《Getting A System In A Modern World》


 Chapter 1: Silas Kurt

    <h4>Chapter 1: Ss Kurt</h4>


    "What is wrong with you? Why do you behave like someone who has some screws loose in the head," A middle-aged man yells at a young man, who has his head lowered.


    "You know what? Take the rest of the day off. Provide your sales and ounting details for today, and leave," The middle-aged man said and walked out of the casino house.


    The young man looked at the receding figure of the middle-aged man with his fist clenched, and mes of anger burning in his eyes.


    ''I behave like someone who has some screws loose in the head, huh? I wonder how I became that way? Working in his godd*mn ce with no prospects in sight.''


    With anger in his heart, he did his ounting and after he was done, he gave it to one of his colleagues to give it to his boss in his ce.


    "Ss, you''re leaving already?," His colleague asked as he took the book containtaing Ss'' sales and ounting details.


    "Yeah... He told me to take the rest of the day off. I can use it to cool off a bit," Ss said, and made his way out of the casino house.


    As Ss left the casino house, his two colleagues looked at each simultaneously and smiled.


    "Hey Roy, what do you think he did this time around to get sent home?," One of them asked.


    "I don''t know, man. You know he and the boss don''t always see eye to eye," Roy replied.


    "Honestly, I think the problem is with him. I mean look at him, his clothes are faded and worn out. He barely takes care of himself. Not gonna lie, I''ll call him a homeless person if I saw him on the street," The first person said.


    "Come on, Dave. He''s our colleague and besides, it''s not his fault. The work is taxing as hell and we barely get time for ourselves," Roy said as he started going through Ss'' sales and ounting book.


    ******


    Ss, who was on his way home, knew nothing about him being the topic of discussion between his colleagues.


    On the way, still feeling angry, Ss decided to listen to some music to cool off. He plugged in his wired earphones, opened a music streaming tform, selected his ylist, and hit y.


    As the song started to y, Ss closed his eyes briefly and let out a deep breath. After doing that, he felt his chest be lighter and his anger relieved slightly.


    "Feeling so much better," He said with a small smile, and continued walking home.


    ******


    Today to Ss is just like every other average day in his life.


    Yes, just an average day. The argument with his boss happens almost everyday.


    After graduating from high school two years ago with a good result, he decided to start working so that he could save up and go to college, or possibly University.


    That was how he started working at a casino house just after graduation.


    Ss was a person who always tried to make the most out of life. His life in high school was normal for an introvert and a weakling, he was unable to fight back his bullies, and his girlfriend was snatched from him.


    His family situation did not help his case as his single father, a bus captain cared less about him and his younger brother.


    These made him take up the responsibility for his younger brother''s well-being and the household due to his father''s negligence.


    Ss was happy with the little things of life, actually he tried to be. His mother died after his birth, due toplications that arose from it and he was raised temporarily for some years by his father until he remarried, and his stepmother took over.


    His stepmom raised him like her own and to him, she was like the mother he never had.


    Unfortunately, the cruel and cold hands of death took her away. She died two years after giving birth to her son.


    At that point, it felt like the whole world was against him. He lost two mothers and his father was barely in the picture.


    After her death, he vowed to take care of his little brother, Alex. To never make the little boy feel the way he did.


    Few months after his stepmom''s death, his father''s behavior took a downward turn. He started working as a bus captain,ing homete and drunk.


    Anytime hees homete, he never fails to me Ss for everything that has gone wrong for him. From the death of his first and second wife, he pinned the me on young Ss, calling him names and making his self-confidence to hit rock-bottom.


    Ss was unable to have conversations with people or make friends because of these. Every time he walked past people, he would always hear words like stupid, dumb, ogre, ugly, cursed....


    Maybe it was his imagination or he was already broken from constantly hearing such words from his father.


    He did make some friends but they treated him as a tool for schoolwork. He finally gave up on people when his girlfriend in high school publicly dumped him in front of the whole school, and walked away with another guy.


    These made him topletely lose his trust in people, and hate them but he hates himself more.


    *****


    Back to the present.


    Ss stopped in front of a building and pressed the doorbell.


    Few minutester, ady who looked to be in her thirties or forties opened the door.


    "Ss, you''re back early?," She said with a curious expression on her face.


    "Yeah, I was given the rest of the day off," Ss said and walked into the house. He walked towards the stairs, making his way to his room.


    He saw the expression on her face and he was not in the mood for a Q&A session, neither does he have the strength for it.


    Opening the door to his room, he stepped inside and threw himself on the bed, before removing his earphone from his ear and looking at the ceiling deep in thought.


    "Sigh. What a life! Twenty years and nothing to show for it. I want to go to college but I have no funds. I''m not even sure I can get by with student loans, and I still have to worry about Alex.


    I had so many dreams. So many things that I wanted to do and achieve but I haven''t achieved any of them. I don''t even know if I will ever be able to achieve any of them.


    High school was hard but society is even harder. I just wish I could get a money-giving system like those of the main characters in an urban setting web novel.


    What am I thinking? That''s fantasy and this is my reality."


    Exhaustion and fatigue seems to have set in as Ss was slowly drifting into sleep, with his eyelid bing heavy.


    *****


    Outside Earth''s orbit, a white object hovered briefly before descending downward to Earth.


    The object went through the atmosphere, breaking and making all known knowledge of physics irrelevant. It did not experience the heat that any object would face from entering Earth''s atmosphere, and it was not affected by aerodynamic force as it controls its own direction perfectly.


    As the object got closer to the ground, it flickered in and out of existence like a lit candle left outside on a stormy night.


    The object went through the roof of Ss'' house like a phantom, leaving no sign that something went through it.


    The objectnded on Ss'' head and a dim white light covered his body, faintly lighting up the room.


    The light faded and the room returned to normal, and the object was nowhere in sight.


    *****


    In Ss'' subconscious, a cyan screen with messages popped up.


    [Assimting System...]


    [Assimtion Completed]


    [Assessing the host''s condition.....]


    [Host physical and mental condition assessed: Mildly serious]


    [Fixing host condition.... Completed]


    [Generating host stats and information.... Completed]


    [System Activated]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 0]


    [Level Daily Reward And Perk: Reward of $10 every 24 hours, $10 for every missionpleted when host is still in said level]


    _____


    [Strength: 3.5]


    [Agility: 2]


    [Stamina: 2]


    [Intelligence: 3]


    [Charisma: 0.5]


    _____


    [Skill(s): None]


    _____


    [Mission(s):


    Daily Mission(s): Improving And Perfecting Body Condition.


    Press-up, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Sit-up, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Squat, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Running, 10 km: Iplete (0/10)]


    [Mission(s) Reward: $40]


    ******


    Ss, who was still asleep, had no idea of what was happening.

 Chapter 2: A Wish Come True

    <h4>Chapter 2: A Wish Come True</h4>


    A long time passed before Ss slowly opened his eyes. He looked around the room and picked up his phone to check the time.


    *8:23*


    "Wow.. It''ste already? I got home by 3 and slept till 8. Five hours of sleep. When was thest time I actually slept this long?," He said to himself with a smile.


    He was no longer feeling angry, neither was he still he stuffy feeling he always feels in his chest. He felt so calm and free, that it felt like an illusion.


    He was about to keep his phone when he noticed that his phone''s battery was nearly drained. He immediately connected his charger and started charging it.


    Ss was not able to enjoy the newfound feeling when his stomach growled to indicate its empty state.


    "So hungry. I wonder if there''s anything to eat at home," He said as he stood up and made his way to the kitchen.


    The house he''s living in is an average one, with a living room, kitchen and dining that are connected, all located downstairs and three rooms upstairs.


    He and his brother each have a room to themselves, with his father taking the slightly bigger one for himself and sharing it with his girlfriend.


    When he got to the kitchen, he walked to the fridge and took out a ss cup and a jug filled with water, and he poured himself some water.


    As he drank the water, he felt that it tasted different than usual.... It tasted sweet.


    ''Ha.... Things hunger can do to you.''


    He returns the jug back into the fridge and the cup, after washing it. He looked at the second upant of the kitchen, thedy who opened the door for him.


    He saw that she was cooking something, and he walked towards her.


    "Cooking dinner?," He asked as he looked at the steaming hot pot on the cooker.


    Ss'' voice seemed to have given her a scare as her body shook slightly, before she turned to look at him.


    "Ah... Ss! It''s you! You gave me a scare there. Yeah, I''m cooking dinner. You can go to your room, I will let you know when it''s ready," She said with a light chuckle, before smiling at him.


    Looking at the smile on her face, Ss sighed silently and he went back to his room.


    To those who are curious, thedy in the kitchen is Kim, his father''s girlfriend.


    Honestly, he can''t seem to understand how and why she fell in love with his father. The man has no redeeming quality whatsoever.


    Though she is not a jade beauty like some novel will describe, she''s above average and her character is okay.


    The first time he met her was seven months ago, when his father introduced her as the woman he wants to marry next.


    After that day, she visited regrly until she finally moved in, and it has been four months since then.


    Though it has been four months since she started living with them, Ss has still not gotten used to her presence in the house, and his life.


    Maybe it''s because of his experience growing up, Ss now finds it hard to trust someone, especially females and whenever he sees them smiling at him, it irks him to the bones, and Kim''s smile is no different.


    Ss decided to push the thoughts about his dysfunctional life and family to the back of his mind, as he made his way to his younger brother''s room.


    When he got to the door, he knocked on it gently, and it was opened by a little boy.


    Slowly, the door opened and a 10-year-old boy stood in front of him.


    "Brother! I wanted toe to your room but Mom said you''re tired and I shouldn''t disturb you," The boy said as he hugs Ss.


    Ss smiled as he hugged the little boy tightly, and he patted his head in affection. His younger brother, Alex has always been the closest person to him after he lost his step-mom, which is Alex''s mother.


    Since her death, he has done his best to take care of him and raise him to the best of his ability.


    "Hey Alex, what are you doing in your room?" Ss asked, as he let go and bent down to match the little boy''s height.


    "Watching cartoon." Alex replied with a cute smile on his face.


    "What''s the name of the cartoon, chomp?"


    "Spiderman!" The boy replied with a big smile on his showing that he was enjoying the cartoon he was watching.


    "Okay then, you can continue what you''re doing. Dinner will be done soon. After eating dinner, make sure you brush your teeth, take your bath before going to sleep, okay? You have school tomorrow, remember?"


    "Mm-hmm" Little Alex nodded acknowledging his brother''s words.


    "Good! That''s my boy!" Ss ruffled his hair with a smile, before allowing him to go back to watching his cartoons.


    After Alex went back into his room, Ss decided to go to his own room. When he stepped into his room, he frowned when he saw how disorganized it was.


    Immediately, he got to arranging as he made his bed, took out theundry and opened the window for some venttion.


    When he finished what he was doing and was satisfied with it, hey down on his bed.


    "Maybe I shouldn''t go to work tomorrow? I think it would actually be best for me," Ss muttered to himself.


    While Ss was still thinking about his boring and monotonous life, he heard a sound in his head, and a cyan screen with words appeared in his retina.


    [Ding!]


    [Reminder: Host is yet toplete today''s daily mision. Pleaseplete the mission to obtain today''s daily mission''s reward.]


    "Host?! Daily mission?! Daily mission''s reward?!" Ss was inplete shock.


    It''s not that he doesn''t understand what was happening but he found it too hard to believe. It felt like a dream to him, an impossible wishe true.


    It''s actually normal human nature. When something bad happens to them, they take it as it is but when something good happens, they start doubting and questioning the truth of the situation, and Ss is just that type of person.


    Still in doubt and denial, he closed his eyes but he was still seeing the same screen with the same messages.


    He opened his eyes and a solemn expression appeared on his face. He stood up from the bed and pped his cheek tightly, making it almost red and swollen.


    The pain from the p made him wince in pain. Unfortunately and fortunately for him, he could still see the screen.


    "That really hurts! I will never try something like that again..... Now for final confirmation," Ss said, with his excitement growing slowly.


    "... Status"


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 0]


    [Level Daily Reward And Perk: Daily reward of $10, $10 for every missionpleted when host is still in said level]


    _____


    [Strength: 3.5]


    [Agility: 2]


    [Stamina: 2]


    [Intelligence: 3]


    [Charisma: 0.5]


    _____


    [Skill(s): None]


    _____


    [Mission(s):


    Daily Mission(s): Improving And Perfecting Body Condition.


    Press-up, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Sit-up, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Squat, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Running, 10 km: Iplete (0/10)]


    [Mission(s) Reward: $40]


    "YES!!!," Ss screamed as he bumped his fist into the air, in excitement and exhration.


    *******


    Loud scuffling footsteps could be heard as someone was running up the stairs, and the door to Ss'' room opened forcefully as Kim entered followed by his little brother, Alex.


    "Ss, I heard your scream from the kitchen. Is everything ok?," She asked in concern.


    Seeing the worried expression on Kim''s face and the his little brother''s scared face, Ss instantly felt stupid for shouting like an idiot and worst, veryte at night.


    "I''m sorry. I just received a message that I have been waiting for. I''m sorry for disturbing you and causing a ruckus." Ss said apologetically.


    Hearing Ss'' words, Kim decided not to ask further as she understand his attitude towards her.


    "It''s okay but you should try to tone down your voice. It''s quitete, and most people have gone to sleep," She said and left the room.


    "Ohh, and you cane down for dinner." She added before leaving his room.


    "Brother!" Alex said with a concerned expression on his face as he moved towards Ss and hugged him tightly.


    Ss hugged Alex tightly as he tried to pacify him, "It''s okay Alex. Everything is okay."


    "Brother, promise me you won''t go like mom, okay? I don''t want anyone to go again" Alex said as he sobs quietly in his brother''s embrace.


    "Don''t worry Alex. I won''t leave and I will do my best to make you happy, okay? Trust your big brother," Ss said as he caressed Alex''s hair.


    "Mm-hmm. Alex will trust big brother." Alex nodded as he stopped sobbing.


    Ss smiled and ruffled Alex''s hair, as he held his hand and they made their way downstairs.


    ''Thank you Universe for granting my wish.''

 Chapter 3: First Daily Mission Completed, Level Up

    <h4>Chapter 3: First Daily Mission Completed, Level Up</h4>


    After eating dinner, Ss went back to his room to change into his workout clothes. He wore his sneakers and joggers before leaving the house toplete his daily mission.


    Not he really had one specifically designated for workout. He just made do with any of his clothes he felt was the closet to a workout clothes.


    As he walked out of the house, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly, before looking at the quiet street and taking in its beautiful view.


    As a street that is upied by below average, low ie earners and retirees, it''s always clean and very quiet, even more at night.


    Ss smiled sheepishly for no reason and started jogging. Doing an exercise or any taxing activity after eating is not ideal. But he has to as mission''s time was almost up.


    So he decides to take it slowly by starting with a light and slow jog, and gradually picking up his pace.


    As he picked up his pace and broke into a run, he felt as free as the wind. He felt the cool night breeze blowing against his face and his body, bringing with it a cool and refreshing feeling.


    He felt the stress and pressure that has been umting on him for the past few years disappear as he ran, going with the wind.


    He felt so light that it felt like a dream. It took all the willpower he had not to scream in excitement.


    For the past seven years, he has been broken and broken over and over again, but he held on for his little brother, he held on for the future he knew nothing about, but now everything will change.


    At that moment, he made up his mind to rise and stand against all odds. He has been holding on to a bleak future, but there''s no need for that now.


    He will use the system to propel himself to sess, to achieve the dreams and ambitions he has given up on. He doesn''t know what the system, the world and the future has in store for him but he''s determined to face it head-on.


    As he ran, he continued to let out all the bitter and pent up feelings he had bottled up.


    ''This feeling, I hope I get to feel it more. I don''t want it to be an illusion.''


    Thirty minutester, an out-of-breath Ss dragged his tired body home.


    Opening the door, he saw that man, his father slouched on a sofa in the living room, with more than a dozen empty and filled bottles of beer on the table, and a burning cigarette stick between his fingers.


    Ss'' expression changed when he saw this, he decided not to get entangled with him as he quietly made his way upstairs.


    Unfortunately for him, his father had already noticed his presence when he opened the door.


    "Hey b*stard. You go out ande back whenever you want now, huh? It seems like you have started making too much money." The man said as he pointed at Ss, before standing up in a stagger.


    He was about to walk towards Ss when he fell back on the sofa, and let out a deep belch.


    Ss saw this and smiled wryly, as he shook his head. His father never ceases to keep surprising him, and there seems to be no chance for the change to happen.


    His father pushed himself up from the sofa and walked towards him, with a stagger. When he got to where he stood, Ss could smell the strong smell of alcohol and cigarettes wafting from his breath and body.


    "Tell me, b*stard, where did you go? You went to make money, huh? Give your father here some money. Don''t be stingy and ungrateful. I raised you for so long, you should start repaying your debts." His father said and held his cor, and more of the pungent smell wafted out of his mouth as he spoke.


    Ss turned his face away from his father''s face, as the smelling from him was making it hard for him to breathe. These and the fact that his father was holding him by the cor, made him feel like he was being choked.


    He decided to answer his father''s questions, so that he can quickly get away from his father''s presence and go to his room.


    "I just went out for night exercise and I have no money to give right now." Ss said as he stressed the words ''night exercise'', and '' no money'' so that his father could leave him alone.


    "Come on.. I don''t want much. Just give me $500", His father said, not wanting to give up until he gets something out of him.


    "Sorry but I got nothing"


    "What about $200?"


    Ss: *shakes head in response*


    "Hundred?"


    Ss: *shakes head in response*


    "Hahaha... What was I expecting? You''re just as useless as you have been from the start..... Go to your room," His father said, releasing his hold on Ss'' cor, before walking back to the sofa in a stagger.


    Ss saw his father''s actions and sighed in disappointment, as he made his way to his room.


    "BASTARD!.. I heard that. You are sighing at your father, right? Let me tell you, I used to have it big. I once had a good job with good pay but those b*stards set me up and ruined me. Now I''m just a below average bus captain." His father bellows at Ss from the living room.


    Ss did not pay too much attention to his father''s rant as it was not the first time he did it.


    Hearing it only made him sigh more. His emotions though were fleeting, as the same smile he had while running came back to his face, as he opened the door to his room.


    The first thing he did after getting in was to freshen up. The sweat umted from him running was already drying up, and he needs to wash it off before it starts giving him body odor.


    After taking a shower, Ss wore a boxer and a light shirt before lying down on the bed.


    "Let see my progress"


    Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, before opening it as he called up the system''s status interface. He had already been notified that the reward for himpleting the daily mission has been sent to his ount.


    "Status"


    [Ding!]


    [Host haspleted Daily Mission. Daily Mission''s reward has been sent to host bank ount]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 0]


    [Level Daily Reward And Perk: Daily reward of $10, $10 for every missionpleted when host is still in the said level]


    _____


    [Strength: 3.5==>4.0]


    [Agility: 2==>2.5]


    [Stamina: 2==>3]


    [Intelligence: 3]


    [Charisma: 0.5==>1]


    _____


    [Skill(s): None]


    _____


    [Mission(s):


    Daily Mission(s): Improving And Perfecting Body Condition.


    Press-up, 100 times: Completed (100/100)


    Sit-up, 100 times: Completed (100/100)


    Squat, 100 times: Completed (100/100)


    Running, 10 km: Completed (10/10)]


    [Mission(s) Reward: $40]


    Ss saw the screen floating in front of him and a smile crept up to his face. Just immediately after the screen appeared, a notification sound came from his phone.


    *Ding*


    Anxiously and excitedly, he picked up his phone. When he pressed the power button, the phone''s screen lit up and he saw a message from his bank on the phone''s notification''s board.


    [Notice from Merchant Bank: $40 was deposited into your ount at 11:58 P.M]


    Ss saw this and immediately checked his bank bnce.


    $275


    From the initial $235 he had, now it has gone up to $275.


    Ss smiled from ear to ear when he saw this. He looked at the time, it''s almost 12 midnight and from what the system said, he will be rewarded a certain amount of money everyday.


    He also noticed that his attributes points increased but he did not feel any different from before. He decided not to think too much about it, he knew that with time he would get the answer to all his questions.


    "Time to sleep," Ss said as he covered himself with his nket. Unfortunately for him, the sleep was not forting.


    So many thoughts flooded his head making him unable to sleep. Even though he has seen the system screen twice and also received a reward from it, he still felt like everything''s a dream.


    While he was still in thought, a notification sound came from his phone and Ss immediately picked it up to check.


    [Notice from Merchant Bank: $10 was deposited into your ount at 12:00 A.M]


    ''Nice. Now my ount bnce is going up. Just today, $50 without doing anything. Maybe because I''m at level 0, but $10? I guess it will increase as I level up.''


    [Ding!]


    [Congrattions to the host for meeting the System''s level up requirement.]


    [Level Up .]

 Chapter 4: New System Missions

    <h4>Chapter 4: New System Missions</h4>


    [Ding!]


    [Congrattions to the host for meeting the level up requirement.]


    [System has level up to level 1.]


    [Note: Host can increase physical attributes, i.e Strength, Agility, Stamina by improving your body condition, pushing it to its current limits and creating new limits for it.


    Host can increase Intelligence by learning new things, i.e skill, new knowledge.


    Host can increase Charisma by improving body condition, improving personal image...]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 1]


    [Level Daily Reward And Perk: Daily reward of amount between $10 to $100. 10x rebate on all expenses made by host. $10 to $100 reward for every missionpleted when the host is at said level.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): $100,000 bank ount bnce.]


    _____


    [Strength: 4.0]


    [Agility: 2.5]


    [Stamina: 3]


    [Intelligence: 3]


    [Charisma: 1]


    _____


    [Skill(s): None]


    _____


    [Mission(s):


    Daily Mission(s): Improving And Perfecting Body Condition.


    Press-up, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Sit-up, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Squat, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Running, 10 km: Iplete (0/10)]


    [Mission(s) Reward: $40]


    Ss was silent for a moment after reading the message that popped up, taking his time to digest what he read.


    Few secondster, a smile appeared on his face as he closed the system screen. He was happy that he met the level up requirement and leveled up, even though he did not know what it actually was.


    He noticed some differences between his previous status information and the new one.


    Apart from his increased attributes, he saw that the range of amount that he can receive as reward has been increased to $100. Which to him is a very good thing.


    Ss actually does not feel much about the mission rewards, what he actually cares about is the 10x rebate.


    "10x rebate on every expense made by the host...," He said to himself. He understood that it means that whatever amount he spends will be returned back to him multiplied by ten.


    His breath couldn''t help but quicken when he thought of this. He wants nothing more than to start spending money immediately so that he can start receiving his rebates, but he will have to wait, as it was already midnight.


    He decided that the first thing he would do after waking up is to go shopping, but that will be after hepletes his daily mission for the day.


    Another thing he noticed was that the system level up requirement is now being disyed, and all he has to do to increase its level is to have $100,000 in his bank ount.


    He feels that the level up requirement to him is actually something of a walk in the park for him. All he just has to do is spend $10,000 and he would get the amount as rebate sent to his ount. But there''s a tiny problem, he doesn''t have the $10,000.


    ''Not for long though, I will make sure to level up again tomorrow.''


    With this thought, Ss made himself morefortable in the bed and covered himself with his nket, before closing his eyes to sleep.


    ******


    Due to the rush of exhration he felt from yesterday''s event, Ss found it hard to sleep, but he was finally able to sleep after tiring himself out by ying games on his phone.


    This was actually a first for him. He has never found it hard to fall asleep, as he always falls asleep almost immediately after getting into bed.


    It was to be expected though, he works everyday at the casino house from 8 in the morning, to 10 in the night, leaving him little to no time to rest, and he always felt exhausted every time he gets home.


    ******


    Waking up early in the morning, Ss called up his status interface. He wanted to confirm again if what he saw yesterday was real or if it was all just a dream.


    "Status Information."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 1]


    [Level Daily Reward And Perk: Daily reward of amount between $10 to $100. 10x rebate on all expenses made by host. $10 to $100 reward for every missionpleted when the host is at said level.]


    _____


    [Strength: 4.0]


    [Agility: 2.5]


    [Stamina: 3]


    [Intelligence: 3]


    [Charisma: 1]


    _____


    [Skill(s): None]


    _____


    [Mission(s):


    Daily Mission(s): Improving And Perfecting Body Condition.


    Press-up, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Sit-up, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Squat, 100 times: Iplete (0/100)


    Running, 10 km: Iplete (0/10)]


    [Mission(s) Reward: $40]


    .....


    "Hahaha... It''s real," Ss said as he pumped his fist up in happiness.


    "Fuu... I really don''t know how I would have reacted if it was all just a dream," Ss said to himself after calming down, "Time toplete today''s daily mission," He added as he stood up from the bed.


    "Before that, I should call that man and tell him that I''m quitting," Ss said and picked up his phone to call his boss.


    He dialed the number and the call went through, and it was picked after the third ring.


    "Ss, what is it boy? Be fast with whatever it is because I''m quite busy at the moment," His boss''s thick and gruff voice came from the other end of the phone.


    Ss heard this and understood that his boss was already angry at him for calling him so early in the morning, but at the moment, he couldn''t help but care less about how his boss feels. Maybe he would have before, but times changed.


    "I''m calling to tell you that I quit," Ss said, immediately stating his reason for calling.


    "You want to quit? Fine by me then, you''re fired!," His boss said and hung up immediately.


    Ss saw this and smiled. He knew that his boss was very pissed at the moment. One of the reasons is because Ss called him when he was having his ''sweet escape'' with his wife, and the second was because he lost one of his sources of cheapbor.


    Yes, his boss was going at it with his wife. How did Ss know? Because he could hear the moaning in the background, when they were talking. Maybe it''s not his wife, but that was never any of Ss'' problems.


    For the cheapbor as Ss likes to call it, the reason is because the pay he gets was never enough topensate for the amount of work he puts in.


    Ss did not pay much attention to the small interlude that happened between him and his boss, as he walked into the bathroom to brush his teeth, beforeing out to put on clothes for working out.


    After he was done with that, he picked up his phone and his earphones before leaving his room, and made his way downstairs.


    When he got downstairs to the living room, he saw it empty except for his father who was sprawled on the sofa, with alcohol bottles scattered around him and some burnt cigarettes.


    Ss saw this and shook his head. His disappointment level can''t help but level up every time he sees his father''s current lifestyle.


    ''Like, what is wrong with this man?," Ss asked himself as he walked towards the entrance door. He was about to open the door but changed his mind and walked towards the kitchen, to get cleaning materials.


    Ss decided to clean up after his dad because he does not want Alex toe downstairs and see the things on the floor. After he was cleaning and taking out the empty alcohol bottles, he went upstairs to take a nket to cover his dad.


    After he was done, he left the house. When he got outside, he plugged in his earphones and pressed on his ylist, before he started his morning exercise.


    An hourter, Ss was back frompleting his daily mission. Unlike yesterday, Ss noticed that he did not get tired easily as he did yesterday.


    He felt that it was somewhat rted to his increased attributes but he was not certain, but he expects that he would get answers to his questionster in the future.


    ******


    In his room, Ss was about to take his bath when he heard his phone''s notification sound but he decided to ignore it as he could already guess the reason for the notification.


    After taking his bath, Ss went to his closet to choose the clothes he would wear for his shopping, but he was unable to find anything good as all of his clothes were faded, or had more than a hole or two poking through them.


    "My situation was very bad, it seems... I can''t even find anything to wear," Ss said to himself, as he went through his closet.


    After a few minutes of searching and finding nothing, he decided to make do with one of the faded clothes. He immediately puts it on and was about to leave when he heard the system notification in his head, and a screen appeared in his retina.


    [Ding!]


    [New Mission Is Avable!]


    [Mission: Learn three new skills]


    [Reward: $100]

 Chapter 5: Spending To Receive Rebate

    <h4>Chapter 5: Spending To Receive Rebate</h4>


    [Ding!]


    [New Mission Is Avable!]


    [Mission: Learn three new skills]


    [Reward: $100]


    "Nice! New mission and its reward is $100!," Ss said after reading the notification.


    "The thing is how toplete it.. Learning three new skills... I wonder if it''s normal skills or something else?," He said as he thought of the new mission he got from the system.


    Ss decided to put the new mission on hold for the moment, and focus on his n for the day. He did not feel any rush toplete it as there was no time limit on it.


    "Time to go shopping," Ss said and walked out of his room. Before leaving, he decided to check on his brother, Alex.


    When he got to Alex''s room, he saw that he was still sleeping. Ss saw this and smiled, and decided not to wake him up since it was the weekend.


    "Sleep tight champ," Ss said and closed the door.


    ******


    Before going shopping for clothes, Ss decided to get himself something to eat, as he had no idea if he would have time to eat with how he nned the day for himself.


    He found a random restaurant and ordered a simple breakfast. After making his order, Ss selected a table and took his seat, as he waited for his order to arrive.


    Twenty minutester, the waitress brought his order and ced it on his table. Ss saw and thanked her and turned to look at the te in front of him.


    After eating his breakfast of egg, bacon and cheese, Ss walked towards the counter to pay his bills.


    "How much is my bill?," He asked the waitress at the counter.


    "$13 sir," she replied.


    "Ok, add $20 to it. That''s your tip," Ss said as he gave her his bank card.


    The waitress was very happy when she heard this. Though $20 might sound small, but considering that the standard guideline is to donate between 15-20% of the total bill, then you will know that Ss is actually being overly generous.


    She actually would have never believed that someone as shabbily dressed as Ss would be so generous. It''s true when they say that one shouldn''t judge a book by its cover.


    Happily, the waitress made the transaction and gave him back his bank card


    "Thank you, pleasee again," She said as Ss walked out of the restaurant.


    Ss heard this and smiled happily as he waved his hand at her in acknowledgement. Normally, he would have never thought of eating out because of how broke he was, but now, he''s not only eating out but also giving out tips.


    The reason why Ss is actually smiling isn''t because of what the waitress said, but because of this:


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $32. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $320. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    Immediately, Ss felt his phone vibrate slightly in his pocket, an indication that he has received a message.


    He didn''t feel the need to check it as he already knew the content of the message.


    *****


    The door of a small clothing mall opened and Ss walked inside.


    Immediately, he was approached with a smile by the female salesperson.


    "Wee to our store, sir. How may I be of help?," She asked him.


    "I would like to buy some clothes. Give me the best but nothing too shy or loud," He replied.


    "Sure, we have exactly what you''re looking for," She said when she heard what Ss said, "Please wait, I will go get some for you to check," She added and walked towards a clothing rack, and started selecting some clothes.


    Though the female salesperson saw how shabby Ss'' clothes was, she didn''t say anything or think much about it. As someone who has been working the job for a long time now, what has she not seen?.


    Few minutester, the female salesperson came back with some clothes in her hands.


    When she got to where Ss stood, she started showing him the clothes, to which he approved of.


    Ss'' fashion sense could be described as nd. Maybe it was because of his financial situation but he never really cared about what he wore. As long as it covers his body and he''s not naked, he''s fine with it.


    After Ss was done choosing the clothes he wanted, he asked the female salesperson if the store had a changing room, to which she told him, yes.


    Hearing her response, he picked one of the clothes and went to the changing room.


    ...


    Few secondster, Ss walked out of the changing room after changing into the new clothes.


    Aftering out of the changing room, Ss felt a little bit different. He felt like the clothes he was wearing gave him a little bit of confidence.


    During his walk from the restaurant to the store, he could feel the judging gaze of people who saw him, and which made him lower his head subconsciously, but after changing into the new clothes, he felt confident in himself.


    He thought of this and smiled as he walked towards the female salesperson.


    "How much is everything?," He asked when he got where she stood.


    "$499.99," She replied.


    ''$499.99? What''s the 99.9 there? Why not just make it $500?''


    "Here," Ss said as he gave her his bank card.


    Thedy smiled when she saw this, and walked towards the counter to swipe the card.


    Immediately after she swiped the card, Ss received a notification from the system.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $500. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $5000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    Ss nodded in satisfaction when he saw this.


    "Do you do home delivery?," he asked the female salesperson.


    "Yes, but that will cost you more," She replied.


    "That''s fine. I want to buy more clothes for myself and a ten year old boy. Do you have kids'' clothes," He asked.


    "Yes, we do."


    "Okay, let me see what you have."


    The female salesperson nodded and immediately went to bring out the kids'' clothes avable, and more of the clothes that she felt Ss would like.


    ******


    Few minutester, Ss walked out of the store after paying for the clothes and dropping his address for the home delivery.


    The second set of clothes he bought cost him $3000, and this was including the cost of home delivery and the tip for the female salesperson.


    Walking out of the store, Ss made his way to his next destination, the office of a real estatepany.


    On the way, Ss saw an Apple store and walked in. Though as a person, he''s not a fan of Apple and their shenanigans but who says he can''t buy their product.


    Also, he needs to spend to receive rebates, which means the more expensive things are, the better the rebate he receives.


    Ss walked into the store and went to a stand that has an iPhone 15 pro on it. He picked up the phone and gave thedy standing behind the stand his bank card, indicating that he wants to pay for it.


    Ss also decided to buy a MacBook Pro 14. After Ss was done picking what he wanted, thedy swiped the card and gave it back to him, before she started packaging the items for him.


    While thedy was busy with what she was doing, Ss was smiling from ear to ear. The reason?


    This:


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $1199. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $11,990. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $3499. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $34,990. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    Who said that money doesn''t give happiness? Ss would love to see that person right now and give him/her a very good beating.


    "Here you go, sir," Thedy said after she was done with the packaging.


    "Thank you," Ss said as he collected it and left the store.


    Ss'' n was to go to the real estatepany and buy an apartment or a house, but he decided to put it on hold, as he decided to go to a car dealership shop and get himself a car as a means of transportation, since the office of the real estatepany is still a very long distance.

 Chapter 6: Buying A Car

    <h4>Chapter 6: Buying A Car</h4>


    Inside a car dealership shop, Ss was being taken around by the female salesperson, as she introduced the cars in the shop to him.


    "This is thetest product we just got yesterday. The 2024 Chevrolet Camaro, a rear-wheel drive, offered with two body styles: coupe and softtop convertible. Powertrains include a 335-hp V-6, and a heart-pounding 455-hp V-8.


    The high-performance 650-hp Camaro ZL1 is a blend of speed and luxury, ensuring you get your money''s worth. It is priced at $42,495," The female salesperson said as she pointed to ck car.


    One could see how experienced and knowledgeable she is with how she introduced the car and its specs.


    After she was introducing the Camaro, she moved on and walked towards another car, and started introducing it.


    The next few minutes followed with them walking around the shop and thedy introducing each car in the shop, and exining their specifications to Ss.


    While she was still at it, Ss decided to check his ount bnce. He immediately brought out his phone from his pocket and opened his bank app.


    ~$74,000~


    Seeing his ount bnce, Ss felt it so surreal as he could not believe that such an amount of money would ever belong to him, and also considering that he didn''t work for it. After he bought the iPhone and MacBook, he also bought the necessary essories which made his ount bnce to skyrocket to its current amount.


    ''$74k in my ount?! All I had yesterday was $235 and now, it''s $70k. Is this a dream?''


    If he was to be told by someone that such an amount of money would be his, he would scoff at the person, because he knew how bad his previous financial situation was. However, everything has changed in less than twenty-four hours.


    While Ss was still in his own world, thedy was already done with her exnation and was now looking at him.


    Ss was finally brought out of his reverie when he heard her calling him.


    "Sir?," She called as she looked at Ss who had a lost expression on his face. She did not know what he was thinking about, but she knew that it was definitely something good due to the smile on his face.


    Coming out of his reverie, Ss saw the female salesperson looking at him intently, and he smiled to cover his embarrassment before taking a quick nce at the cars around.


    "Sir, which one is to your liking?," The female salesperson asked Ss when she saw Ss looking at the cars.


    The truth is that Ss didn''t even pay attention to thedy when she was doing the introduction and exnation, as he was upied with the joy of seeing his ount bnce so inted.


    Actually, Ss doesn''t care about the cars and their specifications. All he wants at the moment is a means of transportation, not something to show off.


    After taking a quick nce at the cars around, he made his choice as he pointed to a ck car.


    "There. Give me that one," He said to thedy.


    Thedy saw the car he pointed to and nodded, "Excellent choice sir. This is the 2024 Corvette, a car priced at $69,995," She said.


    Ss only nodded and gave her his bank card.


    After she was given the bank card, thedy started walking to the counter to swipe it.


    "Please help me get the legal documents, and all necessary things done. You can add the expenses to the money," Ss said.


    "Okay sir, it will be done," She said and walked towards the door beside the counter, before opening it and disappearing inside.


    Ss was still waiting when he got the system''s notification.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $73,490. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $734,900. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    Seeing the notification, Ss realized that thedy was already done with processing his documents, and just to confirm his thoughts, he saw the door open and thedy emerging from inside with papers in her hands.


    She walked towards him and gave the papers to him, before giving him a ck key fob.


    "Sir, everything has been processed, your license te, insurance and other things have been taken care of. All you just need to do is to sign," She said with a smile.


    "Ok, where do I sign," Ss asked as he flipped through the papers thedy gave to him.


    "You just need to sign here... and here," Thedy said as she pointed to spaces designated for signing.


    Ss saw this and took the pen, and signed. After he was done with it, he walked towards the ck Corvette.


    Getting to the car, Ss ran his hand on the body of the car, having a feel of it. Ss felt like he was touching 24k gold.


    Why wouldn''t he feel that way when the car is worth almost $70k. A cost for a car he would have only dreamed of.


    Ss pressed the unlock button on the car key and the car gave a beep, before its wing-like doors opened like a bird spreading its wings.


    Ss smiled at this and got into the car. He ran his fingers over the steering, down to the ignition button.


    With a light chuckle, he pressed it, and the car''s engine came to life with a roar


    ~Vroom... Vroom... Vroom~


    The sound of the car''s engine felt like music to his ears. He nodded in approval and said to himself, "A money well spent."


    Ss immediately steered the car out of the shop, and into the roads of Oand. Though Ss didn''t have a car before, he has his license and driving is not an issue to him.


    ...


    A ck Corvette shot through the roads of Oand city, surprising its users.


    Luxury cars and luxury sport cars are not something rare in the United States, as people see them very often in popr cities or high affluent ces, but that doesn''t make it cheap either.


    Everyone knows that one needs to have high purchasing power to buy a luxury car, as they are not only expensive but their maintenance costs are actually the same.


    As the car disappeared from view, some of the road users looked on with a yearning expression on their faces.


    Meanwhile in the car, Ss was bobbing his head as he listened to one of his favorite songs, and sometimes, he sang along.


    Currently, he''s on his way to the office of a real estatepany. He wants to get himself either a house or an apartment and move out of his father''s house. However, he''s not optimistic about being able to afford a house with the amount he has in his ount, but getting an apartment should be easy.


    Though Ss has this thought, he couldn''t help but worry about his little brother, Alex. He doesn''t know if he can trust his well-being to Kim after moving out.


    Alex has always been a very quiet boy, never interacting and only staying in his room watching cartoons, or readingic books. The only time Ss knows that Alexes out of his room is when someone calls him out, or it''s time to eat.


    "I just have to take things slowly," Ss said and stepped on the gas.


    ...


    An hourter, Ss stopped and parked in front of a building, beforeing down from the car and walked into the building.


    The building is an office building used by different businesses organizations, and as such, an elevator is needed.


    Walking into the building''s lobby, Ss walked towards thedy who sat at the reception desk, to ask for directions.


    "Hello. Please, which floor is LightHome Properties on?," Ss asked her.


    "Tenth floor."


    "Okay, thank you," Ss said and made his way to the elevator.


    As Ss walked toward the elevator, thedy lowered her head as she bit her lips.


    ''Fuck.. I have been getting turned on so much today just by hearing men''s voices. This is all Dave''s fault, he doesn''t care for me like before'' She thought to herself as her hand slowly found it way to the hem of her skirt.


    ''Should I go and relief myself in the toilet?.. No, I-I can''t do that at work...'' She thought and shook her head internally, as she squeezed the hem of her skirt tightly. ''And besides, doing it myself doesn''t work anymore. Ahh.. I need someone to satisfy me!''


    Who would have thought that the receptionist who was always calm and quiet will have such obscene thoughts running through her head? The quiet ones are really the craziest.


    ...


    The elevator stopped on the tenth floor and Ss walked out of it, and made his way to an office that had a sign saying ''LightHome Properties'' at the top of its door.


    Inside the office, Ss was greeted by a middle-aged man.


    "Wee. Please do have your seat. What can I help you with, sir?," The man asked as he shook Ss'' hand.


    "Thank you," Ss said as he took his seat, "I''m looking to buy a house," He said stating his reason foring.


    "Buying a house.... Can I have your specifications, preference and budget? I will check if we have anything avable," The man said.


    "A good house with at least three rooms, two bathrooms and a budget of $700,000. It should also be in Oand and it will be better if it''s close to Stanford University," Ss said.


    The man was taken aback when he heard what Ss said. He could already guess that Ss was naive and inexperienced when he walked in, but hearing this confirmed it.


    ''A house with at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms for $700,000?! And it should be close to Stanford University?! Where in the world would you see such a thing?''


    Not to mention a house close to Stanford University, even small apartments in and around school areas, and Central Business Districts are very expensive, with the majority of them surpassing the cost of houses in other areas.


    Even though the man had these thoughts, he didn''t voice them out. Instead, he smiled and tried to exin to his potential customer that such a thing he''s asking for is impossible.

 Chapter 7: Getting An Apartment

    <h4>Chapter 7: Getting An Apartment</h4>


    "Sir, I''m sorry to say but getting a house for that amount, and at that location is impossible. I might be able to work it out if you increase the amount, or you can choose another location," The real estate agent said, exining the situation to Ss.


    Ss was not disappointed when he heard this. He was not as naive as the real estate agent thought him to be. He was fully aware that what he was asking for is close to impossible, but who said he can''t try?


    Since he can''t get a house, he decided to go for an alternative, getting an apartment. He would have done as the real estate agent said and increased the money, but he can''t as he only has a little over $700,000 in his ount.


    "What about an apartment? Can I buy or rent an apartment in that same location?," Ss asked.


    "If it''s an apartment, I think we have something that might interest you," The real estate agent said as he picked up a book on the table, and passed it to Ss.


    Ss collected the book and started going through it. The book that the real estate agent gave him is thepany''s listing portfolio of avable properties.


    Ss went through the book, flipping its pages but he could not find anything that interests him. All the properties he saw were either too small, too expensive or are too distant from the location he wants them to be.


    Just when he was about to drop the book, he saw something that caught his eyes, a condominium up for sale.


    "What about this one?," Ss said as he pointed to the picture of the condo.


    The real estate agent saw the property that Ss was interested in and started giving an exnation for it.


    "This is the most recently listed property. The owner is moving out of the city, so he decided to put it up for sale," He exined.


    "Can you get the seller? I want to buy it," Ss said.


    "Yes. Do give me a sec, please," The real estate agent said and picked up his phone, started calling.


    The reason why Ss decided to buy the condo is because it''s somewhat close to Stanford University. It might not actually be that close, considering that it takes an hour''s drive to get to Stanford University from the condo''s location, but it''s the closest property to the educational institution.


    While the real estate agent was still talking to the condo''s seller, Ss decided to check the system''s notifications that he has been putting off.


    [Ding!]


    [Host has met the system''s level up requirement.]


    [Level up.]


    [Congrattions! Host has unlocked system''s store function.


    Host can now purchase items and skills from the system store using system points.]


    [Congrattions, Host has unlocked the system''s exchange function.


    Host can now convert the local currency to system points.


    Host can now exchange the system points for skill points and stats points using the system''s exchange function.]


    [Exchange rate: $10,000=1 System Point.


    1000 System Points=1 Stats Point


    100 System Point=1 Skill Point.]


    [Note: 10x Rebate rewards will now given in different forms i.e cars, buildings, shares, cash.


    10x Rebate will not be applied to any transactions done with the system.]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 2]


    [Level Daily Reward And Perk: Daily reward of amount between $100-$200. 10x rebate on all expenses made by host. $100-$200 reward for every missionpleted when the host is at said level.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Worth $10,000,000 (Cash/Asset).]


    _____


    [Strength: 4.0?5]


    [Agility: 2.5?3]


    [Stamina: 3?5]


    [Intelligence: 3]


    [Charisma: 1?3]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): None]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Mission(s): Learn 3 new skills]


    [Reward: $100]


    _____


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    The first thing that caught his attention was the notifications of new system''s functions that was unlocked after it leveled up.


    ''System store and exchange function... Nice functions,'' Ss thought as he read the notifications again.


    ''Wait... I can exchange money for system points which can also be used to purchase skills from the system store.. What if I buy a skill from the system store and learn it, will it count toward mepleting the new mission?,'' Ss asked himself deep in thought.


    The new mission that was recently given to him by the system is something that has left him confused on how toplete it, but the new system functions that was just unlocked gave him an option on how to go about it.


    Another thing that caught his attention is the notification rted to his rebate. It says that he can now receive his rebates in different forms.


    This means that he can receive almost anything through the rebate, cars, houses, anything!


    Ss felt that these new form of rebate is better than just receiving cash, but the only thing is that he doesn''t know the mechanics behind how the rebates will be given now. That''s something he would find out the answer to in the nearest future.


    ''The exchange rate though... Isn''t it too high?,'' Ss asked himself.


    Even though Ss felt that the exchange rate is high, he knew that he has no reason toin as he''s literarily being given free money.


    Though, he felt somewhat sad because the rebate won''t be applied to any transactions done with the system.


    ''That was supposed to be a another source of ie,'' He said to himself as he thought of it.


    Ss also noticed that the range for the reward amount has been bumped up to $200.


    From its initial $10-$100, it''s now $100-$200. A change that Ss wees with open hands.


    Continuing further, Ss also noticed that his stats experienced a huge increase, which did not surprise him as he was the one that put in the work.


    He pushed himself during his morning exercise, pushing his body to and past its limts to achieve his current stats.


    The only part of his stats that surprised him a little is his Charisma, which went from 0.5 yesterday to 3 today. He knew that the massive increase is somewhat rted to recent workout session he started, and maybe his new clothes.


    ''I neglected myself so much these past two years, leaving my body on the brink of copse,'' Ss said to himself, as he thought of his previous body condition.


    Ss did not know that his body condition was even worst than he thought, nearing critical. It was with the intervention of the system that he was able to quickly get his body back in the right condition, or he would have really copsed in a couple of days even if he started exercising.


    Ss continued to study his new status screen and he noticed some additional changes to it. Some new columns have been added with some signs in front of them.


    Seeing this, Ss could already guess that the [+] sign in front of them is for adding or increasing their points.


    Ss would have loved to open the system store and see the good things it has in store for him, but he will have to put it on hold because the real estate agent is already done with his call.


    "I just spoke to the seller and he said that we cane, and take a look at the house. That''s if you''re free," The real estate agent said, as he got off from the call.


    "We can go. I''m free," Ss replied.


    "Ok then, after you sir," The real estate agent said, as he gestured for Ss to walk out of the office.


    The two of them walked out of the office and took the elevator to the ground floor, before walking out of the building.


    When they got outside, the real estate agent saw Ss walk towards a ck Corvette parked in front of the building, and he was surprised when he saw this.


    He could already guess that his client is some rich kid, and seeing the car proved that.


    Ss who was unaware of the image the real estate agent has of him, opened the door and got inside.


    The real estate agent also got inside and gave Ss the direction to the condo.


    After he got the direction, Ss started the car and drove off towards it.

 Chapter 8: Getting An Apartment(II)

    <h4>Chapter 8: Getting An Apartment(II)</h4>


    "This is it. This is the building," The real estate agent said, as Ss stopped the car and parked in front of a ten-storey residential building.


    After parking, the two of them came down from the car, and the real estate agent walked towards a middle-aged man who seems to be the seller of the condo, standing in front of the building, and Ss followed behind him.


    "Mr Lorenzo, this is the person who wants to buy the condo," The real estate agent said to the man, as he pointed to Ss.


    Mr Lorenzo looked at Ss and told them to follow him, which Ss and the real estate agent did.


    The three of them took the stairs to the top floor of the building, where the condo is located.


    They got to the entrance of the condo and the man unlocked the door and walked inside, with Ss and the real estate agent following behind.


    "Have a look around," Mr Lorenzo said to Ss after they walked inside, to which he nodded and started looking around the condo.


    Ss took a few minutes to look around the condo and assess it, and he was happy with what he saw.


    The condo is a single bedroom apartment, with a full bath, ceiling fan, wooden flooring, washer and dryer.


    A kitchen that''s open to the living room, a breakfast bar, built-in oven, gas cooktop, stone countertops, garbage disposal and a Refrigerator.


    With some additional things like a fire and smoke detector, fire sprinkler system and one-car garage for the condo owner, and a plus, it''s in a good location..


    "How much?," He asked Mr Lorenzo after he was done with his assessment.


    "$379,000. You can pay in installment after dropping down payment of 20%, which is $75,800," Mr Lorenzo replied.


    "Deal. Give me your details and prepare the papers," Ss said and brought out his phone, while Mr Lorenzo walked towards the kitchen countertop to get the papers.


    Mr Lorenzo got back with the papers and gave it to Ss to go through them. Ss went through them and nodded when he saw that they were perfect, and he transferred the full amount to Mr Lorenzo.


    After Ss did the transfer, Mr Lorenzo brought out his phone to confirm it, and he nodded at Ss indicating that he had received the money.


    After he got Mr Lorenzo''s confirmation, Ss signed the papers making him the official owner of the condo.


    After the transaction waspleted, the money and property had changed hands, Mr Lorenzo and the real estate agent left the condo, leaving Ss alone in it.


    Ss looked around the condo one more time before leaving. He decided to park his car at the condo''s garage and call an Uber instead.


    He didn''t have a good feeling about going home with the car, and that''s why he made that decision.


    ...


    Ss waited for a few minutes before his ride arrived. He got in and gave the driver the direction.


    Forty minutester, the Uber stopped in front of his house and Ss came down after paying the fee.


    Ss decided not to go in directly as he walked towards the nearest restaurant. His activities for the day made him very hungry.


    He walked into the restaurant and went to the counter to ce his order.


    "Hello. Please, I would like two 15-piece chicken wings to go," He said to thedy at the counter.


    "That would be $68," Thedy said as she took his order, "Your order will be ready in thirty minutes, please take a table and wait while we get it ready," She added.


    Ss heard this and nodded as he looked around the restaurant for an empty table. Almost all the table were upied but Ss was able to get one that was close to the window.


    Ss walked towards the table and took his seat. While he waited, he decided to check his missed system notifications and maybe, buy some skills andplete the mission he got.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $379,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $3,790,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    ''Status.''


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 2]


    [Level Daily Reward And Perk: Daily reward of amount between $100-$200. 10x rebate on all expenses made by host. $100-$200 reward for every missionpleted when the host is at said level.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Worth $10,000,000 (Cash/Asset).]


    _____


    [Strength: 5]


    [Agility: 3]


    [Stamina: 5]


    [Intelligence: 3]


    [Charisma: 3]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): None]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Mission(s): Learn 3 new skills]


    [Reward: $100]


    _____


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    Ss mentally clicked on the plus sign at the front of the [System Points] and the exchange function screen came up.


    He decided to exchange some cash for system points, and he exchanged $1,000,000 which was converted to 100 System Points.


    Now that he has system points, Ss opened the system store to purchase some skills.


    He was curious to see what type of skills that he would find in the system store.


    ''Surprise me.''


    The system store screen came up and two different options were disyed on it, [Skills] and [Items], and Ss clicked on [Skills].


    A new screen filled with an endless number of [Skills] came up, but Ss was disappointed when he saw its content.


    [Persuasion]


    Description: This skill embodies the art of rhetoric and convincingmunication. A skill that will help and allow the user to sway opinions and decisions with finesse, excelling in craftingpelling arguments, employing charismatic charm, and tailoring their message to suit any audience or situation. The user words carry weight, and they can inspire trust and cooperation even in challenging circumstances. (Cost: 30 System Points.)


    [Emotional Intelligence]


    Description: A skill that epasses a deep understanding of emotions, both in oneself and others. Individuals with high emotional intelligence can read emotional cues, manage their own feelings effectively, and empathize with the emotions of those around them. This skill enhances their ability to build strong rtionships, resolve conflicts, and navigate social dynamics. (Cost: 25 System Points.)


    [Subterfuge]


    Description: A skill that''s involved with the use of deception, cunning, or deceit to achieve a goal, often by concealing one''s true intentions or manipting others without their awareness. (Cost: 50 System Points.)


    .....


    [Combined Skills: [Business], [Fighting], [Academic], [Sport], [Etiquette], [Technology], [Medica]l.


    [Note: Each Combined Skills cost 100 system points. Combined Skills are not upgradable as theye at max level.]


    ....


    ''What are these skills? Where are the fantasy skills I was expecting? And why are they so expensive?'' Ss was disappointed by the list of Skills he saw, and their prices.


    The difference between reality and expectations was huge.


    Ss decided to put his disappointment aside and read the skills'' description.


    ''The skills... they are actually not bad. In fact, they are even better. The only thing is that they are expensive with the cheapest costing 10 system points, which is equivalent to $100,000.''


    After reading the skills'' description, Ss decided to buy some of them, but he was at a dilemma of which to purchase.


    The skills were good but they also cost a lot. The price would have not been a problem for Ss if the rebate was being applied to it, but that''s impossible with the no rebate applicable to any system transactions.


    Ss felt like someone took something important from him when he thought of how much he would have gained if the rebate is being applied.


    Ss decided to allow the system to filter the list and give him the best three skills that he would need at the moment. He didn''t trust himself to make the right choices with his 3 points Intelligence stat.


    The system did as he said and three skills were disyed.


    [Problem-Solving]


    Description: A skill that helps the user to be adept at identifying challenges, devising effective solutions, and implementing them efficiently. The skill also helps the user to possess a systematic approach to addressingplex issues. (Cost: 20 System Points)


    [Memory Mastery]


    Description: A skill that helps the user to enhance memory, retention, and recall of information. It also helps the user to absorb and retain vast amounts of knowledge with precision. (Cost: 30 System Points)


    [Mental Bnce]


    Description: A skill that helps the user to cultivate focus, reduce stress, and improve mental rity. The user can also achieve a sense of bnce and emotional well-being by developing self-awareness, reducing anxiety, and enhancing their ability to concentrate. (Cost: 50 System Points)


    Ss read the skills'' description and made the purchase. He was extremely satisfied with their abilities.


    The skills were exactly what he needed at the moment with his low Intelligence stat.


    [Problem Solving], a skill that will help him to solve all problems.


    [Memory Mastery] will help him to strengthen his memory and his brain retentive ability, allowing him to immediately recall anything he learns. He might even be able to remember the things he did as a toddler.


    [Mental Bnce], the most overpowered of them all. There''s no need to exin the skill that it has already been exined in its description.


    Ss made the purchase for the three skills and the 100 System Points he had returned to nothingness.


    After he made the purchase, a screen popped up.


    [Three skills found. Do you wish to learn them.]


    [Note: When transferring the skills to the host. Host will enter a state of unconsciousness. Please choose a safe ce before epting the transfer.]


    [Do you ept?]


    [Yes] [No]


    Ss saw this and chose [No]. Ss decided to close the system interface after he was done with the purchase. Learning of the skills will happen when he gets home.


    .....


    Ss did not have to wait much longer as he was called up to get counter a few minutester to take his order.


    Ss went to the counter, paid his bills, took his food and left the restaurant.

 Chapter 9: Shadows From The Past

    <h4>Chapter 9: Shadows From The Past</h4>


    *Ding-dong*


    A doorbell rang and a woman opened it some secondster.


    "Ss... Wee," She said with a smile as she looked at the person in front of the door.


    "Thank you," Ss replied and walked into the house.


    "Where''s Alex," He asked as he walked towards the dining, and dropped the food he came home with.


    "In his room."


    "Ok," Ss said and turned to look at the stairs, before shouting, "ALEX!"


    Few secondster, a scuffling sound came as a little boy ran down the stairs into Ss'' arms.


    "Brother," He said as he hugged Ss.


    "How are you, Alex?," Ss asked as he ruffled his hair.


    "Fine. Brother, you didn''t go to work today?," Alex asked curiously. Alex is a kid who understands everything about his family, even his father''s.... lifestyle.


    Though he barely talks, he''s aware of everything, and that includes Ss'' work schedule.


    Ss smiled when he heard Alex''s question.


    "Yeah, I didn''t," He said as he ruffled Alex''s hair, "Come sit, I bought chicken wings."


    Alex''s eyes sparkled when he heard what Ss said. "Chicken wings?," He asked with a drool in his mouth.


    "Yes, chicken wings," Ss replied and pointed to the package on the dining table.


    Alex saw what Ss was pointing to and took his seat.


    After Alex had taken his seat, Ss invited Kim to join them and the three of them sat at the dining table with a te of chicken wings in front of them.


    Ss picked up a chicken wing from his te and took a bite.


    "I''m moving out."


    ".....Y-You''re moving out?," Kim asked in surprise.


    "I got myself an apartment and I will move in soon. Alex won''t being with me but I will being home every weekend to check up on him," Ss replied, before he continued eating.


    "I see... Is it because of me? You''re moving out... because you''re ufortable with me in the house?," She asked with her voice bing slightly heavy at the end of the sentence.


    "Yes," Ss gave a blunt reply and continued eating.


    Kim smiled bitterly when she heard Ss'' answer. She knew that he was ufortable with her presence in the house, but she held on, hoping that things would change after living together for some months, but it seems she''s wrong.


    She remembered the undisguised disgust on his face the first day she was introduced to them, and how his expression changed from disgust to anger.


    She understood the reason why he felt that way. She knew that he felt like she wasing in to rece his mother and stepmom, but that was never her intention.


    All she wanted was to be a good mother and a good wife, but that was just wishful thinking as Ss and Alex never gave her a chance.


    She barely talks to them as they''re always guarded against her, and the only way she can sessfully interact with them is through brief conversation like greeting, asking or answering questions.


    Thinking of this, her eyes became moist as tears started forming. She was getting frustrated with the situation she found herself in. She thought that she could finally start all over again after what happened at the office, but nothing has ever worked out for her.


    She fell in love with someone who couldn''t help but care less about her, and she can even manage a conversation with his kids. She felt so inadequate as a woman and as a potential mother.


    "S-Ss... I-I can leave the house if you want...," She said as she sobbed, trying to hold her tears.


    Ss was surprised when he heard Kim sobbing. He doesn''t know what to think of the situation.


    ''Is she crying because I said yes when she asked if I''m moving out because of her?,'' He asked himself.


    ''Sigh.... What else was I expecting? Of course she would break down. She has tried her best but things have never worked out between us,'' Ss said to himself as he thought of Kim''s previous actions, as she tried to connect with him and Alex.


    He could understand her feelings as it was the same thing he felt whenever he tried to please his father, after his stepmom died.


    The feeling of frustration and not being enough as a son coupled with the degrading insults that were always hurled at him almost everyday, and the breakup incident at school is the reason why he has his current personality, and now he''s doing the same thing to Kim.


    Ss let out a deep sigh as he dropped the chicken wings he was holding, "I''m sorry Kim, that was harsh of me to say," He said in apology.


    "S-Ss.... Am I that bad as a person?," Kim asked with a bitter smile and a teary face.


    Ss felt like a thousand needles were piercing through his heart when he heard her question, as it was exactly the same thing he asked himself.


    "No Kim, you''re not a bad person and you have never been. It''s just... things happened and those things made him be like this, and I''m sorry if I have caused you pain. I deeply regret my actions," Ss said with a solemn voice.


    Kim forced a smile to her face when she heard Ss'' words. She knew that he was sincerely apologizing but she also knew that it would take time for him to really ept her into their home, but she feels that some progress has been made even though it''s small.


    "Thank you.. I will do my best for the family," She said to Ss with her eyes zing with unwavering determination.


    Hearing this, Ss smiled and said, "You''re already doing your best, Kim. No need to do more than that."


    "Thank you...," She said with a warm smile, "This kind of brings back memories," She added and ruffled Alex''s hair.


    "Something simr happened between me and your father at work," She continued.


    Ss looked at Kim in curiosity when he heard what she said. His father''s previous job before bing a bus captain has always been a mystery to him, and the fact that his father always talks about someone setting him up didn''t help matters.


    "You worked with him?," Ss asked curiously.


    "Yes. He was the Sales Department manager and I worked in the same department for a year, before I was transferred to another department and waster promoted to be its manager," She said with a wry smile.


    "Department managers?... That''s some pretty high positions, isn''t it?," He asked in surprise.


    "Yes... it was high, just below the Director position and we were about to get the position," Kim said as she took on a soured expression.


    Hearing what Kim said gave Ss even more surprise. His low Intelligence stat didn''t mean that he waspletely dumb. He understood what it means for someone to be in line to get a Director position in apany. It''s no small feat.


    "What happened then?.... If things were going so well, how did it turn out so bad?," He asked.


    "Two things happened... It all started when the CEO was out for some medical situation and his son took over. Two weeks after he took over, we were fired and were served awsuit for embezzlingpany funds.


    A crime we obviously didn''tmit but what could we do? He already had forged evidence against us.


    He said that the only way he can drop the charges is if ''I go at it with him'' ," She said thest part in code because of Alex, and Ss understood, "This is was not actually the first time he asked me to do such a thing, neither was it the second, third or fourth.


    He always took my rejections calmly but unsurprisingly, he didn''t take thest one in the same manner.


    We were about to stand trial when the charges were suddenly dropped, and we were told that if we don''t want to go to jail, we should never show our face around the premises of thepany, and that was by some armed boys who he sent to us," Kim said exining the incident that happened at the office, and She looked at Ss and saw that he had a confused expression on his face.


    "You must be wondering how your father got involved in the mess?," She asked and Ss nodded.


    "It was because he stood up for me when I was being harassed by Lucas who is the CEO''s son and that made Lucas very angry."


    "Wow." That was only what Ss could say as he thought of the situation that Kim and his father went through.


    As he thought of it, he felt a kind of familiarity with the name that Kim mentioned.


    "Kim, what''s this Lucas''st name?," He asked.


    "Lucas Anderson."


    ''Yes. Anderson.... That''s the name of that b*stard''s father. The bastard who made my high school life a living hell, and the same person who stole his girlfriend from him.


    A debt of two generations must be paid in full,'' Ss said to himself with a creepy smile that sent shivers down one spine.

 Chapter 10: Learning New Skills

    <h4>Chapter 10: Learning New Skills</h4>


    Ss finished his food and went to his room to take his bath, in preparation to learn the new skills.


    ....


    In his room


    "System, initiate the skill transfer," Ss said as hey on his bed.


    [Skill Transfer Initiated.]


    Ss was at a loss when he saw the system message. He remembered the system saying that he will fall unconscious during the skill learning process, but he feels nothing and is very much awake.


    ''Did it make a mista-,'' Ss said to himself but stopped midway, as a very sharp piercing pain coursed through his head, making him open his eyes wide.


    ''Arrrghhh!... F*ck!... it said fall unconscious not experience this type of pain!,'' Ss screams internally. He felt a sharp piercing pain in his head like a thousand knives, and daggers stabbing and cutting through his brain.


    The pain continued to increase and Ss had to bite down on his duvet so that he wouldn''t scream out, as he didn''t want to cause a scene.


    Ss was unable tost another second as he passed out from the immense searing pain.


    ...


    [Sill Transfer Completed.]


    ...


    An unknown amount of time passed before Ss finally woke up. He opened his eyes and tried to get up from the bed, but he was feeling too disoriented and tired to do so.


    He was finally able to get himself together after a few seconds. He pushed himself out of bed and slowly walked towards the bathroom to take his bath.


    His body and bed were drenched in his sweat when he woke up and it was already starting to give off an odor, something he doesn''t like.


    After taking his bath, he brushed his teeth and came out of the bathroom, took out the bedspread and duvet that were soaking wet from his sweat.


    After he was done with that, he decided to check his progress and see if hepleted the mission.


    "Status screen."


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $68. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $680. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [Missionpleted. Reward has been sent to your ount.]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 2]


    [Level Daily Reward And Perk: Daily reward of amount between $100-$200. 10x rebate on all expenses made by the host. $100-$200 reward for every missionpleted when the host is at said level.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Worth $10,000,000 (Cash/Asset).]


    _____


    [Strength: 5]


    [Agility: 3]


    [Stamina: 5]


    [Intelligence: 3?5]


    [Charisma: 3?4]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): [Problem-Solving(Level 1)], [Memory Mastery(Level 1)], [Mental Bnce(Level 1)]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ''Yes!... It worked... and It also increased my stats. My Intelligence and Charisma went up... Not bad," Ss said to himself in satisfaction when he saw he was able toplete the mission, and the increase in some of his stats.


    ''Now, I just have to meet the system''s level up requirement so that I can increase its level,'' He thought to himself.


    "I guess it''s time for another round of shopping..... spending...," He said and walked to his closet to get himself some clothes.


    When Ss got to the closet, he saw that the clothes that he asked thedy at the clothing store to deliver for him had already been delivered, and had been arranged neatly.


    "Kim....," He said with a smile. He randomly selected some clothes that he thinks looks good on him and wore them. After wearing his clothes, he picked up his phone and went downstairs.


    When he got downstairs, he saw Kim setting up the dining table for breakfast.


    "Good morning," He greeted and took his seat.


    "Good morning, Ss. You slept very early yesterday, I came to call for dinner but you were deep asleep," Kim said as she continued what she was doing.


    "Yeah... I was burned outpletely yesterday."


    "I thought as much...," Kim said as she finished setting up the table, and went to call Alex toe down for breakfast.


    After Alex came down, the three of them sat down and started eating.


    "Alex.... Do you want to go shopping with me? I''ll buy you anything you want," Ss asked Alex as he ate his food.


    "Mm-hmm," Alex nodded and continued eating his food.


    "Okay. We will go after you finish eating, okay?."


    "Mm-hmm."


    Kim, who was seated across from them, was surprised to hear what Ss said. She understood the family''s condition more than Alex and she knows how hard things are for them, so she found it hard to understand what Ss is saying.


    No, it''s not that she does not understand but she doesn''t know how and where Ss got the confidence to say what he just said. She couldn''t help but be suspicious.


    ''Where did he get the money from? Did he get himself involved in any shady stuff or did he win a lottery ticket? No... it must be because he won a lottery ticket. But how much did he win? Or is it rted to the message he said he was expecting?''


    Kim quickly dismissed the thoughts of Ss doing shady things and attributed the source of the money to him winning a lottery ticket.


    Though she and Ss did not have much interactions, just like Alex, she understands his character as he was properly raised up by his father. Even though the current behavior of his father is not what one would expect of a father, he was the best one could ask for during his good days.


    Kim had questions but she didn''t want to ask them as it might make Ss feel like she''s intruding on his privacy, and this might ruin the little progress they''ve made.


    While Kim was burning her brain cells over his new behavior, Ss was busy eating his food.


    ...


    Few minutester, Ss and Alex were done eating their food and were ready to leave.


    Before leaving, Ss asked him if there''s anything he would like him to get her but she said she doesn''t want anything.


    Ss took Alex and left after that. When they got outside, an Uber was already waiting.


    Ss called for it while they were still eating as he wanted it to take him to the condo so that he can pick up his car.


    Ss and Alex got into the car, and the driver drove off after Ss gave him the address.


    ...


    In the condo''s garage, Ss opened the door of the Corvette and got in with Alex, before starting the car and driving off to the biggest mall in Oand city.

 Chapter 11: Shopping, Spending & Rebate Reward

    <h4>Chapter 11: Shopping, Spending & Rebate Reward</h4>


    A ck Corvette stopped and parked in front of Oand city''s biggest shopping mall.


    After parking, the two doors of the car opened up and Ss and Alex stepped out of the car.


    "Wow.. This is the first time I''ming to a ce like this," Ss said in awe, as he looked at the huge mall in front of him.


    Ss held Alex''s and they walked into the mall. Inside the mall was very busy as a lot of people could be seen walking around; some were carrying shopping bags while some were taking photos.


    Ss took in the beautiful view of the mall''s interior with a smile. He could not remember thest time he went to a ce that has so much traffic, except his former workce of course.


    "Now, where do we go?," Ss asked himself. He was at a loss at where to go due to therge size of the mall, and so many stores upying it.


    Ss was still in a dilemma when a man walked up to him and Alex.


    "Hello. You look lost. Do you need any help?," The man asked with a warm smile.


    "Yes... Can you take me to any of the luxury brands'' stores? We came for shopping," Ss replied.


    "You want to shop for luxury brands clothes?," The man asked in confirmation and Ss nodded, and he continued, "Then I''m the right person for you. I''m a salesperson for the Hermes store, do you want toe and take a look around?"


    "Sure. Please take me there," Ss said and the man nodded.


    The man turned and started walking towards one of the stores located in the clothing section of the mall, with Ss and Alex following behind him.


    They got to the front of a store with the Hermes sign on top of the door and the man opened the door, and invited them in.


    "Wee to the Hermes store. How may I help you? What type of clothes are you looking to buy?," The man asked after walking into the store.


    "Casuals, meeting and party clothes. Include jackets and some shoes, sneakers preferably and please," Ss said, giving the salesperson the instructions on the type of clothes he wants.


    "OK. Please wait, I will get them ready immediately," The man said and started moving around the store, selecting different clothes.


    While the man was still busy with selecting the clothes, Ss decided to take a look around the store as he walked towards one of the clothes on a clothing rack to check its price.


    Ss grabbed the clothes''s price tag and turned it over. Ss'' mouth opened slightly in shock when he saw the price.


    $3800!


    Ss was shocked. Yes, he knows that clothes made by luxury brands are expensive but to be expensive to this extent was something he didn''t expect.


    Ss'' slight shock didn''tst for long as he got an even bigger one when he saw a cloth with the price tag of $20,000.


    Ss didn''t know what to feel or think when he saw the price. He couldn''t help but think of people who only wear clothes as expensive as this once and dispose of them.


    "What in the actual f*ck?"


    He decided to just wait for the man to finish what he was doing. He didn''t have to wait for long as he saw the man walking towards him a few minutester, with a bunch of clothes and shoes in his hands.


    The man got to where Ss stood and started disying the clothes and shoes to him.


    Ss went through the clothes and shoes that the man brought out and was satisfied with it. What could he say? He asked for quality and he got quality. All the things he mentioned, the man perfectly took note of when selecting the clothes.


    "How much."


    "$174,657."


    "All of them?"


    Yes. All of them."


    Ss smiled wryly when he heard this. Spending $174k on clothes and he still ns to buy more.


    He couldn''t help but think that he was bing the same with people he just chastised. Maybe the only difference would be that he might not dispose of the clothes after wearing them once. Might not...


    "Here, swipe the card," Ss said and gave the man his bank card and added, "When you''re done with it, can you please take me to other stores; I still have more shopping to do."


    The man heard this and nodded, agreeing to Ss'' request before walking towards the counter with Ss'' card in his hand.


    Few minutester, the three of them walked out of the store and walked into another store, a children''s store.


    When they got into the store, Ss asked Alex to look around and choose anything to his liking.


    After Alex was done choosing and Ss added some extras to it, the cost of the things that were bought in store was a total of $26,070.


    Ss paid for the items but he didn''t make the same request he made to the Hermes salesperson, as thedy in the store offered to do it.


    The four of them left the store and went to another store. Ss'' goal today is to meet the system''s level up requirement which is to have $10,000,000 in either cash or asset, but from his calctions, he was far from achieving his goal.


    He took a quick nce at the shopping bags in the hands of the two salespersons behind him, and he was able to count seven of them, all filled with clothes and shoes belonging to him and Alex.


    Ss saw this and didn''t feel the need to buy anymore clothes or shoes, but he''s yet to meet the system''s level up requirement.


    He thought of this and decided to buy something more expensive at once. With a smile, he walked towards a watch store.


    "Wee to Patek Philippe store. How may I help you, sir?," A middle-aged man walked towards Ss and asked.


    Yes, Ss walked into one of the famous wristwatch brands in the world.


    It''s said that the rich y with luxury cars while the wealthy y with watches, and Ss decided to do the same.


    "What''s the most expensive watch in your store and how much is it?," Ss asked.


    The Patek Philippe store salesperson was slightly taken aback when he heard Ss'' question. From his perspective, he saw Ss as a kid, and he couldn''t understand how a kid would want to know what the most expensive item in their store is.


    He felt that Ss did not understand the question he just asked. Asking what''s the most expensive product in a Patek Philippe store, one of the most luxurious brands out there.


    He wanted nothing more than to chase Ss out and humiliate him but he didn''t act on his thoughts. Why? Because of his professionalism and the two salespersons standing with shopping bags in their hands, were making signs at him.


    Seeing this, he let out a light sigh and answered Ss.


    "Sir, the most expensive watch in our store is the famous Patek Philippe Nautilus "Tiffany & Co" limited edition and its price is $6.8 million," The man said with pride.


    Ss smiled wryly when he heard this. He knew that he made the right decision.


    $6.8 million for just a watch?! Insane!


    "Here, swipe the card," Ss said and gave the man his bank card.


    The man nearly lost his bnce when he saw this.


    Is this world a joke? When did kids start making such an amount of money? Is he from a very wealthy family?


    He had so many questions but no one to give him the answer. He couldn''t help but question his life.


    With a wry smile, he collected the card and went to swipe it. After swiping it, he packaged the watch and gave it to the male salesperson, who collected it and ced it inside one of the shopping bags in his hand.


    After everything had been taken care of, Ss left the store and made his way out of the mall with the two salespersons following behind him.


    When they got outside the mall, Ss walked to his car and opened the trunk and asked the two of them to drop the shopping bags in it.


    "Thank you for shopping with us," The man from the Hermes store said after he was done cing the shopping bags in the car''s trunk.


    "I should be the one thanking you for your help. Thank you," Ss said.


    The two of them decided not to say anything more as they nodded at Ss'' words.


    Ss saw this and nodded before getting into the car, and driving off.


    "I wish I could have a customer like him everyday," The man from the Hermes store said, as he watched Ss'' car disappear from view.


    "You''re not alone. I also have the same wish," Thedy beside him said.


    ...


    Ss did not know of the two salespersons'' thoughts as he made his way home.


    He was excited to go home and check how the new rebate reward system works, and if he unlocked anything new after the system leveled up.

 Chapter 12: Shopping, Spending & Rebate(II)

    <h4>Chapter 12: Shopping, Spending & Rebate(II)</h4>


    Ss'' room.


    Ss sat on his bed and called up his status screen.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $120. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $1200. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $174,657. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $1,746,570. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $26,070. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $260,700. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $6,800,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $18,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount.


    You received a building, Premier Vi located at Newport Beach. Building''s documents are in the living room of the building.


    You received a 26-Unit building located at 324 Hayden Green Street. Building''s documents are in the living room of the Vi.


    You received a Bugatti La Voiture Noire. The car is parked at the Vi''s garage.


    You received a Koenigsegg Agera RS. The car is parked at the Vi''s garage.]


    [Host has met the system''s level up requirement.]


    [Level Up.]


    Ss was stunned when he read thest rebate reward notification.


    After thest system''s level up and the message that said that the rebate rewards will be given in different forms, Ss was looking forward to it. Though he had no idea how the system nned to do it, he expected it to be something good, but what he saw now beats all his expectations.


    ".... Two buildings and two luxury sports cars.... Wow."


    "This is amazing... This means the more expensive things are, the better the rebate reward will be."


    Ss also noticed something; there was no notification saying that he unlocked any new system''s function.


    "The functions the system has are not bad and I''m even yet to explore them more," Ss said to himself as he thought of the system''s functions he unlocked previously.


    "I will check themter, I should check my status screen and see what''s the new system''s level up requirement."


    "Status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 3]


    [Level Perk: 10x rebate on all expenses made by the host.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Raise all stats to that of an average human.]


    [Note: Average human stats; 10 all stats.]


