Madelon and the concequences of her actions.

(Madelon's POV)

Ping my phone receives a message. 'Send your CV to [company email]. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Pieter works here, do with it what you want.' This is the first message the QuestMaster has sent directly. I don't care who they are. They are helping me, and if I actually get the job, I might get to work with Pieter. I went to my laptop, an old one, really old. Pieter had got it for me when he had some spare money and when we were still in contact. I hate how I broke it off, and now that I have to miss my grandparents' passing because of it. I hope he doesn't hate me.

I look at my CV, which contains hardly any professional experience in making food, but at least a decent amount of service and back-end work. They have to serve in the end places. I'd better send it without embellishment. This will prevent whoever reads it from overestimating my capacities. If they overestimate me, I will only seem more like a dumb idiot than I am. Okay, it said mail my CV, but what should I add to the email? Ahh fack. What do I write? I text the Questmaster for feedback.

'To whom it may concern,

I have been informed by a friend of mine that I should apply for a job at this catering company. They also said my brother Pieter works here. I hope that isn't an issue. You will find my CV included in this email.

Sincerely yours,

Madelon Visser.'

A swift, short answer comes. 'Don't forget to include the CV. But it looks okay as an email.' In response, I chose to send it. No response. The nerves hit me. Instead, I choose to go to work cleaning the house. Mom and Dad will be mad if it isn't clean. Dad will beat me if Mom complains, even a little wouldn't want that.

At lunch, I get a call. "Hello, this is Jessica. If you don't mind, we can have an interview tomorrow. Pieter says he doesn't mind if you work for us, if there is no issue for you, we can proceed."

I let out a soft, "Yes."

"Can you be here around 8? The address is on our site, and I will send a response that includes the address details. We are located on the outskirts of Helmond. It will involve a small test of practical skills as well. If all goes well, you can choose to work a shift immediately."

"Yes, sure." I barely manage to let escape the shock of how quickly it is all moving, which is overwhelming. The app worked! The questmaster helped me fix things merely by answering him and then sending an email. This might not be magic, but it feels like it wait... I decide to look in the mirror. It is magic! The bruises and cuts from yesterday are gone, all for answering questions and sending photos. An email confirming my interview was soon received. What will my future bring with this wondrous app? Might it remove me from these mean parents and fix my boyfriend?

I go about my business for the rest of the day until dinner. This is where I tell my parents that I have an interview with a catering company. Mom asks, "So, another way of looking for food. Are you not satisfied with your portions?" She says, pointing to half a snitzel and my small bowl of salad.

"No, I thought it would be good if I got a job. And they are the first to respond. I need to be there at 8, and afterwards, I might do a shift."

"Do you know even what they are going to pay you?" Dad asks.

"Minimum wage plus some, I assume. But it is better than doing nothing. The people are hounding me about applying for work, doing interviews and taking jobs. My credentials are bad, so as long as I get a job, I am happy. It is better than unemployment, especially with the cuts I have for living with you guys."

"Do what you want, I won't bring or pick you up." He grumbles.

After dinner, I head upstairs to do some light exercise in my room. After the workout, I get a quest.

• Prepare lunch
• Review kitchen safety
• Look up recipes you like.

reward: perk [Cooking I].

What the fuck is a perk? Can I just ask them right? 'Hey, can you tell me what a perk is?'

'No.' Well, that is the most helpful answer I could get. I roll my eyes and look up a few recipes, but nothing shows that order is important. Sure as can be it ticked off. Then let's review kitchen safety protocol. This is a slice of cake. Now to prep my lunch for tomorrow. I make a Japanese-style lunch with omelette rolls, salad and baked sausages. Quest completed. With these, my level is now 3, and I have as many perk points. Where can I spend them? Wait, what does Cooking I do? Clicking on it shows.

Cooking I: Cooking speed and meal taste increased by 20%.

Ohhh, that is a great get for tomorrow. Better get to sleep quick I need to be up early to drive to Helmond.