"I'm tired," the young man muttered, his voice barely audible over the hum of the city around him. He was average in every conceivable way—average height, average looks, and an average life.
He wasn't rich, popular, or exceptionally talented in anything that would make him stand out.
His life was a constant cycle of routine and monotony, and lately, it felt as though a dark cloud had settled over him, refusing to lift.
He sat on a bench, watching couples stroll by hand in hand, their laughter and whispers filling the air with a warmth he desperately craved.
He longed for a connection, for someone to share his life with, but that seemed like an impossible dream. He was already 18 years old, and the loneliness weighed heavily on him.
He hadn't yet experienced the touch of another, and the isolation gnawed at his self-esteem. His hand had been his only companion during these lonely nights, a sad reminder of his solitude.
As he stared blankly at the passing crowd, his thoughts drifted to the many times he had wished for something—anything—that could change his life.
He fantasized about being different, about having some incredible talent or power that would set him apart, make him special.
But reality was a harsh mistress, and every day was a reminder of his insignificance.
Just as he was about to sink deeper into his melancholy, a sudden "ding!" echoed in his ears. It was a strange sound, one that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.
Before he could even register what was happening, an overwhelming force surged through his body. It was as if every cell in his being was being infused with raw, unimaginable power.
He gasped, his eyes widening in shock as divine strength coursed through his veins, transforming him from the inside out. His muscles tightened and expanded, his senses sharpened to a razor's edge.
He could feel every heartbeat, every breath, with a clarity that was almost overwhelming.
And then, as if a floodgate had been opened, countless immortal techniques and ancient knowledge poured into his mind.
He saw visions of distant realms, of gods and demons, of battles fought across the ages.
In a blink of an eye, the young man was no longer the average, unremarkable person he had been just moments before. He had become a true immortal, a being of unimaginable power and wisdom.
He could feel it in every fiber of his being—he was different now, special in ways he had only ever dreamed of.
The world around him seemed smaller, less daunting, as if it had suddenly shifted to accommodate his new reality.
He stood up from the bench, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and disbelief.
He clenched his fist, feeling the raw power surging through his arm, and for the first time in a long while, a smile crept onto his face.
The loneliness, the despair, the feelings of inadequacy—they were all fading away, replaced by a new sense of purpose.
"Wow!" our now overpowered protagonist exclaimed, his voice filled with awe and excitement. He began experimenting with his newfound abilities, marveling at the vast array of powers at his command.
With a mere thought, he activated his divine sense, and his consciousness expanded, scouring the entire universe in an instant. He glimpsed countless worlds, each teeming with life and wonder.
Among them were mysterious xianxia realms, where fairies and goddesses roamed, their ethereal beauty and power captivating his imagination.
He knew he would visit those worlds someday, but for now, he had unfinished business in the mortal realm.
"First things first," he murmured to himself, a sly smile playing on his lips. He set about arranging a series of fortuitous events to improve his life.
With a flick of his hand, he manipulated the threads of fate, ensuring that everything would fall into place perfectly.
The next morning, his efforts bore fruit. He woke to the news that he had won the lottery, a staggering sum that would change his life forever.
Without hesitation, he used his newfound wealth to secure his family's future. He ensured his parents could retire in comfort, free from the worries of the mundane world.
He showered his siblings with wealth beyond their wildest dreams, more money than they could have ever imagined.
"If I can do it easily, why not spoil them a little?" he thought, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction as he watched his family's joy.
He relished the opportunity to give them everything they had ever wanted, to lift them from the struggles of their previous lives and bring them into a world of abundance.
* * *
One week later, our newly overpowered protagonist was cruising to school in the latest sports car, its sleek design and roaring engine turning heads as he pulled into the parking lot.
As expected, he was immediately swarmed by curious students, especially his classmates, all eager to know how he had suddenly come into such wealth.
It didn't take long for word to spread across the campus that he had won the lottery.
In a single day, he gained thousands of new "friends," each one hoping to get close to him, to bask in the glow of his newfound fortune. They flocked to him, trying to curry favor and latch onto his success.
But despite the sudden influx of attention, our protagonist remained focused, his gaze never wavering from his true goal.
"Hi Jasmine! Can I have your number?" our op main character asked a freshman student like himself. Jasmine Turner was the most stunning girl in their batch, so it was only natural to approach her first.
"You're Thomas Price," Jasmine replied, recognizing him. It wasn't hard to do, since his face and story had spread like wildfire on social media.
"That I am. So, can I have your number then?" Thomas asked with a charming smile. Jasmine blushed and nodded.
Although she and her family weren't struggling financially, they were barely considered middle class. Having a rich friend like Thomas didn't seem like a bad idea at all.
And so, that was how their relationship began.