Darren woke up to the sun filtering weakly through the dirty curtains.
The black designer clothes from last night were neatly folded on his chair — a reminder of the night his life quietly changed.
But he couldn't dwell on comfort.
The system's message was clear:
[Asset Rebate Active – Invest now to unlock bonuses.]
He pulled out his notebook and flipped to the page he'd started.
A list of possible investments — failing shops, abandoned vehicles, old tech — stared back at him.
His mind raced.
What could he afford?
What could turn a profit fast?
He scrolled through classified ads on his phone, hunting for bargains.
Then he saw it.
An old convenience store on the edge of the neighborhood.
Owner desperate to sell. No buyers for months.
"Runs on fumes," the listing said. "Needs renovation."
Price: £4,000.
He blinked.
He had enough in his account.
With a shaky breath, Darren tapped Contact Seller.
Two days later, Darren stood outside the rundown shop.
Broken windows. Faded sign. Graffiti on the walls.
A place most people avoided after dark.
The owner, an old man with tired eyes, handed over the keys.
"Good luck," he muttered. "You'll need it."
Darren smiled thinly.
"Thank you."
The system buzzed.
[Investment confirmed. You have activated Asset Rebate: 50% cashback on purchase.]
[Bonus unlocked: Business Repair Kit.]
A holographic toolkit appeared in Darren's vision, showing tools and tutorials — everything he needed to renovate a failing business.
He stared in disbelief.
This system isn't just paying him back — it's teaching him.
Over the next week, Darren worked every day after his part-time job.
He cleaned, fixed shelves, repainted walls.
Neighbors watched skeptically.
"You really think you can make that dump profitable?" one sneered.
Darren said nothing.
He was learning.
The system gave updates:
[Progress: 20% complete. Unlock: Customer Flow Boost in 3 days.]
[Reminder: Check in daily to maintain bonuses.]
Darren checked in every day.
His balance slowly grew.
One evening, as he replaced a broken light fixture, the door swung open.
Aria stepped in, eyes wide.
"You're working yourself to death."
He wiped sweat from his brow.
"I have to."
She sighed.
"Just don't forget you're not alone."
Darren nodded.
His empire wasn't just about money.
It was about family.
That night, the system pinged again:
[Asset Upgrade Available: Install Advertising Sign for +10% customer increase.]
[Warning: Upgrade requires £500.]
Darren hesitated.
It was a gamble.
But he tapped Confirm.
The sign lit up bright, painting the street in neon.
And slowly, customers started coming.
By the end of the chapter, Darren checks his balance.
£6,300.
Not a fortune.
But his first real profit.
A quiet victory.