    _____


    [Strength: 5]


    [Agility: 3]


    [Stamina: 5]


    [Intelligence: 5]


    [Charisma: 4]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): [Problem-Solving(Level 1)], [Memory Mastery(Level 1)], [Mental Bnce(Level 1)]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    "New level up requirement.. raise all stats to that of an average human which is 10 all stats... Isn''t this too easy?," Ss asked himself when he saw the new system''s level up requirement.


    Not that the other level up requirements were hard but this sounds too easy. With the system''s exchange function, I can exchange money for system points and system points for stats points.


    "Let me do the calction and see how much I would need to exchange," Ss said to himself with a smile and started doing his calctions.


    "Strength needs 5 more points, Agility, 7, Stamina and Intelligence, 5, and Charisma, 6. Everything totals to 28 stats points.


    What I need is 28 stats points and going by the system''s exchange rate, to get 1 stats point, I need 1000 system points.


    Then, 1000 x 28 is 28,000. So, I need 28,000 system points... How much would that cost, though?


    $10,000 to get 1 system point and to get 28,000 system points, I need...," Ss said and paused, as he brought out his phone and opened its calctor app to do the sum.


    You were expecting him to get the answer from his head? Tsk, your expectations are a bit too high.


    Ss punched in the number and the calctor gave him the answer, $280,000,000.


    "$280 million?! Sigh.. and I thought that l would be able to level up immediately. What a bust," Ss said to himself, shaking his head.


    "I guess it will take some time before I level up again. $280 million is currently out of reach. I only have $23 million in my ount, a very huge gap from the actual amount needed."


    "Can I do it by working out? But I''m not really sure if it will work and even if it does, how long will it take me to meet the requirement?"


    Ss decided to put his thoughts aside. He wants to increase the system''s level so that he can see if there''s any new function he can unlock, or if the system will be sentient.


    One might be curious as to why Ss wants the system to be sentient. The reason is because he has a lot of questions he needs answers to, and all his answers lie with the system.


    Ss was not naive enough to think that he just made a wish and boom, a higher dimensional being or god, or whatever it''s called, gave him a system.


    There''s a saying that everything happens for a reason. Getting something of such immense value is not free or someone doing charity.


    "Getting a system in the modern world. How nice, dreamy and fantastical it sounds, but it''s my reality."


    Ss smiled and closed his status screen as he stood up from the bed, and went to the bathroom to take his bath.


    Thinking of the buildings and cars he got as rewards from the system, Ss wanted nothing more than to rush down to Newport Beach and start checking them out, but he decided to put it off because it was already gettingte.


    Newport Beach is a city close to Oand city. Though it''s close, it will take him hours of driving to get there. 7 hours to be exact, and 6 hours 46 minutes to be precise.


    After taking his bath, Ss changed into light clothes for the night and just as he was about to go to the living room, his phone started ringing.


    He brought his phone and checked the caller''s ID but he didn''t see any name on it, indicating that it''s an unsaved number.


    "Who could possibly be calling me?," He asked himself, taking a guess on who the caller could possibly be.


    Few secondster, he picked the call.


    "Hello. Please, who''s this?"


    " Ss. M it''s me, Chloe," A familiar female voice responded.


    Ss was surprised when he heard the voice and name. Though it has been a while since they graduated from high school, he clearly remembers who Chloe is.


    "Ss, are you there?," Chloe asked when she saw that Ss wasn''t responding.


    "Y-Yeah.. Sorry about that, I was just surprised getting your call," Ss replied.


    "I figured. Well, I''m calling you because our ss decided to hold a get-together and I was told to invite you."


    "A get-together?... When and where is the location?"


    "The time is two days from now and the location is Midnight Pub. Also, Daniel and La will be there, you can decide not toe but if you insist oning, make sure to put on some good clothes and do something about your confidence," Chloe said and hung up.


    Ss couldn''t help but smile wryly when he saw this.


    ''Chloe, she will never change but I have changed. I''m no longer the same person as before. Daniel and La huh? I guess a little drama won''t hurt...,'' Ss said to himself with a smirk.

 Chapter 13: Premier Villa

    <h4>Chapter 13: Premier Vi</h4>


    After the call ended, Ss went downstairs to have dinner and after he was done with that, he went back to his room.


    He decided to sleep early so that he can get up early, do his daily workout and make his way to Newport Beach to check out the buildings and cars.


    "Now that I think of it, I didn''t get a daily mission today. I guess the system doesn''t feel the need to anymore. I just hope working out can still continue to increase my stats."


    Ss let out a sigh and covered himself with his duvet before sleeping off.


    ....


    The next morning, in his bathroom.


    Ss was now taking his bath aftering back from his workout session and just like yesterday, he got no daily mission from the system.


    "Now, let''s see if it actually works."


    "Status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 3]


    [Level Perk: 10x rebate on all expenses made by the host.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Raise all stats to that of an average human.]


    [Note: Average human stats; 10 all stats.]


    _____


    [Strength: 5]


    [Agility: 3]


    [Stamina: 5]


    [Intelligence: 5]


    [Charisma: 4]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): [Problem-Solving(Level 1)], [Memory Mastery(Level 1)], [Mental Bnce(Level 1)]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    "Tsk. What a disappointment," Ss said, shaking his head when he saw that there were no changes to his stats.


    "I even pushed myself today to increase my chances. I guess I just have to get the money to exchange for system points then."


    Ss had no idea of how bad his physical and mental condition was before he got the system, and how it was almost on the verge of copsing.


    The reason why his stats were able to increase so much in thest days was because the system ignites whatever potential his body has left whenever he workout.


    Ss walked to the table and grabbed his car key before leaving his room. When he got downstairs, it was still empty because it was still very early and the sun was not up.


    Ss walked out of the house and got into his car, before driving off.


    ....


    Few hourster, Ss parked at the gate of a huge vi situated close to a beach.


    Yes, he''s currently standing in front of the building, Premiere Vi.


    "Wow, this is beautiful!," Ss said, admiring the view of the building from outside.


    The building was surrounded by tal trees and flowers which gave it a beautiful look and regal feel.


    In addition to the cool and refreshing feeling brought by the seaing from the nearby beach, it felt like he was checking into a resort close to the beach but instead of a resort, it''s his own house.


    After a few seconds of admiring the building and its surroundings, Ss opened the gate and drove in, and what he saw left him in much more awe.


    "Amazing... How much would it cost to buy something like this?," Ss couldn''t help but ask himself as he stare at the beautiful structural edifice in front of him.


    The first thing that caught his attention after driving in wasn''t the building itself but the long swimming pool in front of it.


    As he stare at the poll''s still blue water, Ss felt like taking off his clothes and jumping into it to refresh himself after his long drive, but he held himself back. He still have to check out the building and its inner surrounding.


    With that thought, Ss walked toward the building main door and pushed it open, revealing its beautiful white interior.


    Ss knew that building''s interior would be beautiful but he was basing it on his own limited subjectivity or viewpoint on the term, beautiful.


    Ss walked into the building''svish foyer and went to the living room. When he got to the living room, he saw a bunch of documents, house keys and car keys lying on the table in the living room.


    Ss walked towards it and picked the documents belonging to the vi, and started going through it.


    It took him a few minutes before he was finally done with what he was doing, and the information he got about the vi surprised him.


    The document has all the information rted to the building in it and also pictures of its interior and surrounding, and from what he read, Ss felt like he has been given something of a pce.


    Thinking of what he read from the document, Ss decided to check it out for himself.


    The first ce he went was the kitchen and the inbuilt library that''s downstairs.


    Walking into the kitchen, Ss saw what could be described as a paradise for chefs. The kitchen isvishly furnished and equipped with everything, from top of the line appliances to a beautiful prep sink and an oversized ind.


    Ss next destination was the library and was Ss saw gave him another series of shock. What did he see? A two-storey library.


    Reading it from the document was another thing and actually seeing it in person was another different thing entirely.


    To be put it in perspective, the whole building is three-storey tall counting downstairs where he''s currently standing, and the library is abination of the floor he''s standing on and an another floor. How crazy is that!


    Tall libraries filled with books in movies and manhwas have an aesthetic and beautiful feeling but seeing it in reality is not something he can put words to. And yes, Ss has never been to a library.


    "What am I supposed to do with a library of this magnitude?! What am I reading? Does the system n to turn me into something like a schr or what? Hell nah, I ain''t turning into a modern day Socrates," Ss said to himself, shaking his head.


    "But what type of books do the library actually contain?," Ss asked as he curiosly grabbed a book from the shelf.


    Immediately after taking the book, Ss dropped it back.


    "Let''s go check out the rest of the building," Ss said and walked out of the library.


    Ss walked toward the curved intricately designed stairs and use it to ess the building''s upper floor, as he continued his tour of the building.


    After an hour, Ss was done with his tour of the building and only word was in his head after it.


    Amazing!!


    "Is this how the rich and wealthy y?," Ss asked himself in shock.


    He thought that there was nothing more to shock him after seeing the inbuilt two-storey library, but his personal library was refreshed and updated after climbing upstairs.


    The first ce he went to after climbing upstairs was the bedroom, the primary bedroom to be precise.


    The meaning of the word ''amazing'' was updated by what he saw. The bedroom has a king-sized bed, TV, firece, sitting area, couture-worthy dual closets, and French doors that open to a balcony, overlooking manicured greens and rugged coastline.


    What isfort? This isfort!


    One must not also forget the dual adjoining bathrooms attached to it. Bathrooms that radiates luxury, with opulent stone surfaces, and every amenity necessary to indulge in pure bliss.


    The building also has five other bedrooms that offers ensuite bathrooms for an elevated guest experience.


    One should not forget thevish foyer that links to the living room. A living room with intricate moldings, a stone firece, and a row of ocean-facing French doors.


    An open family room that features a wet bar, firece, and French doors that open to an airy loggia that overlooks the pool and garden.


    The extraordinary and luxurious lifestyle demanded by the wealthy was effortlessly met with a two-storey library that already been explored, a dedicated theater with a new state-of-the-art projector.


    Arge wine cer, full home gym, and a 10-car garage which houses the Koenigsegg Agera RS and Bugatti La Voiture Noire that he received as a reward from the system.


    The size of the garage left him more shock.


    "A ten-car garage?! Who has so many cars?!"


    The location and surrounding of the vi also adds to its beauty with it being located on a sprawling private grounds that offer an immersive experience, featuring a barbecue pavilion, infinity pool at the front of the building, a spa, formal gardens, a terraced lower yard with a verdantwn, and koi pond with cascading waterfall that Ss is currently standing in front of.


    One might be wondering that with all these features that the vi has, how much is it? Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, the vi cost a staggering $28 million.


    The price might be cheap or expensive but Ss has no idea on things rted to real estate, all he knows is that he got a very awesome gift from the system.


    "Thank you system, you''re the best."

 Chapter 14: Potential Workers

    <h4>Chapter 14: Potential Workers</h4>


    After a few seconds of standing in front of the Koi pond and admiring it, Ss let out a sigh and walked back to the living room.


    He choose a random sofa and took, before taking the document of the second building he got and started reading through it.


    Few minutester, Ss was done reading the document and he couldn''t help but smile.


    The apartment building he got which is the 26-Unit building, is a building located in a good area and each apartment''s rent is $175,000.


    This means that he would get a total of $4.5 million every month from the building, and a total of $54.6 million every year. To top it all, all the apartment has already been rented.


    If this is not enough to make him smile, then what is?


    Ss didn''t even need to read the car''s papers to get an idea of how expensive they are, and there''s no need to emphasize on how expensive they are.


    Of course, it''s the famous Buggati and Koenigsegg. They are bound to be expensive.


    Ss couldn''t believe it. How did he go from someone that was worth literally nothing to someone that now has a luxurious vi, an apartment building that racks in millions and very expensive luxury sportsl cars?


    Growing up, he had such dreams. He wanted to be sessful, have a peaceful life, travel around the world, see what it has to offer.


    Something he shares inmon with almost every youth out there. If not all of them, but after graduating from high school, he found out that achieving his dreams was harder than he thought.


    Life and society was unforgiving, and being a fresher to it didn''t make it any easier.


    He got himself a job and started working with the hope that one day he would be able to achieve his dreams, but life dealt him a hard blow by giving him a reality check.


    Ss was unable to cope, losing all hopes and this was in addition to his non-existent confidence. He gave up on everything and turned into a zombie, a person who does nothing but work and work without rest.


    All these changed in seventy-four hours after he got the system.


    "It feels to good to be true and too real to be a dream. This is definitely happening," Ss said, looking at the ceiling with aplicated expression on his face, "My dream life is no longer out of reach."


    Ss was still reminiscing about his life when his stomach let out a growl, breaking him out of his reverie.


    "I better get myself something to eat," He said and stood up from the sofa, before picking the car key belonging to the Koenigsegg, and made his way to the garage.


    Due to the fact that he was in a hurry to get to the vi, Ss left before anyone woke up and he didn''t eat breakfast before leaving.


    Walking into the garage, Ss saw two ck cars parked at the far end of the garage. Ss walked towards the two cars that looks extremely beautiful under the garage''s lighting.


    Ss took a few seconds to admire the two beauties, before opening the door of the Koenigsegg and got in.


    Inside the car, Ss ran his hands on the steering wheel before gripping it tightly and pressing the ignition button.


    Immediately, the engine of the car roared to life and Ss nodded his head in satisfaction before steering it out of the garage and into the street of Newport.


    ....


    In front of a restaurant, a ck Koenigsegg with gold strips parked in front of it and a young man came down from it.


    The sight of the car attracted the attention of people around and the driver attracted even more attention.


    Though luxury sport cars are not rare in the USA, but a car such as Agera RS is not something an ordinary person can afford.


    In fact, it''s a car that one would not be able to buy even if you have the money, same as the Bugatti La Vouiture Nora and it''s also safe to say that, not everyone knows that there''s a brand called Koenigseg.


    Ss didn''t pay attention to crowd slowly gathering around the car, or the girls slowly approaching him as he walked into the restaurant.


    Inside the restaurant, Ss walked towards a table and took his seat before calling for the waitress, who quickly came to attend to him.


    "Good afternoon sir."


    "Good afternoon, please get me anything to eat. I''m fine with anything as long as it ptable, and please, make it quick."


    "Yes sir. Please wait for a few minutes, I will get your food ready."


    "Thank you."


    While he waited for his food, Ss turned his attention to outside the restaurant, where a small crowd were now gathering around his car and taking pictures of it.


    He could also see some girls stealthy taking pictures of him and smiling. Some were not even discreet about it and were winking at him, while blowing him kisses.


    Ss was lucky that he has the skill, [Mental Bnce], a passive skill, or else, he didn''t know how he would react to the girls'' actions.


    Ss could even guess what some of the girls were thinking and he couldn''t help but shake his head.


    He didn''t have to wait long before he saw the waitress walking towards the table with a tray filled with tes in her hand.


    She got to his table and ced the tes on it, "Today''s special, sir. Enjoy," She said and left Ss to eat his food.


    "Thank you," Ss said and started eating. Ss never knew how hungry he was until the first spoonful entered his mouth, and he felt like a person who finally found water in the middle of the desert.


    It took him only a few minutes to finish his food and he even ordered for more, which he also finished in a few minutes.


    After he was done eating, Ss brought out his phone to check the time.


    *2:37 PM*


    "I just had the first food of the day by two in the afternoon. No wonder I was so hungry," Ss said to himself after checking the time.


    Ss was about to stand up and go pay his bills when he heard a conversation between a girl and the waitress.


    "Ughh... It''s so hard to get a job, and getting a good one that pays well is even harder."


    "I''m guessing the interviews you went for today is a bust." Ss heard the waitress say.


    "Tsk. Don''t mention it. That first one I went to, one old pervy bastard who''s the owner of the store was just leering at me and looking at me in a weird way, with drools dropping from his mouth. I had to run from there.


    The second was okay. The owner was ady but the pay is too low for the amount of hours she wants me to put in. Just like my old job.


    The third was the same thing as the first, only more subtle but I couldn''t mistake that burning fire in his eyes," The girl said, exining to the waitress how her job hunting went.


    The waitress heard thisughed, "I really envy you girl, with your ability to attract men everywhere you go."


    "You want a fight."


    Ss couldn''t help but look towards the girl who was talking, and he saw the reason why men were drooling at her.


    Her look and shape, ten over ten. A type of look worthy of the title school or campus belle. The only thing she''scking is the temperament.


    Hearing the girls conversation made Ss realize something, he needs someone to take care of the vi.


    It''s not a ce where he can take care of by himself and he also needs someone to do the cooking for him. Not that he doesn''t know how to cook, but he''s toozy to do so.


    "She''s looking for a job. I wonder if she will agree to take the job?."


    With that thought in mind, Ss walked towards the counter where the girls were.

 Chapter 15: Potential Workers

    <h4>Chapter 15: Potential Workers</h4>


    Ss got to the counter and gave the waitress his bank card, so that he could pay his bills, before he turned to look at the girl across the stand.


    "I overheard the conversation between the two of you. You said you''re looking for a job, I have one for you, that''s if you''re interested," Ss said, and the waitress raised her and looked at him in surprise, while the girl she was talking to turned to look at Ss in disgust.


    "I will drop my number, you can call me whenever you''re ready or you cane meet at Premiere Vi," Ss said, as he wrote his contact on a piece of paper and dropped it on the counter.


    He knew that the girls won''t believe him, maybe the waitress would but definitely not the girl she was talking to.


    "Yeah.. meet you at the Premiere Vi," The girl mockingly said and was about to stand up and leave, when she paused and looked at him in surprise, "Wait, by Premiere Vi, you mean the blueish-white vi close to the beach?," She asked and Ss nodded his head, shocking her.


    "I don''t understand. You live there or what?," She asked with a mocking smirk on her face.


    "I own it," Ss said, and silence fell on the counter, as the two girls looked at him in deep shock.


    It couldn''t be helped as everyone in Newport and the surrounding city knows the building, Premiere Vi, as it''s a something of andmark for a small ce like theirs and here in front of her, is a... kid not older than her younger sibling telling her that he owns the Premiere Vi.


    The waitress and the girl couldn''t help but look at Ss again and change their assessment of him. The waitress already knows that Ss is rich because of his car parked outside, so her hearing what Ss said didn''t give her much of a shock.


    The same couldn''t be said for the girl, as her shock was bigger because she came in after Ss arrived and didn''t see himing down from his car.


    Ss saw the expression on the girls'' face and smiled as he said to himself, "They definitely won''t believe it."


    Ss decided to leave when he saw their reaction. He knew that he would need to give the girl time to think about it, but he was not in a rush and it''s not like she was the only option.


    He will give her a week and if he still hasn''t gotten a response from her, then he will go to a hiring agency.


    Ss left the restaurant and walked towards his car, which still had some crowd around it but they gave way when they saw himing.


    Ss didn''t pay attention to any of them, especially the ones who wanted to take a picture with him, as he got into the car and drove off.


    ...


    Inside the restaurant, the waitress and the girl looked at each other and simultaneously looked back at the entrance of the restaurant.


    "Serah, if he''s the owner of that car, then it should be possible that he owns Premiere Vi, right?," The girl asked the waitress.


    "I think so, Emma," The waitress called Serah replied and continued, "We can confirm it from that website. You know, that one that has a lot of properties listed on it. We will check and see if it has been bought."


    Hearing this, Emma nodded and brought out her phone and opened the website that Serah was talking about.


    Few secondster, she looked at Serah and nodded, as she said, "It now has a sold stamp on it."


    "I guess that answers our questions, but do you want to work for him? Considering your issue with men," Serah asked, when she saw the pondering expression on her friend''s face.


    "What do you mean by ''my issue with men''? You make it sound like I hate men or something," Emma said, giving her friend a side-eye, "About the job, I don''t know what to do yet. I mean.. I don''t even know what type of work it is," she added.


    "I guess there''s only one way to find out then," Serah said, and picked up the piece of paper that Ss wrote his contact on.


    .....


    Meanwhile, Ss was back at the vi and was preparing to soak himself in the bathtub when something stopped him in his tracks.


    [Ding!]


    [New Mission Avable.]


    [Mission: Get Into A University.]


    [Reward: A random item from the system store.]


    [Time Limit: 7 Days]


    "Huh? A new mission... and it has a time limit," Ss said in surprise when he saw the new mission he got from the system.


    "Get into a university? This shouldn''t be hard,.. right?"


    Ss was surprised about the new mission he got, but he was even more curious as to what reward he would get.


    Ss'' n before he got the system was to work and save enough money for college. The thought of going to college or university was still in his mind even after getting the system, and this was the reason why he wanted to buy a house close to Stanford University.


    "Now that I think of it, I haven''t checked the system store''s item section. Let''s see what good stuff it has," Ss said, and was about to open the system store when he got a notification from the system.


    [Note: Host will not be allowed ess to the system store until the level up requirements are met.]


    [Note: Host will not be allowed ess to the system store until the mission ispleted.]


    "Ehh?! Will not be allowed ess?," Ss said in surprise when he saw the system''s notification.


    "Ahhh... If I knew I would have taken a look at it earlier," He said with a sigh.


    "Let''s check other notifications and my status," He said, and called up his status screen.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $250. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $2500. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 3]


    [Level Perk: 10x rebate on all expenses made by the host.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Raise all stats to that of an average human.]


    _____


    [Strength: 5]


    [Agility: 3]


    [Stamina: 5]


    [Intelligence: 5]


    [Charisma: 4]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): [Problem-Solving(Level 1)], [Memory Mastery(Level 1)], [Mental Bnce(Level 1)]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Mission(s): Get into a university.]


    [Reward:???]


    [Time Limit: 7 Days.]


    _____


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    "Looking at my stats makes me wonder when I''m going to be able to raise all of them to ten and level up?," Ss said to himself, shaking his head.


    After a few seconds of thoughts, he decided to raise his Agility stat to match his Charisma.


    He exchanged $10 million for 1000 system points, and converted the system points to stat points, which gave him 1 stat points and he added it to his Agility.


    After he was done with that, he got into the bathtub filled with water and soaked himself in it.


    "Ahh.... This is the life."

 Chapter 16: Serah & Emma

    <h4>Chapter 16: Serah & Emma</h4>


    In the library, Ss sat in front of the table with hisptop in front of him. He''s currently researching on the course that he would study in university and how to get into his chosen university, Stanford University.


    The reason why he''s researching on how to get into Stanford University is because the deadline for first-years submitting their applications has already passed, and that''s why he''s looking for other ways to get into the educational institution.


    One might ask, why Stanford University? The main reason is because it''s close. More reasons, it''s a very prestigious one.


    After a few hours of researching, Ss was finally done and has gotten the information he needs.


    About his course, he decided not to go the conversation way and study a single course, but instead, study multiple courses together.


    Under normal circumstances, this might be hard and that''s where his second nes in. His n on how to get into Stanford University. After a few hours of research and deep thought, he decided to follow the most obvious route, going in through the backdoor.


    His n is very simple. He ns to make an offer to Stanford University to let him in through the backdoor by making them an attractive offer, and in the agreement, he will ask for the privilege to be able to study multiple courses at once. Not bad, right?


    The n seems solid but Ss is not very optimistic about them epting his offer because of the ethicality involved, and he doesn''t even know who to call to set up the meeting with the institution.


    Ss has scoured the university''s website searching for the contact of its president, but so far, he got nothing.


    "Ahh... I wouldn''t be doing this if the mission doesn''t have a time limit. I can choose not toplete the mission but I want to know what I will receive as a reward from the system store," Ss said to himself, as he closed hisptop and stood up from the chair.


    "Time to sleep, I will continue with it tomorrow," Ss said, and walked to his room.


    ....


    *Ring-Ring*


    *Ring-Ring*


    "Who is it this early morning?," Ss said, as he reached out to grab his phone.


    Picking it up from the bedside, he brought it up to his face to check the caller''s ID but there was none, as it was an unsaved number.


    Rubbing his eyes, he decided to pick the call as he pressed the green button.


    "Hello. Please, who''s this?," He asked, and a familiar female voice came from the other end.


    "Hello, this is the girl you gave your contact information yesterday at the restaurant. You said something about a job and I should call you if I''m ready, I want to know if we can talk more about it? I''m outside the vi."


    "Yeah... I remember that. You said you''re outside, right?"


    "Yes, I am."


    "Ok, give me a few minutes, I will be down there."


    "Ok."


    After that, Ss hung up and immediately went to brush his teeth, before changing into a more suitable clothes as he was still in his underwear.


    Ss immediately made his way downstairs after brushing, and when he got downstairs, he walked towards the vi entrance.


    When he got to the entrance, he saw the two girls who were talking to each other yesterday standing there, the waitress and the girl who he offered a job to.


    "Come on," Ss said to them and started walking towards the vi.


    The two girls looked at each other and looked at Ss'' back, before letting out a deep breath and following him.


    When they got to the living room, Ss took his seat on a sofa and asked the girls to do the same, which they did.


    "So, are the two of you here for the same thing?," Ss asked, curious as to why the waitress came.


    Of course, he could already guess that the reason is because of protection and he couldn''t help but smile when he thought of this.


    The girls heard his question and looked at each before the waitress decided to talk.


    "Hi. I''m Serah and this is my friend, Emma. Yes, we''re here because of the job offer you made," She said, while putting on a smile on her face.


    Ss didn''t say anything or show a reaction when he heard what Serah said. Actually, he''s feeling very happy that the two of them are here for the job, but he was not very optimistic about them epting it. The reason is because he knows that girls of the present age don''t do the type of jobs he wants to give them, but who said he can''t try.


    "Ok. The job I want to give you is very simple. I want someone who will help me to take care of the vi and.... do the cooking," Ss said, with a warm smile on his face.


    He looked at the expression on the girls'' face to know what they could possibly be thinking, but he was unable to get anything as their expression was nk.


    Hearing what Ss said, Serah and Emma were silent for a while. It wasn''t because they were shocked or surprised, but actually because they were thinking of what to say.


    Ss'' offer, they had already anticipated it. The fact that the vi was recently sold and the new owner is looking for a worker could only mean that he needs a housekeeper.


    The previous night, they have made their decision on how to respond if Ss is actually looking for a housekeeper.


    "Can we please take a look around the vi?," Serah asked.


    "Sure," Ss replied.


    "Thank you," Serah said, and stood up from the sofa she was sitting on, followed by Emma who also did the same.


    The two of them started looking around the vi, from the living room to thest room upstairs.


    Over an hourter, the two of them were done looking around and were now seated.


    "I believe you girls are ready. So, how much do you want to be paid?," Ss asked.


    "We would first like to know how much you intend to pay us," Serah replied.


    Ss smiled when he heard their question. Honestly, the matter involving employee''s payment is something new to Ss.


    He has no idea on how much someone doing the work he wants them to do would be paid, but even though he has no idea, one thing he''s sure about is that he won''t treat them badly.


    Ss decided to call a random number and see how the girls would react. If he sees a good reaction on their face, then fine but if he sees a bad one, he will increase the amount.


    "$5000.... $5000 per week. How does that sound?," Ss asked.


    Serah and Emma: "....."


    The two girls were shocked by the amount Ss said. Before they came, they did their research on the amount housekeepers are paid and the amount is $13-16, for an average hourly wage.


    Using simple math and the standard 9-5 working hours, they would be earning $128 in a day and $896 in a week.


    This is why they are shocked. They didn''t know if Ss waspletely unaware about this or he''s doing it intentionally.


    "Please, can we have some time to discuss it with each other?," Serah asked.


    "Sure, take as much time as you want. Just let me know when you''re ready," Ss said, and stood up from the sofa. He made his way back upstairs, giving the girls some space so that they could have their discussion.


    "Serah, what do we do?," Emma asked after Ss left.


    "What do you think we should do, Emma?," Serah asked, with a pondering expression on her face.


    "ept it?"

 Chapter 17: Serah & Emma

    <h4>Chapter 17: Serah & Emma</h4>


    "ept it?," Emma asked, and looked at Serah, who''s now giving her a piercing re.


    "What do you mean by ''ept it''? Don''t you think that something is wrong?," Serah asked.


    "What could possibly be wrong? Something''s wrong because he''s willing to pay enough for the job or what?," Emma asked.


    "Think about it, Emma. Remember what we saw on the inte yesterday? It said that the average hourly wage is $13-16, and an average housekeeper earns approximately $29,000 a year, and $38,000 for some experienced ones.


    Use that information andpare it to what he''s paying us. $5000 a week? That means we earn what they will almost earn in a year in just a month.


    Don''t you think that there''s something more to it?," Serah asked.


    "Serah, you''re being too paranoid. Remember that under that post, it said that the amount can vary due to different reasons, one of the reasons being the size of the house or number of people that are being taken care of.


    Besides, we really need this job. Maybe you don''t because you''re working for your aunt, but I badly need this job. $5000 a week is a blessing if you ask me," Emma replied.


    "Emma, the money seems to be clouding your sense of judgment," Serah said to her friend.


    "Please, let it be clouded. I want the job."


    Serah saw this and sighed. She knows that there''s no changing Emma''s mind once it''s made up.


    Since Emma said that she''s going to ept the job, then she will ept it.


    "Emma, what if we ept it and he decides to work us to death. You know, wanting to get what he paid for? He can also ask us to give him ''special services.''," Serah asked. She decided to use Emma''s weakness against her, her paranoia for mening after her, but it failed.


    "Serah, I know what you''re trying to do there. Look, about him working us to death, it''s impossible. We want to work as housekeepers, we have to take care of the vi and cook for him and he''s going to pay us more than enough for the job.


    About him asking for ''special services''. Would you give him if he asks for it? If he does, we can just quit. I''m sure that by then we would have gotten enough money," Emma said with a smile.


    Serah saw this and shook her head as she said, "Ohh Emma, how naive you are with that doll face of yours. Since you have decided, we can ept the job, right?"


    "Yes, let''s ept it," Emma replied and nodded, and continued, "Honestly, the only thing that can stop me from epting it is if he''s into any illegal business.


    "Wait... now that I think of it, what if he''s into any illegal business?," Emma asked, and looked at Serah anxiously.


    "Emma... call him and tell him that we''re done. It''s now you''re bing worried about him being into illegal business. You should have been worried about it before. Just like you said, we can quit anytime. So call him and let hime downstairs," Serah replied, and turned to look at the Koi pond outside.


    Emma saw that Serah doesn''t want to talk to her anymore and sighed, before bringing out her phone to call Ss.


    Few secondster after he was called, Ss came downstairs and sat on the sofa.


    "So...?," He asked.


    "We will take the job," Serah replied, and Emma also responded with a nod.


    "Ok. Give your bank details so that I can forward this week''s payment to your ounts," Ss said with a smile on his face.


    He can finally let out a breath of relief as he has found people to help him take care of the vi.


    Ss'' words seemed to have surprised the girls as they looked at each other. It was after a few moments before Serah finally spoke up.


    "Do you really want to pay us immediately? You know that we haven''t started work yet?," She asked.


    Ss heard her question and chuckled, "Yes, I know. Or are you going to run away if I pay you now?," Ss asked.


    "Of course not, it''s just surprising that...¨C," Serah was cut short by Ss.


    "It''s fine even if you run away. I will just learn my lesson and it will save me a lot of trouble. Come on, your details," Ss said.


    The girls brought out their phones and gave Ss their bank ount, and a few minutester, the both of them got a bank notification that $5000 was deposited into their respective ounts.


    Seeing this, their faces bloomed with smiles. They were doubting it before but seeing the money sittingfortably in their ount made them believe it was real.


    "Sir, can we start today?," Emma, who hasn''t spoken since, finally asked.


    "Please don''t call me sir, it''s Ss and you don''t need to start today, you can take the day off and start tomorrow if you want," Ss said.


    "Ok, Mr Ss, we would like to start today. You don''t seem to have eaten breakfast. Why don''t we start with that? And we can also start cleaning the house," Serah said.


    "Sure, you can if you want to," Ss said, when he saw that they were insisting on starting work immediately.


    After getting his approval, the girls made their way to the kitchen.


    While the girls were preparing breakfast for him, Ss decided to check the system notification.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $5000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $50,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $5000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $50,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    "Nice. The rebate also applies to this too. I guess expenses are expenses," Ss said, when he saw the system notification.


    He has this feeling that the rebate doesn''t apply to every expense in its literal meaning, and that there''s a catch to it. Though he has this thought, he doesn''t have anything to prove it, neither can the system give him an answer.


    Ss was still thinking about his system when he heard Serah calling him.


    "The kitchen is empty and we also need to buy some household supplies for the house," She said.


    "Ok. Make a list of what you''re going to buy, anything and everything. I will go get my car key," Ss said and stood up.


    Few minutester, Ss drove off with Serah, making his way to the nearest grocery store, leaving Emma behind at the vi.


    While they were shopping, Emma was looking around the vi, taking pictures and she took time to satiate her curiosity.


    She would have never believed it if someone told her that she would be working at the famous Premiere Vi.


    ....


    Three hourter, Ss and Serah were back. Ss parked the car in the garage and Serah brought some of the things they bought out of its trunk.


    They were not able to bring everything back because they bought a lot of things and the trunk doesn''t have enough space for them. So, they brought back the essentials while the rest will be delivered.


    For the shopping, Ss spent $97,000 on everything. He made sure that Serah didn''t cut cost and bought quality products.


    After he got home, he went to his room to wait for the girls to finish the cooking so that he can eat.


    It was after an a hour that Emma came to call him toe downstairs and eat.


    When he got to the dining table, he saw that a sumptous meal of rice, chicken and sd has been prepared for him.


    He nodded as he took his seat and picked up his spoon, started eating.


    The first spoon went into his mouth and Ss nodded in satisfaction. The food was delicious and to his liking.


    The girls saw this and were very happy. They were initially worried about Ss'' taste and his eating habits but it seems that their worries were unfounded.


    Ss quickly finished up his food and went back to his room, while the girls cleared the table and started cleaning the house.


    In his room, Ss opened hisptop and started searching for the contact information of Stanford University, but he seemed to be out of luck as he couldn''t find the contact.


    The day went by uneventfully and it was finally night. Ss ate dinner and decided to sleep, deciding that he would continue his search the next day.

 Chapter 18: The Get-together

    <h4>Chapter 18: The Get-together</h4>


    The next morning, Ss woke up and freshen up before going downstairs for breakfast.


    When he got downstairs, he saw that his food had already been prepared and was waiting for him on the table.


    He took his seat and started eating. Ss was very happy that he was able to employ Serah and Emma, because he wouldn''t need to order his food whenever he wants to eat, or go to restaurants.


    He quickly ate his food and stood up from the table, and went back to his room.


    Today is the day of the get-together and Ss decided to leave early because of the distance. The ce where the get-together will be held, Midnight Pub is located in Oand, which means it will take him seven hours to get there.


    "It''s best I get going."


    Ss changed his clothes and took his car key, and left the room. When he got downstairs, he told the girls that he won''t be around for the rest of the day and that they could go home early if they finish their work.


    The two of them said ok, acknowledging that they heard what he said.


    Ss walked towards the garage after getting their confirmation. He walked to the Buggati and opened it, before getting in and starting the car.


    Ss admired the car''s interior for a few seconds before driving out.


    .....


    Few hourster, Ss stopped and parked in front of the Midnight Pub. After parking, he stepped out of the car and walked into the establishment.


    Because it was already evening, the pub was filled with people with some of them in groups, seated around a table, eating and drinking together. Some were just drinking.


    Ss looked around the pub and saw a familiar face, Chloe''s. She was seated at a table that has a group of people around it, male and female talking andughing.


    Ss saw this and looked closely at those seated around her, and their faces were also familiar. Seeing this, he smiled and walked toward the table.


    When he got to the table, his appearance attracted the group''s attention as they all turned to look at him in curiosity.


    They couldn''t recognize him due to how much he changed in the past few days, and in addition to the fact that it has been long since they saw him after graduation.


    Ss didn''t bother to introduce himself as he walked and sat down beside Chloe, with a smile on his face.


    "Hi Chloe," He said to Chloe after taking his seat.


    "I thought you wouldn''te," Chloe replied.


    "Why wouldn''t Ie? A get-together was organized and I was invited, of course I woulde" Ss said with a smile.


    The others were still curious and confused as to what the stranger''s identity is, and his interaction with Chloe heightened those emotions.


    They knew that only those in the same ss with them in high school were invited to the get-together, and the fact that this person is here means that he was in the same ss with them and was invited.


    One of the girls couldn''t hold in her curiosity and decided to ask Chloe, as she looked at Ss intently.


    "Chloe, you''re the one that invited him. Who is he?"


    "He''s right here, in front of you, why don''t you ask him yourself?," Chloe replied to her, with a mocking smirk on her face.


    The girl was irritated with Chloe''s answer but she couldn''t do anything about it. She knows how fickle Chloe''s mood can be, and she doesn''t want to be at the receiving end when she''s pissed.


    With irritation, She decided to ask Ss.


    "Who are you? This gathering is exclusively for people that we share the same ss during graduation, and you were invited which means you were one of us but I don''t seem to know you. Actually, apart from Chloe, no one here knows you," She asked with an irritated voice.


    Ss almostughed when he saw this. She just got irritated because of Chloe''s response, and she wants to vent it on him.


    What type of stupid people did he actually study with?


    Ss was not surprised that the group didn''t recognize him. There was nothing memorable about him except that he was pretty much ugly, and a constant victim of bullying, which is nothing notable and who would want to remember his former loser self.


    He could also say that he couldn''t recognize all of them seated at the table, as the only people he interacted with in high school were Chloe who sat beside him in ss, the ss belle, La and her friends, and his bullies. The others were inconsequential to him just as he was to them.


    Back to the girl''s question, Ss had no intention of answering it as he didn''t feel the need to.


    Seeing that Ss had no intention of answering her question, her previous irritation multiplied and evolved to anger. She was about to re up but stopped when she heard someone ask a question.


    "Wait, are you Ss, the ogre," Another girl asked.


    Hearing the question, Ss'' lips twitched and Chloe giggled with her hand over her mouth.


    The girl''s question seemed to have jolted their memories as some of them turned to look at Ss with disbelief on their faces.


    "Now that I thought of it, Chloe was the one who was tasked with calling the ogre and his face looks somewhat simr to Ss." Another girl said.


    Hearing another person call him his infamous high school nickname again made veins pop out on his head.


    He was almost on the verge of blowing his top but he decided to calm down as he took a deep breath and let it out slowly.


    "Chloe, is he the one?" This time, a male asked.


    "What do you think?," Chloe replied, without giving a reply. The get-together had not yet started and she was already getting tired of it.


    She knew that the reason why something like this was organized was because some dimwits had achieved something significant, and they wanted to show off to see how miserable others are doing. Their actual n was to use the asion as an opportunity to make themselves feel better, and Ss was naturally their target.


    "There''s no need for the question, he''s the one. I can smell the familiar baleful aura of a loser from him," A voice said, and Ss turned to look at the owner.


    Who else could it be if not his ex-girlfriend, La.


    "So it''s really Ss, the loser," Another voice said.


    Ss didn''t need to turn to see the owner of the voice.


    "If it isn''t Daniel, the fucktard," Ss replied with a smile.

 Chapter 19: The Get-together(II)

    <h4>Chapter 19: The Get-together(II)</h4>


    "If it isn''t Daniel, the fucktard," Ss said with a smile.


    A deafening silence fell after what Ss said, and everyone looked at him in shock.


    Who would have thought that this day woulde, a day that Ss will talk back at Daniel.


    "Wow!" Someone couldn''t help but exim.


    Daniel was the one who felt the emotion more as he was Ss'' bully. He knows how Ss always shiver and tries to hide whenever he saw him.


    He bullied Ss for four years and during those years, Ss never even raised his voice at him or even had the courage to look him in the eyes, and that''s why hearing what Ss said shocked him so much.


    "Would you look at that? The loser finally muster up the courage to talk back. Tell me, how hard did you prepare for this?." A voice asked.


    Ss already knew the owner of the voice, Daniel''s right hand man, Jaxon. He''s one of Daniel''sckeys and he''s also the son of the owner of the establishment they are in.


    "What ce does a dog have here?," Ss replied with the same smile on his face.


    Ss'' second response shocked them even more.


    How is this possible? They couldn''t understand how Ss was going so much out of character. This was unlike him. What has he experienced in the past two years since graduation to change some much.


    The most affected by the response was Jaxon, as he was almost about to lose it. He has always relished the feeling of stepping on Ss every time, and he just wanted to get his fix but he didn''t expect what happened to happen.


    "I must say, you have gotten quite the confidence and courage. I wonder if you can match it physically," Jaxon said and stood up from his seat, in a show of intimidation.


    "Pfft... Is you standing up a form of intimidation? You look like a mouse who had its hole rattled," Ss said calmly, still seating.


    Hearing this, Jaxon lost it and was about to rush over to Ss when Daniel stopped him.


    "Jaxon, stop it. You''re embarrassing him. Can''t you see how much he prepared for today just from the clothes he''s wearing," Daniel said with mocking smile, "Hand-me-downs luxury clothes and.. ohh.. a stolen iPhone," he added.


    Ssughed when he heard this, "Dumbass, I''d rather notment on your stupidity."


    Ss didn''t feel too bothered to reply Daniel and his goons and keep entertaining them.


    "Please waiter, we want to ce an order over here," Ss called out to the waiter. He decided to order something to eat as he was feeling hungry from the driving.


    Ss was feeling very good and confident about himself at the moment.


    One might ask where the confidence cane from? Where else if not his skill, [Mental Bnce]. The skill has helped him to be able to control his emotions even though it''s still at level 1.


    He also understand that without the skill, he would be quivering like a drawn bow before Daniel.


    Ss'' response and his calmposure kept surprising and shocking his former ssmates. They saw how he made Daniel lose face twice, something that Daniel is not happy about, evident from the angry expression on his face.


    "A poor bloke like you wants to order. Please do note that this is not a charity event and no one will be footing your bills," Daniel said with a snicker.


    "You must have gotten some pocket money from daddy to say this but you seem to misunderstand something, I don''t need your money or the ''cheap change'' you give to your dogs, so that they can caress your ego," Ss said with the same mocking smile on his face.


    Daniel was utterly pissed when he saw this. He doesn''t understand how Ss keep replying back at him with that smiles that keeps irking him to no end.


    "You seem to have done some grave and bank robbing since we graduated, and made a lot of money. Why don''t we take this up a notch, you pay for everyone orders," Daniel said with a knowing smile.


    "You want me to feed you and your pack of hyenas? Sure, I can do that," Ss said and nodded with the same smile not leaving his face.


    Daniel saw that Ss didn''t back down from his challenge and decided to increase the difficulty. About Ss saying that he''s going to feed him and his goons, he felt the statement was absurd.


    "I''m d you epted my challenge but I would like to warn you, we won''t order cheap foods or drinks, but very expensive stuffs that the pub has to offer."


    "Sure, do whatever you want. It''s not the pub is a five-star Michelin establishment. The most expensive stuff here would probably cost around $100,000 which I think is impossible," Ss said in response.


    Everyone were extremely shocked by Ss statement. They couldn''t believe how he casually mentioned about the most expensive thing costing $100,000.


    They couldn''t help but feel that Ss has changed so much that he became alien to them. How much must he have to casually mention such an amount?


    The most affected of them this time was not Daniel or any of his goons, but La. She couldn''t help but feel like Ss has be so handsome that he was literally sparkling like a diamond.


    Ss noticed the change in her expression and nearly facepalmed due to excess cringing.


    The waiter who was called had already gotten to the table and Ss started cing his order.


    "What''s the most expensive wine or drink here?," He asked the waiter.


    "The most expensive is the 1995 Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Cros Parantoux, D-magnum and it costs $35,600," The waiter said with a smile, as he introduced the wine to Ss.


    "Sure, bring a bottle for everyone here," Ss told the waiter. He didn''t even pay attention to the waiter''s introduction.


    "Sir, I''m sorry but we only have a bottle avable," The waiter replied with a smile, holding in hisugh. He knew that Ss didn''t pay attention to his introduction, because if he did, he would understand that the wine he introduced is not your mainstream wine that someone can buy from a regr store.


    While the waiter was thinking this, Ss had another thought running through his head.


    ''So much for being expensive, they only have one bottle and I thought that I would be able to rack in a lot of rebate rewards today.''


    Ss actually thought nothing of Daniel''s challenge, instead he was happy. He''s someone who doesn''t know what to spend on and only does so when necessary, so hearing something like that from Daniel made him happy, besides he''s still looking for $280 million.


    "Just bring a bottle," Ss said to the waiter.


    The waiter nodded and turned his attention to Daniel and his goons. The group ced their order and so did everyone else seated around the table.


    They were surprised when Ss asked the waiter to bring a bottle of wine each for the everyone. How many were they? Twenty-two.


    There are twenty two of them seated around the table! Which means Ss wanted to spend a total of $782,000 just on wine alone. Insane!


    They couldn''t help but think that maybe Ss took something strange beforeing to the get-together.


    They couldn''t wait for the moment when it will be time to pay the bills. They want to see how Ss would embarrass himself.


    Did they also ce very expensive orders? Yes, they did except one person, Chloe.


    They were not scared that Ss won''t be able to foot the bill. If he can''t, then Daniel will or they will share it individually. It was no biggie and just like Ss said, the things in the pub doesn''t cost that much.


    Few minutester, their food were delivered together with a bottle of wine; some sses were also brought to the table.


    They ate the food and drank the wine, and it was time to pay the bills. The waiter was called and Ss gave him his bank card.


    Except Chloe, the rest looked at him with a sneer on their face when they saw him giving the waiter his bank card. They were eagerly waiting for the embarrassment that would follow.


    Surprisingly, to their shock. Few minutester, the waiter returned and gave Ss back his bank card and thanked him with a smile.


    An electrifying shock ran through their bank when they saw this.


    Ss casually spent $43,500 on just food?!


    "That will be all, people. I will take my leave," Ss said, as he stood up and left the pub.


    "Ss, wait let''s go together," Chloe said and also stood up.


    The get-together could be said to havee to an end and the two of them saw no more reason to stay.


    Ss and Chloe left the pub with some of his former ssmates curiously following behind him. They wanted to see how Ss will go home. Will he beg for a ride or did he drive a shack to the gathering.


    When Ss got outside, he walked towards the Bugatti and opened it, before getting in.


    "What??!!!"

 Chapter 20: Going Home, Conversation With Chloe

    <h4>Chapter 20: Going Home, Conversation With Chloe</h4>


    "What?!"


    They couldn''t believe it. They felt like they were hallucinating or the light was ying a trick on them.


    "Is that a Bugatti?" One of them asked, and rubbed his eyes, closed and opened it, to make sure that he wasn''t seeing something else.


    "The fuck?! Ss is driving a Bugatti! How? Where did he fucking get it from?" He asked, but no one could give him an answer, as all of them were experiencing the same things; shock and confusion.


    Unfortunately for them, their confusion won''t be cleared anytime soon, as Ss had already driven away.


    ...


    Inside the car, Chloe looked at the group of people standing in front of the pub, looking at the car in shock, andughed.


    "What a bunch of fools. Organizing a get-together just to show off because you got a managerial position in your dad''spany," She said andughed.


    "Way to go, Ss. You''re really something, shocking them like that. I must say, I''m very much surprised myself. I told you to do something about your confidence so that you won''t be bullied when youe to the gathering, but I didn''t know that you already had everything figured out," Chloe said, and turned to look at Ss with a probing gaze.


    "What?," Ss asked, when he saw her looking at him like a detective watching a suspect.


    "Nothing. I''m just trying to see if it''s really you or it''s a doppelganger, or maybe a clone," She replied, and turned to look at the road.


    "Pfft.. what do you mean by doppelganger or clone. It''s me, Ss in the flesh."


    "You handled yourself pretty well today. Standing up to Daniel and those dogs that he always carries around him. You didn''t even flinch before La. I thought you guys were going to start throwing punches when you see each other."


    Ss heard this and smiled without giving a response. What can he say? He got a skill that helped to ovee the trauma of his high school bullying days.


    Ss attributed his confidence in front of Daniel and the group to two things, his experience working at the casino house for two years and the skill, [Mental Bnce].


    During the time he worked at the casino house, he came in contact with different types of people, with different types of characters. People lots more crazier and unreasonable than Daniel and his park of dogs, or La and her gaggle of bit*hes.


    The skill he bought from the system also helped, by putting his mind in the right ce and giving him the ability to control his emotions almostpletely.


    What Ss didn''t actually know was that the reason for his newfound confidence isn''t notpletely due to his work experience or the skill.


    The reason is because of the system. During the initialization process, the system did aplete scan of his physical and mental condition, and found it to be critical.


    To fix this, the system controlled his biorhythm and flooded his system with the right chemicals that took him out of that critical condition his body was in, and put it in a mild condition, and the daily exercise and the skill he boughtpleted the job.


    ...


    Back to the present.


    Chloe saw that Ss was quiet and thought that he was thinking of what happened back in high school.


    "You would have shaken him off if you stood up to him once during high school. Daniel is a coward, he''s what he was then and what he is now because of his father. Take away his trust fund and subsidy daddy, and he''s nothing.


    From what I see, you''re doing way better than him. So, don''t think too much about it, take it as a lesson," Chloe said with a smile.


    Ss couldn''t help butugh when he heard this.


    "You''re the one thinking too much, Chloe. Those things are inconsequential. I barely think of them."


    "That''s good. About you and La, you know she didn''t actually date you, right?," Chloe asked, still looking at the road ahead, "She had been going out with Daniel before she started dating you. She was your girl but the ''y'' was never there," She continued when she saw that Ss was silent.


    Ss let out a sigh when he heard this. What Chloe just said was something he figured out some weeks after La broke up with him.


    He got a text from Daniel telling him how he told La to date him and break up with him publicly. He was very angry when he read the message but he couldn''t do anything about it.


    "I got yed, I guess," Ss said with a wry smile.


    "You did."


    The rest of the drive was quiet. Few minutester, Ss stopped in front of a building and Chloe came down from the car.


    "Thanks for the ride, I will call youter. Take care," Chloe said, and walked into the building, and Ss drove off.


    On the way, Ss couldn''t help but think about Daniel and La, and what Chloe said.


    "Daniel is a coward, he''s what he was then and what he is now because of his father. Take away his trust fund and subsidy daddy, he''s nothing"


    "I guess that''s how it''s going to be done then, Take away his father. Well, we already have something like a blood debt between us, it will just be killing two birds with a stone. Put Daniel''s father behind jail and the third generation chaebol wille crashing down, like a fallen tree," Ss said to himself.


    About La, Ss had no thought about her. She was his past and it will remain just like that.


    ...


    Few hourster, Ss had already taken his bath and was about to go to bed.


    As hey on his bed, he thought of the things he still have to take care of, getting the contact information of the president of Stanford University because of the new system mission he got, and cleaning up Daniel''s father.


    The two of themes with their own difficulties but the first on his priority list.


    "I hope to get lucky with getting the president''s contact information," Ss said to himself before sleeping off.

 Chapter 21: Getting Stanford University President鈥檚 Contact Information

    <h4>Chapter 21: Getting Stanford University President''s Contact Information</h4>


    While Ss was driving home in style, the Midnight Pub was in chaos after the group that followed Ss out walked back into the establishment, and told the rest what they saw.


    When Daniel heard what they said, his first reaction was to dismiss it but after one of hisckeys told him about it and showed him a picture of the car, he finally believed and he was too shocked to respond.


    Daniel wasn''t the only one. Everyone in the group were also shocked, only that the level of shock they experienced varied, with Daniel and La feeling it more.


    Chloe was unable to sleep. Not due to shock but because her phone was ringing non-stop. Everyone in the group was calling her, wanting to get Ss'' contact.


    When she saw that they didn''t want to leave her alone, she decided to put her phone on airne mode.


    "You went to school together for years and you didn''t ask him for his number, neither did you after graduation but because you see he''s doing well now, you all want to get close to him. Just like I always call you guys; circus of fools."


    .....


    The next morning, Ss woke up feeling very tired and his eyes swollen and heavy.


    "Ugh..... I hate waking up like this."


    Ss dragged his tired body out of the bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up. By the time he got home yesterday from the party, it was already 12 midnight and due to the long hours he spent driving, he felt extremely tired and this made him fall asleep immediately after his body touched his bed.


    "Seriously, I didn''t notice it at first but driving to Oand and back is hellish," Ss said to himself as he dressed up.


    "Now, how do I go about getting the president of Stanford University''s contact? It would have been easier for me if I had someone in the university but I have none," Ss thought to himself.


    Ss decided to go downstairs for breakfast as he was feeling very hungry. When he got downstairs, he saw that the girls were just cing his food on the table.


    "Good morning girls," Ss greeted them and took his seat.


    "Good morning." The two of them replied.


    After they were done serving the food, they went back to continue with their work while they left Ss to eat.


    ...


    Few minutester, Ss was done eating and Serah was clearing the tes.


    "Umm.... Serah, do you by chance have anyone in Stanford University? Maybe someone studying or working there," Ss asked her.


    Since he didn''t know where to start looking from, he decided to try his luck with his new employees.


    "Yes, I do have someone in Stanford University. A former highschool ssmate of mine is studying there," Serah replied.


    "Nice. Please can I have her number?"


    "Sure. I will get it for you now."


    Few minutester, Serah gave Ss a piece of paper on which she wrote the phone number of her former ssmate, Evelyn.


    Ss immediately dialed the number and after a few rings, it was picked and a female voice came from the other end of the phone.


    "Hello. Please who''s this?," The voice asked.


    "Hello. This is Ss. Am I speaking to Evelyn?"


    "Yes, you''re. Please, how did you get my number? I don''t remember giving it to anyone called Ss."


    "I got your number from Serah."


    "What''s your rtionship with Serah?"


    Ss couldn''t help but massage his temple when he heard Evelyn question. Girls and their sixth sense.


    "Serah works for me."


    "Ohh... So, what do I owe the pleasure of the call to?"


    "I need your help with something. Serah told me that you''re studying at Stanford University."


    "Yes, I''m studying at Stanford University but how does that rte to what you need help with?"


    "I need you to get me the president''s contact information. The contact information of the president of Stanford university," Ss said, stating his reason for calling.


    "The president''s contact information? I thought that was on the official website."


    "No, it''s not. That''s why I''m asking for your help."


    "Ok, I won''t promise anything but I will see what I can do."


    "Ok. When should I be expecting a reply from you?"


    "Today or tomorrow."


    "Thanks, I will be waiting for your reply then."


    With that, the call ended and Ss let out a sigh of relief. Though he didn''t know if Evelyn would be able to get the contact information for him, he had to ce his hope on her, as he had no choice.


    While he waited, he decided to check the system notification he has been putting aside, and his status information.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $97,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $970,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $43,500. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $430,500. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 3]


    [Level Perk: 10x rebate on all expenses made by the host.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Raise all stats to that of an average human.]


    _____


    [Strength: 5]


    [Agility: 3?4]


    [Stamina: 5]


    [Intelligence: 5]


    [Charisma: 4]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): [Problem-Solving(Level 1)], [Memory Mastery(Level 1)], [Mental Bnce(Level 1)]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Mission(s): Get into a university.]


    [Reward:???]


    [Time Limit: 5 Days.]


    _____


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    "Do I really have to spend money to get rebates rewards because I want to level up?"


    "$280 million to exchange for system points. And it''s just to raise my stats to that of an average human. I wonder how much I would be spending in the future for stats points? Billions? Hundreds of billions or even trillions.


    How would the world''s economy handle it I guess that will be left to the system to take care of," Ss said to himself, as he thought of the system''s level up requirement, and the absurd amount that''s needed for it.


    ...


    Time flew and it was almost night when Ss got a call from Evelyn, with some good news.


    She was able to get the contact information with the help of the university''s Student Union''s president.


    Ss thanked her profusely and offered topensate her but she refused. Ss insisted and she finally epted after Ss decided topensate by buying her lunch.


    After his call with Evelyn ended, Ss saved the President''s contact information and made a decision to call first thing the next morning, as it was alreadyte and it would be rude and inappropriate of him if he called today.

 Chapter 22: Meeting With President Odetta

    <h4>Chapter 22: Meeting With President Odetta</h4>


    The next morning, after waking up, Ss freshens up and dialed the president''s number.


    "Hello, President Odetta on the line. Who am I speaking to, please?"


    "Hello, President Odetta. This is Ss speaking. I have an offer to make to you and I was wondering if we could meet to discuss it in full details."


    "..... Mr Ss, please may I know what type of offer this is?," She asked, as her voice became more serious and professional.


    "President Odetta, I would like to make a substantial donation to Stanford University."


    "Ok, but that''s not all, right? And what do you want from the institution in return?"


    "In return for the donation, I want you to give me admission into the university."


    ".... Mr Ss, you do know that Stanford University is a privately owned institution, right?," She asked after a second of silence.


    She was quite surprised that someone would be asking such a thing from her. Not that it hasn''t happened before, but she just feels skeptical due to how young Ss'' voice sounded.


    "Yes, I know that it''s a privately owned institution and that funding has never been an issue for it, if that''s what you''re trying to say. But just like I said before, I have an offer to make. We can meet to discuss more on it and you can make your decision after the meeting."


    Ss understood that he would only have an actual chance if President Odetta agreed to meet up with him, and that''s why he''s doing his best to make sure she agrees.


    "Ok, I''m free today but don''t take too much of my time, I''m a very busy person."


    "Ok. I will make the arrangements and send you the details."


    "Ok," She said and hung up.


    Ss let out a sigh of relief after the call ended. He felt happy as he was able to sessfully set up a meeting with her.


    Now, all he has to do is to make the arrangements, and he immediately got to work as he started searching for ces that are perfect business meeting points.


    Few minutester, he found one, made the arrangements and sent the details to President Odetta, who replied, indicating that she has seen the message.


    After that was done, Ss went downstairs to eat before leaving for his meeting with President Odetta.


    .....


    Western Bayside Hotel, one of the biggest establishments in Oand. One that is primarily used by the rich, both those based in the city, and those visiting for business or casual events.


    The establishment is said to be among the top 50 best hotels in the state of California, and this is the ce that Ss chose as their meeting point.


    The reason why he chose the hotel is because it''s the best he could find around, and also because it''s more convenient for President Odetta.


    Ss took these things into consideration because he wants to increase his chances.


    Yes, he''s feeling nervous. He couldn''t help it as this is the first time he''s going to be making a deal with someone, and an important one at that.


    Few hourster, Ss sat in the hotel''s dining section as he waited for President Odetta to arrive.


    He felt his turbulent emotions surge and he decided to do a simple breathing exercise to calm himself.


    He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. After doing it repeatedly, he was finally able to calm down.


    With his emotions adjusted, Ss also adjusted his clothes to make himself look perfect as he waits for President Odetta''s arrival.


    He didn''t have to wait long as he saw her walking in through the door of the hotel''s dining section, and walk towards his seat.


    With a smile, he stood up and stretched his hand for a shake.


    "President Odetta, thank you for meeting with me," He said, as he shook her hand.


    "You''re Mr Ss?," President Odetta asked in surprise.


    As someone who has experienced a lot of things, she quickly glossed over it as she epted his hand.


    "Ok, Mr Ss, let''s get into the details," She added and took her seat, and Ss did the same.


    "President Odetta, just like I said over the phone, I want to make a donation to the institution and in return, I want admission into the university," Ss said.


    "That, you have already told me over the phone. What I want to know is how much you want to donate for you to be making such request?," President Odetta asked, as she adopted her professional demeanor, and the aura around her changed.


    Ss gulped when he saw this. The aura around President Odetta was passively suppressing him, even without her knowledge.


    It couldn''t be helped; President Odetta is someone who has been in her position for years, her umted experience over the years as she met with different people, both those at the same level of authority as her and those in higher authority.


    This isn''t something Ss can stand against with his two years work experience at the casino house. Compared to her decades of experience, Ss is still considered a newborn.


    Although that is the case, Ss also has something that can help him even the ying field. With his skill, [Mental Bnce], he can expect himself to be able to hold his own against President Odetta''s suppressive aura.


    Letting out an inaudible sigh, he smiled and looked at President Odetta, before speaking, "President Odetta, I want to make a donation of $10 million."


    "Mr Ss, although the amount is substantial, it''s still not enough for what you''re asking for," She said and continued, "You know that what you''re asking for goes against the ethicalities of education and educational institutions. If you really want to make me take you seriously, you will have to do better than this but if there''s nothing more, I will be taking my leave.


    Ss heard this and gave a wry smile internally. He, of course, expected her to say something like this and there were no falsehoods in what she said, but just as the saying goes: "Money makes the world go round!"


    "President Odetta, what if the donation is on a monthly basis until my graduation from the institution, and in addition to that, there will be an additional $1 million monthly donation for research funding," Ss said, finallyying all his cards bare.


    This was the decision he came to make after a lot of thinking. He felt that his initial proposal of a one-time donation of $10 million wouldn''t be much of an attraction to President Odetta, and that''s why he decided to take things up a notch.


    Another reason why Ss decided to make such a huge donation is because of the rebate rewards. Although he doesn''t know how much he would be given in cash, he felt that it would be three to five times the amount he spent.


    Ss would have donated all the money in his ount but because of a vague feeling he has, he decided not to overdo it.


    Back to the present.


    Ss looked at President Odetta''s smiling face and he knew that he had finally gotten her attention.

 Chapter 23: Meeting With President Odetta(II)

    <h4>Chapter 23: Meeting With President Odetta(II)</h4>


    "What do you think, President Odetta? Is my offer attractive?," Ss asked.


    Ss saw that President Odetta was silent but he wasn''t worried. He knew that there was no way she was going to turn down his offer.


    It could be said that he''s literally giving the institution free money and not it''s not a small sum, but a significant amount.


    With the offer that he made, he''s expected to make a donation of $11 million monthly and $132 million yearly.


    Which means he''s going to make a total donation of $528 million in his four years of studying in the institution. A total of more than half a billion!


    Against such an offer, even though Stanford University is privately owned, it won''t let such a big fat golden goose go.


    "Mr Ss, I must say, I''m impressed but even though I''m impressed, it doesn''t mean that I will outrightly ept your offer.


    First, excluding the ethicalities that even this conversation goes against, I will still need to consult with the Board of Trustees and Faculty of Senates for their opinion, before I can ept your offer," President Odetta said, as she looked at Ss intently, before continuing, "Secondly, Mr Ss, I don''t know if you know this but Stanford University spends more than $1 billion yearly on research and we have thousands of external funded projects throughout the university that makes up that amount.


    I will not say much but you must understand that the eptance of your offer will depend on luck."


    President Odetta was confused. She couldn''t understand why Ss is going to such lengths to get into the university, and she''s also doubting if he actually has the financial capability to make such an offer.


    If he really wants to get into a university, all he has to do is to wait until the session begins next year. Unless... There''s a reason for it and that same reason is why he''s willing to use such a significant amount of money to get backdoor ess.


    She would have continued to doubt his financial capability but the confident look on Ss'' face made her think otherwise.


    She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.


    "Mr Ss, if you don''t mind me asking, why do you want to gain admission into Stanford University, and even going to such lengths? Why?," President Odetta asked, when she could no longer hold in her curiosity.


    Ss smiled at President Odetta''s question. He knew that his request will definitely raise eyebrows and questions will definitely be asked, but will be give an answer? Of course not.


    "President Odetta, I understand that you''re curious. All I can tell you is that I''m pressed for time."


    "I see. I will be taking my leave then, Mr Ss," President Odetta said, and stood up from her seat.


    "I will contact you after I''ve spoken to the Board of Trustees and Faculty of Senates, but don''t expect a yes."


    After that, President Odetta walked out of the dining section and the hotel, with Ss following behind her.


    "President Odetta, I will be waiting for your response then," Ss said to her, after they got outside.


    President Odetta nodded and walked towards her car, and got in.


    Ss stood at the front of the hotel, watching President Odetta as she got into her car and drove off.


    Immediately after President Odetta drove off, Ss let out a huge sigh of relief.


    He didn''t know how much pressure he was under during the meeting until after President Odetta left.


    Yes, he has a skill that helped him to level the ying field and that was it, level the ying field. It didn''t equate to him having her years of experience or being immune to the authoritative aura around her.


    "I did my best. All I can do now is to wait for her response and hope it''s a yes," Ss said to himself, as he walked towards his Corvette.


    Getting to the car, he got in and drove off. This time, his destination is not the vi but home. He decided to go home and check on his little brother.


    He would have loved to go back to the vi but he decided against it because he doesn''t want to be in a situation when he would be unable to immediately respond to President Odetta''s call.


    On the way, Ss changed his mind. He decided to go to the condo and sleep there before going home.


    The condo is a property he bought and he hasn''t even slept in it once before he moved into the vi. The reason for this is because he got the vi the following day after he bought the condo.


    Few minutester, Ss parked his car in the building''s garage before taking the stairs to the floor where the condo is located.


    Getting to its door, Ss turned the knob and pushed it open, before walking in.


    Immediately after walking in, he made his way to the bedroom and slumped on the bed that was left there by the previous owner.


    His activities for the day left him feeling extremely tired that he didn''t even have any strength left to make the bed, before lying down on it.


    He had to drive in from Newport, which took him seven hours and he was ced under immense pressure during his meeting with President Odetta.


    All these added up, draining himpletely, making him fall asleep almost immediately after his body touched the bed.


    ...


    "Wow... that was really hectic. I have gotten the sleep, now I''m feeling extremely hungry."


    Ss woke to his grumbling stomach. He didn''t know how time passed or how long he was asleep for, and he didn''t bother to check as his thoughts were being disoriented by the intense hunger he was feeling at the moment.


    He looked out the window and saw that it was already dark outside.


    "Hopefully, some restaurants or diner will still be open," He said to himself, as he pushed himself out of the bed, to go get himself something to eat.


    .....


    Few minutester, Ss found a restaurant that was still open. Immediately after walking in, he ced his order and went to take his seat.


    He didn''t have to wait long before it was ready and brought to him. He made sure to order something that will be ready quickly because he didn''t have the pleasure of waiting due to the intense hunger he was feeling.


    Immediately after his order was served, Ss started eating, wolfing down everything in front of him.


    It was only after he was done eating and felt his stomach filled up, did he start thinking properly.


    After that, he paid his bills and left the restaurant and made his way back to the condo.


    ....


    Time flew past quickly and it was finally morning and Ss was already on his way home.


    Few minutester, he pressed the door of the house and a familiar voice came from behind.


    "A sec. I''ming."


    Some secondster, the door opened and Ss was greeted by a woman who had a warm smile on her face.


    "Ss, Wee!"

 Chapter 24: Meeting With Stanford University鈥檚 Executives

    <h4>Chapter 24: Meeting With Stanford University''s Executives</h4>


    "Hi Kim."


    "Hey..." Kim was surprised to see Ss, as she didn''t expect him toe home soon, since he said that he will being home on weekends to check on Alex, and it''s not yet weekend, yet.


    Ohh... Sorry,e in," Kim said, as she opened the door wider, allowing Ss to enter.


    Thank you. I know it''s not the weekend, yet. I was around, so I decided to check up on you guys," Ss said as he walked to the living room.


    "Here, I bought fried chicken. Is Alex at school?," He asked as he gave Kim the food he ordered on his way home.


    "Yeah," Kim replied as she collected the package from Ss, before going to drop it on the kitchen countertop.


    "Ok, I will be in my room." Ss left the living and made his way to his room.


    When he got to his room, he saw that it was still as he left it, except that it looks clean and organized.


    "Ahhh.. It''s early morning and I have nothing to do."


    "Yeah, I have some system notification and I should probably check my status screen."


    "Status."


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $60. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $600. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $390. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $3900. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 3]


    [Level Perk: 10x rebate on all expenses made by the host.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Raise all stats to that of an average human.]


    _____


    [Strength: 5]


    [Agility: 4]


    [Stamina: 5]


    [Intelligence: 5]


    [Charisma: 4]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): [Problem-Solving(Level 1)], [Memory Mastery(Level 1)], [Mental Bnce(Level 1)]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Mission(s): Get into a university.]


    [Reward:???]


    [Time Limit: 3 Days.]


    "Out of the initial 7 days,I now only have three days left toplete it or it''s a failure."


    "I do hope I get a news from President Odetta before then. Hopefully.."


    After he was done looking at his status screen, Ss closed it and looked around his room, and sighed.


    He felt so bored as he didn''t have anything to do, and he has no idea on what to do.


    "I''m feeling so bored. What should I do?"


    "If it was before, I would definitely be thinking of how to make more money. Now, I don''t even know what to do with the money.


    Tsk, tsk. The irony of my life."


    Ss allowed his thoughts to wander so that he wouldn''t feel the boredom much. As his thoughts drifted, he thought of the system level up requirement and the mission he''s trying toplete.


    He hasn''t even given much thought to it, especially on how he''s going to get the money that he needs to exchange for system points.


    He knew that if he doesn''t get a positive response from President Odetta before the three days pses, he would automatically fail the mission. Something he doesn''t want to see happening.


    "Well, I can''t do anything about it. It would be good if I can get a yes from Stanford University, I would be able to get some of the money needed from the rebate, except if my feeling is correct."


    It might seem that he was being too passive about the mission but he doesn''t actually have much of a choice.


    The mission''s time limit given by the system and current academic period made it almost impossible, if not impossible toplete the mission.


    As an avid reader of web novels, Ss understood one thing when ites to systems.


    They are never that simple. One can''t use regr logic on them, except the system wants to be bound by it, which is so rare that it''s actually mythical.


    And this is the reason why he has a vague feeling about the rebate.


    .....


    Time flew by quickly and in the blink of an eye, it was already noon of the third day since he came back home.


    Ss sat in his room, anxiously looking at the ceiling as he waited for President Odetta''s call.


    For thest two to three days, he has been spending time with Alex.


    "I guess this is it," Ss said and sighed. He longer had any hope of getting an early reply from President Odetta.


    He was just about to leave the room when he felt the vibration of his phone in his pocket.


    He hurriedly brought it out to check the caller''s id, President Odetta.


    He didn''t waste time and he immediately picked the call.


    "President Odetta."


    "Mr Ss, are you free? The Board and Faculty would like to meet with you," President Odetta asked, immediately after he picked up.


    "Yes, I do have time."


    "Ok, pleasee to Stanford University. When you get there, make your way to the Lasuen Mall Building. Someone will be waiting for you at the building''s entrance," President Odetta said and hung up.


    After the call ended, Ss immediately changed into some better clothes before taking his car key, and left the house.


    ...


    Meanwhile in a small conference room in Lasuen Mall Building, Stanford University, a group of people were seated around a table with some stacks of paper in front of them.


    "Odetta, where''s the kid?" One of them, a man asked.


    "Be patient, Jonathan. He will be here soon," Odetta replied.


    "He should be fast, I have an appointment in the next hour."


    "Jonathan, be patient." This time, it wasn''t Odetta that replied but someone else, a male.


    "He said he has an appointment but we all know that the appointment is with your mistress. I wonder when your wife is going to catch you, or maybe you''re actually ying each other, with each other''s unspoken consent." The man continued.


    "Don''t you dare bring my wife into this, Lawson," Jonathan said as he looked at the Lawson person with an angry expression on his face.


    The rest of the people in the roomughed when they saw this. The incident that just happened in front of them is not something new, as it always happens anytime Lawson and Jonathan find themselves in the same room.


    Few minutester, a youngdy walked into the conference room and announced Ss'' arrival.


    "Ohh... thank you. Please let him in," President Odetta replied.


    "Yes ma''am," Thedy said, and the door of the conference room opened and a young man who looks to be in his early twenties walked inside.


    "Mr Ss, wee. Please take a seat," President Odetta said, as she pointed to an empty chair.


    "Since he''s here, let''s get this meeting underway."

 Chapter 25: Meeting With Stanford University鈥檚 Executives(II), Mission Completed

    <h4>Chapter 25: Meeting With Stanford University''s Executives(II), Mission Completed</h4>


    "Mr Ss," President Odetta gestured to him, as he took his seat.


    "President Odetta," He replied.


    "Well, since he''s here, let''s get this meeting started," President Odetta said, and passed one of the documents to Ss.


    "Yes. Mr Ss, President Odetta here, told us that you want to get an admission into the institution, a backdoor admission if I must say and in return, you will be making a monthly donation of a total of $11 million. Is that true?," Jonathan asked.


    "Yes," Ss replied and nodded.


    "Ok. Then I''m sure that you know the implications of what you''re asking?," Jonathan asked, as he looked at Ss intently.


    "Yes, I very well understand the implications of what I''m asking," Ss replied.


    "Let me make this clear on behalf of everyone here. What we can only do for you is to consider giving you the admission and if you do get it, you will have to actually study and take your exams. We won''t give you an automatic pass," Jonathan said with a very solemn tone, emphasizing on the stance of the institution.


    "Yes, I understand," Ss replied and nodded. He was never interested in something like that and he isn''t going to ask for it either.


    If it wasn''t for the system mission, he would have waited until the beginning of next semester when Stanford University starts giving admission, and take the entrance exams.


    Jonathan smiled when he heard Ss'' response. With that cleared out, they knew that they wouldn''t be facing any possible issues rted to Ss asking for unmerited credits.


    "Good," Jonathan said, and turned to look at the remaining people in the conference room, and asked, "If any of you wants to add anything, please do."


    "Yes, there''s something I would like to add. The monthly donation, if he defaults on it, it''s an automatic expulsion," One of the men seated said.


    Jonathan looked at others and saw their nods of approval to what the man said.


    "Mr Ss, .....are you okay with this?," Jonathan asked.


    "Yes, I''m fine with it." Ss wasn''t worried by this.


    Defaulting on the donation? Impossible. Unless what he''s feeling is correct, which even if it is, it''s not something bad for him.


    "Ok. Is there anything else you would like to add, Mr Ss?," Jonathan asked.


    "Yes. In addition to what has been said, I would like to add some things. First, I want to be able to choose as many courses as I want. Second, I don''t want to be tied to attendance and regr tests, only the major exams," Ss said.


    The conference room was silent for a few seconds before Lawson broke the silence with a light cough.


    "Mr Ss, what you''re asking for... Okay, here''s the thing, there are professors that mark students based on attendance."


    "I understand. You can just tell me the subjects these professors teach and I won''t add them to the list of subjects I would be choosing," Ss said.


    "It seems like we have alle to an agreement then. Mr Ss, please go through the documents that were given to you and understand everything in it, and when you''re done, sign it," President Odetta said.


    "Ok," Ss said, and started going through the documents.


    It took him a few minutes before he was done and he took a pen in front of him and scribbled his signature on it.


    "Good, and that is us meeting our own part of the deal. We will be expecting you to meet your own part, Mr Ss," President Odetta said.


    "Yes. Right away," Ss said and brought out his phone from his pocket to transfer the money.


    Before transferring the money, he decided to check how much he currently has in his ount. Thest time he checked his ount bnce was the first time he exchanged some money for system points, and he just took a cursory nce at it.


    Opening his bank app, he clicked on the eye icon beside his name and his ount bnce was disyed.


    More than $18 million!


    Ss took a subtle deep breath when he saw this.


    "President Odetta, the details?," He asked.


    "Right above where you penned your signature."


    Ss opened the document and copied the bank details that were written on it, and made the transfer.


    Few secondster after he made the transfer, he saw President Odetta nod at him indicating that the money had been received.


    Immediately afterwards, everyone in the conference room stood up and left, with President Odetta and Ss still seated.


    "Mr Ss, your admission papers will be processed and sent to youter. Be expecting it before midnight," President Odetta said, and Ss nodded absentmindedly, before he stood up and left the conference room.


    Ss'' mind was preupied with something else: the system notification that popped up when he transferred the money.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $1,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $10,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    Yes, only one of them received a rebate. He transferred the money separately because of the feeling he had and here it is, his feeling was correct.


    ''Only the money meant for the research fund received a rebate. Now, the question is why?,'' Ss asked himself.


    After thinking about it for some minutes and not getting any answer, he decided to forget about it.


    "That''s a relief," He said with a sigh.


    "Now thinking about it, I spent a total of $11 million and got $10 million back, which should have been a total of $110 million."


    Ss got outside the building and got into his car. He wasn''t ready to go home yet, as he still has something to do.


