The Shameless Urban System: Chaos and Laughter

Chapter 7: Modibo's Challenge

"Oh, damn it," Rendy cursed under his heavy, ragged breath.

The phone in Bakary's hand was still lit up, its glow reflecting off the lenses of Modibo’s sleazy assistant. The look of triumph on Bakary’s face was more disgusting than a cockroach in a sewer drain. Fatoumata, still frozen with a face the color of a ripe tomato, covered her mouth with both hands. She looked like she wanted to sink through the concrete floor.

[WARNING! THE EXISTENCE OF THE RECORDING WILL REDUCE HOST'S REPUTATION BY 50 POINTS!]

[RECOMMENDATION: IMMEDIATELY SEIZE OR DESTROY THE DEVICE!]

The system’s voice rang in his head, adding a throbbing pain to Rendy’s temples. His muscles screamed. The side effects of the 'Invisibility' skill that had just worn off were truly agonizing; it felt as if all the fluid in his joints had been replaced with vinegar.

"Give me that phone, Bakary!" Rendy tried to step forward, but the tablecloth wrapped around his body—now his only protection of modesty, got snagged on the leg of the desk.

"Enough, Rendy! You’ve been caught red-handed!" Bakary chuckled, his fingers flying across the screen. "Modibo is going to love this. The 'office hero' turns out to be nothing but a pervert hiding under his coworker's desk."

"It’s not what it looks like!" Fatoumata finally spoke, her voice trembling between rage and embarrassment. "Rendy was just... he was..."

"He was doing what, Fatou? Checking the texture of your thighs?" Bakary spat to the side. "Save your explanation for HR."

Rendy knew he couldn't rely on logic right now. He needed action. But with his body limp and nearly naked, he had to think fast. The system, as if understanding his desperation, provided a new notification.

[EMERGENCY QUEST: 'EMBARRASSING DISTRACTION']

[METHOD: Perform the 'Helicopter' or 'Shimmy Dance' towards the target to disrupt their concentration.]

[REWARD: 'SUDDEN GRAB' SKILL (100% SUCCESS RATE).]

[FAILURE PENALTY: VIDEO LEAKED TO THE OFFICE W******P GROUP.]

'Helicopter?! Are you insane, System?!' Rendy screamed internally. But then he glanced toward the door. Modibo could show up at any moment. If that video spread, he wouldn't just lose his job; he’d lose his dignity as a human being.

With his remaining strength and a sense of shame that had long since evaporated from being humiliated too many times, Rendy took a deep breath. "Okay, Bakary. You want a show? I’ll give you a show!"

Rendy suddenly released the top part of the tablecloth, letting the fabric slide down to his hips. Before Bakary could react, Rendy performed a bizarre body wave, shaking his hips and shoulders in a rhythm that was as wild as it was repulsive.

"What the hell are you doing, you freak?!" Bakary’s eyes widened, his hands trembling. The visual before him was too disturbing for a normal human brain to process. Rendy, sweaty and barely covered by a flimsy piece of cloth, looked like an exotic dancer suffering from a violent seizure.

As Bakary felt nauseous and his focus shattered, a green notification lit up in Rendy’s vision.

[SKILL 'SUDDEN GRAB' ACTIVATED!]

ZUP!

In a move that defied the laws of physics, Rendy lunged. His hand darted out like lightning, snatching the phone from Bakary’s grip before the man could hit the 'send' button.

"Gotcha!" Rendy landed in an ungraceful heap, sprawling out in front of Bakary’s feet with his backside partially exposed by the tablecloth. But he didn't care. He slammed the phone onto the floor and stomped on it with his heel until the screen shattered into a thousand pieces.

"MY PHONE!" Bakary shrieked.

"Oops. My bad, it was slippery," Rendy said, grinning despite his gasping breath.

"What is going on here?!"

That deep, authoritative voice cut through the chaos. Modibo stood at the doorway, his face beet red. Behind him, several other employees, including Ibrahima and Issa, peeked in with wide eyes. They saw Rendy nearly naked, Fatoumata crying, and Bakary lamenting his destroyed phone.

"Modibo! This man is crazy! He attacked me and destroyed my personal property!" Bakary complained, pointing at Rendy.

Modibo looked Rendy up and down. Pure hatred flashed in his eyes. "Rendy... I suspected you were trash, but hiding in my office and committing indecent acts during work hours? You really want to die, don't you?"

Rendy stood up slowly, trying to keep his tablecloth from sliding any further. "Indecent? I just caught your assistant trying to install a hidden camera under this desk to peek at Fatoumata. I destroyed his phone to protect our coworker’s honor!"

Lying was his only way out. Fatoumata stared at Rendy with wide eyes, not expecting him to turn the tables so quickly. But given their current positions, this lie made more sense than the ridiculous truth.

"He's lying!" Bakary shouted.

"Is he?" Rendy glanced at Fatoumata, giving her a very strong, suggestive look. "Fatou, tell him. What was Bakary doing just now?"

