NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5
After securing a part-time job—no, perhaps it was better to call it a full-time job, given that it included three meals a day—Alex Carter found himself spending most of his time at the oddly named "Broken House." Still, this didn't deter him from maintaining his rigorous training schedule. Balancing work with self-improvement, Alex made sure to use his free time after shifts wisely.
Each morning began the same way: a five-kilometer run, thirty consecutive pull-ups, over a hundred push-ups, and countless squats. Months of consistent training had elevated his physical abilities to a level far beyond that of an average person. Of course, his *Holy Light* quirk played a significant role in his rapid improvement. This quirk's ability to rejuvenate his body and relieve fatigue after workouts was akin to having an unlimited supply of protein shakes and recovery boosters.
Now, it was time to report for his first day at the "Broken House."
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A Rocky Start
Alex arrived promptly at 8:00 AM, only to find the rolling shutter door still closed. Several loud knocks later, a grumbling voice emerged from within.
"Who's making such a racket this early?!"
The door rattled open to reveal Usaki Gin, the self-proclaimed owner of the Broken House. His silver hair was unkempt, and his expression carried the grogginess of someone who had just rolled out of bed.
"Oh, it's you. Forgot I hired someone," Gin muttered, scratching his head before forcing a sheepish grin. "Haven't had an employee in ages. Guess I'll have to get used to not living like a hermit, huh?"
Alex stifled a sigh. This was going to be *interesting.*
"So, what do you need me to do?" Alex asked, glancing at the chaotic interior of the shop.
Gin didn't miss a beat. "First order of business—clean up the mess outside. Trash, graffiti, and, uh, certain...odors. Tools are in the corner."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "And what about the inside? You expect me to do this alone?"
"Of course not! I'll...supervise. Fine, fine," Gin relented after catching Alex's pointed stare. "I'll clean inside while you handle the outside. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?"
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Cleaning Up
The area outside the Broken House was a disaster zone: piles of garbage, graffiti covering the walls, and a persistent stench near the telephone pole. With a mop, a bucket, and a mask to combat the smell, Alex got to work. Despite the unpleasantness, he methodically tackled each task, hauling trash to the dumpster at the alley's end and scrubbing away layers of grime.
An hour later, the exterior was finally spotless.
When Alex re-entered the shop, he was greeted by a sight that confirmed his suspicions: Gin had done absolutely nothing.
"Did you clean anything?" Alex asked, exasperated.
Gin, caught red-handed fiddling with a drawer, laughed nervously. "I was...organizing. Besides, you're doing a great job! Why mess with perfection?"
Rolling his eyes, Alex realized he'd have to take matters into his own hands. "Fine, but I haven't even had breakfast yet. How about we eat first?"
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Breakfast
It took another call from Gin to remind the food delivery service to bring breakfast—steamed buns, soy milk, and fried dough sticks. The aroma was enticing, though Alex noted with mild disappointment that the buns were vegetarian.
"I like keeping things simple," Gin remarked, munching happily. "Meat's overrated anyway."
Alex wasn't so sure about that, but he appreciated the meal regardless. After breakfast, the two resumed cleaning, though the majority of the work still fell on Alex. By the time they finished, the Broken House no longer lived up to its name. The space was tidy, organized, and—dare he say it—almost inviting.
"Well done!" Gin declared, reclining in a chair and placing his feet on the now-spotless desk. "This place hasn't looked this good in years. Hiring you was a stroke of genius on my part."
Alex resisted the urge to roll his eyes again. He had a feeling this wasn't going to be a typical job. Still, for three meals a day and a decent paycheck, he could endure it. For now.
"Anything else to do?" Alex asked warily.
"Nah, we're good. Now we just sit back and wait for customers. Don't worry—business will pick up soon!" Gin said with confidence that didn't match his earlier laziness.
Alex wasn't so sure, but he decided to let it go for now. Besides, the shop's mysterious air intrigued him. Something about this place—and its eccentric owner—felt like the beginning of something more significant.