The modified electric bike purred like a jungle cat as Kaito Ryuu carved through Aryanagar's main boulevard.
His Phantom Glide prototype looked like something out of a sci-fi movie—matte-black plating with sleek blue streaks along the edges, AI-synchronized wheels that adapted to surface changes, and a nearly silent hum even at high speed.
> [ VEHICLE BONUS ACTIVE: Stealth Motion + Holographic Dash UI ]
Street Presence: +25% | Public Intrigue: HIGH
Note: Camera flashes detected – 7 local social uploads in progress
He passed stunned pedestrians and slowed traffic, his ride turning heads like a celebrity entering a red carpet.
He wasn't just going fast.
He was going viral.
---
Creative Mindz – The First Asset
Kaito parked outside a tired-looking building with rusted signage: CREATIVE MINDZ — Marketing & Media Solutions.
Peeling paint. Flickering neon. The ghost of a failed dream.
But to Kaito, it was his first business conquest.
> [ SYSTEM TASK COMPLETE – Asset Acquired ]
Creative Mindz HQ acquired for ₹29,500
Passive Monthly Income: ₹6,500
Bonus Skill Fragment: Media Control I
New Stat: Reputation Points (RP) Unlocked
Starting RP: 15
RP affects online influence, system support, and NPC behavior
Can be gained via viral moments, PR wins, flex moves
Can be lost via scandals, fake news, humiliation, or poor taste
A soft ding followed:
> [ SYSTEM NOTICE: PR THREAT INCOMING – REPUTATION ATTACK DETECTED ]
Source: Unverified forum threads, AI-manipulated clips, fake tweet bundles
Estimated Loss: -5 RP
Recommended Counteraction: Flash Campaign OR Influencer Partnership
He snorted. "Arjun Varma, huh? Can't face me in public, so you attack from behind a screen?"
---
Inside the Reclaimed Building
He found a single figure in the dusted lobby—skinny guy in oversized glasses and a nervous smile.
"You must be Mr. Ryuu?" he asked, clutching a laptop.
"Who's asking?"
"Ravi Thakur. Former intern. I never stopped hoping someone would bring this place back. I still have backend access. And honestly, I need a job."
> [ SYSTEM PROMPT: POTENTIAL LOYAL STAFF MEMBER DETECTED ]
Ravi Thakur – Loyalty Potential: 87%
Skill: Basic coding, analytics, media scheduling
Trait: Obsessively Organized
Offer him a position as Operations Lead?
Yes
"Welcome aboard," Kaito said. "You run the digital. I'll run the domination."
> STAFF ACQUIRED: Ravi Thakur – Media Ops Lv.1
Loyalty Bond Established
Trait Bonus: +10% passive income boost
Bonus: Staff Unlocks PR-Based Task Chains
Ravi was already typing. "I've mapped out your viral reach—if we launch now, you'll trend in under 12 hours."
---
The Glow-Up Begins
Within hours, Ravi and Kaito had the first content rolling:
Reels of Kaito on Phantom Glide with cinematic filters
A dramatic audio bite: "I started with nothing. Now I buy businesses before breakfast."
Street interviews edited into mini-documentaries
They posted everything under the new brand: "RRYU MEDIA"
By afternoon:
> 5,000 Followers
RP: +7
New Fans: 2 Romance Thread Inquiries
Title Unlocked: "The Climber" – Social posts gain +10% reach for 7 days
---
Meanwhile… At a Rooftop Café in Glass Gardens
Arjun Varma, heir of Varma Industries, tapped his tablet angrily.
Kaito Ryuu's name was all over ByteX, Threads, Insta—rising fast.
One video, in particular, was blowing up: Kaito standing beside Phantom Glide, saying:
> "They told me I'd never be more than a poor waiter. Now? I tip five times their salary."
Arjun's eye twitched.
He called his assistant.
"Put every burner botnet on this guy. I want fake tweets. AI voice scams. False accusations. Ruin his image."
> [ SYSTEM UPDATE: Shadow Suppression Initiated by Rival ]
Negative Content Burst Detected – 3 Fake Threads Live
Estimated Damage: -9 RP
Immediate Counter Needed
---
Back in Kaito's Studio Apartment
As he reviewed the analytics, Ravi frowned.
"Sir... there's a sudden dip in your RP. Someone's releasing fake accusations about you."