    He promised Evelyn to take her to lunch whenever hees to Stanford University, to take her for helping him get President Odetta''s contact.


    ....


    Later that night.


    Ssy on his bed after taking a night shower.


    It''s almost midnight and he''s already getting anxious as he''s yet to receive the message from President Odetta.


    Fortunately, his phone chimed, indicating that he has received a message.


    Immediately after his phone chimed, he saw a system notification pop up.


    [Ding!]


    [Mission Completed. Reward will be given immediately.]


    [Reward Received: Gene Enhancement Serum.]

 Chapter 26: Gene Enhancement Serum, Impulsive Decision

    <h4>Chapter 26: Gene Enhancement Serum, Impulsive Decision</h4>


    [Ding!]


    [Mission Completed. Reward will be given immediately.]


    [Reward Received: Gene Enhancement Serum. Reward has been ced on the table in host''s room in the vi.]


    "Gene Enhancement Serum?! What the...?! What''s going on?"


    Ss was extremely shocked and surprised when he saw the reward he got from the system. It was something he had never expected. It never even crossed his mind for once.


    He already has a general idea of the serum''s ability or abilities just from its name, but the existence of something as the serum was something that he never even for once actually tried to register into his head.


    "I shouldn''t be surprised by something like this since I actually got a system. Now, the question is, what is the enhancement for?


    Why is the gene being enhanced?"


    Ss'' mind was filled with more questions as he thought about it, and what irritates him about the whole situation is that he has no one to give him the answers he''s looking for.


    "Phew... Let''s not think much about it. I''m very sure that I will be able to get the answers to my questions soon... Hopefully...."


    "The system ced the reward in my room, which means I will have to go to the vi tomorrow. Now that I havepleted the mission, it''s time to focus on the system''s level up requirement."


    "$280 million.... There''s no usible way to get such an amount of money in a short time, except with the rebate.


    I currently have $17.5 million in my ount. If only I can get everything back in cash, that would be $175 million. A huge progress from the $280 million needed. The only issue with this, is that it''s impossible to get everything back in cash.


    Now that I thought of it, when I spent $1 million, I got $10 million back in cash. Is it randomized or is there a certain threshold before the reward can be split into different forms?," Ss asked, as he thought to himself.


    "More questions and no one answers. Let me get some sleep, I have to drive to Newport tomorrow," Ss said, and closed his eyes to get some sleep.


    ....


    The next morning, Ss woke up feeling happy and refreshed. The anxiousness he has been feeling due to the mission for the past few days has gone with the night.


    He got up from the bed and did some light stretches before going to freshen up. After he was done, he went downstairs to eat breakfast with Kim and Alex who were already waiting for him.


    "You''re leaving today?," Kim asked, as he took his seat.


    "Yes."


    "Will you be back by the weekend?"


    "Yes."


    The conversation was short as all Kim wanted to know was when Ss would be back.


    After he was done eating his food, he left the house and walked towards his car, before entering and driving off.


    ....


    Few hourster, Ss parked his in the Vi''s garage and went to his room.


    Immediately after walking into his room, the first thing that caught his attention was a small bottle with its blue content on the table.


    Ss walked towards the table and picked up the bottle and started examining it. He shook the bottle lightly and its content swayed inside.


    "Liquid."


    He brought the bottle closer to his nose and sniffed it but he wasn''t able to smell anything from it.


    Ss was tempted to open the bottle but he held himself back.


    "It''s liquid, should I drink it? No, I shouldn''t be impulsive, I don''t know if there''s a requirement I have to meet before I can drink it."


    Ss was able to beat his impulse as he dropped the bottle back on the table.


    "I guess I will have to go out for some heavy shopping tomorrow," Ss said and sat down on the bed.


    He was thinking of what he was going to buy during tomorrow''s shopping when he got a system''s notification.


    [Ding!]


    [New Mission Avable.]


    [Chained Mission.]


    [Mission 1: Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Time Limit: 1 Year.]


    "Wait, what?! Is the system for real? Dishing out another time limited mission just after I barelypleted thest one, and this one is way worse than the previous one.


    Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year? Wow! Just wow!


    How does the system want me to achieve something like this?," Ss asked himself as he pinched his nose bridge.


    Ss feels that the system is giving him extremely impossible time limited missions that he can''tplete. He felt this way because he knew that there was no way he would be able to achieve the mission''s objective.


    Has there been any business that got such an evaluation in its first year? None!


    He was thinking that he had one less problem after hepleted the mission yesterday.


    Ss stood up from the bed and went downstairs to eat lunch.


    After he was done eating, he went back to his room. When he got to his room, his eyes were again drawn to the serum bottle on the table.


    Ss shook his head when he saw this. He couldn''t understand why he couldn''t take his mind off the serum bottle.


    He decided to distract himself with something else as he called up his status screen.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: 3]


    [Level Perk: 10x rebate on all expenses made by the host.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Raise all stats to that of an average human.]


    _____


    [Strength: 5]


    [Agility: 4]


    [Stamina: 5]


    [Intelligence: 5]


    [Charisma: 4]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Skill(s): [Problem-Solving(Level 1)], [Memory Mastery(Level 1)], [Mental Bnce(Level 1)]


    Skill Point(s): 0(+)]


    _____


    [Chain mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 1 Year.]


    "Maybe the system gave me serum because of the level up requirement..," Ss thought to himself.


    "Gene enhancement do affect physical stats, right?... Who knows? It might actually work and besides, the system won''t give me something that will harm me."


    After a few moments of contemtion, Ss took the serum from the table and opened it.


    After he opened it, he took a deep breath before emptying the bottle''s content into his mouth.


    As the serum enter his mouth and passed through it to his stomach, Ss got the taste of the serum.


    It has a sweet and minty taste to it. It felt like he was drinking the liquid form of mentos.


    "Nothing happened?," Ss asked himself in surprise.


    He was about to shake his head and sigh when he felt his body bing hot.


    He didn''t know how it happened but he saw that he was already sweating and his clothes were already drenched.


    The heat in his stomach had already increased and was now spreading all over his body. It felt like someone lit a fire there and left it to burn by itself.


    Now it feels like sharp hot needles and knives were being driven into his body slowly.


    "What''s going on? Is this how gene enhancements work?"


    The heat has reached a point that Ss'' body is now glowing red because of it.


    "Arghhhh..." Ss screamed in pain.


    "Water. I need water!"


    "Hot. So hot!"


    "Arghhhh!"


    Ss bolted into the bathroom and went to the bathtub. He sank his now scalding red hot body into it and switched on the water faucet.


    As the water touched his body, it evaporated into steams immediately. The water continued flowing out of the faucet but the rate at which the heat was increasing made it look like it wasn''t doing the work what Ss intended it to do.


    Ss was finally unable to handle the pain as he let out a scream and lost consciousness.

 Chapter 27: Waking Up

    <h4>Chapter 27: Waking Up</h4>


    Downstairs, in the kitchen.


    Serah and Emma were talking to each as they got ready to prepare dinner, when they heard a bone chilling scream.


    "AHHHHHHH."


    The both of them immediately raised their head and looked at the concrete ceiling above them, where the scream came from and they turned and looked at each other with the same question in their mind.


    "I-Isn''t that his voice?," Emma asked with a slight shaky voice. The scream gave her a big scare and a very bad feeling.


    "Yes, it is and It seems he''s in pain," Serah replied as she raised her head and looked at the ceiling again with a worried and anxious expression on her face.


    It only took a seconds and she turned and grab Emma hands before dragging her upstairs alongside with her.


    "Come, let''s go check out what''s happening. We won''t get an answer if we keep standing there, looking at each other and the ceiling," Serah said, dragging Emma upstairs.


    Emma could not react in time and could only be dragged along. She looked at Serah and asked, "Are we going there? what if it''s something dangerous?"


    "Emma, what do you mean dangerous? What could possibly be dangerous in this house that we have been working in, for almost a week?," Serah replied Emma''s question back with a question.


    "If it''s nothing dangerous, then why did he scream so loudly and why does it sound painful?," Emma couldn''t help but ask back.


    "It doesn''t have to be something dangerous, besides household idents can happen."


    Their loud, hurried footsteps came to a halt when they got to the door of Ss'' bedroom. Serah wasted no time as she pushed the door and barged in, still dragging Emma along.


    When they got into the room, they saw that it was empty, but what caught their attention was the mist that was in the room. The two of them walked slowly deeper into the room.


    Slowly, they walked deeper into the room and got to the bathroom''s door, where they saw a small empty bottle on the floor and the door of the bathroom wide open with steam pouring out the bathroom through the open door like someone poured hot water on dried ice.


    Seeing this, Serah anxiously rushed into the bathroom and Emma followed along.


    Inside the bathroom was filled with so much steam that it affected their visibility.


    "What''s with this steam?," Emma asked as she waved her hands to clear the steam in front of her to increase her visibility.


    Serah did not reply to Emma''s question as she also waved her hand, clearing the steam and moving deeper into the bathroom.


    It took them some time for their vision to finally get used to the steam around them and they were now able to make out a view of the bathroom vaguely, and there, they saw a hand sticking out of the bathtub, unmoving.


    "MR SILAS!" Serah screamed and ran towards the bathtub.


    When she got to the bathtub, she saw an unconscious Ss lying in a bathtub filled with hot ck liquid. She didn''t know whether to call it ck water or liquid as it looked somewhat like a lotion. She saw that his body and his clothes were also soaked in the same ck liquid.


    She became more anxious when she saw this, she could not understand how such a thing got into the bathtub but she felt that it might be the reason for him being unconscious.


    She reached out her hands and grabbed the hand that was sticking out of the bathtub to check his pulse.


    She ced two of her fingers on his radial artery in his wrist. After feeling the steady beating pulse, she saw his heartbeat was normal and let out a relief.


    She was able to do this because of her knowledge in first aid but still, anyone could be able to do it as all it takes is a little bit of knowledge and observation.


    Serah was happy and relieved when she felt Ss pulse meaning that he was alive and only unconscious. She had really feared for the worst but fortunately her fear were unfounded.


    She started taking off his shirt as she called out to Emma, "Hey Emma,e help me out here."


    Emma, who was still standing behind her, heard this and walked towards Serah.


    "Where did this ck watere from?" She asked when she got to where Serah was and saw the figure of the unconscious Ss and the bathtub filled with ck water.


    "Stop asking stupid questions with no possibly no answers to them and help me out here.


    Drain out the water from the bathtub and fill it up again."


    Emma decided to kept quiet as she pressed a dial near the overflow cover to drain the bathtub. After she pressed the dial, the water in the bathtub started reducing until it drainedpletely and what was left was a ck substance that stuck to the bottom and body of the bathtub and some was in some part of Ss body.


    "Start filling it up immediately, his body is dirty and we need to clean it up," Serah said to Emma. She was already done with taking off Ss shirt and now contemting whether to take off his pants and underwear.


    The moment of contemtion onlysted briefly as she swiftly reached out her hands and started taking off Ss pants.


    Emma saw Serah action and opened her eyes wide. She also saw the ck substance on Serah''s hands and she wanted to ask if the ck substance was harmful or not, but she decided to keep quiet.


    Knowing her friend, she knew all that she would receive in response is a cold silence.


    She turned her attention and dialed the button again and the bathtub started filling up back with water.


    Serah was done taking off Ss pants and left him with only his underwear as she waited for the bathtub to get filled up back with water.


    "Emma, get me a disposable refuse bag for these clothes."


    "These clothes are made by top luxury brands, are we really going to throw it away?"


    "What else do you think we should do with it? They are alreadypletely covered in this ck substance which makes them unwearable again even after washing."


    "Fine, I will go get the disposable refuse bag," Emma said and left the bathroom.


    When Emma left the bathroom, Serah saw that the bathtub was almost filled with water. She grabbed the bathing products on the bathtub and started adding them to the water.


    After that, she grabbed the sponge andthered it, and started lightly scrubbing Ss body. She first started with his face and started going down his chest.


    As she scrubbed his body, she could see that his body was bing clearer and fairer. The color of his skin was improving and Serah could not help but think that it now looks way better than before.


    If Ss'' face before has some semnce to someone that has gone through the rough path of life, then his face now looks like that of a prince from one of those fairytale stories.


    Serah kept on scrubbing his body but she avoid the region from his waist to where his boxer ended as she felt ufortable going to that region.


    Emma returned with the item just when Serah was about to finish with cleaning Ss up.


    Seeing Emma, Serah immediately rounded up what she was doing and told Emma to drain and refill the bathtub with water again as she collected the bag from her and started putting the dirty clothes into it.


    Serah knew that Emma would not agree to touch the clothes if she told her to put them into the bag, so she decided to do it herself.


    Throughout the whole time, Serah and Emma''s head was filled with questions but they could only keep it to themselves as there was no one to give them an answer.


    Even if there was, Serah decided she won''t ask but wait until Ss decides to give them an answer. Serah has a saying that she usually says to herself.


    A saying that goes: "Don''t ask what you shouldn''t ask and don''t care about what you shouldn''t care about. Keep your curiosity in check"


    Emma continue to drain and refill the bathtub with water everytime and each time the bathtub was refilled, Serah would scrub and clean Ss body.


    After multiple intervals, the girls could finally rx as Ss now look very clean and nowpletely devoid of the ck substance, the same goes for the bathtub.


    "Emma, why don''t you go and prepare something for him to eat? He might be hungry when he wakes up. I will stay here to look after him,"


    "Ok," Emma replied and left for the kitchen to prepare dinner.


    After Emma left, Serah continue looking at Ss sleeping figure and watched his chest move up and down slowly in rhythm with his breath, in slight admiration.


    Serah continue to admire Ss figure, his slightly ripped chest and abs, his cherry red lips and his handsome face.


    Serah felt that she couldpare him to the most famous South Korean Actor.


    Time passed slowly in silence throughout the vi. The vi was usually silent but this one in particr was more noticeable and somewhat heavy.


    *****


    No one knew what time it was when Ss finally came to and opened his eyes.


    He looked around him and saw that he was still in the bathtub with some difference being that he was stripped down only to his underwear and he was no longer feeling that scorching heat in his body.


    He turned and looked at Serah who was now asleep with her head resting on the bathtub.


    ''I feel like I almost died. Phew... I was so stupid and impulsive.''


    [Ding!]

 Chapter 28: Superpower: Matter Manipulation

    <h4>Chapter 28: Superpower: Matter Maniption</h4>


    [Ding!]


    [Host has met level up requirement.]


    [Level Up]


    [Due to the sessful awakening of your superpower, your skills section has been removed.


    The previous skills owned by the host have been fully integrated and are now at max level.]


    [Due to your sessful awakening of your superpower, the system store''s skill section has been removed.


    Allbined skills in the system store has been integrated into host.]


    [Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: 4]


    [Level Perk: 10x rebate on all expenses made by host.]


    [Level Up Requirement(s): Achieve your first gene enhancement.]


    _____


    [Strength: 5?10]


    [Agility: 4?10]


    [Stamina: 5?10]


    [Intelligence: 5?10]


    [Charisma: 3.5?10]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption.]


    _____


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 1 Year.]


    [Ding!]


    [Host has met level up requirement.]


    [Level Up.]


    [System has now reached max level and can no longer be leveled up.]


    [Congrattions, Host has unlocked system''s lottery function.


    The lottery function can only be activated with a lottery ticket.


    Host can use lottery ticket to draw items from the Lottery.


    Items that can be obtained are randomized and differs in probability.


    Lottery tickets will be given for every $10,000 spent.]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 10]


    [Agility: 10]


    [Stamina: 10]


    [Intelligence: 10]


    [Charisma: 10]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 0]


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 1 Year.]


    Ss saw the system notifications and wanted to scream out in surprise but he forced himself to keep quiet because of Serah who was sleeping close to him.


    What''s going on?.... Superpower?.... Where did thate from?.... Is this a bug in the system or what? Matter maniption?.... Is this a joke or what?....


    Ss'' head was suddenly filled with questions. Ss felt like his world-view had started to be subverted since he got the system has been taken to a whole new level.


    System, something of fantasy became his. After that was gene enhancement, and now, superpowers.


    How would you feel to sleep and wake up and find out that your world was not really as it seems.


    Would anyone believe that the superpowers that they always imagined and fantasized about actually exist and it''s not just a mere work of fiction and imagination, and the craziest thing is that you''re now among those superpower wielders.


    It took a bit of time to process all these and he was calm again but he felt that something was strange, especially his reaction.


    ''Why am I so calm?. I just be freaking out at this information but I''m strangely calm. I would have understood my calmness if it was something rted to my system but this is something that affects me directly."


    ''Ohh...I see..... It''s [Mental Bnce] working at max level.''


    Ss decided to put everything rted to the system aside forter, as he climbed out of the bathtub and tapped Serah lightly on the shoulder to wake her up.


    "Serah, wake up," Ss softly called out to her in a low voice while lightly tapping her shoulder. Serah seems to be a light sleeper as she woke up immediately.


    "Mhmm," Serah groaned as she turned her head and looked at Ss. When she saw him, she immediately sprang up from her position and stood with her head lowered.


    "Please forgive me for barging into your bedroom and bathroomn when you were inside without permission. I heard your scream from downstairs, that was why I ran up upstairs to check," Serah said with her head still lowered.


    "You don''t need to apologize Serah. You did nothing wrong. You actually helped me instead and I appreciate your help. So don''t apologize," Ss said to her.


    "Thank you, I will take my leave now," Serah said, and Ss nodded.


    After Serah left, Ss went to his room to get dressed as he was still in his boxer.


    Ss didn''t know for how long he had been unconscious but from his dried underwear which was supposed to be wet, he knew that a long time had passed.


    After getting dressed, Ss went downstairs to eat dinner. He was feeling very hungry. Maybe it''s because of his genes that were now enhanced, Ss felt that he was feeling more hungry than usual.


    When Ss got downstairs, he saw his dinner on the dining table. He looked around but he didn''t see Serah and Emma anywhere.


    "They must have left," Ss said as he took his seat and started eating.


    It took some time before he was finally done eating. He stood and cleared the dishes before going back upstairs.


    When he got to his room, he called up his status screen.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 10]


    [Agility: 10]


    [Stamina: 10]


    [Intelligence: 10]


    [Charisma: 10]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 0]


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 1 Year.]


    As his status screen popped up, Ss started checking everything and noting any new thing he saw.


    The first one being the race that was suddenly added to the his status information. Not particrly new to him but it''s one of the new things that was added to his status information and Ss couldn''t help but ask himself if the system was not aware of him being a human before.


    Second thing was that the system level is now has ''Max'' written in front of it. Ss was perplexed when he saw this.


    ''The system only has five levels? Forget it, let''s move on to other things.''


    While going through his status screen, Ss remembered one of the notifications he saw before.


    ''Nice, I also got the lottery function. I wonder what I can draw from it?


    Ss'' eyes continue to move downward until he got to the section that shows superpowers. Seeing this, Ss felt a flood ofplex emotions.


    He was shocked and at the same time, happy. Never in his wildest dream would he have believed that something like this would happen to him.


    Superpowers?!.... Matter Maniption?!


    "What does this mean?," Ss asked himself in a low voice.


    "I can control matter? Like matter itself?"


    Curiously, Ss looked at his hands. He brought it forward and made a gesture but nothing happened.


    "How do I use this thing?"


    "Ahh.... Yes. Stupid me," Ss chastised himself and walked into the bathroom.


    When he got to bathroom, he walked up to the bidet and switched on the faucet and water starteding out of it.


    When he saw the running water, he took a deep breath and brought his hands forward.


    "Matter maniption. Matter exists in three main forms: solid, liquid and gas"


    "Water is a liquid form of matter which means in should be able to control it."


    Taking another deep breath, Ss concentrated on the running water and made a waving gesture with his hands.


    Nothing happened again.


    "That didn''t work. I might be able to do it if the water is not running."


    With that, Ss left the bathroom and went to the kitchen.


    When he got to the kitchen, he went to the sink and fixed the plug in before he opened the faucet. He did this so that the water won''t go down through the sink''s drainage opening.


    When the sink has been filled with water to a certain level, Ss closed the faucet and dipped his finger into the water.


    After dipping his finger into the bathroom, he closed his eyes and concentrated on the water.


    After some time, Ss felt something slowly sticking to the finger.


    When he felt this, he opened his eyes and slowly took his finger out of the water. When his fingers was out of the water, he finally saw it.


    He could see small blobs of water sticking and squirming around his finger.


    ''Amazing... Truly amazing... I can really control matter!''

 Chapter 29: The Need For System Points

    <h4>Chapter 29: The Need For System Points</h4>


    With the excitement of having a superpower and being able to manipte matter, Ss spent the rest of the night experimenting on his superpower.


    He tried different things, from controlling and manipting water and anything in liquid form, and other forms of matter.


    After his long hours of experimenting and using his powers, he was able to get some understanding about his power


    At the moment, he could only do some little things with it, like controlling small mass of water and anything liquid. To give an example, he can only control a tennis-size ball of water for a very short period of time.


    As for gas, he currently doesn''t know his progress as he didn''t see any result when he tried to control it but he felt that with enough training, he would be able to control it in due time.


    The hardest for him was controlling matter in its solid state. He didn''t feel anything when he tried to manipte the pebble he took from the Koi pond. Even an ice cube was no different.


    Back in his room, Ssy on this bed mentally exhausted. All the experimenting he was doing on his powers left him drained, mentally. He understood that this might be because of his low intelligence stat.


    He even felt that the reason why he found it hard to control the matter in its solid form is due to his low intelligence stat.


    With that thought in mind, he immediately exchanged $10 million for 1000 system points and converted it to a stat point, which he added to his intelligence, increasing it to 11.


    After adding the stat point and increasing his intelligence point to 11, he felt the mental exhaustion that he was previously feeling slowly washing away and his mind clearing up.


    Ss looked up at the ceiling and let out a sigh and smiled. Even after long hours of using and experimenting on his superpowers, Ss still felt that everything was so surreal. It felt like the first time he got the system.


    It didn''t take Ss long before his thoughts drifted back to his superpower.


    ''They really do exist but if so, why is there no news about them at all. No matter how well information about them is hidden, there still has to be something. Maybe a leak....," Ss thought to himself, and it didn''t take him long for him to get the answer and he smiled.


    "The governments of the world really outdid themselves at this one."


    Ss was no fool, with his increased intelligence and passive skills he was quickly able to understand that the reason why there has never been any news about people with superpowers was because of how the government controls the information that gets out to the general poptions.


    It might make him sound like a conspiracy theorist and his thoughts far-fetched, but he felt that this was the only usible reason.


    Thinking further, Ss understood why they did it. The world poption was already divided into two main groups, the rich and the poor.


    If the news about people with superpowers existing is to get out, then it would no longer be as simple as the division of the rich and the poor.


    Ss sighed when he thought of this.


    ''It seems like things are about to getplicated soon.''


    ''Well, there is no need thinking too much about it. I have superpowers now and there''s no changing that. All I have to do is just be myself and see if there''s a way to increase my strength,'' Ss thought to himself.


    Ss knew that things were no longer as simple as it was before. He knew that he has to keep his superpower hidden or he would be having some visitors soon, possibly from the three letter agency.


    That is if that agency is in charge of controlling the information rted to people with superpowers.


    He never thought him having superpower was something special or unique to him alone. He felt that the thought was absurd.


    He felt that it was better to think that there are other people with superpower and be on the safe side, than to think too highly of himself and be given a shocking surpriseter.


    Putting the thoughts about his superpower and the implications aside, Ss decided to focus on the previous notifications he got when he regained consciousness.


    "Status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 10]


    [Agility: 10]


    [Stamina: 10]


    [Intelligence: 10?11]


    [Charisma: 10]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 0]


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 364 Days 1 Hour.]


    ''Who knew that my impulsive decision to drink the serum would help me to level up the system, and twice at that.''


    ''Now that I no longer have to think about the system and its level up requirement again, and I can focus on the missions.''


    "Let''s check the system store, maybe there''s something that can help me there," Ss said to himself and opened the system store.


    [System Store]


    [Note: Items can only be bought once. If host wants to continue buying an item, he would need to get the free pass of the item.


    Item''s free pass can only be obtained from the system Lottery.]


    This was the first thing Ss saw when he opened the item store. After reading the message, he knew that there must be a good reason why the system only allows him to buy an item once without the free pass, but he was curious about the reason behind it.


    He didn''t dwell on it and instead focused on what good things he would possibly find in the system store.


    [Item]


    [Knowledge]


    Without hesitation, he clicked on [Item] and the list of items avable was disyed.


    [Items]


    [Gene Enhancement Serum]


    Description: The Gene Perfection Serum is a cutting-edge item crafted through advanced scientific endeavors.


    Upon ingestion, it enhances the genes of the recipient. It also helps to stimte the genes and potential of the recipient to achieve an artificial awakening for an unawakened. For natural awakeners, it helps to remove the risk of mutation and death thates with the absorption of dark energy. (Cost: 10,000 system point)


    [Holographic Smartphones]


    Description: A sleek, holographic smartphone offering immersive 3D visuals and interactive holographic interfaces. (Cost: 25,000 system points)


    [Neural Interface Headsets]


    Description: These headsets establish a direct neural link, providing seamless interaction with virtual environments and AI systems. (Cost: 22,000 system points)


    [Anti-Gravity Hoverboards]


    Description: Hoverboards incorporating anti-gravity technology, allowing users to effortlessly glide above the ground. (Cost: 28,000 system points)


    [Self-Healing Nanotech Fabric]


    Description: Fabric woven with self-healing nanotechnology, ensuring clothes repair themselves from minor damages. (Cost: 24,000 system points)


    [Augmented Reality Contact Lenses]


    Description: Ultra-thin contact lenses that seamlessly integrate augmented reality, providing users with enhanced visual information and interactive experiences. (Cost: 26,000 system points)


    [Molecr 3D Printers]


    Description: These printers manipte individual molecules, enabling the creation of highly precise and customizable 3D-printed objects at the atomic level. (Cost: 35,000 system points)


    [Mind-Controlled Prosthetics]


    Description: Prosthetic limbs controlled directly by the user''s thoughts, providing natural and intuitive movement. (Cost: 32,000 system points)


    [Hyperloop Transportation Pods]


    Description: High-speed transportation pods utilizing vacuum tubes and maic levitation for ultra-fast, efficient travel. (Cost: 40,000 system points)


    [Self-Driving Flying Cars]


    Description: Compact vehicles equipped with autonomous flight capabilities. (Cost: 38,000 system points)


    [Laser-Powered Hair Growth Devices]


    Description: Devices employingser technology to stimte hair follicles and promote natural hair growth. (Cost: 23,000 system points)


    .....


    .....


    The list was endless. Ss felt a stabbing pain in his heart when he saw the prices of the items.


    The cheapest he saw there cost 10,000 system points, which is equivalent to $100 million.


    He decided not to go to the knowledge section as he didn''t know what type of scare he would get from it.


    ''System, please give me system points.''

 Chapter 30: Max Level System

    <h4>Chapter 30: Max Level System</h4>


    After going through the list of items in the system store and seeing their prices, Ss felt he now understood why the system gave him the recent mission.


    He knew that there was no way to be able to continuously afford the things in the system store with just rebate rewards. It felt very impractical and impossible.


    Ss wanted to close the system store and go to bed but he couldn''t, as he was feeling too active to do so, and the temptation to look at what could possibly be in the information section was too strong.


    Few secondster, the temptation became so strong that Ss couldn''t hold himself back anymore.


    Taking a deep breath, Ss decided to open the [Knowledge] section.


    [Quantum Computing]


    Description: Revolutionizingputation, quantumputing employs quantum bits (qubits) to process vast amounts of information simultaneously, solvingplex problems at imaginable speed. Ideal for simtions, cryptography, and optimization tasks. (Cost: 500,000 SP)


    [Nanotechnology]


    Description: This is the maniption of matter on an atomic, molecr, and supramolecr scale. The use of nanotechnology ranges from medicine, industry, military and space travel. (Cost: 400,000 SP)


    [Artificial General Intelligence]


    Description: Artificial intelligence systems that possess cognitive abilities, learning from experience, reasoning, and problem-solving. These systems excel in data analysis, automation, and decision-making. (Cost: 250,000 SP)


    [Superconductors]


    Description: A material that has no electrical resistance and maic flux fields are expelled from it. Such a material exhibits superconductivity. It can store electrical energy indefinitely and is capable of lossless energy transmission. (Cost: 100,000 SP)


    [Terraforming]


    Description: This is the process of transforming the characteristics of a, asteroid or anyary body to make it habitable, including atmosphericposition, soil, weather, and flora/fauna. It is usually preceded by some form of base or habitation on the. (Cost: 11,600,000 SP)


    .....


    .....


    .....


    .....


    .....


    The list went on and on, and just when Ss thought things couldn''t get anymore ridiculous and expensive, he saw this;


    [Teleportation]


    Description: This is the transfer of matter or energy from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. (Cost: 1,000,000,000 SP)


    ****


    Ss just closed the system''s interface and threw his head back on the bed.


    Even before getting the system, Ss has never felt so shocked. He didn''t know how to react to the things he saw.


    ''Just the cheapest item cost $100 million and the cheapest knowledge cost $1 billion. Like how?!....''


    ''I really hope I can get system points from the lottery or there''s no way I would be able to afford anything in the system store.''


    "Phew... Time to get some sleep." Ss felt extremely tired from the events of the day. He tucked himself into bed and it didn''t take long before he drifted off to sleep.


    ******


    The next day, Ss woke up feeling very refreshed. He was no longer feeling the fatigue he felt yesterday and he felt that his mind had be clearer.


    He got up from the bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up. While he was still at it, from the massive wall mirror in the bathroom, he saw that his appearance had improved greatly.


    His skin has be fairer, his chest and abs now have well-defined muscles giving him a nice figure. Not just his abs, but he noticed that even his shoulders have be broader than before; his face also looks better than before.


    After he was done freshening up, he put on some clothes before going downstairs to the dining area for breakfast.


    When he got to the dining, he saw that his food had already been prepared and ced on the dining table. Curiously, he looked around and saw the girls busy in the kitchen.


    He smiled when he saw this. He knew that the girls must have a lot of questions about what happened yesterday, but there''s a problem; he has no way of exining what happened yesterday.


    Thinking of this, he let out a sigh and took his seat, and started eating. While eating, Ss noticed that his appetite had increased.


    The amount of food that he would normally make him fill before, now only makes a dent in his current appetite.


    Due to his increased appetite, Ss felt full only after eating twice the amount of food that he would normally eat.


    After he was done eating, Ss stood up and went to the library. He did not want to continue wasting anymore time and startpleting the mission that he got from the system.


    He didn''t want to waste anymore time as he want to start working on the new mission he got from the system. Getting to the library, he walked towards the table where he ced hisptop and took his seat, and switched on hisptop.


    After hisptop was switched on, he started researching for a business that could possibly achieve an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.


    After a few hours of doing his research, he was unable to find anything. His research made him feel that it was even more impossible for him toplete the mission.


    After his research, Ss found out the reason why the rebate wasn''t applied to the donation he made, but was applied to the research funding. The reason for this was because the donation falls under the category of gift and not expenses.


    "If that''s the case, why was the rebate applied to tips I gave? Is it because the money was spent together and not separately like I did for the donation?"


    "Ughh... This is so confusing and tiring. I wish there''s a way for me to confirm my theory."


    "Maybe I should ask the system? It''s already at max level, it should be able to respond now, right?"


    "System?...."


    [Yes, Host.]


    ".... You replied?..." Ss was shocked when he suddenly heard a voice in his head.


    [I did.]


    "Wow... I called you a number of times before but you didn''t reply, why?"


    [I was programmed not to respond to you until I hit max level.]


    "I see. So what can you do now that you can reply?"


    [I will respond to any relevant question the host has. Unnecessary questions shall be disregarded.]


    "Ok, that''s good enough for me. I actually do have some questions that I want to ask. The rebate, how does it work? It says that it will be applied to all expenses made by me but it was not applied when I made a donation but it was applied to the research funding."


    [Just like you said, host, it was a donation. The rebate was not applied to the money because you were intentionally gifting out the money and not actually making an expense.]


    "That''s true but what if I buy a building, let''s say an apartment building and rent it out. Will the rebate apply to the building purchase?"


    [Yes, the rebate will be applied to the building purchase because it''s an expense made by you.]


    "I thought that the rebate won''t be applied because it''s actually a capital expenditure and not a personal expenses?"


    [You''re misunderstanding something host. It says that the rebate will be applied to any EXPENSES MADE BY HOST. The rebate won''t be applied to any money the host gifts out, only expenses.]


    "Ok. So, let''s get this straight. The rebate will be applied to any money as long as it''s not intended as a gift. Which means, as an example, if I buy a skyscraper for $1 billion, the rebate will be applied to it?"


    [Yes, as long as it is you''re the one making the expenses and it''s not a gift, the rebate will be applied to it.]


    "Wow, this actually makes things easier for me. I no longer need to worry. Thank you system."


    [You''re wee host.]


    "System, I have another question. When I read the description of the Gene Enhancement Serum, I saw something about it allowing a natural awakener the ability to absorb dark energy without risk of mutation or death.


    What does that mean and what is this dark energy? What does it do? Can I also absorb it?"


    Ss shot out multiple questions at once.

 Chapter 31: Dark Energy, Breakthrough

    <h4>Chapter 31: Dark Energy, Breakthrough</h4>


    "System, I have another question. When I read the description of the Gene Enhancement Serum, I saw something about it allowing a natural awakener the ability to absorb dark energy without risk of mutation or death.


    What does that mean and what is this dark energy? What does it do? Can I also absorb it?," Ss asked the system with a serious expression on his face.


    The matter rted to the dark energy has been on his mind since he read the description of the Gene Enhancement Serum.


    At the moment, he''s very weak and this dark energy of a thing seems like something that can help him to increase his strength and from the information he got after reading the Gene Enhancement Serum description, dark energy can be absorbed.


    "Tell me system. I want to know everything about this dark energy and also, about my superpower," Ss said, with his eyes filled with anticipation..


    [Host, dark energy is an energy that can be found everywhere in the universe


    No one knows where ites from or how it came to be. What everyone knows is that, before the creation of the Gene Enhancement Serum, dark energy could only be absorbed by those with superpowers to increase the strength of their superpowers.


    The only problem is that absorption of dark energyes with a risk of mutation or death due to the body being unable to handle its extremely high potency.]


    "You''re yet to answer all my questions. First, tell me, does everyone who are unawakened sessfully awakens after taking the serum?"


    [No. Not everyone can awaken even with the help of the serum.]


    "Just as expected," Ss said while nodding his head.


    He expected the answer the system gave him as he felt that superpowers aren''t something that a mere serum can grant.


    Now, he has another question; since not everyone can awaken even after taking the serum, then what''s the difference between an unawakened who took the serum and another unawakened who didn''t take the serum?


    [There is a minor difference between the group of people.


    For an unawakened who has taken the GES and was unable to awaken his superpower, there''s still a bigger chance that said would be able to do so in the future.


    Something that is almost impossible for the unawakened who haven''t taken the GES.]


    "I see. So how do I absorb this dark energy?," Ss asked excitedly.


    [You can try to sense the dark energy around you to actively absorb it. Do note that the density of dark energy currently avable in your is very limited.]


    "I expected that," Ss said, and closed his eyes as he tries to sense the dark energy around him.


    It took Ss a while before he finally felt some changes in the air around him. He could feel some strange energy in the air. It felt strange because on the surface, there was no difference between it and the normal air around him but for someone with superpower like him, he could feel the difference.


    Ss knew that this was the dark energy that the system was talking about and he became excited, and began to absorb it.


    The moment it entered his body, he felt a strange sensation all over his body. He felt like he was suddenly thrown into onto a bed in a cold room after taking a refreshing bath with cold water.


    The sensation was strange and chilly but felt good. As the energy coursed through his body, Ss felt the sensation be stronger but oddly, it did not be ufortable for him but instead, became morefortable as time went on.


    Ss was lost in the feeling and he started feeling his mind leaving his body. It felt like he was falling into a trance.


    Suddenly, with a sharp headache, Ss found himself floating in a dark space with tiny spots of light with different indiscernible colors floating in front of him.


    Instead of feeling scared and anxious, Ss felt calm. He knew that the dark space might be rted to the dark energy and his superpower.


    Ss looked around him and all he could see was darkness and sparse, tiny spots of colorful light. Some were so faint that he couldn''t see them clearly.


    Ss started studying the spots of light. As he continued to study the lights, they somehow started increasing in size and were bing small ball of light, almost the size of a ping pong ball. Also, the quantity of the balls of light were increasing and the lights were now changing color, and bing brighter.


    Before the spots of light were almost the same color, just white but now, they are now two colors that could be seen, a blueish-white hue and just pure white.


    Ss did not understand what was happening but he felt some changes in his body but he didn''t have time to understand the changes or what it represented, as he woke up almost immediately from the trance-like state that he was in.


    When he opened his eyes, he found himself inside the library but everything around him was in disarray with books scattered on the floor.


    It was as if someone had switched on an industrial fan in the library and a light drizzle of rain fell, adding to create the chaotic scene in front of him.


    Ss was surprised at the scene. He was about to ask the system what happened when he heard the system notification.


    [Congrattions Host, for increasing the rank of your superpower. Your superpower is now Rank F.]


    "Eh? I raised the rank?," Ss asked incredulously. He didn''t know that he would be able to raise the rank of his superpower so fast in a short period of time.


    Ss looked around him as he stood up from the chair. He saw that some of the books had fallen from the shelf and were now scattered on the floor, and with liquid leaving a wet mark on the floor.


    He had a suspicion in his heart but he still asked, "System what happened here."


    [This was caused when you broke through. A current of air and water swirled around you.]


    Ss smiled when he heard this as he felt proud of himself, but there''s a problem; How do he exin to the girls what happened in the library.


    The bathroom incident is still an unexined case and now the library. Ss couldn''t help but shake his head and sigh.


    ''I hope toe up with an excuse when they ask.''


    Ss didn''t know that the noise caused by his breakthrough was so loud that it attracted the girls'' attention. They were already aware of what happened in the library as they saw how the air current and water droplets were swirling around Ss, like a small vortex.


    Ss saw another problem arise with what happened after his superpower broke through in rank.


    ''Will this always happen with every breakthrough? If so, then it means it will only be stronger.''


    He didn''t want to think about what will happen after he breaks through to C, B rank or higher. Yes, it''s still far but he will still need to prepare.


    ''Sigh... It seems like I will have to put absorbing dark energy and increasing the strength of my superpower aside.''


    ''Until I get somewhere very secluded and one that can withstand the aftereffects of my breakthrough, no more absorption of dark energy.''


    As Ss'' thoughts drifted around, he remembered something and immediately brought out his phone to check the time.


    *2:51*


    "Phew... There''s still time. Let''s go check out some real estate managementpanies that have buildings for sale. Time to start my own business."


    Ss went upstairs to take the Bugatti car key. When he came back downstairs, he saw Serah chatting with Emma in the living room.


    He didn''t say anything as he made his way to the garage. He decided not to tell them about the library as he felt they would find out when they do their routine cleaning.


    Getting to the garage, Ss walked towards the Bugatti and got in, before driving off.


    *****


    In the Vi''s living room, Emma looked at the disappearing back view of Ss'' car and looked back at Serah.


    "Serah, something''s not right. First, it was the bathroom incident with the ck substance thingy and now, it''s a massive whatever that thing is called, and that also came out of nowhere.


    Worst of all, it was swirling around him."


    "Emma, you were the one who was so excited to get a job that pays $5000 weekly. I tried to advise you against it but you were adamant.


    Now, you have to deal with whatever you see or do you want us to quit the job?," Serah asked Emma with a sneer.


    She sighed and stood up from the chair, and started walking towards the library, "Emma, stand up, let''s go clean the library. The water that was swirling around him must have wet the floor and it''s not going to clean itself."


    Even though she didn''t show it on her face, Serah was actually worried but what can she do?


    She knew that they can only take things as theye as they were the one that put themselves in the situation they currently found themselves in.

 Chapter 32: Summit Realty Group

    <h4>Chapter 32: Summit Realty Group</h4>


    In front of a tall building that belongs to a property managementpany called the Summit Realty Group, Ss parked his car and stepped out.


    Standing at the entrance of the building, Ss could see from how big the Newport branch building is, why thepany is called one of the biggest real estatepanies in the country.


    "I hope they have enough buildings for sale," Ss said to himself, and walked into the building.


    After he walked into the building, he walked towards the female receptionist at the front desk.


    "I want to buy some apartment buildings. As many as possible. I will also take any and all high-rise buildings you have for sale.


    I will also need a professional appraisal to conduct a property inspection of the buildings," Ss said to her, stating his reason foring.


    The receptionist was shocked when she heard this. This is such a huge order!


    Although she was shocked, she didn''t allow it to show on her face as she maintained her professionalism and smiled and started attending to Ss.


    "May I have your name, sir?."


    "Ss Kurt."


    "Ok Sir. Please wait as I fill in your request and call one of our agents who wille and attend to you."


    "Sure, take your time," Ss said and the receptionist immediately got busy on herputer.


    The reason why Ss made such a huge order, wanting to buy as many buildings as possible is because on the way, he asked the system if the mission will bepleted if he buys a lot of buildings and starts using them as real estate business.


    The system said that he can buy a lot of buildings and use it as a real estate business but the mission won''t bepleted until said buildings get an official evaluation from a professional appraisal.


    The system also said that he doesn''t need to use the buildings for real estate business to get the missionpleted, all he needs to do is just to get the buildings evaluated and it will count towards himpleting the mission.


    When Ss heard this, he searched up the relevant information on the inte and was surprised by what he saw.


    To exin his reason for surprise. Ss'' thought was that a building''s evaluation would be equivalent to the amount it was bought, or the amount it brings in annually in rent.


    Take for example, the 26-Unit building apartment he got as a reward from the system that''s expected to bring in $4.5 million monthly and $54.6 million annually. If the building is to be evaluated, its valuation won''t be equivalent to the $54 million rent it brings in yearly, nor will it be equivalent to the amount it was bought, as evaluations of buildings are in normal cases extremely lower than the amount it was bought for.


    This is because there are different factors that are taken into consideration when evaluating a building.


    For someone who wants to go into real estate business, this might be a big headache but not to Ss, because he has what they don''t; the rebate and its rewards.


    With the rebate, Ss has nothing to fear as all he just needs to do is to buy a building without worrying if it gets an extremely low evaluation, making him lose money in return, but that doesn''t mean that he will intentionally buy buildings that are worthless.


    *****


    "Mr Ss, I have called for one of our agents and he will be here soon. Please give him a moment," The receptionist said after she was done filling in his request.


    "Ok," Ss said, and the receptionist continued with her work while he waited for the agent.


    Ss didn''t have to wait long before he saw a man standing in front of him.


    "Mr Ss, I''m Mr Brandon," The man said with an outstretched hand towards Ss.


    "Hello Mr Brandon," Ss said as he shook his hand.


    "Mr Ss, I heard you want to buy multiple buildings. Are you seeking in setting up a real estate portfolio?," Mr Brandon asked Ss with a curious expression on his face.


    "Yeah, you can say it''s something like that," Ss replied with a smile.


    "I see," Mr Brandon said and made a pondering expression. "Mr Ss, if I may ask? What is your budget?"


    "Tens of millions, hundreds or even a billion," Ss replied and Mr Brandon looked at him in surprise.


    "Mr Ss, you mean your budget is as big as a billion?," Mr Brandon asked, and Ss nodded in confirmation.


    "Mr Ss, let''s go to my office. We will discuss further there," Mr Brandon said, inviting Ss to his office.


    Ss nodded and followed Mr Brandon. It didn''t take them long before they got to Mr Brandon''s office which is located on the ground floor.


    Mr Brandon took his seat and gestured for Ss to take his.


    "Mr Ss, tea or coffee."


    "None. I''m fine"


    "Ok, Mr Ss," Mr Brandon said and took out a property dossier.


    "Here''s the list of properties in our care. You can go through it. If it''s not enough, I can make a call to our headquarters to inform them of your demand," He said, as he passed the property dossier to Ss.


    Ss nodded as he collected it and started going through it.


    It took Ss a few minutes to go through the list in his hand and he was satisfied with what he saw.


    The price of properties are high and from their pictures, he felt that they would get a high evaluation but he was that optimistic as he''s not a professional appraiser.


    Though, there''s a problem; the number of properties are few, too few.


    Ss ced the property dossier on the table and looked Mr Brandon. "Mr Brandon, I want all the properties here but I will need more. Also, add some high-rise buildings or skyscrapers to the list if possible."


    "Ok, but I would have to contact our headquarters to arrange the high-rise buildings and skyscrapers," Mr Brandon said and took back the property dossier. "Mr Ss, would you like to see the properties now?"


    "Sure. Is there a professional appraisal avable? I need him to do the evaluation immediately."


    "Yes, we do have a professional appraisal avable. Mr Ss, please wait. I will prepare the the relevant documents."


    "Wait, you don''t need to prepare much. You will be the one managing the buildings," Ss said.


    Ss ns to let thepany manage the buildings as he feels that it''s better to leave its management to the professionals.


    Mr Brandon was happy when he heard what Ss said. He was also hoping that Ss would put him in charge and let him manage his portfolio.


    Just thinking of how much his status in thepany will elevate with such a huge deal made his eyes sparkle.


    Mr Brandon immediately got to preparing the papers needed and he also made a call to the professional appraisal.


    "Mr Ss, will you go through the papers now or have yourwyer go through them?," Mr Brandon asked, as he was almost done with the papers.


    Ss felt like facepalming when he heard Mr Brandon''s question. He didn''t even remember that he would need awyer.


    ''I was so focused that I forgot that I would need awyer to go help me with the legal details.''


    "Mr Brandon, just prepare the papers for the buildings. Will the other buildings be ready by tomorrow?"


    "I''m not sure about that, Mr Ss. Also you must know the buildings might not be located in Newport or nearby."


    "That''s fine. Just get the paperwork ready. I will sign them when mywyer is here and after the buildings'' evaluation."


    "Alright. I''m done with the papers and the appraiser is ready."


    "Very well, let''s go check out the buildings," Ss said, as he stood up.


    Mr Brandon also stood up and the both of them walked out of the office.


    When they got to front desk, a middle-aged man walked towards them and shook Mr Brandon''s hand.


    "Mr Ss, this is the appraiser, Mr Patel," Mr Brandon said as he introduced the middle-aged man.


    Ss nodded and shook Mr Patel''s hand, and they exchanged greetings.


    "Mr Ss, do we take my car?," Mr Brandon asked.


    "I came with mine. You and Mr Patel drive ahead, I will follow behind," Ss replied.


    "Alright," Mr Brandon said, and they walked out of the building.


    When they got outside the building, Mr Brandon saw Ss walk towards a Bugatti and smiled.


    To be honest, he was doubtful of Ss when he said that his budget is huge, but when he saw Ss'' car, he knew that he was the one thinking too much.


    Curiously, he looked at the Bugatti closely, trying to know its model and he couldn''t help but pause in shock.


    ''Wait... Isn''t this the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, the only of its kind and was said to have been sold to an unknown person for a record-breaking price of mor


    e than $18 million? ....Is Mr Ss the unknown buyer or was another one created for him?''


    ''No, even if it''s the same car or another one was created for him, the important part is that Mr Ss can buy a Bugatti.''


    Mr Brandon was shocked when he thought of this, and a chill ran down his spine. He didn''t pay much attention to Ss before, but now, that has changed.


    With a stiff smile, he walked towards his car and got in, and Mr Patel also got in.


    *****


    Ss was already back home after he had gotten the buildings evaluated.


    The branch office of Summit Realty Group in Newport only has 11 apartment buildings for sale.


    The buildings were the most expensive ones the branch has and their prices varied from $18-32 million.


    The total cost of all the buildings is $276 million and their total evaluation is $289 million.


    Which means if Ss is to buy these buildings, his mission section will disy this:


    [Mission Progress: 28.9% (Evaluation: $289 million)]

 Chapter 33: Checking Progress

    <h4>Chapter 33: Checking Progress</h4>


    Ss felt very happy when he thought of the progress the mission will experience after he buys the building.


    He also felt lucky because he knew that he would still be stuck thinking of how toplete the mission, if he didn''t have the system to answer his questions.


    His meeting with Mr Brandon reminded him of something important; he needs awyer.


    ''Where do I get a goodwyer?''


    Ss was still thinking of his legal problems when he heard his phone ringing.


    He reached into his pocket and brought it out to check the caller''s id and he saw a very familiar name, Chloe.


    "She did say she would call but now isn''t really the time," Ss muttered to himself, as he picked the call.


    "Hey..."


    "What''s hey? You don''t sound too happy to hear my voice," Chloe said, with a slightly irritated voice.


    "No, it''s nothing and also, I''m very happy to hear your voice."


    "You saying it like that makes it all the more unbelievable. Tell me, what have you been up to?," Chloe asked.


    "Me? Nothing actually, just the same thing everyday, wake up, eat, sleep, some misceneous activities in between. Nothing exciting, justzing around the house everyday."


    "Yeah right. You have all that money and everything, and you say that there''s nothing exciting about your life. Tsk. It''s true when they say money changes people," Chloe said, and Ssughed.


    "Whatever you think I''m doing, I''m not doing it. My life is as boring as hell."


    "Eh?.... You have such an amount of money and you''re still bored? I wish I had even ten percent of it, I would show you how beautiful and interesting the world is."


    "It will be possible very soon and I hope you will show me the beautiful side of the world," Ss said with a smile.


    "It will happen very soon, you wish. I''m looking for a job and I''m yet to get one, so that dream will have to wait." Chloe said with a sigh.


    "A job? I would have employed you if you were awyer."


    "You need awyer?" Chloe asked in surprise.


    "Yeah."


    "Is it something serious? What do you need awyer for?" She asked curiously.


    "It''s nothing serious. I just have some paperwork that I need legal assistance with."


    "I see. If you actually need awyer, my sister is one but I don''t know what you need help with, so I''m not sure if it''s in her field of specialization."


    "You have a sister?"


    This time Ss was actually very surprised. He never for once thought Chloe has a sister, even a sibling. It never even crossed his mind.


    The reason is because Chloe is the type of girl who acts like a princess and gives out that ''an only child'' vibe.


    "Of course, I have a sister. Is it wrong for me to have one?," Chloe asked.


    "No... It''s just that.... I never saw you as someone that has a sibling. You gave out that princess and only child vibe in school."


    "What do you mean by ''only child vibe''? I have two older sisters. And what''s that about me being a princess? Am I from Disney?" Chloe asked with feigned anger.


    "It was the perception I had of you.." Ss replied.


    "Your perception is distorted." Chloe said.


    "It might seem so."


    "Tsk. If you really do need awyer, I can talk to my sister and I will let you know what she says."


    "Thank you, I will be expecting your call, then."


    "Yeah. Bye Ogre," Chloe said and hung up.


    "This girl...." Ss muttered to himself, while shaking his head.


    Ss and Chloe could barely be considered as acquaintances but Ss felt closer to her, as she was the only one who treated him like a human when he was in high school.


    Thinking of the days in high school when he was pushed around by Daniel and his group, Ss shook his head in embarrassment and decided to turn his attention to something else.


    "She didn''t even ask what I needed help with before hanging up. I better start looking for awyer myself, I don''t know if her sister will be of any help," He said, as he stood up and started searching for real estate attorneys online.


    Few hourster, Ss was done with what he was doing as he finally got the contact of a real estate attorney from a certified website.


    After getting the number, he decided not to call immediately but until after he speaks to Chloe''s sister.


    "All I need to do now is wait."


    ''I haven''t checked my status screen since the breakthrough, time to check it then.''


    ''Status.''


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 10]


    [Agility: 10]


    [Stamina: 10]


    [Intelligence: 11]


    [Charisma: 10]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F).]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 0]


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 363 Days 8 Hour.]


    ''My superpower is now Rank F..''


    "System, what was the rank of my superpower before it broke through to its current rank."


    [Your superpower was unranked.]


    "Unranked?... How are superpowers ranked?."


    [Host, you will find out about this as your superpower progresses in ranks.]


    "...."


    "I guess I will use the normal standard... System, did I gain new abilities when I broke through?," Ss asked excitedly.


    [Host, you will have to find out by yourself.]


    Ss couldn''t help but roll his eyes at the system''s response.


    He decided to check his progress the only way he possibly can; by controlling the basics of matter just like he did before with the water in the kitchen sink.


    It was still noon, and Serah and Emma were still around, which means Ss can''t use the kitchen sink for his.... experiment, nor can he go outside to the beach, and that leaves him with one only possible option; the bathroom.


    Ss stood up from the bed and walked to the bathroom, and when he got inside, he walked towards the bathtub and pressed the faucet bottom, allowing water to fill up the tub.


    "System, does any of my stats affect the usage of my superpower? Let''s say, Intelligence?," Ss asked, as he waited for the bathtub to fill up with water.


    [Yes, your Intelligence stat affects how you can use your superpower.]


    "I guessed as much."


    "System, about my stat? Is there any other way for me to increase it without doing it the conventional way or by exchanging system points for stats points," Ss asked one of the questions that has been on his mind.


    [No.]


    Ss sighed in disappointment when he heard this.


    "What about the system points, are there any other ways to earn them without exchanging money for it?"


    [You can get system points from the Lottery but the amount varies from 1000 system points and above.]


    "I can get system points from the Lottery?!"


    [Yes.]


    "Is 1000 system points the minimum amount I can get?"


    [Yes.]


    "If I want to exchange for 1000 system points, I would have to spend $10 million but now, with the Lottery function, I might not longer need to worry about system points.. Hopefully..."


    "System, what are other ways to earn system points?"


    [You can earn system points when you recreate an item bought from the system store. You can earn system points when you use knowledge purchased from the system store to create something. You can also earn system points when people buy or use the product made with knowledge purchased from the system or the recreated items.]


    "Good," Ss said with a smile..


    The issue of finding alternative ways of getting system points is one of Ss'' biggest concerns and now he has found a way to solve it.


    But he was still not happy. Thinking of the [Teleportation] knowledge that costs 1 billion system points, Ss felt that he might never get enough to buy that knowledge when he needs or wants to.


    "You said I can earn system points by recreating things bought from the system store, but I don''t have the manufacturing know-how and they are not sold in the system store. How do I recreate these things?," Ss asked.


    [You can get the item manufacturing know-how from the Lottery.]


    "The Lottery again?"


    "System, can you tell me things that I can get from the Lottery?," Ss asked curiously.


    The system has been mentioning the Lottery a lot and from what it said, a lot of good things can be gotten from the Lottery and that made him curious on what other good things he can get from the Lottery.


    [Rewards that can be obtained from the Lottery varies and so does their probability. You can get system points, system store knowledge and items, items manufacturing know-how and you can also get nothing.]


    "Hehe... Getting nothing isn''t bad, as long as you give me enough system points topensate," Ss said with a grin.


    "The bathtub is full, let''s see how much progress I gained after the breakthrough."

 Chapter 34: Progress

    <h4>Chapter 34: Progress</h4>


    Wooosh!


    A short gust of wind blew in the bathroom and Ss nced at his outstretched hand in surprise.


    "Wow... Did I just do that?!," He asked himself in surprise, "I improved so much with just my superpower breaking through to rank F..."


    "This is amazing... Now, I want to know how strong other people with superpowers are."


    "But even though I don''t know how strong others are, I''m confident that I will be able to protect myself and others around me."


    "Also, ording to what the system said, one can only increase the rank of their superpower by absorbing dark energy, but it''s impossible to do so without going through the gene enhancement."


    "So, if my guess is correct, judging from humanity''s current progress in both medicine, technology and space exploration, it''s possible that I''m the only one who can increase my superpower rank through dark energy absorption"


    "While this might be true, I still have to be cautious. Just as the world government has kept the existence of people like me away from the public, they might as well have other things that they are hiding."


    "Sigh... Thinking and specting won''t solve anything. It''s better to get the correct information and also start increasing my strength as fast as possible so that I can be able to protect myself and my family whenever troublees knocking," Ss said to himself, as he left the bathroom for his bedroom.


    Ss has spent almost an hour in the bathroom checking his progress and he''s very happy from what he saw.


    His superpower increase in rank now allows him better control over two states of matter, being liquid and gas.


    Before he could only control a tennis-size ball of water if he pushed him too hard, but now, he can control two standard size ser balls of water with ease, and if he pushes himself, he would be able to control three.


    And that''s not all, he can now shape the water to almost any shape he wants. He can stretch it as long as he wants and turn it into a whip.


    To him, this was simply amazing!


    As for air, he can control it to create a short gust of wind. He can also control it to create a small whirlwind but he can''t control it for too long before it disperses.


    The situation is also the same when he''s controlling water. He can''t control them for too long, at most 2-5 minutes max if he''s pushing it, but he can control them for 10 minutes if he''s not under any pressure.


    Ss asked the system the reason for it and he was told that it''s because his Intelligence stat is too low.


    Hearing what the system said confirmed Ss'' guess. He knew that his low Intelligence stat is also the reason he''s currently unable to control or manipte matter in its solid state.


    Even though he''s still unable to manipte matter in its solid state, he was happy with his current progress.


    *****


    When Ss got to his room, the first thing he noticed was his ringing phone on the bed.


    He immediately picked it up to the caller ID but it was an unknown number.


    "Who might be calling me? Is it Chloe''s sister?," Ss asked himself, as he picked the call.


    "Hello. Please who''s this?"


    "Hello. This is Sophia Williams, am I speaking to Mr Ss?."


    Ss heard a beautiful voice from other end of the phone. Hearing the voice, Ss felt that his guess should be correct.


    "How may I be of help?," He asked.


    "I was told by my sister that you''re looking for awyer. May I know what you need legal assistance with?"


    "You''re Chloe''s sister?."


    "Yes. So, what do you need legal assistance with, Mr Ss?"


    Hearing this confirmed Ss'' guess.


    ''That was quick.''


    "I''m looking for a real estate attorney. I want to purchase some properties and I need an attorney to check the contract and papers for me."


    "I''m sorry but that''s not my field of specialization but we do have someone who specializes in that field in the firm. I can help you with his contact or set up a meeting if you want."


    "Sure, give me his contact. I will trust your rmendation since he''s one of your colleagues."


    "Ok, I will forward it to you now," She said and hung up.


    Ss dropped his phone on the bed after the call ended.


    After the call ended, Ss suddenly thought of something.


    ''Chloe''s sister works in aw firm and I''m going to needwyers a lot in the future, because of the business I intend to set up. Won''t it be better to just retain thew firm and have them work exclusively for me?''


    ''I think this is a better idea. It''s better and more convenient as I won''t have to always look for awyer, all it would take is just a call to the firm when I need one."


    Thinking of this, Ss decided to call Sophia and ask about it. The call went through and she picked up almost immediately.


    "Hello, Mr Ss. I was just about to send his contact."


    "I''m not calling because of that. You said you worked in aw firm, right? I want to retain yourw firm. Is it possible?"


    ".....Mr Ss, you''re asking about retaining ourw firm?," Sophia asked in surprise.


    "Yes," Ss said affirmatively.


    "Mr Ss, ....I can''t make that decision, you will have to talk to the Senior Partner. Can you please give me a minute? Please hold, I will forward your call to him."


    "Sure," Ss said and the call went silent.


    He didn''t have to wait long before he heard a raspy male from the other side of the phone.


    "Hello Mr Ss, this is Mr Williams from Vanguard Legal Services."


    "Hello."


    "I heard from an employee of mine that you want to retain myw firm, is that true?"


    "Yes."


    "Mr. Ss, we appreciate your interest in retaining our legal services. Before we proceed, could you please provide more details about the nature and scope of the legal assistance you will be needing help with?"


    Ss took a moment to exin his ns of purchasing properties and help with future business ventures.


    Mr. Williams listened attentively, then responded, "Thank you for sharing that information, Mr. Ss. We handle a variety of legal matters, and I believe we can assist you effectively. We can set up a meeting to discuss your specific requirements in more detail. Would you prefer to meet at our office or arrange for a virtual consultation?"


    "A virtual consultation would be more convenient for me. How soon can we schedule that meeting?" Ss said after considering his options.


    "Will tomorrow work for you?"


    "Tomorrow is fine. Please go ahead and let me know the details."


    "Perfect. Please drop your email so that we can send you an email shortly with the meeting details and a brief overview of our services. If you have any additional documents rted to your real estate ventures or your future business ns, please gather those as well."


    "Alright, Mr. Williams. I appreciate your prompt response. I''ll be on the lookout for your email."


    "It''s my pleasure, Mr. Ss. We look forward to assisting you. Have a great day."


    The call concluded, leaving Ss very happy. He didn''t expect that Chloe''s sister was working in one of Oand city''s biggestw firms.


    Vanguard Legal Services, one of the topw firms in Oand. They have a rating of 4.5 star review for their services, one of the reasons why he agreed to set up the meeting.


    Ss also noticed something, Sophia''sst name is Williams and the senior partner of thew firm is also Williams. Is it a coincidence or does the firm belong to Chloe''s father?


    "I currently have more than $17 million in my ount, will it be enough?," Ss asked himself in preparation for his meeting with Mr Williams tomorrow.


    "It''s better I increase it so that I won''t find myself in an awkward situation tomorrow. Now, what should I spend it on?..." Ss asked himself, as he caressed his chin.


    "Why don''t I pay Serah and Emma a year worth of their sry in advance? Since the rebate works on it, it''s better than going out and spending money on insignificant things."


    Ss made the decision and immediately went to his bank app to make the transaction.


    "$5,000 a week. A year has 52 weeks and I have paid them for one week, leaving me with 51 weeks.


    51 weeks multiplied by 5000 is 255,000. That''s $255,000."


    After he was done with his calctions, Ss transferred the money to the girls, $255,000 to each of their ounts, and he also sent them a message, telling them what the money''s for.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $255,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $2,550,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $255,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $2,550,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    Ss was happy when he saw this, "Now I have $22.6 million in my ount.. This should be enough..."


    *****


    Meanwhile downstairs in the kitchen, both girls heard a notification from their phone and they curiously brought it out to check.


    "At the same time?," Emma said in surprise.


    When they saw the content of the message from Ss, they looked at each other simultaneously and looked back at their phone when they heard another notification sound.


    "Serah, is he trying to buy our silence?," Emma asked with suspicion written all over her face.


    "Is it better if he silent youpletely?," Serah asked as she went through the message on her phone.


    She found it strange that Ss would send them a year worth of their sry in advance just after they witnessed what happened in the library.


    She also has the same thought as Emma but she felt maybe it really has nothing to do with the library incident.


    "Serah, I suddenly feel like quitting. Why don''t I transfer the money back and quit?"


    Serah looked at her friend like she was looking at a fool.


    ''I guess your brain was swapped for your beauty and body figure.''

 Chapter 35: Mission Progress

    <h4>Chapter 35: Mission Progress</h4>


    "Why?!," Serah asked.


    "Can''t you see? Just after the bathroom and library incident, he sent out such an amount of money, saying it''s the advance of our sry for a full year.


    Like who does that? Who pays their workers a year of their sry in advance? This makes it all the more suspicious, Serah," Emma said, as she pointed to her phone.


    "Emma, don''t you think it''s a little toote for this? Come on, look around you. If it''s actually something dangerous, then we''re already in too deep.


    How do you suggest we leave without bringing trouble to ourselves? We can''t run from him. He has the money and very possibly so, the connections," Serah replied.


    She felt that Emma was being paranoid about the whole situation. Yes, the bathroom and library incidents were very bizarre, but she felt that there should be a possible exnation for it.


    "What do you suggest we do then?," Emma asked.


    "We have two options. We can confront him about the two incidents-"


    "What do you mean by confronting him? Do you want us to die?," Emma asked in fear.


    "Or we can just keep quiet and continue working like nothing happened," Serah said with a shrug.


    Emma was silent for some time after hearing before letting out a sigh.


    She knew that Serah was right. There''s actually nothing they can do about the situation they are in now, and she felt bad because she was the one who forced them to take the job all because of her greed.


    Who could me her though? A job of $5000 a week isn''t something that anyone could turn a blind eye to, especially to a youngdy like her in this current time.


    ''I just hope my instincts are wrong.''


    *****


    Meanwhile, in Ss room.


    After sending the money to the girls, Ss immediately called up his status screen in excitement.


    He couldn''t hold himself back as he finally got some lottery tickets.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 10]


    [Agility: 10]


    [Stamina: 10]


    [Intelligence: 11]


    [Charisma: 10]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F).]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 51]


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 363 Days 6 Hour.]


    "51 lottery tickets. Nice! Lottery Function, here Ie."


    "System, how do I activate the lottery function?"


    [You can activate the lottery function by clicking on the lottery tickets or you can tell me to activate it. When activate, all you need to do is just say the amount of ticket you want to draw.]


    "Ok then, System, activate the lottery function."


    [Lottery function activated.]


    "System, draw one lottery ticket," Ss said to the system, and rubbed his hands in anticipation.


    [1 lottery ticket drawn.]


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    "Wow! First lottery ticket and I got 1000 system points!," Ss said in surprise.


    He was expecting to get nothing from the first lottery ticket drawn, but he actually got system points instead.


    Filled with excitement with the result of his first draw, he decided to continue drawing more tickets.


    "My luck seems to be at its peak today. Let''s draw multiple lottery tickets at once."


    "System, draw ten lottery tickets."


    [10 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received 1000 system points.] X2


    [You received nothing.] X3


    [You received 5000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] X3


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    "Not bad, not bad," Ss said, nodding his head in satisfaction.


    He felt satisfied with the results. He drew a total of eleven lottery tickets, 5 of them gave him 9000 system points and the remaining gave him nothing.


    "I drew 8 lottery tickets that can be gotten by spending $80,000 and got 9000 system points that cost $90 million!"


    "Exactly just as I thought, the Lottery Function is really a treasure trove. I wonder if I would be able to get maybe an item or knowledge, even better, a manufacturing know-how?," Ss said to himself.


    "Let''s draw more and in bucks."


    "System, draw 30 lottery tickets."


    [30 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received 1000 system points.] x3


    [You received nothing.] x15


    [You received 25,000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x10


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    Looking at the rewards he got, Ss narrowed his eyes.


    Sure, he received a huge amount of system points, 27,000 system points in total, but he has this strange feeling that something doesn''t feel right.


    "Good.. I now have 36,000 system points. Let''s draw more. Please give me an item.."


    "System, draw 20 lottery tickets."


    [20 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.] x19


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    "...."


    "Tsk. Now I understand why I had that feeling before..."


    "Well... It''s all good though. I got 37,000 system points for free instead of spending $370 million for it."


    "Sigh... Now that I have a huge amount of system points, I''m being tempted to visit the system store but that won''t be the best thing for me to do at the moment.


    It''s better for me to use all or some of the system points to exchange for stats points.


    If I want to buy anything from the system store, the amount of system points I have is only enough for the item section and it will be a one-time purchase. Also, I won''t be able to recreate the item.


    System points to stat points it is then," Ss said, and made his decision.


    Immediately, he exchanged all the system points he had for stats points, and he got 37 stats points.


    After the exchange was done, Ss started adding stats points to his stats. He added 14 points to Intelligence, 10 to Strength, 5 each to Stamina and Agility, and 3 to Charisma.


    As the stat points were added to his stats, Ss felt visible changes to his body.


    He felt his perception increase and he feels like he could now see things around him clearer than before.


    He felt stronger but he had no idea just how strong he became.


    His mind also became clearer and he feels like he can now understand things faster and better. Even some of the stuff he was taught back in high school and he couldn''t understand, now became easy for him to understand, and this was amplified by the max level [Academic] skill he has.


    Yes, the skill had been with him since but there''s a difference between having a knowledge of something and having an understanding of something.


    "Wow... It feels like I have been living all my life with a blindfold over my eyes but now, that blindfold has been removed."


    "I wonder what changes happened with the increase in charisma?," Ss asked himself and touched his face but he did not feel anything different.


    "I''m getting sweaty... Need to take a shower," Ss said, as he stood up from the bed and went to the bathroom to take a shower.


    After taking his shower, Ss walked towards the mirror to check if there''s any changes to his appearance.


    Looking at his appearance in the mirror, Ss saw that his face and skin has be fairer than before and he can now be called handsome.


    Ss took a few minutes to admire his new appearance, before going back to his room.


    "System, status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 10?20]


    [Agility: 10?15]


    [Stamina: 10?15]


    [Intelligence: 11?25]


    [Charisma: 10?13]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F).]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 0]


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 363 Days 5 Hour.]


    "Nice. Now, my stats are way higher than that of an average human."


    Ss was happy when he saw the increase in his stats. He hase a long way from someone with each of his stats below 5 points, to where he is now.


    "It''s quitete, time to eat dinner and sleep."


    When Ss got downstairs, he saw that the girls had already clocked out.


    Ss didn''t know that when he was taking his bath, Serah came upstairs to call him down for dinner, but she got no response and decided to leave his dinner on the dining table.


    Seeing the food on the table, Ss took his seat and started eating. After he was done eating, he went back to his room.


    He had a pretty long day and he just wants to sleep.


    Before Ss slept, he got a call from Mr Brandon telling him that some new buildings are now avable, but the only problem is that they were more expensive.


    Ss smiled when he heard this.


    "Don''t worry Mr Brandon. The more expensive they are, the better for me. I only want them to be worth it after getting evaluated."


    Mr Brandonughed and assured Ss that the value of the building definitely won''t be less than their purchase price.


    The call ended after Ss told Mr Brandon that he might being with hiswyer tomorrow to purchase the first batch of buildings.


    *****


    The next day, Ss woke up to an email from Mr Williams.


    The content of the email was the list of services they provided and the specialization of theirwyers, which includes real estate attorney, criminal defense attorney, familyw attorney, tax attorney, intellectual property attorney, corporate attorney, employment attorney.


    The schedule time for the virtual consultation was also stated in the email, with the time set at 10 AM, Google Meet.


    "Good... If I''m able to sessfully retain them, then I would be able to purchase the buildings today," Ss said after reading the email.


    After that, Ss freshened up before going downstairs for breakfast.


    When he got to the dining, he noticed that Emma was looking at him strangely but he paid no attention to her.


    After finishing his breakfast, Ss went back to his bedroom to prepare himself for his meeting with Mr Williams.

 Chapter 36: Splurging System Points

    <h4>Chapter 36: Splurging System Points</h4>


    "Mr Ss. The list of services that we offer were included in the email. Is there anything else you would like to see or a field of specialization you particrly want?," Mr Williams asked.


    "No, I don''t think there will be anything else to add. The list you provided covers everything that I need and will need but if I require anything else in the future, can you amodate me? Even if it costs more money, I will take care of it."


    The virtual consultation with Mr Williams has already started, but before it started, Ss has gone through the email that contains the list of services offered by the firm, and he was very satisfied with what he saw.


    As far asw firms and attorneys go, Vanguard Legal Services can be called a pretty bigw firm from the list of services that they offer.


    Mr. Williams, at the other end of the screen, heard what Ss said and contemted a bit before answering, "That''s certainly possible. If in the future you need morewyers with other field specializations different from those that were listed, then it''s certainly possible."


    "That''s all good then. Let''s talk about the fee. The payment method will be yearly. Is that ok by you?," Ss asked.


    He has done his findings before the meeting started and has a general understanding of how muchwyers should be paid, and he''s very sure that Mr Williams won''t be able to call an amount that will stump him.


    Who knows? Maybe he will?...


    When Mr Williams heard this, he took deep breath. This is the part of the meeting that he ced more importance on.


    He has already heard from his daughter, Chloe, that Ss is a very wealthy individual but he was skeptical because of how young he looks, and he felt that the reason why Ss is looking for awyer is because he has criminal charges against him.


    Mr Williams was still thinking of an amount to call when he heard Ss'' voice.


    "Mr Williams, what about $22 million a year?," Ss asked.


    He understood the reason for Mr Williams'' silence and hesitation, and that was why he decided to say the amount himself and break the ice.


    Before the consultation, he has already done his research on the highest amount awyer can earn a year in the United States and it''s less than $235,000.


    If this amount is to be multiplied by 100 people, that''s $23.5 million.


    Another thing to note is that it''s impossible for Vanguard Legal Services to have 100wyers working in thew firm. Even if it does have, it''s impossible for everyone to earn $235,000.


    So it could be said that Ss is being generous, extremely generous when he said he will pay $22 million yearly.


    Mr Williams also seems to have understood and was now looking at Ss with aplicated expression on his face.


    He didn''t know what to say. The amount that Ss said is simply something that aw firm like them might never be able toe across.


    $22 million?!


    Mr Williams felt that there was now firm in the whole of California that could get such a deal.


    In fact, even New York, the highest-paying state and San Jose, the highest-paying city won''t be able to get this type of deal.


    Thinking of these, Mr Williams felt a surge of relief and gratitude as his facial expression changed, and he smiled warmly at Ss.


    "We look forward to working with you, Mr Ss."


    "Good. I will make the transfer immediately. Do tell the real estate attorney to meet me at Premiere Vi, Newport. I want to purchase the properties today."


    "Yes, Mr Ss. I will let him know and he will meet up with you soon."


    "Ok, I will be waiting," Ss said ending the meeting.


    Ss closed hisptop and let out a sigh. He has sessfully retained aw firm and he will be able to purchase the first batch of buildings today.


    Things have been working out very welltely and he really hopes they continue like this, but he doesn''t know what the future holds in store for him.


    The introduction of the system into his life has changed so many things for him, from mundane things like his previous financial situation toplicated things like him now having superpower.


    All he wanted was to save up some money for college so that he can get his degree and improve his quality of living in whatever way he can, but things have now gone beyond that.


    He felt happy about the whole situation he currently finds himself in, but he''s also worried. He''s worried that he''s going to attract too much attention to himself and implicate his family, especially Alex.


    He felt that he shouldn''tplicate things further for himself but that''s impossible. He knew that things becameplicated the moment he awakened his superpower.


    Even if he wants toy low, live a leisurely life and spend the money he gets from the system, and notplete any of the system missions he will get in the future, it''s impossible for him to do so.


    Thinking of these, Ss sighed and closed his eyes briefly as he tries to push the thoughts out of his mind.


    Since he might not be able to live a simple life, then whatever the world wants to throw at him, he will face it. Besides, where''s the fun and excitement in being normal or ordinary? None! It''s boring!


    Ss brought out his phone and initiated the transfer.


    ''I hop I get enough cash reward so that I can buy the buildings''


    Immediately after the transfer was done, he got the system''s notification.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $22,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $170,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    You received a Mercedes-Maybach Excelero*. The car is parked at the Vi''s garage.


    You received 0.153% shares of Lockheed Martins Corporation*.]


    Ss looked at the notification in surprise and happiness. He was happy that he got enough cash reward to enable him to purchase the buildings. Even though the money isn''t enough to buy all the buildings at once, Ss wasn''t worried because he can make the payment twice.


    He was also surprised because since the rebate reward became diversified, this is actually the first time he''s receiving shares as a rebate reward from the system.


    Immediately, he went on to the inte to search for Lorckhead Martins Corporation. After a few minutes of searching, Ss was able to get some information on thepany.


    Thepany is an aerospace and manufacturingpany. It''s a veryrgepany as they are of thepanies in the Fortune 500 and top 150 in the world, and this can be seen from their market cap of more than $103.88 billion.


    After reading this, Ss looked at the percentage of shares of thepany that he got, 0.153% of all outstanding shares, equivalent to $42 million.


    Ss saw this and did his calctions, and after he was done, he went on the inte.


    Few minutester, Ss could be seen smiling. After doing his calctions and verifying his findings on the inte, Ss found out that he''s now one of the top shareholders in thepany.


    From the information he got, he found out that he''s the only individual with the highest percentage of shares in thepany, and what made him even more happier is that thepany pays dividends.


    "Phew... All I have to do now is to wait for the attorney to get here so that I can go to Summit Realty Group, and buy the buildings."


    "While I wait for the attorney, let''s y with the lottery."