Fatoumata swallowed hard. She hated Bakary, who constantly harassed her verbally. "Y-yes... Rendy is right. He was helping me. Bakary... he was acting inappropriately."

Modibo’s face hardened. He knew he couldn't let a harassment scandal in his division blow up, but he also refused to let Rendy win.

"Enough!" Modibo snapped. "I don't care who is right. This office isn't a circus! Rendy, you feel big because you 'saved' someone? You think you have any value here?"

Modibo stepped forward, closing the distance between him and Rendy. "You’re just a low-life salesman who relies on luck. If you really have the guts, let’s prove it in the field. I challenge you: a sales duel. In the next 24 hours, whoever brings in a contract with the highest value stays. The loser... leaves this company forever without severance. And I will make sure your reputation is ruined across the entire industry!"

Gasp! Sharp intakes of breath echoed from the onlookers at the door. A sales duel with Modibo? Modibo was the office "Shark." He had vast connections and wasn't afraid to play dirty.

[DING! MAIN QUEST UPDATED!]

[TITLE: DUEL FOR THE PERVERT'S DIGNITY]

[OBJECTIVE: Defeat Modibo in a sales duel.]

[TIME LIMIT: 24 HOURS.]

[REWARD: 500 SYSTEM POINTS, 'SILVER TONGUE' SKILL, AND PERMANENT STAMINA BOOST.]

[CURRENT MC CONDITION: EXTREMELY WEAK (SKILL SIDE EFFECTS).]

Rendy felt his knees buckle. 500 points? That was a massive amount. But his body... he felt like he was about to pass out right then and there.

"What’s the matter, Rendy? Or are you too busy looking for a more fashionable covering?" Modibo mocked, triggering laughter from his group of sycophants.

Rendy straightened his back. He glanced at Mariam, who had suddenly appeared in the corridor, standing with her arms crossed, watching him with an unreadable, cold gaze.

"I accept your challenge," Rendy’s voice sounded steady, even though his stomach was growling. "But don't cry when you have to kiss my shoes in front of everyone later."

"We'll see about that, trash," Modibo hissed before turning around and ordering everyone to disperse.

Ten minutes later, after Rendy managed to borrow a spare shirt from Samba that was two sizes too big for him, he sat at his desk with his head hanging low. Fatoumata approached, carrying a glass of warm water.

"Rendy, are you crazy? Modibo is a monster. He’s chasing a contract with the Grand Sud Hotel, one of the toughest clients in the city. You can't win in this condition," Fatoumata whispered with genuine concern.

Rendy finished the water in one go. "I don't have a choice, Fatou. If I don't fight back, he’ll just keep stepping on me."

[USER DETECTED IN CRITICAL CONDITION.]

[SYSTEM INITIATING INITIAL RECOVERY ASSISTANCE...]

[ACTIVATING SPECIAL ITEM: 'APHRODITE’S COLOGNE' (SINGLE USE).]

A small, transparent bottle filled with pale pink liquid suddenly appeared in the pocket of Rendy’s borrowed trousers. Rendy fished it out, frowning as he read the label.

['APHRODITE’S COLOGNE': A perfume containing highly concentrated pure pheromones. Anyone who inhales the scent within a 2-meter radius will experience a massive surge of oxytocin. It makes the target feel extremely comfortable, open, and 'thirsty' for the user’s presence. Duration: 6 hours.]

'System... you really want to turn me into a lady-killer, don't you?' Rendy thought. But as he caught a faint whiff from the bottle cap, a blend of sandalwood, vanilla, and something that reminded him of a woman’s skin after a shower, Rendy felt his energy slightly return.

"What is that?" Fatoumata asked, her nostrils flaring. She began to drift toward Rendy unconsciously. Her once-pale face was now flushed. "It smells... so good. Rendy, why do you suddenly... look so different?"

Fatoumata leaned in toward him, her hand instinctively brushing Rendy's arm. Her pupils dilated, and her breathing became slightly shallow. "Rendy, I... I suddenly feel so warm..."

Rendy quickly capped the bottle. The effect was instant! If Fatoumata reacted this way from just a tiny whiff, what would happen if he sprayed it?

"I have to get to the field now," Rendy said, rising with renewed vigor. "Fatou, do you want to come with me? I need a witness so Modibo can't accuse me of cheating."

Fatoumata nodded quickly, almost too enthusiastically. "Of course! Anywhere you go, I'm coming with you!"

The two of them left the office. In the lobby, they crossed paths with Modibo, who was laughing with Bakary as he prepared to step into his black Mercedes.

"Hurry up, Rendy! Your time is ticking! I’m heading to a meeting with the Marketing Director of the Grand Sud Hotel. You can try selling insurance to the vegetable vendors on the street!" Modibo mocked before speeding off.

Rendy didn't rush. He knew that to win this duel, he didn't need quantity; he needed quality. "Fatou, we're going to the Grand Sud Hotel too."

