The author is begging for some power stones so he can eat!!
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Morning sunlight leaked through the blinds of Tyler's apartment, cutting across the messy room where clothes, notebooks, and the remains of last night's take-out all shared the same ecosystem.He stretched, groaning softly, then instinctively reached for his phone.
Not because he expected messages.Not because anyone usually texted him at this hour.But because the System had turned his phone into the most important object in his life.
It didn't disappoint.
[Good morning, Tyler Brooks.][Your next stage of growth is ready.]
He blinked.
—Already?
A new window unfolded in shimmering blue:
[Main Mission – Tier 2 Unlocked]
Mission: "Break the Boundary."
Objective:Leave your neighborhood and secure a foothold in a higher economic district.
Requirements:– Acquire, rent, or gain access to a property, business, or opportunity in an upscale zone of the city.– Establish at least one valuable contact in that district.– Avoid negative status: "Intimidated by Environment."
Rewards:– $25,000– Rare Skill (B): Urban Insight – enhances perception, negotiation, and understanding of people in high-status environments.– Mystery Drop (A)
Failure Penalty:– Loss of 1 random System Passive.– 48 hours of "Unlucky" status.
Tyler sat up instantly.
—Whoa. This is… big.
The system had given him money, strength, tools, even a blessing of charm.But this?This was the first mission asking him to step into the real world of the wealthy—the type of world Ellen used to dream about but never reach.
And the penalty…He winced. Losing a passive could be devastating.
[Time Limit: 72 hours]
—Three days… to make the biggest move of my life.
He got out of bed, showered, changed into something decent, and headed out.As he walked through his neighborhood—cracked pavement, small stores, and too many memories—he felt the weight of the mission.
Leave the neighborhood.Not forever, maybe.But to grow, he had to step outside it. Literally and figuratively.
The system buzzed again.
[Tip: Opportunities increase with movement. Head downtown.]
—Downtown, huh…? Alright. Let's roll.
The City Expands
Tyler boarded the metro, and as the train sped across the city, the urban landscape shifted.Small apartments gave way to mid-tier shopping blocks.Then to corporate glass.Then to clean, polished stone and sculpted greenery.
When he got off, he felt…Small.Very small.
The district was sparkling.Tall buildings shimmered, and the sidewalks were lined with cafés full of young professionals wearing expensive suits and sipping coffees that cost more than his old weekly groceries.
His chest tightened.
It wasn't fear.Just… awareness.
I don't belong here yet.
The system reacted instantly.
[Status Warning: "Intimidated by Environment" – 6%][Countermeasures Engaged.]
A subtle warmth spread across Tyler's mind, calming him, sharpening him.Aura of Atractiveness, Mental Fortitude, and other small passives he didn't even remember receiving aligned to protect his confidence.
He took a breath.
I do belong here.I just haven't claimed my spot yet.
He walked forward.
The Unexpected Opportunity
He was halfway down a boulevard lined with high-end boutiques when the system chimed again.
[Potential Opportunity Detected]
A glowing arrow appeared above a modern glass building.
The sign read:"Silver Crest Development — Open Lobby."
—A real estate company? That makes sense…
The mission required him to secure access to a property in a richer zone.Why not go straight to the source?
Inside, the building was pristine. Cool air, marble floors, quiet atmosphere.A receptionist looked up, ready to dismiss him—he could see it in her eyes.Tyler was dressed better than usual, but nothing like the wealthy customers she probably dealt with daily.
Before she could speak, the elevator dinged behind her.
A woman rushed out—a whirlwind of perfume, long black hair, and business attire tailored to perfection.She looked like the type of executive who fired people for blinking wrong, but she locked eyes with Tyler and froze.
Just… froze.
Aura of Attractiveness doing overtime again.
She blinked rapidly, regaining composure.
—You. —She pointed at him suddenly— You're perfect.
Tyler nearly stepped back.
—…For what?
She stormed toward him, heels clicking like they were personally offended by the floor.
—My assistant just called in sick, I have a critical investor meeting in twenty minutes, and I need someone with me now. You're dressed decently, you look confident, and—She squinted.—You're not shaking. Good. Come with me.
Tyler stared.
—Wait, what? I didn't—
—No time. —She grabbed his wrist— You'll get paid. And if you help me secure this deal, I'll personally show you a property at a special rate.
Tyler's heart slammed against his ribs.
The mission.The location.The high-value contact.Everything was lining up.
[Opportunity Confirmed: High Value][Potential Contact Identified: Eva Snow – Executive of Silver Crest, Status Level: High]
Eva Snow looked at him, finally slowing down enough to realize she hadn't even introduced herself.
She exhaled sharply.
—Sorry. I'm Eva. Eva Snow.She extended her hand.
He shook it.
—Tyler Brooks.
Her eyes widened subtly, as if the name felt familiar—even though that was impossible.
—Tyler. Good. Follow me. You talk only if necessary, nod when I nudge you, and above all—She fixed his collar, smoothing the fabric with surprising gentleness.—Don't look nervous. Investors smell fear.
Tyler chuckled softly.
—I'll try not to embarrass you.
Eva's lips twitched, the ghost of a smile.
—I doubt you will.
The system chimed softly:
[Mini-Mission Generated: Assist Eva Snow in her investor negotiation.]Reward: Unknown (High Probability of Rare Drop)
Tyler inhaled deeply.
This was it.His first step into the upper tiers of the city.His first move outside the neighborhood.His first taste of a world filled with power, money… and new connections.
He followed Eva into the elevator.
And the doors closed on his old life.