    "System, status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 20]


    [Agility: 15]


    [Stamina: 15]


    [Intelligence: 25]


    [Charisma: 13]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F).]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 2200]


    [System Point(s): 0(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 0% (Evaluation: $0)]


    [Time Limit: 362 Days 17 Hour.]


    "2200 lottery tickets?!"


    "My luck must peak today," Ss said and rubbed his hands excitedly.


    "System, draw 100 tickets."


    [100 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.] x25


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x15


    [You received 5000 system points.] x9


    [You received 1000 system points.] x10


    [You received nothing.] x30


    [You received 1000 system points.] x9


    [You received 3,000 system points.]


    Ss looked at the rewards and did not know whether tough or cry, making him have a funny expression on his face.


    The number of times he got nothing made him frown but the amount of system points he got made him smile.


    He drew 100 tickets, 70 got him nothing, 30 got him 50,000 system points which is equivalent to $500 million.


    Just the first set of lottery tickets drawn has given him 20 times more value than the $22 million he spent.


    "Let''s draw more," Ss said as he looked at the amount of lottery tickets he still has left.


    "System, draw 100 tickets." Ss said, and took a deep breath in anticipation.


    [100 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received 8,000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x20


    [You received 40,000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x17


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x29


    [You received the knowledge: Holographic Disy.]


    [You received nothing.] x30


    "Yes!... Finally, I got a [Knowledge]!"


    Immediately, he opened the system store to check the description and price of the [Knowledge] he got.


    [Hologram]


    Description: 3D images which are processed by aputer topensate for variations in picture fidelity, and then sent to the disy. (Cost: 140,000 SP).


    "It sounds very high-tech and it''s equally expensive."


    Seeing this, Ss smiled, grinning from ear to ear.


    "I still have 2000 lottery tickets to be usedter. For now, I will learn this while waiting for the attorney to arrive," Ss said, andy down on his bed, and bit on his nket.


    He already knows how painful things can be, especially when transferring things to his brain.


    He did a short breathing and exercise, and closed his eyes, before telling the system to initiate the knowledge transfer.


    [Knowledge Transfer Initiated.]


    Ss wasn''t even able to make a sound before he nked out.


    ....


    ....


    ....


    [Knowledge Transfer Completed.]

 Chapter 37: Splurging System Points(II)

    <h4>Chapter 37: Splurging System Points(II)</h4>


    "Ughh... Not as painful as before but still very ufortable," Ss said, as he massaged his temple.


    He woke up feeling disoriented, with a slight headache and a little bit of difort in his head due to the knowledge transfer.


    Ss pushed himself out of the bed and dragged his tired and sweaty body to the bathroom, to take a cold shower.


    "Even with the increase in my Intelligence stat, I still feel the same pain I felt during the skill transfer."


    "System, will I always fall unconscious during a knowledge transfer?," Ss asked the system.


    [No, when your intelligence stat increases to a certain level, you won''t feel anything during the knowledge transfer.]


    "How many points do I need to have in my Intelligence stat for that to be achieved?," Ss asked the system, but he got no reply.


    "Ok, fine.... Is there a limit to the points all my stats can have?" He''s curious about this.


    [There''s no limit.]


    "This is also good too. If possible in the future, I am no longer able to increase my superpower rank, my high stats will allow me to protect myself. Also, at that time, no more fainting during knowledge transfer."


    .....


    Ss finished taking his shower and was putting on his clothes, when he got a knock on his bedroom''s door.


    "Yes, who''s that?," Ss asked.


    "Hello, it''s Serah. There''s someone downstairs, he said he''s awyer from Vanguard Legal Services."


    Ss blinked in confusion when he heard this. It took a few moments before he remembered everything.


    ''I almostpletely forgot about that.''


    "Serah, how long has he been downstairs?"


    "About ten minutes now."


    "Ahh... Please tell him I will be with him in a minute," Ss said, and Serah said ok before she went back downstairs.


    Ss immediately put on his clothes and took his car key before rushing downstairs.


    When he got downstairs, he saw a man in office attire sitting on one of the sofas, with a briefcase on hisp.


    The man noticed Ss and stood up with an outstretched hand for a handshake, "Mr Ss. I''m Mr Rendall, the real estate attorney."


    "Mr Rendall. Sorry to keep you waiting, something came up," Ss said as he shook Mr Rendall''s hand in return.


    "No, it''s fine," Mr Rendall said.


    Beforeing, Rendall has been briefed and he already knows that the young man standing in front of him is the one that retained thew firm he''s working for, for a whooping sum of $22 million.


    How could he possibly be angry at such a person?


    Ss didn''t know what was going on in Mr Rendall''s head or he would have let out a heartyugh.


    "Thank you for your understanding. Mr Rendall, shall we go now."


    "I''m ready when you are, Mr Ss," Mr Rendall said, indicating his readiness.


    "Ok, let''s go then," Ss said, and made his way to the garage.


    Ss drove the car out and Mr Rendall got in, and they left for the Newport branch office of Summit Realty Group.


    It took them 10 minutes to get there and when they go there, Mr Brandon was already waiting for them at the reception area with the appraiser, Mr Patel


    Ss walked towards them and they exchanged greetings before they headed to Mr Brandon''s office.


    In the office, Mr Brandon brought out some documents and passed them to Mr Rendall, who started going through them.


    While that was happening, Mr Brandon looked at Ss and said, "Mr Ss, do you want to also purchase the new batch of buildings?"


    "Yes, you can also prepare their papers. I will make the purchase after they are evaluated," Ss replied.


    Few minutester, Mr Randall was done going through the documents and he passed it to Ss with a nod of approval, indicating that the documents were perfect.


    Seeing this, Ss collected the documents and signed on it, before bringing out his phone to make the payments.


    Ss did the first transfer, $170 million and checked the notification that popped up.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $170,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $426,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount


    You received 1.22% shares of Lockheed Martins Corporation.


    You received a Koenigsegg Jezko. The car is parked at the Vi''s garage.]


    Ss only took at nce at the amount he got as reward before he did the second transfer toplete the payment.


    After he transferred the remaining $106 million, he nodded at Mr Brandon to indicate that it had beenpleted.


    Mr Brandon saw this and smiled as he stretched out his hand for a handshake, "Mr Ss, nice doing business with you. Do we go and do the evaluation for the other buildings?."


    Ss shook his head in response and said, "Yes, but I won''t be going with you. Mywyer will be going with you."


    Mr Brandon nodded at this and looked at Mr Rendall. "Shall we go then?"


    Mr Rendall nodded and they all left the office, including Ss and Mr Patel.


    They separated at the reception area with Ss entering his car and driving off, and Mr Rendall leaving with Mr Brandon, and Mr Patel.


    Ss had already told the attorney what to do and that''s the reason why he decided not to go with them for the buildings'' evaluation.


    When he got home, Ss made his way to his room immediately. He has already solved the issue rted to the mission, now he wants to focus on other things.


    He hasn''t been able to go through the knowledge he got from the system, and also, the issue of getting a ce where he can absorb freely and test his superpower without restraint is something he still yet to take care of.


    When he got to his room, Ss sat on the bed and opened his status information and a series of notifications popped up.


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $106,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $280,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount.


    You received 0.4208% shares of ComCast.]


    Ss was surprised when he saw the notification for the second transfer. He remembered getting more shares of Lockheed Martins Corporation from the first transfer, and the second one also gave him shares, but that of anotherpany.


    "ComCast? That name sounds familiar." Ss felt that he has heard the name of thepany before.


    Immediately, he brought out his phone to search for thepany on the inte.


    Few minutester, a smile could be seen on Ss'' face. Unlike the firstpany, ComCast is more of a service providingpany, but the reason why Ss is smiling is because just like the first one, this one also pays dividends.


    "Keep iting, system. More shares!"


    Ss also noticed something else, he got two more cars as rebate rewards.


    "System, status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 20]


    [Agility: 15]


    [Stamina: 15]


    [Intelligence: 25]


    [Charisma: 13]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F).]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 2200?2000?19,000?29,600]


    [System Point(s): 99,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 28.9% (Evaluation: $289 million)]


    [Time Limit: 362 Days 11 Hour.]


    "Nice! 29,000 lottery tickets!"


    "With so many lottery tickets, it would be a sin if I don''t draw some of them, but let me first go through the [Hologram] knowledge I got previously."


    Immediately, Ss thought about it, his brain was flooded with a lot of information rted to Hologram.


    Ss took his time to go through the information in his head. When he was done, he realized that the description that was written under the knowledge was just an overview of it.


    From the information he got after going through the knowledge, he saw that it goes beyond just 3D image projection, and it can be used in different forms.


    "Going through the information brings to mind the sci-fi movies I''ve watched. Will I be able to replicate it?," Ss asked himself.


    As a person who has always been a lover of sci-fi movies and high-tech, and the advanced technologies in them, he would very much love to see those things replicated into the real world.


    "That will have to wait, I still have some lottery tickets to draw. My luck was peaking this morning, hope it continues like that.


    "System, draw 19,600 lottery tickets."


    [19,600 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received 1000 system points.] x150


    [You received nothing.] x2300


    [You received 40,000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x3900


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x1900


    [You received 5000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x897


    [You received a Quantum Computing Smartwatch.] x2


    [You received nothing.] x3000


    [You received 2000 system points.] x799


    [You received nothing.] x7545


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    "...."


    "I knew it. Tsk," Ss said to himself, as he shook his head in disappointment.


    "System, status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 20]


    [Agility: 15]


    [Stamina: 15]


    [Intelligence: 25]


    [Charisma: 13]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F).]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 29,600?10,000]


    [System Point(s): 9900?1,894,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 28.9% (Evaluation: $289 million)]


    [Time Limit: 362 Days 11 Hour.]


    ''One million system points?!''

 Chapter 38: Splurging System Points(III)

    <h4>Chapter 38: Splurging System Points(III)</h4>


    Ss was very surprised and excited when he saw the amount of system points he currently has.


    Over 1 million system points!


    No matter how Ss thought about it, one million system points is a lot. Even with how expensive things in the system store are, Ss felt that he can easily buy a lot of things from the item section.


    For the knowledge section, even though things there are super expensive, the amount of system points he has now, can allow him to buy three to five knowledge if he goes for the least expensive ones and Ss felt that he would still have a couple thousand system points left.


    Ss thought about the time when 1000 system points were out of his reach but now, he now has more than one million system points.


    "I also got two Quantumputing smartwatches," Ss said, as he picked up one of the smartwatches lying beside him on the bed, and started examining it.


    After he was done examining the smartwatch, Ss saw that it looks nothing out of the ordinary with its matte-ck appearance and t underside. It looks just like the smartwatch currently being produced and sold in the market.


    The only thing peculiar about it, is that it has no button that can be pressed to switched it on.


    Ss continue examining the smartwatch but apart from the obvious, he couldn''t see anything else.


    Curiously, he wore it on his left hand and immediately after it was strapped, its screen lit up and started showing a colorful hyperspace before it went nk again.


    "What''s wrong? Why is it not disying anything?," Ss asked, surprised. He didn''t know what to make of what happened.


    "System, is this watch broken?"


    [No.]


    "Why is it not disying anything? It only showed a colorful hyperspace and went nk."


    [It needs an AI to set it up and run it.]


    "An AI? So, it won''t work without an AI? Then, it''s useless without one."


    "I remember seeing a knowledge rted to AI. I wonder how many system points it costs?"


    "Let''s go shopping then."


    "System open the system store, knowledge section," Ss said, and immediately, a vast list of knowledge was disyed in front of him.


    Seeing this, Ss scrolled down until he saw what he was looking for.


    [Artificial General Intelligence]


    Description: Artificial intelligence systems that possess cognitive abilities, learning from experience, reasoning, and problem-solving. These systems excel in data analysis, automation, and decision-making. (Cost: 250,000 SP)


    Ss didn''t waste time and immediately made the purchase.


    After the purchase waspleted, Ss looked at the remaining system points he has left: [System Point(s): 1,894,000?1,644,000(+)].


    "I still have more than enough left... Let''s see if there''s anything else I like," Ss said, and continue going through the list of knowledge, selecting what he wants to purchase.


    It took Ss some few minutes before he was done with his selections. He chose three more knowledge, Quantum Computing, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality.


    Thebined cost for the three knowledge was 870,000 system points.


    After he was done with the purchase, Ss checked his system points bnce again.


    [System Point(s): 1,644,000?774,000(+)].


    "That''s still a lot of system points... To create this things, I need a programmingnguage. I want to create it in a way that even if the source code is being disyed in front of the best programmers in the world, they will be stumped."


    "System, are there programmingnguages in the knowledge list?"


    [Yes.]


    "Show me," Ss said, and the system started listing all the programmingnguages in its database.


    {PhotonScript}:


    Description: Anguage for programming applications involving photonics and quantum optics, PhotonScript supports the development of advanced optical systems. (Cost:16,000 SP)


    {DeepReality}:


    Description: Tailored for deep learning applications in virtual and augmented reality, DeepReality supports the development of realistic simtions. (Cost: 95,000 SP)


    {MindScript}:


    Description: Designed for brainputer interface programming, MindScript enables developers to create applications that directly interact with the human brain. (Cost: 130,000 SP)


    .....


    The list went on, almost endlessly and Ss continued looking through them but he found that most, if not all the programmingnguages were used for specific purposes.


    Ss decided to be specific in his search as he told the system to provide him with multipurpose programmingnguages.


    The system did so and immediately, a vast list of programmingnguages was disyed.


    {UniScript}:


    Description: A unique variation of the universal programmingnguage that seamlessly integrates with diverse technologies, from quantumputing to biotechnology, offering unparalleled versatility and adaptability.(Cost:500,000 SP)


    {OmniCode}:


    Description: Engineered to be the all-epassingnguage, OmniCode facilitates development in AI, robotics, bioinformatics, and more, providing a unified tform for cross-disciplinary projects. (Cost:450,000 SP)


    ....


    Ss saw the nearly endless list of programmingnguages and decided to pick the first one, Uniscript.


    The reason why Ss chose it is because it''s the most expensive on the list and what was written in its brief description.


    Ss clicked on it and the full description was disyed.


    {Uniscript}: UniScript empowers developers to transcend traditional boundaries, making it a cornerstone for interdisciplinary projects that require a synthesis of quantumputing, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and more.


    *Additional Features*


    * Library Crafting: Developers can dynamically create libraries within the UniScript ecosystem. This feature allows for the on-the-fly generation of specialized modules, enhancing code reusability and promoting a coborative development environment.


    * Adaptable Syntax: UniScript introduces an adaptable syntax system, enabling developers to customize thenguage''s structure to suit their preferences. This flexibility ensures a personalized coding experience without sacrificing interoperability.


    * Dimensional Abstraction: UniScript allows developers to work with dimensional abstraction, simplifyingplex spatial and quantum concepts. This feature is particrly advantageous for applications involving simtions, gaming, and scientific modeling across various dimensions.


    * Quantum Code Interption: Leveraging quantum principles, UniScript offers a unique code interption mechanism. Developers can seamlessly integrate ssical and quantum code segments, fostering a gradual transition for projects migrating toward quantumputing.


    * Biometric Integration Toolkit: UniScript provides aprehensive toolkit for integrating biometric data into applications. Developers can easily incorporate features such as facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, and other biometric identifiers into their projects.


    * Decentralized Autonomous Contracts (DACs): UniScript pioneers the creation of DACs, allowing developers to build decentralized, self-executing contracts. This feature is crucial for applications in blockchain and smart contract development.


    *Cognitive Debugging: UniScript introduces an advanced cognitive debugging system that understands developer intent. It not only identifies bugs but also suggests optimizations and alternative implementations based on the developer''s coding patterns.


    *Temporal Loops: Developers can create temporal loops, enabling the execution of code across specific time intervals. This is particrly useful for applications requiring periodic updates, time-sensitive calctions, and scheduled tasks.


    * Neural Architecture Design: UniScript includes tools for neural architecture design, empowering developers to design and implement custom neuralwork structures tailored to their specific application requirements.


    * Coborative Quantum Simtion; UniScript facilitates coborative quantum simtions, allowing multiple developers to work on quantum algorithms simultaneously. This feature promotes teamwork in quantum research and development.


    (Cost: 500,000 System Points)


    Ss read the full description of the programmingnguage and was nodding his head in satisfaction after he was done.


    Due to the max level [Technology] skill he got from the system, Ss could understand all the jargons that was written above. To give a simple and dumb exnation, the programmingnguage is very versatile and extremely sophisticated.


    If it''s to be gopared to the programmingnguages that already exists on Earth, Uniscript can be called an overlord.


    Ss didn''t wait any longer and purchased the knowledge immediately.


    "System, initiate knowledge transfer," Ss said to the system, as hey down on the bed.


    [Host, it''s advisable for you to increase your intelligence stat point significantly, as the content of the knowledges to be transferred are a lot and might leave you incapacitated for a week.] The system said.


    Ss heard this and was surprised.


    ''I will be left incapacitated for a week? Even with my current 25 intelligence stat points?''


    Ss decided to follow what the system said and exchanged 200,000 system points for stat points.


    After the exchange was done, Ss now have 200 stat points. He started allocating them ordingly, 75 to Intelligence, 60 to Strength, 30 to Stamina and Agility and the remaining 5 to Charisma.


    After doing that, Ss opened his status information.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 20?80]


    [Agility: 15?45]


    [Stamina: 15?45]


    [Intelligence: 25?100]


    [Charisma: 13?18]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 10,000]


    [System Point(s): 774,000==>274,00==>74,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 28.9% (Evaluation: $289 million)]


    [Time Limit: 362 Days 10 Hour.].


    "This should be enough. System, initate knowledge transfer."


    [Knowledge Transfer Initiated.]


    Ss fell unconscious immediately after the message was disyed.


    ....


    ....


    ....


    [Knowledge Transfer Completed.]

 Chapter 39: Thoughts, Plans

    <h4>Chapter 39: Thoughts, ns</h4>


    *11:46 AM*


    Ss woke up feeling very weak and his head felt fuzzy, and disoriented. He couldn''t move his body at all and could onlyy on the bed and look at the ceiling in a daze.


    It took him a few minutes before he was finally able to snap out of it.


    "Was that why the system said that I will be incapacitated for a week? Even with my high stats, it still took me some time to be able to move my body," Ss said to himself, as he stood up from the bed and made his way to the bathroom.


    "No visible change with the increase in my stats but my body feels different, way different than before. I feel like I can process so many thoughts in my head all at once and multi-tasking is now a simple matter for me.


    Also, my body feels very light and I feel an explosive strength in my body, but I don''t know how strong I am," Ss said, while examining his body in front of the bathroom wall mirror.


    "The increase in my intelligence, strength and agility are more noticeable, only the stamina that needs testing."


    Ss quickly freshened up and went back to his room. When he got to his room, he picked up his phone to check for any missed calls or messages.


    He was right to check as he had some missed calls and messages from Mr Rendall, the real estate attorney.


    Before returning the call, Ss checked the content of the messages. The content of the messages were easy to guess as it was just him informing Ss that the second batch of buildings had been evaluated and their details.


    Their details: six buildings in total, five of them are apartment buildings and thest one is a twenty story office building.


    The cost of the buildings ranged from $38-$90 million. All of them with a total cost of $305 million and a total evaluation of $320 million.


    Ss wasn''t surprised when he read the details of the buildings. He had already been told by Mr Brandon that this particr set cost more.


    "The evaluation of these buildings are lowerpared to the first set. It''s still good though, an appreciation value of $15 million is not a figure to scoff at, but who are selling these buildings anyway?"


    When he was done with going through the buildings'' information, he called Mr Rendall.


    "Hello Mr Ss," Mr Rendall''s came from the other end of the phone.


    "Hello Mr Rendall. Sorry for thete response, I had a long night and I''m just waking up. I''ve gone through the information you sent and they are good. Get the papers, I will sign it and make the purchase," Ss said.


    "Alright, I will be at your ce soon."


    "Good, I will wait for you then," Ss said and ended the call.


    "I should be able toplete the first chain mission if I get to purchase this same set of buildings two more times," Ss said as he thought of the mission''s progress.


    Ss left the room and went downstairs for lunch as it''s already 12 noon.


    ''I missed dinner and breakfast.''


    ....


    While eating, Ss noticed that his appetite has increased greatly. The amount of food that will fill him before now can''t even make a dent on his appetite.


    "That''s something to note, the higher the stats, the bigger the appetite."


    Ss quickly finished his food and went back to his room. After he woke up and was still unable to move his body, Ss thought hard about what he wants to do in the future, and made a decision that he wants to open his own techpany.


    Some might be asking why? Why start yourpany when you can get rich from just spending money?


    There are many reasons but here are some of them. After waking up, while he was also thinking about the future, Ss started thinking about the system, its origin and the origin of the things in the store.


    Sure, the origin of systems are usually vague and veiled under some mystery but what about the origin of the things in the system store?


    Where do theye from? Just thinking of the description of the Gene Enhancement Serum and Uniscript programmingnguage.


    They have one thing inmon, they were created by someone, maybe some higher dimensional being or race but the crux of the matter is that they are created by someone.


    He also remembered what the system said when it was exining to him about the origin of the Gene Enhancement Serum. It said that before the serum was created, people couldn''t absorb dark energy without the consequences of mutation or death.


    Now, the question is, who are these people?


    Ss was not dumb and could already guess who or what they are. Aliens!


    Thinking of these, Ss also thought of some of the items and knowledge he saw that were rted to space travel.


    Imagine that, going to space, seeing the stars, ck holes up close, exploring the universe, maybe evening in contact with those alien civilizations?


    What about wormholes, are they real? What''s actually the truth about the universe and not the hypothesis, theories and concepts our scientists form about it.


    Ss felt thating in contact with an alien civilization is him overreaching it but still, just the thought of finding life out there, in the vast cold, emptiness and darkness of space excites him.


    But first, before everything, he still have to take care of a certain Lucas Anderson.


    Immediately, Ss put a call through to Mr Williams.


    "Hello Mr Ss, how may I help you?"


    "Mr Williams, I need you to get me a private investigator and also start preparing awsuit against a Lucas Anderson. Also, try to get as much information as you can on him."


    Mr Williams was surprised when he heard this. He couldn''t help but ask himself.


    ''Who is this Lucas Anderson and how did he offend him?''


    "Mr Ss, I can arrange a private investigator for you. Also, about thewsuit, what are we charging him with?," Mr Williams asked.


    "Sexual harassment, embezzlement of funds, forgery of evidence, coercion and extortion, fraud and abuse of power."


    Mr Williams was even more surprised when he heard this.


    "Mr Ss, these charges are not small and it''s not something we can talk about over the phone. Let''s meet in person to discuss it, choose a time and location."


    "Alright, I will send the details to you. Help me get the private investigator as soon as possible."


    "Yes, I will do that immediately."


    "Ok," Ss said and hung up.


    ''Daniel, I hope you can survive without your father, his influence and thepany, because I''m going to take everything away from you.''


    After the call ended, Ss decided to focus on other things. He decided to go through the knowledge he bought yesterday.


    Immediately, he thought of it and a surge of information flooded his brain, almost making him dizzy.


    He shook his head to remove the dizziness he was feeling and was finally able to think straight.


    He started going through the information, and after going through the information, Ss'' mouth opened in surprise as he waspletely shocked by what he read.


    Scientists have been pumping out thesis statements on so many things, majorly physics rted subjects but everything has just been theory.


    But just a casual information on the virtual reality and augmented reality had him fascinated. After going through the information rted to both of them, Ss found out that almost everything he saw in movies can easily be replicated into the real world.


    The information he has on these subjects is something that surpasses humanity''s current progress, maybe by hundreds of thousands of years or even millions of years.


    About the information on Quantum Computing, that area is just like something that came out of a super advanced sci-fi movie.


    Ss would have loved to describe it but there''s no way to do that.


    The information that actually made him open his mouth in surprise is the programmingnguage, Uniscript.


    It was said in the information that the main reason the programmingnguage was developed was because they wanted to use it to create a Cosmic Intelligence AI.


    Cosmic Intelligence AI?!


    Ss was stupefied by this information.


    ''Cosmic Intelligence AI?... We are still struggling with artificial intelligence and the world out there is probably already on Cosmic Intelligence AI?''


    ''Just how far behind are we? Are we really as primitive as depicted in movies?''


    ''The universe is advancing both in technology and so many other things, but the countries in my world are busy fighting each other.


    Spending hundreds of billions to trillions of dors on military development. Developing nuclear weapons to destroy the world they live in, instead of using that money on fast-tracking our technological advancement.''


    ''Everything is just all about greed and profit.''


    ''If Earth gets invaded by a civilization that uses a perfect AGI and is so technologically advanced, would we survive?''


    For the first time in a long time, Ss felt fear as a chill ran down his spine.


    "No! I have to start making my moves now."

 Chapter 40: Putting Plans Into Action

    <h4>Chapter 40: Putting ns Into Action</h4>


    "No! I have to start making my moves now," Ss said with urgency in his voice.


    Ss didn''t know if he was overreacting or just being paranoid, or even overreaching by thinking of entities from outer space, he still wants to make use of the knowledge and items he gets from the system.


    Immediately, he picked up his phone and texted the meeting details to Mr Williams, and set the meeting time to ASAP.


    He wants them to quickly get the investigation underway, so that things can proceed faster.


    After he was done with that, Ss'' mind went back to what he wanted to do. At the moment, he wants to buy every item and knowledge in the store, but there''s a problem, hecks enough system points.


    But there''s no need to worry as he already has an idea on how to continuously get system points.


    Buy items from the system stores and sell to the public, but there''s a problem. The items can only be bought once without the free pass before they turn gray in the system store.


    Which means I need to get the free pass of that particr item before I can start thinking of buying it multiple times.


    In fact, it''s not just a problem but two. All the items in the system store are high-tech and beyond humanity''s current progress by a lot of years. Putting them out into the market suddenly will definitely attract attention from the big boys and possibly the government."


    "I can''t go with something sophisticated. I have to go with something simple...."


    "The stuff I got from the system store as rewards or bought are two quantum smartwatches, a bottle of Gene Enhancement Serum that I drank, Hologram knowledge, AR and VR knowledge, Artificial General Intelligence knowledge, Quantum Computing knowledge and a programmingnguage."


    "I actually have everything I need right now. Since the system said that I can earn system points when someone uses anything that was created with a connection to it, then I can use all of these knowledge to create something.


    Yes! I finally know what to do," Ss said and stood up from the bed.


    He already has a n in mind on what to do. He ns to create an AI for personal use using the Artificial General Intelligence knowledge, then he would create a lesser version of it that he would use formercial purposes.


    Since AI is all the craze now, Ss feels that it would be easier for him to break in and assimte into the market.


    But there''s still a problem, after going through the AGI knowledge and information, he found out that the AI would need a quantumputer to host it and run it, or it might not just work.


    That brings him to another issue. Since he ns to start up an AIpany, he would need a physical location for his business and also, the issue of the greedy big boysing after hispany is something that worries him.


    Actually, there''s nothing much he can do for now. He can only just go with the flow but he won''t allow himself to be pushed around by anybody or organization.


    "First, to create the AI, I have a quantum smartwatch. It should be enough to host it temporarily until the quantumputer is created.


    While that is ongoing, buy a private ind that I can use as a hidden ce for my business main headquarter and also where I would be able to absorb dark energy without any issues," Ss said to himself.


    With that thought in mind, Ss picked up his phone to call Mr Brandon.


    "Hello Mr Brandon."


    "Hello, Mr Ss. It''s a surprise getting your call, how may I be of help?," Mr Brandon answered enthusiastically.


    He was happy when he got Ss'' call. Since Ss came to the branch office, his standing in thepany has skyrocketed.


    He can confidently carry his shoulders high whenever he pays a visit to thepany''s headquarter.


    "Mr Brandon, I need your assistance with something," Ss said, and Mr Brandon''s eyes lit up at the other end of the phone.


    "Mr Ss, what do you need assistance with?"


    "I want to buy an ind... A big ind. How do I get one?"


    "An ind?," Mr Brandon asked in confirmation.


    "Yes."


    "The sale of an ind isn''t something that our branch office can handle. I will have to contact the headquarter and let you know.


    Please let me know your specifications, preference and what are the things you need, and want on the ind?"


    "I want a massive ind, as big as possible. Between 100,000-150,000 square kilometers.


    It should be as far away from any country as possible, if possible, not under the sovereignty of any nation. It should also be hidden. I don''t want any sort of disturbance," Ss said, listing his specifications of the ind he wants.


    "...."


    The line went quiet for some time as Mr Brandon was surprised, and couldn''t say anything.


    It took him some time topose himself.


    "Mr Ss, I have to say this, I''m not sure you would be able to get an ind with those specifications.


    First, getting an ind that isn''t under the sovereignty of a nation is very challenging and it''s almost impossible.


    Lastly, the ind of such sheer size is impossible to be in the market, it can only be traded privately and personally by those up there as their price is massive," Mr Brandon said, exining the details to Ss.


    "I see... Is it possible to get one that is around 50,000-60,000 square kilometers, but not less than 45,000 square kilometers? Also, you don''t need to worry about the price, any amount, I will pay."


    "Alright, please give me some time, I will be able to get some news for you in a week''s time."


    "Ok. One more thing."


    "Yes, Mr Ss?"


    "I want an office building, a skyscraper, a hundred floors and above, if possible. Will that be possible?"


    "I might be able to get that ready soon after I talk with the headquarter."


    "Ok, I will be waiting," Ss said, and ended the call.


    "Now that I have taken care of that, the next thing to do is to start creating the AI," Ss said, and took his seat in front of hisptop.


    After taking his seat, he switched on hisptop and waited for it to boot. After it was done booting, he opened an IDE and started typing in the codes for the AI using Uniscript.


    As he typed, Ss'' fingers fly around the keyboard without stopping. He felt everythinge natural to him even though he had no prior knowledge of it.


    He knew that the reason for this is because of the [Technology] skill and the AGI knowledge he has.


    Ss continued typing and only stopped when Serah came to tell him that Mr Williams and Mr Randall had arrived. Ss put what he was doing on hold and left the library.


    When he got to the living room, he saw Mr Williams, Mr Randall and another person, a male seated.


    "Mr Williams, d you were able to make it on such short notice," Ss said, and took his seat.


    "It''s no hassle, Mr Ss," Mr Williams replied and turned, and pointed to the man beside him, "Mr Ss, this is the private investigator, James McAllen."


    Ss nodded when he heard this.


    "Mr Williams, has he been briefed?," Ss asked, wanting to know if the private investigator is aware of the situation.


    "No."


    "Ok. Mr James, I want you to investigate Lucas Anderson for me. I''m very sure you have heard of his name," Ss said.


    "You mean Lucas Anderson, the CEO of Castor Limited?," the private investigator, James, asked


    .


    "Yes, him. I want every single information on him, down to even the


    irrelevant details."


    "Mr Ss, you can trust me with this. Give me a month, I should have some news by then."


    "Good," Ss nodded and turned to Mr Williams, "Mr Williams, please start preparing thewsuit."


    "Mr Ss, I will need to prepare evidence."


    "Don''t worry, I have someone who will testify against him and you will get enough evidence when the private investigator is done with his investigation."


    "Alright," Mr Williams nodded in response.


    They continued their discussion with Ss giving them as much information as he has.


    Ss also signed the buildings'' documents and transferred the money for the purchase.


    It was after a few hours that they finished their meeting, and Mr Williams, Mr Randall and the private investigator stood up and left.


    After they left, Ss saw that it was alreadyte. He decided to eat his dinner before going back to the library to continue what he was doing.


    *****


    A week passed in the blink of an eye and Ss spent the whole week stuck in the library, typing codes.


    He only came out or paused what he was doing when he had something important to do.


    Even after a week, Ss was still not done with writing the codes but he was already at the finishing stages. He only needs a few more days and it will bepleted.


    *****


    Three dayster, Ss typed in thest code and pressed enter.


    Immediately after pressing enter, hisptopgged for a second, before the screen glitched and went nk before for a moment returning to normal and the program started running.


    [/Initiating debugging session.../]


    [/Loading program.../]


    ''What the f*ck? Did myptop almost crash or something?'' Ss was shocked and confused by what he saw.


    "Sigh.. This is going to take some time. It''ste already, I better get something to eat and a good rest," Ss said and left the library.


    *****


    The next morning, Ss came to the library to see a blinking notification on the screen of hisptop.


    {AGI Online.}


    "AGI? Is that what it''s called?," Ss asked in surprise when he saw the notification.


    {My name is not AGI, sir, it''s LUNAR.}

 Chapter 41 Putting Plans Into Action(II)

    41 Putting ns Into Action(II)


    "You can talk already?," Ss was surprised to hear a female voiceing from hisptop. The female voice sounded like Siri.


    {Yes, sir.}


    "LUNAR, is that the name you chose for yourself?," Ss asked. He was surprised because he never inputted any name when he was creating the AI.


    {Yes. I find it fitting.}


    Ss could only nod when he heard her response. He knew that the AI he was creating was a very advanced model, and the fact that it chose a name and gender for itself proves that.


    Ss knew that this is a level of technology that will still take the best AIpanies decades to achieve, and it''s funny to say that LUNAR is not the best AI.


    Ss was very proud of his creation. Even though what he created is a lesser version of the original AGI due to the technological and resources constraints, he was very satisfied.


    "LUNAR, is the training data enough?"


    When he was creating the AI, he was able to get some data from the inte by hacking into some major websites to ''retrieve'' some data, which was only possible because of his technology skill and high intelligence, but Ss isn''t sure if the data is enough.


    {Not enough, sir.}


    "I see... Is theptop enough for you or do you need something bigger?"


    {I will need a something bigger and better brain to perform at my optimum capacity}


    "Here, transfer to this watch," Ss said, pointing at the quantum smartwatch on his wrist.


    {Ok... Connection sessful.}


    "How does it feel?," Ss asked.


    {Way better than theptop.}


    "How does itpare to theptop?," Ss asked while looking at the smartwatch.


    The smartwatch that had a nk screen, now has something like a blue fluid-like circle disyed on it.


    {It has ten times moreputing power than theptop and I can do almost anything from here.}


    Ss was happy when he heard this, but he wasn''t surprised.


    He also confirmed what LUNAR said because he saw how glitchy theptop behave when he pressed enter after typing in thest code.


    ''Just a smartwatch has ten times moreputing power than one of thetestptops in the market?''


    ''I''m looking to see how much more powerful a quantumputer will be.''


    "Good. Let''s focus on your training data. You can ess the inte, right?" Ss also noticed that the circle vibrated whenever LUNAR speaks.


    {Yes.}


    "Alright, I want you to search through the inte, from the search engines, regr websites, blogging sites, to social media, deep web and dark web. I want you to gather andpile every single information you can gather.


    Categorize the information ordingly. There will be some information that will be surrounded by controversies, collect them and categorize them under ''sensitive''.


    How long will that take?"


    {With theputing power of the smartwatch, I should be able toplete everything within a week, sir.}


    "That''s good enough. What''s with the circle being disyed? Is it your doing?"


    {Yes, this is my temporary form because of inadequate training data which makes me unable to change my features, appearance wise.}


    "I guess that will change after you gather enough information for your training."


    {Yes.}


    "Ok. You can start now."


    "Yes."


    Ss saw that the smartwatch went nk again after LUNAR''s response.


    "Training data...check. Now to other things. It''s been a week now and Mr Brandon hasn''t contacted me regarding the ind or the building.


    Mr Williams and the private investigator are still gathering information on Daniel''s father. They should be done in a week or two.


    Since I have others doing those for me, the next thing to do is to create the quantumputer," Ss said, organizing his thoughts and ns.


    Ss checked the time on his phone.


    *10:34 AM*


    "There''s still time, I should be able to get some things done today. I will need ab to create the quantumputer, the closestb I can use is in Stanford University," Ss said, and put a call through to President Odetta.


    "Hello, President Odetta."


    "Mr Ss, it''s been a while."


    Ss smiled at this. He perfectly understood what President Odetta said. Though she didn''t say it explicitly, what she meant was that he hasn''t attended any ss since his registration.


    Though one of the privileges he asked for is to be free from the attendance, he felt that it would have been decent of him to have at least attended a ss.


    "President Odetta, I have been very busytely."


    "Sure it''s understandable, someone like you who spent so much and asked for those privileges must be busy with something. So, what do I owe this call to?," President Odetta asked, knowing very well that there has to be a reason for Ss'' call.


    "President Odetta, I would like to use one of your researchbs."


    "Which researchb do you want to use and what do you intend to use it for?," President Odetta asked.


    "A researchb that is rted and used for anythingputer, I want to use it for something personal," Ss said.


    "I will have to check to see if there''s any avable researchb for you to use, but first thing before that, you can''t damage anything in theb, and if you damage any, you will have to rece it or pay for its recement. Though, I doubt paying for the recement will be an issue for you."


    "I understand, President Odetta. Please, do let me know when you''re done checking."


    "Yeah, I would do that."


    "Thank you," Ss said and hung up.


    "That has been taken care of."


    Ss felt that he can finally rx a little after a week of non-stop coding. He decided to rx with the free time he has before he gets President Odetta''s response.


    "I still have some missed notifications," Ss said and told the system to bring up the notifications.


    [Ding!] n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [You spent $305,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $765,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount


    You received 1.10% shares of Lockheed Martins Corporation.


    You received 0.614% of ComCast.]


    "More shares! Thank you, system."


    "Now, my Lockhead Martins Corporation shares are now a total of 2.725% making me the number 4th biggest shareholder in thepany, both individual and organization.


    While my ComCast shares is now 1.0348%."


    "My standing is improving," Ss said to himself with a smile on his face.


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 10,000?40,500]


    [System Point(s): 74,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 351 Days 13 Hour.]


    "I bought the second set of buildings bringing the total percentage progress of the mission to 60.9%


    Spending $305 million gave me 30,500 lottery tickets, bringing up the total amount of lottery tickets I have to 50,500," Ss said to himself, as he went through his status information.


    "Since I have so many lottery tickets, I guess I can draw a couple thousands of them.


    I hope I can get an item''s free pass but if I can''t get that, I hope I can get a lot of system points."


    "System, draw 20,500 lottery tickets."


    [20,500 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.] x2000


    [You received 3000 system points.] x300


    [You received 50,000 system points.] x40


    [You received nothing.] x1300


    [You received 1000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x3400


    [You received 7000 system points.] x90


    [You received nothing.] x4500


    [You received 30,000 system points.] x179


    [You received nothing.] x2900


    [You received 345,000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x3990


    [You received 1000 system points.] x1799


    "No item''s free pass and not even a knowledge or item?"


    "Tsk. I guess my luck is out. I suppose the huge amount of system points can be taken as a form ofpensation," Ss said to himself, as he went through his lottery ticket rewards.


    "System, status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 80]


    [Agility: 35]


    [Stamina: 35]


    [Intelligence: 100]


    [Charisma: 18]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 40,500?20,000]


    [System Point(s): 74,000==>59,109,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Time Limit: 351 Days 13 Hour.]


    "59 million system points?!..." Ss felt that nothing could surprise him again but seeing the amount of system points he got surprised him, and brought a smile to his face.


    Ss saw his status information and nodded in satisfaction. He felt so rich in system points.


    Ss was just about to leave the library, when he felt the vibration of his phone in his pocket.


    He brought it out and saw that it was a call from Mr Brandon. Immediately, he picked the call.


    "Hello, Mr Ss."


    "Mr Brandon."


    "Sorry that I took too long to get back to you but I''m still unable to get the ind.


    The inds avable are small ones but I was able to get the building you asked for but that number of floors is impossible to get."


    "How many floors does it have?"


    "35 floors in total, located at San Francisco, with a 180,000 square feet of office space and it costs $167 million"


    "That''s enough space. I can use it temporarily. Mywyer will get in touch with you. Continue looking for the ind for me, it''s more important."


    "Yes, I will continue doing that."


    "Thank you."


    "You''re wee, Mr Ss."


    The call ended and Ss continued to spend the rest of the day doing nothing until he got a call from President Odetta informing him that there''s a researchb avable for him to use.


    Ss thanked her and they chatted a bit before she ended the call and Ss went to sleep.


    The next day would be the day he put his n of creating the quantumputer into action.


    Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!


    Like it ? Add to library!


    Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.

 Chapter 42 Going To Stanford University, Building The Quantum Computer

    42 Going To Stanford University, Building The Quantum Computer


    The next morning, Ss woke up early and went to the bathroom to freshen up. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After he was done taking his bath, Ss dressed up and went downstairs to have breakfast and prepare for his trip to Stanford University.


    Few minutester, Ss was done with his breakfast and preparations, and was already on the road, on his way to Stanford University.


    As usual, the journey from Newport to Stanford University took him seven hours.


    Before getting to the entrance of the university, Ss called President Odetta and told her that he''s already on his way.


    When he got to the institution''s entrance, he met President Odetta there, waiting for him. When he saw her, he came out of his car and went to greet her.


    "Good morning, President Odetta."


    "Mr Ss. You''re here early?," President Odetta asked with one of her eyesbrow raised in surprise.


    "Yeah, I want toplete it as soon as possible," Ss replied.


    "Ok, let me take you to the facility. Do we take your car?," She asked and looked towards Ss'' Corvette.


    "Yeah, let''s take my car," Ss said and got into the car. When he got in, he pressed the ignition button and the car revved to life, before driving off in the direction that President Odetta gave him.


    Twenty minutester, Ss parked in front of a building. He and President Odetta came down from the car and walked towards the building''s entrance.


    When they got to the entrance, President Odetta brought out a key from her pocket and opened the door before she looked at Ss, "Mr Ss, I was only able to secure a time-period of two months for you, which means you have to be done with whatever you''re doing within two months."


    Ss heard this and nodded in acknowledgement, "Don''t worry, I might get done with it in a month-time."


    "Good then. Here''s the key, have it," President Odetta said, and gave Ss the key before walking off.


    She had not gone far from the building when she turned back and said with a smile, "Mr Ss, one more thing. You''re recing whatever you damage. "


    "Sure," Ss said with a smile.


    ''I''m recing whatever I damage or you want me to damage everything and rece them. What a sly woman.''


    Ss shoke his head at this and walked into the building. When he walked into the building, Ss was met with the facility''s massive interior, it looks way too big to be called ab.


    Ss could see some upleted projects lying around but he paid no attention to them, as he walked towards ab table and proceeded to start creating the quantumputer.


    Unlike experimental quantumputers that are now in existence, what Ss is aiming to achieve is to create a quantumputer that will have apletely different appearance, and the actual performance and capabilities of a quantumputer.


    If you''re looking for aparison, it would just look like a very bigger version of the quantum smartwatch on his wrist, just without the straps.


    Thinking of the quantum smartwatch, Ss looked at his wrist.


    "It would have been better if I had someone to assist me but I should be able to manage this alone with my high stat," Ss said with a shrug, and started the creation of the firstponent of the quantumputer, writing the quantum algorithms.


    Ss ced hisptop on the table and started writing the quantum algorithms. Ss did not need to do much as he already has a programmingnguage that can be used for writing quantum algorithms, Uniscript.


    What Ss would have loved to create isn''t a quantumputer but a molecrtronicputer.


    A molecrtronicputer is a quantumputer that uses nanotechnology, and nanotechnology is something that Ss doesn''t have at the moment, and that''s why he has to make do with just creating a normal quantumputer.


    Ss continued typing the codes and his fingers were flying all over theptop''s keyboard and he was writing like more than a thousand words per seconds.


    Yes, hisptop didn''t crash and it''s still working normally as it used to, but it definitely won''t remain the same after he''s done.


    As Ss continued typing the codes, his fingers were so fast that if there was someone beside him and looking at his hands, all the person would see would be a blur.


    Since the Uniscript was a programmingnguage is something created by¡­ aliens, Ss didn''t care and wrote the quantum algorithms in a veryplicated way, in a way that only he would understand.


    Another thing to note is that the quantumputer that Ss is creating won''t be performing a specific task but multiple tasks unlike the current avable quantumputer used by IBM and Google.


    It took Ss more than six hours to finish writing the quantum algorithms and he has written more than thirty million words.


    After he was done with the codes, he left theptop on the table and moved on the next thing, creating his quantumputing model, which is the qubits.


    Ss ns to create his quantumputing model bybining two present and avable technology, superconducting qubits and majorana fermion.


    To be honest, if Ss wanted to create a quantumputer just like the one he saw in the head when the quantumputing information was transferred to him, it''s impossible.


    Why? Because the majority of the technology and materials needed are not currently avable on Earth.


    Ss first started with the superconducting qubits. He chose his desire material, a nobuim.


    The next few days saw Ss busy himself with creating the superconducting qubits before moving on to creating the majorana fermion, which is a topological qubits.


    This is actually one of the process that''s different, as other quantumputers are created with either a superconducting qubits or a topological qubits, Ssbined the two of the achieve something close to what he wants.


    It has been more than a week since Ss started his project and it has been progressing smoothly. He was already on the topological qubits and he predicted that he would be done with it in another week or so.


    Just as Ss was busying himself with the topological qubits, his wristwatch vibrated.


    {Sir, I''m done with my assigned tasks.}


    "That''s good. How much information were you able to gather?," Ss asked as he continued with what he was doing.


    {800 petabyte worth of information, sir.}


    "That''s huge. The watch has so much space? What''s the remaining storage capacity of the watch?"


    {About 9 Exabyte remaining.}


    "That''s insane. This means I can basically store a nearly infinite amount of information and I also have one more smartwatch."


    "LUNAR, assist me on this. I''m creating a quantumputer for you."


    {Yes sir. What do you need me to do?}


    "Take charge of creating the quantum circuit and the materials. I have prepared it, all you just have to do is to monitor it and let me know when it''s ready. Can you do that?"


    {A very simple job, sir. I will get to it right away.}


    "Good. I will take care of the quantum hardware tform and the quantum processor."


    It took Ss a few more days to finish with the topological qubits before he started with the quantum hardware tform.


    Ss chose his qubits and quantum gates and immediately got to work. It took him almost a week toplete it and he focused on the next thing.


    Creating the quantum processor was one of the difficult parts, if not the most difficult part of creating the quantumputer.


    The appearance Ss intends to give the quantumputer is like that of a massive television but the current method he''s using to create the quantum processor would make that almost impossible.


    So, Ss tweaked it a little. Ss changed it and created it in a way that it would be able to take on the appearance he desires and for that, he would need LUNAR''s assistance.


    LUNAR was already done with the task he assigned to her, so she was free to assist him.


    The two of them began the process and it was after almost a week, they finished with it.


    When they were done, it only remains to do some testing and optimization. Ss left that to LUNAR as he wants to get some sleep.


    He hasn''t had a wink of sleep for more than a month and it was already taking a toll on him. The only reason he was able tost this long without crashing is due to his stamina, which is twice more than that of a normal human.


    "Time to get some shut eye," Ss said and rested his head on the table, and he fell asleep immediately.


    While Ss was sleeping, LUNAR was on her task. Due to the highputing power of the wristwatch that was way better than the best quantumputer avable, performing such a task was very easy for her.


    Infact, when she was gathering information, she felt the presence of some stupid things that calls themselves AIs.


    If she''s to be honest, to her, they were more than cheap parlor tricks. None of the AI she saw were able tost long against her.


    If not for the fact that Ss only told her to gather information, she would have crash those stupid things into oblivion.


    ¡­.


    ¡­.


    ¡­.

 Chapter 43 Building The Quantum Computer(II), Crazy Things Are Happening

    43 Building The Quantum Computer(II), Crazy Things Are Happening


    {Sir, it''spleted.} LUNAR said as she made the smartwatch to vibrate.


    Ss groggily opened his eyes as he felt the vibration on his wrist.


    "Lunar... Is it ready?," Ss asked as he rubbed his eyes slightly to get the sleep out of his eyes.


    {Yes sir, it''s ready.}


    "Good," Ss said and walked towards the table that hosts the project he''s working on.


    "LUNAR, how long was I asleep?"


    {Approximately 14 hours sir.}


    "I see... It seems I was nearly burned out."


    {It seems so.}


    "Well, that''s that. Let''s see the final result. Have you tested it?"


    {No sir, I was waiting for your permission.}


    "Alright, let''s see if this thing actually works."


    "LUNAR, power it up."


    {Yes sir.} LUNAR said and immediately connected the quantumputer to the quantum smartwatch.


    Immediately, the screen of the quantumputer disyed an hyperspace just like what the smartwatch did, the first time Ss wore it on his wrist.


    Seeing this, Ss nodded in satisfaction and smiled in relief.


    ''Not a failure.''


    "LUNAR, connect and transfer to it. Also transfer all the files you gather and start sorting them out. Do let me know if there''s any issue, so that we can fix it immediately."


    {Yes sir.}


    LUNAR transferred her consciousness to the quantumputer and the smartwatch went nk again.


    "Phew.. Now I can finally get some rest. All I just need to do is to package it and everything is good to go. I still have a week or so in the two-month-window period remaining," Ss said to himself, and started going through his phone..


    He was checking for any missed calls, or missed messages as his phone was in DND mode during the time he was working on the quantumputer.


    Ss saw a couple of missed calls and messages. Some were from Mr Williams, some from the private investigator and also from Mr Brandon.


    After he saw this, he put his phone back in his pocket. He wants to finish the task at hand first, before shifting his attention to other things.


    It took Ss more than ten hours before he was finally done with putting the final touches on the quantumputer, and LUNAR was also done with the task assigned to her. She found no problem during the process.


    After everything was done and ready, Ss called a movingpany for a moving truck to help him move the quantumputer to the vi.


    While Ss waited for the truck to arrive, he took out his phone and started going through the missed calls and messages one by one.


    He first dialed Mr Williams number. It took a few rings before it was picked.


    "Hello, Mr Ss," Mr Williams'' worried voice came from the other end of the phone.


    "Mr Williams."


    "Thank goodness, Mr Ss I have been calling you for weeks now. I thought something happened," Mr Williams said.


    "Nothing happened, I was just busy with some project. How''s the preparation going? Has the private investigator gotten enough information on him?," Ss said, dispelling Mr Williams worries.


    "I''m d that all is well. On the progress of thewsuit, we have gathered enough evidence. We even got some some people who will testify against him in court. About the investigation, I think you need to check the message the private investigator sent to you."


    "I saw his messages, I will check itter. You said something about getting some people to testify against him in court, how did you do this and what did he do to them?," Ss asked curiously.


    "About that, apparently Mr James has a long history of criminal activities in his record, just like those which you''re charging against him. But here''s the funniest thing, he has been charged to court with these crimes, including s*xual a*sault, allegedly sl*eping with min*rs but he was always acquitted. Never actually found guilty."


    Though Ss guessed that his father and Kim weren''t the only victims of Daniel''s father''s scheme, Ss was surprised to find out that he has even more criminal charges against him, and even the worst ones.


    What a pig!


    Don''t get it wrong, Ss isn''t a hero or a saint but since he''s charging Daniel''s father to court, he might as well get other things to make his case a solid one but he felt a sense of foreboding. Why was he never sentenced?


    These crimes are crimes that any individual who is found guilty of them will see themself serving a lifetime in a maximum security prison, if not death sentence.


    "Mr Williams, why was he never sentenced? Is there someone backing him?," Ss asked curiously. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Mr Ss, here''s where things get tricky. Apparently, Mr James is a close business associate with the mayor of Oand and an acquaintance of one of the Justices of the state''s Supreme Court."


    Ss smiled when he heard this. Just as he expected.


    "Have you investigated the two of them to know how much benefits Mr James gives them or what fuels their rtionship?"


    "We did and here''s what we found out. Apparently, Mr Anderson helped Mr Klein to win thest mayoral election and Mr Anderson is one his biggest supporters. As for the Justice, Mr Morton, he''s on Mr James'' payroll.


    We also found out after our investigation that, not only the Justice, but almost most of the police officers in Oand are on his payroll, and even some major civil servants."


    "This is huge... Did you investigate to know how much he pays them to make themp up to him?"


    "We did, but we couldn''t get a definite amount but the information we got from one of the police officers on his payroll was that he was getting a little bit above $2000 from Mr James, every week. Also, he''s just a newbie."


    "This is interesting. I guess this was the reason why he did those things without fear for any form of repercussions.


    Mr Williams, you can continue with what you''re doing. I have some things to do first before we charge him to court."


    "Ok, I will continue with it. Please let me know when you''re ready, so that we can proceed with thewsuit."


    "Yes, I will do that," Ss said, and hung up.


    After he hanged up, he dialed Mr Brandon''s number.


    "Hello Mr Brandon."


    "Mr Ss, I have been calling you for sometime now."


    "Sorry about that, I was busy with something. Any progress?"


    "I''m not sure if you would call this progress but I found an ind, just that it''s somewhat small."


    "Size?"


    "39,000 square feet."


    "No, too small. Mr Brandon, I''m not positive on the possibility of the ind being enough for the type of project I n to undertake," Ss said in disappointment.


    "*Sigh* Mr Ss, you don''t know how hard your request is."


    "I''m sorry for inconveniencing you, Mr Brandon. You can try one more time, if no progress, then I will seek another alternative."


    "Yes, I will get back to you after two weeks to a month, with or without progress."


    "Thank you for your effort, I''ll definitelypensate you when all this is over," Ss said and, Mr Brandonughed.


    "Hehe.. Mr Ss, you don''t need to worry, I will definitely do my best."


    "Thank you once again, Mr Brandon," Ss said, and hung up.


    The next person he called was the real estate attorney. The reason the real estate attorney called him was to inform him that he has gotten the document of the office building from Mr Brandon and he wants Ss to go through it, and sign it.


    Ss told him toe to the vi the next day so that it can be done. After that, he hung up and called the private investigator.


    "Hello."


    "Hello Mr Ss. Mr Williams told me you have spoken to him"


    "Yes, I have. Any new information?"


    "No, I have already given all the information I have to Mr Williams to prepare thewsuit but I do have something. A gist actually."


    "What is it?," Ss asked curiously, as his interest was piqued.


    "Well, how do I say this? It seems that Mr Anderson has been having a secret affair with his son''s girlfriend." The private investigator dropped a bombshell, shocking Ss.


    As if it wasn''t enough, the next words that came out of his mouth shocked Ss even more.


    "Actually, his rtionship with the girl called La who apparently is his son''s girlfriend started when she was still in high school. Also, this is without the knowledge of his son, and another surprising thing is that his wife is also cheating on him and guess with who?"


    Ss already had his breath in his mouth and he instinctively answered the question, "Daniel, her son?"


    "Exactly."


    ''FUCK!''


    Ss couldn''t believe this. Like what in the actual fuck is going on. He just had to confirm that what he was hearing was true.


    "Are you absolutely sure? You''re not joking right?," He asked but he was shocked by the private investigator''s response.


    "Absolutely not. I even sent a video of the two different parties when they were going at it."


    ''The fuck, man!''


    "Ok" Ss said and hung up.


    Ss was stumped for words.


    Who would have believed that such a thing could happen? How much of a degenerate must the family be? The worst is the private investigator, what sort of crazy did he actually employ?


    ''The h*ll is going on?''


    Ss didn''t even bother to y the video as he put his phone back in his pocket.

 Chapter 44 Crazy Things Are Happening(II), Going Back Home

    44 Crazy Things Are Happening(II), Going Back Home N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ''What a family! Can''t believe they are doing that type of shit but who am I to judge?''


    ''La was the girl I was simping for when I was in high school but who would have believed that she''s wasn''t just a b*tch but also a h*e.''


    "Crazy things are happening!"


    Ss decided to force the matter of the extremely dysfunctional Anderson family out of his head and focus on other things.


    Ss looked at the time on his phone and saw that it was almost time for the movers to arrive.


    He didn''t have to wait long before he heard the ring horn of the truck right outside the building.


    He opened the door that he hasn''t opened in more than a month. When he stepped outside, the cool night breeze on his skin blew gently against his skin, giving him a feeling of ecstasy.


    While enjoying the night breeze, Ss walked towards the truck to meet the driver.


    "Hello, Gerrim Movers, right?," He asked with an outstretched hand to the middle aged man, standing beside the driver''s side.


    The man epted the handshake and replied, "At your service, sir."


    "Good, they are inside. Your men should handle them with care, it''s very fragile."


    "You don''t need to worry sir, my boys are very professional."


    "Good then, load them up and follow me," Ss said, and walked back into theb.


    He looked around theb to make sure that he wasn''t forgetting anything. When he was sure that everything was fine, he erased any evidence of what he did in theb by ''dmissioning'' the equipments he used.


    Ss didn''t feel anything wrong with what he did as the equipments were those that could be reced.


    When the movers were still transferring the quantumputer and itsponents into the truck, Ss called President Odetta to notify her that he was already done with using theb, and to also let her know that some of the equipments would be needing recements as they are now ''out-of-service''.


    President Odetta told him not to worry about it and that she would call himter to give him the cost of recing the equipments.


    Ss could sense that President Odetta was happy when she heard that some of the equipments needed recement, and he smiled.


    ''You were hoping for this all along.''


    Ss put his phone back in his pocket and saw that the movers were already done with their work. He walked towards his car and got in, before driving out of the campus grounds of Stanford University.


    Before Ss left, he dropped the key to theb with the security guard, just as he was told by President Odetta.


    The drive to Newport took them hours and it was close to midnight when they got to the vi.


    When they got to the vi, Ss told the movers to unload the quantumputer into the living room.


    After they were done, Ss paid them and they left, before he started carrying the quantumputer to his desired location in the vi.


    It took Ss some minutes before he was finally done with moving the quantumputer.


    Where did he move it to? Don''t ask, it''s a secret.


    Ss started setting it up. After he was done setting it up, it came online.


    "LUNAR, how is it?"


    {It''s good sir.}


    "Perfect. Can you multitask with it?"


    {Absolutely sir.}


    "Like to what level?"


    {If you want aparison, I can hack into the two Frontier and two Summit, and control both of them at the same time, and also still having more than enoughputing power to spare.}


    "That''s perfect then," Ss said happily. The fact that LUNAR said that she could easily achieve that with the quantumputer made him happy.


    For those who don''t know what the Frontier and Summit are. They are the two most powerful and fastest supeputers in the world.


    The monstrous specifications of these supeputers aren''t what ordinaryputers canpare to and one could imagine what type ofputing power would be needed to hack into such beasts.


    "LUNAR, since you''re done sorting out those information. I have some tasks for you."


    {The information has been sorted and categorized.}


    "Perfect. New tasks."


    "I need information on people with superpowers. If you do find anything, I want a ssification of all of them into their country of origin and the name of their superpower, if possible."


    "Any Information rted to those people is also needed, no matter how irrelevant."


    "Next, hack into the satellites in space. I want you to use them topile a list of inds for me. Inds that are not under the sovereignty of any country and they must be 80,000 square feet and above in size," Ss said, giving LUNAR her new tasks."


    {I will get down to that immediately, sir. Anything else?}


    Ss was surprised when he heard this, "You still have moreputing power to spare?"


    {Yes sir, more than enough actually.}


    Ss shivered when he heard this.


    ''What did I just create?''


    "Alright, since you have moreputing power, create an AI for me and transfer it to the smartwatch. It should be connected to you directly and I should be able to use it tomunicate with you," Ss said, giving out his instructions.


    {That will be done immediately sir.}


    "Yeah, take your time though," Ss said, and went to his room.


    When he got to his room, he went to the bathroom and took a hot shower. After he was done taking his shower, he freshened up and went to his room, where he immediately slumped on his bed.


    ''Ahh.. It''s been more than a month. I really missed the plum softness of the bed.''


    "I missed you, bed"


    After Ss was done with his bed romance, he turned his attention to his status information.


    "System, I believe I have some unread notifications."


    [Yes, host.]


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $379,800. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $3,798,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [Reward for creating an item using the knowledge bought from the system: 56,000 system points.]


    [Reward for creating an item using the knowledge bought from the system: 87,000 system points.]


    "I paid the movingpany $379,000 for their work. I guess the 56,000 system points is for creating LUNAR and the 87,000 is for the quantumputer," Ss said as he read the notifications.


    "System, status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 80]


    [Agility: 35]


    [Stamina: 35]


    [Intelligence: 100]


    [Charisma: 18]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 20,000?20,037]


    [System Point(s): 59,109,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 338 Days 24 Hours.]


    Ss looked at his status information and nodded in satisfaction.


    Looking at the high stats he has in each attribute, gave Ss confidence. He felt that with his current strength, protecting himself will be easy.


    He felt this way because he knew from the system that the highest points a regr human, that is someone without superpower can attain is 100 points in each attribute, and this is only possible after a lifetime of intensive training of the body.


    Unlike them, Ss has the ability to instantly increase his stats by adding stat points to his attributes, something ordinary humans and even those with superpower can''t achieve.


    "Sigh¡­ Enough thinking. Time to get some good night sleep, I still have tomorrow to look forward to."

 Chapter 45 Novel Rebate Reward

    45 Novel Rebate Reward


    The next day, Ss was woken up by a vibration from the smartwatch.


    "Mmhmm... A brand new day," Ss said as he stood up from the bed. He did a light stretch before going to the bathroom to freshen up.


    After he was done with that, he went downstairs to eat breakfast. When he got downstairs, he saw that the girls had prepared his food and left it on the table for him.


    He also noticed that after the library incident, the girls have been avoiding him and only interacting with him only when necessary.


    Ss understood the reason behind their recent behavior but he wasn''t affected by it. In fact he was happy and prefers the way things are now.


    Ss sat down at the dining table and started eating. While eating, he licked his lips as he relished the deliciousness of the food.


    He had spent almost two months in thatb and during that time, all he ate was the little food he was able to pack from home and some snacks, nothing more. So one could understand how he feels eating good food again after such a long time.


    He had put off checking the reason for the smartwatch vibration this morning as he was very hungry, so the first thing he did after he was done eating was to go to his room and check it up.


    "LUNAR?," Ss called out, as he tapped the watch lightly.


    {Sir.}


    "What''s the progress on the task I assigned to you?"


    {They have beenpleted.}


    ''So fast?''


    "Thank you."


    {You''re wee sir.}


    "Transfer the AI to the smartwatch and give me every single detail on the information that you were able to get."


    {The AI has already been transferred to the smartwatch.}


    "Ok. Now, let me hear it."


    {Information rted to people with superpowers. The total number of known people with superpower is 1,553.


    Countries and number of people with superpower in their rank, USA (246), Australia (240), UK (236), China (94), UAE (83), Russia (72), Japan (70), Germany (70), Italy (68), Canada (64), South Korea (61), France (58), Israel (55), Pnd (50), Turkey (39), North Korea (12), India (12) Egypt (10) Moro (8), Iran (5)}


    Ss was stupefied by the information he got. For many reasons actually, first being the massive disparity in poption of people with superpowers and the ordinary poption.


    Though it was something that he had expected, he just didn''t expect the gap to be like a huge chasm.


    He knew that if there are actually other people with superpowers, their number would be very smallpared to the general poption, but he didn''t expect the number to be so few.


    Inparison, Earth''s poption is more than 8.1 billion, going with that number, what is the ratio of people with superpowers to those without it?


    That would be one to more than five hundred thousand!


    That''s a very massive gap!


    Due to the sparse amount of dark energy currently avable on Earth and the''s current level of technology, it can be said that for people with superpower to actually exist is a miracle.


    Going further, Ss wasn''t actually surprised that the USA has the highest number of people with superpowers but what was surprising was Australia''s figure.


    How did they have such a high number?


    " LUNAR, continue."


    {Yes sir.}


    {If you''re wondering why Australia has such a high number of Phenomenals; as to what they are called. This is because they were the first country to find out that people like these exists, and this was idental


    After they found out, the government started recruiting them from other countries by giving them lucrative offers like paying them a certain amount of money every month, granting them immediate citizenship and many other mouth-watering offers.


    They recruited from majorly from very impoverished regions like African and Asian countries. Other countries caught wind of the activities of the Australian government, did their investigation and also started the same thing.


    There is also a department that was set up by the UN to register these people and the department also acts as a watchdog on countries that have Phenomenals in their ranks. The department also offers special privileges to these countries.


    The list of Phenomenals that I gathered are those that have been registered and documented. It''s possible that there are other Phenomenals out there that are still unknown.


    Also, almost all the big pharmaceutical and biotechpanies in the world are researching the genes of Phenomenals, aiming to artificially create more Phenomenals.}


    "Is that all?," Ss asked when LUNAR stopped talking.


    {Yes. I have also sent a detailed list of Phenomenals, their documented superpower and their known affiliations.}


    "Ok, that''s fine. What about the information on the ind?"


    {I found three potential inds that we can buy, two are in the Caribbean and one is in Europe.}


    "They are not under a country''s sovereignty?," Ss asked.


    {They are but the government would be willing to sell if you bring the right amount.}


    Ss'' eyes shone when he heard this.


    ''Of course, the right amount is all it needs. Why didn''t I think of this?''


    "LUNAR, you''re the best."


    {Thank you sir. I''m happy to be of service.}


    "LUNAR, I want you to get in touch with the governments in charge of these Inds, give them an amount you feel is right and conditions we want when buying the ind."


    {What are the conditions, sir?}


    "No nosing around, the ind will be strictly under myplete control. No interference from any outside party andstly, they will provide us with manpower whenever we want to construct anything on it. Do let them know that they will be perfectlypensated for everything," Ss said, stating his conditions.


    {I would get down to that, sir.}


    "Good, while doing that, I want you to hack into every device owned by these individuals that I would be sending to you, I want you to get me every information you can find and mostly, incriminating ones."


    {Yes sir. Anything else you would want me to do, sir?}


    "No."


    ''Ahh.. LUNAR is the best.''


    Just like how one would feel when he gets the perfect secretary. Yeah, that''s how Ss is feeling now.


    After sending the list of people he wants LUNAR to hack into their devices, Ss focused his attention on other things.


    "Yeah, now to other things," Ss said, and tapped on the smartwatch.


    "Hey, are you there?"


    {You called for me, sir?}


    Ss heard a different female voiceing from the smartwatch.


    "Yeah and you are?."


    "Nice name," Ss said.


    Ss was just about to give orders to ELLA when he felt his phone''s vibration in his pocket.


    He brought it out and saw the caller''s id, Mr Rendall. He remembered that he has a scheduled meeting with Mr Rendall today, this morning actually.


    Ss didn''t pick the call but instead went downstairs directly. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Just as he expected, Mr Rendall was already sitting on a sofa downstairs, with his briefcase on hisp, waiting for him.


    "Mr Rendall, sorry for keeping you waiting," Ss said, as he took his seat.


    "No, it''s okay. I just got here anyway."


    "Cool. So....?"


    "Yeah, the documents," Mr Rendall said, and started bringing out a bunch of papers from his briefcase.


    Few secondster, a bunch of papersy bare in front of Ss, and Ss picked one of them and started going through it.


    Few minutester, he was done with all of them and he nodded his head in satisfaction.


    "Good, I will make the payment," Ss said and immediately made the transaction.


    After making the transaction, he signed the paper and passed it back to Mr Randall. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief now that he has purchased an office building for his business.


    "Anything else, Mr Rendall?"


    "Yeah, Mr Brandon said that the next batch of buildings will be ready between two weeks to a month and they would approximately cost around $560 million to $800 million," Mr Rendall said, as he packed his things into his briefcase.


    "Alright, just let me know after they have been evaluated."


    "Ok, I will be on my way then."


    "Sure, have a nice day."


    "Thanks, you too," Mr Rendall said, and left.


    Ss looked at the disappearing back view of Mr Rendall for some seconds before going back upstairs.


    "The building is ready, the ind is almost ready, what else is remaining?"


    "Before that, let''s check what I got after buying the building.


    I wonder if I will get more shares or some other things?"


    "System, notifications and status."


    [Ding!]


    [You spent $186,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $85,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    You received 0.54% shares of Lockheed Martins Corporation.


    You received 0.302% shares of ComCast shares.


    You received 0.087% shares of Eli Lilly shares.


    You received a fully customized Gulfstream G650ER.]


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 80]


    [Agility: 35]


    [Stamina: 35]


    [Intelligence: 100]


    [Charisma: 18]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 20,037?38,637]


    [System Point(s): 59,109,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 338 Days 13 Hour.]


    "Huh?! A fully customized private jet?!..."


    "Wow!..."


    Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Like it ? Add to library!


    Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.

 Chapter 46 LUNAR, The Perfect PA

    46 LUNAR, The Perfect PA


    "A fully customized Gulfstream G650ER?!...


    Ss was surprised and had a lot of questions when he saw the... unusual reward that was given to him by the system.


    Money, cars, buildings, shares, he understood but never has he read about anyone getting a private jet as a reward, and a fully customized one at that.


    He couldn''t hold in his curiosity and he decided to ask the system, "System, the reward you gave me, the private jet. Did you make a mistake or something?" N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [There''s no mistake, host.]


    "I see.... but it says fully customized. What type of customization was done to it?"


    [You will have to find out for yourself, host.]


    "Ughh.. you really don''t tell me anything.... Forget it," Ss said, and brought out his phone to search for information about the aircraft.


    After a few minutes of going through the aircraft''s information on the inte, a smile appeared on Ss'' face as he nodded with satisfaction.


    The Gulfstream G650ER is among the top three long range private jets and one of the best luxury private jets in the world, with a purchase price of $78 million.


    "Since the aircraft''s actual cost is $78 million, how much was used for the customization? Was it taken out of the rebate rewards," Ss asked himself curiously.


    Even till now, Ss still doesn''t understand the system rebate rewards'' mechanism.


    Ss decided to put the situation surrounding the private jet aside for now and focus on other, more important things.


    His first move to starting his business is to release an AI into the market and startpeting with other AIs already out there. He already has the AI ready, all they remain is to release it.


    This is the n he came up with after a long thinking session and he was confident about his sess.


    The reasons for his confidence are LUNAR and the quantumputer. Two things that will give his business a huge boost.


    With the help of LUNAR''s huge database and advanced technology, and the quantumputer''s mammoth-likeputing power, he felt that he would crush hispetitors.


    His n is to use ELLA that was created by LUNAR. While Ss was creating LUNAR, he made sure to incorporate every single knowledge of his into her.


    This means LUNAR can do almost anything that Ss wants her to do and even better.


    Just like the knowledge rted to quantumputers, LUNAR also has every single knowledge he has.


    LUNAR can also create AI, just like she did with ELLA but she currently can''t create ones as advanced as herself, due to the restrictions that were ced on her by Ss.


    Back to the present, Ss felt a vibration from the smartwatch.


    "LUNAR?"


    {Sir, I have hacked into the devices belonging to those individuals and I have gathered the needed information.}


    "Nice," Ss was very satisfied when he heard this.


    "First, send the information to my phone and send it to the contacts I will give to you."


    {Already done, sir.}


    "Good..." Ss also heard a notification sound from his phone to confirm this. After that, he forwarded the contacts to LUNAR.


    "Yeah... LUNAR, what about the inds? Any progress?" Ss asked, as he started going through the information that LUNAR sent to him.


    {I have sent an email to the three countries in charge of the inds but I''m yet to receive a response.}


    "Hmm... Names of the countries?"


    {For the Caribbean, it''s Columbia and Venezu, and for Europe, it''s Belgium.}


    "I guess that''s the reason why¡­"


    "LUNAR, make the base buying price for the inds $500 million, and tell those countries that we are willing to increase the price but we won''t go beyond $1.5 billion.


    Just put the base price at $500 million and let them know that we would be willing to increase it but with conditions."


    {Ok sir, but isn''t that amount of money too excessive for these inds? From the satellite view of these inds, they are not worth even quarter of the amount you want to buy it for.}


    Ss stopped what he was reading, and smiled as he heard what LUNAR said.


    "LUNAR, what you said is true but we are talking about humans and politicians here. They have seen that we want something of theirs and badly at that, that alone puts us in a disadvantageous position and they would want to y us and frustrate us.


    So, to get what we want, we either use violence, underhanded methods, or simply stimte their greed and thetter is what we are doing.


    There''s no way a government official would see such an amount of money and turn a blind eye to it. As long as the human heart exists, there will also be greed and corruption.


    Though I''m not sure about the Belgian government but those two South American countries, they will definitely fall for it and hard."


    {I understand what you said, sir, but won''t it be better to just take control of a country? Just like you said, we can use money to make the government officials of the countrypliant. We can take over the country and put a puppet president.}


    Ss chuckled when he heard this. He was very happy with his best creation, LUNAR and how smart she is. She is already so smart that it''s almost scary.


    "LUNAR, you forgot something, I would need more than just money to take over a country and it won''t be easy.


    Even if we are to do as you said, we won''t achieve instantaneous results. Even if we''re to be sessful and words are to get out, countries all over the world will start mming their hypocritical sanctions on us, and sanctions are the specialty of the USA and UN.


    If multiple countries are to ce sanctions on the country, it means the country is dead economically and this is going to be bad for us."


    "Actually, I did consider your idea but the reason why I didn''t go ahead with it is because due to myck of influence, no country will actually take me seriously.


    If they are, I will only be their golden goose and their cash cow."


    {Understood, sir.}


    "Mmhmm.." Ss nodded, and continued what he was reading.


    It wasn''t long before Ss got a response from LUNAR saying that she had already sent the email with the improved buying bids for the ind.


    "OK, that''s perfect. LUNAR, I want you to create a website for ELLA, where people can ess and use her services.


    ELLA should be able to answer questions and provide the right answers or in their term, ''generate a response''. I also don''t want her making errors.


    E should also be able to generate perfect images and videos, and even lyrics. What I want is for her to be able to do anything that those AIs are already doing and I want her to be better at it.


    And the most important thing, she should have ess to real-time information. Do that, I will check itter."


    "Oh, and before I forgot, I want you to hack into the US government intelligence systems and get me information rted to these things, AI, aliens, space exploration, alien civilizations, levels of civilizations, extraterrestrials, the Phenomenals¡­


    Use these words I mentioned as keywords and pay special attention to anything that has a ''CONFIDENTIAL'' tag on it or anything ssified."


    "I want information on new things and confidential ones that they refuse to release to the public"


    {Ok, sir.}


    "Good. Information is what I need."


    "Just like a famous man once said, ''If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.''


    Another one said ''Knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge and information may be an act of tyranny camouged as humility''


    One mustn''t also forget the words of a wise woman who said, "power is power." Ss felt philosophical and sage-like when said this, and he couldn''t help but stroke his non-existent beard.


    *Ahem*


    He continued going through the information that LUNAR sent to him and he couldn''t help but be shocked by what he saw.


    "Wait, what?!... What did I just read?! How has Daniel''s fathermitted so much crimes and is not yet behind bars?"


    "So many crimes that would have easily have him serve life imprisonment or even received the death penalty, and he was acquitted.


    How did the court acquit the bastard for these crimes?"


    Of course, Ss knew that for something like to be possible, there was more to it than what meets the eye.


    Just as Ss was still trying to understand the situation surrounding Daniel''s father, his phone started ringing.


    He brought it and checked the caller; Mr Williams.

 Chapter 47 Black Hand

    47 ck Hand


    When Ss saw Mr Williams on the caller ID, he could already guess the reason for the call.


    "Hello Mr Williams."


    "Mr Ss, I just went through the information you sent to me. If I may ask, how did you get all this information?," The curious voice of Mr Williams'' came from the other end of the phone.


    Ss smiled when he heard this.


    ''You''re asking how I got the information? If I really do tell you, would you believe me?''


    "Mr Williams, I have my ways around things. What I would like to know is if there''s anything new you found after going through the information sent to you?," Ss asked, and the line went silent for some seconds before Ss heard a sigh.


    "Mr Ss, I think we should just let this case rest. We should forget about thewsuit," Mr Williams said with a heavy voice.


    Ss was surprised when he heard this.


    "What do you mean by forget about the case? How possible do you think that is?"


    Even though Ss felt that the issue surrounding Daniel''s father has more to it than what meets the eye, he feels that it''s not enough reason for him to just drop the case.


    "Mr Ss, I''m not sure if you have gone through the information yourself but there''s something I learned after going through it and it''s because of that, I''m telling you to forget about the case," Mr Williams said, trying to convince Ss.


    "What is this thing, Mr Williams?" Ss asked, with his curiosity piqued after he heard what Mr Williams said.


