11 Grinding Mastery Points and Signing a Contract
It's been a day since Michael agreed to tutor Catherine. At that time, she spoke to the manager of the restaurant, convincing him to let Michael leave his job. Catherine was pleased with this outcome, but Michael's mother, Myra, had a different reaction.
"What? You quit your job?" Myra asked, her voice filled with surprise and concern. "You know you rely on that income. What's going on, Michael?"
Michael tried to calm her down. "Mom, listen. I've got another job. Catherine, the franchise owner's daughter, has offered me a tutoring position. It pays a fixed monthly salary, and there are bonuses too."
"The owner's daughter?" Myra looked puzzled, not fully aware of Michael's interactions at work.
"Yes, Catherine. She's the one who gave me the five thousand pesos that other day," Michael explained.
Myra seemed to process this information. "So, how much does this job pay?"
"About twenty thousand pesos monthly," Michael said, watching his mother closely.
Myra's eyes widened. "Twenty thousand? That's double what you were making before!"
Michael nodded, feeling relieved. "Exactly. Plus, it covers food and transport expenses. It's a better deal, and it gives me more time for my own studies."
Myra seemed to ponder this. "Well, that does sound like a good opportunity. But are you sure about this, Michael? Tutoring is different from working at a restaurant. You know, she can kick you anytime she wants and you'll have trouble finding work again."
His mother was right, there was no stability in tutoring position, and if that were to happen, he might not be able to return to his old work as a waiter in Racks. But—.
"Don't worry, there is a contract currently being drafted. Catherine and I will sign it, ensuring a stable arrangement for at least six months," Michael assured his mother. "We've discussed the terms clearly, and it's not just a casual agreement. This contract will protect both our interests."
Myra seemed slightly reassured but still a bit wary. "A contract, huh? That does sound more secure. Just make sure you read it carefully before signing anything, Michael. And remember, education is important, so don't let this job interfere with your studies."
"I won't, Mom. I've got it under control," Michael replied confidently. "Actually, this job will help me focus more on my studies since I won't be working late nights at the restaurant anymore."
"That's good to hear," Myra said, her tone softening. "Just be careful, okay? Jobs like these can be unpredictable. And keep me updated about how things are going."
"I will, Mom. And thanks for understanding," Michael said, feeling a sense of relief. He knew his mother's worries were out of concern for him, and her approval meant a lot.
After that—Michael retreated back to his bedroom. He plugged his charger into his phone and opened an ebook app. The ebook app contained a plethora of engineering and mathematics books. He figured that while waiting for the contract, he could increase the level of his Mastery Points in the fields of Physics and Mathematics.
Twelve hours later, he finished twelve books and he checked his system.
[Mastery]
[
Physics: Level 1
60/200 points
Chemistry: Level 0
0/100
Biology: Level 0
0/100
Mathematics: Level 1
60/200
Astronomy: Level 0
0/100
Meteorology: Level 0
0/100
Oceanography: Level 0
0/100
Environmental Science: Level 0
0/100
Geology: Level 0
0/100
Computer Science: Level 0.
0/100
]
"After reading this book for six hours, I only get ten points per book?" Michael grumbled but not to the point he was disappointed. Because he learned everything from the books he read. He discovered new and advanced concepts, broadened his understanding, and deepened his knowledge in both physics and mathematics. Although the progress in the system seemed slow, Michael realized the real value was in the knowledge he was acquiring, which was far more important than any point system.
Suddenly—there was a notification chime.
[If you want to gather more points faster, consider reading or writing a thesis paper related to the field you wish to level up. Also, reading advanced-level textbooks or solving complex problems in your field can accelerate point accumulation.]
"I see, thanks for the tip," Michael said to himself. So there is an easier way for him to earn those mastery points huh? Wait easier? Reading and writing a thesis? That's not easy. He remembered during his senior high school days that he almost got kicked out from his group because he wasn't able to contribute much to their thesis paper.
Well, maybe with a system, it would be different. With that kind of thinking, Michael continued to browse for free advanced textbooks, and from there, maybe he'll get inspired and write his own related thesis paper.
He spent the next few hours immersing himself in these textbooks.
The content was complex and required deep concentration, but Michael was committed. He took detailed notes and practiced solving advanced problems, slowly but surely improving his understanding of the subjects.
