Ding!"
"Event: Classified Tracking of Nova Bank, completion time: 2 minutes and 48 seconds."
"Congratulations, Host, for intercepting a movie plot."
"Congratulations, Host, reward is being distributed."
"Ding!"
"Congratulations, Host, you have earned one spin on the prize wheel."
"Congratulations, Host, you have received 5 attribute points."
"As this is the Host's first time intercepting a movie plot, a random skill upgrade is awarded."
"Drawing… Congratulations, your Iron Cloth skill has been upgraded to Elite."
Lee Tae took off his mask, standing silently in the wind. A movie plot? Was this world not just based on the movie New World? A fusion of cinematic universes? Contemplating this, he spun the prize wheel.
"Ding."
"Spin successful. Acquired: Bodyguard Ah-Chi (from SPL 2), with 100% loyalty to the Host. Expected to arrive at Host's designated location within four hours."
Seeing Ah-Chi's face on the prize wheel brought a smile to Lee Tae's face. Finally, a familiar character. He wasn't too familiar with Korean dramas, but characters from Hong Kong films? He knew them well. If the system was giving this signal, it meant he was safe for now. Crouching, he opened the duffel bag. The gleaming gold bars weren't just beautiful; they were the most enticing treasures in the world.
"Ding! Would you like to repay your loan?"
As he placed his hand on a gold bar, he heard the system prompt. Smiling, he answered without hesitation, "Yes."
"Detected item: gold. Exchangeable for Korean won, US dollars, or British pounds."
"Please select."
Lee Tae felt a newfound admiration for the system—it even handled logistics! The recent arsenal, as well as all the equipment on him, had been bought on credit. Not only could the system extend credit, but it also took care of the hassles.
"Korean won."
"Calculating value… Current worth: 7.6 billion won. Deducting a 10% fee, would you like to exchange?"
"Exchange."
"Exchange successful, 6.84 billion won has been added to your system balance."
With a flash of white light, the three duffel bags of gold bars vanished.
"The Host may use the balance to purchase store items or link a bank card for withdrawal."
"Detected outstanding loan of 380 million won; amount has been deducted automatically."
Watching his balance drop from 6.84 billion won to 6.802 billion, a thrill of joy surged within Lee Tae. This system was more useful than he'd realized. Impressive! He'd need to study its functions further. He picked up the M4 and opted to return it.
"Ding! Item returned successfully. The Host now has permanent usage rights for this weapon."
"Next loan will incur a 1% maintenance fee."
With a hearty laugh, he tossed the empty duffel bags into the sea. For the first time since coming to this world, Lee Tae felt true freedom. Who knew the system would be this powerful? From now on, the world was his to explore, his personal ATM. Goodbye, undercover work—he'd set that aside.
The speedboat sliced through the waves, startling a flock of seagulls that flew off, fading into the distance. Watching them disappear, he felt all his doubts about being transported here vanish. With such a powerful system and his skills, he could live an even more exciting life here—better than before, and that was enough!
Yellow Ox, at the helm, said quietly, "Boss, we're almost there."
"Take off all the gear," he instructed. Passing over masks and weapons, his subordinates showed no surprise. The gold bars had vanished, so a few pieces of equipment were nothing. Besides, they were his loyalists, generated by the system; there was no need for secrets with them.
At the arcade, Lee Tae strolled in to see Ding Qing lounging with his feet propped on the boss's desk, beer in hand. "Hey, kid, where have you been these last three days?"
Dropping his feet to the floor, Ding Qing ran over, circling him. "Seriously, am I still your big brother? Running off without a word?"
"You're so annoying." Ignoring him, Lee Tae sank into the boss's chair, finally able to relax after the exhausting three days.
Closing the glass door, Ding Qing leaned in. "Kid, are you mad 'cause I didn't get you flowers? Come on, what's with the long face?"
"Man, lighten up. It's been a while; can't you give your big bro a smile?" He added with a grin, "So… did you make some money?"
A glint flashed in Lee Tae's eyes before he replied casually, "Get the electronic parts ready. We're investing in a factory."
Ding Qing froze, realizing instantly that his little brother had just made a big score. He wanted to ask but knew he'd get nothing. The curiosity was killing him, though. Acting like a monkey, he finally sidled up, grinning. "Hey, buddy, come on, spill it!"
Miming holding a wad of cash with his right hand, he said, "Just a tiny bit of info would do."
"First time in this line of work?" Lee Tae shot back. "If you're this curious, why not try being a paparazzo—go snap some celebrity gossip."
Annoyed, Ding Qing stomped out, muttering, "You! Yeah, you—come here. You're taking a kick for your disrespectful big brother!"
A moment later, Ding Qing swaggered back in, grinning like a victorious general. "Hey, kid, your big brother's got something important to tell you." He held out a cigarette with a smirk. "Come on, light me up."