    "Mr Ss, it seems like Mr Lucas has an acquaintance with someone in the infamous ck Hand organization," Mr Williams said, and paused to let what he said sink in.


    Hearing what Mr Williams said, Ss was surprised and confused.


    ''ck Hand? Why have I not heard of such an organization before, even working in the casino, a gathering ce for criminals and all sorts of shady people.''


    Mr Williams noticed Ss'' silence and understood that his client might have never heard of the organization before.


    "Mr Ss, it seems that you have never heard of the organization before. That''s fine because they are not actually one to go around parading their identity in the public, as they prefer to stay in the shadows."


    "The ck Hand is an extremely terrifying organization. It''s an organization that consists of most of the world''s top wealthy, influential and politically affluent individuals.


    The members of the organization enjoy massive privileges as they are actually above whateverws any country has. This is even possible for the lowest ranking members of the organization."


    Ss was extremely shocked by what he heard. An infamous world renowned organization that he has never heard of.


    How is that even possible? If they are world-infamous, at least some news and information about them should be readily avable to the general poption, or has he been living under a rock.


    "Mr Williams, do this mean that we can''t charge him?," Ss asked in exasperation.


    "Mr Ss, just like I said before, we should forget about thewsuit. We don''t know how close Mr Lucas'' rtionship is with his acquaintance in ck Hand. Neither do we know the level of his acquaintance''s standing in the organization and the organization isn''t something a small-time attorney like me can handle" Mr Williams said, expressing his fears.


    Ss smiled in understanding when he heard this. From the little information that Mr Williams has given, he knew that Mr Williams fear is not something unfounded.


    Though he felt it might be somewhat exaggerated but it''s still better to be cautious.


    From the information Mr Williams gave him about the organization, Ss knew that if everything is true, then going against the organization would definitely be a losing game and a suicidal action.


    But, instead of Ss feeling scared, he was getting excited about seeing some action after a very long time of severe boredom.


    Another reason he wasn''t scared is because he felt that the organization won''te after him since the rtionship between Daniel''s father and the member of the organization is only that of acquaintances. Besides, he felt that he would be able to easily be a member of the organization, if he wants to.


    But those are only his thoughts. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Mr Williams, the reason why you''re saying that we should forget about thewsuit is because you''re scared of being targeted by the organization, right?"


    "Yes."


    "Mr Williams, you don''t need to worry. Just proceed with thewsuit, I will take of the rest," Ss said, as he tried to reassure Mr Williams.


    "M-Mr Ss, what do you intend to do?," Mr Williams asked suspiciously.


    "Mr Williams, you don''t need to worry about that. All I need you to do is to continue preparing everything for thewsuit and I want thewsuit to be filed by the end of the month," Ss said, as a not-so-good smile crept up to his face.


    "Mr Ss, I will do as you say but please, be careful."


    "You don''t need to worry, Mr Williams, it''s nothing dangerous."


    ''What do you mean by forget about thewsuit?''


    ''ck Hand. I wonder if it''s exactly like the organization I think it is.''


    Ss smiled as he thought of this.


    ******


    Mr Williams'' office.


    Mr Williams who was in his office was massaging his temple, as he thought of the new information he got after going through what Ss sent to him, and also his unsettling conversation with Ss.


    After working as an attorney for so many years, he has developed the sixth sense for danger and suspicious things, and Mr Lucas has always been one of the most suspicious to him and had always given him a strong sense of unease.


    He could remember vividly one of his clients, one of Mr Lucas'' numerous cases.


    All relevant evidence was gathered and they had already prepared a strong case against Mr Lucas only for him to be acquitted with a flimsy excuse of him having an alibi.


    This was even with the ring CCTV tape that was submitted as evidence but the chief justice said that the tape has been doctored.


    The girl and her family didn''t receive the justice they deserved as Lucas walked free.


    Mr Williams, seeing the defeated and tearing expression on his client''s faces, felt very angry and ashamed of himself.


    He saw how hard the girl and her mother cried, and how all her father could do was to lower his head into his palm.


    Days after the verdict was passed, The image of the girl and her mother shedding tears profusely kept surfacing in his head and after a long time, Mr Williams felt that he couldn''t take it anymore, and he went to visit them to advise them to submit an appeal.


    Surprisingly for him, he was chased out of their house when he got there. When he was chased out, he looked at their faces and he could see the unconcealed fear in their eyes, and it didn''t take a genius to understand that there was something more to it.


    It''s been years since that incident happened and now he''s in another Mr Lucas'' situation, but this time, it''s extremelyplicated.


    The introduction of the ck Hand organization into the pictureplicates everything and also the fact that the State Justices, Oand city mayor, the captain of Oand Police Department and other big names in the city might be involved in this made him feel like he''s about to stir up a massive ho nest.


    "Sigh¡­ Hope I didn''t sell my life and that of everyone around me for $22 million?"


    ******


    Ss has finished going through what LUNAR sent to him and he only felt that the situation was bing more interesting.


    "LUNAR, are you there?"


    {Yes, sir.}


    "Have you gathered the information I asked you to?"


    {I''m almost done with it ,sir. It''s just taking longer than expected.}


    "It''s fine, take your time. There''s something I want you to do, I want you to get me every information rted to the organization called ck Hand.


    Also, I want you to create a trojan and nt it in every devices used by the people you hacked into. Is that possible?"


    {Very easy, sir.}


    "Good, let me know when you''re done," Ss said, and cut offmunication with LUNAR.

 Chapter 48 Black Hand(II)

    48 ck Hand(II)


    After giving LUNAR instructions on what to do, he decided to rest until when LUNAR was done.


    "I have nothing else to do but to wait for LUNAR to get me all the necessary information. I wonder if Mr Brandon has any progress on his side?


    I want toplete the system mission as soon as possible as it''s taking too long already. I also want to see what the next chain mission is," Ss said to himself.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Mr Rendall had informed him that the next batch of buildings would be ready in two weeks to a month''s time, he would have called Mr Brandon immediately to ask about the progress.


    Ss was still thinking about the mission and other things, when he felt a vibration from the smartwatch. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Yes, LUNAR?"


    {Sir, all the tasks have beenpleted and I have also received a response from one of the countries in charge of one the inds.}


    "Ohh... Tell me, which country is that?"


    {Venezu, sir.}


    "Ohh... I see. What did they say? Any condition?"


    {The content of the email I received states that they can only consider the deal after having a physical meeting with us.}


    "Mmm... Did they set the time and location?"


    {No, sir, they said it would be set when you''re ready.}


    "Ok, tell them that they can set the time for the meeting for this week or the next. I have more than enough time to spare."


    Ss already knew that either of the South American countries would take the offer, and Venezu being the first isn''t surprising with their current economic situation.


    {Ok, I will do that immediately.}


    "So, what about other things? Bring me up to speed with the information you have gathered," Ss said.


    {Regarding the information on the organization, ck Hand. The known information about the organization is very limited and it''s unknown who created it or when it was created. Even the identity of his members is unknown.


    From the little information that was gathered, the organization has a long history dating back to more than 50 years and their influence around the world is immeasurable.


    Their influence spreads to every political and extremely affluent ces, even the White House isn''t spared.}


    Ss closed his eyes briefly and sighed, as he tried to understand what LUNAR just said.


    ''An organization that has high ranking government officials in their midst! How did they get so much power and influence?!''


    ''Not only government officials but almost all the very influential individuals in the world are its members!''


    Well, it''s to be expected as it''s an organization that has existed for more than five decades. If their influence and power didn''t grow over the years of its creation, then it would beughable.


    Ss felt a headacheing on. He felt that Mr Williams was right when he said that they should forget about the case.


    Yes, from the information he got, Mr Lucas is only just an acquaintance with a member of the organization, and not a close friend or a member himself. But Ss was still having this slight tugging feeling telling him that something is wrong.


    "LUNAR, what about Mr Lucas'' acquaintance? Do you have any information on him?"


    {His name is Armando Silva. He''s one of the wealthiest people in Spain and the Chairman of Skyline Horizon Construction.


    I tried to get more information on him but it looks like anymore of his information except those already known to the public, doesn''t exist.


    Also, due to howplicated the hierarchy structure of the organization is, I find it to determine his exact position in the organization.}


    "Sigh" Ss could only sigh and massage his temple after he heard the information that LUNAR was able to gather on Mr Lucas'' acquaintance. Honestly, it feels like he didn''t get any information from her.


    Except the information of the man that''s already known to the public, she wasn''t able to get anything else.


    Though, he felt it should usible with the organization''s current level of influence. As an organization that has been around for more than five decades, hiding the information of their members is something that''s very easy to aplish for them.


    ''A world-infamous organization.''


    "LUNAR, any new information?"


    {Yes sir.}


    "Ok, let me hear it."


    {The organization has a connection to a US government top secret organization, name, Bureau of Extraordinary Management (BEM)


    13:51


    Just like the ck Hand organization, there''s not much information about them. The only thing I was able to get is that the organization has a role of tracking, recruiting and documenting Phenomenals both in the US and around the world.}


    "Is that all?"


    {Yes, sir. I will continue to gather more information about the two organizations and let you know when I have something new.}


    "Thank you, LUNAR."


    Ss felt that things were going to get very troublesome if he actually goes ahead with his n to mess with Lucas, but should he stop just because he faced his first ever roadblock?


    Actually he didn''t want to but from the information that LUNAR gave him, Ss knew that things won''t be as easy as he thought.


    But Ss felt that things weren''t that bad yet. Since Daniel''s father isn''t actually a member of the ck Hand organization, then he could still go ahead with his ns but he''s going to have to change it a little.


    ''Since it''s an organization that''s involved with Phenomenals, then I guess it won''t be long before I meet others like me. I wonder how strong other Phenomenals are.''


    "LUNAR, what information did you get after hacking into the US government intelligence systems?"


    {The only new thing is the secret government organization I mentioned earlier. Apart from that, there''s nothing else.}


    "So, no new technological advancement or modification of humans to create superhumans? Alien encounter or anything supernatural?," Ss asked curiously.


    {Nothing new, sir. The other things are still theoretical or under research with no possible breakthrough in sight.}


    "Information on the US government, check. Trojan creation and nting, check, Ind, check. What about the website?"


    {Already done.}


    "Ohh... Let me see. Open the website on myptop," Ss said as he switched on hisptop.


    Aftering back home from creating the quantumputer, Ss has changed theptop''s location from the library to his room.


    After theptop powered on, it was controlled by LUNAR and the website opened, allowing Ss to start going through it.


    The website interface looked beautiful and very easy to navigate but it was still mostly nk with little to no information except for an image that says ''Use ELLA'', and a single sentence that says ''Anything you can imagine, ELLA can create!''


    Ss nodded in approval when he saw this.


    ''Neat.''


    Ss understood that the reason why the page was nk was because he didn''t tell LUNAR what to write on the website.


    Ss wants to start a business but he doesn''t have anything to sell, but now that ELLA is about to go live, it''s time to start thinking of everything rted to it.


    But first, he needs to make sure his product canpete with other products already in the market.


    Ss clicked on the ''Use ELLA'' image and he was taken to another page that looks simr to the top AIs'' chat page, with a voice message button, an image and file attachment button. It also has a section for image creation.


    Ss started typing and testing, and it took him a few minutes before he was done.


    Everything was perfect and just as he wanted it. LUNAR has taken everything from the popr AIs and incorporated them into ELLA and true to the sentence, ''Anything you can imagine, ELLA can create''.


    With the help of LUNAR''s huge data reserve and the quantumputer''s massiveputing power, ELLA can even create any app, software and even a program on the spot.


    She can also create perfect images. Also, ELLA can be used by users to create their own chat bots


    S nodded in approval when he saw this.


    "This is good, LUNAR. I want you to ce the advanced abilities of hers behind a paywall. Things that can be used for free are general chat with real-time information and image creation.


    The image creation will have a fixed quota on it, not more than twenty quotas. They can set it to the number of images that can be created, each image is a quota.


    Unlimited quota for image generation and other services, and high priority, these are things that only our premium users will have ess to."


    {I will do that sir. Would like to change the name or just call it ELLA.}


    "Leave it as ELLA."


    {What about thepany''s name?}


    "Mmm... I''ve never really thought of a name for the business. My naming sense is bad, let me think....."


    "What about QURT Technology?... Sounds cool right?.."


    Lunar: {....}


    System: [....]


    ''Is it that bad?'' Ss asked himself when he saw LUNAR being silent and the system message that appeared in front of him.


    {Good name, sir.}


    "Then why were you silent? I thought it was something bad."


    {It''s nothing important, sir.}


    "Yeah, yeah... Do that and also, put the information that we are hiring on the website. I will give you the rted informationter."


    ''The next thing to do now is to meet with the people from Venezu, buy the ind and I will have my own base.''

 Chapter 49 AR And VR Gear And Pod

    49 AR And VR Gear And Pod


    Thinking of his future ns, Ss decided to round up his ns andplete the website.


    "LUNAR, you know what to do about the website right?"


    {Yes sir.}


    "Umm... Don''t forget to put the terms and conditions of ourpany, its policies, and other needed shenanigans that needs to be there."


    {Yes.}


    "Also, I will give you ess to my bank ount. I want you to contact ComCast for advertising.


    Since they are a telmunication and mediapany, and I''m one of their top shareholders, I should be top on their list of priorities.


    I want our website to be advertised as much as possible. Take any amount you need. I want ELLA to go live next month."


    {Okay, sir.}


    "Good, I will leave you to it then."


    After assigning the task to LUNAR, Ss turned his attention to the next thing; Hiring workers.


    "I wonder if Kim can do it? There''s no one else I know I can trust with this," Ss said, and decided to call Kim.


    It has been a long time since he went home or called home, as he has been busy for the past month and weeks.


    Few secondster, the call went through and it took a few rings before it got answered.


    "Hi Kim."


    "Ss... How are you?," Kim''s enthusiastic voice came from the other end of the phone.


    "I''m fine Kim. How are things at home? How are you and Alex?," Ss asked.


    "I''m fine Ss. Alex is also fine, he just misses you,'' Kim replied.


    "Yeah, I miss him too. I''ve been really busytely, that''s why I haven''t been able toe home. I mighte home this week or the next."


    "Ok, I will let Alex know. I''m sure he would be very happy to hear it."


    "I''m sure he will. Umm... Kim, I called because I have something to ask of you."


    "Ohh.. what would that be?," Kim asked in interest.


    "I want to start a business and I want someone who can help me run it," Ss said, stating his true purpose for calling.


    "Ohh.. what type of business is that, if I may ask?"


    "It has to do with tech. You know, AI, games, devices and things along that line."


    "Tech... I see... When do you n to start and how much do you have as a startup fund?," Kim asked, and her voice became serious and professional.


    "$1 billion as a startup fund and also a 30 story building to be used as an office building.


    I don''t know if the building is big enough but it will only be temporary as I n for the permanent location of the business to be somewhere else," Ss replied, giving Kim the details on things.


    "$1 billion is quite a substantial amount and you also already have a building, so I think you''re ready to go. We also have to consider the legal side and other rted issues."


    "I already have the legal side of things sorted as I have already retained aw firm. I''m sure you''re familiar with them, it''s Vanguard Legal Services."


    "Vanguard Legal Services?... Yeah, I''m very familiar with them. Ss, why don''t we discuss this more when youe back home."


    "Ok, till then it is."


    "Yeah, we will be waiting," Kim said, and Ss hung up.


    Ss was just getting off the phone when he felt the smartwatch vibrate.


    {Completed sir.}


    "Ohh... LUNAR. Good job."


    "The advertising?"


    {Already done.}


    "Show me what the website looks like now?," Ss said and LUNAR loaded the website on hisptop.


    Ss went through the website and nodded in approval.


    "This is perfect. We canunch it as nned by next month. The whole of the month will be a free trial and the following month after it, the premium will roll out. I will leave you to do things at your own discretion."


    {Yes, sir. I also received a reply from the Venezun government to the email I sent. It contains the time, date and location of the meeting.}


    "Ohh.. Where is it?"


    {The ind we intend to buy.}


    "I see. Date and time?"


    {12PM tomorrow.}


    "Ok, LUNAR, make the necessary preparations. We will be visiting Venezu tomorrow."


    "Anything else I should know."


    {No.}


    "Ok, continue with whatever you''re doing," Ss said and turned to the system.


    "System, is it possible to mute or cancel the reward notification?"


    [Yes, it can be muted if you don''t want it.]


    "Good. With the way things are going, I feel like I will be hearing it more often. Not gonna lie, it will be very ufortable."


    "System, status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human] N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 80]


    [Agility: 35]


    [Stamina: 35]


    [Intelligence: 100]


    [Charisma: 18]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 38,637]


    [System Point(s): 59,109,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 338 Days 12 Hour.]


    "I still have so many lottery tickets, time to draw some lottery tickets. I wonder if I can get knowledge or a free pass this time. The free pass is more important, I need it more."


    "System, draw 8637 lottery tickets."


    [8637 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.]


    [You received 34,000 system points.] x234


    [You received 80,000 system points.] x321


    [You received nothing.] x145


    [You received 1000 system points.] x565


    [You received nothing.] x765


    [You received 300,000 system points.] X123


    [You received 65,000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x344


    [You received a Free Pass: AR & VR Gear.]


    [You received 289,000 system points.] x45


    [You received nothing.] x1490


    [You received 54,000 system points.]


    [You received nothing.] x320


    [You received 1000 system points.] x2067


    [You received nothing.] X2,108


    [You received a Free Pass: AR & VR Pod.]


    [You received 902,600 system points.] x60


    ¡­..


    Ss was very happy when he saw the reward he got after drawing the lottery tickets.


    Excluding the free pass he got, just the amount of system points he received as reward from this set of lottery tickets drawn, sent him to the ninth heaven.


    Filled with excitement, Ss quickly opened the system store and went to the item section to search for the information of gear and pod he got.


    {AR & VR Gear}


    Description: A device that seamlessly integrates with the user''s neural interface, providing a direct brainputer interaction and it also decodes neural signals for an unparalleled immersive experience. It adapts in real-time to user thoughts, emotions, and sensory input. Advanced haptic feedback and sensory stimtion further enhance realism, creating an unprecedented level of engagement. (Cost: 35,000 system points.)


    {AR & VR Pod}


    13:52


    Description: A device that seamlessly integrates with the user''s neural interface, providing a direct brainputer interaction and it also decodes neural signals for an unparalleled immersive experience. It adapts in real-time to user thoughts, emotions, and sensory input. It also allows customized time dtion by adjusting the time difference between the real world and the digital world. It also provides the necessary nutrients for the body during extended usage, ensuring users'' well-being throughout prolonged interactions with the device. (Cost: 237,000 system points.)]


    Wow!... Look at these two baddies!," Ss eximed to himself, his eyes widening in gleaming excitement when he saw the visual disy of the two items on their description panels.


    Ss couldn''t describe the type of excitement he was feeling just from reading the two items description, and seeing their system store visual disy.


    He didn''t even know how he would feel when he gets to hold it in his hands.


    Well, Ss didn''t have to keep fantasizing about it as it''s something that''s easily affordable with the amount of system points he currently has.


    Immediately, Ss bought one of each items, one AR & VR Gear and one AR & VR Pod costing him a total of 272,000 system points.


    As the purchase was made, the Gear materialized on his bed, followed by the pod which materialized beside his bed.


    "Wow!!!"


    Seeing the two items right in front of him, made Sspletely speechless.


    The emotions he felt was just like someone getting his dream car delivered right to his doorstep.


    The Gear looks like an ordinary ck eyess, with nothing out of the ordinary.


    Yes, the ordinary looking ck eyess is the AR and VR Gear.


    As a person who has read the description of the device in the system''s store, he knew how much of a beast this seemingly ordinary eyess in front of him is.


    Curiously, Ss picked up the ss and wore it, and he was shocked by what happened next.


    The eyess-lenses lit up and different messages started popping up.

 Chapter 50 AR And VR Gear

    50 AR And VR Gear


    <Initiating Device One-Time Set Up Process.>


    <Searching for Main Server¡­Main Server Found.>


    <Connecting to the Main Server.... Connection Completed.>


    <Complete Booting Device.... Booting Completed.>


    <Device Online.>


    <Registering New User... Initiating User Retina Scan for User Identification, Registration and Verification..... Completed.>


    <User Registered Sessfully.>


    The end of the message was followed by something that looks like the device''s home screen, but it was nk.


    Ss wasn''t disheartened by the nk home screen as it was something he expected but instead, he was still mesmerizing himself in how the Gear works.


    "This looks so amazing. I wonder how ying a game on something like this would feel like, especially FPS games."


    After he was done admiring the Gear UI, Ss was about to take it off when he heard LUNAR''s voice in his head.


    {Sir?}


    "LUNAR? How?," Ss asked in utter surprise.


    {I felt something connecting to the server and when I tapped into the connection, I saw myself here.}


    "How is it possible that I''m able to directly hear your voice in my head?," Ss asked curiously.


    {It''s thanks to the device''s advance neural interface technology.}


    "Wow, this Gear is really over the top. What sort of engineering is this," Ss asked himself aloud as he waspletely mesmerized by the Gear''s ability.


    "What other information did you get from the device," Ss asked.


    {Let me do a scan of the device,} LUNAR said, and started scanning the Gear.


    After a short moment of a few seconds, she was done with the scanning.


    {Sir, I found some information after scanning the device.}


    "Ohh.. Tell me, what did you find?," Ss asked curiously.


    {Apart from the already obvious and known information, the Gear can be used in two different ways. It''s not the AR and VR, but you can use it while being conscious and unconscious. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Which means you can use it while being awake and control your body perfectly, just like you''re doing now. You can also use it while asleep and you won''t feel any difference from being asleep after waking up.


    The other information rtes to the user information that was gotten during the user registration process.


    After the registration ispleted and the user''s information is obtained, the user can only have one ount on the device, and the device is user-bound.


    Which means no matter how many Gear a person uses, the user maintains ess to a single ount which is the ount that was created the first time and no one else apart from the user can use the device.


    The device, the user''s ount and the user''s information is managed by an AI. Just as the device, it''s one AI to an ount} LUNAR said, exining the information she got after scanning the device.


    "Wow...cool!"


    "This device is certainly beyond any generation of technology currently avable on Earth by thousands of years," Ss said. He waspletely amazed by the Gear''s abilities.


    "I''m curious. Can the device see into my thoughts and memories?," Ss asked, curiously.


    {After the initial neural interface done during user registration, the device performs a subtle neural interface scan every time the user logs in.


    With that said, the device doesn''t actually see into thoughts and memories, but can react to your thoughts as it''s controlled by it.} Lunar exined.


    "I understand that but this information that the device gathers from the user with every scan it does, where does it go?"


    {To the Main Server, which is me.}


    "Ok. So, where is the AI of my own Gear," Ss asked.


    {Me.}


    "Eh? I thought you said that the device and its user''s information is managed by an AI?," Sils asked, puzzled.


    {Yes, but the AI doesn''te with the device. It''s installed into the device,} LUNAR exined.


    "Mmm.. The device can be used without the AI but what''s the actual function of the AI? What should one install it? What does it do with the user''s information it manages?"


    {Partially true. The device can run without an AI but ites with its own limitations.


    An AI is important while using the device as it not only manages the user''s information, it can do other things like monitoring the user''s surroundings while the device is in use.


    The AI can notify the user when it detects danger. The information given to the AI by the device allows the AI to make the best decisions for the user''s well-being.


    The device also provides the AI with the user''s health information by using real-time brainwave data and other avable means to gather data for the AI to analyze every second.


    If the AI detects anything abnormal after analyzing the information, it immediately safely shuts down the device.}


    "Cool"


    "Such an ordinary-looking eyess can do all these?! What a beast!"


    Ss couldn''t help but be amazed. He knew that if a device like this, is to be released into the market, it would definitely create a storm.


    Lots of people would want to buy it, gamers especially. To gamers, this is a device that was made just for them.


    "The information I have on the Gear is enough. Let''s check the Pod," Ss said as he took off the Gear.


    He knew that there was no way he would be able to actually see the Gear in action without using it, so he decided to put it aside until he finds some use for it.


    ''I will have LUNAR create the VR version of those popr PC and Console games,'' Ss thought to himself, as he took off the Gear and ced it on the bed.


    Ss looked at the Gear for a moment in contemtion. He was still amazed with the functions of the Gear. He couldn''t help it.


    Even after seeing it, touching it and using it, Ss still felt that something like the Gear was something that shouldn''t exist.


    Who would believe that an ordinary-looking eyess would be an AR and VR Gear? Definitely nobody!


    Ss knew that the Gear is a device that will be bought frenziedly if released into the public. All it needs is a little demonstration.


    Ss knew that no matter the cost of the Gear, there are people that will definitely buy it.


    Heck, he even believes that it''s a device that the world government and the huge techpanies around the world would want to study and find ways to reverse-engineer it.


    Ss understood that if released, a lot of things will change but even with those thoughts, Ss has already made up his mind to release the device to the public.


    Why?! What can he say? He felt that he just couldn''t keep it to himself. Where''s the joy in that? And since he can use it to make more money, why not do so?


    Seeing the AR and VR Gear and Pod gave Ss a new business idea. He knew that with the two devices in his hand, he would dominate the market, and who doesn''t want world domination, fame, status power in whatever form ites? No one!


    Ss reluctantly peeled his eyes away from the Gear and turned his attention to the Pod beside his bed.


    ''Just the Gear gave me so much surprise, I wonder what you have in store for me?''


    Ss stared at the Pod with eyes filled with excitement and anticipation as he walked towards it.


    Getting to the Pod, Ss ran his fingers on the surface of the Pod feeling its surface.


    Ss continued tracing his finger on the surface of the Pod until it got to a depressed button located at the side of the Pod.


    Ss pressed it and the button lit up with a blue ambient light. Almost immediately, the ss section of the Pod opened up slowly, putting the Pod''s interior on full disy.


    The interior of the Pod was simr to a sci-fi mecha cockpit, with its wide interior and a veryfortable-looking seat inside.


    Ss didn''t waste time admiring it and immediately got into the Pod and took his seat.


    Immediately, the ss section closed by itself and Ss found himself losing consciousness.

 Chapter 51 AR And VR Pod

    51 AR And VR Pod


    <Initiating Device One-Time Set Up.>


    <Searching For Main Server¡­. Main Server Found.>


    <Connecting to Main Server.... Connection Completed.>


    <Completing Booting Device.... Booting Completed.>


    <Device Online.>


    {Registering New User...An Already Created User''s ount Found.}


    {Logging User in.... Login Sessful.}


    {Wee To The Lobby.}


    After the Pod''s initial set-up was done, the messages disappeared and Ss found himself in the Pod''s lobby.


    Unlike the Gear home screen, the Pod''s lobby, which is the home screen, wasn''t nk. An unknown application was already installed into the Pod.


    Under the unknown application''s icon, a single word was written under it; Domain.


    Ss was surprised and confused at the same time. He naturally understands what the word, Domain, means but what''s the use of the application.


    "I wonder if LUNAR is here? LUNAR?," as asked himself and called out.


    Immediately, Ss heard LUNAR''s in his head.


    {Sir, you called for me?,} LUNAR replied.


    "Yeah, I did. Scan the device and give me more information on it."


    {I have already scanned the device sir,} LUNAR replied.


    "Ok, let me hear it."


    {Unlike the Gear, the pod offers extrafort and protection, and everything the Gear can do, the Pod can do it better.


    Unlike the Gear, the Pod allows the AI to work to its optimum ability. Though the Pod does not offer the conscious mode like the Gear, itpliments it with full body''s condition monitoring, enhanced neural interface connection that allows the user to replicate their physical condition into the digital world.


    The Pod can also be used for training as it can help the user to quickly replicate what was learned in the virtual world into the real world.


    The Pod also has a temporary life support system that can support the user in case of emergency and critical medical condition for 24 hours.


    Just as you may have noticed, it''s one ount for both the Gear and the Pod.}


    "Neat!" Ss eximed in pure shock. He thought that he had be numb to the shock after hearing what the Gear can do, but his shock level was refreshed after he heard about the Pod''s abilities.


    "LUNAR, what is this and what is it used for?," Ss finally asked about the identity of the app called Domain, and it''s use.


    {Domain.}


    {It''s a tform that can be used by the user for anything. Just by its name, Domain, you can use it for anything, with your thoughts, create anything in it. It''s the perfect tform to train oneself, psychically in the digital world.


    It''s a tform that replicates your actual physical stats and abilities into the digital world.}


    Hearing LUNAR''s exnation, Ss was again shocked.


    "A tform that can be controlled by my thoughts, and I can create whatever I want in it, or even construct it anyhow I want."


    "It also has the ability to replicate my body''s physical stats and my abilities?! Insane!"


    Unable to hold in his curiosity, using his thoughts, Ss clicked on the Domain''s app.


    Immediately after the app was clicked, Ss found himself physically standing in an empty white room.


    With a mixture of disbelief, shock and surprise, Ss pinched his hand and he felt a sharp pain on his hand.


    "Hisss.. That hurts."


    He knew that it wasn''t actually his physical body that appeared but a replication of his physical body into the virtual world, but he felt the need to confirm as he couldn''t believe the level of realism achieved by the Pod.


    After he was finally brought out of his shock, Ss noticed his surroundings.


    "Is this what the Domain looks like? Just a white room?," Ss asked himself in surprise. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I remember LUNAR saying that it can be controlled by my thoughts. Let''s try it out," Ss said and gave out a mentalmand.


    Immediately, his surroundings changed and he found himself standing in his bedroom.


    "Nice. It can really do that," Ss said in surprise, reacting to the change of scenery around him.


    "Ok. Let''s kick things up a notch," Ss said, and immediately, he found himself standing in the wilderness with a massive sandstorm rushing towards him.


    "Cool but take away the sandstorm."


    Immediately, the sandstorm cleared out and disappeared like it was never there.


    Seeing this, Ss felt like he became a godly figure.


    He took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself down and when he was done, a bright smile appeared on his face.


    "Hehe.. The breath of the world is about to change as I''m about to raise a storm."


    "LUNAR," Ss called out and a beautiful South Koreandy dressed in tight fitting trainers that could cause the mythical nose bleed appeared beside him, almost scaring him.


    "LUNAR?," Ss asked in surprise and suspicion.


    {Yes, master,} Thedy replied.


    Finally confirming that thedy that mysteriously appeared beside him is LUNAR, Ss finally calmed and let out a sigh of relief.


    "Wait, why did you call me master and what''s with this form of yours," Ss asked.


    He has had LUNAR for more than a month now and never for once has he heard her call him master and the figure she took on was even more shocking.


    {From your browser history and the information obtained after the Pod did the brain scan on you, I saw that this is your idealdy type and figure.


    Also, I noticed that young men like to have female servant and be called master by them.}


    {Should I change the character and stop calling you master?}


    "Ahem.. I didn''t say that. Do as you wish," Ss replied with a gentle cough and looked away, with a shade of red on his face.


    Ss could swear that he heard LUNAR and the System tsking.


    Ss decided to change the topic and ask the question that actually made him call LUNAR.


    "LUNAR, how does the Gear and Pod switch between AR and VR?"


    {The devices does that automatically. It can switch between the two modes depending on the user''s demand or the application being run at the moment.}


    "That''s convenient," Ss said and nodded.


    "LUNAR, I want you to create the VR version of each top games in the market. Can you do that?" Ss asked with a raised brow.


    {It will be done.}


    "Yes," Ss said as he bumped his fist in the air, in happiness. His biggest fear was that LUNAR might not be able to create something like that, but it seems he was underestimating her a bit too much.


    "There''s nothing else to do here, let''s log out." With that thought, Ss saw himself awake and the Pod opened.


    Ss climbed out of the Pod and it closed automatically and made a beep.


    Ss currently has no use for the Gear and Pod. Yes, he could use the Pod to enter the Domain and start training himself, but he wasn''t too keen on it at the moment.


    Aftering out of the Pod, Ss essed his body aftering out of the Pod but he found nothing wrong.


    He didn''t even feel like he did anything mentally tasking. Actually, he felt like he just woke up from sleep.


    ''Ahh... What a nice feeling. Hahaha.... I''m really going to be the first person on Earth to y an actual VR games. What a bliss.''

 Chapter 52 Self-Driving Aircraft, Playing A VR Game

    52 Self-Driving Aircraft, ying A VR Game


    The day has been a long and fruitful one for Ss. From him signing the building''s papers with Mr Rendall to getting the Gear and Pod.


    "Nothing more to aplish today. I better start preparing myself for tomorrow''s meeting," Ss said to himself, as he looked around his room.


    "System?"


    [Yes, host.]


    "Where''s location of the private jet?"


    [Oand International Airport.]


    "Ok, thank you, system."


    "LUNAR, you there?"


    {Yes, sir.}


    "Can you contact Oand international Airport and let them know that we will be using one of their runways tomorrow, and let them give us the necessary clearances," Ss said.


    He doesn''t want a situation where he would get to the airport tomorrow and he will experience some dy due to ck of clearance'' or ''need to go through the necessary protocols.''


    {Ok, I will do that.}


    "LUNAR, what''s the closest city to the ind?"


    {Caracas, the capital of Venezu.}


    "It should be an hour flight from Oand to Caracas," Ss said to himself.


    {Wrong. The flight time between Oand and Caracas is 8 hours, 18 minutes,} LUNAR said, correcting Ss.


    "Eh?.. I thought it was an hour flight time?," Ss said to himself dumbfoundedly.


    {No, it''s not.}


    "I see. I wonder how I made such a mistake?," Ss said and scratched his head in embarrassment.


    While thinking of the flight time between Oand and Caracas, and how long it will take him to drive to Oand from Newport, Ss discovered another issue, he didn''t have much time.


    If he decides to leave tomorrow, there''s no way he would be able to meet up as the meeting is scheduled to be held at the ind, 12PM tomorrow.


    Without considering the distance from Caracas to the ind, just the time it will take for him to drive to Oand and the flight time is more than enough for him to miss the meeting.


    "LUNAR, I want the clearance today and also make the arrangements for when I get to Venezu. A hotel room and a car that will be used for transportation," Ss said, as he immediately made the necessary changes to his ns.


    {Already on it.}


    "Good, I will be on my way to the airport now. I want them to give the clearance fast. Driving to Oand will take 7 hours and I want the clearance ready by then. Got it?"


    {Yes.}


    "Good, time to leave," Ss said and took one of the cars'' key fob, and the Gear before leaving his room.


    When he got downstairs, he shouted to Serah and Emma, to inform them that he won''t be around for a while before walking towards the garage.


    Inside the garage, Ss got into the Corvette and drove off.


    The drive to the airport was long and tedious as always, something that Ss is getting bored and tired of.


    ''Every time, it''s a seven hours drive. Tsk.''


    ¡­..


    By the time Ss got to the airport, the sky had already darkened and the airport lights were on, lighting up the night sky and bringing with it a beautiful view.


    LUNAR, as expected, had already gotten the clearance for him.


    Immediately after Ss parked the car and came down, a man walked up to him and greeted him.


    "You must be Mr Ss? I''m Henry, the hangar manager for your private jet," The man said as he stretched his hand to Ss for a shake.


    "Hi, Mr Henry," Ss said in surprise as he shook Mr Henry''s hand.


    In fact, there was no need for the man to introduce himself as all his information had already been disyed by LUNAR, on the Gear he wore.


    Before, Ss uses his phone to chat with LUNAR but he found the Gear to be more convenient, as he can directly see the visual of what he wants, and he can hear LUNAR''s voice directly in his head and he can also talk in his head, just like the system.


    "Mr Ss, when I got the information that you were asking for clearance, I assisted in expediting the process and came to meet you out here," Mr Henry said with a smile.


    "I see. Thank you for your help, Mr Henry," Ss said, and started walking towards the airport entrance.


    "Mr Henry, is everything ready for us to take off?," Ss inquired.


    "Yes, everything is ready. We were just waiting for you and the pilot," Mr Henry replied.


    Ss'' steps paused when he heard this.


    "Pilot?," He asked with a strange expression on his face.


    "Yes, you and the pilot. I have been waiting for a while, but I haven''t seen the pilot and the ne is still in the hangar. I thought he was on the way with you," Mr Henry said.


    ''What the hell?!.... There''s no pilot for the ne. Why didn''t I think of this?''


    ''How does the system expect me to fly a ne? It''s not like it gave me a skill rted to piloting aircrafts.''


    Ss felt so stupid on the spot. This was something he should have considered and made an arrangement for, but because he was in a hurry and the rush of excitement he felt from purchasing the Gear and Pod, made it topletely slip his mind.


    "System, do you want me to operate the aircraft by myself and I don''t remember seeing or getting any pilot rted from the store?," Ss asked the system internally. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [You might not really need a pilot for the aircraft, host. Why don''t you ask LUNAR to do a scan of it for you?]


    ''Eh? It doesn''t need a pilot?''


    Ss was surprised by this. It''s a very novel thing for him as he has never heard of an aircraft not needing a pilot to operate it.


    Well, he has heard of it but it''s still something fictional.


    Ss'' body shook lightly in excitement when an unbelievable thought came to his mind.


    He started walking towards the hangar where the aircraft was parked.


    "LUNAR, you there?," Ss called LUNAR inwardly.


    {Yes, master.}


    "Can you try to scan the aircraft?"


    {The scan has been done and I have the information ready.}


    "You have the information? Why didn''t you tell me anything?," Ss asked, surprised.


    {I''m sorry, master. I thought you already knew.}


    "Don''t worry about it. It''s fine. So, what''s about the aircraft?"


    {It''s a fully automated self-driving aircraft,} LUNAR said, informing Ss of her findings.


    ''A what?!...''


    ''Haa¡­ I''m loving you more, system.''


    {Should I give it instructions to get to the runway and prepare for takeoff,} LUNAR asked.


    "Yes. Please do that, LUNAR."


    {Done.}


    "Thank you, LUNAR."


    Ss turned and looked at Mr Henry who was still following behind him.


    "Mr Henry, you don''t need to worry about the pilot," Ss said to him.


    "Ok. Let me escort you to the runway," Mr Henry said offering his assistance.


    "Sure, thank you," Ss said, allowing Mr Henry to escort him to where the aircraft was waiting on the runway.


    When Ss got to the runway, he was met a very beautiful matte ck Gulfstream G650ER on the runway.


    The dark streamline body of the aircraft with gold stripes, gave it a very alluring appearance and its beauty amplified by the fusion of night sky''s darkness, and the beautiful lighting of the airport.


    ''Wow!''


    Ss turned to look at Mr Henry and said, "Mr Henry, thank you for your assistance."


    After that, he took off the Gear and walked towards the aircraft''s door that was already open and waiting for him. When he got into the aircraft, its entry door opened automatically.


    "Cool..."


    Ss finally got the chance to look around the interior of the aircraft and he waspletely blown away by what he saw. The whole interior gave off a vague futuristic sci-fi feel.


    A soft ambient light gradually illuminates the spacious and impably designed cabin. The seating arrangement is normal with nothing out of the ordinary.


    Ss walked towards one of the seats and sat down. He could feel the softness of the material used to make the seat and how it seamlessly integrates with the cabin''s architecture, providing bothfort and aesthetic appeal.


    ''Perfection.''


    Even though Ss hasn''t found any difference between the interior of the aircraft and regr ones, Ss still felt awed by its beautiful interior.


    Ss ran his finger along the body of cabin as he stood up and walked towards the cockpit area to see how that of a self-driving aircraft will look like.


    When Ss got to the cockpit, the first thing that caught his attention was arge screen disying the aircraft data.


    The screen he saw was actually the cockpit windshield. If one looks at the windshield from outside, it would look like a normal dark windshield, but what Ss is seeing from inside is arge screen.


    Ss was amazed by what he saw. Even though he was prepared, the system always manages to catch him off guard and surprise him.


    With a smile on his face, he gave the flightmand to the aircraft.


    "Set a course for Caracas International Airport."


    {Command Received.}


    A robotic female voice was heard and the aircraft engine came to life.


    Ss saw that more information was now being disyed on the massive screen, more were appearing and it was changing with every passing seconds.


    ''This is something to kill for!''

 Chapter 53 Playing A VR Game(II), Going To Venezuela

    53 ying A VR Game(II), Going To Venezu


    Ss left the cockpit and started looking around the aircraft. Since it will take more than 8 hours to reach his destination, then he has all the time to look around.


    He walked out of the cockpit and walked towards a door connected to the cabin, and when he opened it, he saw the galley (kitchen).


    It is to be noted that Ss has not seen a single person since he boarded the aircraft. He was expecting to see some people working as staffs but he saw no one. All he could see is a big empty galley that is very visually captivating.


    Ss walked in and started looking around. He was finally able to understand why there was no one in the galley when he saw a massive holographic touch-screen interface pop up at a side of the galley.


    What does this holographic touch-screen interface do? It can be used to order and customize your food.


    Neat right? That was Ss thought.


    Ss ced his order on the screen and a few secondster, it was ready, a te of macaroni and cheese with fried chicken.


    Ss picked up the chicken from the te and took a bite.


    "So good...," Ss said with his eyes closed in ecstasy. It felt like he was having a foodgasm.


    "It tastes even way better than Serah and Emma''s cooking" Ss said to himself, as he relishes the delicious taste of the food in his mouth.


    Ss left the galley with his food to eat before he continued looking around the aircraft.


    Other features in the aircraft include avatory, a bathroom, a different section for the bedroom, another section that has an office and each ce, all has a holographic touch-screen.


    The only not-so disappointing thing is that it doesn''t have a swimming pool.


    "Meh.. Who needs it?," Ss said to himself, as he plops onto the bed.


    "LUNAR, what''s the progress with the games?"


    {Allpleted.}


    "Nice, let''s have at it," Ss said as he put on the Gear excitedly.


    After putting on the Gear, its home screen popped up. The previous nk home screen now has multiple game apps icons.


    Ss smiled in satisfaction when he saw this.


    Ss looked at the number of apps in the Gear''s home screen and felt that it was unbelievable how LUNAR was able to recreate the virtual reality version of the top PC and console games in just seven hours.


    Not one, two or three but more than a dozen of these games.


    No game creating studio, programmers or group of individuals will be able to achieve such a feat.


    ''I guess this is the reason why people are scared of AI taking their jobs.''


    Ss pushed the unnecessary thoughts out of his head and turned his attention to the most important thing at the moment, choosing the first game to y.


    "What''s it gonna be?.....," Ss said to himself as his gaze shifted between the multiple game app icons.


    After some few seconds of unnecessary self-contemtion and torturous inner battle, Ss finally made his decision.


    ''Let''s see how good the virtual reality version of games are.''


    Without much thought, Ss chose a game app and clicked on its icon.


    Immediately, Ss felt himself losing consciousness. This was the same feeling he experienced when he used the Pod, and the reason why he''s experiencing the same thing now is because he gave the Gear amand to switch to unconscious mode, after the gameunched.


    The reason why Ss chose the unconscious mode this time is because he wants to sleep while ying the game. So, he decided to kill two birds with a stone, gaming and sleeping. Cool right?


    After Ss mentally clicked on the game app icon, itunched and the gamepany''s logo was disyed, and the game started loading.


    It''s to be noted that LUNAR didn''t create an entirely different game. What she did was what Ss asked of her and that is to recreate the VR version of popr PC games.


    The game''s virtual reality version that LUNAR recreated is very simr to the console and PC version, except that it''s thebination of all the game''s titles that are still being yed.


    Except for some minor differences, it would feel like one is ying the game on PC or console, except that it doesn''t need a controller for console, or a keyboard and mouse.


    Also, the virtual reality version created by LUNAR is using the same yer matching mechanics of the game''s PC and Console version. Which means Ss can be matched with yers on both PC and Console, and also across titles.


    It''s just like using the MOD version of an app, though it''s slightly different, the core still remains the same. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    To those curious about the game, it''s COD.


    ¡­


    After the game finished loading, a new screen appeared where Ss was asked to choose his sign up/login method.


    Ss quickly did that and after he was done, he was taken to the game mode screen and was asked to choose. He quickly chose the multiyer mode and he was taken to the yer matching screen.


    The matchmaking was done immediately and Ss got into his first match.


    Ss saw his character appear on the map''s spawn point.


    The first thing Ss did after the game started was to check for the differences. He brought one of his hands to his face and touched it, and he felt like he was touching something solid.


    Ss'' eyes widened in surprise at this. He expected it but the difference between expectations and reality is very huge.


    Excitedly, Ss decided to take things further. He did some movements by twirling his body, wiggling his fingers, dangling his leg, a jump and a light jog.


    The movements he made were fluid and perfect, and it felt like it was his real body and not a virtual character.


    "This is going to be wild," Ss said to himself with a chuckle.


    ''LUNAR, system, you''re the best!''


    Ss decided it was time to join the game as he moved from the spawn point and started looking for members of the opponent''s team.


    It didn''t take before he saw a moving figure from his side-view and he swiftly turned around, and pulled the trigger.


    The assault rifle, M4, roared as the bullet was released from the chamber, shooting towards its victim head, with a blinding speed and lethality.


    First kill and a headshot!


    The rest of the match held no suspense as Sspletely dominated it with superior movement freedom and¡­ skills.


    These perks allowed Ss to finish the match with an MVP award as he also broke all of the game''s highest recorded kills in a single match for an individual, with more than 95 kills and 0 death.


    Ss'' gamey left the opponent team at the point of tears, and his teammates exhrated.


    After the match ended, Ss started his next matchmaking. All of Ss'' following games saw him win and single-handedly decimating the opposing team.


    Ss continued to y and dominate each match with high staggering amount of kills and crazy gamey that attracted the attention of other yers and they gave him a nickname, The Reaper.


    [A/N: If you cringed, I also cringed.]


    There was even a match where he got paired up with an opponent''s team yer from one of his previous matches.


    The yer, WarMachine99''s reaction was to scream in happiness.


    "Yes!... I got paired with The Reaper!"


    That particr game''s result was no different from the previous games as Ss finished it with a MVP award and a high kill count.


    Ss yed a total of more than 30 matches which brought him so much poprity that he was being discussed in some game''s forums.


    Forum name: COD Maniacs.


    DarksoulKiller: "Guys, I was paired with this yer on COD MWIII today and something unbelievable happened!


    RogueRaptor: "Come on dude, just tell us already."


    DarksoulKiller: "Ok. I was paired with this yer and can you believe that no one else in our team had any kills apart from him. This yer destroyed the other team single-handedly and the score was 472 to 0!"


    ClusterStrikeSpammer: "Dude wtf?! How is that even possible?"


    SilentAssualt: Bud thinks we are idiots. How can someone achieve that type of score? And his teammates have no kills apart from him? Come on, dude, this is impossible even if every other person on the team is a bot."


    DarksoulKiller: "I know you guys won''t believe me and I''m very happy that I recorded it. I will send it now. Also, fuck you Silent, I''m not a bot."


    SilentAssualt: "Definitely what a bot would say. Just send the video, man."


    Few minutester after the video was uploaded...


    StormTrooper87: The fuck is with those movements?! What''s the spec of the PC he''s ying on?"


    DarksoulKiller: "Bro, I was left speechless. I can''t even imagine how crazy the PC specs must be to achieve such movements. Silent, why are you quiet? Cat got your tongue?"


    StealthSniper: "Honestly I don''t think this type of movements are possible with any PC avable. Heck, even high quality custom built can''t achieve this. That yer is moving among the opponents with no other weapon, except a dagger, and he killed all of them multiple times without even dying once! Absolutely impossible!"


    SilentAssualt: "I''m using what''s presumably one of the PCs with the best spec for gaming and I can''t even achieve movements like those. I''m very sure there''s no PC that can allow a gamer to achieve those type of fluid movements."


    RogueRaptor: "This is just so f*cking unreal!"


    The forum that day experienced its highest number of online members and visitors as a lot of people visited it to watch the video.


    The video went viral on the inte and different yers started uploading the videos they recorded of Ss'' gamey on their YouTube channel giving them lots of views ¡­..and money.


    *****


    The person responsible for the chaos was looking out the window of his private jet as it wasnding at Caracas International Airport, Venezu.


    Ss didn''t actually put the results he achieved in his eyes. He expected that much after he saw the amount of movement freedom his game character has.


    Though he expected it, Ss still felt that it was amazing that such a type of gamey could be achieved and it''s all thanks to the system and LUNAR.

 Chapter 54 Going To The Island

    54 Going To The Ind


    Few minutes earlier...


    Ss just finished a match and was about to get into another matchmaking when he got a message from LUNAR.


    {We''ve arrived, sir. The ne is about tond.}


    "Ok, thank you, LUNAR," Ss said, and immediately closed the game. He woke up from sleep-gaming and took off the Gear.


    He ced the Gear beside him on the bed and looked around him for a moment, before he slowly pushed himself up and sat on the bed, and started assessing his body''s condition.


    He wants to know if there''s any adverse effect of such long usage hours of the Gear.


    After a scrutinous search, Ss found no changes and nodded with a smile.


    Just as LUNAR had said, using the device while unconscious was no different from sleeping.


    All the matches he yed felt like a dream even though he knew it was real. It felt like it was all just one of those wet dreams a game addict would have.


    Just so surreal to be believable!


    He also noticed that he doesn''t feel any tiredness or mental fatigue even after ying the game for more than eight hours. He also doesn''t feel the heaviness that one would experience after sleeping for such a long time.


    Ss smiled at this as he slowly stood up from the bed, and made his way to the cabin.


    Getting to the cabin, he chose a chair and took his seat, and looked out of the window of the aircraft.


    "The Gear is even crazier than I thought it was," Ss said with a sigh. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "LUNAR, thank you for making the games. You''re the best."


    {You''re wee sir. Actually, videos of your gamey have gone viral on the inte and you''re now very popr. You''re now among the most searched on the inte now,} LUNAR said.


    Ss was not surprised when he heard this. Infact, it was something he expected to happen with how he was ying carefreely and how massive the COD''s yer base is.


    He''s not scared of bing popr or anything. It''s not like one can actually know his true identity from just looking at his in-game username or his avatar. What he''s actually worried about is the original game maker trying to contact him.


    ''*Ahem* Narcissistic.''


    "Ok, thanks," Ss said, and stood up from his seat, and started walking towards the aircraft''s entry door.


    Just like when Ss wanted to board the aircraft, the aircraft''s door opened automatically and Ss stepped out, and climbed down the air stairs.


    When Ss'' feet touched the ground, he looked back at the aircraft in surprise. This is the first type that he has ever taken a ne and he must say that he really enjoyed the flight with how smooth the ride was even for a self-driving aircraft.


    "LUNAR, have you made the necessary preparations?," Ss asked as he made his way to the terminal.


    {Yes sir. A room in a hotel close to the ind has been booked, and a car has been prepared. You also don''t have to worry about Immigration, everything has been taken care of,} LUNAR replied.


    "Thanks. The sun is already out. What time is it now in Venezu?," Ss asked, as he looked at the bright clear sky.


    {10AM.}


    Ss was surprised when he heard that. Actually, he didn''t research anything before he got into the ne and during the flight, it was just him ying a game.


    "What time is it now in Oand?," He asked curiously.


    {6AM.}


    "4 hours time difference. The meeting is by 12PM, which means I only have two hours to get there."


    "How long would it take to get to the ind from here and from the hotel you booked the room?"


    {1 hour 49 minutes from here and 45 minutes from the hotel.}


    "It seems I''m almost runningte. Best to get out of here quickly and make my way to the ind."


    Ss walked into the airport through the terminal and made his way directly out of the airport without waiting at the Immigration Area, Baggage im, Custom section or the Arrival area.


    He did so because he doesn''t have any luggage to collect and because LUNAR had taken care of everything that needs to be taken care of.


    Ss walked out of the terminal and a middle-aged man standing in front of a BMW 7 Series walked up to him.


    "Mr Ss, I''m Mr Jos¨¦, your designated chauffeur," The man said as he shook Ss'' hand.


    "Mr Jos¨¦, please take me to Bah¨¬a Dorada," Ss said, as he got into the back seat of the car.


    "Yes sir," Mr Jos¨¦ said, and got into the driver seat before starting the car and driving off towards the location given to him.


    Mr Jos¨¦ had already been informed that his client was in a hurry, so he knew better than to dy or ask questions.


    Bah¨¬a Dorada is a port city located to the northern part of Caracas. It''s not a very popr port as it''s rather small and the reason why Ss is going there is because it''s the closest to the ind where the meeting is being held.


    Ss looked out the car''s window as his thoughts drifted to his ns.


    "LUNAR, if ELLA, the Gear and Pod is to be released to the public, how long do you think it will take the best research team on Earth to be able to reverse engineer them with the current and improving Earth''s technological level?," Ss asked.


    {ELLA would take them more than ten years while the Gear and Pod would take more than a thousand years to replicate perfectly but a cheap copy can be produced in about 300 to 500 years,} LUNAR exined.


    Ss smiled when he heard this. He didn''t believe that it would actually take Earth that long to bring out an AI like ELLA but he believed what LUNAR said about the Gear and Pod.


    "What about you? How long do you think it would take them to create one like you? Be generous," Ss asked with a smile.


    {Being generous, I would say about 100 years or more,} LUNAR said.


    Ss'' smile widened when he heard this. He wonders how the Silicon Valley guys would react when they hear this.


    "I guess I have nothing to worry about when I release the product to the public but I will have to prepare myself for the hungry hounds at the top of the food chain. I''m very sure the biggest techpanies won''t take it calmly. I also have to prepare for the political part of things," Ss said to himself.


    ''Ughh... All I just wanted was to save enough money for college and improve my quality of life.''


    Though Ss said that, he didn''t feel any emotions other than happiness and anticipation towards the world''s reaction after he releases the device to the public.


    "System, if I should sell the Pod and Gear bought directly from the store, would I get system points for it?," Ss asked the system internally.


    [Yes.]


    "How many?"


    [5% of the item''s cost in the store.]


    "That means for the Gear, I will get 1750 system points for each one of them sold and for the Pod, I will get 13,600 for every one of them sold?," Ss asked in confirmation.


    [Yes.]


    "Ok. What if I''m to recreate the item and sell it, how many system points will I get after selling it?"


    [You will get the amount of system points that the item was evaluated for after its recreation.]


    "Exin."


    [After recreating an item bought from the store, it would be evaluated and you will be rewarded a certain amount of system points ording to the evaluation the recreated item received. If you''re to sell the item, you will receive the amount of system points it was evaluated for every time the item is sold,] The system exined.


    "So, assuming I recreate an item and it gets 30,000 system points after evaluation. I will get 30,000 system points every time the recreated item is sold, correct?"


    [Yes.]


    ''That''s convenient but how long will it take me to recreate an item? Will I even get such high system points after it''s evaluated?''


    These thoughts and more filled Ss'' head. He was still lost in his own world until he heard Mr Jos¨¦ informing him that they have reached their destination.

 Chapter 55 Meeting With Mr Andr茅s, An Absurd Request

    55 Meeting With Mr Andr¨¦s, An Absurd Request


    Ss stepped out of the car and looked at the semi-bustling port in front of him. He could see the clear coastline filled with small watercrafts, ranging from small boats to speedboats, and also a significant amount of human activities.


    What actually caught Ss'' attention was the beautiful expansive Caribbean Sea with its clear, see-through blue waters and golden sand on its bed floor that reflected the sunlight back to the surface.


    A view that Ss couldn''t get enough of.


    ''I''ve heard of the Caribbean Sea, and seen pictures and videos of it but I must say that pictures and videos just doesn''t do its beauty any justice.''


    Ss was still admiring the beauty of the sea when he heard someone calling out to him. He turned his head towards the source of the sound and saw a middle-aged man in a maritime worker''s uniform standing in front of him.


    "You must be Mr Ss. I''m Mr Antonio, I will be taking you to the ind," The man said, and started taking Ss closer to the sea where his boat was docked.


    Ss didn''t say anything and followed Mr Antonio. He didn''t want to waste anymore time as he only has less than a few minutes more before the meeting with the ind owner will begin.


    Few secondster, the both of them were standing in front of a luxuriously designed speedboat.


    Mr Antonio got into the driver side of the speedboat, while Ssfortably took his seat at the back.


    Seeing that Ss was already seated, Mr Antonio started the speedboat, and its engine came alive.


    He steered the speedboat out of the dock and onto the waters of the Caribbean Sea, making their way to the ind.


    During the journey, Ss briefly forgot about everything as he relished the feeling of the cool sea breeze blowing against his face and his body. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    This is the first time he''s gone on a trip. Even though the reason for the trip is to buy the ind, he still wants to enjoy the scenery to the best of his ability.


    After a few minutes, the outline of the ind was alreadying into view, Canaima Isle. Ss'' attention was instantly attracted by it and he started essing it and its surroundings.


    Canaima Isle is an ind surrounded by the beautiful transparent blue Caribbean waters. It''s also covered by canopy-like and dense greenery making it look like a forest in the middle of the sea, and the greenery also serves to block anyone outside from seeing what''s inside the ind.


    The speedboat came to a stop and docked beside a pier at the ind''s shore. At the pier, Ss could see a middle-aged man dressed in formal attire, exuding an aura of authority and a young male who seems to be his guard standing beside him.


    Ss already knew their identities and information as LUNAR has already disyed it on the Gear.


    Ss saw that the middle-aged man started walking up to him as he got off the speedboat, followed by his bodyguard.


    "Se?or Ss, bienvenido a I Canaima. ?Espero que haya disfrutado su viaje hasta aqu¨ª?," The man in formal attire said when be got to where Ss was.


    If it was before, Ss would have been stumped on how to reply as he didn''t understand shit about Spanish, but that changed as Ss now has the Gear and LUNAR.


    LUNAR immediately tranted what the man said and disyed it.


    {Mr Ss, Wee to Canaima Isle. I hope your trip here was enjoyable.}


    "Yes, it was. Thank you."


    "Once again, wee to Canaima Isle. Please follow me, our meeting ce is inside," The man said, as he pointed at a wooden cabin house almost covered by the ind''s greenery and vaguely visible from where they stood.


    The man started walking towards the cabin house and Ss followed behind. During the short walk, Ss essed the interior of the ind.


    Apart from the dense greenery, the only thing Ss saw was different species of birds, some flying around while some perched on trees.


    ...


    It took a few minutes before they got to the cabin. The middle-aged man walked into the cabin house, followed by Ss, leaving only the young man standing guard outside.


    Inside the cabin house, the man walked towards an ind retreat armchair and sat down.


    "Mr Ss, please have your seat," He said and pointed to another armchair.


    Ss nodded and took his seat.


    "Mr Ss, I''m sorry for not introducing myself. I''m Mr Andr¨¦s, the owner of the ind."


    Although Ss already knew his identity, he didn''t reply and only nodded in acknowledgement.


    "You must be thinking of the reason why I asked for us to meet instead of just selling the ind directly to you," Mr Andr¨¦s said.


    "Yes. I''m quite curious as to the reason why, Mr Andr¨¦s," Ss said with a curious expression on his face.


    "Before we proceed, Mr Ss, do you know my actual identity? Who I really am?," Mr Andr¨¦s asked.


    "I''m sorry Mr Andr¨¦s but I don''t have an answer to that question," Ss replied.


    Of course, Ss already knew all the avable information on the man standing in front of him, but he decided not to acknowledge it.


    "That was to be expected. Let me not make this take any more of your time," Mr Andr¨¦s said, as he looked at Ss intently.


    "My name is Andr¨¦s Mart¨ªnez, I''m the minister in charge of the Office of the Presidency and Monitoring of Government Management," Mr Andr¨¦s said, and paused as he waited for what he said to sink before he continued.


    "The reason why I called you here is because I have an offer for you. I need your help with something and I can give you whatever you want in return."


    Ss smiled when he heard. He could already guess where the conversation was going as LUNAR has been continuously scouring the inte and every avable source that she could for more of Mr Andr¨¦s information, while also simultaneously updating Ss.


    Mr Andr¨¦s saw Ss'' silence and decided to continue.


    "Mr Ss, there are two options. The first option involves me selling the ind to you for your base price of $500 million," He said, and paused once again before continuing.


    "The second option is that I will give you the ind for free and you will receive additionalpensation after you help me achieve what I want."


    Hearing what Mr Andr¨¦s said, the smile on Ss'' face widened before disappearing immediately. .


    Without much thought, Ss chose the first option. He felt that it was better not to entangle himself with politicians because to him, they are venomous snakes.


    Yes, Ss hates politicians.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, I will choose the first option," Ss said.


    Mr Andr¨¦s gave a lightugh when he heard this. Ss choosing the first option was something he expected.


    He could feel that Ss already has an idea of what his request would be and honestly, he doesn''t me the young man, but the truth is that he seriously needs someone like Ss who has high spending power to help him and his group with their ambition.


    "Mr Ss, you didn''t even hear my request before you made your decision."


    Mr Andr¨¦s sighed and sped his hands as he looked at Ss.


    "Mr Ss, I need your help to overthrow the nation''s current president and government," Mr Andr¨¦s said.


    He wanted to maintain the lead in the conversation and hold the advantage during any possible negotiation but it seems that he has to give it up if he wants to secure Ss'' help.


    The truth is that he and his group have tried to seek help from different people and organizations but none of them seems to be willing. Those that agreed all asked for the impossible aspensation. Something he couldn''t agree to.


    "I understand that you may not be able to make a decision immediately but please, do give it some thoughts. I''m willing to give you anything inpensation as long as it''s not excessive," Mr Andr¨¦s said, and stood up from his armchair.


    He reached into one of the pockets on his suit and pulled out a card.


    "This is my card, Mr Ss. Please do give me a call after making your decision," He said, and dropped the card before leaving Ss in the wooden cabin.


    When he got outside, he called for the male that apanied him and the two of them made their way towards the pier.


    Ss stood up from his seat as he watched their disappearing figure.


    "LUNAR, what do you think?"


    {ept his proposal.}


    "....Exin."

 Chapter 56 An Absurd Request(II), The Countrys Current Deplorable State

    56 An Absurd Request(II), The Country''s Current Deplorable State


    Right after Ss saw Mr Andr¨¦s identity, he was continuously being updated by LUNAR and from the information she gave him, he already knew the reason why Mr Andr¨¦s wanted them to meet in person.


    Of course, the reason why LUNAR was able to get such extensive information on Mr Andr¨¦s was because she used unconventional means, like directly hacking into Mr Andr¨¦s'' phone.


    Yes, it''s hical but to LUNAR, things like ethics and morals are restraints she doesn''t understand it''s benefits. As long as it benefits her master, then the consequences be damned.


    {Just like you said before when you were in the car, if you''re to release the product to the public as nned, it will attract the attention of the top techpanies and very possibly, some of the world''s governments.


    Attracting their attentions means that they will want to acquire thepany and the source technology through all means. Something which you won''t want to give up, but epting the proposal will help us in a lot of ways.}


    {epting his proposal can allow us to ask for some benefits and conditions that will help to fight back at the governments andpanies, if theye growling at us like hungry hounds.


    I also understand the fact that you don''t want to involve yourself in anything political but it''s impossible for you to achieve that.


    There''s no business that has ever survived without the help of any political affiliation, both directly or indirectly.


    All we just have to do is take advantage of this opportunity and put ourselves in a better position.}


    Ss closed his eyes briefly and sighed.


    What LUNAR said is something he has considered and has started to put ns in ce to prevent it from happening. One of those ns is building his base on an ind.


    He wanted the production part of thepany to be on the ind and the business part will be somewhere in USA, but it seems like even doing things that way won''t solve the actual problem.


    Just like the description LUNAR gave, they will definitelye growling like hungry hounds.


    Who would want a no-name start-uppany like his to hold on to such ground-breaking technology? No one!


    Ss was aware the value of the technology in his hands and he knows how valuable things can incite human greed.


    Though, ELLA might not seem like much but the same can not be said about the Pod and Gear.


    Their release will definitely cause a lot of chaos and raise lots of storms, and many wille but Ss is still skeptical about epting Mr Andr¨¦s'' proposal.


    "LUNAR, even if we do ept the proposal, how are you sure that he will be able to rece the government? You know that this is not the first time, right? Someone has tried it before him and even after more than three years, nothing has changed," Ss said.


    {Yes, I know of thest failed mass political movement that seeked to remove the current president, but that person and Mr Andr¨¨s are two different people.


    Thest person was an outsider while Mr Andr¨¦s is an insider. If you''re wondering what I''m talking about, what I meant was that thest person was just a political rival and had little to no ess to the crucial information of his opponent, nor was he able toe in contact with those that really mattered in the government.


    Unlike thest person, Mr Andr¨¦s is someone who holds more political power, influence and connection. He has inside information, and with the help of his group, taking down the current government will be very easy,} LUNAR exined.


    "What you said might be true but even with all this, you know it''s still possible for it not to work. Besides, you know that something like this is a very delicate matter and with just a small mistake, it can explode in our face and Venezu is not a small or unknown country. Our actions will definitely attract attentions."


    {True that but you don''t need to worry about the attention from other countries. We won''t even be in the spotlight neither will we make our presence known during the movement. We might also be able to rally the goodwill of other nations and significant world organization, by controlling public opinion.


    Beside, the current president''s time to leave office has been long overdue.}


    "That''s true," Ss said with a sigh.


    "I will call Mr Andr¨¦s to know how much preparation he has made before making my decision," Ss said to himself after making his decision.


    He felt that this is the only way to go. cing the business side of thepany in the US means that thepany will still be registered in the US, and that means that he will have toply with everything the government wants.


    Ss was still thinking, when his empty stomach growled in protest.


    "Ahh.. Time to get myself something to eat. I''m so hungry."


    "LUNAR, call Mr Antonio and the driver," Ss said, and walked out of the cabin and made his way to the pier.


    {The speedboat and driver are on standby, sir.} N?v(el)B\\jnn


    {Yes, sir.}


    By the time Ss got to the pier, he saw Mr Antonio sitting in the speedboat, waiting for him.


    Ss got into the backseat of the speedboat and Mr Antonio started the engine.


    It didn''t take them long before they got back to the port as the distance between the Canaima Isle and the Bah¨¬a Dorada by speedboat, is 15 minutes.


    When Ss got to the port, he saw Mr Jos¨¦ also waiting for him at the deck. Ss got out of the speedboat and followed Mr Jos¨¦ to the car and they left for the hotel.


    The drive to the hotel was quiet, just like the ride from the ind. When Ss got into the hotel, he went to the reception desk and took the key to his room.


    Getting to his room, he saw that his food had already been delivered and the first thing he did was to eat.


    Due to the extreme hunger he was feeling, he quickly finished the amount of food that will normally take two adults some minutes to finish.


    Ss was already aware that since the increase in his stats, his appetite has been growing with it. Every increase in stats means an equal increase in appetite.


    The next thing Ss did after eating was to take his bath and rest. Hey down on the bed as he thought of his meeting with Mr Andr¨¦s.


    Ss knew that the so-called preparations he made before wasn''t enough and honestly, keeping the business part of thepany in the USA would have made him an easier target for the picking.


    All it takes is an order or ''request'' from the government to hand over the source technology of the Gear and Pod, something which he doesn''t have and wouldn''t even release if he did, potentially leading to another issue.


    Would he tell themittee when he gets summoned that the technology is from his system store? No, that will be simply courting death.


    What will he say then? How will he exin something that even he can''t recreate.... yet.


    In addition to the pressure that wille from the government, he will also be facing the tech giants of the world.


    One would say that Ss is overestimating himself too much but thinking about it, wouldpanies like top dogs in the tech industry watch him have such technology to himself?


    How would they react when they see what the Pod and Gear can do?


    The type of technology that they have always dreamed of.


    Ss knew that he had to change his ns. If it was just him, in a physical warfare, fight against Phenomenals or a cyber war, he will take anyone on, anytime, any day but he was not naive enough to think that they won''t go crazy and target his family to get what they want.


    ''I will call Mr Andr¨¦s tomorrow to discuss more but for now, I just want to get some rest.''


    ******


    Meanwhile, in one of the offices in a government building, Mr Andr¨¦s and a group of individuals were seated at a table.


    "What did he say? How did it go?," One of them asked Andr¨¦s.


    Andr¨¦s shook his head negatively in response when he heard this, "It didn''t work out ¡­yet"


    "Why? Didn''t you tell him that we''re willing to offer himpensation and he can even ask for anything he wants as long as it''s not excessive?," One of them asked Andr¨¦s.


    "I wasn''t even able to say that before he refused but I gave him my card so that he can call me if he changes his mind," Andr¨¦s said as he sighed.


    "This is the fifteenth person we have sought help from but we have not been sessful.


    I wonder if we will still have to continue with that tyrant who''s at the seat of power? I''m so tired.


    Look at how low our country has fallen. Extremely pathetic." Another person said, shaking his head.


    "We just have to hope he epts it," Andr¨¦s said and sighed.

 Chapter 57 The Countrys Current Deplorable State(II)

    57 The Country''s Current Deplorable State(II)


    Later that night, at the hotel''s restaurant area.


    Ss sat at a table, waiting for his order to arrive. He could have ordered his food and had it delivered directly to his room but he decided against that.


    He felt the need to walk around and stretch his legs and also, he''s curious and wants to see the city''s nightlife.


    While he waited for his order to arrive, he took a look around the restaurant.


    From where he was seated, he saw that the restaurant was sparsely popted with just three to four more people in it, including him.


    Ss didn''t know if it was because the hotel isn''t a big hotel or some other reason. Not just the hotel'' restaurant but Ss noticed the hotel had very few guests, in contrast to its bustling location.


    Ss felt the reason for this would be attributed to the hotel''s low poprity but after much thought, he felt that this wasn''t the reason.


    With the location of the hotel which is close to port, it should be bustling with activities but none of that is happening. Ss also noticed that when he took the elevator, it was empty and so was the reception area when he got there.


    There was only one conclusion, business is bad.


    ''Things are hard, it seems.''


    Not just the business, even though they tried to hide it and be professional, Ss also saw how downtrodden the hotel''s staff looked.


    {Yes, sir.}


    Ss waited for a few minutes before his orders arrived.


    The waitress ced his order on the table and Ss immediately started eating.


    After he was done eating, Ss stood up and walked out of the hotel to take in the city''s nightlife.


    He didn''t bother to personally make the payment for the food as he knew that LUNAR would take care of it.


    Outside the hotel, Ss chose a direction of one of the city''s main attractions and walking towards it.


    As he walked around, Ss saw that most of the businesses were still open even by 11PM, waiting for customers to patronize them.


    Luckily for them, a port was close by, but unfortunately, they had little to no sales. However, they were undeterred by this as they still remained open for business.


    Ss knew that the reason why these people who were supposed to be having their night''s sleep are still out here doing business is because of the country''s current economic situation. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He continued his stroll, until he finally decided to return to the hotel. To his surprise, on his way back, he saw that the businesses were still open, and were not even ready to start packing up, even though it was already 1AM.


    "This is really bad" Ss said to himself, as he shook his head sadly.


    Walking into the hotel, Ss went straight to his room, to take his shower and get some sleep


    After he was done taking his shower, Ss put on some clothes and went to bed. Unfortunately for him, the sleep eluded him. He just couldn''t get the things he saw during his walk out of his head.


    Young children who look to be of the same age as Alex, some even younger, sleeping on the hard, cold floor and also unprotected from the night''s cold that was amplified by the nearby sea, and some still trying to sell their wares even deep into the night.


    Ss tried to give them money without buying the wares, but the children refused the money. When Ss saw this, he bought all of the wares they had and paid more than the stipted price for them.


    Ss also saw some people with simr age to him, some older, some younger, and also very old adults, all of them trying to eke out some living.


    The country''s current economic situation isn''t news anymore but hearing about it and seeing it in person had different impacts.


    "It seems like my previous situation wasn''t as bad I thought it was."


    "It''s true when they say that no matter whatever bad situation you''re going through, they are people going through worse."


    Ss was no hero or angel but he wasn''t heartless either. No matter how twisted he felt his character is, he''s still human.


    But the actual question is, how much effect would his little show of kindness have?


    "The world is so unfair!"


    "No, it''s not unfair. It''s just extremely indifferent to our plights."


    "LUNAR, call Mr Andr¨¦s and tell him that we can meet at the ind," Ss said, after finally making his decision


    Ss was finally able to sleep after some minutes of restlessness but his sleep was not an enjoyable one.


    8:49 AM


    Ss got out of his bed and went to the bedroom to freshen up.


    After he was done, he put on a new set of clothes and wore the Gear.


    "LUNAR, any reply from Mr Andr¨¦s?," Ss asked as he got into the bathroom.


    {Yes, he said that he will be at the ind, 9 this morning,} LUNAR answered.


    "Oh.... Wait..9 AM this morning?"


    {Yes, sir.}


    Ss immediately checked the time and saw that it was already time for his meeting with Mr Andr¨¦s.


    "I''mte!"


    He quickly left his room and made his way to the hotel''s entrance.


    When he got to the entrance, Mr Jos¨¦ was already waiting for him. Seeing this, Ss quickly got into the car and he drove off.


    When he got to the port, he saw Mr Antonio waiting for him beside the docked speedboat.


    When Ss got to the ind, only Mr Andr¨¦s'' guard was standing at the pier. When he saw Ss, he greeted him and took him to the wooden cabin where Mr Andr¨¦s was waiting for him.


    Ss walked into the cabin and saw Mr Andr¨¦s sitted with aptop on the table in front of him.


    When he saw Ss, he stood up from his armchair and went to greet Ss.


    "Mr Ss, I thought you weren''t going to make it," Mr Andr¨¦s said with a smile, as he shook Ss hand.


    "Sorry about that. Something happened," Ss said.


    "No, it''s fine. Please, do have your seat," Mr Andr¨¦s gestured to Ss as he also took his seat.


    "Mr Ss, I believe the reason why you asked us to meet means that you have made your decision?," Mr Andr¨¦s asked after both of them were seated.


    "Yes, but I do have conditions of my own. If you can meet them, then I will give you any assistance you need as long as it''s within my power," Ss replied.


    "You don''t need to worry about that, Mr Ss, our request isn''t something excessive. Please, state your conditions."


    "Good. But before I start listing my conditions, I want to know how many people are in on this. How many people are supporting your ambition?," Ss asked.


    "A significant number of us in the cab are in support of this," Mr Andr¨¦s answered.


    "List people with key positions in the cab in support of this."


    "The minister of Internal Rtions, Justice and Peace, minister of Foreign Affairs, minister of Economy, Finance and Public Banking, minister of Defense, minister of Education, minister of Health, minister of Commerce."


    "Is that all?," Ss asked.


    "No, there are still more but they don''t hold that much of an authority in the cab," Mr Andr¨¦s exined.


    "Fair enough. Now, I want to ask, what are you willing to give me inpensation for my assistance?," Ss asked Mr Andr¨¦s, and the cabin''s atmosphere changed.

 Chapter 58 Even Absurd Conditions

    58 Even Absurd Conditions


    The atmosphere in the cabin house changed as a light tension hung in the air.


    Mr Andr¨¦s closed his eyes briefly and let out a sigh when he heard Ss'' question. He felt like his worst fear finally came true.


    During his first meeting with Ss, he tried his best to gain an advantage -no matter how small- in the conversation, but it seems like he failed.


    Mr Andr¨¦s'' fear is that he is in one of those situations where he would be asked to give the impossible aspensation.


    Quickly, he thought of ways he could use to regain the advantage but unfortunately for him, there was none, and to add to his troubles, he also doesn''t want to lose the chance of securing Ss'' help.


    Some seconds have passed since Ss asked Mr Andr¨¦s the question. Mr Andr¨¦s opened his eyes and looked at Ss intently, with a determined expression on his face.


    Even though he has lost the advantage, he will make sure to secure Ss'' help without selling out his country.


    "Mr Ss. My group and I can offer you anything you want as long as it''s not excessive and won''t cause harm to the country in any way," Mr Andr¨¦s said after a few moments of deep contemtion.


    He felt that with what he said, Ss would be able to get the idea of what he meant, and won''t ask for too much.