"But Modibo is already there! We won't get in without an appointment!"

"Trust me. We're going to enter through a door that Modibo can't open."

When they arrived at the grand lobby of the Grand Sud Hotel, the atmosphere felt stiff and formal. Sturdy security guards manned every entrance. In the distance, Rendy saw Modibo arguing with the receptionist; it seemed he was being turned away despite having an appointment because the Director was with an important guest.

Rendy took a deep breath, then sprayed 'Aphrodite’s Cologne' on his neck and wrists.

The effect was immediate. The air around Rendy seemed to vibrate. Several women sitting on the lobby sofas turned in unison. A French tourist even dropped her magazine, staring at Rendy with her mouth slightly agape.

"Let's go," Rendy whispered to Fatoumata, who was now walking so close she was practically pressing her shoulder against his arm. Fatoumata looked like someone under a light hypnotic spell, her eyes glistening as she gazed at Rendy’s profile.

Rendy walked past Modibo, who was still busy cursing. As he passed, the scent of the perfume hit Modibo and Bakary.

"What is that smell? Why do I suddenly feel... so... argh!" Modibo grabbed his chest, looking confused. He hated Rendy, but his nose was sending conflicting signals to his brain.

Rendy ignored them and walked straight toward the VIP elevator, which was just opening. A woman stepped out.

She wore an emerald silk dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her black hair was tied in a neat bun, revealing a long, smooth neck. Her face was a blend of classic beauty and cold authority. She was the very definition of an elite woman.

Her footsteps halted exactly as she crossed paths with Rendy.

Whoosh...

The breeze from the air conditioner carried the scent of 'Aphrodite's Cologne' straight to her senses.

Rendy watched the change in slow motion. The woman’s eyes, initially sharp and guarded, suddenly widened. Her steady stride faltered. She stopped completely, then slowly turned to face Rendy.

[S-RANK TARGET DETECTED: AMINATA, OWNER OF THE GRAND SUD HOTEL CHAIN.]

[STATUS: ENCHANTED (PERFUME EFFECT).]

[SIDE MISSION: GET HER PHONE NUMBER IN 3 MINUTES OR THE PERFUME WILL BACKFIRE (INTENSE ITCHING).]

Damn it, the System really knows how to pressure someone!

"Excuse me," the woman’s voice sounded raspy, a stark contrast to her haughty appearance. She stepped closer to Rendy, her nose twitching subtly as she tried to inhale more of the air around him. "What perfume are you wearing? I... I feel so familiar with the scent, yet it’s also so... addictive."

Rendy smiled faintly, using a baritone voice he had practiced just moments ago. "It’s not a commercial perfume, Madam. It’s the scent of an opportunity that doesn't come twice."

Fatoumata, beside Rendy, squeezed his sleeve possessively, glaring at Aminata with overt jealousy. The rivalry between the women began to heat up over a single scent.

Aminata ignored Fatoumata completely. She stepped closer, until Rendy could catch the scent of expensive roses from her body. Aminata placed her hand on Rendy’s chest, her fingers brushing the coarse fabric of his Samba shirt as if it were the finest velvet.

"Opportunity?" Aminata whispered, her eyes softening under the influence of the surging oxytocin. "Tell me more... in my office. Now."

Rendy glanced at Modibo, who was standing in the distance with his jaw dropped. Modibo knew who that woman was. She was the big boss he had been trying to meet all morning, only to be rejected flatly by her secretary. And now, the most powerful woman in the hotel was holding Rendy’s chest in public with a hungry gaze.

"Of course," Rendy replied calmly. "But I have a condition. My friend must join us, and we need quite a bit of time to discuss... the contract."

Aminata smiled, a smile that could bring down an empire. "Time is ours, Mr..."

"Rendy," he replied briefly.

As they stepped back into the VIP elevator, Rendy glanced back and gave a wink to Modibo, who stood frozen like a pillar of salt.

However, just as the elevator doors were closing, Rendy saw something that made him break into a cold sweat. Standing behind Modibo was another woman who had just entered the lobby. She wore sunglasses, but Rendy recognized her stiff posture and cold aura.

It was Mariam. And she had just seen Rendy being ushered into a private elevator by the hotel owner, who was clinging to him intimately.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: TARGET 'MARIAM' JEALOUSY LEVEL INCREASED TO DANGEROUS!]

[WARNING: WOMAN MAGNET IS STARTING TO WORK THE WRONG WAY!]

Rendy swallowed hard. Beating Modibo might be easy with this perfume, but surviving Mariam's wrath... that was the true hell-level quest.

The elevator doors closed, leaving Rendy between two women who were now staring at him with very different gazes; one full of hypnotic passion, and the other full of lethal suspicion.

"So, Rendy..." Aminata whispered right into his ear as the elevator began to ascend. "What is it that you really want to sell me? Besides this tantalizing scent of yours?"

Her hand began to creep toward Rendy's waist, and Rendy knew the next 24 hours would be the longest and most dangerous of his life.