The sky burned in streaks of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dipped low behind the university buildings. A cool breeze brushed past Jason's cheeks as he stood across the street from the mansion.
The house looked like something out of a movie—tall white pillars, stone steps that led up to giant oak double doors, and dozens of fancy cars parked in a neat row along the circular driveway. This wasn't a regular college party. This was something else.
He adjusted his collar and exhaled slowly.The reflection in the black window of a car caught his attention—he looked sharp. A perfectly tailored black button-up shirt, dark gray slacks, clean leather shoes. His jawline was clean and defined, his eyes sharper than ever.
He still wasn't used to this version of himself.
Before the accident, before the pain, before the system—he would've never stepped foot near a place like this. But now...
[New Quest Alert: "Social Debut"]Objective: Attend the Business Society mixer and make an impression.Optional: Leave with five new contacts.Reward: Wealth Unlock – Daily Cash Flow Function (Tier 1)
Jason crossed the street, ignoring the stares from two girls chatting by the hedges. One of them nudged the other and whispered something behind her hand.
He walked up the steps, nodded to the student managing the guest list, and was let in without question.
Inside, music flowed like a heartbeat—deep bass with smooth vocals. The air smelled like citrus cologne and expensive wine. The main room had vaulted ceilings and a massive crystal chandelier that sparkled above dozens of chattering students in formal wear.
Jason's entrance was like dropping a stone into still water.
Eyes turned. Conversations faltered. Some students outright paused mid-sentence.
A group of girls by the refreshments looked up. One dropped her phone.
"Who is that…?" someone whispered.
Jason didn't slow down. He moved smoothly through the crowd, posture perfect, expression calm.
"Jason! You made it!" called a familiar voice.
Drew emerged from a small circle of laughing students, holding a drink in one hand and flashing a grin.
"I wasn't sure you'd show up," he said, clapping Jason on the back. "Glad you did. You clean up nice."
"Thanks," Jason said, giving a polite nod.
"Come on, let me introduce you around. Everyone's been asking who the new guy is."
What followed was a blur of handshakes, compliments, and networking. Drew was connected. He introduced Jason to club presidents, early-stage startup founders, even a student who claimed his dad was on the board of a Fortune 500 company.
Jason kept his answers vague but impressive. The System gave him just enough charisma to sound like he belonged.
"Finance major. Looking into startup opportunities."
"Yeah, I just transferred this semester."
"Still exploring my options."
The more he spoke, the more they liked him.
[System Notification: Contacts Made – 5+]Optional Objective Complete.Reward Unlocked: Daily Cash Flow Function (Tier 1)$500/day will now be deposited into Host Reserve Account.
Jason blinked. He felt it. A subtle energy shift—like the world itself just got slightly easier.
He checked his phone. A new balance notification flashed briefly before disappearing.
His account now had $500… and it would grow again tomorrow.
An hour later, Jason slipped away from the networking crowds and stepped out onto the back balcony. The air was cooler out here, scented with night flowers and distant barbecue smoke.
Below him was a sprawling backyard lit by fairy lights. Students danced near the pool. Laughter echoed through the trees.
He leaned on the railing, letting the fresh air calm his mind. He was trying to enjoy it, but the truth was... this all felt surreal.
He never thought he'd be here.
Not after what he'd been through.
He remembered the long nights alone after his parents' accident. The cold floor of the orphanage. The ache in his stomach, not just from hunger, but from being forgotten. From being unloved.
And then Lily…
He frowned.
Before he could spiral, someone joined him on the balcony.
"Hey, handsome. You're not hiding out here, are you?"
Jason turned. A girl stood next to him. She was beautiful—long red hair, emerald-green dress, and a confident smile.
"Just taking a breather," he said.
She offered her hand. "Emily. I've seen you walking around campus. But I didn't know you were this interesting."
Jason shook her hand gently. "Jason."
"Well, Jason," she said, stepping a bit closer, "I think you've just dethroned every guy here tonight."
He smirked, but didn't answer.
Emily leaned on the railing beside him. "Everyone's talking about you. Where did you come from?"
"Nowhere special."
She chuckled. "That's the most mysterious answer you could've given. I like that."
Jason wasn't sure if he wanted to flirt tonight, but she was charming. Confident. And more importantly—she didn't know his past.
Before they could speak more, a wave of gasps erupted from inside. Jason turned his head.
Someone new had entered.
He saw her immediately—Lily.
She wore a deep green satin dress, hair curled and flowing. Her makeup was subtle, but stunning. She moved with practiced grace, like she was trying to make up for something. Like she was searching for someone.
Their eyes met.
She froze.
Jason looked at her for only a second before turning back to Emily.
"You want to go back in?" he asked.
Emily blinked. "Sure."
As they walked inside, Lily watched every step.
Jason didn't stop. Didn't acknowledge her. He just passed her by.
But as he did, he whispered:"You missed your chance."
Her breath caught. Her head turned, shocked. But Jason and Emily had already disappeared into the crowd.
Later that night, Jason sat on a lounge chair by the pool, sipping from a cup of soda. Most of the party had migrated outdoors now. Laughter floated in the air like music.
He stared at the sky, feeling… full.
Not just because of the drinks or the money.
But because he was finally living.
[System Notification]Quest Chain Progress: 12%New Passive Skill Unlocked: Social Intuition (Lv. 1)– Subtle awareness of social dynamics– +10% charm and persuasion in group settings
Jason grinned. This was only the beginning.
He had the system.
He had the power.
And now, he had the stage.
He wasn't the Jason they used to know.
He was becoming someone unstoppable.