From Thug To Pornstar: I Reincarnated As Jonny Sins, So What!

He stood in a sunlit market place where tarpaulined stalls overflowed with goods: fruits the size of watermelons that glimmered with an inner blue light; glass vials containing storms in swirls within themselves; swords that fairly hummed, it seemed to him, with pent power. The air was thick with scents that he did not know: spices and perfumes; and something sweet, like honey part mixed with wildflowers.

People brushed past him, laughing and chattering in a language that, to Alex's surprise, he could understand. They were beautiful—far more beautiful than anyone he'd ever seen on Earth. Sharp features, gleaming eyes, and figures that looked as if they had been sculpted by the gods themselves.

He swallowed hard. I'm definitely not in Kansas anymore.

A sharp voice cut through the noise. "Watch where you're standing, peasant!"

Alex turned in time to see a towering man with bronze skin and flowing red robes sneer at him. Disdain twisted his nose, as if Alex carried the stench of a thousand dirty socks. "You're blocking the path of royalty."

"Royalty?" Alex echoed hastening to move aside. "Sorry, I didn't mean to-"

The man didn't wait for an apology. He swept past, his cloak billowing dramatically behind him.

"Well," Alex said to himself, "that was charming."

"Concentrate, my lovely hero," Lustina's voice whispered softly in his mind, full of suppressed mirth. "You're in the capital city of Erothia-the place where all the most influential individuals in the Realm of Eros reside. And believe me-there are enough royals around who would have no problem squashing you like an insect if you so much as look in their direction cross-eyed."

"That's. comforting," he muttered under his breath.

He took a cautious step forward, scanning his surroundings. His heart pounded as excitement warred with nervousness.

"Look to your left," Lustina purred suddenly. "Your first opportunity awaits."

He turned his head where a raised platform was and saw a commotion. A crowd had drawn near, having their attention at a tall height. The man spoke loudly to those present, who crossed their arms.

"Step forward if you dare!" the man challenged, "only the most valiant and charismatic spirits shall be allowed to participate in the Tournament of Seduction! Come, prove thy wit, charm, and prowess, that perhaps thou shalt take a place amongst the champions!"

Alex blinked. "Tournament of Seduction?" he echoed, disbelieving.

"Exactly what it sounds like," Lustina whispered, the gleam in her voice barely contained. "And it is your perfect chance to get noticed. Every great hero makes his debut with a statement. Why not make yours here?"

"I don't think I'm ready for this."

"Nonsense. You were born for this. Or reborn, in your case. Now go!"

Before he could argue further, his legs moved on their own. He stumbled forward, drawn by an unseen force as the crowd parted around him.

"Ah, a brave contender steps forth!" the announcer bellowed. "Who are you, stranger?"

Alex opened his mouth, then closed it again. His mind raced. Should he use his real name? Or adopt something new? Something bold?

"I." He hesitated. "I'm Alex Jo—"

"Lustina cut in sharply, ".Jonny Sins," Your name here is Jonny Sins. Say it with confidence."

".Jonny Sins," he finished awkwardly.

The crowd rumbled; some excited, others wrestling not to give in to overt amusement.

"Jonny Sins," the announcer repeated, the corner of his mouth threatening a grin. "A name full of. promise. Are you ready to prove your mettle through the trials of wit and passion?"

"Not really," Alex said.

"Splendid!" the announcer roared, not hearing-or ignoring-his reply. "Let the trial begin!"

And suddenly, the platform beneath Alex shifted upwards, rising higher as runes of magic flared to life. His heart racing, the ground stopped moving, leaving him well above the crowd.

A vision of loveliness stepped forward: emerald-green eyes, hair like silver cascade. Her gown was tightly sashed, tight in all the right places that made Alex's cheeks burn. In one hand, she held a silken scarf, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"To pass the first test," she purred, "you must charm me."

"Charm you?" he echoed nervously.

"Yes," she said, moving closer. "With words. With wit. Convince me why I should choose you over any other man here."

Alex felt sweat break out on his forehead. His mouth went dry. He had no idea what to say.

"Relax," Lustina whispered softly. "Let me lead you. Remember, charm isn't about being perfect- it is all about confidence. Trust me."

He took a deep breath and let her words seep into him as he relaxed tense muscles.

"Milady," he began, his voice bright with forced lightness, "why me? Because I'm the only one here who won't play false perfection. I am no prince, nor a warrior. A man alone, willing to learn and listen and take arms for those things that count most. I will not promise you illusions; to you, I offer truth. Sometimes, that is the rarest treasure."

The woman's eyes widened a little. The crowd hushed.

Then, she smiled.

"Well said, Jonny Sins," she whispered, laying the scarf over his shoulders.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Alex blinked, a small grin creeping onto his face. I don't believe that worked.

"Congratulations, hero," said the announcer, "You've passed the first trial. But this is only the beginning."

Alex felt a surge of confidence, his heart pounding with newfound excitement.

"See?" Lustina cooed. "You've got potential. Now, let's see how far we can take it."

He looked out over the cheering crowd, his grin widening. Maybe this new life wasn't so bad after all.