The Fortune System's notification still lingered in Jhon's mind as he stepped out into the crisp morning air, feeling the weight of his newfound abilities settling within him. Moriarty was defeated. His influence shattered. And yet, rather than feeling relief, Jhon felt a strange, quiet anticipation for what lay ahead.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
[Fortune System Notification]
"Mission Complete: Checkmate Moriarty."
Reward Claimed: Advanced Abilities Unlocked.
Skills Unlocked:
- Corporate Influence (Lv. 1): Instill your influence in any organization, subtly guiding decision-makers to align with your goals.
- Market Manipulation (Lv. 1): Influence market conditions on a larger scale, shaping trends to support your investments.
- Enhanced Negotiation (Lv. 1): A boost in communication skills, making deals more favorable and opponents more willing to comply.
With these, Jhon saw an entirely new realm of possibilities opening before him.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
As he entered the office that morning, his staff greeted him with renewed admiration. News of Moriarty's fall had spread like wildfire, and in the business world, Jhon Gray's name was no longer just respected—it was legendary.
Marcus, his most trusted advisor and strategist, was already waiting in his office with a thick folder of reports. As Jhon took his seat, Marcus leaned forward, his tone urgent.
"Jhon, with Moriarty out of the way, the field is wide open. But there are already whispers. Other corporations are watching you. Some out of curiosity, others with... not-so-good intentions."
Jhon raised an eyebrow. He had anticipated this. Moriarty may have been the biggest threat, but he was far from the only one.
"I expected as much," Jhon said, calmly flipping through the new data. "What are we dealing with?"
Marcus leaned in, pointing to specific names and figures, including rising corporations that had once been Moriarty's allies. They were already scrambling to fill the vacuum left by Moriarty's downfall, attempting to absorb his influence and contacts. But Jhon's network, fortified by his latest achievements, provided him with critical intelligence, allowing him to stay one step ahead.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
Later that day, Jhon decided to test his new abilities. He arranged a meeting with one of Moriarty's former business partners, a man named Edward Kline, who was known for his ambition and ruthlessness. Kline had been a close ally to Moriarty, and now, he was scrambling to protect his own interests. But Jhon was ready.
The moment they sat down, Jhon could feel the shift as the Fortune System's Enhanced Negotiation skill activated. He could see subtle signs of Kline's discomfort—the faint twitch of his fingers, the small beads of sweat forming along his hairline.
"So, Mr. Kline," Jhon said, his voice steady, "I understand you're looking for new alliances. I have a proposal that I think you'll find hard to refuse."
Kline shifted uneasily. He had entered the meeting intending to keep Jhon at arm's length, but now, he found himself nodding along, surprisingly captivated by Jhon's words.
Within an hour, the terms were set. Jhon had turned a former enemy into an ally, bringing Kline's influence and resources into his fold. And all it had taken was the right leverage—backed by the Fortune System's powerful skills.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
As Jhon left the meeting, he could feel the Fortune System humming in the background, recording the success of his negotiation. For the first time, he truly sensed the weight of the path he was on. The system wasn't just about wealth anymore. It was about power, influence—control over lives, industries, even nations.
And as he gazed out over the city skyline, a small, chilling thought crept into his mind:
What was the Fortune System truly grooming him for?