your reward... Just know that it will be something... unforgettable." She winked again, then turned her attention back to her plate, seemingly satisfied with the reaction she had elicited.
The other girls exchanged knowing glances, amusement dancing in their eyes. They were clearly used to Kiara's antics and seemed to find the exchange highly entertaining. Alex, however, remained stoic, his mind racing. He had a feeling that "unforgettable" was an understatement when it came to Kiara.
Alex finished his breakfast in silence, while the girls also finished and started to talk to each other. The weight of Kiara's words settling heavily in his mind. He knew he couldn't let her teasing distract him from his duties. He was there to work, to learn, and to protect Kiara, whether she wanted him to or not. He pushed his chair back from the table, rising with his usual grace. He turned and headed back towards his room, leaving the girls to their own devices. As he walked, he couldn't help but wonder what exactly Kiara had in store for him. He was a warrior, trained to anticipate and counter any threat, but Kiara was an enigma, a force of nature he couldn't quite comprehend.
Back in his room, Alex meticulously prepared for his first day. He donned his usual attire: the black turtleneck, the red martial arts pants, the brown rope belt, the red gauntlets, and the black combat boots. Despite the relaxed atmosphere of KFP, he knew that danger could lurk anywhere, and he had to be prepared for anything.
As Alex was finishing his preparations, there was a knock on his door. Alex paused, turned around to the door and said. "Enter." He said, his voice calm and commanding.
The door opened, and Amelia stepped inside, a bright smile on her face. "Alex, I have something to tell you, it's about your scouter," she said.
Alex, still in a stoic expression, spoke. "Hmm... what is it?" He said, his expression unchanged.
Amelia pulled out a green scouter and handed it to Alex with her right hand. "I managed to fix your scouter completely, and also managed to translate the alien message in the scouter. You can perfectly understand that message now," she said in a warm smile.
Alex looked at his green scouter with a serious expression. He could now understand the Sakarian language, thanks to Irys visiting him the previous day. Alex raised his left hand and slowly took the scouter from Amelia's right hand and spoke. "So, you read and understand what the message in my scouter says..." He said calmly.
Amelia nodded and said. "Yes, I did Alex. I know what the woman is saying now, thanks to me translating it. You can now understand what she said."
Alex looked at the scouter with a stoic expression and said. "I see..." Then he looked back at Amelia, his expression unchanged. "What is said?" He said with a calm tone.
Amelia brushed the back of her blonde hair and looked to the other side, a small blush appearing on her cheek. "I think it would be better if you found out for yourself..." She said. "I don't want to spoil it for you, it seems very important..."
Alex nodded, understanding what she said. He already knew that the message belonged to his deceased mother, and would prefer to hear the message from the scouter alone. He looked back to Amelia and spoke.
"So, you read the message correctly..." Alex said, his expression stoic.
Amelia nodded and spoke. "Yes, I know the person behind the message is your deceased mother. And not just that, I know that you are not a werewolf nor a lycan, but an alien, from the planet Sakar." She said in a sad expression. "And I know what happened to the Sakarians, they died a long time ago."
Alex nodded, his expression stoic, processing Amelia's words properly. He really never knew about his parents nor him being a Sakarian. He only knew about his true origins thanks to Irys for telling him inside his consciousness, since he grew up in the monastery all along. Although, his masters told him that he was indeed an alien that came from the skies, since they saw him as a baby landed near the monastery, showing him his broken space pod and giving him this green scouter. And now, Alex was interested about the message in the scouter, about the message from his dead mother.
"I see, please Amelia... don't tell the girls, okay? I will tell them my true origins when the time is come..." He said in a stoic expression.
Amelia met his gaze, her expression softening with understanding. "Of course, Alex. Your secret is safe with me. I understand that this is a deeply personal matter, and you have the right to share it when you're ready." She paused, then added with a gentle smile, "But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."
Alex inclined his head in acknowledgement. "I appreciate your discretion, Amelia. And thank you for your offer of support." He paused, then asked, "How did you manage to translate the Sakarian language so quickly?" He said in a curious tone.
