The Golden City Mall was in chaos. The previous owner had just been dragged out by his own security guards.
Alex stood in the middle of the atrium. The General Manager of the mall, a sweating man named Mr. Lee, rushed over with a team of lawyers.
"Mr. Alex!" Mr. Lee bowed so low his nose almost touched the floor. "We have transferred the deed. The staff is awaiting your orders. Should we close the mall for the day?"
Alex looked around. Shoppers were staring at him. He saw Luna standing beside him, still holding the shopping bags, looking like a goddess of war in a summer dress.
"No," Alex said. "Business as usual. But I have two new rules."
Mr. Lee pulled out a notepad, his hands trembling. "Please, dictate them!"
"Rule Number One," Alex pointed to the boutique where he was insulted. "Any store that judges customers by their appearance... evict them. Terminate their lease. I don't want snobs in my building."
"Done! I will evict that boutique immediately!"
"Rule Number Two," Alex looked at Luna. "Whatever she wants, she gets. Free of charge. Bill it to the operational costs."
"Understood, sir!"
Alex nodded. "Good. Now, I need a quiet place. Take me to the Chairman's Office."
[Penthouse Office - Golden City Mall]
Ten minutes later, Alex was sitting in a massive leather chair overlooking the city. He dismissed the staff and sat alone with Luna.
"Luna, guard the door. Let no one in."
"Yes, Master." Luna stood by the door, hand on her hidden dagger.
Alex took a deep breath. It was time.
"System, open the Level 3 Shop."
[System Level 3 Accessed.] [Current Tycoon Points: 20,000.] [New Items Unlocked:]
A holographic menu appeared. The items were glowing with a purple light.
[Genetic Optimization Serum (Grade C):] Cure all diseases and extend lifespan by 10 years. Cost: 10,000 TP.
[Advanced AI Assistant:] A supercomputer to manage your assets. Cost: 15,000 TP.
[God's Eye (Level 1):] Ability to see the "Status Window" of other humans. Reveals Loyalty, Secrets, and Hidden Talents. Cost: 20,000 TP.
Alex stared at the last option.
God's Eye.
He had money. He had muscle. But he didn't have information. He didn't know who to trust. He didn't know who was plotting against him.
"If I have this," Alex whispered, "I can see through anyone."
"System, purchase God's Eye."
[Purchase Confirmed. Deducting 20,000 TP.] [Installing Ocular Upgrade...]
A sharp pain shot through Alex's eyes. It felt like they were burning.
"Argh!" Alex grabbed his face.
"Master!" Luna rushed forward, concern breaking through her icy mask.
"I'm... I'm fine," Alex gasped. The pain vanished as quickly as it came.
He blinked. The world looked sharper. Colors were more vivid.
He looked at Luna.
Suddenly, a transparent blue window appeared next to her head.
[Name: Luna] [Role: Bodyguard] [Loyalty: 100 (Max)] [Current Thought: "If the Master is injured, I will destroy everyone in this building."] [Secret: She secretly likes strawberry ice cream.]
Alex almost laughed. The cold assassin liked strawberry ice cream?
This ability was terrifying. He could read minds... sort of.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.
"Hello?" Alex answered.
"Is this Mr. Alex?" A smooth, professional voice spoke. "I am calling from the Global Elite Auction House. We heard you acquired the Golden City Mall. We have a special invitation for you."
"An auction?" Alex asked.
"Yes. Tonight. We are auctioning rare items... including a private island."
Alex's eyes lit up. A private island? That sounded like a great place to spend money.
"I'll be there," Alex said.
He hung up and looked at Luna with his new eyes.
"Luna," Alex grinned. "Get the car. We're going to an auction. And stop worrying... we'll get ice cream on the way."
Luna's eyes widened. How did he know?