As he became more proficient, Michael began to consider topics for his thesis paper. He wanted to choose something that not only interested him but also had practical applications. After much thought, he decided to focus on a topic in solar energy, particularly solar panels.
Currently, in 2023, the efficiency of the solar panel is at about 20%. This low efficiency was due to several factors, including the age of the panels, their basic technology, and lack of maintenance, which led to dirt and debris accumulation, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight effectively.
Michael then remembered the "High-Efficiency Solar Panels (2030)" he had seen in his shop tab. These panels promised over 60% efficiency, a tremendous leap from the current standards. Intrigued by the potential of such technology, Michael considered the idea of introducing that solar panel while writing a thesis about it.
To unlock the "High-Efficiency Solar Panels (2030)" in his system, he needed to reach Level three in Physics Mastery, Level four in Meteorology, Level three in Environmental Science, Level two in Computer Science, and 75,000 system points.
Getting the mastery points is easy but the system points? That one is quite hard as those points can only be obtained through missions. Unless…the promised Wheel of Fortune as a reward for signing a contract and tutoring Catherine has huge system points prizes.
It'll be in two days, so he has two days to increase those mastery points by reading books from the library in his school.
***
Two days later, October 29, 2023. Michael checked the development of his mastery stats.
[Mastery]
[
Physics: Level 2
250/300 points
Chemistry: Level 0
0/100
Biology: Level 0
0/100
Mathematics: Level 2
250/300
Astronomy: Level 0
0/100
Meteorology: Level 2
150/300
Oceanography: Level 0
0/100
Environmental Science: Level 1
70/100
Geology: Level 0
0/100
Computer Science: Level 0.
0/100
]
"Still a long way to go," Michael muttered under his breath. He is in the lobby of Catherine's condominium. Today is the day they'll sign the contract. The concierge confirmed the appointment and led him to the elevator.
Arriving at her room, he saw Catherine, sitting on a desk with a neat folder on the table.
Michael walked forward and took a seat across her desk.
"Read the terms of the contract before signing it," Catherine said as she pushed the folder to Michael.
Michael flipped the cover of the folder and there, he saw terms.
Employment Term: The agreement shall commence on October 30, 2023, and conclude six months thereafter, subject to the terms and conditions herein.
Compensation: The tutor, Michael, shall receive a fixed monthly salary of twenty thousand pesos. Additionally, the tutor shall be reimbursed for reasonable food and transportation expenses incurred in connection with the performance of tutoring services, upon submission of valid receipts.
Non-Termination Clause: The contract may not be terminated by the employer, Catherine, within the agreed term of six months, except for cause. Cause for termination includes, but is not limited to, failure to provide high-quality teaching, consistent unexcused absences, or breach of contract terms.
Performance Expectations: Michael is expected to deliver high-quality teaching aimed at genuinely improving Catherine's knowledge and understanding of the subjects taught. This includes preparing lesson plans, assessing progress, and adapting teaching methods to suit Catherine's learning style.
Confidentiality: Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality regarding the terms of this agreement and any proprietary information shared during the term of the contract.
Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising from this agreement shall first be attempted to be resolved through mutual negotiation. If unresolved, the matter may be subjected to arbitration.
Amendments: This contract can only be amended or modified through a written document signed by both parties.
Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is executed.
Michael took his time to understand each term, impressed by the thoroughness of the contract. So this is what a contract looked like huh?
Feeling satisfied with the terms, Michael looked up at Catherine.
"Everything seems in order. It's comprehensive and fair."
Catherine nodded, "I'm glad you think so. Once you sign, we can officially start tomorrow."
Michael picked up the pen, signed the contract, and passed it back to Catherine, who also signed. With the contract now executed, Michael felt a new sense of responsibility and anticipation for the journey ahead.
"Okay, this seals our agreement. I'm looking forward to working with you, Michael."
"Same as here, Catherine. I'm eager to get started," Michael replied with a determined nod.
Moments later, Michael's notification popped up.
[Congratulations! You have completed the mission, Apprenticeship.]
[Reward: Feature unlock, Wheel of Fortune.]
A smile spread across Michael's lips. It's the moment of truth.