> Claims you scammed an elderly woman
A fake screenshot of Kaito working as a bathroom cleaner
A false clip showing him slapping a child (deepfake)
Kaito's fists clenched. "Arjun. You snake."
> [ COUNTEROPTION UNLOCKED: ULTRA FLEX MOMENT – Cost: ₹20,000 + 3RP ]
Action: Book full-screen ad slot on ByteX's Aryanagar feed for 6 hours
Content: High-def reel + testimonial from real figures + community support
Result: Immediate +12 RP Recovery
Additional Effect: Local Celebrity Status Triggered
He didn't hesitate.
> TRANSACTION COMPLETE – CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
---
Later That Evening – Lexus Towers Mall
As he walked into the mall for a luxury watch battery swap, people stared.
Not because of the bike.
Not because of his looks.
Because of the massive LED billboard above the entrance showing:
"Kaito Ryuu – From Street Sleeper to CEO"
And beside it, clips of Kaito giving food to a local temple, helping his landlord's daughter win a school competition, and his humble apartment start.
> [ RP: +18 | Social Tier: C-Class Triggered ]
Title Gained: "City Flame"
Trait: Passive Fame – You'll be recognized in 2 out of 5 urban zones. Attracts romance & jealousy faster.
---
Enter Sanaya Verma
Inside the mall, someone bumped into Kaito—hard.
"Watch it—" he turned.
It was her.
Sanaya.
The girl from the perfume aisle. Chestnut hair in a messy bun. Canvas bag slung over her shoulder. She blinked, recognizing him.
"Wait… you're the guy on the billboard!"
Kaito smiled. "Guilty."
"I didn't know I almost knocked over a city influencer."
"Most people don't get a second chance to bump into me."
She laughed. "Smooth. I'm Sanaya. Fashion design intern. You?"
"Kaito Ryuu. System-enhanced future billionaire."
"…System what?"
Kaito blinked. "Uh—mental system. You know, planner. Motivational type."
"Right," she said, amused.
> [ ROMANCE THREAD UPDATE – Sanaya Verma ]
Affinity: +15
Curiosity: HIGH
Hidden Trait Detected: Will not fall for fake displays. Prefers mystery & raw honesty.
---
They sat at the café for half an hour.
She talked about her dreams—owning her fashion label, rejecting arranged marriage.
He nodded, thinking, She's more than just another name on a list.
When they parted, she smiled, eyes softer. "Next time, don't let me bump into you. Invite me."
"Deal."
> [ Sanaya Affection Unlocked – Level 2 ]
Bonus: First Link Trigger – She may appear in future system threads as a collaborator or crisis assist.
---
Midnight Rooftop – Unexpected Visit
As Kaito leaned on the rail, drinking cold soda, a familiar voice called from behind.
"You've really started to glow up, Ryuu."
Lyra Kaneshi, the silver-eyed waitress from two chapters ago.
Same cool stare. Same challenging smirk.
"I saw the billboard," she said. "Not bad for someone who was sleeping in alleys last week."
He raised a brow. "Came to mock me?"
"Came to warn you. Someone like Arjun won't stop until you're dust. You need allies."
"I don't do alliances. I do dominance."
She stepped closer.
"I've seen your rise. It's fast. But fast things... burn out."
> [ ROMANCE THREAD UPDATE – Lyra Kaneshi ]
Affinity: +6
Rivalry Spark: ACTIVE
Relationship Type: Chaotic Attraction
Bonus Task Chain Available: "Duel of the Flames"
---
As she turned to leave, she tossed over her shoulder:
"When you're ready to stop surviving and start ruling—call me."
And she disappeared into the night.
Kaito stared at the stars, fire burning in his chest.
Enemies were forming. Romance was stirring.
And the system had only just begun to show its cards.
He grinned.
"Let the games begin."
---
SYSTEM DASHBOARD: Kaito Ryuu
Attribute Value
Liquid Wealth ₹11,000 (post flex expenses)
System Rank C-Class Taskmaster
Properties Studio Apt, Creative Mindz HQ
Vehicles Phantom Glide (Prototype Bike)
Reputation Points 45 (Growing)
Staff Ravi Thakur (Ops Manager)
Rivals Arjun Varma (A-Class Threat)
Romance Threads Lyra (Rival), Sanaya (Soft Interest)
Titles The Untouchable, The Climber, City Flame
---
End of Chapter 4
🡒 Next: Chapter 5 – The First Blow to Old Money