Amelia's smile widened. "Well, let's just say I have my ways. I've always been fascinated by languages, and I have access to certain resources that aren't readily available to everyone." She winked, leaving the exact nature of those resources a mystery. "But, I have to admit, your language is very hard to translate, it's an ancient language that is foreign to earth. But, I still managed do it."
Alex considered this for a moment, then nodded. Amelia's intelligence and resourcefulness were well-known among the myths. It didn't surprise him that she had managed to decipher the Sakarian language.
But yet again, Alex really never knew about the Sakarian language really, he just knew how to speak it its because Irys kissed him on the lips because she said that the Sakarians have the ability to learn and write any language by kissing someone of the opposite gender. He didn't know if Irys was joking, or she was just saying that so she can kiss him, but he somewhat believed her now, since he could understand his people's language because she kissed him. And the fact that he has to kiss an opposite gender to know their language was very uncomfortable for him, he hated the idea.
Alex decided to thank Amelia for her efforts in the translation. "Thank you, Amelia, for everything," Alex said, his voice sincere. "Your help is invaluable."
"Anytime, Alex," Amelia replied warmly. "Now, I should probably get going. I don't want to be late for my job. Good luck on your first day, and don't let her get to you too much." She chuckled and headed towards the door. "Kiara's probably getting impatient for you to come to KFP. Good luck on your first day, Alex." She offered a warm smile and slipped out of the room, closing the door gently behind her.
Alex raised an eyebrow as Amelia mentioned her work. "Wait, you have a job..." He said in a calm tone.
Amelia nodded and said. "Yeah, you already forgot I'm a detective..." She said with a smile.
Alex was surprised, having already forgotten that Amelia was a detective and also a time traveler. "Yeah, I know... sorry, I kinda forgot."
"It's okay, I know your mind is busy about something." As Amelia reached the doorway, she paused and turned back to Alex, a thoughtful expression on her face. "One more thing, Alex," she said, her voice serious. "Be careful at KFP. I have a feeling that something... unusual is going to happen today."
Alex raised an eyebrow, his expression stoic. "If you're talking about your friend Kiara, don't worry about it. I will not let her teasing distract me."
Amelia nodded, a small smile returning to her face. "Good. Now, I really must go. See you later, Alex." She exited the room, leaving Alex alone with his thoughts.
Alex stared at the closed door, his mind racing. Amelia's warning had heightened his sense of unease. He knew that KFP was a popular gathering spot for all sorts of individuals, both human and non-human, and that it was often the target of petty criminals and troublemakers. But Amelia's warning suggested something more than just ordinary crime. Something... dangerous.
Alex glanced down at the green scouter in his left hand, a surge of emotion coursing through him. The thought of hearing his mother's voice after all these years was both exciting and terrifying. He knew that the message would likely contain vital information about his past, about the Sakarians, and perhaps even about his destiny.
But he also knew that he couldn't allow his personal concerns to distract him from his duties. He was going to KFP to work, to protect Kiara, and to learn. He couldn't afford to be consumed by his past when the present demanded his attention.
With a deep breath, Alex walked towards his drawer and put the green scouter inside, as he would listen to the message when he got back. Then he closed the drawer, turned around, and walked towards the door.
Alex observed the scene with a detached curiosity. The human-sized chicken employees scurrying about were a peculiar sight, even for someone who had witnessed as much as he had. He wondered if they were some sort of mythical creatures, or perhaps the result of some strange experiment. And not just that, he noticed that they were emotionless, as if they were mind-controlled. He filed the information away, knowing that he would likely learn more about them as he spent more time at KFP.
Kiara led him through the crowded dining area, weaving expertly between tables and dodging trays of food. She greeted employees with a cheerful "Good morning!" to which the employees responded with a "Cluck cluck," "bawk bawk," or "bok bok." Alex was impressed by her energy and her genuine care for her staff. Despite her teasing, she seemed to be a good boss and a well-respected figure within KFP.
They finally reached the back of the restaurant, where her office was located. Kiara's office was surprisingly tidy, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the restaurant floor. The walls were adorned with KFP-themed posters and motivational quotes, and a large window overlooked the bustling kitchen. A sleek, modern desk sat in the center of the room, cluttered with paperwork, chicken-shaped stress balls, and a half-eaten box of KFP's signature chicken.
