The morning sun pierced through the gray skies over Elmridge University, but for Kael Virell, the world had never looked more alive.
For the first time in twenty years, he didn't feel weak or insignificant. He felt… powerful. The system interface hovered at the edge of his vision like a loyal sentinel, waiting for his command.
His mind raced with possibilities. The store was still mostly locked, but one option gleamed softly: Starter Pack: 1 Credit.
Without hesitation, Kael opened it.
[You've received: Basic Business Blueprint, Identity Veil (Rare), +1 Talent Point, +$10,000 (Virtual Wallet)]
A shiver ran down his spine as knowledge poured into him—strategies, entrepreneurial models, legal tricks, marketing theories. The Basic Business Blueprint downloaded straight into his mind.
But the Identity Veil was more than just a disguise. It was a spiritual shroud. When worn, it cloaked his presence from tracking and concealed system-related energy.
[Talent Unlocked: Entrepreneur's Spark – Business ideas evolve 20% faster.]
[System Level: 1 → 3]
He exhaled sharply. Just opening the starter pack made him feel like a different person. Stronger. Smarter. Sharper.
---
The Bullies
When Kael stepped onto campus, he already knew what awaited him.
Darrin Coltz, the rugby captain. Malik Fenn, the engineering genius with a vicious streak. And Zayne, the charming heartbreaker who took joy in crushing weaker men.
They stood by the campus café like wolves. And as always, their eyes locked onto Kael.
"Well, well," Darrin grinned. "Orphan boy walks again. No bruises yet today?"
Malik chuckled. "Hey, Kael, need some change? Or maybe a spine?"
Kael's heart beat like war drums—but this time, he didn't back down.
"No, Malik," Kael said calmly. "But maybe you need some humility."
The air shifted. Zayne arched a brow. "Someone's got balls now. You on drugs?"
Kael smirked. "Something like that."
He tapped into the system. A new feature had unlocked just this morning:
[Ability – Charisma Surge (Passive): Gain influence during social interactions. Confidence amplifies effect.]
The moment he activated it, Zayne flinched. Malik hesitated. Darrin took a step back, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
"I don't have time for insects," Kael said. "But you'll wish I did."
With that, he walked past them, not looking back.
Behind him, silence.
---
Establishing Dominion
Back in his room, Kael opened the Business Panel. With the Basic Blueprint downloaded, a virtual assistant greeted him—a golden silhouette named Selis.
Selis: "Welcome, Master Kael. I will assist you in building your first company."
"What do I have to start with?"
Selis: "With $10,000, we can purchase a digital storefront and develop a passive-income knowledge brand using your system-granted business skills. Expected launch time: 24 hours."
"Do it."
[Business Created: Virell Edge – Digital Intelligence Solutions]
[Projected Profit (Week 1): $25,000+]
[System Bonus: +5 EXP, +$5,000 System Credit, +1 Skill Point]
[System Level: 3 → 4]
Kael felt dizzy. Money was flowing already. It wasn't physical yet—but it would be. His first foothold had been made.
---
The Girls Who Noticed
Kael used to be invisible to women. A background blur. A ghost among gods.
But now, something had shifted.
That afternoon, at the student library, he crossed paths with Lyra Venhollow—a mysterious literature major with silver eyes and a reputation for ignoring everyone.
She stopped.
"You're... different," she said.
Kael blinked. "Do I know you?"
"You will." She smiled faintly. "There's something in your aura now. Something ancient. Dangerous."
Before he could respond, she slipped away like a shadow.
Later that day, Alina Crestfall, the business prodigy from the university elite circle, cornered him near the finance department.
"I heard you're launching a startup," she said. "From nothing. That's impossible."
Kael smiled. "Not for me."
Alina studied him. "I don't know how you're doing it. But I want in."
And at sunset, as Kael left the campus, a girl with a hooded cloak and violet eyes bumped into him. A strange warmth passed between them.
"Your blood hums with power," she whispered. "We'll meet again soon."
Kael stood there, stunned.
---
Hidden Potential
That night, he meditated with the system active.
At Level 5, a portion of the store unlocked. He bought a Minor Investment Seed, which automatically placed his funds in high-yield virtual portfolios.
He bought a Combat Readiness Kit, unlocking basic hand-to-hand mastery.
And then, the system pulsed again.
[New Trait Detected: Arcane Sync (Locked – Unlocks at Level 10)]
[Effect: Gain the ability to learn and master other people's powers upon physical or mental contact.]
A shiver ran down his spine.
This wasn't just business.
This was domination.
---
A Message from the Shadows
At midnight, Ascalon returned—this time not in person, but via a system projection.
"You've taken your first step, young lord," he said. "But eyes are already watching. Rival families. Other heirs. Even traitors within the Ten Houses."
Kael nodded. "Let them come."
"You will need to grow quickly. Danger walks beside destiny."
The message flickered, then vanished.
Kael looked out the window, the moon casting silver fire across the sky.
"I will rise," he whispered. "And when I do... the world will kneel."