NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Karl was back at the convenience Store where he worked, his journey back home still smooth thanks to his fresh dose of savvy new common sense.
Karl, whose shift wasn't over yet, leaned back on the cashier desk, gazing at the holographic screen shining in front of him. He had been working at the Convenience store for hours now, and although this routine gig was starting to bore him, his mind drifted back to his first hijack experience. With just a touch of a button, he could change how people interacted with their world.
A wide grin spread across his face as he remembered how he altered the behavior of people crossing the street without waiting for the green light. A sense of satisfaction filled his heart, injecting a bit of excitement into the monotonous boredom. But this time, he wanted to try something bigger and more exhilarating.
"What if I make people feel super pumped after buying some food?" he pondered, thrilled at the thought of the laughter and smiles that would light up the customers' faces. His eyes sparkled as he envisioned that moment.
He opened his system panel, his fingers swiftly gliding across the screen.
> Common Sense: People will feel super pumped after buying food.
> Duration: 00:01:00
No doubt lingered in his mind. He hit the Enter key with fiery enthusiasm. In an instant, a notification popped up on the screen, sending an adrenaline rush as he saw his Hijack Points decrease.
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[ Common Sense Has Been Made ]
- 20 Hijack Points Consumed
- Hijack Duration: 00:00:59
---
Karl looked around the Convenience store with curiosity. "Time to witness the effects!" he whispered to himself, eagerly awaiting the magic.
A middle-aged woman entered the shop. She looked weary, with furrows on her forehead and heavy shopping bags in her hands. The woman sighed as if the world was too heavy to carry.
Karl could see the burden on her face, but he was determined to change her mood. As the woman walked toward the snack aisle, Karl silently prayed for his hijack to succeed. With utmost attention, he watched her every move, trying to read her mind.
The woman picked a few chips, then approached the cashier with a tired look, as if she had just finished a marathon. Karl got ready.
"How much for all of this?" the woman asked, her voice heavy and weary.
"Total is $5," Karl replied, attempting to put on his best smile. As he took her money, he could sense a shift in the air.
When the woman paid and received her chips, suddenly, the hijack effect kicked in. Her face changed. A wide smile appeared on her lips, as if a new light was shining from within her.
"Wow! I feel amazing! These chips must bring happiness!" she exclaimed enthusiastically, her voice seemingly emanating from the depths of her heart.
Karl was amazed. He watched the woman jumping with joy, waving her hands as if she had just won a lottery. She even began to dance in front of the cashier, twisting her body and moving her hands as if there was no one else around.
"Hahaha!" Karl couldn't contain his laughter. He gazed at the woman in admiration, seeing the genuine happiness on her face. "This is even better than I expected!"
The woman skipped out of the store, still beaming, leaving Karl flabbergasted. "If this is how it goes, I can make people happy every day!" he thought, his excitement burning.
Yet, his desire to try more ideas was not over. While he was still mesmerized by the recent event, a serious-looking man in a black beret entered the Convenience store. The man scrutinized every product with an intense gaze.
Karl saw an opportunity to create another amusing moment. He wanted to test his newly discovered ability.
"What if I make him feel super confident after buying a drink?" he thought. Quickly, he opened the panel again.
> Common Sense: Man will feel super confident after purchasing a drink.
> Duration: 00:01:00
Without hesitation, he pressed Enter. In an instant, the notification appeared on the screen again, and Karl felt the excitement flow within him.
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[ Common Sense Has Been Made ]
- 20 Hijack Points Consumed
- Hijack Duration: 00:00:59
The man approached the cashier, selecting two soda bottles. He lifted one bottle with a serious expression, as if celebrating a great achievement. Karl couldn't help but laugh.
"Look at me! I'm ready to face the world!" the man exclaimed, his voice full of enthusiasm. He raised the soda bottle in the air, posing as if he had just won an award.
Karl fell silent for a moment, then shook his head. "This is too crazy," he thought, but he couldn't wipe the smile off his face. "This is truly amazing!"
The man then strode out confidently, leaping around as if he were a hero returning from battle. Karl laughed, enjoying the happiness the man had transmitted to him.
"Alright, let's make it more exciting!" Karl felt his courage rising.
He began thinking of more interesting ideas. What if he made everyone feel super hungry whenever they looked at him? With enthusiasm, he reopened the panel.
> Common Sense: People around will feel super hungry every time they see me.
> Duration: 00:01:00
He hit Enter, eagerly waiting for the outcome.
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[ Process Failed ]
- Not Enough Hijack Points
- Try Again Later...
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Karl sighed, "Dang, I was too reckless with this system." Now Karl's Hijack points were only 30 points left.