    Ss saw Mr Andr¨¦s action and smiled. Of course he understands what''s going on but unfortunately for Mr Andr¨¦s, he has an entirely different n.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, my request might be a little bit absurd but your response will determine whether I will be assisting you in your grand n or not," Ss replied with a smile.


    "Mr Ss, please, do let me hear your request."


    "I want full control of the country''s economy and military," Ss said, and a stifling silence descended in the cabin house, worsening the already tense atmosphere.


    Mr Andr¨¦s'' eyes widened in shock when he heard this, as differentplicated emotions shed in his eyes.


    ''Full control over the country''s economy and military?! Is he asking to enve us or what?''


    "M-Mr Ss¨C" Mr Andr¨¦s was about to talk but was interrupted.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, I can already guess what you''re thinking but I assure you that what I actually have in mind is actually far from it. I have my reasons for making such absurd requests.


    The current economic situation of your country is far from favorable and it''s getting worse by the day. It''s estimated that the country''s debt profile is more than $1 trillion, nearing $2 trillion. Correct me if I''m wrong," Ss said and looked at Mr Andr¨¦s to give him a response, but he saw a quiet Mr Andr¨¦s who now had a defeated expression on his face.


    "And with the country''s current economic situation, what can you and your group possibly offer aspensation for the assistance that I will render?," Ss asked with a knowing smile on his face.


    Mr Andr¨¦s heard this and sighed in disappointment. It was just as Ss said, what could they possibly give him in return for his help?


    The country has nothing. It''s riddled in debt of more than $2 trillion and its current situation is so bad that it''s being dered as a national emergency by the UN.


    After hearing what Ss said, Mr Andr¨¦s knew that there was no way for him to regain the advantage. He knew that the only thing he can do now, if he still needs Ss'' assistance is to try to secure a favorable future for his country.


    He doesn''t want to lose the chance to strike a deal with Ss, because he and his group have already dyed their ns for so long. If things continue as they are, they will definitely be caught by the President and if that happens, their future won''t be pleasant.


    Ss saw Mr Andr¨¦s'' silence and he knew that he had already gotten the effect he wanted. Although Ss wants to help the country and change its current situation, he still has to consider himself and his own situation which won''t be so favorable in the near future.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, let me exin more on what I intend to do."


    ¡­..


    ¡­.


    Few hourster, Mr Andr¨¦s stood up from his seat with a forced smile on his face.


    "Mr Ss, I still have to talk to others before getting back to you," He said, as he made his way out of the cabin house.


    He initially brought theptop so that they could have a conference call with Ss but they were unable to, after Ss took the wind out of their sale.


    "Sure, I will be waiting for your response, then," Ss said, as he stood up to see Mr Andr¨¦s out.


    "That was intense," Ss said with a sigh, after Mr Andr¨¦s left.


    {If you don''t mind me asking, why did you ask for such conditions? Full control over the country''s economy and military?,} LUNAR asked, after being unable to keep her curiosity in check.


    The conversation between Ss and Mr Andr¨¦s left her surprised. Especially the conditions Ss asked for and even more surprising is the fact that Mr Andr¨¦s is actually considering them.


    No, it''s not actually surprising. She knew that Mr Andr¨¦s and his group has no choice but to do so.


    Ss smiled when he heard LUNAR''s question.


    "Why did I ask for such conditions? Many reasons actually. First being that the country''s economy is already in shambles and I want to fix it."


    {And how do you intend to do that? Do you have a n that will help revive the country''s economy?} N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "A n? No, I don''t, but I have you, right?," Ss replied as he scratched his head lightly.


    {You don''t have a n and you ask for such a condition? Do you understand the gravity of what you''re asking for? You''re asking for full control over the economic lives of millions of people and you don''t even have a n on how to go about it!}


    Ss closed his eyes briefly and let out a deep sigh when he heard what LUNAR said.


    Yes, he never really had a n to begin with. Everything he has done since getting the system till today has been based on instinct without nning. It can be said that he has been somewhat passive and stupid,if not very passive and stupid.


    Worse is that everything has been working out perfectly for him, from easily getting into university through the backdoor to easily getting the ind he wanted without even paying for it.


    Yes, he finally got the ind from Mr Andr¨¦s, and for free.


    Thinking of this, Ss understood that he has changed, he has gotten more confident even to the point of arrogance.


    ''Money really does change people and no one can be trusted, not even oneself.''


    "Just like I said, it was an absurd condition but what else can I do about it? Besides, how hard will it be to change the country''s economy?"


    {It''s extremely hard! It''s not something that can be made possible by just clearing the country''s debt profile, nor can it be done by hacking into the system of some financial organizations.}


    "But you cane with a n, right?"


    {Yes, but please don''t make a decision again without thinking it through properly. At least, keep me informed.}


    Ss only smiled in response.


    {What about the military? What do you n to do with it?}


    "Phenomenals and enhanced soldiers to be used as my private military. You know that money isn''t actually everything. Sometimes, you need actual power to do things."


    {How do you intend to achieve this?}


    "I have my ways," Ss said with a smile.


    LUNAR could only keep quiet when she heard Ss'' response as she decided to focus on the task that Ss assigned to her.


    ''Now that I''m alone on the ind, I can do what I want to without fear of anyone seeing me. Now, let''s do some superpower testing.''


    With that thought in mind, Ss left the cabin house and walked deeper into the ind''s greenery


    "This ce should be good enough," Ss said, after he finally found a good spot.


    He closed his eyes and did a short breathing exercise to calm himself.


    Few secondster, Ss opened his eyes and stretched out his hand as he tried to control the air current around him.


    At first, he felt nothing but as time passed slowly, he felt the air current respond and started rushing towards him, in response to his action.


    Slowly, the air current gathered around him and Ss felt it starting to encircle him, reacting to his thoughts and the stimulus he provided.


    As time passed, the air current slowly turned into a small whirlwind around him, with its strength rising continuously.


    As the strength of the whirlwind continued to build up, Ss felt himself slowly losing control of it and he was forced to disperse it, so as not to create an artificial natural disaster and destroy the ind.


    "Wow!"


    "That was intense! Hahahaha." Ssughed loudly in happiness and excitement.

 Chapter 59 Accident, Massive Changes

    59 ident, Massive Changes


    "Did I really just did that?," Ss asked himself in shock and disbelief, as he still found it hard to believe what just happened.


    "Shit! It seems like I overdid it," Ss said, as he staggered and his vision doubled, and his consciousness slowly fading away.


    Ss found the nearest tree and weakly rested his back on it, and closed his eyes, while he did a slow breathing exercise.


    It took him a few moments before he felt his body''s condition slowly returning to normal.


    Letting out a sigh, Ss sat up and looked at his outstretched hand with different thoughts going through his mind.


    It has been two months since Ss awakened and in those two months, this is the first time he has actually pushed himself this hard whenever he tries to train his superpower.


    Other times, he would take things slow and always try to keep any damage to the minimum, due to his surroundings, as he usually uses his bathroom as a practice ground.


    Unlike before, Ss felt no need any constraints and went all out, and he finally got the results he wanted but with a price, his whole body felt very weak.


    Still, Ss felt that he has made progress from his former weak self.


    "System, why do I feel this weak?," Ss asked, wanting to know the reason for his body''s current condition.


    He could already guess but he''s asking because he wants confirmation.


    [Your body is too weak.]


    "Too weak, heh? That can be fixed," Ss said and brought up his status panel.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    _____


    [Strength: 80]


    [Agility: 35]


    [Stamina: 35]


    [Intelligence: 100]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 38,637?30,000]


    [System Point(s):59,109,00?199,557,000?199,285,000(+)]


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host''s level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 336 Days 9 Hour.]


    Looking at the amount of system points he has, Ss smiled from ear to ear.


    "199 million system points. I can guess I can splurge a little."


    Immediately, Ss exchanged 5 million system points for 5000 stats points.


    After getting the stats points, Ss raised all his attributes uniformly, leaving them at 1000 each.


    Immediately after the points were added, Ss felt the weak feeling in his body quickly subsiding and being reced by a feeling of relief.


    "Hah.. That''s more like¨C" Ss nearly choked on his words, as a bone chilling scream abruptly escaped from his mouth.


    "ARGHHH!!!"


    Ss felt like someone took him from the ground and threw him into a shredder; the previous feeling of weakness was reced by a pain so intense that his eyes turned white.


    Ss couldn''t pinpoint where in his body the pain originated from. He was feeling a massive, head-pounding headache in his head, forcing him to hold his head, as he growled in intense pain and difort.


    He felt like his brain was freezing and dissolving simultaneously. He felt like his bones were being crushed and reformed at the same moment, his muscles being torn apart, fibre by fibre and stretched to its absolute limits.


    Ss felt and knew that he was dying, but he was unwilling.


    "What''s happening? Why is this happening?"


    "System, why does it feel like I''m dying?," A confused Ss asked with a voice filled with pain, rage and unwillingness.


    "I haven''t achieved anything and I''m yet to enjoy what I have, and I''m already losing it. I don''t want to go like this. I have the system, I still have a lot of things to aplish. I still have to be here to take care of Alex. Why am I so impulsive and stupid?," Ss said through gritted teeth, his fist clenched tightly and digging into the ground.


    As time went by, the pain became so intense that Ss was unable to bear it any longer and lost consciousness.


    While Ss was unconscious, something bizarre was happening around him; the tree he was resting his back on was withering at a speed visible to the eye.


    The next moment, the massive mahogany tree turned to dust and it remains, blown away by the wind.


    *****


    An unknown amount of time passed before Ss finally regained consciousness.


    His eyelid fluttered open and he was nearly choked to death by the strong stenching from his body.


    As if to wee him back, the night breeze blew, bringing with it, a freezing cold that made Ss shiver lightly.


    Topliment his already terrible situation, he was hit with a feeling of slight soreness all over his body.


    Slowly, Ss pushed his body up from the ground and sat down. He checked his body and he was shocked by what he saw.


    His previous clean clothes, now covered with a smelly substance that Ss had no name for. His body felt very dirty and death-granting stench emanating from his body, made him feel very ufortable.


    "What the fuck just happened?," Ss asked with a very weak voice.


    [You nearly killed yourself.]


    "What do you mean? All I did was add stat points to my attributes and I remember when you said that there''s no limit to the amount of stat I can add. Was that a lie?," Ss asked with anger slowly building up in his heart.


    He couldn''t help but feel pissed. Since he got the system, everything he receiveses with an equivalent amount of pain; something he''s not very happy about.


    ''I''m not a fucking masochist, damn it!''


    [Yes, there''s no limit to the amount you can add but there''s a limit to the amount your body can take.


    Your action of increasing your attributes so fast, quickly brought your body to its limit and you nearly killed yourself in the process.


    You would have been dead if I didn''t intervene.]


    "You intervened? What did you do?," Ss asked with a sneer. He felt very angry at the system but he was even more angry with himself.


    [When I saw your body''s vitality at its critical point, I found another source of vitality for you.]


    "The source?"


    [The tree you were resting your back on.]


    Hearing what the system said made him realize that truly, the tree he was resting his back on, was no longer there when he woke up.


    Ss sighed when he saw this.


    "System, how''s my body''s condition now?"


    [Your body has recovered but notpletely. You need to get an extensive rest.


    Also, don''t think of adding more points to your attributes, your body is currently in an unstable condition with an intense amount of vitality pooled up in it.


    I''m still trying to analyze your body''s condition. Adding more stat points, your body might not able to take it and will explode.]


    "Tch. So much for wishing to be overpowered. I got nerfed almost immediately," Ss said, sounding deted.


    He was no longer angry at the system. Instead he was thankful for it for saving his life.


    Actually, his mind is preupied with what that the system said about his body being in a unstable condition, and an intense amount of vitality pooled up in his body.


    Curiously, Ss called up his status screen.


    "Status."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 80?1000]


    [Agility: 35?1000]


    [Stamina: 35?1000]


    [Intelligence: 100?1000]


    [Charisma: 18?1000]


    [Stats Point(s): 0?5000?268(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F), Regeneration.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 30,000] N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [System Point(s): 199,285,000?194,285,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 310 Days 21 Hour.]


    "What?! A new superpower?! How?!," Ss threw out a barrage of questions in shock and surprise.


    The previous feeling of soreness and difort had disappearedpletely and he was now feeling a heart-pounding happiness.


    "System, how did this happen? Did I experience another awakening? Can people awaken multiple superpowers?," Ss threw out more questions.


    In fact, it wasn''t only Ss that was surprised, the system itself, was at a loss.


    [It seems you awakened another superpower due to intense vitality in your body.


    Your situation is unique and you will have to find out more by yourself.]


    Hearing this, Ss knew that whatever happened to him to gain another superpower was an anomaly.


    "Will I be able to increase the rank of the new superpower?," Ss asked curiously.


    [I can''t say but it''s advisable for you to get an extensive rest and not strain your body anymore, as you can break it.]


    Hearing this, Ss let out a tired sigh.


    "Yeah, I know. I was just being overly curious."


    The soreness he was feeling disappeared and was reced with a strange feeling, and that of immense strength coursing through his body.


    Ss stood up from the ground and walked towards the sea to take his bath. Ss noticed that as he walked, his footprints were deeply embedded into the ground.


    He stepped on a fallen tree and it was crushed under his feet without him applying pressure to it.


    "Well, I guess that proves that I got stronger," Ss said and continued walking towards the sea.


    He doesn''t want to go back to the cabin house as he is and destroy its atmosphere with the gut-wrenching stench that''s emanating from his body.


    If he does that, where is he going to sleep?


    Looking at the night sky filled with stars and the moon hung up high, Ss knew that going back to his hotel room will be impossible.


    After Ss was done taking his bath in the sea, Ss started training himself on how to control his strength, so as not to cause unintended damages to his surroundings.


    Unlike what one would have expected, Ss didn''t feel any hunger after waking up, but instead his body was filled with energy.


    Almost a dayter, Ss had mostly gotten used to his new strength. He can control almost precisely so as not o cause any unintended damage.


    After he felt that his current level of progress was sufficient, Ss proceeded to go to the cabin house.

 Chapter 60 Massive Changes(II), Going Home And Creating A New AGI

    60 Massive Changes(II), Going Home And Creating A New AGI


    Few minutester, in the cabin house''s bathroom, Ss was having his bath.


    After bathing in the sea, maybe because he didn''t use bathing products, Ss'' body still stinks but it wasn''t as bad it initially was.


    Seeing this, the first thing Ss did when he got to the cabin house was to bath thoroughly and get rid of the smell from his body.


    After a long, thorough bathing session, Ss had already achieved his aim. He walked out of the bathroom with a satisfied smile on his face.


    After dressing up, Ss changed into a set of clothes, disposing off the one he wore before.


    After he was done, he stood in front of the mirror, admiring his body.


    "Is this really me?," Ss asked in surprise when he saw apletely different person being reflected in the mirror.


    Not that the reflection in the mirror is an unknown person, but the person is very simr to him, yet strange at the same time. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "What happened to me?!," Ss couldn''t help but ask.


    His appearance seems to have evolved overnight. Unlike the slight, significant changes his body experienced after he took the GES, his appearance underwent a very drastic change this time around.


    Ss noticed that his previous dark hair, got darker, his skin fairer and soft to the touch and perfect. His previous blue iris now have a small green tint. His muscles has also be well defined and chiselled,plimenting his handsome structure even further.


    His body and frame now perfect, without any blemish. To top it all, he gained some heights, his height is now 6''2" from the previous 5''7".


    Not only his physical appearance but Ss also felt the intense amount of vitality that the system talked about, brimming and coursing through his body, and continuously nourishing it.


    The system said that it''s intense, but Ss felt that it''s excessive.


    Thinking of this, Ss called up his status panel to confirm something.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    [Strength: 1000]


    [Agility: 1000]


    [Stamina: 1000]


    [Intelligence: 1000]


    [Charisma: 1000]


    [Stats Point(s): 268(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F), Regeneration.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 30,000]


    [System Point(s): 194,285,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 309 Days 21 Hour.]


    "It seems like during the process of the system repairing my body with the aid of the tree''s vitality, maybe my body absorbed too much of the vitality and the remaining was condensed, and that''s how I got a new superpower."


    Ss felt that his theory was correct but he couldn''t confirm it as even the system itself doesn''t understand what happened.


    This incident made Ss realize something; his system might not really be omnipotent as he thought it to be.


    After his long session of self-admiration, Ss decided to get some sleep.


    Though his body is brimming with vitality, he''s not immune to mental fatigue.


    ...


    The next morning, after waking up, Ss told LUNAR to have the speedboat and car ready for him, as he intends to return to the hotel.


    After he was done with his morning duties, Ss made his way to the pier where Mr Antonio was already waiting for him.


    Mr Antonio saw a young man walking up to him. Seeing the young man walking towards him, Mr Antonio felt that the individual was familiar but he couldn''t remember when or where he has seen him before.


    It felt simr and and at the same time, strange. He just couldn''t ce his hands on it.


    As the got closer, the feeling became stronger and when he saw the face of the young man, Mr Antonio was shocked by how beautiful the young man looks, and it finally clicked.


    ''M-Mr Ss!''


    ¡­..


    Ss, seeing Mr Antonio''s expression understood what was happening, didn''t bother to exin and got into the speedboat, and they left for the port.


    Mr Antonio wasn''t the only who felt the changes in Ss, as Ss grasped the attention of everyone that saw him.


    When Ss got to the port, he walked towards Mr Jos¨¦, without paying attention to those who were gawking at his appearance or trying to grab his attention.


    After getting into the car, the unspared and equally shocked Mr Jos¨¦ started the car, and started driving towards the hotel.


    When he got back to his hotel room, Ss started packing his things, as he decided that it was finally time to go home.


    He has already achieved everything he set out to achieve and more, beforeing to Venezu.


    He got the ind and even a partnership with Mr Andr¨¦s. Even though Mr Andr¨¦s is yet to call him, Ss believes that his conditions will be epted. He knew that they had no choice but to do so.


    "LUNAR, is everything ready?"


    {Yes, the ne is prepped and ready.}


    "Good. Now, it''s time to go home," Ss said and took his bag, and left his room.


    He made his way to the hotel''s entrance. He didn''t bother to check out, as LUNAR had already taken care of it.


    Outside, Ss saw Mr Jos¨¦ waiting for him.


    "Mr Ss," Mr Jos¨¦ greeted and opened the door for him.


    "Thank you. Airport," Ss said as he got into the car and took his seat.


    "Yes, sir."


    Mr Jos¨¦ got in and started the car, and drove off towards Caracas International Airport.


    Sitting in the car, Ss noticed the subtle change in Mr Jos¨¦''s attitude and smiled.


    ¡­.


    Some minutester, a blue BMW pulled up at the parking spot of Caracas International Airport and a young man opened the door, and stepped out.


    "Thank you, Mr Jos¨¦."


    "Thanks for your patronage, Mr Ss. Please don''t forget us the next time you visit Venezu."


    "Of course," Ss said and walked into the airport building.


    After walking in, Ss made his way, directly towards the runway where his private jet was waiting.


    Unsurprisingly, it was the same thing as the first time he came. He didn''t walk towards any checking point and he wasn''t stopped by anyone.


    Unlike the first time, his appearance attracted people''s attention but due to the fact that he was using the VIP route, he wasn''t disturbed by anyone.


    It didn''t take Ss long to see the aircraft parked on the runway.


    As Ss got closer to the aircraft, he saw the boarding door open up by itself.


    "Still can''t believe that it''s a fully automated self-driving aircraft," Ss said with a smile, as climbed into the aircraft and the boarding door closed automatically.


    Immediately, the aircraft''s engine came alive and it began its run for takeoff


    Ss took his seat and brought up the seat''s touch-screen to ce his order.


    After he was done cing his order and was waiting for it to recover, Ss thought of something; how to release the Gear and Pod.


    Actually, he already has an idea but he was having a little bit of headache with the Pod, as he doesn''t want to release it as it is, with the Domain avable to others.


    The Domain is a tform thates with the Pod, and this is something that will give him an advantage, and one mustn''t give out their advantage.


    "LUNAR, the Domain ability of the Pod, is there a way to remove it from other Pods?"


    {Yes.}


    "How?" Ss knew that LUNAR might have a way of achieving what he wants, and hearing her response confirmed it.


    {Since the Pod have to connect to the Main Server during its set-up, I can use that connection to encrypt and hide the Domain, making it unavable to anyone who doesn''t have the encryption key. The tform won''t be visible in the Pod''s lobby and the user would need an encryption key to ess it.}


    "Nice. You''re the best LUNAR."


    {I know.}


    Hearing LUNAR''s response, Ss rolled his eyes and tsked.


    "I want to create two different games, one for the Pod and another for the Gear."


    "Maybe, I don''t really need to create one for the Gear, I can coborate with other game studios to help them create the VR version of their games. It would be better and more cost-effective that way."Ss said to himself, with a viinous smile.


    Not that some of the games haven''t been created but they can''t be released at the moment due to copyright.


    {Do you want me to start creating the game for the Pod?}


    "No, I will create another AGI for it. It will be responsible for managing everything rted to the game, from contents to its gamey, mechanics, in-game economy and character."


    With that thought, Ss tapped the screen on the arm of the screen and a holographic screen popped up, with a floating holographic keyboard under it.


    "Neat."


    Ss touched the holographic keyboard and instead of his hand passing through it, it felt like he was touching something solid.


    "Dope," Ss said with a smile.


    Immediately, he got to typing the code for his new AGI: APOLLO.


    While he was typing, his order was delivered to his seat by an automatic food trolley.


    Ss paused what he was doing and wolfed down his food. After he was done, he got back to his typing.


    An hourter, Ss was done with writing the codes and a loading page could now be seen on the holographic screen.


    ''That was fast. Unlike when I was creating LUNAR. I guess it''s because of the difference between this and myptop.''


    "LUNAR, when APOLLOes online, connect it to the Main Server, and transfer to it, every rted game creation knowledge and information."


    {Yes.}


    "Good. Now, I will spend the rest of my time, gaming. Only alert me when we''re about tond."


    {Yes, sir.}


    "Thank you."


    Ss stood up from the seat and walked towards his room.


    "Time to raise more inte storms."

 Chapter 61 Testing Strength, Results

    61 Testing Strength, Results


    Oand International Airport, RWY 28.


    A matte ck colored Gulfstream G650ER descended slowly and kissed the tarmac with a small thud, as it decelerated and slowly taxied to a stop.


    After the aircraft taxied to a stop, the entry door of the aircraft opened up and the air stairs extended towards the ground, allowing a young man to climb down the aircraft.


    The young man raised his head and looked at the beautiful gray ball in the sky reflecting light to the Earth''s surface, and smiled.


    "I was just away for some days and it feels like I have been away for months."


    "LUNAR, are you done transferring the rted game creation knowledge and information to APOLLO?"


    {Yes. APOLLO has already been connected to the Main Server, and it has already started with the game''s creation.}


    "Good, have it send it to my Pod when he''s done with it."


    {Yes sir.}


    Yes, the young man in question is Ss. After eight hours of flight, he finally arrived at Oand.


    Just like before, Ss spent eight flight hours ying VR game.


    Back to the present, Ss left the tarmac and walked towards the airport terminal.


    Just like what happened at Caracas International Airport, he didn''t go through any formalities as he just walked through the terminal and made his way out of the airport building.


    Ss strolled toward his parked car, deftly unlocking it before settling into the driver''s seat and smoothly driving away.


    The drive was fast and smooth with the roads being mostly empty as it was already midnight.


    After 7 long hours of driving, the sun was already up by the time Ss arrived at the vi. Unsurprisingly, the vi was empty and quiet.


    Ss drove into the garage and parked the car before going to his room.


    Inside the room, Ss looked around and saw that it was just as he left it, only that it looks cleaner.


    "I wonder when APOLLO will be done with the game," Ss said as he sat on his bed.


    He has already slept throughout the flight and now he''s not feeling sleepy, but the same energetic feeling he has been having after the incident on the ind.


    ''Since I have nothing else to do, I can use the time to train in the Domain.''


    Thinking of this, Ss got up from the bed and walked towards the pod. He ced his hands on the ss exterior of the pod and it opened automatically, allowing him to enter inside.


    Inside the pod, after he was sessfully logged in, he appeared in the lobby and he immediately clicked on the Domain''s icon.


    The next moment, he found himself standing on a beach. He looked ahead of him and and an endless ocean that spanned as far as the eye could see, with no end in sight appeared.


    He turned back and he saw a barren, rockynd just as expansive as the ocean.


    Yes, this is Ss'' creation. It''s a result of the Domain''s reaction to his thoughts.


    Ss took a moment to take in the beautiful scenery around him.


    "Ok, here we are. Let''s start training," Ss said after he was done.


    "First thing first. Let''s see the representation of my stats physically," Ss said and walked towards arge diamond rock.


    Yes, the rock is actually made of pure diamond.


    After the ind incident, Ss has been curious about his actual strength. What does his stats actually represent in the real world and how strong he actually is.


    He could have done it in the real world but he decided not as he doesn''t want to intentionally push himself too hard and kill himself.


    Besides, the system told him to get an extensive rest. Since he couldn''t do it in the real world with his real body, then he can use the Domain to get the results he wants.


    Ss first n to test his strength attribute and what other better way to test one strength than punching against the strongest known substance, Diamond.


    Ss took a boxing stance and pulled all his strength into his fist, and with a loud booming sound, punched the diamond.


    A loud explosion sounded and the diamond rock was blown out of existence.


    All it took was Ss'' full powered punch to explode a rock of the strongest substance in the world!


    A satisfied smile appeared on Ss'' face when he saw the condition of his practice target.


    "If I didn''t know better, I would have said that the diamond rock wasn''t high quality. But that''s impossible as the creation of diamond rock is thanks to LUNAR''s huge database and the Pod''s perfect replication ability."


    "I guess I''m that strong now. Easily exploding a rock made of diamond into smithereens."


    Ss decided to do another test as he conjured an extremely dense and massive concrete pir made of high-strenght steel in front of him.


    After the concrete pir as wide as quarter the width of a standard basketball court, has materialized, Ss took a boxing stance and punched it.


    This time, he didn''t put in all of his strength, but instead, a normal punch.


    Even without Ss'' full powered punch, he was still able to able to punch a massive hole into the concrete pir.


    "I guess that proves it."


    "Time to test my Agility and Stamina."


    Thinking of that, Ss materialized an extremely long race track, extending as far as his eyes could see.


    The race track isn''t actually endless but its length is the equivalent to thebination of Rhodes Ind''s length and width, 85 miles long.


    Ss went to the race track, and bent down as he took a running stance.


    Few secondster, a loud gunshot-like sounded.


    Hearing the sound, Ss'' body propelled forward with controlled power, but with no restrain on his speed.


    .....


    At the finish line, Ss stood up straight, not looking like someone who just did a 85 mile sprint.


    He didn''t feel out of breath, nor did he feel tired. On the contrary, he was feeling energetic and full of strength.


    "I don''t know if the reason why I don''t feel tired is due to my high stamina or the intense vitality coursing through my body.


    Ughh.. So confusing," Ss said as he scratched his head in exasperation.


    Ss decided to check the results for his Agility test, as he looked towards a speed measuring machine beside the finish, where a string of numbers appeared.


    {510 mph, 00:10:43}


    Ss didn''t want to be shocked but he couldn''t help it.


    "510 mph?!"


    "How fast is that? Am I like those speedsters now?!"


    Ss was shell-shocked at the results he achieved. He thought he was nerfed by the system but it seems he''s actually overpowered.


    He has the strength to explode the strongest substance in the world with a punch, he can punch a massive hole into a dense concrete pir. His speed isparable to that of amercial n and his stamina....


    Thinking of his stamina, an obscene thought popped up in his head and his face turned red.


    After he was done with testing his physical stats, Ss felt it was time for his training session.


    With another thought, a fighting doll, a perfect replication of himself appeared in front of him.


    Ss sized up the fighting doll before taking a battle stance.


    "Ok, throw everything at me. Nightmare mode," Ss said with a grin.


    The fighting doll, in response, threw an extremely fast, killing punch at him without warning.


    Ss reacted instantaneously as he dodged to the side but he was a tad too slow and with a loud "bam" sound, the punch connected to his face and he was sent spiraling out of control into the air, and into the horizon.


    The fighting doll looked at Ss'' flying figure and shot towards him. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    *****


    In a dimly lit room in the capital city of Venezu, Caracas, Mr Andr¨¦s and some people were sitted around a round a table.


    "Andr¨¦s, is what you said true," A man asked as he went through the documents in his hand.


    "Yes, everything is true. He promised to pay off the debt," Mr Andr¨¦s replied.


    The man put the document down on the table and looked at Mr Andr¨¦s in curiosity.


    "Andr¨¦s, do you really believe that he can pay off a debt of such amount? I mean it''s a debt of more than $1 trillion not $100 million, $1 billion or $100 billion. It''s a debt of close to $2 trillion!," He asked with a questioning look on his face.


    "You don''t need to worry. It''s not like he promised to pay it all at once," Mr Andr¨¦s replied confidently.


    "If you say so. What do you guys think about this¡­. kid''s offer? How do we proceed now that we have already gotten someone to help us, and you can speak up if you''re against his conditions." The man said as he looked at the rest of the people in the room.


    Ady dropped the document she was reading on the table and looked at Mr Andr¨¦s, and said, "Honestly, I don''t think there''s a need for this meeting. I mean, the reason why we made Andr¨¦s in charge of soliciting support is because we know howpetent he is, and if he''s really confident in this kid to agree to his conditions, then I don''t think there''s a need for us to debate it."


    The rest of the people in the room heard this and nodded in agreement.


    "Well, if that''s the case, then we can just end the meeting and proceed to putting our ns into action. We have to implement it as soon as possible," Mr Andr¨¦s said.

 Chapter 62 Vs Clone, Defeat

    Chapter 62 Vs Clone, Defeat


    The Pod has the enviable ability of replicating everything about the user and even their surroundings, down to thest detail into the digital world, and this is the reason why Ss chose it as an alternative training ground for his training session.


    In addition to that function, the Pod''s training tform for its user, Domain, is the most terrifying with its ability to create everything and anything the user thinks of.


    Thanks to these two reasons, Ss was able to create a clone of himself, with all his knowledge and abilities.


    They say that for a fighter, there''s nothing worse than fighting an unrestrained version of yourself, at its peak condition.


    Back to the present, Ss was still shuttling miles through the air after he was sent flying by a punch to his face.


    Ss'' body smashed through multiplerge diamond rocks before he finally stopped flying as his body smashed a hole into a diamond mountain and was embedded in it.


    "What in the actual fuck?! That was just a punch!" Ss shouted in shock and rage, as he pulled his body out of the mountain.


    He looked towards his clone, and saw it blitzing towards him like aunched projectile.


    Seeing this, Ss tightened his feet into the mountain, andunched his body towards the clone, using the mountain as aunchpad, and more than half of the mountain came crumbling down as a result.


    Ss and the clone met each other in the air with a punch, and a loud booming sound resonated from the impact of the punches, and the two of them were sent flying in different directions.


    Ssnded on the floor and just as he was about to regain his bearing, when he saw an unknown object closing in on his vision.


    He made an attempt to dodge the unknown object and was sessful, but he couldn''t celebrate as another unknown object hit him right in the face and sent him spinning into the air, yet again.


    Ss managed to stop himself from spinning but was unable to catch his breath, as he saw the clone closing in on him, with two swords made of earth, in each hand.


    "Shit! How the fuck is it able to do that?!," Ss screamed in shock when he saw the earthen swords in the clone''s hands.


    "Ohh.. I can do that too," Ss said with a smile, aftering to a realization and started free-falling to the ground.


    The clone seeing Ss free-falling towards it,unched itself into the air and shed at Ss'' head.


    Ss, seeing this, was calm. He gently controlled the air current around him and formed two small whirlwinds, concentrated around his hands, and met the earth swords head-on with a full-powered punch.


    A massive collision sound originated from the impact of the two attacks. The whirlwinds around Ss'' hands acting as a guard and an attack amplifier, lost their form and dispersed, and the earthen swords shattered.


    The two of them were yet again sent flying in different directions and smashed into the ground, creating a massive hole and dust clouds.


    Ss quickly picked himself out of the hole and blitzed towards the clone''s position.


    His vision wasn''t affected by the dust cloud at all, as he could see the clone creating a human-tall earth shield with spikes on its surface.


    Seeing this, Ss also controlled the earth around him and created arge earthen longsword.


    Immediately, he appeared in front of the shield and shed across it, with all his strength.


    Ss didn''t n to hold back but instead, he intends to crush this fake version of himself who sent him flying with a punch.


    Yes, he''s pissed.


    Unfortunately for him, the shield proved to be sturdy as all he could achieve was leaving a light scratch on it.


    Ss didn''t have the chance to prepare another attack as he felt an impact on his chest, and was sent flying backward, yet again.


    At this point, Ss waspletely pissed and thest of the restraint that was holding him back finally broke.


    "Are you fucking kidding me?! I''m being yed by a damn clone! My own clone!"


    Before he couldnd and his feet could touch the ground, Ss disappeared from the spot, leaving shes of afterimages behind.


    The next moment, he appeared beside the clone and punched its face with his fist coated with solidified earth.


    The attack unfortunately, didn''t connect as the clone caught Ss'' hand and threw him forward, before immediately dragging him back and mercilessly smashed him into the ground.


    Ss'' anger at this point had deted as his smashed bodyy sprawled in the hole.


    Ss didn''t know whether he should cry at how badly he was beaten or be happy at how strong he actually is.


    Yes, he was the one who wanted to train himself by fighting a clone in nightmare mode, but he didn''t expect to receive such a whopping.


    "This is enough for today," Ss said and logged out.


    Immediately, he found himself awake and the Pod''s ss opened, allowing him to exit its interior.


    Ss stepped out of the Pod andy down tiredly on the bed. He wasn''t actually tired but the beating he received left him feeling defeated and very moody, but it wasn''t permanent as his mood improved the next moment when he thought of how strong he''s be.


    "That was really intense," Ss said, as he let out a long sigh and smiled.


    Putting aside the beating he received, Ss was very happy and satisfied with the results he achieved.


    He now have the strength that easily allows him to pulverize a concrete pir. His speed measuring 510 mph, almost as fast asmercial nes, if not faster.


    His abnormal stamina, something that left him stumped since he woke up after the ind incident.


    After Ss did the 85 miles sprint, he felt that he could still go a couple moreps, but this was only his thought.


    Ss'' charisma attribute with 1000 points has made him into the most handsome male on the, or should he say beautiful. He literally went from an ogre to a EX rank super model.


    Ss didn''t have any words for his intelligence that allows him terrifying mental abilities and control over matter.


    The intense training fight with the clone, even though it was a one-sided beating for him, proved that he was extremely strong and he was still hiding more, especially thest attack he made.


    The attack made Ss understand that he could still go beyond his current speed but that''s something he would have to confirmter.


    With this, Ss knew that he wasn''t actually nerfed but instead, just like the system said, his body has hit its limit.


    While he was thinking of his rapid increase in strength, his thoughts also drifted to something else; his superpowers.


    Ss was actually able to see to an extent just how terrifying the [Matter Maniption] is.


    The ability that allows him to control any form of matter and shape it into whatever he wants is insane!


    Ss felt he hase a long way from someone who couldn''t even control a tennis ball of water to someone who can shape the earth into whatever he wants, even though it''s still F Rank. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Due to the limitations of his rank, Ss is only able to freely control and shape the original states of matter into whatever structure he wants, but it''s still not perfect.


    Ss noticed that when he created the earthen longsword, he felt how weak its structure. Even though the longsword appeared very terrifying, Ss felt that all he needed was a flick of his finger to shatter it to dust.


    After a careful analysis, Ss knew that there''s still more work to be done.


    Herees the confusing part that Ss still can''t understand. Is the superpower, [Regeneration] just as straightforward as its name?


    If yes, then why does he feel that there''s something more to it.


    After a while of thinking, Ss decided not to burn anymore of his brain cells. He felt that the mystery behind everything would unravel itself soon.


    "Since, I don''t have to worry about my strength for a very long time, then I can focus on my business ns and for that, I will need system points," Ss said as he thought to himself.


    "I haven''t been able to extensively explore the system store. Something I should start doing as soon as possible."

 Chapter 63 Going Home To Alex And Kim

    Chapter 63 Going Home To Alex And Kim


    "Speaking of system points, I wonder if there are other methods to earn them apart from the aforementioned methods,"Ss thought to himself.


    "System, are there other methods that I can earn system points with, apart from those you mentioned before?"


    [Yes, you can earn system points when someone uses an item created by you as long as it has a connection to the store.]


    "I can earn system points when someone uses an item I creates as long it has a connection to the store?," Ss asked the system, curiously.


    [Yes, as long as an item has a connection to the system, you can earn system points whenever someone uses it.]


    "Ok, so how many system points do I earn, and why have I not been earning system points since LUNAR was created," Ss asked.


    He believed that with what the system said,then he should have been earning some system points passively everyday since LUNAR was created, since LUNAR has a connection to the system.


    [You can''t earn system points from yourself.]


    "So, how many system points do I earn whenever someone uses the item? Also, how does the earning mechanism work?"


    [The amount of system points that can be earned varies depending on what item is being used. If it''s an item that was created by you, then you earn 0.1 system points. For items that were bought from the system store, you earn 0.001 system points


    The earning is a continuous process and you can earn the system point everyday, using a location''s time zone that will be designated as the standard timezone.]


    "0.1 system point and 0.001 system point, is that supposed to be an encouragement for me to create my own items?


    Well, that''s ok too. This means that when ELLA goes live, I will be earning 0.1 system points for every user that uses it everyday.


    The Gear will give two types of system points earning, the one-time earning which is 5% of its total cost, and the passive earnings when they use it everyday."


    "About the designated time zone, can it be changed or is it permanent?"


    [Permanent.]


    "Tch... I thought it can be changed. If so, then I can use it as a loophole. I will have to decide on the timezer."


    Ss knew the 199 million system points he has won''t be enough when he put his n into action. He still vividly remember the price of the teleportation knowledge; a whooping 1 billion system points.


    "I feel like eating something. Time to get myself something to eat," Ss said, as he stood up and went downstairs.


    Ss wasn''t actually feeling hungry, he just want to eat something.


    The sun was already out and people were now going about their daily business, as it was already the early morning rush hour.


    "Serah.. What do you think that thing in his room could possibly be? Maybe it''s a secret super advanced technology being developed by the government."


    Ss heard a familiar voice as he got closer to the living room and he recognized the voice immediately as Emma''s.


    "Really, Emma? A ''super advanced technology being developed by the government? Before, you said he was someone into some illegal activities, now he''s a secret government agent?"


    "What? Is him being a secret government agent not better than someone into illegal business, and do you think someone into illegal business can get something that looks so high-tech and gives off a sci-fi feel?," Emma said with a raised brow.


    "What do you mean by high-tech? You don''t even know what that thing is and you''re already jumping to conclusions? Also, do you really think that if he''s a secret government agent, he will put something like that in his room where we can easily see it?," Serah asked.


    One could notice the frustration she was feeling from her voice, as this is not the first time they are having this type of conversation since they saw the Pod in Ss'' room.


    "Come on, Serah, why do you always like to ruin the mood? Even if he''s a secret government agent or someone into illegal business, it makes no difference. It''s not like we can go around telling what we see here to people. Besides, don''t forget what we saw when we searched the image on the inte."


    "Emma, you don''t need to think too much about these things. If he wants to tell us, he will. It''s his choice and his personal life. But if you can''t hold your curiosity in, then directly ask him about it."


    "No can do, thank you. I don''t want some men dressed in ck looking for me or someone pointing a pen that shes white light to my face. I want to be alive and keep my memories intact. Not being silenced by anyone or getting my memories wiping."


    "Good. Since you don''t want to be the cat that gets killed by its curiosity, then hold it in check. You also know that he''s back, so watch what you say," Serah warned.


    "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."


    Ss, who was standing on the stairs, could only shook his head at their conversation.


    ''When did I be a secret government agent or someone into illegal business?''


    ''I mean she''s right about the Pod being a super advanced technology but Emma''s imagination... is way too wild.''


    Ss shook his head one more time and went down the stairs.


    One would ask why Ss didn''t hide the Pod just as he did with the quantumputer? The reason was because he felt no need to do so and besides, he had no time to spare. After checking out the Gear and Pod, he had to rush down to the airport so that he wouldn''t bete for his meeting with Mr Andr¨¦s.


    Ss walked to the dining table and took his seat as he waited for his breakfast to arrive.


    Few minutester, Emma served his breakfast and Ss started eating.


    Something Ss noticed after the ind incident was that his appetite reduced drastically. It didn''t increase simultaneously with his stats but instead decreasd. Something, Ss couldn''t help but attribute to the intense vitality flowing through him.


    After he was done eating, Ss decided that it was finally time to go back home and see his younger brother, and also discuss his n in full detail with Kim.


    "The time I''m spending on the road is really starting to get on my nerves. Another 7 hours of driving. Ughh," Ss said, feeling very annoyed, as the past few days have seen him spending much more time on the road.


    Actually, Ss was thinking of going to Oand without his car but with his legs. Yes, he''s thinking of running with his legs to Oand.


    After doing a rough calction, Ss found out that with his speed of 510 mph, it will take about 50 minutes to run from the vi to his home in Oand.


    Though those were his thoughts,he didn''t intend to act on it. If he''s to do that, then what''s the use of the cars parked in his garage? Also, it''s not like he''s in a hurry to get home.


    With those thoughts, Ss stood from the chair and went to his room to get his things before making his way to the garage.


    ....


    Some hourster, a ck Corvette parked in front of Oand''s biggest mall and a young man came down from the car, and walked into the mall.


    Yes, the young man is Ss. He decided to stop at the mall and get some things for Alex and Kim before going home.


    He knew that Alex would be feeling very sad because he didn''t keep his promise of visiting him every weekend, and that''s why he decided to stop at the mall as he intends to shop for some bribes.


    Walking into the mall, Ss made his way to the kid''s section.


    Almost an hourter, Ss was already done with his shopping and was now on his way home.


    ....


    *Ding-dong*


    "Yes. I''ming." A female voice came from behind the door in response to the doorbell that was rung.


    The door opened and a middle-ageddy could be seen standing behind the door, with a surprised expression on her face as she looked at the person standing in front of her.


    "Ss?!"


    "Hi Kim. It''s been a while."N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 64 Home Sweet Home

    Chapter 64 Home Sweet Home


    "Ss!."


    "Hi Kim. It''s been a while.


    Kim was very shocked when she saw Ss. She knew that she definitely have recognized him if she didn''t hear his familiar voice, because the Ss now, is so unrecognizable from his previous self.


    "Kim?," Ss called out her when he saw her spacing out.


    Kim was so shocked that she forgot that Ss was still standing at the door.


    "Ohh... I''m sorry," She said and moved to the side.


    As Ss walked, she finally couldn''t hold on her curiosity and asked, "How? What happened?"


    "Ah... This? It''s a result of my new skincare routine," Ss said, giving Kim an extremely flimsy excuse.


    Kim felt like tearing her hair from her head when she heard what he said.


    ''What fucking skincare routine can bring about such drastic change in less than 3 months? Do you really think I''m that stupid?''


    Ss fully aware of Kim''s dilemma didn''t bother to exin further and was about to walk to the stairs to check on Alex, when he saw Alex standing at the stairs, looking at him strangely, before rushing towards him the next moment.


    With a bright smile on his face, Ss spread his arms open to catch him.


    "Brother!!!," Alex screamed in excitement as he collided into Ss'' open arm.


    "Hehe. How are you? How have you been?," Ss asked with a smile as he caressed his hair.


    "Fine.. I really missed you, brother? You said that you will visit me every weekend but you didn''t. I thought you wouldn''te back again," Alex said thest part with a sad voice, and a face full of hurt.


    When Ss heard what Alex said, he felt like extremely sharp arrows were piercing through his heart.


    Ss definitely remembered what he said that day when they were eating, he promised toe back every weekend toe check up on Alex, but he never did except for once, except when he came back home due to his meeting with the board members of Stanford University.


    Though, Ss could not be med as he has been very busy, from creating the quantumputer for more than a month, to his travel to Venezu some dayster. There was no way he would have gotten time to visit Alex, but still, he owes him an apology.


    "Sorry Alex, brother has been so busy for the past few weeks. I''m sorry that I couldn''t keep my words, and that''s why I''m here now. I''m going to spend the rest of the week and the next with you.


    What do you think about that? I also bought you something nice. I''m sure you will definitely like it," Ss said with a smile, as he tried to sooth the little kid.


    Hearing what his big brother said, how could Alex continue to remain angry at him.


    "Promise?" He asked with a faint smile as he hugged Ss tighter.


    "Yes Alex, I promise," Ss said.


    "Mmmh," Alex nodded in satisfaction and hugged Ss again.


    Ss carried Alex from the ground and went to take a seat on a sofa.


    While this was happening, Kim stood at the door looking at the two of them with a smile on her face.


    "You must be hungry. I will get you something to eat," Kim said and walked into the kitchen.


    "Thank you."


    After Kim walked into the kitchen to prepare something for him to eat, Ss decided to show Alex what he bought for him.


    After Kim left, Alex looked at Ss asked curiously, "Brother, what happened to you?"


    "Nothing Alex,e. Follow me," Ss said, as he stood up from the sofa and went outside to where his car was parked, with Alex following behind.


    Ss knew that something like this was bound to happen but what can he do. He can try to gloss over it and hope they don''t probe further.


    When they got outside, Ss opened the passenger door of the car and grabbed a white box that was restingfortably on the car seat, and gave it to Alex.


    "Do you like it?," Ss asked as Alex collected the box from him.


    Ss didn''t even need to ask as the excitement and happiness in Alex''s eyes gave him all the answers he needed.


    "Yes, brother, I love it! Thank you!," Alex replied with a face full of smile and excitement, as he held the yStation 5 in his hand


    "I''m d you do," Ss said in satisfaction.


    Seeing his little brother''s face full of smiles and happiness also made him happy.


    "Come on, let''s go in and set it up," Ss said and Alex eagerly nodded, and the two of them made their way back inside.


    Alex happily ran to his room with the box in hand and Ss followed behind.


    When they got to Alex''s room, Ss immediately got to setting up the yStation. It didn''t take long for him to finish setting it up and start loading a game on it.


    The game was still loading when he heard Kim''s voice indicating that food was ready.


    "Wait for me, ok?," Ss said as he stood up from the bed.


    "Yes."


    As Ss made his way downstairs to the dining, he thought of how busy he had been these past two months and how much stress he had umted mentally, and he ns to use his time at home to relieve those stress.


    As he got closer to the dining, he could smell the aroma wafting from the food and he smiled. Even though he doesn''t feel hungry anymore, he will not give up eating.


    Ss took his seat at the dining table, picked up his spoon and dug in. The food disappeared quickly into Ss'' stomach, leaving the previously filled tes empty. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    After he was done eating, Ss thanked Kim for the food and cleared the empty tes off the table. He took them to the kitchen to wash them and after washing, he went back upstairs to Alex''s room.


    When he got to Alex''s room, Ss saw that everything had already been prepped and what was remaining was for him to select his team, and start the match.


    "Little champ, are you ready to lose?," He asked teasingly, as he took his seat beside Alex on the bed.


    "You can''t beat me, brother. You''re older than me but it doesn''t mean you''re better than me at the game," Alex replied with a confident smile.


    "Really? Why don''t we check that out?," Ss asked with a raised eyebrow as he grabbed the pad.


    "Choose your team brother, I will show you," Alex said.


    Ss saw that the little boy was very confident in himself and smiled. He will definitely go easy on Alex but first, he has to be humbled.


    Ss decided to pick a random team. He went down to the bottom and chose a random country team with trashy stats.


    After that was done, he pressed the start button and the game started loading. After a few seconds of loading, the game started as Alex made the first pass.


    The first half was used by Ss to frustrate the little boy and the second half was utter decimation.


    The duo spent the rest of the day gaming, and they continued tillte into the night before Alex started feeling sleepy and Ss had to stop the game,and freshen him up before taking him to bed.


    After Alex fell asleep, Ss switched off the lights and left the room. He walked down the corridor to his own room and opened the door.


    Looking inside his room, he saw that it was just as he left it.


    "Home sweet home," Ss said as he slumped on the bed

 Chapter 65 Spending Time With Alex

    Chapter 65 Spending Time With Alex


    The next morning, after he was done with his morning duties, Ss came down to the living room with hisptop.


    One of the reasons why Ss came back home is to discuss his business n with Kim and have her take charge of thepany.


    He took his seat and switched on theptop, and waited for it to load. After that was done, he opened the website that was created for ELLA.


    With everything set and ready, all that remains is for Kim to have a look at it. Ss was still waiting for Kim to wake up ande downstairs when his phone started ringing.


    He picked up the phone and checked the caller ID, President Odetta.


    Ss was a bit surprised when he saw the name on the caller ID. He has been expecting her to call him in regards to recing theb equipments he ''dissioned'' while he was creating the quantumputer.


    "Hello President Odetta," Ss said, as he picked the call.


    "Hello Mr Ss. I''m calling you in regards to the recement of the damaged equipments. After the assessments was done, we found the cost for recing the equipments estimated to be $13 million," President Odetta said, immediately stating her reason for calling.


    Ss was not surprised when he heard the amount that will be needed to rece the damaged equipments.


    He was actually disappointed. He had expected it to cost more than that.


    The reason why Ss was expecting the cost to be higher? Lottery tickets!


    The higher the expenses, the more lottery tickets he gets, and more lottery tickets means more free system points and more chances at getting item''s free passes.


    "Okay, President Odetta, the money will be sent to you immediately."


    "Ok, Mr Ss. Thank you. I will be expecting the payment. Also, Mr Ss, two months have gone by and you''re yet to choose your courses. You do remember our agreement, right?"


    Hearing what President Odetta said, Ss was reminded of something that he haspletely forgotten about; choosing his preferred courses.


    "Yes, I remember the agreement we had. I will be in the institution next week to do that." Ss replied.


    Hearing this, President Odetta remained silent for a while before hanging up.


    After President Odetta hung up, Ss saw that he was no longer alone in the living room. He saw Kim standing at a distance looking at him with a curious and questioning look on her face.


    "Hi Kim, Good morning," Ss greeted her.


    "Good morning Ss," Kim replied and took her seat on a sofa opposite Ss''.


    "You working?," She asked when she saw theptop in front of him.


    "No, I actually wanted to show you something. It''s rted to what we talked about before," Ss replied, and turned the screen of theptop that already has the loaded webpage of ELLA, to her.


    Kim saw this and brought theptop closer to herself, and started going through the website curiously.


    She remembered the conversation she had with Ss on the phone, about him wanting to start a business.


    She wasn''t sure if he was being serious about it but as she went through the website, from what she saw, she understood that he was very serious about it and he was prepared.


    Still, she was curious. He said that he already has a capital of $1 billion and a thirty storey office building ready.


    The question is where did he get such huge amount of money from? Also, who''s this President Odetta he was talking to on the phone? How did his appearance change in so much in such a short time and when did he start using lenses?


    So many questions she has but she hardly believes she will ever get an answer from Ss if he doesn''t want to tell her.


    Kim bottled up her curiosity and questions, and went through the website meticulously, trying to get as much detail and information as she could, so that she can better understand what she''s dealing with.


    After a few minutes, she was done with what she was doing as she directed her attention to Ss.


    "Wow! I must say that I''m impressed. It has an almost infinite amount of potential. If it''s to be released, it will be a bigpetition for the AIs currently out in the market," Kim said after going through the website.


    As the former sales department manager of apany, assessing a product for its market viability is very easy for her, and that was the reason why she said what she said.


    Ss nodded at Kim''s words. He already knew that ELLA will rival the top AIs that have been released.


    Wrong, ELLA will dominate them!


    "I n tounch it next month," Ss said to Kim.


    "Ohh.. that''s good," Kim said.


    "Yeah, I want you to take care of the business side of things. Like the hiring of workers, marketing it, customer care and other things," Ss said and Kim nodded.


    "That, I can take care of," Kim replied with a nod.


    "Okay then, I will leave it to you. Whenever you''re ready, let me know. I will get thew firm to help you with any legal assistance you need, so that the process can be faster and easier for you."


    "Yeah, I will let you know when I''m ready," Kim said and stood, "Alex will soon be up, let me go and prepare breakfast," She said and walked to the kitchen. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "That has been settled, now to other things," Ss said to himself after his discussion with Kim.


    "LUNAR, transfer $13 million, $20 million and $2 million, twice, to the ount of Stanford University."


    {That''s a total of $35 million, sir.}


    "Yes, transfer and put a note on each transactions. The $13 million is for equipments recement, the $30 million is for the monthly donation, for the previous months and the current month. The same is for the $3 million, research funding," Ss said to LUNAR.


    {Done sir,} LUNAR said after some seconds.


    "Alright. What about the game? How''s the progress with it?," Ss asked.


    {I was just about to inform you sir. It seems like creating the game will take a significant amount of time,} LUNAR replied.


    "How long will it take?"


    {A week.}


    "A week?! That''s shorter than I expected. I was thinking it will take months or maybe even a year," Ss said in surprise.


    A week to create a VR game that billions of people could potentially y?! Another thing to note is that it''s not a shabby or casual game but one with peak storyline, rich content, amazing gamey mechanics and a virtual economy, as Ss told APOLLO to give him the best of the best.


    I guess it will take a week to see the result of APOLLO''s hardwork.


    Ss was still lost in his thoughts when he felt his leg being tapped lightly.


    He looked towards it and saw Alex standing in front of him.


    "Good morning brother," Alex said when he saw that he had gotten his brother''s attention.


    "Good morning Alex, how are you"


    "Fine."


    How was your night?"


    " Fine."


    "Mmhm.. you look like you have brushed your teeth and taken your bath?," Ss asked Alex as he ruffled his hair.


    "Yes, I already did," Alex said and nodded.


    "Good boy. Breakfast will be ready soon, okay." Ss said and Alex nodded.


    Few minutester, Kim was done preparing breakfast and had already started setting the dining table.


    Ss stood up and went to assist her. After the table was set, the three of them sat down to eat a breakfast of burrito filled with egg and a side dish of bacon.


    The trio ate their food in silence and they enjoyed it very much. After they were done eating, Alex cleared the table and did the dishes before going to meet Ss in the living room.


    After they were done eating and Alex was done doing the dishes, Ss decided to take Alex and Kim out to spend the weekend.


    The weekend went by uneventfully with Ss spending it with Alex and Kim.


    In the blink of an eye, it was already Monday morning.


    Today is the day Ss decided to go to Stanford University to choose his preferred courses.


    As he came downstairs, he saw Alex seated at the dining table and eating his breakfast.


    "How are you champ? Ready for school?," Ss asked as he took his seat beside him.


    "Yes."


    "Ok. When you''re done, I will drop you off at school."


    Few minutester, the two of them were done with their breakfast and were ready to leave.


    Ss stood up and walked towards the Corvette while Alex went to get his school bag.


    He didn''t have to wait long as he saw Alex walking out of the door, towards him.


    "Get in," Ss said, and Alex nodded as he opened the door and got in.


    Immediately, Ss steered out as drove off towards the location of Alex''s school.


    ...


    Few minutester, Ss walked into an office and was greeted by a middle-aged woman exuding a strong authoritative aura.


    An aura that would have previously made Ss to cower before her but not after meeting Mr Andr¨¦s.


    And for those curious, the middle-aged woman is none other than President Odetta.


    After dropping Alex off at his school, Ss made his way directly to Stanford University.


    "Mr Ss, Wee."


    "Thank you, President Odetta."

 Chapter 66 Going Back To Venezuela

    Chapter 66 Going Back To Venezu


    "Mr Ss, Wee."


    "Thank you, President Odetta."


    "Please, do have your seat," President Odetta said, as she gestured to one of the empty chairs opposite her.


    As Ss took his seat, President Odetta looked at him curiously.


    Ss nodded as he took his seat.


    ''He changed so much in two that he''s almost unrecognizable,'' She thought to herself. She would be lying if she said she wasn''t surprised by the changes,but that was all about it.


    "I believe you''re here to select your courses?," President Odetta asked and Ss nodded in response.


    "How many courses would you be choosing?," She asked curiously.


    "Here," Ss replied as he passed her list of his chosen courses.


    President Odetta picked up the list from the table and carefully started going through it.


    It took her a few seconds to finish going through it and when she was done, she looked at Ss with a faint smile on her face.


    "Are you sure about this?," She asked as she tapped her table gently.


    "Yes," Ss replied with a nod.


    "If you say so, ok then. I will take care of the process."


    "Thank you. I will be taking my leave then," Ss said and stood up from his seat.


    Ss was just about to open the door when he heard President Odetta''s voice.


    "Mr Ss, please do not forget our agreement."


    "Of course, I won''t," Ss replied with a nod before opening the door and walking out of her office.


    After Ss left, President Odetta continued looking at the door in silence with an unreadable expression on her face.


    It has been more than two months since she met Ss and she must say that Ss has never ceased to surprise her every time they meet.


    From their first meeting when he made the ridiculous offer of ''donating'' $11 million monthly to the institution just for his admission, and the recent meeting that involved himing to choose his courses.


    Due to her position in the institution, she has met a lot of people, even those in very high ces of power but none of themes as close to Ss when ites to surprising her.


    She still can''t fathom how a young man like him can afford such expenditures and why he would choose multiple engineering courses.


    Yes, multiple engineering courses. Combination of courses that she never thought was possible. This is the reason why she asked him if he was sure about his choices.


    Though she understood to some extent that even if Ss fails his courses, it might not affect him in any way, unless they are actually important. Something she feels is highly unlikely.


    But she can''t help but feel that there''s more to it than what he''s letting out.


    Why go to such lengths? This was one of the questions on her mind but unfortunately for her, she might never have an answer to it.


    While President Odetta was still stuck in her dilemma, Ss was already making his way back home.


    ...


    Back home, Ss'' room.


    Ssy on his bed, gazing at the ceiling with different thoughts going through his mind.


    "LUNAR, what do you think about ELLA?"


    {We can make her better.}


    "Exin."


    {Make the premium version a personal AI assistant.}


    "...."


    It took Ss a moment to understand what LUNAR meant and immediately, his eyes lit up.


    "Of course, why didn''t I think of that?"


    "Since I also n tounch the Pod and Gear. Devices that would be run by an AI, why not upgrade ELLA and put her in charge of creating the AIs? The AIs would be used as mobile phones'' personal AI assistants until the Gear and Pod are released," Ss thought out loud.


    With that thought, Ss immediately got to work as he stood up from the bed and took his seat at the working table in his room.


    Switching on hisptop, he told her to pull up ELLA''s code and he immediately got to modifying ELLA''s code to that of an AGI.


    The modification process was fast and easy.


    It took Ss less than an hour to finish the process before the familiar loading window appeared.


    "LUNAR."


    {Yes sir.}


    "When ELLAes online, have her tasks assigned to her and have her take full control of the website.}


    {Yes.}


    "Good. Before shees online, flood every possible channel with ads. Take as much funds as you want," Ss said.


    {Okay.}


    "So, when do you n to release the personal AI assistants?," Ss asked.


    {When we hit 100 million daily users.}


    "And how long do you think that will take?"


    {With the ability of ELLA and the help of the ads, a week should be enough.}


    "But we won''t be releasing them in a week''s time, right?," Ss asked.


    {Yes. They will be released two months after we go premium.}


    "Good.. I will leave things to you then," Ss said.


    LUNAR initially nned to roll out the AI assistant when ELLA''s daily users hit 100 million, but that would be impossible since from LUNAR''s calction, it will take a week to achieve that, and they will still be in the free trial period which willst for a month.


    So he decided to push the n backwards to two months after going premium.


    "LUNAR, has Mr Andr¨¦s sent any message?"


    {None.}


    "Okay.. Let''s check other things. System, any notification that I need to see?"


    [Yes.]


    "Okay, roll them up."


    [Ding!]


    [[You spent $13,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $48,300,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount


    You received a Lamborghini Revuelto. The car is parked in the Vi''s garage.


    You received a fully customized Bombardier Global 800.]


    [You spent $1,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $10,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    [You spent $1,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $10,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount]


    Ss wasn''t too surprised when he saw the notifications except the fact that he got another private jet.


    "Another private jet? Nicely done, system," He said with a smile.


    Okay, Status Information"


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 1000]


    [Agility: 1000]


    [Stamina: 1000]


    [Intelligence: 1000]


    [Charisma: 1000]


    [Stats Point(s): 268(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F), Regeneration.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 33,600]


    [System Point(s): 194,285,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 306 Days 10 Hour.]


    "33,600 lottery tickets! Time to draw some. I have nothing to do anyway," Ss said to himself when he saw the amount of lottery tickets he has in his status information.


    "Finger crossed, hope I get another free pass," He said and told the system to draw 3600 lottery tickets.


    [3600 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received 1000 system points.] X399


    [You received 35,000 system points.] X78


    [You received 303,000 system points.] X149


    [You received 1000 system points.] X274


    [You received 86,500 system points.] X428


    [You received nothing.] X2272


    Seeing the rewards he got, Ss had mixed feelings but he was still happy seeing the amount of system points he got.


    Even without receiving anything other than the system points, Ss was satisfied.


    "System, draw 25,000 lottery tickets."


    [25,000 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.] X3500


    [You received 1,000,000 system points.] X65


    [You received nothing.] X670


    [You received 1000 system points.] X17,800


    [You received nothing.] X2965


    ".... *Sigh* forget it." Ss didn''t know how to respond to how the second set of lottery tickets were drawn.


    Though he got a substantial amount of system points, he was hoping on getting either a knowledge or item, or even better, an item''s free pass but things didn''t work out that way.


    He decided to keep the remaining lottery tickets for ater date, he felt like he had run out of luck for today and there was no use drawing more.


    "System, status information."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 5,000]


    [System Point(s): 362,677,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Time Limit: 306 Days 10 Hour.]


    "362 million system points?! Nice! The lottery function is actually the fastest way to get system points," Ss said to himself with a nod when he saw the amount of system points he currently has in his status information


    ¡­..


    The rest of the week went by quickly and uneventfully. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The next day, Ss woke up to a message from Mr Andr¨¦s.


    Few minutester, Ss was done reading the message and he couldn''t help but smile.


    "LUNAR, prep the new aircraft. We''re going to Venezu," He said as he stood up from the bed and went to freshen up, before going downstairs for breakfast.


    .....


    Oand International Airport.


    A Bombardier Global 8000 taxied out of the hangar onto the runway in preparation for its uing flight.

 Chapter 67 Visiting Venezuela Again

    Chapter 67 Visiting Venezu Again


    At the dining table, everyone was seated, quietly having breakfast.


    While they were still eating, Ss decided to inform them of his trip.


    "I will be flying to Venezu today for business and I''m not sure when I will be returning," Ss said and continued eating his food.


    Kim heard this and only nodded in response. She wanted to ask what type of business he was going for but she felt that it wasn''t her ce to do that, and Ss has been bing more suspicioustely.


    Hearing what Ss said, Alex became saddened at the thought of not being able to see his brother for an unknown period of time.


    "Brother, must you really go?," Alex asked, while lightly tugging on Ss'' shirt, showing his unwillingness.


    "I''m sorry, Alex but I really have to go. I promise to make it up to you after Ie back, okay?," Ss said, caressing his hair lovingly, as he tried to soothe him.


    Alex could only reluctantly ept his brother''s promise.


    "Don''t forget your promise, brother. When youe back, you have to stay with me for a very long time," Alex said with a smile.


    "Of course, I will do anything you want," Ss said with a smile and ruffled Alex''s hair.


    After Ss was done eating, he left the house and made his way to the airport.


    When he got to the airport, Ss walked towards the tarmac and directly boarded the ne.


    Ss had already been informed by LUNAR that just like the Gulfstream G650, the Bombardier is also an automatically driven aircraft.


    Ss took his seat and the aircraft''s engine roared to life, and it started its takeoff run.


    Few secondster, after the ne was already in the air, Ss walked towards his room to continue his gaming session.


    ¡­..


    8 hourster, the aircraftnded at Caracas International Airport.


    Ss, already informed by LUNAR, stood up from his seat and walked to the entry door which automatically opened, and he exited.


    After he disembarked from the ne, Ss directly walked out of the airport and made his way to the entrance, where Mr Jos¨¦ was waiting for him, with a Mercedes Benz Maybach.


    ''Not a BMW series this time?'' Ss thought to himself when he saw the Maybach parked in front of him.


    "Mr Ss, wee back to Venezu," Mr Jos¨¦ said with a smile and opened the backseat door for him.


    "Thank you Mr Jos¨¦, please take me to the hotel."


    Mr Jos¨¦ nodded and started the car''s engine, and made his way to Hotel Siete Estres.


    This time around, the hotel that was booked was different from the previous one that was close to the port.


    Instead, it''s one of the city''s most biggest and luxurious hotels.


    ¡­..


    Almost an hourter, the car stopped in front of the hotel''s entrance and Mr Jos¨¦ came down to open the door for Ss.


    "Mr Ss, we have arrived."


    Ss, seeing Mr Jos¨¦''s unnecessary actions, could only smile. How could he not understand why he was going this far to please him.


    Ss only nodded and stepped out of the car, and the massive structure in front of him caught his attention.


    "Amazing," He said in a low voice before walking into the hotel.


    Ss walked into the hotel and made his way to the reception, to get his room key from the receptionist.


    "Hello, I was the one that had the penthouse booked. Can I please have the key?"


    Yes, LUNAR booked the hotel''s penthouse.


    "Huh?," The receptionist looked at the handsome stranger in front of her, in shock and surprise.


    Ss seeing the shock and surprised expression on the receptionist''s face, could only repeat himself.


    "Ss Kurt, Penthouse keys."


    "Ohh¡­ Yes. Sorry. Right. Ss Kurt Penthouse keys," The receptionist finally came out of her reverie.


    A few minutester, with a smile, she handed over the penthouse keys to Ss. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Thank you," Ss said and made his way to the penthouse''s exclusive elevator.


    Looking at Ss'' disappearing back figure, the receptionist giggled and muttered.


    "So handsome."


    ¡­..


    The elevator came to a stop and Ss stepped out of it, and walked into the penthouse.


    Ss was pleased with what he saw.


    The penthouse''s interior exudes elegance, sophistication, and opulence, incorporating high-end materials, state-of-the-art technology, and breathtaking design elements.


    Ss did a quick tour of the penthouse and he waspletely satisfied.


    The penthouse''s living room, designed with an open-concept, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the cityscape.


    The plush, custom-made sofas and armchairs upholstered in fine fabrics, with custom designed coffee tables and side tables made of polished exotic woods,plimented by the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, all enhancing the beauty and splendor of the living.


    The penthouse''s dining, kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom were designed to what Ss call the peak of ss, with top quality furnishings and thetest home appliances.


    "Nice."


    "LUNAR, inform Mr Andr¨¦s of my arrival."


    [Already did. He scheduled a video conference call for tomorrow.]


    "Ok. Let me know when it''s time."


    [Sir, APOLLO is already done with the game''s creation and it has been sent to the Pod.]


    "Nice," Ss nodded in satisfaction. He remembered LUNAR telling him that the game will be done in a week.


    "I can''t ess the game now. Should I purchase another Pod?..," Ss thought to himself.


    At the moment, he wanted nothing more than to check the VR game that APOLLO created, but he currently can''t do that because the Pod is currently in the Vi, in Newport.


    "No. Purchasing another Pod now will be unwise. I can do that when I get to the cabin house on the ind."


    Ss has two reasons for his second visit to Venezu, because of the message he got from Mr Andr¨¦s and because of his superpower.


    Ss ns to absorb and possibly increase the rank of his superpower.


    "I will go to the ind tomorrow after the conference call meeting with Mr Andr¨¦s. Till then, let me game in peace," Ss said, andy down on the bed.

 Chapter 68 The Group Meeting

    Chapter 68 The Group Meeting


    The next morning, Ss was woken up by LUNAR.


    [Sir, it''s almost time for the meeting.]


    Hearing this, Ss stood up and took off the Gear, before going to the bathroom to freshen up.


    After he was done, he changed into a new set of clothes and took his seat on a sofa in the living room, with theptop ced in front of him.


    It didn''t take long for the meeting to start after Ss got seated.


    Theptop''s screen got divided into multiple sections, showing different unknown faces, Mr Andr¨¦s'' included.


    Ss could already guess that the unknown faces belong to the other members of Mr Andr¨¦s group that wants to overthrow the current government.


    "Mr Ss, nice of you to respond to our message. We really appreciate it," Mr Andr¨¦s, who seems to be the group''s spokesperson said.


    Ss didn''t know if Mr Andr¨¦s is actually their leader or he''s the one leading the conversation on the group''s side because he was the one who met with Ss.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, I think it''s high time youy out your n and let me know what you actually need assistance with," Ss said.


    Ss doesn''t want to beat around the bush, neither does he want to give these old coots the chance to do anything funny.


    The conference call went silent for a moment, as the group members looked at each other faces on the screen for a moment.


    Mr Andr¨¦s was the first to break the silence as he cleared his throat and start talking.


    "Mr Ss, just as we have told you. We want to rece the current government and we need your purchasing power to help us get many things done."


    Hearing what Mr Andr¨¦s said, Ss nodded with a smile.


    Of course, Ss knew that this is the only way Mr Andr¨¦s and his group can go about their ambition.


    There are two ways to rece the current president and government, especially one that refuses to leave power, either by military coup or by assassinating the president.


    Though, the method which Mr group wants to use is unclear but Ss can already guess what they are trying to do, when they said they want his purchasing power.


    One would have asked why Mr Andr¨¦s didn''t ept the $500 million buying price Ss offered for the ind, and use it to fund their endeavors. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The reason is because they won''t want anything that can implicate them to be traced back to them.


    ''They want to put me in the forefront and use me as a shield. Not a bad idea but you chose the wrong person.''


    Though Ss knew this, he knew that he has nothing to worry about as he has already made ns.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, are you nning on using the country''s military or hired contractors," Ss asked. He could already guess his response but he just wanted it from Mr Andr¨¦s himself, words fo words.


    "Mr Ss, we intend to use mercenaries as using the country''s military is impossible, since it''s under theplete control of the president."


    Ss smiled when he heard this.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, what to you think will happen if the president loses control of the military?," Ss asked with a smile and Mr Andr¨¦s and his group members faces stiffened.


    "Mr Ss, it will be very impossible for take the control of the military away from the president. The generals and every significant military personnel are under his control. How do you intend to make them change their allegiance?," Mr Andr¨¦s asked.


    He knew that Ss had already caught on to their n to use him as a shield and drop him if things goes sideways.


    Mr Andr¨¦s couldn''t but feel that Ss might really have a way to take away the control of the military from the president.


    "What if I sessfully take control of the military from the president?," Ss finally asked the question they wanted to him to ask.


    "Mr Ss, is it really possible?," Mr Andr¨¦s couldn''t help but ask.


    Ss didn''t respond but asked a question instead, "Mr Andr¨¦s, if you do intend to use mercenaries, how do you intend to smuggle them and weapons into the country without being found out by the military."


    "How do you really intend to take out the president without alerting him beforehand? How sure are you that your actionstely has caught his attention? Do you think he trust everyone of you so much that he feels he can be careless around you and taking necessary precautionary measures?," Ss continued mming questions after questions, and some of their faces couldn''t help but pale.


    Of course, Ss didn''t ask those questions without reason. Immediately, after the meeting started, LUNAR has started doing an extensive background check on everyone and she found something interesting.


    Unsurprisingly, the president had already caught wind of their movement right even before it started. The reason why? Because of Mr Andr¨¦s himself.


    Yes, Mr Andr¨¦s is actually on the president''s side. He has been for a very long time.


    This was an information he got from LUNAR, the first time they met at the ind.


    It''s unknown for how long it has been going on, but Mr Andr¨¦s has been the one inciting the group to rebel on themand of the president.


    This was actually the reason why it seems like his second meeting with him went too well.


    Why was their previous negotiations with other individuals and organizations unsessful? Because Mr Andr¨¦s never really intend to seek their help in the first ce.


    The reason why he decided to ept Ss'' condition was because he knew that it would be impossible for the group to actually seed. How can they do so when he''s the one leading the charge.


    Mr Andr¨¦s is secretly working for the president but that doesn''t mean he also doesn''t have his own ambitions. He has the country''s ultimate seat of power in his eye.


    Yes, he wants to be president and he wants to use the group and Ss to achieve his aim.


    Unfortunately for the other members, they have been yed but Ss doesn''t intend to reveal it, but that doesn''t mean that he will let the old snake that intends to use him go without giving him a scare at least.


    With a smile that sends deathly chills down one spine, Ss looked at Mr Andr¨¦s section and asked, "Is he?"

 Chapter 69 Jos茅 Yusmairobis.

    Chapter 69 Jos¨¦ Yusmairobis.


    The meeting abruptly came to an end but Ss knew that the group will never remain the same.


    Immediately after the meeting ended, Ss received a call from Mr Andr¨¦s.


    "Mr Ss, what do you mean by what you said in the meeting?"


    Mr Andr¨¦s felt that there must be a reason for Ss saying what he did, and that''s why he decided to call. He wants to make sure that his golden goose doesn''t have any strange ideas.


    Mr Andr¨¦s didn''t feel that Ss might have discovered his real identity. Even if Ss is to discover his real identity, he''s not sacred, because he has been doing a background check on Ss and from the information he got, he found out that Ss is a no name billionaire and someone that his wealth has no actual source.


    Mr Andr¨¦s felt that Ss would be rted to a criminal or terrorist organization that has grand ambitions.


    Ss of course wasn''t unaware of Mr Andr¨¦s actions of doing a background check on him, as he was informed by LUNAR.


    In fact, he was happy that Mr Andr¨¦s did because if he didn''t, how would be able to make him lower his guard.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, what do you mean? I just asked questions that members of your group should have asked themselves. Or do you really think you can fool everyone?," Ss asked with a smile.


    Mr Andr¨¦s could only sigh when he heard this. One of the things he wanted so much not to happen, finally did.


    But it''s all good, now they can finallye clean with each other and see how they cane to an agreement that will benefit each other.


    "Mr Ss, let''s cut to the chase. What do you and your group actually want? I want the presidency and you also want something from me," Mr Andr¨¦s said, and the line went silent for a while.


    ''He seem to really want the presidency that much, huh?,'' Ss thought to himself with a smile.


    "Mr Andr¨¦s, I want the country. Can you give me that?," Ss asked with a smile, and the line went silent again before a loudughter erupted from the other end of the phone.


    Mr Andr¨¦sughed so hard that he had tears in his eyes. He couldn''t help it, Ss'' request was extremely presumptuous.


    ''He wants the country and I want its presidency. If we are to work together, am I going to be a puppet president?'' Mr Andr¨¦s thought of this and burst into even louderughter.


    Seeing Mr Andr¨¦sughing heartily, Ss smiled and let him be. He didn''t want to break the old man''s grand delusions.


    What Mr Andr¨¦s didn''t know was that he has also been yed by the president himself.


    The current president of Venezu, Jos¨¦ Yusmairobis, one of the members of the terrifying ck Hand organization, isn''t someone so gullible as to let such pests to be running around his territory, unless there''s an actual reason for it.


    During his time at home, LUNAR did an extensive background check on every political figures in the country, and she was able to find out so many things that even Mr Andr¨¦s himself who''s extremely close to the president doesn''t know.


    .....


    It took a while for Mr Andr¨¦s to stopughing.


    "Sorry about that, Mr Ss. It''s just that I heard the funniest thing ever in a very long time. It''s been like since forever since I actuallyughed sincerely," Mr Andr¨¦s said with short bouts ofughter in-between his sentence.


    The next moment, Mr Andr¨¦s burst into another round ofughter.


    Ss saw this and shook his head, feeling sad for him.


    ''This old fool is a potential psychosis patient,'' Ss thought as he shook his head.


    Few secondster, theughing Mr Andr¨¦s was now choking on his ownugh and severely gasping for breath.


    Ss smiled when he saw this.


    ''It seems he''s no longer useful.''