"Alright, Alex, welcome to my humble abode!" Kiara announced, gesturing around the room with a flourish. "Make yourself at home! Though, I doubt you'll be spending much time in here," she said teasingly as she went straight to her desk.
Alex surveyed the office, his gaze lingering on the window. He could see the parking lot clearly from here, and he noted the various entrances and exits. He was already assessing potential threats, his mind working like a well-oiled machine.
Alex looked at Kiara, who was seated on her chair, his expression remaining stoic. "What are my specific duties here at KFP?" he asked, his voice calm, standing in front of Alex.
"First things first," Kiara said, pulling a stack of papers from her desk. "We need to get you acquainted with your duties. You'll be working as my personal security, which means you'll be by my side at all times, protecting me from any potential harm."
Alex raised his eyebrows and said in a calm tone. "Wait, I thought my job here in KFP was to become a security guard at the restaurant..."
Kiara, still smiling mischievously, spoke. "Yeah I know, but I wanted to give you another type of duty..." She said seductively. "That's why I wanted you to also be my bodyguard as well, darling..."
Alex's expression turned serious as he looked at Kiara, who was smiling seductively towards him. "Understood. What are the specific threats I should be aware of?"
Kiara chuckled. "Oh, you know, the usual. Obsessed fans, disgruntled customers, rival restaurant owners... And, of course, the occasional supernatural entity."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Supernatural entities?" He said, his voice calm but curious.
Kiara shrugged. "That's right, we are in HoloCity after all... This is the place where supernatural entities and humans live in the same place." She smirked. "Don't worry, I'm mostly joking. But seriously, just be vigilant, protect me, and KFP... then maybe if you do your job first, I will give you a reward..." She said seductively, as if she was planning something unholy with Alex.
Alex's expression turned serious as he looked at Kiara. He already could tell what Kiara was going to do, and was not happy about it. But he would do his duty, because the Forsaken Monks' duty is to fulfill what is ordered given to them.
Kiara continued, "I know I already told you this, but I will say it to you again... Instead of you getting paid… you have to pay me instead…" she said. Alex raised an eyebrow, his expression serious, but he didn't respond.
Kiara added, "But hey, you'll have the same benefits, like German lessons, and anything you want, of course…" she said mischievously.
Alex's expression remained unchanged. He already knew how to speak German—in fact, almost fifty languages in total, including Russian, Italian, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Filipino, and others. Learning languages was part of his Forsaken monk training, enabling communication with clients. He understood Kiara's "anything he wants" comment, knowing her flirtatious nature.
Alex's expression remained stoic and he spoke calmly. "Yes, I remember that perfectly, Kiara..."
Kiara's mischievous grin widened. She knew exactly how to interpret that carefully neutral response. "Good," she said, leaning back in her chair. "Although, I did say that Instead of you getting paid… you have to pay me instead…I decided to give you a payment instead..." She said, licking her lips.
Alex's expression remained unchanged and he spoke. "What is it then..." He said, his voice calm.
Kiara giggled and said. "Oh, curious are we? Well, do your job properly and make me proud of you, because if you did..." She said adjusting her buttons, showing Alex half of her breasts. "You will have all of me as your reward..." She said seductively, licking her lips like a predator.
Alex's stoic facade flickered for a fraction of a second, a hint of annoyance crossing his features before he swiftly regained his composure. It wasn't fear, nor was it desire. It was more akin to a calculated assessment of a complex and illogical threat. He had faced down demons, angels, assassins, and rogue sorcerers, but none of them had presented a challenge quite like Kiara.
He maintained his stoic composure, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a visible reaction. "I do not require such compensation for fulfilling my duties," he stated, his voice as steady as stone. "My commitment is to protect you and ensure the security of KFP. Nothing more."
Kiara's laughter bubbled up again, a warm, infectious sound that could melt glaciers. "Oh, Alex, you're killing me! You're so serious! Can't you just loosen up a little?" She leaned forward, her expression softening slightly. "Besides," she added, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "who knows, maybe you'll change your mind once you get to know me better. I wouldn't actually force you to do anything you don't want to do." She winked. "Unless I ask nicely, of course."
