Ethan walked out of the Opulence Royale Hotel, his thoughts buzzing from his recent meeting with David Turner.
The deal was finalized, and he will soon be the majority shareholder of NovaTech Innovations, his own tech company.
It was almost dreamlike, realizing he was on the verge of starting something that could transform his life and his family's.
Leaving the hotel, Ethan felt an odd discomfort. The duffel bag full of cash was no longer in his possession, yet something about the evening seemed unsettling.
He dismissed the feeling and checked his phone, tapping into the Unlimited System to catch up on a notification he had overlooked during the meeting.
=====
[System Notification]
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Current Level: 2
EXP: 500 / 1000 → 2500 / 3000
Ascension Points: 0 → 10 (Mission's reward)
Attributes Increased:
Strength: +1
Speed: +1
Endurance: +1
Intelligence: +1
Charisma: +1
Free Attribute Points Earned: 10
=====
Ethan raised an eyebrow, impressed. He quickly opened his Status Panel.
=====
[Status Panel]
Name: Ethan Cole
Level: 2
EXP: 2500 / 3000
Ascension Points: 10
Wealth: Unlimited
Attributes:
Strength: 5
Speed: 6
Endurance: 5
Intelligence: 16
Charisma: 6
Free Attribute Points: 10
Skills: [None Unlocked]
=====
"Looks like I get +1 to all my attributes every time I level up," Ethan thought, smiling.
This, along with the additional attribute points he received, would let him tailor his growth even more. It reminded him of leveling up in video games.
'I should save these points for now since I'm not yet sure what they're for,' he concluded.
Deciding to conserve his points, he wanted to wait and figure out the most strategic way to use them later.
While Ethan thought about his next move, he remained oblivious that he was being followed.
Zidan and Mark, members of a minor criminal group in the news recently, were tailing him closely.
This gang had just executed a significant theft at an electronics store just last week—a robbery that Jordan had mentioned to Ethan.
They managed to clear out the store but found no major haul. However, luck was on their side shortly after.
Inside a bank, Zidan and Mark overheard a conversation with Suzanne, a bank teller, who inadvertently revealed information about Ethan's billion-dollar account.
That revelation had thrown them into a frenzy. They quickly inform their gang leader, Lena. They are given a clear mission: learn everything about Ethan and then rob him completely.
"Yo, Zidan," Mark whispered, keeping a safe distance behind Ethan. "Do you really think this kid has all that money? Look at him. He seems just like any other guy."
Zidan, taller and often considering himself the smarter one, just smirked.
"Didn't you hear what Suzanne, the bank employee, said? The kid's loaded. A billion bucks, Mark. That's a thousand million. His appearance doesn't matter; he could be in flip-flops for all I care. We've hit the jackpot with this one."
Mark scratched his head, still not entirely convinced. "But what if it's all a big mistake? Maybe the bank's got it wrong, and they'll correct it soon. It doesn't seem right that a kid like him would have that much money."
Zidan let out a sigh. "That's exactly why we're tailing him, genius. We figured out where he lives and got a handle on his daily routine. Then, when the time is right—boom! We make our move."
Mark, bouncing a little with every step, nodded in agreement. "Got it, got it. But he's heading into a really shabby neighborhood. Are we sure he's the guy we're after?"
Zidan rolled his eyes but didn't take his gaze off Ethan. "Trust me. Once we understand how he's living so lavishly, we'll know exactly how to hit him where it hurts."
Meanwhile, Ethan was on his way home, oblivious that he was being watched. His thoughts were preoccupied with his family. How would he break the news to them?
His family was down-to-earth, especially his father, Aaron. Telling them about his plans to start a tech company with David Turner would undoubtedly be a surprise.
Ethan reached his building, a structure marred by peeling paint and cracked windows, a constant reminder of his family's financial struggles. Yet, he was determined to change their fortunes.
Across the street, Zidan and Mark were stopped in their tracks, staring at Ethan's building in disbelief.
Mark gaped at the dilapidated apartment. "Hey, Zidan... this can't be right. This dump is where Mr. Billionaire lives? Did we mix him up with someone else?"
Zidan, equally shocked, responded, "Impossible. This place? It looks like it's falling apart! Are you sure Suzanne didn't get her numbers mixed up?"
Mark couldn't help but laugh, holding his stomach. "Maybe they paid him in Monopoly money! Seriously, this guy is living worse than we are!"
Zidan, frustrated, rubbed his temples. "Enough, Mark. There has to be an explanation. Some wealthy folks live modestly to avoid drawing attention."
Mark, smirking, added, "Well, he's nailing it then. This place is so sketchy, even rats would think twice."
Zidan, glaring at Mark, snapped, "Keep it together! We need to find out where he's hiding his wealth. Just stay focused. We'll keep an eye on him a bit longer."
Mark, unfazed, shrugged. "Alright, but I'm done if I see him eating ramen for dinner. Rich folks aren't supposed to live like us."
Inside, Ethan steeled himself as he entered his apartment, immediately greeted by the comforting smell of his mom's cooking.
His mother, Elise, was bustling around the kitchen, while his father, Aaron, was engrossed in the newspaper on the couch. His younger siblings were gathered around the old TV, absorbed in a cartoon.
"Ethan," called Elise from the kitchen, her smile bright as she stirred a pot. "Perfect timing. Dinner's almost ready."
Ethan took a deep breath, placing his bag down, his heart racing. It was time.
"Mom, Dad, I need to talk to you. It's important," he announced.
Aaron set his newspaper aside, eyeing Ethan with concern. "What's going on, son?"
Ethan hesitated, then pulled out some signed documents from his bag. "I've started a tech company with David Turner as my partner."
The room went quiet.
Elise paused, her spoon hanging in the air, as she turned to Ethan, disbelief on her face. "A company? With David Turner?" she echoed. "But you're still in school, Ethan."
"I know, Mom," Ethan replied, moving closer to hand the documents to Aaron. "But it's real. We signed the papers today. NovaTech Innovations. It's going to make a big difference for us."
Aaron took the papers, his brow creasing with each word he read. His hand shook slightly when he saw David Turner's name and signature.
"David Turner... the David Turner?" Aaron whispered in disbelief. "How did you manage that?"
Ethan saw disbelief but also a glimmer of pride in his dad's eyes. "We're going to be developing apps and hiring developers. I'll handle the tech, and we'll bring people on for everything else."
Elise came over, looking at the papers. "How are you going to manage this and school? It's a lot, Ethan."
Ethan acknowledged their valid concerns. "I've managed school and work before. I can do this. It's for all of us to get us out of here."
Seeing the determination in Ethan's eyes, Aaron's expression softened. "A company... I never imagined. NovaTech Innovations... you're really doing it."
Elise, too, softened, touching Ethan's arm. "We're proud of you, Ethan. Just be careful not to overdo it."
"I won't," Ethan promised, relieved at their support. "I'll be careful."
Aaron handed back the papers, still in disbelief but smiling. "Looks like we have a businessman in the family now."
Meanwhile, Zidan and Mark watched from a distance.
"Yo, Zidan," Mark whispered, "this is bizarre. A billionaire in a dump, making dinner like it's normal? What's up with that?"
Zidan sighed. "I don't know, but we stick to the plan. Keep watching him. There's more to this kid."
Mark chuckled. "Fine, but I'm not saying no to a free meal if he offers."
Back inside, Ethan sat down to dinner with his family, a sense of relief washing over him. They believed in him and his company. Everything was falling into place.
Yet, despite the warmth of his family, the unease from earlier remained. Was someone watching him?
He brushed the thought aside. There was too much at stake to be distracted now.