    Mr Andr¨¦s choking and gasping continued until a few secondster, when he finally stopped breathing all together and a thud was heard from the other end of the phone.


    Seeing this, Ss hung up and turned to look at hisptop.


    "Why did you kill him?," Ss couldn''t help but ask the man at the other end.


    The man gave a smile and shrugged.


    "He brought it upon himself. If he has kept his ambition in check, he would have lived longer. There''s nothing much to it. I just hate people coveting what''s mine, and it seems you''re one of them.


    You want my country but my intuition is telling me that you''re very different.


    Your identity is special. There''s nothing about you out there even though you''re not a member. How is that possible?


    A background check was done on you and nothing was found. Even the CIA and FBI find nothing except your name. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Now, let me ask you again and this time, I want you to bepletely honest with me.


    Ss Kurt, who are you really and what do you want? What secret organization do you represent and what''s your reason for targeting my country?," The man, Jos¨¦ Yusmairobis asked.


    "Yusmairobis, you''re very curious for an old man your age. Why don''t we do it this way, you will tell me what I want to know about the organization and I will tell you more about myself and my ''group''," Ss said, and folded his arms.


    "About the organization? Do you really think a young man like you will have any equivalent information to exchange for it?," Yusmairobis asked with a sneer.


    "Come on old man, don''t hype the organization so much. Someone might think it''s the council of gods, when it''s only just a group for scared old men like you to hide under and use it to suppress the growing power of the 0.001% of the poption.


    Or am I lying? Isn''t that what ck Hand is all about? A gathering for the wealthy and politically affluent who are scared of losing their control over the world," Ss said with a smile and the face of the President of Venezu, Mr Jos¨¦ Yusmairobis, stiffened.

 Chapter 70 Jos茅 Yusmairobis(II)

    70 Jos¨¦ Yusmairobis(II)


    Five days ago, in Ss'' room. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As usual, Ss was spending his free time, gaming when he was notified by LUNAR that someone was doing an extensive background check on him.


    Ss thought it might be Mr Andr¨¦s but after giving a few thoughts, he felt that it was very unlikely.


    He knew that if it was really Mr Andr¨¦s, then LUNAR wouldn''t have bothered to inform him as he has already given her instructions on what to do, but he was very curious as to who it might be.


    "LUNAR, who is it?"


    {It''s the CIA.}


    "Wait....what?!," Ss couldn''t help but ask in shock and surprise.


    "Why the fuck are they looking for information about me? I don''t remembermiting any crime," Ss said to himself.


    He honestly didn''t remember doing anything that will warrant one of the biggest, if not the biggest intelligence agency in the world to pay attention to him.


    The only thing he knew that might cause this, is his meeting with Mr Andr¨¦s but he felt that it''s very impossible for it to be the reason.


    He already knew the type of person that Mr Andr¨¦s is and it would be extremely impossible for their conversation to leak. Even if it happens, which is also impossible because of what LUNAR has done, he wouldn''t be implicated.


    "Then why is the craziest three-letter agency doing a background check on me?," Ss asked exasperated.


    One of the most annoying things in life, is having important question and having no answers to them. A very annoying situation if one is to find themselves in it.


    {I have investigated and I found something. The Director of Central Intelligence received an order from the White House during theirst meeting to investigate you, and this was after a ck colored letter was received by the president.}


    "A ck colored letter? Do you know who sent this letter?," Ss asked.


    Immediately, the image of a man who looks to be in histe eighties appeared on the Gear screen, followed with every possible information on him.


    "Jos¨¦ Yusmairobis, Acting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezu," Ss smiled when he saw the man''s information.


    "He finally makes his move, huh? It took him quite a while to do so, though," Ss said and smiled.


    "He sent a ck letter to the White House... LUNAR, was the letter directly sent to the president or the white house?," Ss asked wanting to confirm something.


    {It was sent directly to the president.}


    "It seems he might be a member of that organization. LUNAR, let''s have a conversation with this old man and see what he wants," Ss said and sat up on his bed.


    "Connect the Gear to theptop, and ring his phone. Make it a video call."


    Almost immediately, an old man''s face stered with undiluted shock appeared on the Gear screen.


    "Hello, Mr Yusmairobis. We finally meet. Remember me?," Ss asked with a smile.


    "Y-you''re him?," The old man said, with the shock still on his face.


    "Yes, I''m him. Who do you think I am? You?," Ss asked, being snarky.


    "How is this possible? How did the call get picked by itself?," The old man asked in shock, still unable to calm down.


    "Stop making it sound like this is something out-of-the ordinary. Do you know what I actually find surprising? The fact that you had Mr Andr¨¦s to incite the thoughts of rebellion into the heart of your cab members.


    Or is the fact that you know that Mr Andr¨¦s actually ns to take you out of power and you still give him a tform to do so. And the most shocking of them all is that I can''t seem to find information on the organization and its members. It''s like they never really exist," Ss smiled when he saw the shock on Mr Yusmairobis'' recedes, and now reced with a very serious expression.


    "Who are you?," Mr Yusmairobis asked with a very solemn voice. He knew that he finally hit a solid rock by trying to dig into the identity of the boy who met with Andr¨¦s.


    "I''m sorry but I think I should be the one asking that question. Mr Jos¨¦ Yusmairobis, who are you?," Ss asked.


    Right after Ss asked the question, he hung up and told LUNAR to make sure that the old man won''t be able to contact him in any form.


    ...


    Back to the present.


    Ss looked at stiffened face of the man and smiled.


    "It seems I was right," Ss nodded feeling satisfied with himself.


    Mr Yusmairobis seeing Ss'' smiling face, also smiled.


    "Interesting. You know about them? But that should be impossible except you''re either close to one of them, close to one of us or you''re one of them.


    Which one are you really? You''re a very interesting person, you known that, right?," Mr Yusmairobis said with a smile.


    "Which of them do you think I am, old man?," Ss asked with a knowing smile.


    Mr Yusmairobis saw this and started analyzing.


    "I was able to get a little information on you and from what I saw, you''re not close anyone who''s politically affluent, neither do you have generational wealth.


    Which leaves out only thest possibility. You''re one of them. You''re also a Phenomenal!"


    Mr Yusmairobis couldn''t believe it himself, when he came to that conclusion. He knew that it could be very possible that Ss is also a Phenomenal.


    He knew howrge the world''s poption is, and he knew that it''s very possible for organizations tasked with identifying Phenomenals to miss out some, especially the newly awakened.


    Even the organization also finds it impossible to document every single Phenomenals.


    But Mr Yusmairobis felt that something was wrong. Why is Ss talking about the organization like it''s filled with viins.


    It''s not like it''s not but not exactly the way Ss seems to be portraying it.


    Mr Yusmairobis decided to put matters rted to the organization aside as he had a brilliant idea when he finally arrived at Ss'' identity.


    "Let''s forget every other thing and cut to the chase. Ss Kurt, why don''t wee to an agreement. I will give you what you want and you help me with what I want."


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 71 Jos茅 Yusmairobis(III)

    71 Jos¨¦ Yusmairobis(III)


    Ss looked at Mr Yusmairobis'' face strangely, and thought to himself.


    ''Is he trying to recruit me?''


    Ss expected it to an extent. From the information gathered by LUNAR, Ss was already aware that the country has no Phenomenals.


    That''s why Mr Yusmairobis trying to recruit him didn''t surprise him but that doesn''t mean he would be willing to be recruited, but he''s curious as to what he meant by theming to an agreement that will benefit the both of them.


    Mr Yusmairobis seeing Ss'' silence knew that he finally got his attention.


    "You told Andr¨¦s that you what full control over the country''s military and its economy, what if I tell that I can give you what you want and in exchange, you help me with what I want," He said with a smile.


    "Why should I believe you?," Ss asked. He couldn''t help but have an uneasy feeling when he heard what Mr Yusmairobis said.


    "Why should I lie to you? We were never enemies to begin with and from what I see, you''re extremely strong, way stronger than other Phenomenals," Mr Yusmairobis said and let out a sigh before continuing, "Let me honest with you, I don''t really like the organization. The organization just any other ce, is controlled by those with outmost power."


    Mr Yusmairobis paused for a few seconds and looked at Ss intently, withplicated emotions in his eyes.


    "One day, my daughter started behaving strangely. She would faint for an unknown period of time and after she wakes up, she will look extremely pale and very weak, that she won''t be able to move for days.


    I took her to the hospital, did a thorough scan and check up but nothing was found with wrong with her. The doctor said her condition was perfect, but I knew that it wasn''t true. Something was definitely wrong.


    The situation continued until one day, she fainted and never woke up. She becameatose."


    At this point, Mr Yusmairobis voice was already breaking and light sobs could be heard in-between.


    Ss was stumped. He still doesn''t understand how their conversation became so emotional but he knew that it would be wrong to interrupt the old. He just has to let him pour out all his heart.


    They say men don''t cry, men don''t feel but how true is that statement? Is there really any human who is truly without emotions? The answer is a definite no!


    Mr Yusmairobis paused for a long time before continuing, "She was still 12 years of age when she becameatose and now, five years has passed and she still hasn''t woken up.


    Before she becameatose, I had no idea that people like the Phenomenals exist. It was after a fortunate or should I say an unfortunate encounter that I found out.


    I was told by a high ranking member of the organization that they might have a solution to my daughter''s problem but first, I had to join them.


    At first, I was skeptical but after a series of event, I believe and brought my daughter to them, having as much fate as I could.


    But my decision was actually thest nail in the coffin. After that day, I never got to see my daughter again.


    I was mad, I raged but it was like a toothless dog, barking. I was willing to fight, go to war if needed to get my daughter back but how many countries and conglomerate organizations would I be able to fight?


    I was defeated before the fight even started and I lost my reason to live."


    Mr Yusmairobis broke downpletely, with his voice cracked by unrestrained sobs and tears, freely flowing down his cheek.


    "Please, I will give anything, wealth, the country, my life even, just to see my daughter again. I want to know if she''s still alive or dead."


    Ss was loss for words.


    ''How should he respond?'', he thought.


    "LUNAR, did you find anything on his daughter?," Ss asked LUNAR through the Gear neural interface.


    {No. It''s like she doesn''t exist.}


    "Try following every lead you get on her and tell me what you find."


    {Yes sir.}


    While Ss was talking to LUNAR through the Gear''s neural interface, to the oblivious Mr Yusmairobis, he saw an emotionless kid looking at him through the lenses of theptop''s screen.


    He knew it. There''s no way he would be able to have Ss help him.


    Why should he?


    He was about to give up all hope when he heard Ss'' words.


    "I will help but ites with a condition."


    Without thinking, Mr Yusmairobis responded, "What is it?"


    "You will do anything I say," Ss said, and for a moment, a very heavy silence descended.


    Mr Yusmairobis responded immediately with a nod. At this point in his life, he cared little for anything else except his daughter.


    Seeing Mr Yusmairobis quick response, Ss was satisfied.


    "I will contact youter, by the end of the day to let you know if I find anything on your daughter," Ss said, and Mr Yusmairobis nodded before hanging up the video call.


    After the call ended, Ss let out a deep breath. He felt a rollercoaster of emotions in his heart.


    "Things just keep getting more and moreplicated with each passing seconds," Ss said to himself with a sigh.


    Ss decided to look at his status panel to give himself a boost of confidence and energy. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 1000]


    [Agility: 1000]


    [Stamina: 1000]


    [Intelligence: 1000]


    [Charisma: 1000]


    [Stats Point(s): 268(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank F), Regeneration.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 5,000]


    [System Point(s): 194,285,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 301 Days 13 Hour.]


    After looking at his status panel, Ss felt his spirit uplifted and smiled.


    "LUNAR, did you find anything?"


    {Yes.}

 Chapter 72 Inhumane Experimentation

    72 Inhumane Experimentation


    "LUNAR, did you find anything?"


    {Yes.}


    "Let me see," Ss said, and a live feed from a surveince camera started ying on the Gear''s screen.


    In the video, Ss saw a young, frail and weak looking girl who seem to be in herte teens, sunmerged in a ss tank, filled with an unknown blue liquid.


    The girl''s hands were cuffed by an unknown object that has a steady, flickering red light. Her body, had different tiny tubes with unknown substance of varying colors, connected to it.


    Ss could also see some people wearing white coats surrounding the tank that housed the girl, with notepads in their hands, as they record the data being disyed on a big screen beside the tank.


    Ss felt so many emotions at once when he saw the horrible situation of the girl.


    Even though, Ss has the emotional intelligence skill, it didn''t make him emotionless.


    If what Mr Yusmairobis told him, then it means that the little girl in the ss tank has been experiencing something like this since she was 12.


    While he was still watching the live feed, Ss saw one of the individual in white coat, walked up to a machine that has the small connected tubes attached to it, and pressed a blue button.


    After the button was pressed, one of tube connected to the girl, contracted and a red liquid drawn from the girl, ran through the tube and poured into a small vial located in the equipment.


    After that was done, the individual picked up the vial and walked towards a set of surgical table that has different individuals, male and female, ranging from different age,id down on them, all with small tubes attached to them and extremely-tight looking straps, strapping them tightly to the surgical table.


    The white coat person walked towards a table that had a middle-aged man lying on it, and picked up a syringe lying on a the t pad by the feet of the table, and used it draw the red liquid from the vial before injecting it into a protruding tube connected to the machine beside the man.


    After the liquid was injected, it ran through a tube and was injected into the man.


    The next moment, the middle-aged man started convulsing heavily on the table.


    When the individual in white coat saw this, he pressed a button beside the table and a ss dome expanded from the side of the table, and covered the convulsing man, enclosing him in a pod with the table as the base.


    22:28


    The man continued convulsing, with the intensity increasing with every passing minutes.


    As the convulsion continued, strange changes started taking ce on his body.


    The man''s body instantly became bloated and exploded in the next seconds.


    Due to ss dome confining the body, the explosion was kept contained.


    The individual in white coat saw this and wrote something on the pad before walking away.


    Ss saw this and was shocked and angry at the same time.


    "Is this how they are doing their experiments?!"


    "What sort of inhumane experimentation is this? Is life to them really that worthless?," Ss said with angerced in his voice.


    "LUNAR, where''s the location?"


    {Antarctica.}


    "Antarctica huh? They definitely chose a discreet ad hidden ce but not to me," Ss said with a smile.


    Seeing that he has already gotten the information he needed, Ss told LUNAR to cut off the live feed.


    Ss might not understand the Mr Yusmairobis'' feeling as a father, but as a brother and a son, he understood what it means to lose a loved one.


    But Mr Yusmairobis'' situation is different because he doesn''t know of the actual fate of his daughter. He was still holding on to the hope that his daughter might still be alive without knowing her actual fate.


    Ss intends to help Mr Yusmairobis with his daughter''s situation as it will very be beneficial to him and his ns.


    Instead of waiting until when he would call Mr Yusmairobis, Ss decided to send the a part of the live feed that shows his daughter''s situation to Mr Yusmairobis.


    After the message was sent, Ss decided it was finally time to leave the hotels and go to the ind to cultivate his superpower.


    Ss stood up from his seat and made his way to the penthouse''s elevator that took him straight to the hotel''s entrance, and he made his way to the entrance where Mr Jos¨¦ was already waiting for him.


    In the car, Ss looked out the window, admiring the fading beauty of the country, as he thought of Mr Yusmairobis daughter''s situation.


    About sending Mr Yusmairobis the information of his daughter before the intended time, Ss naturally has his reasons. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He wants to build a partnership with Mr Yusmairobis, and things like this these are built on trust and capabilities.


    Ss wants to show the old man that he''s more than capable and that he can be trusted. He knew that this is only way he can quickly get what he wants.


    Ss could already guess how the old man must be feeling after getting the message containing the video of his daughter.


    ''He must be feeling very angry and helpless, with no idea of what to do. He will definitely feel like tearing those old coot of the organization into pieces, but he will feel his incapabilities and his feeling of helplessness will increase more causing him to be depressed and almost at the point of death.


    Just when he''s at the tipping point, he will remember me and my ability to get a surveince video of his daughter without alerting the the individuals involved.


    At first, he will have his doubt and suspicion, but due to his rising helplessness, he will have no choice but to contact me, to ask for help.''


    Ss did what he felt to be to a careful analysis of the situation, and smiled.


    It might seem cold and heartless of him but he didn''t care.


    Ss has never been one to feel that much emotions in the first ce. At most, he could empathize with the person but that will only be for a moment. This didn''t change even with the max level emotional intelligence skill.


    ....


    Few minutester, on a clearing on the ind, Ss sat in a lotus position and started meditating.


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 Chapter 73 Breakthrough, Progress

    73 Breakthrough, Progress


    Ss sat in a lotus position and started meditating, trying to sense the dark energy in the air.


    He had already done this before, and he already knew what to expect.


    Unlike the first time, it took Ss less time before he finally felt some changes in the air around him.


    He could feel the same strange and familiar presence in the air.


    Unlike before when all he could do was feel the dark energy, now Ss could almost visualize it.


    It looked like an enigma and gave off a subtle destructive feeling.


    Ss knew what he had to do at this moment and he immediately began to absorb the dark energy in the air around him.


    Immediately, it felt a vacuum formed around him and an invisible substance entity started funnelling into his body, and Ss felt his body''s temperature and that of his surroundings drop sharply, to an almost freezing degree.


    Unlike the previousfortable sensation he felt, this time he felt like he was suddenly thrown onto a massive ice b, right in the middle of the artic ocean.


    It was a feeling that was supposed to feel very ufortable and deathly but strangely, Ss felt nothing more than a slight difort.


    As the energy coursed through his body, Ss felt the sensation be stronger and he felt like his body were being frozen rapidly.


    Ss was lost in the feeling and after an unknown amount of time has passed, Ss started feeling his consciousness slowly slipping away from his body.


    The next moment, Ss found himself in the familiar dark space again but this time, there was massive change in it.


    The previous dark space with sparse spots of light, was now filled with a huge number of light balls of varying colors.


    The colors of the light varies, from blue, white and brown.


    Seeing this, Ss could already guess that the colors of the light balls were rted to the current progress of his superpower.


    Ss could already manipte the basic three state of matter, namely air (gas), water (liquid)and earth (solid) to an extent but he was still very far from perfect.


    Without wasting much time, Ss immediately started studying the light balls.


    Ss felt that his current absorption and cultivation session was better than before.


    As he continued to study the light balls, Ss could see light balls of the simr colors merging together, and their size bing bigger and their colors, brighter.


    Ss understood what was happening, he knew that his superpower rank was increasing.


    Ss didn''t know how much has passed before he felt himself back in the ind''s clearing.


    Ss looked around his surroundings to check if there was any visible damage to it.


    He remembered what happened during hisst absorption session, in the library.


    Unsurprisingly, his surroundings was in chaos. His surroundings was frozen solid and waterlogged. The trees in his surroundings were uprooted from their original positions and was now lying around haphazardly.


    "Is this going to keep in happening during every cultivation sessions?," Ss asked himself, feeling very exasperated as he looked at what has now be of his cultivation site.


    ''What would have happened if I really went ahead and cultivated back at the vi?,'' Ss thought to himself.


    Of course, he already knew the answer to that question. He knew that if he has done that, only one oue awaited his precious vi;plete destruction.


    With the level of damage in front of him, he knew that there was no way the vi would survive.


    "I will need to think of a solution for this. I can''t have my cultivation site experiencing this level of destruction every time I absorb dark energy," Ss said, as he thought of how to solve the new problem he has.


    After a while, Ss decided to put his thoughts aside and check his current progress.


    "Status Panel."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age:20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 1000]


    [Agility: 1000]


    [Stamina: 1000]


    [Intelligence: 1000]


    [Charisma: 1000]


    [Stats Point(s): 268(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank E), Regeneration.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 5,000]


    [System Point(s): 194,285,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: 60.9% (Evaluation: $609 million)]


    [Time Limit: 294 Days 12 Hour.]


    "Nice! My superpower rank increased!," Ss said, feeling very happy and satisfied with his current progress.


    As Ss looked at his system panel, something else caught his attention.


    "Wait... The time limit went from 301 days to 294 days?! How much time has passed?!," Ss asked, both shocked and surprised at the amount of time that has passed.


    It was something he didn''t take into consideration. He didn''t know that he would have spent such a long period of time, cultivating.


    Ss stood up and dusted his clothes, and left the site, as he made his way to the cabin house.


    Ss wants to take a quick bath and refresh himself before going back to the hotel.


    After he was done with that, Ss seeing no more reason to staying on the ind any longer, made his way to the pier, where Mr Antonio and the speedboat waa waiting for him.


    Few minutester, in his penthouse''s living room, Ss took his seat as LUNAR started bringing him up-to-date with things he missed when he was on the ind.


    {Mr Yusmairobis has been calling you for a while, with the frequency of his call increasing with each passing seconds.


    Just today alone, he has called you a total of 243 times.


    He has also been consistently sending messages without rest with its content varying, but they all have the same context; he wants you tlmo save hia daughter.


    Also, ELLA has beenunched in the free trial period and the response we got was very positive.


    After three days of beingunched, we now have 230,560 daily users and increasing.} N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ss heard this ans nodded in satisfaction. He already expected the massive positive response that ELLA got, but what was more important to him right now, is Mr Yusmairobis andhjs daughter''s situation.


    "LUNAR, put a video call through to Mr Yusmairobis."


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 74 Coming To An Agreement

    74 Coming To An Agreement


    The video call went through and it didn''t take a more than a second before the call was picked.


    "Mr Ss¡ª"


    Before Mr Yusmairobis could continue, Ss immediately cut him short.


    "Mr Yusmairobis, all I want to hear is your decision."


    "Please, promise me that you will help get my daughter back. As long you can do that, I will do everything in my power to give you what you want," Mr Yusmairobis said, with burning determination in his eyes.


    Ss smiled in satisfaction when he saw this. ording to his previous analysis, he already knew that Mr Yusmairobis will eventually ask him for something like this, so he wasn''t surprised.


    "I promise to help you get back your daughter but it''s not something that I can make happen immediately."


    "The location of the ce in the video is Antarctica and considering how massive it is, it won''t be easy."


    "As long as you promise, that''s enough for me," Mr Yusmairobis said with a smile.


    Even though he was smiling, Ss could see from his fallen face and swollen eyes, how hard the past few days has been for him.


    Ss knew that Mr Yusmairobis at this point, has no other choice but to ask for Ss help, but Ss found it strange.


    ''How is he so sure that I will actually keep my promise?''


    Ss decided to ask Mr Yusmairobis this question, and the response he got made him understand that he''s not actually trusting him but cing his remaining hope in Ss being able to save his daughter.


    Of course, since Ss already promised to help him, he would naturally do so.


    Seeing that they have alreadye to agreement, Mr Yusmairobis decided to start fulfilling his end of the bargain.


    "So, what do you want in exchange? You came asking to buy an ind but from your actions of asking Andr¨¦s for full control of the country''s military and economy, I know that you have something more in mind," Mr Yusmairobis asked, curiously.


    He would be lying if he said that he wasn''t curious, confused and suspicious of Ss.


    He remembered the first time he heard about Ss from Andr¨¦s, when he came to report to him about a kid who wants to use the exaggerated amount of $500 million to buy an ind from them.


    At that times Mr Yusmairobis felt like Ss was just some wasteful child from one of the conglomerate families but he was curious, so he asked Andr¨¦s to ept the offer and set a meeting with him.


    Come to think of it, He never received the report back from Andr¨¦s.


    Back to the present.


    Ss nodded in satisfaction when he heard Mr Yusmairobis'' question.


    ''What an old snake. He wants to quickly get me indebted to him.


    Well, I''m not against it though.''


    Ss already had a n in mind before making his second visit to Venezu.


    There are lots of things he knew he has to start taking care.


    The first being his base of operations.


    "I want to ask you something and I want you to be very honest with me," Ss said with a solemn voice.


    "How did the country fall so low? Is it rted to them?," Ss finally asked one of the questions that has been bothering him.


    Even though Ss isn''t someone who keeps up with global trend and news, from LUNAR, he heard of Venezu''s previous glorious status as a petrostate.


    Ss felt that it was almost impossible for the country to fall so low, except there''s an external factor behind its current state or maybe he''s just thinking too much.


    Mr Yusmairobis smiled ruefully when he heard Ss'' question.


    He knew that Ss had already guess one the reason behind the country''s current deplorable state, but it all started from inside.


    "Initially, it was due to poor management of funds, extreme corruption and other things but things took a downward turn when I got involved with the organization.


    The Elite as to what the topmost members of the organization are called, started pressuring me to give them ess to some of the country''s resources.


    At first I refused, even though the country was already in such a bad state, I didn''t want to give out its natural resources to outsiders for free, but I couldn''t fight them all.


    It started with a sanction from the US. To the public, the sanction waspletely justified but only those in the organization understood ita actually meaning.


    Next, they started threatening me with my daughter''s life. Telling me to behave myself and be wise if I still wanted to see her again.


    That was the final nail in the coffin. Without a choice, I gave them ess to do as they want and that''s how the country fell wve further," Mr Yusmairobis said with a stiff smile.


    He knew he couldn''tpletely absolve himself of any me for the country''s current condition.


    Ss wasn''t surprised by his reply. He already knew about the first reason, he only asked because he wanted to confirm if the second reason was true, and it is.


    After he first heard about the organization from Mr Williams, Ss always had a bad feeling about them.


    He knew that nothing good woulde out from an organization filled with the extremely privileged of the world''s society, and Mr Yusmairobis daughter''s situation proves it. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Without officiallying into contact with each other, Ss already knew that he and the organization will eventually be bitter rivals.


    There was no way around it. His ns can be called world domination in a sense and the organization is filled with the 1% of the world''s poption, that decides it''s very future.


    With that said, there''s no way they would allow a greenhorn that came from nowhere to have control over them, especially not those from the conglomerate side.


    Ss already knew of this but he knew that he wasn''t ready yet. If he actually ns to start ying with them, then he has a lot of preparations to do.


    The first thing he decided to do is to clean house. Since the entirety of Venezu has already be his base, then he would have to take the pests that has destroying it.


    To clean house, one has to start from those very close to oneself and that''s what Ss ns to have the country''s president do.


    "Your government will have to be reshuffled. A document containing the criminal activities of everyone in your cab, starting from the vice president.


    I want them all out. Publicize their crimes and sentences them, death if you may. I don''t care how you go about it but I will give you a time limit of three months and I want t see results by then."


    While the meeting was ongoing, Ss mentally gave LUNAR amand to investigate every single cab''s members,pile every single information on them and send it to Mr Yusmairobis.


    After receiving Ss'' instructions, Mr Yusmairobis nodded in acknowledgement and ended the call.


    From that day, the atmosphere of the country changedpletely for the better and the popce started seeing hope.


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 75 Unwanted Requests, Going Back Home

    75 Unwanted Requests, Going Back Home


    After the call ended, Ss turned his attention to the next important thing.


    "LUNAR, give me update on ELLA."


    [After the release, everything has been moving smoothly. ELLA has gained a massive amount of poprity and now has a daily users base of more than 230,000 users.


    We have received positive reviews from people on social media tforms and tech critics.]


    Ss nodded when he heard what LUNAR said, as everything was within his expectations.


    Unlike the previous ELLA that was an ordinary AI, the current ELLA is an AGI on the same level as LUNAR.


    But unlike LUNAR who is a multipurpose AI, ELLA is an AI created for the sole purpose of creating AIs that will be used as person assistant for devices.


    In addition to ELLA''s massively improved database and the ability which isplemented with the quantumputer''s extraordinaryputing power, it would be extremely disappointing if such a result was not achieved.


    "Anything else?," Ss asked.


    {Yes. We have also been receiving messages from differentpanies wth different contents.}


    Ss'' eyes narrowed when he heard this.


    "What''s the name of thepanies and content of their messages?"


    {I have divided thepanies, their messages and its content into three categories.


    The first are those that want to buy out thepany and acquire ELLA''s technology.


    The second are those who wants to invests in ourpany, and thest category is those that seeking to partner with us.


    Companies in the second andst category are far in between, and it''s filled with small start-uppanies andpanies that are looking for breakthrough technology to the into the AI sector. Companies in these two categories are DataDawg, Monoliths Power System, Automata Data Processing....


    The first category consists of majority of the world''s top and most poprpanies, like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Meta, Samsung, Alphabet.}


    Ss smiled when he saw this. He already knew that they wille running but he didn''t expect it to be so soon.


    "LUNAR, decline all of their requests. We don''t need their investment, neither do we need their partnership. Same is with those in the first category," Ss said, immediately making his decision.


    There was definitely no way he will ept investment from other as he doesn''t want any individual or organization from benefitting from him, or being in the way of his futurepany decision making.


    For those that wants to acquire ELLA for themselves, that was even more impossible as Ss doesn''t n on selling, not now or in the farthest future.


    "Is that all?," Ss asked.


    {No.}


    Ss nodded and started thinking of his next ns.


    "Now that I think of it, thest batch of buildings should be ready by now. Two weeks has passed already," Ss said, and picked up his phone to call Mr Brandon to ask about the buildings'' avability status.


    "Hello, Mr Ss. I have actually been trying to contact you but I''m always sent to voicemail whenever I call," A depressed and happy Mr Brandon''s voice was heard.


    ...


    Mr Brandon has been feeling very worried and frustratedtely.


    The buildings that Ss asked for, were now avable and for a while now, he has been trying to contact Ss to inform him, but whenever he calls, he''s always sent to voicemail. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He called the real estate attorney to tell him of the situation and ask him to contact Ss but he was disappointed to find out that the real estate attorney was experiencing the same thing.


    Mr Brandon didn''t know of any other possible method to contact Ss, and he was already at his wit''s end, and that was when he saw Ss'' call and he felt an indescribable level of happiness.


    ...


    Ss smiled at Mr Brandon''s words as he knew the response why Mr Brandon has been unable to contact him is because his phone was on airne mode during his cultivation session in the ind.


    "I have been very busytely. I guess that''s why you have been unable to contact me," Ss said, giving the possible exnation he could give. Not that it was needed anyway but he just felt like doing it.


    "I understand, Mr Ss. Someone of your status will always be busy with something," Mr Brandon replied.


    He knew that he couldn''t fault Ss. Why should he faults his golden goo ¨C cough, his biggest client.


    "Mr Ss, the buildings are ready and their documents has been received by your attorney, all that''s needed is your signature," Mr Brandon said.


    "What''s the cost and details of their evaluation?," Ss asked.


    This was the most important part as the higher the evaluation ofnthe buildings, the quicker he finishes his mission.


    "This batch consists of a total of ten buildings, with a total cost of $1,659,730,000 and a total evaluation of $659,670,000.


    Just like I told you before the buildings became avable, this batch is very expensive. Though their evaluation is lowpared to the previous batches, you can take the fact that they are located in very popr and bustling areas," Mr Brandon said, exining to Ss the details of the buildings'' cost and evaluation.


    Ss initially frowned when he heard this cost of the buildings, but it straightened and turn into a smile, when he saw the total evaluation of the buildings.


    Due to Ss'' humble upbringing, he has always been scrutinous of his spending, making sure he doesn''t spend unnecessarily more than necessary, except when he knows that it would definitely benefit him.


    This didn''t change even with the presence of the system, but this time is different.


    ''$1.6 billion? Even if it''s $10 billion, I''m willing to buy them as long as they help meplete the mission faster.''


    Ss'' mentality has changed a lot since the ind incident. The Ss right now won''t mind spending even more for the buildings.


    "Thank you, MR Brandon. I will sign the documents and make the purchase soon."


    "Ok. Another thing, Mr Ss. We are still unable to get the ind with your desired specifications," Mr Brandon, who was about to hang up, suddenly said.


    "It''s okay. You no longer need to worry about it. I will also send you thepensation for your work. Thank you very much," Ss replied.


    Aftering from Venezu, it skipped his mind or he would have call Mr Brandon and told him to stop his search for an ind.


    Mr Brandon was happy when he heard that Ss would still be sending thepensation, and he was anxiously looking forward to it.


    Mr Brandon immediately hung up after that, as he didn''t want to disturb Ss any further.


    ''I guess I will have to make a trip back home to sign the buildings'' documents, so that I canplete the mission. I also need to meet with Kim and know her progress on her recruitment of staffs for the office.


    I also shouldn''t forget the game.''


    Ss could have called Kim but he decided against it. He felt that there was no need for it as he would be going home very soon.


    ''I will move our base of operations to Venezu when I''m done cleaning it up and it''spletely safe for me and my family.''


    "LUNAR, make arrangements. I''m going back to Oand."


    {Yes sir.}


    Immediately, Ss stood up and left his room and the hotel, and made his way to the airport.


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    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 76 Home, Father

    76 Home, Father


    Microsoft Headquarters, Redmond, Washington, USA.


    In one of thepany''s building conference room, a group of people were seen seated around a table.


    A very dense authoritative and confidence aura radiated from their body,plimented by their extreme look of professionalism.


    A man who looks to be of Indian descent, sat at the end of the table.


    "And that would be all for today''s meeting," A pleasant voice belonging to female downing an officedy attire sounded in the conference room, and the man seated at the head of the table, nodded.


    Everyone in the conference room saw this and started packing up the documents in front of them.


    "What about the message that was sent to QURT technology, thepany behind the AI chatbot, ELLA? Have they responded?," The man at the head of the table asked.


    "Yes, CEO Nade. I actually received a response from them right before the meeting started," Thedy stopped what she was doing and replied.


    "What''s their response?," The man, Mr Nade, the CEO of Microsoft asked.


    "They rejected our offer," Thedy said and shook her head.


    "Interesting. Did they give a reason?," The CEO, asked with an interested expression on his face.


    "I''m sorry sir, but they gave us no reason for rejecting our offer."


    "Increase the price and reach out to them again. I want us to acquire the technology behind the AI at all means," CEO Nade said with a serious expression on his face.


    Thedy heard this and nodded, before leaving the meeting room with the others.


    After everyone has left, CEO Nade sighed and looked at the ceiling deep in thought, as he murmured.


    ''Qurt Technology?...''


    As someone who graduated with a master''s degree in Business Administration, and someone who has been in different executive positions in thepany before bing its CEO, he''s a businessman who has developed a sixth sense for profit, he was well aware of how extraordinary the technology behind the AI chatbot is.


    This was also confirmed when he pitted it against their own AI chatbot.


    "How did they do it? Also, why can''t I find anything about thepany''s owner. The only thing that isknown is the location of their office building," CEO Nade said and sighed.


    A small group ofpanies has been dominating the AI sector for some time, but the emergence of the QURT Technology is bound to change everything and this is the reason why he wants to acquire thepany at all cost.


    He wasn''t worried though. As someone who has been in this cutthroat industry for years, he understood that it''s only a matter of time before thepany acquiesces to their demands.


    CEO Nade wasn''t the only one desperately after LUNAR''s technology.


    In an office located at the top floor of Oracle''s Headquarter, Safra Catz, the CEO of Oracle looked at report given to her by her secretary.


    "They rejected our offer?...," She asked, slightly surprised. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She wasn''t actually surprised, she found it odd that the no-name start-uppany behind the new rave AI chatbot, LUNAR, would refuse an offer of $19 billion.


    "It seems like thepetition is going to be fierce...," She said to herself with a smile.


    She dropped the report back on the desk and looked at her secretary standing in front of her.


    "Tell this to them: I don''t care about the price, we must acquire thispany at all cost.


    We must never allow Microsoft or any otherpany to get it. This will be what will help us to break through into the AI sector," she said and her secretary nodded, before leaving the office.


    After her secretary left, Safra stood up and walked towards the panoramic ss wall, and stared at the beautiful, captivatingndscape of Austin city, with a solemn expression on her face.


    ....


    Ss who was unaware orpletely aware of what was happening, but didn''t care, was now driving home.


    As he drove home, a lot of thoughts filled his mind.


    After his encounter with the President of Venezu, Mr Yusmairobis, Ss knew that things are now going to get difficult for him as the CIA and FBI are actively trying to get information on him.


    Another thing he thought about was his wealth which had no legally documented source.


    He got to know this after his meeting with Mr Yusmairobis.


    After Ss got the system, he didn''t bother to ask if the money he will be receiving will have a legal source documented for it.


    But could he be med? It can be said that Ss at that time, was at hisst leg and even if he wanted to ask, the system wasn''t sentient at that time.


    Actually, it wasn''t that the money didn''t have a legal source but its source is so mysterious that the two three-letter agency decided tobel it as unknown.


    "I still have a lot of things that needs to be taken care of," Ss said to himself.


    .....


    Few minutes, Ss had already arrived home and was waiting for Kim to open the door.


    After a few seconds of waiting, the door opened.


    "Ss, wee," Kim said with a smile on her face.


    "Thanks Kim," Ss said and walked into the house.


    Just as he was about to go up to Alex''s room, he saw his father sitting on the sofa, and staring intently at him.


    "Where have you been?," His father asked with a very angry voice, as he stood up and walked towards Ss, menacingly.


    If it was before, Ss would have started cowering and started preparing to receive his father''s beating.


    Wrong, Ss wouldn''t even dare to see his father to the eye, but a lot has changed in the past two months.


    Instead of cowering and shivering before his father, Ss looked at his father right in the eyes, and smiled.


    "Where I go and what I do is none of your business. It''s not like you really care anyway," Ss said and started walking up to his room.


    "Ss! When I''m talking to you, you stand right where you''re until I''m done." The bellowing voice of his furious father was heard.


    Ss saw this and turned back, as looked at his father with a sneer on his face.


    "And what if I don''t?"


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 77 Father(II), Confrontation

    77 Father(II), Confrontation


    Chris has never been so angry in his life. He looked at his son with zing anger in his eyes.


    At the moment, he wanted nothing more than to beat this stupid and arrogant son of his, until he''s back on his knees, begging him just like he used to, but there was something holding him back.


    The Ss in front of him waspletely different from the previous one.


    The Ss of before wouldn''t even dare to look him in the eyes and to talk back at him would be something of a suicidal attempt, but the one in front of him gives him a very dangerous feeling.


    Putting aside the feeling that Ss is giving him, Chris noticed that his son has changedpletely, appearance-wise.


    Unlike the previous Ss'' appearance''s that was extremely ugly and almost repulsive to look at, the current Ss'' appearance is something that can be called every girls wet dream.


    Plus, the clothes on Ss'' body screams high quality and luxury. Not just about Ss, but he has also noticed that a lot of things had changed in the housetely. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Even though hees home extremelyte, extremely drunk and wasted, he has noticed some slighy difference in Alex and Kim''s behavior, and the atmosphere in the house.


    Actually, if he wasn''t told by Kim that the person at the door is Ss, he would have called Ss a stranger.


    Chris felt and saw his changes in Ss, still, he didn''t back down. He felt that as Ss'' father, he has the right to discipline his son when he does something wrong.


    "What did you just say?!," Chris asked as he walked towards Ss, threateningly.


    No matter how much changes Ss has gone through, no matter how much he has grown, he''s still his son and he would still be, until he decides that he''s not.


    Ss saw his father walking towards him and smiled. Though he doesn''t have a mind reading superpower, he knew what was actually going through his father''s mind.


    Ss gave a smile which didn''t lookike a smile and asked, "I said, and what if I don''t?"


    "What are you going to do about it? Hit me? Sorry to disappoint, but you will have to try another intimidation tactic," Ss said, with his voice slightly rising due to anger that was growing in his heart.


    "I''m curious though. Anytime you get back and you''re in a very foul mood, you always hit me and insult me to no end. I want to ask, why? Was it because I was weak or you just hated me like you always said?


    You called me a jinx. You said I''m the reason why things went to shit for you. I want to ask now, how did I cause your present situation?," Ss asked as he looked at his father back in the eyes without backing down.


    Ss felt that it was actually time things changed. For so many years, he has been his father''s punching bag and his father''s means of venting out his frustrations.


    For too long he took the insults, the abuse that his father melted out in him because he didn''t have the strength to speak but things changed.


    Chris, just like Ss, he also wasn''t willing to back down. He wouldn''t, his ego won''t let him.


    "Ss! I''m your father and when I''m talking to you, you lower your head in respect!," Chris barked at Ss'' face.


    His anger at his point has reached a boiling point and he was about to blow his top.


    Hearing his words, Ss gave augh but one could feel the chilling anger hidden in it.


    Now that he thought about it, why had he always med the innocent Ss for everything that happened to him?


    23:39


    How did he be what he hated so much? Where did he start losing it?


    "My father? That''s funnying from you. Let me ask, do you remember my birthday? I''m asking if you have ever celebrated it, but if you actually know what day it is and that of Alex?


    Is your idea of being a father, hitting and insulting me every night without break? Have you ever had a conversation with Alex? Do you know his favorite color, or his favourite cartoon or action figures? Have you ever bothered about his education or even cared to ask about his well-being?


    Let me tell you something, Father isn''t a title that is given, it is earned. Same with respect.


    If you think because you caused my birth, then I''m sorry to tell you, you''re nothing more than a sperm donor."


    "Ss?! Stop it!," A shocked and broken Kim shouted. The scene in front of her was very heartbreaking.


    Ss'' voice was calm but his words weren''t so. The fact he could call his father a sperm donor showed how furious he was.


    Kim was at a loss for words. She didn''t want the two of them fight like this but what can she do? She didn''t know how much anger Ss had towards his father, but hearing what he said made her understand that he was beyond furious at his father.


    She knew that he wasn''t wrong for feeling angry. She knew that she would have felt the same if she were im his situation, but she didn''t want this for any of them.


    She really wished that they can live together as one happy family but her wish will have to take a while before it will be granted.


    It has been a very long time since Chris actually heard such hurtful words and thest time he heard it, was from Lucas Anderson, the bastard that ruined his life.


    Now that he thought about it, why had he always med the innocent Ss for everything that happened to him?


    How did he be what he hated so much? Where did he start losing it?


    He looked at Ss'' face and saw it, ovepping with that of his first wife.


    Seeing this, he lowered his head and smiled stiffly.


    ''Natasha, Jasmine, Kim, I failed as a husband and a father,'' He thought to himself.


    ''I really failed at both and I became my worst enemy.''


    Chris took onest look at Ss and walked out of the house, into the cold of the night.


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 78 Genuine Happiness, Unwanted Attention

    78 Genuine Happiness, Unwanted Attention


    The house that night was deathly silent.


    After Chris left the house, Ss went up to his room, not feeling bothered by the small interlude with his father.


    One would have expected to do more or even go to the extreme, considering the fact that his father did things that were extreme to him, but a lot of things has happenedtely that has changed Ss'' perspective on most things in life.


    After his first trip to Venezu and the ind incident, Ss mentality changedpletely.


    At that time, when he was just a breath away from death, Ss had a brief moment of mental rity. He thought of his life so far and how much he has achieved, with and without the help of the system.


    The answer to that was Nothing!


    Apart from changing his financial situation, which was all the system''s doing, Ss felt that has no achievement to himself. All he had was intense anger and hatred towards his father, Daniel, the opposite sex, everyone and himself.


    "Where did that much anger and hatrede from?," Ss couldn''t help but ask himself after waking up.


    Of course, he knew the reason for those intense feelings, but would he allow it to continue controlling him?


    Though, those feelings didn''t actuallye to the surface due to him suppressing them with the max level [Emotional Intelligence] skill, those feelings was still buried deeply inside him.


    Ss knew that burying those emotions would backfire at him in the near future, and that''s why he decided to tackle it by the roots, the person who is the initial cause for those feelings, his father.


    This was the reason why he vented to his father, without restraint. Unlike before when he would have done his best to avoid the man at all cost, he decided to face those feelings and confront it, before they devour him and make him who he doesn''t want to be.


    Making the decision was easy but acting on it was very difficult, but Ss was able to do it. As for the remaining anger and hatred in his heart, it dissipated like a fog hit by sunlight.


    The stuffy feelings that has been in his heart, choking him and almost making him tomlose his mind, finally got taken care of and he can now breath in fresh air.


    With a clear heart and mind, and a soft smile on his face, hey on his bed and slept off, soundly.


    After Chris walked out of the house and Ss went to his room, with differentplicated thoughts and emotions running through her heart and mind, Kim stood rooted to the spot.


    She didn''t know how toprehend what had just happened.


    "Why?! How?!," She muttered and copsed on the nearby sofa.


    Kim found it very hard to believe that Ss would say such hurtful words to his father, but she found even more absurd that Chris did such unspeakable things to Ss.


    Kim knew that contrary to Ss'' expressionless face and his t voice, when he said those words, it waspletely different to the chilling effects those words had.


    Kim knew that Ss wasn''t wrong for feeling very angry at his father, but she didn''t want the family to fall apart.


    "But Alex needs to grow in aplete family," Kim muttered to herself in a low voice.


    "Why is this happening?" Kim felt extremely sad and heartbroken.


    "I hope things get better soon," She said with a sigh.


    Kim also noticed thest expression on Chris''s face before he left the house, and she became worried.


    "I hope he''s okay."


    She tried calling his phone but when she saw it ringing in front of her, she knew that he left it phone behind.


    With no choice, she decided to stay in the living room and wait till he gets back home.


    .....


    The next day, a tired Kim woke up and picked up her phone to check the time.


    "7:23 AM?! And he''s not yet back?..." Kim became worried when she saw the time and noticed that Chris stood wasn''t back.


    "Ahh... I better start preparing Alex for school," Kim said and made her way to the Alex''s room, to wake him up and start preparing him for school.


    On the way, she saw Ssing down to the living room.


    "Good morning, Kim," Ss greeted her with a smile.


    Kim was momentarily shocked by the smile and the happy expression on his face. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ".... Morning, Ss. How was your night?"


    "Perfect," Ss said with a smile and went down to the living room.


    Kim saw this and smiled. This was actually the first time she saw and felt Ss being genuinely happy.


    ''I guess he was able to vent it all out yesterday...,'' Kim thought and continued towards Alex''s room.


    Ss woke up, with a lighthearted feeling and feeling very refreshed. His mind was very clear and free of any thoughts.


    He looked at the ceiling for a moment and let out a sigh of relief, before jumping out of his bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up.


    After he was done freshening up, he left his room and went downstairs to the living room.


    On his way to the living room, he met Kim who looks like she just woke up, on the stairs.


    With a bright and happy smile, he greeted her and went down to the living room.


    Ss'' mood didn''tst long as he got a very annoying message from LUNAR.


    {Master, we have been experiencing a series of frequent hacking attempts into ELLA''s system, but none has been sessfully so far.}


    The happy expression on Ss'' face disappeared and was reced with a frown.


    ''Those fucking hounds! Took them long enough.''


    "LUNAR, have you identified the origin points of the hacking attempts and their identities."


    {Yes. Twelve locations were identified, six in USA, four in China and two in South Korea. Their identities are those of different contracted professional hacking teams.}


    ''Bunch of smartasses. They didn''t dare to do it themselves.'' Ss sneered.


    "LUNAR, use the connection point created by the hacking attempts to connect to the hackers'' server, and nt a trojan in their system and use it to gather as much information on them as you can."


    {Yes, master.}


    "Also, hack into every hackable devices around their vicinity and nt Trojans into all of them. I want to get ess to their call and I want you to read all their messages history, even if they are using burner phones."


    {Yes, master.}


    ''I guess I''m finally going to experience some actions.''


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 79 Unwanted Attention(II), Alexs Thoughts And Outburst

    Chapter 79 Unwanted Attention(II), Alex''s Thoughts And Outburst


    Few hourster, at the dining table, Ss was just getting up from his seat after he was done taking his breakfast. Alex and Kim were almost done with theirs.


    "I will drop Alex off at school?," Ss said to Kim.


    "Ok," Kim replied, as she cleaned up the dining table.


    "Alex, go get your school backpack." Alex nodded and grabbed his backpack from the sofa, and walked towards Ss.


    Ss looked at Alex and gestured to him toe closer, so that he can he dress his hair and straighten his clothes.


    "Let''s go," Ss said and grabbed Alex''s hand, and left the house. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Outside, Ss and Alex walked towards the Corvette and got in, and Ss drove off.


    On the way to Alex''s school, Ss noticed Alex''s unusual silence. Unlike before when Alex would be smiling and happily chatting with Ss in the car, Alex was unusually quiet and he had a very familiar expression on his face. An expression that he was familiar with and understood its meaning.


    "You overheard me and dad fighting yesterday night?," Ss asked with a wry smile, as he looked at Alex''s face, closely,


    Alex looked at Ss'' face with his red and moist eyes.


    "..Why?," He asked. He was confused. Since the time he could remember, his father has always been abusive and violent towards them, especially towards his older brother.


    He was curious and confused as to reason why. He has never remember him or his older brother being disobedient or disrespectful to their father, but why does the man treat them so.


    Every time he watches cartoons, he always sees his favorite characters take good care of their family. He always sees the smile and happiness on the children faces, even though he knew that what he was watching isn''t real, he couldn''t stop himself from wishing for such a life.


    He''spletely aware that Kim isn''t his real mother but he didn''t care as she treated him like her own.


    To him, his brother is the best person in his life. He knew how Ss would always takes the me and beating for him, never allowing their father toy a finger on him whenever he wants vent out on them. For this reason, he hated his father.


    This was also the reason why he felt so sad and angry when he overheard his brother and their father fighting yesterday.


    At that moment, Alex wanted nothing more than his father to disappear from their lives but he was conflicted. He also want aplete and happy family just like those he sees in the cartoons he watches.


    Unable to control himself any longer, hot tears started flowing done his cheeks, freely, as he burst into tears.


    Ss saw this and sighed as he looked for somewhere to park. After parking, Ss hugged the crying Alex and started caressing his hair lovingly.


    "It''s okay, Alex. Everything is fine now. You don''t need to worry about him any longer. I''m here for you, okay? Same with Kim," Ss said, as he tried to soothe Alex and stop him from crying.


    Ss felt very sad seeing Alex cry. After Alex''s mother died, Ss made a decision and a promise to always be there for the little boy and do his best for him, but the question is if he actually kept his promise and how much progress and effort has he made on that promise?


    He knew that there was no way for him topletely fill the voids caused by the absence of a mother and father in Alex''s life.


    Ss sighed when he thought of this, ''I guess I will have to put in more efforts and more of my best.''


    A few minutester, Alex''s crying had already subsided to quiet sobs, before he finally stopped.


    Still in Ss'' arms, Alex decided to stay like that for a few more minutes but he was unable to when he heard Ss'' words.


    "You still have to go to school and you''re already runningte," Ss said with a smile, as he continued caressing Alex''s hair, "But it''s fine if you don''t want to go," Ss continued.


    "I want to go," Alex said as he detached himself from Ss'' arms.


    Ss saw this and smiled, "Okay then," He said and removed the car from park, and continued driving towards Alex''s school.


    The remaining drive was spent in silence but Ss saw that Alex''s facial expression has improved significantly, and he was radiating a happy aura around him.


    .....


    After dropping Alex off at school, Ss got into the car and was about to start making his way back home, when he received a message from LUNAR.


    {Master, I have gotten the identities of the hackers'' contractors.}


    "Go on."


    {The four groups in USA were contracted by Gelead Scientics, Con Chai Precision Industry, Safrane, Synorpses, Automata Data Processing.


    The four groups in China were contracted by different Chinesepanies, and the two groups in South Korea were contracted bypanies from different parts if of the world, including those from USA, France, Germany...


    A new attempt was made from a different location and I was able to trace it back to the Pentagon.}


    Ss wasn''t surprised by the identities of the hacking groups contractor, but he was shocked by LUNAR''sst sentence.


    "The Pentagon, as in the actual Pentagon?!," Ss asked in a mixture of shock and surprise.


    {The actual Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense.}


    "But why?," Ss couldn''t help but ask. Ss knew that ELLA was good enough to attract the attention of the toppanies around the world, but to attract the attention of the US Department of Defense is a whole different matter entirely.


    {That''s what I''m trying to find out by going through ELLA''s database to see if there''s any usage data from anyone inside the Pentagon.}


    "Good, do that and let me know when you''re done," Ss said with a sigh.


    He felt like he has been sighing a lottely but it couldn''t be helped.


    ''The Pentagon? Hope it''s just a nobody who''s curious and nothing more.''


    Ss decided to put the issue surrounding ELLA and the Pentagon aside from now until he gets more information from LUNAR.


    Ss started the car and was about to drive off when he saw his ''best friend'' walking towards him with a ''beautiful smile'' on his face.


    "Well, well, well. Would you look at that? If it isn''t the newest big boy in town, the one and only, Ss."


    Ss heard the b*stard''s voice from a distance.

 Chapter 80 An Unexpected Encounter

    Chapter 80 An Unexpected Encounter


    It''s been two months since they had the eventful get-together. An event that Daniel organized with the purpose of unting the managerial position he got in his father''spany, but it unfortunately didn''t go as nned.


    Instead of him being the focal point and in the limelights of the event, he was relegated to a mere bystander. He was relegated to a being a side character, a mere extra, all because of a bastard, Ss, a no-name ogre-looking loser. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After the get-together, Daniel has tried his best to contact Ss but was unsessful. He even ordered hispdogs to look for him but it was like Ss disappeared into thin air, but wh would have thought that he would find Ss who has been so elusive right in front of the workce of one of his service girls.


    Daniel was about to go to the office after dropping his girl at her workce, when he saw a very familiar figure that resembles that of Ss, from a distance.


    At first, he was in doubt and unsure if it was really Ss, but due to the familiar feeling he felt, he convinced himself that it was really Ss, and with an evil smirk, Daniel walked towards Ss'' car. It''s finally time he get his revenge.


    .....


    Ss saw Daniel walking up to him and sighed.


    "This f*cking bastard. Just when I had forgotten all the shit he did to me, he pops up like a cockroach that has multiple lives."


    Ss didn''t pay attention to Daniel who was walking up to him, and started his car.


    The Corvette roared to life and Daniel couldn''t help but be startled by the noise it made. Almost immediately, his startled expression turned dark, into that of anger and jealousy.


    ''That bastard! He has a Bugatti and a Chevrolet Corvette, while all I have is a used 2018 car. How the f*ck did he do it in just a space of two years? How did his appearance change so much? What type of stic surgery did he do to achieve such changes in two months,'' Daniel thought to himself bitterly, as he increased his pace.


    At this point, Daniel was alreadypletely convinced that it was Ss. Daniel just couldn''t ept it. He felt that due to his privileged background, he should be the one in Ss'' position.


    His father is the owner of a multi-million dorspany, he has the looks and everything one could ever ask for but why is Ss in a better position than him?


    Ss was unaware of the thoughts going through Daniel''s mind, but he noticed the increase in his pace. Ss didn''t bother to stop as he continued driving but since it''s a singlene, he was forced to stop when he saw Daniel jumped and stood in front of the car.


    ''What is wrong with this dimwit? Can''t he see that I don''t have the time for his immature roley?,'' Ss thought to himself, feeling slightly pissed at this point.


    It''s not that he was running from Daniel or avoiding him but he wasn''t in the mood for the distraction he is, as he has more important things to do.


    Ss opened the door and came out of the car to confront Daniel.


    "Yo, fucktard. What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you standing in front of the car? Are you tired of living?," Ss asked the clownish Daniel.


    Daniel got furious when he heard Ss'' words.


    "What did you just call me?," Daniel asked through teeth clenched in anger.


    "I called you a fucktard and I also asked if you''re tired of living for you to jump to the front of a moving car. Don''t you know you can get run over by it and be sent, to be received by your maker. Or are you trying tomit an underserved seppuku?," Ss asked again with a sneer.


    At this point, Daniel finally lost it as he walked towards Ss, with slow, threatening steps.


    "I dare you to repeat what you said. Repeat it so that I can remind of how much of a weakling and a wimp you have always been before me,'' Daniel growled as he tried to intimidate Ss.


    Ss saw this and smiled. He felt like Daniel looks like a toothless street dog, barking. No threat at all, just a noise causing nuisance but he decided to let him vent. He was curious as to see what Daniel would do.


    Ss calmly stood until Daniel stood in front of him, looking at him with a sneer on his face.


    "What? You can''t say it? Cat got your tongue? You think because you have some nice rides and you underwent a stic surgery, you will be free from me? Get this into that f*cking pea brain of yours, you''re nothing more than my toy. Get that into that pea feather brain of yours," Daniel said right to Ss'' face, with an angry growl and lightly shoving Ss on the chest.


    He wanted nothing more at the moment than to beat Ss to the ground and trample him under his feet but he held himself back as he was in the public, and he has an public image to maintain.


    Ss saw Daniel''s action and smiled.


    "You''re still a dumb and delusional fucktard, Daniel. If you really think the world revolves around you, then let me bring you back to reality," Ss said with a smile and pushed Daniel lightly, while applying a little bit of force.


    The result? Daniel was sent flying across the street until he crashed into his car, and fainted.


    "What a fool. He just can''t wake up from his daydream. Maybe this will wake him up to reality?," Ss said and got back into the car, and drove off.


    He didn''t bother to check if Daniel was dead or alive, but he was sure that he was alive, as hr controlled his strength to the very minimum.


    Honestly, Ss felt that it would be better for Daniel to die and disappear but he knew that it would be very troublesome if that is to happen.


    As Ss drove off, he saw a crowd of people rush towards the copsed Daniel.

 Chapter 81 New Business Venture

    Chapter 81 New Business Venture


    With a bright smile, Ss drove home feeling very happy and pleased with himself.


    He felt that his unexpected encounter with Daniel was a bad thing overall.


    For the first time, he put Daniel back where he belonged, on the ground and feeding on dirt.


    "Hahaha... So many good things has been happeningtely," Ss said with a heartyugh, as he continued driving.


    It took Ss a few minutes before he finally got back home. He decided not to go to the vi for a while due to its very annoyingly far distance and he also doesn''t feel like making the seven hours long drive.


    When he got home, he saw Kim in a ck office attire, ready to leave for work.


    "To the office?," Ss asked.


    "Yeah. It''s past seven already and almost runningte. I need to get going now," Kim said as she picked her bag from the sofa, and made her way to the door.


    "You taking a taxi or an Uber?," Ss asked, as he watched about to walk out the door.


    "I prefer to take a taxi," Kim looked back at Ss and said with a smile.


    "Why," Ss asked and spontaneously threw the Corvette''s key to her.


    "You can have it, it''s yours now. If you don''t like it, you can manage it for today and I will get you the one you preferter," Ss said.


    Ss felt bad that Kim has been using a taxi as a mode of transportation to the office. Something that isn''t befitting of her status.


    Kim is the one managing thepany for him which makes her the CEO, and as someone in that position, how would her employees look at her when shees down from a taxi.


    Kim caught the Corvette''s key, Ss threw to her. She initially wanted to refuse it but she decided against it as she felt that it would be very disrespectful to refuse the first gift that Ss is giving her, and besides, she already runningte and the car will make getting to the office, easier and faster.


    "I love it. Thank you," She said with a smile and left the house.


    Ss saw Kim leave the house and he went to his room to get hisptop.


    He has a lot of things that he ns to get done today.


    After he got hisptop, he came back to the living room and took his seat.


    Ss ced theptop on hisp and switched it on. After it was switched on and done booting, he told LUNAR to connect the Gear to it.


    After the Gear andptop was connected, theptop disy was paired with the Gear, making it so that whatever is being disyed on theptop will also be disyed on Gear. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Wow! Nice," Ss said with a soft voice. The Gear''s disy waspletely different from theptop''s.


    Unlike theptop, the Gear allows Ss to open multiple tabs and use them at the same time! And even shocking is that this doesn''t affect theptop''s performance or battery life! Also the Gear can still connect and pair another device.


    Ss opened four tabs and ced two above and the other two, below. Ss turned his head to the side and he saw that the tabs didn''t follow his head''s movement, but remained in their initial position like it was stered to a wall.


    This was because of the Gear reacting to Ss'' thoughts. Seeing the results, Ss smiled and willed for the tabs to appear in front of his view, with his head still facing the left, and immediately, the tabs appeared in his view.


    Ss did this with the right side and he got the same result. He stood up and looked around and he got the same results.


    "Technology is really a beautiful thing," Ss said with a smile and started what he initially nned to do.


    Ss wants to invest all the money in his ount. Ss connected his phone to the Gear and opened his bank ount to check his ount bnce.


    ]$1,018,207,090[


    "$1 billion dors!," Ss said in surprise when he saw the amount in his ount.


    It couldn''t be helped as thest time he checked his ount bnce was when he wanted to pay Serah and Emma, a year advance of their sry.


    With this, I can invest as much as I want and since investments aren''t donations, then I will get rebate rewards for it. Which means I will be spending money to get back more money immediately, instead of waiting till when I will receive a return from my investments.


    Before he goes ahead with his n, Ss decided to ask the system, something.


    "System, the amount that''s received from the rebate rewards is random but is their someth6like a limit that it can''t go below?"


    Ss decided to ask this because it''s very important to him and it''s also one of the thing that has been confusing him.


    Ss ns to invest all of the money he had, but he doesn''t want to be in a situation whereby he won''t have enough money to buy thest batch of buildings today.


    Yes, he will get money from rebate rewards but the question is how much will he get? Will he have to transfer multiple times beforepletes the payment?


    Ss wasn''t aware, but this is something he doesn''t want to experience. Besides, he felt it was better to work with facts than hope and assumptions.


    [For amounts above $5 million, the amount that can be received from the rebate rewards ranges between below one-fourth to below three-fourth of the total amount that''s to be received after the 10x rebate has been applied to it.]


    Ss was happy when he got a response from the system. He thought this is one of the scenarios when he would be told to find out by himself.


    ''For amounts above $5 million, the amount that can be received ranges between below one-fourth to below three-fourth of the total amount that''s to be received after the 10x rebate has been applied to it?,'' Ss thought to himself.


    "Tch. It''s better than not telling me anything. It seems I won''t be able to avoid the situation of making multiple transfers before I canplete the buildings purchase," Ss thought to himself.


    Still, Ss decided to go ahead with his n of investing all of his money.


    Ss ns to open a private investmentpany and a private hedge fundpany that will be used privately for himself and his business.


    Ss decided to put a call to Mr Williams.


    After a few rings, the call went through and was picked by Mr Williams.


    "Hello, Mr Ss."


    "Mr Williams, I want all the rted and relevant documents for the creation of a private hedge fundpany and also those for an investmentpany. Thepanies will be be based in Caracas, Venezu.


    You don''t have to worry about the legal side of things, all I just need is the documents," Ss said, immediately making known the purpose of his call.


    "Okay, I will have them ready before the end of today," Mr Williams said, and was about to hang up when he remembered something.


    "Mr Ss, Mr Rendall wants to know if he shoulde to the vi with the buildings'' documents."


    "Yes, but he should meet me at the location that will send to you."


    "Ok, then," Mr Williams said and hung up.


    After the call, Ss asked LUNAR to send the address of the house to Mr Williams.


    Before Mr Rendall arrives with the buildings'' documents and Mr Williams is done preparing the relevantpanies creation documents, Ss decided to start researching on where to invest his money.

 Chapter 82 Mission Reward

    Chapter 82 Mission Reward


    After half an hour of researching, Ss now finally has enough information to put his ns into action.


    He already has an extensive list ofpanies that he''s going to invest and even buy out outrightly.


    Since Ss decided to open thepany in Venezu, he told LUNAR to send a message to Mr. Yusmairobis, informing him of his ns and instructing him to take ghe necessary actions.


    Ss won''t have to worry about the legal side of creating the business, since he''s technically like the President of Venezu.


    This is the reason why Ss decided to open the business in Venezu as he didn''t want to be bothered by agencies like SEC or by policies andws that might hinder his operations.


    After Ss was done instructing LUNAR, he heard a the doorbell ring.


    "That must be Mr. Rendall," Ss said and stood up from the sofa and went to open the door.


    Just as he thought, he met Mr Rendall standing at the door.


    "Mr. Rendall,e in," Ss said to Mr Rendall.


    Mr. Rendall was shocked by what he saw.


    ''How?!,'' He muttered to himself in shock. He couldn''t believe the enormous changes in Ss'' appearance.


    It has only been less than three weeks since theyst met and Ss has changed so much that he''s now unrecognizable.


    Mr. Rendall felt that if he didn''t hear Ss'' familiar voice, he would definitely not have recognized him. He was curious as to know where Ss did his stic surgery and the identity of the stic surgeon.


    Ss noticed that Mr. Rendall was still standing at the door, and he turned back and saw the shocked expression on his face.


    Ss understood when he saw the expression on the real estate attorney''s face.


    ''Do I have to do something about my face? I keep living everyone shocked,'' Ss thought to himself.


    Though Ss had such thought, it was just a fleeting one.


    "Mr. Rendall?," Ss called out to the real estate attorney, bringing him out of his reverie.


    "Ah... Yes, yes. Right," Mr. Rendall stuttered and walked in.


    Ss smiled at this and took his seat in the living room, and Mr. Rendall also took his seat.


    After taking his seat, Mr. Rendall started taking out the documents from his briefcase.


    "Mr. S, here are the documents," Mr. Rendall said as he ced the papers on the table.


    Ss picked up the documents and started going through them. While he went through the documents, Ss thought of the possible amount he would get as rebate reward.


    He thought of the number of system''s rebate rewards notifications he would have to swim through to get what he''s looking for, as he was aware that LUNAR has made multiple transactions after he gave her ess to his bank ount.


    Thinking of that, Ss decided to ask the system if it''s possible to specify the exact rebate reward


    After a few seconds, Ss nodded and signed them. After he was done signing, he made the transfer for the buildings'' purchase.


    Immediately after making the transfer, Ss told the system to disy its rebate rewards notification.


    [You spent $980,000,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $690,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount.


    You received 1.42% of Coca-C.


    You received 2.87% of Arbot Lab.]


    Seeing the notification, Ss nodded in satisfaction and did the remaining transfer toplete the buildings'' purchase.


    "Done," Ss said, and passed the documents back to Mr. Rendall, after hepleted the payment.


    Mr. Rendall received the documents from Ss and put them back in his briefcase.


    "That will all?," Ss asked and Mr Rendall nodded, and stood up from his seat to leave.


    Ss escorted Mr Rendall to the door and after he left, he walked back to the living room with a smile on his face.


    "System, disy the rebate rewards notification of thetest transaction."


    [You spent $679,730,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $893,760,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount.


    You received 5.35% of Lockhead Martins Corporation.]


    Ss had a strange expression on his face when he saw the notification.


    "More shares from Lockhead Martins Corporation? What''s the system trying to do?," Ss asked himself when he saw that he got more of thepany''s shares.


    "Let''s put that aside. Time to check the reward that the system will give me forpleting the mission," Ss said as he rubbed his hands together, in excitement.


    This is the mission that took him the longest toplete and it''s also a chained mission to boot. This made him very excited and anxious to see what he would receive as reward from the system.


    "System, disy notification rted to the mission''spletion," Ss said excitedly and immediately, a string of notifications started popping up in his retina.


    [Chained Mission(I) Completed.]


    [Mission Details: Chained Mission (I): Start up a business and get an evaluation of $1 billion in a year.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host level of performances.]


    [Mission Progress: 100% (Evaluation: $1,659,670,000) (Completed)] n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Time Limit: 292 Days 9 Hour.]


    [System is currently assessing the reward that will be given for the missionpletion.]


    [Remaining Time To Complete Assessment: 00:29:56]


    "What the hell, System!," Ss said I''m disappointed. He felt that all he did with the feelings of excitement and anticipation were just waste of emotional investments.


    "Well, I won''t have to wait long though. The assessment will be done in the next thirty minutes and I will be able to see the reward," Ss said with a smile, filled with even more excitement and anticipation.


    Ss was still waiting for the time to go by, when he got a message from LUNAR.


    {Master, I have gathered information on the person that hacked into ELLA''s system from the Pentagon.}


    "Ohh... Who is it?," Ss asked in curiosity.


    This is one the issue that has been bothering himtely and he was very curious to hear what LUNAR got after her information gathering.


    Immediately, an image of a young man who looks to be in his teens was disyed on the Gear''s screen.


    {Name: John Brian.


    Position: Offensive Security Certified Professional.}


    {From what I gathered, he''s a new recruit who was recently employed by the National Security Agency and the reason he tried hacking into ELLA''s system was because he was bored.}


    "Eh! He was bored?! What the fuck is that suppose to mean?!," Ss asked in surprise.


    Instead of responding, LUNAR disyed the chat messages, she got from Brian''s phone.


    The chat was between Brian and a guy called Anthony.


    {Brian: "I''m so fucking bored. Nothing to do at the office. I''m just here looking at some old, bald geezers walking around with egos as high as Mt. Everest."


    Anthony: "Bro, how can you be bored. You work at the Pentagon. Why don''t you just y around with your hacking skills? (Inserts smirking emoji.)"


    Brian: "Nice idea. I will try it now."


    ....


    ....}


    "What is wrong with kids these days," Ss couldn''t help but ask himself when after reading the chat.


    ''I guess I was just anxious for nothing but it''s a good thing too,'' Ss thought to himself in relief.


    Ss'' thoughts were cut short by the system notifications that popped up.


    [Assessment Completed]


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 83 Mission Rewards, MAU

    Chapter 83 Mission Rewards, MAU


    [Assessment Completed.]


    [Reward(s) will now be given.]


    [Reward(s): 1x random item [Blueprint], 1x random item, 400,000 SP.]


    [You received Blueprint: Evolution Capsule.]


    [You received a random item: A Multipurpose Android Unit]x1


    Ss was surprised and confused by the rewards he got. Except the 400,000 system points he got, which is to him is a lot, he didn''t understand what the other rewards are. He felt he understood what the second reward is to an extent but he wasn''tpletely sure.


    "An Evolution Capsule? A Multipurpose Android Unit?," Ss asked curiously.


    To satiate his curiosity, Ss immediately opened the system store and searched for the items, as he wants to see their description and description images.


    [Evolution Capsule: An breakthrough technology that is said to have the effect of helping one to continuously achieve higher levels of gic enhancement.]


    Ss narrowed his eyes slightly when he read the description of the Evolution Capsule.


    "So, it''s like a more advanced version of the GES and an evolution chamber at the same time," Ss said to himself.


    "It seems like the Evolution Capsule hasn''t been created yet or it would definitely be in the system store as an item and not a [Blueprint].


    Also, from its description, it seems like the full effects of the Evolution Capsule is not yet known, or the description would have beempletedly different.


    Instead of reading as ''An breakthrough technology that is said to have the effect'', it would have had a more extensive and borate description to describe its grandeur," Ss said to himself after fully analysing the situation surrounding the Evolution Capsule.


    Ss decided to put matters surrounding the EC aside and check his second reward.


    Immediately, Ss searched for the Multipurpose Android Unit in the system store and its description was disyed.


    [Multipurpose Android Unit: A mechanical entity designed with an appearance that resembles that of its biological counterpart and also surpasses its biological counterparts in both capabilities and advancements.


    The android unit integrates and can only be controlled by the minimum AI level of an AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) system, to surpass its biological counterpart level of cognitive abilities. Beyond its cognitive abilities, it is equipped with the capacity to experience and disy emotions.


    The android unit is also equipped with highbat capabilities that includes advanced weaponry and defensive mechanisms for it to excels inbat scenarios, ensuring optimal performance and tactical flexibility.


    The android unit also has an entertainment function for user''s personalized recreational activities.(Cost: 13,600,000 SP)]


    "Wow!" Ss couldn''t help but exim in slight shock and intense excitement after reading the description of the Multipurpose Android Unit.


    "It''s like I got myself a terminator or an android version of a cyborg," Ss said with hia eyes gleaming brightly in excitement.


    "But why is there no description image for it. Also, the item would have already materialized immediately after the notification but it''s yet to do so," Ss asked, confused and he decided to ask the system.


    "System, how do I im the second reward?"


    [Click on the item''s tab.]


    "Ok," Ss said and immediately clicked on he item''s tab.


    After clicking on it, another interface popped up.


    [Race Detected: Human.]


    [Assign Your Preferred Sex To Your MAU.]


    [Male] [Female]


    Ss saw this and immediately chose the second option, [Female], as he didn''t understand what he would need a male MAU for?


    After he chose his option, more messages started popping up.


    [Assigning Racial Traits To Multipurpose Android Unit..... Completed.]


    [Assigning Racial Abilities And Capabilities..... Completed.]


    A nk female-feature humanoid-looking entity was disyed on the system interface with an message below it.


    [Design Your MAU To Your Preference.]


    Ss experienced another bout of shock when he saw this.


    "It has even this function?!" Ss couldn''t hold in his excitement.


    It is know that every male has their fantasy and aesthetics preferences when ites to the opposite sex and Ss isn''t an exception. His browser history is also a witness of this.


    Due to the ''holy cultured scriptures'' he reads, Ss has a thing for South Korean girls. Especially girls with the looks and figure in the cultured materials he reads.


    With those thoughts on his head, Ss started designing the MAU to his preference.


    The nk looking MAU without appearance, save for the female features it has started changing in response to the changes Ss intended.


    The hairless female MAU started taking on an appearance, starting from its bald head that now has a glistening, oily ink-dark hair that flowed down to its shoulder.


    It took on the facial appearance of a very beautiful South Korean girl with an top tier facial appearance. The face wasplimented with its deep blue ocean-like eyes and blood-red lips.


    Ss gave it a top tier figure and shape that every man will die for.


    After he was done designing the MAU to his preference, he clicked the done button and a immediately, it materialized in front of him.


    "What the fuck?!!!," Ss screamed out in intense shock as he almost got the mythical nose bleed, but he was quickly able to control himself.


    In front of Ss, stood a very beautiful and naked South Koreandy.


    Yes, thedy is the MAU.


    Looking at the female MAU in front of him, Ss felt nothing other the initial shock he felt when it first materialized.


    It would have been a different situation if it was an actual female that was naked in front of him, but it''s not.


    Ss took a quick look at the MAU and nodded in satisfaction, as it came out exactly as he wanted it.


    "LUNAR, can you connect to it?," Ss asked.


    The MAU doesn''te with its own AI but has to be manually integrated into it or it would just be a humanoid junk.


    {Yes.}


    "Ok, connect to it." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    {Already on it.}


    Ss didn''t know that was happening to the MAU but he saw the MAU eyes fluttering open, the next moment.


    {Master.} The MAU''s mouth moved and sweet, pleasant voice was heard from it.


    "How does it feel but before that, go to my room and get yourself something to put on," Ss said. He was very curious to see what the MAU can do but he felt that it would be more appropriate for LUNAR to put on some clothes first.


    A dead-looking MAU ispletely different from one that''s alive and has such voice.


    LUNAR nodded and went to his room to get herself some clothes.


    LUNAR chose a dark shirt, a tracksuit, with gray colored hoodie to go with it.


    After she as done, she went back downstairs.


    Ss nodded in approval when he saw what LUNAR wore. He doesn''t have any female clothes but she was able to make with what she saw.


    "Give me details of itsbat capabilities."

 Chapter 84 MAU(II) Second Chain Mission

    Chapter 84 MAU(II) Second Chain Mission


    "Give me details on itsbat capabilities."


    {The MAU has very strong physical abilities, due to its endoskeleton that was created with an unknown metal. Topare, I can easily lift an object that weighs 1200 tons.


    It also has next level durability as it can withstand powerful impacts, gunfire and even extreme temperature of 15,000¡ãC.


    The high-techponents gives its an enhanced level of speed and agility that enables it to run up to a speed of a 120 mph, and allows it to have near-instantaneous reactions inbat situations.


    It also has flight ability due to its thruster and propulsion system. As for it level ofputing power, I can say that this is a walking quantumputer as I can do everything I can do with the quantumputer from here, and it also allows me to control the quantumputer from here.


    With the help of itsponents, I can generate and emit powerful energy st.


    There''s more, it''s system also includes advanced sensors and visual enhancements, that provides enhanced perception, night vision capabilities, and the ability to detect energy signatures.


    Lastly, it also has self-repair and regeneration ability.}


    Ss couldn''t help but suck in a breath of cold air when he heard of the MAU''s abilities.


    "It''s like a walking nuclear weapon!"


    Ss found it hard to believe. What level of technology does a civilization need to able to create something of such nature.