Alex remained silent, his gaze fixed on Kiara. He knew that he couldn't underestimate her. She was unpredictable, impulsive, and possessed a relentless determination to get what she wanted. He had to be careful.
She leaned forward, her purple eyes locking onto his. "Now, enough about that. Let's get down to business. First, I'm going to give you a tour of the restaurant, introduce you to the staff, and explain your responsibilities in more detail. Then, we'll start your duties. I want to make sure you're prepared for anything that might come our way."
Kiara stood up, her movements fluid and graceful. She rounded the desk and walked towards Alex, stopping just a few feet away. "Ready to go?" she asked, her voice laced with playful anticipation.
Alex took a deep breath, steeling himself against Kiara's charms. He knew that he had to maintain his focus and not let her get to him. He was a warrior, a protector, and he wouldn't let anything, not even Kiara, distract him from his mission.
"I am ready..." Alex said, his voice firm and resolute.
Kiara grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's what I like to hear. Let's go!"
She turned and headed towards the door, her hips and butt swaying slightly as she walked, as if she was trying to seduce him. Alex followed close behind, his senses on high alert. He knew that anything could happen at any moment, and he had to be prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they left the office, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. He had a feeling that his time at KFP was going to be anything but ordinary. And he also had a sinking feeling that Kiara was going to make it her personal mission to test his resolve every step of the way. His first day had barely started, and he already felt like he was walking into the eye of a hurricane.
As they stepped out of Kiara's office, the cacophony of KFP hit Alex full force. The aroma of fried chicken was even stronger here, mingling with the scent of grease and bustling bodies. The human-sized chicken employees rushed around, their movements frantic and their expressions blank. Customers lined up at the counter, their faces alight with anticipation as they waited for their orders.
Kiara took the lead, expertly navigating through the chaos. She led Alex to the kitchen, where the real action was taking place. The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, with chefs shouting orders, chickens manning the fryers, and a general sense of controlled pandemonium.
"Alright, Alex, this is where the magic happens," Kiara announced, her voice barely audible above the din. "I want you to meet our head chef, Henny."
She gestured towards a large, imposing chicken wearing a chef's hat and wielding a meat cleaver. Henny turned to face them, his beady eyes narrowed. He let out a loud "Bok!" and then returned to his work, chopping vegetables with lightning-fast precision.
"Don't mind him," Kiara said with a chuckle. "He's a bit... intense. But he's the best chef in the business."
She continued to lead Alex through the kitchen, introducing him to the various staff members. There was Patty, a sweet but timid chicken who worked the cash register, and Clucky, a gruff but reliable chicken who managed the inventory. Each employee greeted Kiara with a respectful "Cluck" or "Bok," and Alex observed them carefully, trying to discern their individual personalities.
As they moved through the kitchen, Alex noticed that some of the employees seemed to be struggling. One chicken was having trouble lifting a heavy bag of flour, while another was being berated by Henny for not chopping vegetables fast enough. He felt a pang of sympathy for them, knowing what it was like to be pushed to his limits.
Kiara seemed to notice his concern, and she gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Alex," she said softly. "We take care of our own here at KFP. We may be a little chaotic, but we're a family."
She led him out of the kitchen and into the dining area, where they continued the tour. Kiara showed him the various seating areas, the restrooms, and the arcade, explaining the layout of the restaurant and the location of important equipment.
As they walked, Alex noticed a group of shady-looking characters lurking near the entrance. They were dressed in dark clothing and wore sunglasses, even though it was daytime. They seemed to be observing the restaurant, and Alex couldn't shake the feeling that they were up to no good.
He discreetly pointed them out to Kiara, his voice low and measured. "Those individuals... they appear suspicious."
Kiara glanced at the group and then shrugged. "Probably just some tourists," she said dismissively. "Don't worry about them."
But Alex wasn't convinced. His instincts were telling him that something was wrong, and he couldn't afford to ignore them. He knew that he had to be vigilant and protect Kiara, even if she didn't think there was a threat.
As they continued the tour, Alex kept a close eye on the shady figures, his senses on high alert. He was ready for anything, prepared to defend Kiara and KFP from any danger that might come their way. He may have just started his first day, but he was already determined to prove himself as her protector. The hurricane was brewing, and Alex was ready to face the storm.
To be continued.