Chapter 1: The Breakup
In a quiet grove behind Silvercrest University, the evening breeze rustled through the trees, scattering golden leaves across the ground. Students rarely came here; it was the sort of hidden place couples used when they didn't want curious eyes watching them.
Adrian Cross stood there, facing the girl he had loved since high school. Her name was Elena Moore. Her long hair caught the sunset, gleaming like strands of gold, but her eyes held no warmth.
"Adrian, let's break up," she said flatly. No hesitation. No softness. Just cold finality.
The words hit harder than any physical blow.
Adrian's chest tightened. His voice trembled, though he forced himself to stay composed. "Elena… why? What did I do wrong? Haven't I treated you well all these years?"
They had known each other since senior three. Back then, Adrian was the boy every girl admired — smart, handsome, and hardworking despite his modest family. Elena had been the class beauty, bright and full of laughter. Against all odds, they had fallen in love, endured teachers' scoldings, and promised each other that their relationship wouldn't ruin their studies. They had both gotten into Silvercrest University, a national key university, and countless people envied them.
Adrian thought they were unshakable.
But lately… Elena had grown distant. She avoided his calls, brushed off his invitations, and her smile no longer belonged to him. He had noticed, but he never dared to believe it.
Now, her words made it real.
"Elena…" Adrian's voice was lower now, strained with hurt. "Don't tell me this is because of Marcus Vane."
Her lips curved into a faint smile, the kind that cut deeper than open scorn. "And if it is?"
Adrian's fists clenched. "You know what kind of person he is. Marcus is notorious — a playboy. Last semester, he even got a girl pregnant. Do you think a man like that will ever treat you seriously?"
"Marcus told me what happened," Elena said, her tone calm, almost rehearsed. "He said it was a drunken mistake, and that the girl seduced him. He compensated her. That's in the past. What matters is, Marcus can give me the life I want."
She lifted her designer handbag, stroking the golden chain strap. "Do you know what this is, Adrian? A Valérie Luxe — limited edition. It cost over ten thousand. You would never be able to afford something like this even if you worked for ten years."
Her words weren't just sharp — they were cruel. Each one chipped away at the love Adrian thought they shared.
He stared at her, heart pounding, but his pride wouldn't let him beg. "So that's it. You're leaving me because of money?"
Elena sighed, as if she pitied him. "Don't make it sound so shallow. I just… don't want a future where I'm chained by bills and loans. After graduation, we'll need a house, a car, money for everything. With you, I'll never get to live the life I dream of. But Marcus—" her eyes softened, and that was the cruelest part — "Marcus can give me the world."
"Elena…" Adrian's voice was steady now, but his eyes burned. "One day, you'll regret this."
A mocking voice cut through the air.
"Well, well. Talking behind my back, Adrian? That's not very polite."
Both turned to see a tall figure striding over. Marcus Vane. His designer suit fit him perfectly, his watch gleamed, and his smile carried arrogance. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around Elena's waist, pulling her close.
"Marcus," Elena breathed, leaning into him, her voice suddenly soft, almost childlike.
Adrian's jaw tightened. His heart ached, but he refused to show weakness in front of this man.
"Marcus," Adrian said coldly, "you may have money, but money doesn't make you a man. One day, Elena will see through you."
Marcus chuckled, low and mocking. "Adrian, still clinging to your pride? Look at yourself — broke, ordinary, pathetic. What can you offer her? A lifetime of ramen noodles and second-hand clothes?"
He leaned close, his voice a venomous whisper only Adrian could hear. "You've dated her for years and never touched her. I've been with her for a week, and she's already tasted the best suites at the Crystal Crown Hotel. Do you even know what it feels like to stay in a presidential suite? No… of course you don't. People like you will never understand luxury."
He laughed, pulling Elena along. "Come on, baby. Let's not waste time on losers."
Elena glanced back once, her eyes indifferent, before disappearing at Marcus's side.
Adrian stood frozen, the world collapsing around him. His chest heaved, anger and grief colliding like a storm. The girl he had loved for four years… gone, just like that. Replaced by luxury, by money, by another man.
His vision blurred. Blood surged to his head. His lips parted, and a hot, metallic taste filled his mouth.
Pfft!
A mouthful of blood splattered the ground.
The last thing Adrian saw was the fading sunset through the trees before darkness swallowed him whole.
⸻
When consciousness returned, the smell of disinfectant filled his nose. He was lying on a bed in the Silvercrest University infirmary, pale and weak.
Adrian tried to sit up, but a sudden chime echoed in his head.
Ding!
A cold, mechanical voice followed.
[Binding Infinite Fortune System…]
[10%… 30%… 60%… 90%… 100%. Binding complete.]
A glowing screen appeared before his eyes, lines of text shimmering in gold.
⸻
[Host: Adrian Cross]
[Balance: $10,000,000,000,000,000]
[Body: 15 (Weak)]
[Mind: 28 (Normal)]
[Skills: Locked. Requires Fortune Points to unlock.]
[Fortune Points: 0]
⸻
Adrian's eyes widened. His heart raced, and the sorrow he felt moments ago gave way to shock.
Before he could comprehend, the voice continued:
[Welcome, Host Adrian Cross, to the Infinite Fortune System.]
[System Rule: Strength is built upon wealth. For every 100 million dollars spent, Host earns 1 Fortune Point.]
[Fortune Points can enhance body, mind, or unlock unique skills.]
[Warning: Host must never bargain or negotiate. True fortune is lavish, never frugal. A beggar has no right to wield this system.]
The glowing words pulsed once, then faded into his vision.
Adrian's hands trembled. His grief was gone, replaced by something else entirely.
Power.
Unlimited, unimaginable power.
"Elena… Marcus…" he whispered, his eyes cold and sharp as blades. "You chose wealth over me? Fine. From this day on, I'll show you what true wealth is."
The infirmary's silence swallowed his words, but in his chest, a fire had ignited.
And the world was about to burn.