"Receive it? How? By pulling a living person out of thin air?"

  Just as Russell was wondering how the system would deliver 'Alfred Pennyworth' to him, a soldier with a walkie-talkie approached.

  "Sir, there's a man named Alfred at the front desk. He cims to be your butler..."

  Russell blinked, "Tell him to wait downstairs. I'll be right there."

  Without another word, he left the b, completely forgetting about Killgrave strapped to the operating table.

  'The system's reward is here, who cares about experiments now?'

  When he first designed the system, Russell had included several DC characters as potential rewards; Superman, The Fsh, Wonder Woman, and others.

  To prevent these figures from unbancing the game, he set their drop rates absurdly low.

  But he never expected to actually pull one.

  When he reached the first floor, he immediately spotted Alfred standing in the lobby.

  Silver-streaked hair, a sharp distinguished face, and a perfectly tailored British-style suit.

  Russell recognized him instantly.

  When designing the character models, he had directly referenced Alfred's appearance from 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' and 'Justice League...'

  There was no mistaking the man who had been Batman's most crucial ally for decades.

  "A pleasure to meet you, sir. I hope my arrival proves useful." Alfred pced his right hand over his heart and gave a slight bow.

  "I'm gd you're here, Alfred." Russell wasn't sure what else to say.

  So this was how the system delivered 'people' as rewards... by making them appear in the world with pre-programmed memories and purpose.

  "Sir, perhaps we should find a pce to talk privately?" Alfred, ever perceptive, smoothly took the initiative.

  "Right. Of course..."

  .....

  ~A Butler's Résumé~

  Inside a first-floor meeting room, coffee served, Russell sat across from Alfred and studied him carefully.

  Alfred remained unfppable, as if nothing could rattle him, "Sir, there's no need for such scrutiny. I am your loyal butler. Any questions you have, I will answer truthfully."

  "Do you know where you came from?"

  This was Russell's biggest question... how exactly did the system handle 'human' rewards?

  "I'm afraid my origins are unclear, even to me." Alfred's tone was calm, as if discussing the weather, "I was brought here by a… mysterious presence... It informed me that I am to serve as your butler, to assist you in any way possible, obey your commands without question, and remain loyal to you above all else. Beyond that, I have no memories of my past..."

  Russell exhaled... Not quite what he expected, but he'd take it. Beggars couldn't be choosers.

  "Then tell me, what exactly can you do?"

  Alfred straightened slightly, "I was once a soldier. Though retired, I maintain excellent physical conditioning, combat skills, and marksmanship..."

  "...Beyond that, I am trained in all duties expected of a professional butler; estate management, financial pnning, business administration, security protocols, property maintenance, event coordination, and art appraisal..."

  Alfred paused. Then, with the faintest smirk, "And if required, I can provide tactical support in combat; weapons procurement and modification, equipment development, intelligence gathering… or direct engagement with hostiles..."

  "...In short, sir, I will be the most reliable and loyal butler you could ask for."

  Russell finally understood why Batman valued Alfred so much.

  Forget trust, just the sheer breadth of his skills was staggering. With Alfred around, half of life's headaches would vanish overnight.

  "Understood. Welcome aboard, Alfred." Russell stood and shook his hand firmly before sitting back down, "Actually, your arrival couldn't have been better timed. I do need someone like you..."

  He spent the next hour briefing Alfred on everything; Hydra, Kingpin, Syndicate Bio, Heather, the Abomination Project, Extremis soldiers, Daredevil…

  Russell didn't doubt Alfred's loyalty. If he couldn't trust the system's rewards, who could he trust?

  "It seems you have quite the workload ahead, sir. But none of these are insurmountable." Alfred steepled his fingers, "However, I suggest we start with Miss Heather..."

  Russell blinked, "Heather? Not Syndicate or Kingpin?"

  "A gentleman does not leave a dy distressed, sir. Your first priority should be to apologize and mend that rift." Alfred's tone left no room for argument, "I will select an appropriate gift. You must deliver it personally. That should resolve the matter..."

  "As for Syndicate and your external enemies… I already have preliminary strategies. Though that depends on your avaible funds..."

  Russell grimaced, "We've got about 20 million left. And I promised Dr. Wilson research funding, so we can't spend it all."

  Alfred's lips twitched, "Naturally. I will allocate a suitable budget for the doctor... Now then, sir... shall we discuss how to properly apologize to a woman?"