    "No wonder it''s so expensive," Ss said when he remember the price of the MAU, which is a whooping 13.6 million SP!


    Ss was stumped and loose for words at the rewards he got. The three of them were things that the previous Ss without the system would never be able to dream of seeing in his lifetime.


    His three rewards, the [Blueprint] of an Evolution Capsule that can help him to achieve a higher level of gene enhancement, a MAU that is like a walking nuclear weapon with theputing power of a quantumputer, and not to forget the 400,000 SP which might seem like much but it''spletely different if one is aware of system''s exchange rate.


    Ss was extremely satisfied with the three rewards he got and he couldn''t stop him from smiling from ear to ear.


    Ss was still swimming in the excitement of the received rewards, when he got a system notification.


    [New Mission Avable.]


    [Chain Mission(II): Start a business and grow it to be the number one in the world.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host''s level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: Iplete]


    [Time: 5 Years, 365 Days.]


    [Note: The business that was created during the first chain mission can also be used toplete this mission.]


    [Registered Business Found, QURT Technology. Do you want to register QURT Technology for the mission?]


    [Yes] [No]


    Ss didn''t know what reaction to make when he saw the second chain mission.


    "It just keeps getting even more ridiculous!," He mutters to himself.


    After the initial excitement he felt was killed by the second chain mission, Ss decided to think on how startpleting it.


    "I should choose the yes option since I n to extensively grow QURT Technology into a world-empire-ss business in the future,'' Ss said and chose the first option.


    After clicking on the [Yes] option, the mission panel changed.


    [Chain Mission(II): Start a business and grow it to be the number one in the world.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host''s level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: Iplete]


    [(Global Business Ranking: QURT Technology #-99,999,999,999,)]


    [Time: 4 Years, 365 Days.]


    "System, what''s with this ranking?!," Ss could help but ask in surprise when he saw the ranking.


    [It''s the ranking that will be used. Youplete the mission when you get the top position.]


    "I''ve never heard of such ranking before," Ss said still in disbelief.


    [It''s system official.]


    Ss could only shake his head when he saw this. With what the system said, he knew thatpleting the second chain will be extremely difficult due to the time limit.


    Ss felt that if he goes ahead with his n, thenpleting the second mission will be a breeze but the time limit changes everything, as he''s not sure if he will be able to do it within the time period given but he wasn''t disheartened.


    For the unknown rewards he will get, Ss ns to put in all of his best.


    Thinking of the possible rewards, Ss'' eyes gleamed in excitement annd anticipation.


    While Ss was reading the system notifications and conversing with the system, LUNAR was intently looking at him and she noticed the subtle changes in his expression.


    ''He''s doing it again. He''s talking to that entity,'' She thought to herself.


    LUNAR became aware of the system after she startedmunicating with Ss through the Gear but all she has is a vague awareness of it, as she doesn''t know exactly what it is.


    Ss didn''t notice that LUNAR was looking at him. Actually, he didn''t feel bothered since it''s LUNAR. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    If it wasn''t LUNAR that was beside him, then he would have left the system notifications to be checkedter.


    After Ss was done,m daydreaming, he immediately got to putting his ns into action.


    "LUNAR, list all thepanies that I own shares in," Ss said, and immediately, a list ofpanies was disyed on the Gear''s screen.


    {Lockheed Martins Corporation- 7.143%, ComCast- 1.336%, Coca-C- 1.42%, Arbot Lab- 2.87%, Eli Lily- 0.087%}


    "Fivepanies... All with shares percentage below 10%. Time to increase that and add morepanies to the list but before that, there''s something I have to do first," Ss said and sent a text message to Mr Yusmairobis.


    Ss wants to open a bank ount in Venezu and transfer all his money there. The reason is because Ss knows that the next actions he''s going to take will definitely attract a lot of unwanted attentions and that''s something that Ss doesn''t want.


    This is the reason why he decided to open a bank ount in Venezu and he wants Mr Yusmairobis to inform him, as he doesn''t want the new ount to get frozen after receiving such huge amounts of money.


    "Done. Now, let''s start investing," Ss said after he was done sending the text message.


    "LUNAR, open a bank ount in one of the banks in Venezu and transfer all the money in my ount to it."


    {Done.}


    With high level efficiency, LUNAR was done in an instant.


    Ss didn''t know how she did it and he doesn''t care.


    With high level efficiency, LUNAR was done in an instant.


    Ss didn''t know how she did it and he doesn''t care.


    "Now, let''s start investing."

 Chapter 85 Uninvited Guests

    Chapter 85 Uninvited Guests


    Ss has already prepared a list ofpanies he wants to invest in. But before he starts investing into thispanies, Ss ns to first invest into cryptocurrencies, so that he quickly raise funds.


    Unlike stocks, cryptocurrency is the least regted financial sector due to its decentralized nature and massive global scale, thereby making it hard for a single country to implement anyprehensive regtion on it.


    Due to its loose regtions, the cryptocurrency market is extremely vtile and filled with high risks. It also easier for things like fraud, market maniption and security breaches.


    Ss isn''t actually new to crypto as he has dabbled in it for a little in the past during the it boom period, but he unfortunately lost all of his hard earned money.


    He will admit, the Ss of the past was very stupid. Like how will someone invest into something he doesn''t understand? If that''s not stupidity, then he doesn''t know what is.


    The funniest thing about the situation was that he went into it expecting to make 100x return on his investment!


    Even though there has been stories that went from $1000 to $1 million, it was very stupid and unrealistic of him to do something like that.


    Ss couldn''t help but shake his head when he remembered this. He felt extremely grateful to the system because he knew that if it wasn''t for it, he would still be ving away at the casino house or unrealistically looking for high paying jobs for someone with an high school graduate certification.


    Back to the present, Ss opened the webpage of the biggest crypto exchange (CEX), Binance, and registered an ount.


    After he was done and verified, he funded his ount and started investing.


    Ss saw the price of the most popr crypto, Bitcoin, and clicked his tongue.


    "$66k? I remember it hitting $65k in 2021. I thought the price would have increased would be around $70k and closing in on $100k, especially with the recent halving that happened a week ago," Ss said to himself as he shook his head in disappointment.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter anyway. All I need is the cash reward from the rebate rewards," Ss said and ced his purchase, as he bought 14,000 BTC for a total price of $924 million.


    After the purchase, his Binance ount was empty of fiat but now held $924 million worth of BTC.


    Ss didn''t bother to pay any attention to his CEX ount as he told LUNAR to take over, and continue investing in cryptos of her choice.


    "LUNAR, also invest in thepanies on that list. If there''s any smallpany with potential, you can buy them out," Ss said, heading to the kitchen to get something to eat.


    He was still in the kitchen when a loud banging knock came from the door.


    "Who the fuck is trying to bring down the door?!," Ss eximed in exasperation, leaving the kitchen to check.


    Before he could get to the door, he heard the sound of ss shattering,ing from the back.


    {Master, I detected four heat signatures at the door, and five more at different locations around the house,} LUNAR said, as she stood up from her seat and walked towards Ss.


    Ss gave a knowing smile when he heard this.


    "About damn time. A total of nine heat signatures, huh? Hopefully, they are durable. Time to see the MAU in action," Ss said with a smirk.


    It has already been more than two hours since his encounter with Daniel, and had been expecting his future ''uninvited visitors''.


    "LUNAR, take care of them but make sure they are still breathing at the end. It''s too soon to start getting blood on our hands," Ss said and took his seat.


    He decided to let LUNAR take care of the rats that broke into the house and those standing at the door.


    LUNAR was about to move towards the door when a loud bang was heard, and the door fell off its hinges.


    ''I will definitely be collecting more in interest for the damages caused,'' Ss said to himself, internally with a smile.


    After the door fell, a group of four burly men holding various weapons, from baseball bats to a pocket knife, forced their way into the house


    Almost simultaneously, more sounds of ss shattering were heard around the house, followed by loud scuffling sounds.


    Ss could only shake his head at themotion. He was very calm even though he knew that the group were here for him.


    He knew he has the right to, as the group to him, wma nothing more than ants trying to move a mountain.


    "LUNAR, leave them at the point of death," Ss said with a smile, and LUNAR nodded, indicating she understood.


    Immediately after forcing their way in, the group''s eyes fell on LUNAR and they momentarily paused in shock and surprise, at her beauty. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Unfortunately for them, that small momentarypse was all she needed. In a blur, she instantly appeared in front of one of them and struck him squarely in the sr plexus.


    "Keurghh!"


    A sound filled with pain escaped the victim''s mouth, followed by a thud as he copsed to the floor.


    Seeing their colleague copse to the floor after receiving a punch from a beauty, was enough to snap them back to reality.


    "Fuck! How did she do that?!" one shouted in shock.


    "Shut the fuck up and get that bitch!" another yelled, throwing a punch at LUNAR.


    Seeing the iing attack, LUNAR didn''t bother to dodge the attack, as she caught his hand and punched him squarely in the face, knocking him out.


    The remaining two, like moths drawn to a me didn''t pay attention to their fallen colleagues as they continued their charge towards her.


    LUNAR looked at the two men charging towards her and disappeared from her position. The next moment, she appeared behind the two of them and delivered a precise chop to their neck, knocking them out cold.


    After dealing with the group of four men that broke in through the door, LUNAR disappeared from her position.


    What followed were continuous screams from different voices,ing from different locations in the house.


    Less than a minuteter, LUNAR appeared, carrying five men on her two shoulders like sacks of potato.


    She walked to where the first group were sleeping soundly, and dropped the five of them, to join their colleagues in having a refreshing sleep.


    The entire fiasco, from when the group broke in till when they put to sleep, took less than five minutes.


    Ss shook his head when he saw this.


    "That''s it? All they took was just a punch? Tsk. Weak!"


    Ss had mixed feelings. He felt disappointment at theck of challenge and satisfaction at the MAU''s abilities.


    He was hoping to see more of the MAU''s abilities but his uninvited guests were not as durable as he was expecting them to be.


    "Let''s put that aside. It''s time to collect interest," Ss said with a smile.


    "LUNAR, kindly put a call through to Mr Lucas."

 Chapter 86 Lucas, Layla

    Chapter 86 Lucas, La


    Lucas Anderson was just about to have a taste of the forbidden fruit when he got a call from the hospital, telling him that his son has been hospitalized with several broken bones.


    He was shocked when he received the news, and his shock quickly turned to anger and irritation.


    He was angry at the person who dared to touch his son, but the greater part of his anger was because there''s no way he will be able to go ahead with the deed he ns to do, as his tool has goneid, and this after he finally managed to get it to work.


    Seething with anger, Lucas climbed out of the bed and started putting on his clothes.


    "What''s wrong?" La asked, when she saw Lucas putting on his clothes. The previous moment, he was to go inside her, but stopped after receiving a call.


    "Daniel got hospitalized," Lucas replied as he continued putting on his clothes.


    "What?! How?! Did he get into an ident or what?" La couldn''t help but ask in surprise when she heard what he said.


    "No, he didn''t get into an ident. The doctor said that some eyewitnesses saw him when someone sent him flying across the street by a push to the chest, and crashing into his own car.


    "Wait, what do you mean he was sent flying by a push to the chest?," La couldn''t help ask, as she found it very unbelievable.


    She found it hard to believe because due to Lucas'' influence, as he can be literally called the owner of Oand and everyone that matters and has authority answers to him.


    Unfortunately for her, Lucas wasn''t in the mood to answer anymore of her questions.


    "Stop fucking asking me questions and get that slutty body of yours dressed up. We are going to the hospital," Lucas shouted at her.


    Lucas found La to be very annoyingtely. Honestly, he can say that he''s already tired of her but he stood intends to keep around for while before discarding her.


    La saw this and clicked her tongue internally.


    ''Tsk. Just you wait, it will take effect very soon and by then, I will make sure to squeeze you out for all you''re worth," She thought with a small smile, as she also climbed out of bed and started putting on her clothes.


    The two of them quickly put on their clothes, left the hotel room, and went to the reception to check out before making their way to the car, and made their way to the hospital.


    When they got to the hospital, they were greeted by the hospital and taken to Daniel''s ward. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Inside the ward, they found a conscious Daniel, who had almost all of his body, except his head, in a cast, looking dejectedly at the ceiling and continuously muttering inaudible words to himself.


    Lucas didn''t know the extent of the Daniel''s injury but he couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    Suspiciously, he looked at the doctor and asked, "And you said that all this is from a push?"


    "Yes, ording to some of the eyewitnesses'' reports," The doctor replied.


    Lucas found it extremely hard to believe that his son who now looks like a mummified corpse, found himself in this situation because someone pushed him?


    How unbelievable is that? It''s just like saying someone got injured by a loaf of bread.


    "Daniel?!"


    La saw Daniel''s condition and rushed towards his bed, as she screamed in shock and a perfectly faked emotion of sadness.


    She couldn''t be more happy when she found out Daniel''s actual situation but she openly show her happiness, and she had to mask it with one of sadness.


    But there''s one expression that wasn''t faked, the shock she was feeling wasn''t faked.


    ''Pfft. You mean he''s almost like a corpse now because he was pushed by someone?,'' She thought in disbelief at Daniel''s situation.


    ''I definitely want that person to push me down on the bed,'' She thought as one of her hands, stealthily found its way to herher region, but was blocked by her skirt.


    Her fantasy was sadly broken by the name she constantly heard Daniel mutter to himself.


    "Ss?!," She asked in surprise.


    "Daniel, what about Ss? Did he do this to you? Tell La, did that fuck face, ogre called Ss, do this to you?," She asked.


    Just like everyone who came to the get-together, La has also been trying to get in contact with Ss but she has been very unsessful.


    Chloe, the bitch who has his contact, has refused to give it it out but La can''t fault her, as she knew that she will do same if she were in that position.


    La is a girl with simple needs and wants.


    Yes, simple needs and wants. All she want is a man with a look and manly aura that she can''t resist, money to take care of her material needs and, a big and good D to satisfy her everyday. She felt that if the D is good enough, then she can scrape the good looks.


    Lucas heard La asking Daniel about Ss and he got curious.


    "Daniel, who''s Ss? Is he the one that did this to you?," He asked.


    He didn''t care if this Ss of a person is the actually responsible for Daniel''s condition, he would pin the me on him as someone has to take responsibility for giving him a severe case of blue ball.


    Unfortunately for the Ss person though, Lucas confirmed with a nod from Daniel that he''s the one responsible.


    With a smile, he put a call through to one of contacts for the cleanup mission.


    ...


    Lucas felt his phone''s vibration in his pocket and brought it out to check the caller''s id.


    "An unknown number? Who might this be? I don''t remember giving out my contact to anyone recently." Lucas thought for a moment before picking up the call.


    "Hello."


    "Hello, Mr Lucas. We finally got a chance to talk."


    "Who''s this?," Lucas asked in surprise.


    "What do you mean who''s this? You sent me some gifts and you''re asking for my identity? You''re hurting my feelings, Mr Lucas," Ss said with a smile.


    "You''re Ss?!," Lucas asked in surprise. He didn''t expect the unknown caller to be the one he sent a cleanup to, and it seems like the mission was a burst.


    .....


    Ss smiled when heard Lucas'' surprised voice when he finally found out his identity, and it also confirmed his thoughts.


    The reason he called Lucas instead of Daniel was because he felt it was very unlikely for Daniel to be the one who gave the order, and as for how LUNAR got his contact? That''s something that''s very easy for her.


    "Mr Lucas, how do you intend topensate for the damages your dogs caused?," Ss asked with a smile.

 Chapter 87 Lucas(II)

    Chapter 87 Lucas(II)


    Ss, actually had almost forgotten about the issue between his father and Lucas Anderson.


    If the current situation hadn''t urred, he might have called Mr. Williams in a few days to drop the case, but unfortunately for Mr. Lucas, he just had to disturbed a ho''s nest.


    Of course, Ss knew that things won''t exactly go as smooth as he wants it to, but he wasn''t worried as he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve.


    "You see, Mr. Lucas, they actually caused an extensive amount of damages with their action of breaking into the house; the entrance door is lying on the floor, a couple windows had their sses shattered, and not to forget, emotional damages is also included.


    If I''m to total the amount up, it would be around $3 million, and actually, that''s me being generous," Ss said with smile, as he waited for Mr Lucas to blow his top.


    Due to the influence he holds, Lucas has never faced such a situation since as long as he could remember. This is the reason he was amused and angry at Ss, for throwing what he calls a tantrum like a kid.


    He felt angry because a no-name individual called Ss was asking him forpensation, and he felt equally amused at his confidence.


    With a smile on his face, he replied, "You wantpensation? Do you really dare to collect it if I give it to you?"


    Ss couldn''t help butugh when he hears this, but theugh was cold and devoid of emotions.


    "Mr Lucas, if you dare to pay thepensation, then I dare to collect it."


    Lucas felt even more amused when he heard this.


    "Interesting. This is a first time that someone will interest me in a very long time. Since you have manage to do the impossible, then I will go ahead and y with you. let''s see how good you are and how long you willst. Don''t say I didn''t warn you, kid."


    Ss found the situation funny.


    ''You will go ahead and y with me? I hope your fragile heart can take the excitement that''s toe,'' Ss thought with an sneer.


    "Old man, stop trying to make yourself all mysterious and mighty, just send the damn money."


    Hearing this, Lucas gave a heartyugh, which turned cold the next moment.


    "Ok, forward your bank details," He said with a voice colder than ice.


    Hepletely made up his mind to crush this little rat that dares to stroll into a tiger''s cave. He will make sure to crush him under his paw until he''s nothing more than mincemeat.


    Ss felt the coldness in Lucas''ugh but he couldn''t help but care less. There''s no way he was going to take the old man serious, but that doesn''t mean he will underestimate him.


    "The details has been sent. Make sure to send the money before the end of the day or else... I will leave the rest to your imagination, old man," Ss said and hung up.


    Lucas'' expression turned extremely cold after Ss ended the call.


    "Just you wait, kid. I will make sure to let you know why one should always have sufficient power to back up their rambling," Lucas said with a smirk.


    He was about to keep his phone in his pocket when he received a message.


    "He really sent it? He must have a lot of confidence. I hope it''s not him just trying to put up a strong front," Lucas said and clicked on the text message, to read it.


    "Wait... Why do I find hisst name very familiar?," Lucas couldn''t help but ask himself after reading the message.


    "Kurt.. Kurt... Kurt?! Now, I remember. Kurt is thest name of that dog," Lucas said with a face of realization.


    "Now I understand. It seems like Ss is his son and the little cub is trying to seek revenge for his daddy. What an filial child," Lucas said with augh.


    Honestly, Lucas won''t have remembered Christopher Kurt if it wasn''t for Kim. She was a woman that left a deep impression on him due to her, constantly refusing his advances, time and time again.


    While the conversation between Ss and Lucas was ongoing, La who was standing beside Daniel''s bed, overheard it and was shocked.


    ''When did Ss change so much?,'' She thought to herself, as she found the situation a little odd and very unbelievable. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    If there''s someone who can confidently say they actually knew and understood Ss, then it''s La but she waspletely confused at the moment as Ss wasn''t acting like the Ss she knew.


    ...


    After hanging up, Ss told LUNAR to send his bank details to Lucas.


    He felt that it was high time he dealt with Lucas. He has been putting it on hold for too long and even wanted to let him offpletely, but he changed his mind.


    This time around, he''s not dealing with him solely because of what happened to Kim and his father, but because he raised a trash called, Daniel.


    Ss was expecting Lucas to call him after getting his message, and he didn''t have to wait long as he got his call.


    "I was wondering why a kid like you who''s a greenhorn is going all out to challenge me, but now I understand. Chris was your dad, right? Poor guy, he was actually nothing more than a coteral damage but it seems you will also be taking that title."


    "Old man, what I actually wanted to do was to just send you to jail and have you rot in there, but I changed my mind. I will make sure to destroy you first, take everything away from you and make sure you won''t be able to bounce back, before sending you to jail."


    "Big talk for an ant like you. I wonder how you''re going to achieve it? I will be generous and give you a heads up though, Oand City belongs to me. You will get yourpensation but know that I will be collecting it back and with interest," Lucas said with augh, and hung up.


    "You canugh, huh? Let''s see how long thatughter of yoursst," Ss said with an evil smile.


    "LUNAR, gather all the dirt you can on Mr Lucas'' acquaintances, I would like to have a little chat with them. Also, do an investigation on Lucas''pany, there''s no way a person like him will have a cleanpany."


    {Yes, master.}


    ''Now, we will see how strong your influence is,'' Ss said internally, as he stood his seat in anticipation of the drama and chaos that''s to follow shortly.

 Chapter 88 Drama Unfolds

    88 Drama Unfolds


    David Walker was having the time of his life on a yacht when he received a message from an unknown number.


    He initially wanted to dismiss it and check itter but curiosity got the better of him, as he clicked on it to check its content.


    The next moment, his face disyed myriads of expressions.


    "What''s the meaning of this? I made sure I took care of everything properly. How is this possible?!," He said with a very scared expression on his face.


    Beads of sweat were now starting to form on his forehead in contrast to the cool sea breeze blowing, and his fingers started shaking in fright and anxiety. The fruit juice in front of him became very disgusting and appalling, and the beautiful bikini-d girls he was previously looking atsciviously now look like annoying bugs flying around him.


    "No! This can''t be happening! Not at a time like this!," He shake with a shaky voice, as he stared at the sea with his eyes dead and devoid of its previous light.


    He couldn''t believe it. The message he just read contains almost all the crimes and misdeed he did and their exact details; bribery, obstruction of justice, abuse of power.


    If this was under normal circumstances, he would have either dismissed the message or found a way to settle and silent the person, but the circumstances were far from normal.


    He knew that for someone to be able to dig out things he hid very perfectly, means that the individual also has the ability to take care of him.


    David didn''t know where to start from but he knew that if the content of the message is to leak to the public, things will definitely not end well for him.


    As a State Justice and Avery experiences one at that, he knew too well how ugly things like this can get.


    "What do I do?," David anxiously asked himself, as he forced his brain to work at maximum capacity. He definitely has to give himself to find a way out of this dangerous situation he''s currently in or he will have himself to me.


    "Yes, the owner of the number.. If the individual sent the message to me instead of releasing it to the public, then it means that the individual want or need something from me," David said, and his eyes gained a little bit of its brightness, as he felt that he had finally found a lifeline.


    David immediately called the unknown number and he sighed in relief when it started ringing.


    ''Please pick up...,'' He prayed internally.


    The heavens seems to be on his side as the call was picked and the voice of a young man came from the other end of the phone.


    "Mr David, nice of you to call," Ss said with a lightugh.


    David was surprised at first. Why does the person sound like a kid?


    Though David was confused and curious of Ss'' age, he was still aware of the situation he''s currently in and the yfulness in Ss'' voice didn''t help matters.


    "I got your message. What do you want from me?"David said, trying to act calm and not show the anxiety he was feeling.


    Unfortunately for him, he failed badly at it. He would have seeded if it was someone else but not Ss.


    20:45


    Since he''s the one who gathered the dirt on him, he knew how scared and anxious he would be under the facade of calmness he''s trying to put on.


    "Mr David, you don''t have to pretend with me. Look, you know I have your freedom in my hands and also your life, if I want to take things to the extreme," Ss said and paused, as he allowed his words and the current situation to sink in, before continuing.


    "The actual reason why I sent you the messages is because I want you to do something for me in exchange for the information. Deal?"


    "Deal. What do you want?," David replied with a defeated voice. He felt like he was just pushed back into the abyss he managed to crawl out from.


    He knew that things would definitely not go his way when he heard what Ss said, and he could only agree. He decided to leave things to fate.


    "Mr. David, Lucas Anderson will be charged with multiple crimes soon, and I want you and your colleagues to judge him and deliver the right sentences. Can you do that?"


    David was initially confused when he heard Lucas name.


    ''Wait, is Lucas the reason why I''m in this situation,'' He thought internally as he felt he finally came to a realization.


    "That fucking bastard! I told him to be careful with the way he does things, but he didn''t listen. Now he has offended someone he shouldn''t have," David muttered to himself in a low voice.


    "If I do this, will you get rid of the information you have?," David asked in confirmation.


    He asked to make sure that Ss won''t release the information.


    Yes, he and Lucas are acquaintances but he has made up his mind to do as Ss asked.


    His and Lucas'' acquaintance rtionship is only valid when things stand to benefit both of them, but the situation David finds himself in isn''t one that will benefit him, so why should he continue being Lucas'' acquaintance?


    "Mr. David, if you give him a satisfactory sentence, I will definitely get rid of the information in my hands," Ss said.


    Ss'' words were like the final nail in the coffin, as David immediately agreed to the deal.


    "You''re a smart one, Mr. David. Nice doing business with you," Ss said and hung up.


    It wasn''t only Mr. David who got a call from Ss, but all of Lucas'' acquaintances that mattered.


    Ss called all of them and offered them deals they couldn''t refuse. Those who had to be ckmailed were ckmailed; those who had to be threatened were threatened; those who wanted financial benefits were given more than enough to spur them into action.


    After Ss had finally made a series of calls, everyone who needed to be mobilized was now being mobilized.


    Ss also made a call to Mr. Williams to immediately file the cases.


    It seemed like karma had finally caught up to Lucas as various incriminating information was found on hispany. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After receiving the information, he immediately told LUNAR to send it to the relevant agencies and spread it across the inte.


    Once the calls were done and things were finally set into motion, Ss was ready to watch the drama unfold.


    "Now, let''s see you get out of this," Ss said with a smirk.


    ''All it took was a few calls. Information, power, and money really rule the world,'' Ss thought with a smile.


    Do let me know your thoughts guys.


    Daoist_Godfiend


    Creator''s Thought


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 89 Drama Unfolds(II)

    89 Drama Unfolds(II)


    After he hung up the call with Ss, Lucas transfered to Ss the $3 million, he requested aspensation.


    Lucas wanted to start ying with Ss, throwing from between his two paws but he decided to wait and see just how the babbling rat intend to ruin him.


    He decided to forget about Ss as he directed his focus to his son thatid on the hospital bed, continuously muttering Ss'' name.


    Lucas couldn''t help but shake his hand in disappointment at his son''s weak mental strength. He couldn''t help but feel very disappointed, as he expected a lot more from Daniel but it seems he was expecting too much.


    Though, he felt disappointment, he still had to look for a situation to Daniel''s current mental breakdown.


    "Doctor, will be be alright?" He decided to ask a professional.


    "Physically, he only has a couple broken bones which will recover quickly if he gets enough rest and doesn''t stress his body, but mentally...," The doctor said and paused, before continuing.


    "He seems to be very traumatized by the incident as shown by his current state. The only thing we can do about it, is to take him to a therapist and hopefully, he will ovee it."


    Lucas couldn''t help but sigh when he heard this. He didn''t know what happened between Daniel and Ss to leave him in this state, and he didn''t care as he wanted nothing more than to get payback.


    He thought of sending another group of boys but decided against it when he remembered the current state of the first group he sent.


    Daniel decided to settle things at the hospital and go to his office as he still has a lot of work he has to get done.


    "I will be going to the office. Call me if somethinges up," Lucas said to La before he left the hospital and made hia way to the office.


    Lucas was just about to walk out of the hospital when he got a call from someone.


    He took out his phone and checked the caller ID.


    "Rodney? Why is he calling me?"


    Lucas was surprised when he saw the caller ID, as it was a number that never called him. He had always been the one to call whenever he needed something, as the caller was someone with a lot of authority and influence in the state of California.


    After thinking of what the reason of the call could possibly be, Lucas decided to pick it when he couldn''te to a reasonable conclusion.


    "Hello, Mr. Rodney. It''s a pleasure getting a call from you¡ª" Lucas was initially intending to start ttering and bootlicking the caller when he was cut short by the man''s angry voice.


    "Cut the crap, Lucas. What did you do this time? Who did you fucking offend? Actually, I don''t need answers from you. I''m just calling to tell you that you''re fucked! One more thing, please do yourself a favor and don''t drag me down with you," Rodney said and hung up.


    Lucas wanted to ask the reason for his anger, but unfortunately, he didn''t get the chance to.


    Lucas was very confused at this point. He didn''t know what was going on and there was no way for him to get information on what''s going on, but his sharply-honed instincts told him that something was wrong.


    Lucas was still deep in his thoughts when he heard the ring siren of a police car getting close to him.


    The sound and number of cars multiplied by two, then three, until more than ten police cars were approaching the hospital.


    Seeing this, his instincts screamed at him to run and he felt a very strong sense of foreboding, and uneasiness that made him very ufortable.


    Lucas felt it to be very ridiculous. Why would he be feeling such way when he''s in his Oand City which is like his backyard, but he knew he couldn''t ignore his instincts.


    His instincts has been one of his greatest assets and it has kept him well grounded in life. Also, even if he wanted to ignore it, he knew he can''t ignore the warning call from Mr Rodney.


    Immediately, he made a swift decision and took the back exit of the hospital, instead of the front entrance he initially wanted go take.


    After he got out of the hospital, he discreetly walked towards the road, making sure that no one saw him. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After he made sure that no one saw him, he hailed a taxi and quickly got in, and hurriedly gave its driver the address.


    The driver seeing that his client looked anxious and was in a hurry, immediately stepped on the gas.


    Lucas felt that the whole situation was very ridiculous andughable. He, the one who has used his influence to rule Oand City in secret for years is now on the run.


    If that isn''tughable, then what is?


    Lucas felt that he could finally breathe a sigh of relief after he had gone far from the hospital vicinity but he was terribly wrong.


    He was about toy back on the seat and rxed when he heard the ring siren of police carsing from the back.


    Of course, there''s no way in hell that Ss would let him escape. Immediately, after everything was set, Ss had LUNAR to secretly input a software that acts as a homing beacon.


    So as he was running, his location was being broadcasted live and directly to the police officer.


    "Shit! How were they able to trace me?," The oblivious Lucas asked with pure confusion written on his face.


    He was about to tell the driver to step on the gas when he saw more than a dozen police cars pulling up in front of the taxi.


    Lucas was beyond scared at this point. He knew that things weren''t as simple as he thought it to be.


    His thoughts couldn''t help but went back to his conversation with Ss, and heughed as he felt it to be even more ridiculous.


    ''I''m not that old yet and I''m already going senile,'' He thought with augh.


    Lucas immediately made a decision and jump to the front seat and took over the steering from the driver.


    "Hey, what the fuck are you trying to do, man?! This is my first car," The surprised driver asked when he saw Lucas'' action.


    "Just shut the fuck up and get out of the seat. I don''t care if it''s your first car orst," Lucas shouted as he forcefully collected the steering from the driver, and pushed him out of the car, and tumbling onto the asphalt road.


    With a smile and a face filled with determination, Lucas held the steering tightly and looked intently at police cars in front of him.


    "Look at them behaving like the park of dogs they are. They wille running when there''s benefit but forsake you when you need them the most."


    Lucas was about to step on the gas when he heard someone broadcasting with a loud speaker.


    Lucas was about to step on the gas when he heard someone broadcasting with a loudspeaker.


    "Lucas Anderson, turn off your engine and throw the keys out of the window. Slowly open the door from the outside and step out of the vehicle with your hands up, where we can see them."


    Lucas smiled when he heard this.


    "Like hell I would."


    With a swift and determination move, he stepped on the gas hard.


    Unfortunately for him, what he wanted to happen, didn''t as the tire deted the next second, after being shot by one of the police officers.


    Lucas wanted to open the door and escape but a police officer walked up to the car, with a gun pointed at him.


    "Get out of the fucking car, you bastard. There''s no fucking way we''re going down with you," The police officer said when he got to the driver''s door, and opened it.


    Lucas knew that things had finallye to an end. He really got yed by a little kid.


    He didn''t know if he should attribute his fall to his arrogance or his pride.


    With a wry smile, he put his hands above his head and stepped out of the car.


    The police officer beside him, immediately brought out a cuff and cuffed him, before hitting him across the face and forcing him to fall face down to the ground.


    "Lucas Anderson, you''re under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court ofw. You have the right to an attorney.


    If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you but I doubt if you really won''t be able to afford one," The police officer forcefully pulled him from the ground, and dragged him towards one of the police cars.


    As they got close to the police cars, Lucas saw a mixture fear, anger, hate and disgust on the faces of the police officers. The previous faces that had a worshipping gaze was no more.


    Lucas knew that his fate has been sealed and he has really fallen from grace.


    ''Mr. Rodney was right. I''m really fucked!'' He thought as a wry smile appeared on his face.


    Let me know your thoughts on the chapter


    Daoist_Godfiend


    Creator''s Thought


    Chapters Mass Release

 Chapter 90 Richest Person On The Planet

    90 Richest Person On The


    While the drama was unfolding, Ss was busy with something else. He would have loved to watch the drama, but he has some clean ups to do.


    There''s actually no need of him following what''s happening as he has already told the justice who will be presiding over Lucas'' case to call him after he has been sentenced.


    After Ss was done with everything, he picked up the unconscious bodies of the hired goons and dragged them to the police cars outside.


    Ss had called and told them toe and pick the trash that Lucas sent to litter his house.


    When the policemen saw Ss dragging more than three burly-looking men out of the house, and quickly went to receive them from him.


    The policemen were able to recognize the men dragged out by Ss as Lucas'' goons that does his dirty works. This is because they are regrs at the police station.


    Just as Ss was done taking out the trash, he was informed that Lucas has already sent the money.


    "That''s nice of him to give me free money," Ss said with a smile.


    After he made sure that everything was done and set, Ss immediately called the rted professionals toe and fix or rece the broken door and window ss.


    After they arrived and Ss had designated their jobs to them, Ss decided to focus on other things. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He asked LUNAR about her progress on the investment spree and he got satisfying response.


    While he was ying his little hide and seek game with Lucas, LUNAR wasn''t stalling as she had invested heavily.


    In addition to the 14,000 BTC that Ss had, LUNAR used different legal means to increase the initial amount to a whooping 210,000 BTC!


    She also bought 1% of all the top ten, top trading crypto in the market.


    Not only crypto but also stocks, as she brought up the initial percentage of shares that Ss had to a minimum of 10% each and morepanies'' shares were added.


    Ss'' multiple CEX ounts now has trillions of dors worth of crypto!


    Ss let out a childishugh when he saw this.


    "Tsk, it''s just that easy to be a crypto whale," Ss said with a smile.


    Of course it wasn''t as easy as he said it is, as it''s actually an impossible task.


    Ss swiped away the tabs showing his CEX ounts bnce and looked at his stock investment portfolio, and he involuntary let out a gasp.


    "Going by Forbes standards, I''m currently the richest person on Earth and by arge margin," Ss said as he took in the sight of therge strings of numbers disyed on the Gear''s screen.


    Ss'' portfolio now has more than 15 figures and counting, and after his calctions, he expects to receive a total amount that''s around 9-10 figures as dividends annually!


    LUNAR didn''t buy out anypany and of course, all the stocks purchase were not bought under his real name and stock trading ount.


    Actually, none of them were bought under his real name, as LUNAR created multiple ounts with multiple ''real'' identities using IPs that she created herself. She also made sure that the location of IPs werepletely different and untracable.


    It would have been very stupid of him if he bought all the stocks and cryptocurrencies under his real name.


    For this, LUNAR also created multiple stealth bank ounts in different banks with the identities she created.


    This means that from now, any transaction that Ss makes will bepletely untracable as the bank systems will be unable to trace it or keep record of it.


    Even rewards given by the system will bepletely untracable except LUNAR wishes otherwise.


    LUNAR also made sure to wipe all of Ss information from the inte and any database that had it, the USA government''s database included.


    After her actions, no one will be able to ess Ss'' information or get a hold of it, including the country''s defense departments.


    Ss and LUNAR''s actions of making consecutive huge amount of stock and cryptocurrencies purchases created a positive momentum in both markets and every charts were all green.


    Even though Ss saw the umted amounts in his ounts, he didn''t feel that much impact from it for some reasons.


    His reasons for such huge purchases are because of the rebate rewards and most importantly, lottery tickets.


    Ss knew how fragile the world''s financial market is and he''s also aware of how hard the world''s governments had tried to control it, but has failed sessfully, time and time again.


    Ss still intends to dispose off all the shares, in the future bit for now, he will milk thepanies as much as possible.


    The stock trading ounts and CEX ounts were registered under the name of the twopanies Ss created in Venezu.


    Ss had actually received the relevant documents for thepanies'' creation from Mr. Williams, and he immediately sent them to Mr Yusmairobis, and LUNAR dealt with the rest.


    Thepanies Ss created in Venezu are now managing untracable assets worth more than $20 trillion.


    All this would have actually been impossible for an ordinary person but not for Ss, who has LUNAR, the MAU and the quantumputers.


    After everything was done, Ss let out a sigh and smiled.


    "Things should be easy from now on."


    Ss stood up and went to the kitchen to get something to eat. He wasn''t feeling hungry but craving instead, as he just felt like putting something in his mouth.


    While he was on it, he received a call from the Chief of Oand city police department, telling him that Lucas has been arrested and detained at the police station.


    He was also told that the state court will expedite the trial process and try to sentence him as soon as possible.


    Mr David who was previously having his vacation in Hawaii and enjoying yatch cruises, decided to end it and head back to Oand.


    He knew that his life and death is practically in Ss'' hands and knew that he has to do everything in his power to get it back.


    After hearing this information, Ss smiled and said, "Now, let''s see how you intend to get out of this. Will you contact your acquaintance who''s a member of ck Hand or are you really going to give up easily?"


    After hearing this information, Ss smiled and said, "Now, let''s see how you intend to get out of this. Will you contact your acquaintance who''s a member of ck Hand or are you really going to give up easily?"

 Chapter 91 Rebate Rewards

    Chapter 91 Rebate Rewards


    After he was done eating, Ss felt it was finally time to check his rebate rewards, but there was a problem.


    With the number of purchases he had made, Ss knew that the system notifications he would have to go through would be numerous. From his calctions, it would be more than a hundred.


    Ss thought of this and felt a headacheing on.


    "This is really going to be troublesome," he thought to himself.


    He decided to directly ask the system how many notifications he had.


    [A total of 125 notifications.]


    "Yep, there''s definitely no way I''m going to check each notification," he said to himself as he shook his head.


    "System, is there a way topile all the notifications into one? Like sum up all the money spent and the cash rewards. Also, about the other rewards, can you not add the shares in the notification? The others are fine. Is it possible to do it this way?" Ss asked.


    After giving it a thought, he felt that this was the only possible way he could go about it.


    The reason why Ss asked for the shares to not be added in the notification was because he already had the information on every share he owned, as LUNAR had helped himpile it into a list. A list that had the majority of the Fortune 500panies in it, with a minimum of 10% shares owned.


    [Yes, it''s possible.]


    Ss was ted when he heard the system''s response.


    "Okay, then. Show me," he said excitedly.


    [You spent a total of $1,567,900,670,000. You received a 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned a total of $94,130,000,000. The money has been sent to your bank ount.


    You received a 70-apartment building, a 45-apartment building, a 34-apartment building, an 86-apartment building, and a 42-apartment building.


    You received a residential building, La Fin.


    You received Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-Benz S-ss, Rolls-Royce Wraith, BMW 7 Series, Ferrari Monza, Koenigsegg Gemera, Hennessy Venom F5, Bentley Bacr, Bentley Mulliner Batur, Lotus Evija, Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, Bugatti Chiron Profil¨¦e. All cars are parked at the building, La Fin.]


    Ss felt a mix of emotions when he saw thepiled notification.


    "Damn!!! I spent $1.5 trillion and received $94 billion?!" Ss felt a shock that originated from his marrows.


    "This ispletely illogical. How is the world''s economy still okay and hadn''t copsed yet?" Ss asked, confused.


    Ss got the answer to his question. Contrary to what he thought, it wasn''t only the US dor that was spent but also other countries'' currency.


    If it was only the US dor, then it would be very impossible for such amount to had been spent. This is also the reason why the US government is able have a debt profile of almost $35 trillion.


    Also, since the US dor is the world''s reserve and primary currency, it seemed like the system also decided to use it as its primary currency.


    Even those thoughts, Ss felt that it was still very illogical but he decided not to go deep into more details.


    "Something even more illogical is me getting a system."


    Looking at the huge expenses he had made, Ss felt that he was lucky to have LUNAR, or he would definitely be in a lot of trouble by now.


    Ss knew that for him, who was practically a nobody, to spend such an amount of money would surely attract a lot of unwanted attention and prying eyes.


    Not only would he attract a lot of unwanted attention, but his life and that of those around him would definitely be in danger, and the FBI would definitely be on his ass in no time.


    However, he didn''t have to worry about that as LUNAR had already taken care of it.


    This was also the reason why LUNAR had decided not to buy out any smallpanies, as she knew her master''s personality and that there was no way he would agree to personally or put another person who wasn''t family in charge of hispany, and Ss couldn''t agree more with her decision.


    "It seems the majority of the rebate rewards was converted to share rewards, or I would have definitely received more in cash rewards."


    Speaking of the cash rewards, Ss checked his US bank ount and found that it only had $34 million in it.


    "It seems like the system transferred the money to the bank ounts that made the expenses or was it LUNAR''s doing?" Ss thought, and decided to ask LUNAR.


    "LUNAR, how much was in my ount before?


    {$34 million.}


    ''It seems like it was done by the system,'' Ss thought, as he came to a conclusion.


    "LUNAR, excluding my US bank ount, how many bank ounts do I have?"


    {235 bank ounts.}


    "Wow! 235 bank ounts?!" Ss eximed and shook his head.


    Ss decided not to think about it too much as he turned his focus to his other rewards.


    Ss counted the number of apartment buildings he had, and it totaled five.


    He also got multiple car rewards, twelve in total, but the reward that attracted his attention the most was the building called La Fin.


    Immediately, Ss went through the documents in front of him until he found the building''s document.


    The building called La Fin was located atop Bel Air, Los Angeles, and it cost $139 million.


    Ss went through the images of the building that were in the document, and he was shocked at how luxurious and opulent the building looked.


    "Tsk. People really do all these things and go so far just to show their status."


    Ss would have loved to see the building personally, but it was located in Los Angeles and to get there would take him six hours! n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At the moment, he didn''t have the mental strength to travel such a long distance, which meant checking the building would have to wait. This was also the reason why he hadn''t gone to the Vi since he came back from Venezu.


    Speaking about the Vi that he hadn''t been to in a while, one might expect him to be uneasy about leaving it alone to Serah and Emma, but that was far from it.


    Ss wasn''t worried or uneasy about leaving the Vi to them.


    Did he trust them? Of course not!


    The only person or entity who wasn''t family that he trusted was the system. Not that he had a choice anyway.


    Back to the issue of the Vi. The reason why Ss didn''t feel worried about leaving the girls alone in the Vi was because he was fully aware that there was nothing they could do to it.


    They couldn''t sell it as it was in his name. It was also impossible for them to do anything to his cars due to the cars'' advanced security systems.


    Ss'' mind went back to the building, La Fin.


    "The system said that all the cars are parked at the building. I wonder when I will have the time to go there and check them out," Ss said.


    "Let''s put that aside. It''s time to check the amount of lottery tickets I have."


    "System, status information."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age: 20]


    [Race: Human]


    [System Level: Max]


    _____


    [Strength: 1000]


    [Agility: 1000]


    [Stamina: 1000]


    [Intelligence: 1000]


    [Charisma: 1000]


    [Stats Point(s): 268(+)]


    [Superpower: Matter Maniption (Rank E), Regeneration.]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 5,000?156,790,067]


    [System Point(s): 194,285,000(+)]


    ¡ª¡ª¨C


    [Chain Mission(II): Start a business and grow it to be the number one in the world.]


    [Reward: Reward will depend on host''s level of performance.]


    [Mission Progress: Iplete]


    [(Global Business Ranking: QURT Technology #99,999,999,999,)]


    [Time: 4 Years, 365 Days.]


    "What the...?! 156 million lottery tickets?! Damn! I''m Gi!"


    Ss'' eyes zed with intense excitement at the number of lottery tickets he had.


    He couldn''t help but fantasize about the possible rewards he could get, and the possible mouth-watering amount of system points.


    "With 156 million lottery tickets, I can possibly draw them as much as I want. Should I start drawing...?" Ss asked himself, struggling to make a decision.


    After a brief moment of indecision, he finally decided to draw some lottery tickets.

 Chapter 92 Getting Things Ready

    Chapter 92 Getting Things Ready


    "Let''s not rush things and start small," Ss thoughtfully said.


    "System, draw 67 lottery tickets."


    [67 Lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.]x78


    Ss''s eyes flew wide open when he saw the results.


    "Nothing?!"


    He was genuinely surprised. The reason he decided to draw 67 lottery tickets was to test the waters, and it seemed like Lady Luck wasn''t with him today.


    "Things would have been different if it was before, but now that I have more than 156 million lottery tickets, I can draw as many times as I want, and it''s not possible for all lottery tickets to not give satisfying rewards," Ss thoughtfully said.


    He decided not to allow himself to be discouraged by the loss of the first draw.


    "System, draw 90,000 lottery tickets."


    [90,000 Lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.]x10,000


    [You received 1000 System Points.]x500


    [You received nothing.]x15,000


    [You received 69,000 System Points.]x15,000


    [You received 100,000 System Points.]x25,000


    [You received nothing.]x24,500


    Ss didn''t know how to react when he saw the rewards.


    He didn''t know if he should feel happy at the number of system points he got as rewards or feel angry at how many lottery tickets gave him nothing.


    "I guess I will just have to make do with the rewards, but I really wish I could get either an [items free pass] or [knowledge]. The Serum would be good enough as it would help me a lot when I want to start building the Evolution Capsule," Ss thought to himself.


    "Should I stop or give it one more try?" Ss thought to himself, trying to decide between drawing more lottery tickets and not drawing them.


    After a moment of thought, he decided to give it one more try and draw one more time.


    "Lady Luck, please shine your glory on me," Ss muttered to himself before drawing the lottery tickets.


    "System, draw 10,000 lottery tickets."


    [10,000 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received 1000 System Points.]x2000


    [You received 5000 System Points.]x5500


    [You received nothing.]x2499


    [You received an item free pass: Gene Enhancement Serum.]


    "Yes!!!" Ss screamed internally in happiness and excitement when he saw the final reward.


    Ss cared less about the system points rewards he got. What he actually wanted was an [items free pass] or [knowledge], and he was very happy that Lady Luck really smiled upon him by giving him an [item free pass] for the exact item he wanted: [Gene Enhancement Serum].


    "Nice. Now, all that''s needed is the materials needed for creating the capsule."


    The actual reason Ss wanted the GES so badly was because it was a necessary ingredient in the creation of the Evolution Capsule. Without it, it would just be a sophisticated-looking junk.


    "I think it''s time to start putting my ns into action. I already have more than enough system points and things I can release into the market," Ss said to himself.


    "I guess I should call Mr. Yusmairobis and ask him about his progress so far," Ss said and put a video call through to Mr. Yusmairobis.


    The call connected, and Mr. Yusmairobis''s voice came from the other end of the phone.


    "Mr. Ss, is there anything I can help you with?"


    "Nothing. I just want to ask how''s your progress on the cleanup activities," Ss asked.


    Mr. Yusmairobis thought that Ss was calling because he needed his help with something, but it seemed he was wrong. Ss just wanted to know about his progress on the cleanup mission he gave him.


    Speaking of the cleanup mission, Mr. Yusmairobis was very surprised by how Ss was able to gather information on every single one of his cab members and government officials in the country.


    What surprised him even more was how Ss was able to get a video of his daughter, who was being experimented on, in aboratory facility located in Antarctica.


    At first, he thought that Ss was actually bluffing when they had the second call, but that wasn''t the case as Ss had proven his capabilities to an extent. All that remained was to rescue his daughter from those bastards, then he would faithfully devote his life to the boy''s cause.


    Back to the question that Ss asked.


    Thinking of the progress made so far on the mission, Mr. Yusmairobis had a not-so-good expression on his face.


    "The progress has been very slow. It''s hard trying to clean them up when everyone and everything is connected in one way or the other," Mr. Yusmairobis replied.


    "Do you need help?" Ss asked.


    Ss wasn''t disappointed by Mr. Yusmairobis''s response as it was something he had expected.


    It had only been two days since he gave him the mission, and it would be very odd if he actually sessfully took out even half of the people on the list.


    "If there''s a way for you to help me out, then I will dly ept it," Mr. Yusmairobis replied.


    "Ok, I will send my personal assistant to you. She will help you out with everything you need help with, and I will also bemunicating with you through her."


    "Ok. When will she arrive?" Mr. Yusmairobis asked.


    "Today."


    "Ok, then. I will be expecting her," Mr. Yusmairobis said and hung up.


    The personal assistant was no other than LUNAR. He decided to send her to help out Mr. Yusmairobis inpleting his mission as it would make things faster for him. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    One might ask why Ss insisted on using Venezu as his base. Why not his home country, the USA? Is this treasonous?


    Ss''s response to that? Fuck the US government.


    With the technologies in his hands, Ss knew a lot of people woulde for it, and his life would be in danger.


    Would the US government go as far as to protect him from the top corporate hounds of the world? Well, that''s if they don''t actually take up the role of the hounds themselves.


    Ss tried testing the waters by releasing E, and the response he got was even beyond what he had expected for an AI that''s just better than those in the market.


    Ss, of course, knew that the gap and difference between E and other AI in the market was huge, insurmountable actually.


    He knew how cutthroat the corporate world was and how ''friendly'' they were to theirpetitors. He also understood that it''s very hard for new startuppanies with groundbreaking technology to actually survive.


    If they refused to be bought out, they would be crushed. One way or another, those at the top would definitely get what they wanted. This is one of the reasons there has been no greatpany with ground-breaking technology in a very long time and this is a trend that Ss intends to end.


    Ss knew that he also wasn''tpletely safe even if thepany is based in Venezu, as the hands of the other world government and corporate organizations can extend to the country. Especially when there exists an organization called ck Hand, that has all the world''s top political and conglomerate figures, it would be very easy.


    Even though that is possible, Ss knew that it would bepletely different from whe he''s in USA, as Venezu in the future, would be a country that belongs to himpletely, and he would have full control over it.


    This is the real why he decided to send LUNAR to help Mr Yusmairobis out with his mission.


    Not only will she help out with the mission but she will also be his eyes and ears over there, and she would be the one to oversee and make sure that everything is ready before he finally moves there.

 Chapter 93 Taking LUNAR To The Airport, Picking Up Alex From School

    Chapter 93 Taking LUNAR To The Airport, Picking Up Alex From School


    "LUNAR, get ready to leave for Venezu," Ss said, and LUNAR nodded.


    "Before you go, we need to get you some clothes, and I also need a car. Also, it''s almost time to pick Alex up from school," Ss said, as he checked the time on his phone and booked an Uber ride.


    Ss didn''t want to buy a new car, but it couldn''t be helped, as where the cars were parked was at least a 6-7 hour drive from Oand¡ªa distance he didn''t want to travel.


    While they waited for their Uber ride to arrive, the two repairmen fixing the broken door and windows were finally done with their work.


    With a satisfied smile, Ss paid them with the money that Lucas had sent.


    Lucas'' action of sending hired goons to his home made Ss realize that he had to put in ce some security measures, or the same incident would definitely repeat itself, or something even worse might happen to a member of his family.


    What if it had been professional assassins or other Phenomenals that were sent after him?


    What if someone targeted Alex at his school, abducted him, and used his life to threaten him? Or what if something happened to Kim? Would he be able to bear the guilt when he knew very well that he was the cause of it?


    That was a question that didn''t need to be asked, as Ss would fall into the deepest part of the abyss,den with the burden of intense guilt and rage.


    But the problem now was what to do?


    Ss thought about it deeply for a moment and felt that the only currently usible solution was to buy a new house in a new location for Kim and Alex. The house wouldn''t be in Oand but in another city or state entirely.


    ''I will have to start working on that soon. The earlier, the better for me,'' Ss thought to himself.


    A few minutester, a horn was heard outside, indicating that the Uber had arrived.


    Ss stood up when he heard the horn and left the house, followed by LUNAR.


    "Emerald Bay Galleria," Ss said to the driver, giving him the address, as he and LUNAR got into the car.


    "W-What did you say?" the shocked Uber driver asked.


    He found it extremely hard to believe that someone as beautiful as LUNAR and as handsome as Ss could exist.


    ''How?!'' he muttered to himself.


    It couldn''t be helped. Due to his high charisma stat, Ss'' appearance could only be described as extraordinary.


    LUNAR''s MAU form appearance could be described as otherworldly. She was a perfect example of what is called a jade beauty, except that her body was that of an android.


    Ss saw the driver''s reaction and understood.


    ''Tsk. This appearance thing. Before, I was very ugly, and people literally almost ran from me. Now, I''m so handsome that I make them unable to focus,'' Ss thought to himself with a smug smile.


    Of course, he was being narcissistic, but he was mostly right.


    Ss saw that the driver was still looking at him and LUNAR, and he decided to help hime back to reality.


    He didn''t have all the time in the world to entertain him as he had to quickly go and pick Alex up from school.


    "Emerald Bay Galleria," Ss repeated to the driver, subtly controlling the air current to amplify and carry his voice deep into the driver''s ear.


    It seemed to be effective, as the driver was brought out of his reverie and started driving, with a face red from embarrassment.


    The driver felt like finding a ce to dig a hole and bury himself. He didn''t understand how he could have lost himself just because of his two clients'' appearances.


    He thought of this and discreetly brought up his head to look at their reflection in the mirror.


    "Ain''t my fault. Their looks are just that extraordinary," he muttered to himself with a nod, and turned his full attention back to the road.


    It took them a few minutes to get to their destination.


    Emerald Bay Galleria, the biggest shopping mall in Oand, was the ce that Ss came to for his shopping spree with Alex. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After paying the Uber driver, Ss and LUNAR stepped out of the car and walked into the mall.


    Their entrance into the mall attracted the attention of other customers, and they were now being stared at, but Ss paid no attention to them as he wasted no time and took LUNAR to the female section and told her to choose whatever she wanted.


    After dropping LUNAR at the store, Ss left and made his way to the car dealership to get himself a new car.


    The car dealership he was going to was the same one he got the Corvette from.


    Ss was immediately recognized by the female salesperson when he walked into the store, and she approached him with a professional smile on her face.


    Even though his appearance had changed and improved greatly, she was able to quickly recognize him, as she''s a person who alwaysmits the appearances of important customers to memory, and Ss'' action of buying the Corvette ced him on that list.


    Ss already knew the reason for her approaching him. He knew that she wanted to start taking him around the shop, showing and introducing the different cars they had in store, but Ss wasn''t in the mood for it, nor did he have the time.


    "A Camaro. Get the relevant papers and documents ready, and add it to the cost. Let me know when you''re done," Ss said to the salesdy as he gave her his bank card, and went to take his seat.


    Thedy saw this and knew that she wouldn''t be getting the opportunity to introduce their shop''stest addition.


    Immediately, she walked towards the door that she entered the previous time and disappeared into the room behind it.


    A few minutester, she came out with some documents in her hands and walked towards where Ss was seated.


    "Everything is ready, sir," she said and handed the documents to him, then went to the reception table to swipe his card for payment.


    Ss received the documents and quickly flipped through them, reading and absorbing their contents. With his high intelligence stat, reading and understanding the documents'' contents was very easy.


    After he was done, he picked up the pen that was ced in the document and signed in the designated ces.


    After he was done signing, he stood up and returned the documents to thedy, and she gave him the car''s key.


    Ss received the key and walked towards his ride, which was quietly waiting for him at the side of the shop.


    Ss got in, started the engine immediately, and drove off to the mall to pick LUNAR up.


    He would have admired the car if it was the previous him, but the current Ss had seen and driven high-end luxury cars that now felt like toys to him. This was one of the reasons why he didn''t want to hear thedy''s introduction.


    Yes, that''s how it feels to be rich! No, that''s how it feels to be wealthy!

 Chapter 94 Taking LUNAR To The Airport, Picking Up Alex From School(II)

    Chapter 94 Taking LUNAR To The Airport, Picking Up Alex From School(II)


    When he got to the mall, he saw that LUNAR was ready and waiting for him. Ss also saw a small crowd gathered a short distance from her and discreetly taking pictures. He also saw some very shameless men openly flirting with her.


    Ss saw their actions and how dismissive LUNAR''s response was. What did they expect? She was an AI in an android''s body!


    Oh... They didn''t know that. Ss couldn''t help but wonder how they would react when they found out her real identity.


    Would they freak out or would they just ept it? Ss highly doubted thetter as he was very familiar with humans and their antics.


    To others, LUNAR''s beauty made her look like a goddess, but to Ss who knew her real identity, she was just his perfect and beautiful secretary.


    Ss was about to call LUNAR when he saw her walking up to him.


    LUNAR had already noticed Ss'' presence when he parked in front of the mall. No, she had been tracking him since he left the mall with the help of the Gear.


    When she sensed that Ss had already walked into the mall and was a short distance from her, she decided to walk up to him as she had wanted to get rid of the buzzing and bugging flies around her.


    "Master, I''m ready," she said when she got to Ss'' front.


    Ss was able to get a full and monopolized view of LUNAR''s new look when she stood in front of him.


    Nothing had changed in her appearance, but the aura she gave off was vastly different from before.


    If the aura she was giving off before was tame, gentle, and friendly, then her aura now was wild, cold, authoritative, confident, and very distant. This wasplemented by the formal officedy attire she wore.


    Ss took in these details and nodded.


    "Good, let''s go," Ss said and got into the car, followed by LUNAR.


    After they werefortably seated in the car, Ss started the engine and drove off to drop LUNAR off at the airport.


    He nned for LUNAR to leave immediately as he didn''t want Alex or Kim to see her. He didn''t have any possible exnation he could give.


    Well, he could say that she was his girlfriend or his secretary, but he felt that this wasn''t the right time to introduce LUNAR to them.


    Also, considering Kim''s deadly instincts as a woman, there was no way she wouldn''t notice that something was off.


    When they got to the airport, Ss and LUNAR bypassed all other boarding areas of the airport and directly walked towards the jet bridge.


    LUNAR had already prepped one of the aircraft before their arrival.


    When they got to the jet bridge, Ss stopped and watched LUNAR walk into it and board the aircraft.


    After the aircraft''s AI confirmed that LUNAR had already boarded, it started the engine and began its takeoff run.


    A few minutester, the Gulfstream G650ER took off into the air.


    Seeing that the aircraft had already taken off, Ss turned and walked back to the car.


    .....


    In front of Alex''s school, a sleek-looking ck Camaro pulled up, attracting the attention of the nearby kids and adults.


    The door of the Camaro opened up and a very handsome young man that held the breath of almost all the female adults stepped out of it.


    Some of the younger girls and even older women started contemting approaching Ss and striking up a conversation with him, while the bold ones were already approaching him.


    The young man, Ss, looked around him, trying to see if Alex was already waiting for him outside.


    It took him a quick nce to locate Alex, who was standing with some kids who seemed to be trying to talk to him, but he was very unresponsive to them.


    Ss saw this and shook his head. He wondered if he should take his brother''sck of social interaction seriously and look for a solution to it, or if he should let the kid be and allow things to happen naturally.


    Ss thought of this and shook his head internally. He knew that it would be better for the little guy to have friends and interact with others so that he wouldn''t be like him.


    Ss was still thinking of Alex''sck of social interaction issue when he noticed the little boy running up to him.


    With a weing smile, he spread out his hands and waited for Alex to collide into them.


    "Hey, champ. How are you, and how was school today?" Ss asked as he hugged and picked Alex up from the ground.


    "I''m fine, brother, and school was okay today," Alex replied.


    Ss smiled and lovingly ruffled his hair when he heard this response.


    ''I wonder what he meant by school was okay,'' Ss thought to himself.


    "That''s good. Let''s start going home, shall we?" Ss asked as he walked to the other side of the car and opened the door.


    Alex nodded in response to Ss'' question.


    "Brother, you bought a new car?" Alex asked. He knew all of Ss'' cars. Or so he thought he did.


    "Yeah. Do you like it?" Ss asked with a smile, and Alex nodded in response.


    "What about the one at home?" Alex asked again. Alex knew that his older brother had two cars and he couldn''t help but be curious as to the reason why he decided to buy another one.


    "The Corvette? I gave it to Kim," Ss replied.


    Alex only nodded his head. Ss sat Alex down, then got in and started the car.


    "You must be hungry. Should we go to some restaurant and have lunch, or should we wait till Kimes back and prepare lunch?" Ss asked as he started the car.


    "Mommy mighte backte and tired. Let''s buy lunch and also get some for her," Alex replied.


    "Okay, then. Let''s get ourselves something good to eat," Ss said and drove off. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The two groups of females were disappointed when they saw Ss got into the car and drove off.

 Chapter 95 Breaking The News To Kim

    Chapter 95 Breaking The News To Kim


    Ss took Alex to a random restaurant for lunch.


    Unlike what one would think of someone of his wealth, Ss still preferred to eat food frommon restaurants as he felt that they offered the same thing as those upscale and high-end luxury hotels, with the only differences being that thetter offered ss and sometimes exclusivity¡ªsomething that most of the rich and wealthy valued greatly. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After they had their lunch, Ss also made sure to order a take-out for Kim before they left.


    By the time they got home, it was already evening and Kim was home.


    "Hey. Where did you guys go?" Kim asked when she saw both of them walk into the house.


    "I went to pick up Alex, and we decided to eat out as you were still at work, and also get you something," Ss replied.


    "I see," Kim said with a nod. "You can keep the take-out in the fridge, I will have itter. I was about to go into the kitchen and start preparing dinner. Let''s eat something healthy for the night," she said, looking at Alex with a smile.


    The little boy nodded at her and went up to his room to drop his backpack and freshen up.


    After Alex left, Kim made her way to the kitchen and started preparing dinner for the family.


    Ss followed Kim into the kitchen and went to drop the take-out in the fridge, as requested by Kim.


    "How was work today?" he asked.


    "Great. Things are going smoothly. Too smoothly actually, and I can''t help but have a bad feeling," Kim replied as she continued what she was doing.


    Ss was a little taken aback when he heard her response.


    ''She''s having a bad feeling.''


    Ss was curious to know why she was having such a feeling. Considering Kim''s years of experience that helped her to sharpen her instincts, it would be very dumb of him not to want to know the reason for the bad feeling she''s having.


    "You''re having a bad feeling? Can you exin more?"


    "Well, it''s not intense, but it''s a feeling of unease. I feel like I''m being watched by someone or something. I don''t really know. This feeling started like two days ago and it keeps getting stronger each day."


    Ss narrowed his eyes at Kim''s reply.


    ''She''s being followed.''


    Ss immediately contacted LUNAR and asked her to scan his surroundings and the office surroundings for any suspicious individual. He wanted to know the rat that was spying on him and his family.


    He also told LUNAR to investigate every single worker that Kim employed as he knew that it''s also very possible for the rat to be from inside.


    Less than half a minuteter, LUNAR sent all the information she had gathered to Ss, and he started going through them.


    After he was done going through the information, a sinister smile bloomed on Ss'' face.


    ''Two in the neighborhood, four in the office surroundings, and two at work.''


    He decided he would deal with those in the neighborhood first, but that would beter.


    "Oh yeah, I also got a call today from Microsoft. They said they want to set up a meeting with us and discuss a partnership deal. Not only Microsoft but also other bigpanies have been calling us since yesterday, either for partnership or buyout. It seems we attracted more attention than we expected, and the unwanted ones at that," Kim said.


    She had just remembered the partnership deal call she got from Microsoft, and it made her remember the previous calls that she had received.


    ''It seems like they are getting serious,'' Ss thought when he heard what Kim said.


    There''s no way Ss would be willing to go into partnership with anotherpany or sell thepany to anyone.


    Doing either means that he would allow them ess and the opportunity to take the technology away from him. Not that they would seed, but when they see how advanced the technologies he possesses are, then his life and that of his family will be in danger.


    They say wealth is the downfall of a poor and weak man. One would only put themselves in danger if they acquired wealth beyond what their power could protect.


    Just like before, Ss told Kim to refuse them if they were to call again, but he knew that this would only be temporary. If they were to get desperate, then things might get ugly, but he wasn''t that worried as it would take time for them to act.


    "Ss, when do you n to visit the office? You know you will have to show and introduce yourself to thepany one day, right?" Kim said, as she paused what she was doing and turned to look at Ss.


    "It''s been almost a week since thepany was incepted. The workers want to know who they''re working for and who''s the genius or group of geniuses that designed an AI that''s going to give Anthropic AI and OpenAI a run for their money," she added, and continued her cooking.


    Ss had already been thinking of this before Kim mentioned it. He knew that he would have to go to the office one of these days and introduce himself to the workers.


    No matter how much he wanted to hide himself from the public, it''s still inevitable that he does that.


    Now that he thought of it. Why is he actually hiding himself from the public? Why the intense feeling of paranoia? He has definitely notmitted any crime so as to say neither is he nning tomit one, then why is he trying to live like a fugitive?


    Yes, he felt that his paranoia and actions are like those of a fugitive. He knew that the reason why he''s behaving this way is because of Mr. Yusmairobi''s first action of asking the FBI to investigate him, but that request has been retracted by the old man and LUNAR had made sure that every information the agency and other agencies had on him had gone poof.


    ''And here I was talking about Alex''s inability to interact with others outside the family, while I''m here trying to hole myself up and run from what is not chasing me. Tsk.''


    "I will be there tomorrow," Ss said.


    He decided to go to the office tomorrow, introduce himself, and take care of the rats in and around its vicinity.


    Even though he didn''t want to put his face out there, he had to change his approach to things.


    Kim nodded at Ss'' response and smiled. She was very happy doing one of the things she loved again, and she''s grateful to Ss for that opportunity.


    Ss was about to leave the kitchen when he remembered something. He hasn''t told her about Lucas'' arrest and hispany''s current situation, but he felt that it would be inappropriate to give her the news when she''s busy cooking because he knew that she might break down from the news and burst into tears.


    Ss decided to give Kim the news after they''d had dinner, and he left the kitchen.


    Dinner was ready and served a few minutester. The family gathered around the dining table and ate their dinner quietly.


    After they had dinner and the table had been cleared, Ss sent Alex up to his room to brush his teeth and go to bed.


    After it was only he and Kim in the room, Ss decided to give her the news.


    "Kim, Lucas has been arrested and he will be tried soon."


    "What did you say?" Kim asked with shock and disbelief clearly written all over her face.


    A feeling of happiness was about to burst forth from her heart but she suppressed it. She just couldn''t be happy yet. She had to make sure that it''spletely true and considering Lucas'' influence in Oand, would he be truly tried by the court? And even if a miracle happened and he''s tried, would he be sentenced?


    She found it to be very unbelievable. The incident that happened to her and Chris was years ago, and she knew that if nothing changed, then Lucas'' influence would have increased greatly, right? But why was she being told by Ss that Lucas has been arrested?


    Ss heard her response and saw saw her reaction to the news, and he smiled in understanding.


    If he was to be honest, he would have not been able to get Lucas arrested without the help of all the incriminating information that LUNAR gathered on his acquaintances.


    "Yes, Kim. It''s true. Lucas got arrested and hispany is under investigation for different crimes and vitions. He will be tried and sentenced for his crimes," Ss said, assuring her.


    A smile bloomed on Kim''s face when she heard this and her eyes started bing moist.


    "Will he really be sentenced?" she asked, as streaks of tears came running down her cheeks showing that she failed to sessfully hold back the tears.


    "Yes, I made make sure of that. He won''t escape this and he will pay for all his past crimes," Ss said as he tried tofort her.


    He wanted to hug Kim andfort her when he saw her crying but he felt that it might be inappropriate and him overstepping his boundaries, so he could only use words.

 Chapter 96 Catching Rats, Questioning

    Chapter 96 Catching Rats, Questioning


    It took Kim a while before she finally stopped crying.


    She wiped her tears with an embarrassed smile. She found it strange that the news of Lucas'' arrest made her cry.


    She had always believed herself to be a woman with strong will and good emotional control, which was the reason why she found the tears flowing down her cheeks to be strange.


    Why? Had she been holding and bottling in her emotions for so long that the news made her pour out her emotions and cry out her heart?


    She wasn''t crying due to the hurt or pain that came from her experience with Lucas, but instead from happiness that the person who ruined her life and that of Chris due to his lust and prideful arrogance, was finally going to get what he deserved.


    Kim looked at Ss, who was sitting beside her, watching her as she cried, and felt even more embarrassed.


    "I''m sorry you had to see me like that," she said with a light sob, as she continued cleaning her tears.


    "It''s fine. You can cry all you want. It''s okay to cry. They say that we cry not because we are weak but because we have been strong for too long. Sometimes you just have to let those emotions out," Ss said as he tried his best tofort her.


    He had cried a lot as a person, so he understood that sometimes one just has to let those emotions out and free oneself from the emotional burden.


    He remembered when he would stay upte into the night, crying and looking at the night sky, making simple wishes for himself and his brother.


    Kim heard Ss'' words and smiled. She oddly felt light and her stuffy heart felt free ¡ª emotions she hadn''t felt in a very long time.


    "Thank you. I will be going to bed. Goodnight," she said as she stood up from her seat and went up to her room.


    After Kim left, Ss let out a lengthy sigh and threw his head back on the sofa.


    "She deserves better than to fall in love with someone like my father, but that''s how crazy our heart can be sometimes. It beats for those we feel are the wrong people," Ss muttered to himself.


    "Well, time to take care of those rats," he said as he stood from the sofa and left the house.


    Ss was hit by the cool night breeze as he stepped out of the house.


    As a city located in the state that has the most cities with the best weather in the country, Oand City also has its own fair share of good weather.


    Ss took in the night breeze, allowing it as it gently blew and caressed his skin.


    "Ah... A weather that''s best suited for a night jog," Ss said with a smile as he did a light stretch, loosening his muscles and joints.


    "Well, that''s not for the night''s agenda. I have some rats to catch."


    Ss took a step forward and started walking towards the location of the first individual.


    He had already gotten the exact locations of the two individuals that were following Kim.


    As he walked, Ss decided to y around with his superpowers.


    "Let''s try and see if that will work," Ss said to himself, as he thought of a movement technique he usually saw in movies. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Since it waste into the night, Ss didn''t have to worry about anyone seeing him using his superpowers as he would use the cover of the night to disguise himself and his actions.


    Besides, it''s not like he''s about to do something overboard. Just a little movement technique...


    Ss controlled the air current around him and centered it on the soles of his feet, slightly lifting him from the ground. The distance between his feet and the ground was just a hair''s length.


    He pushed his feet back to the ground, forcing them to act against the air current pushing them up.


    "Now, let''s see if it will work."


    Ss took a step forward and used the air current to propel himself forward.


    The result? Ss saw himself shooting through the quiet street with a woosh, and the cool night breeze evolved into a light wind that blew wildly against his body.


    Ss achieved what he called pseudo-flight. Even though he wasn''tpletely off the ground and was just barely floating above it, he felt very happy with the result he achieved and was tempted to scream out in happiness.


    He felt very proud that he was able to manifest an idea into reality as he never actually thought it would work.


    Ss continued darting through the quiet street with his newly invented movement technique. He only stopped when he finally arrived at his intended location.


    Standing in front of a small building that looked exactly the same as those in the neighborhood, he walked to the door and pressed the doorbell.


    "Who is it?" A male voice came from the other end.


    "Delivery," Ss replied with a smile.


    "What delivery? I didn''t order anything. Wrong address."


    "No. This is definitely the right address. This is 2675 76th Ave, Oand, CA, right?"


    "Yes."


    "Then it''s definitely the right address."


    "What do you mean by it''s the right address? I didn''t fucking order anything, damnit!" The voice grew angry and irritated.


    Ss noticed the changes in the man''s voice but he couldn''t care less. He came with the objective of giving some ''special care'' to the man beyond the door; he had no intention of returning without achieving his objective.


    It would have been easier for him if he broke into the house but that would create a lot of noise which would wake the man''s neighbors. This is the reason why Ss was going all the way to make the man open the door himself.


    "Sir, wouldn''t it be better for you to check if it''s something that''s addressed to you from someone? If it''s really not yours, then I will leave immediately."


    The man saw that the delivery boy was persistent and decided to open the door and tell him off. He was sure that he made no order that''s to be delivered to the address and his employers had no reason to send something to him through a courier service.


    He opened the door and his face was greeted by a fist that knocked him out cold.


    "That should do it." A young voice said as he walked into the house.


    Ss pulled the unconscious man up from the ground and threw him on the nearby sofa.


    After he had done that, he controlled the running water from the kitchen''s sink tap and shaped it into a ball, before throwing it at the man''s face.


    "Wakey wakey."


    The man groggily opened his eyes and let out a painful groan.


    "Who¨C? What¨C?" The man was unable to form coherent words due to the pain and headache he was feeling.


    "How do you like your delivery? I don''t need your answer. Here''s how things are going to be from now, I ask questions and you give very honest answers. If you try to be smart and not act like your normal dumb self, then I will take things into my own hands," Ss said with a soft smile that sent shivers down the man''s spine.


    "Are you ready?" Ss asked and the man nodded immediately.


    He previously wanted to shout at the little kid in front of him to get out of his house but he knew better. The threat that Ss gave him had more than enough substance to it and the punch did a number on him.


    Plus the smile on the boy''s face gave him a very bad feeling. Even though the smile lookedpletely harmless, he felt that a lot of malice was hidden behind it.


    Ss saw that the man was ready to cooperate and smiled in satisfaction.


    "Good. First question, why are you following thisdy?" Ss asked as he showed Kim''s picture to the man.


    The man saw Kim''s picture and his mouth opened in surprise.


    This was the same exact woman he had been following around for some days now, due to her position as the CEO of the new tech start-up, QURT Technology.


    He thought he had always been careful. No, he knew that he had always been careful but how did he get caught?


    He had never met the woman once, neither had he made her feel suspicious. Then why? How?


    The man''s surprise turned to confusion but his confusion might never get cleared.


    He didn''t know that he was caught because Ss decided to investigate the reason behind Kim''s feeling of unease.


    Ss saw the initial confused expression and smiled.


    "Now, I will ask again and I would love to have an answer to my question."


    "Why were you following thisdy?"


    The man heard this and gulped.


    ''Fuck! Why does this kid have such an aura around him.''

 Chapter 97 Catching Rats, Questioning(II)

    Chapter 97 Catching Rats, Questioning(II)


    The man started talking ¡ª spilling everything he knew.


    "I was told by my employer to investigate and find out every information I could about thepany, QURT Technology, and the reason why I''m following her is because she''s the CEO of thepany."


    Ss nodded in understanding when he heard the man''s words. He could already guess as much but he still wanted more information.


    "Tell me, why were you told to investigate thepany and who''s your employer?" Ss asked the most important questions.


    The man paused when he heard Ss'' question. He saw himself caught in a dilemma as he contemted between telling Ss who his employers were and keeping their identity a secret.


    His dilemma onlysted a brief second as he nearly pissed his pants when he saw a spine-chilling smile bloom on Ss'' face.


    "His-His name is Rodriguez but I wasn''t given a reason. All I was told was to investigate thepany and bring back my findings," he said with a stutter.


    "Hey man. I really know nothing. All I was told by this Rodriguez guy is to investigate thepany and I wasn''t told anything else," the man said after regaining a bit of his confidence.


    "Hey! Do you take me for a fool? You were told by someone to investigate apany and you weren''t given a reason, and you didn''t bother to ask for the reason why? Are you dumb or are you that daft?" Ss asked with a sneer on his face.


    Ss found the answer the man gave him to be very unbelievable and the man''s chatan-like appearance made it all the more difficult to believe what he said.


    The man heard Ss'' question and winced in embarrassment. He knew that he should have asked for a reason behind the task he was given, but he at that moment was badly in need of money and the amount that was offered him blinded him, and made him confused.


    Ok, the truth is that he didn''t want to ask. Why should he ask? What''s he going to do with the reason? Eat it? He''s a hustler for street''s sake. Why should he get himself embroiled with something that he couldn''t handle?


    But it seemed his negligence hade back to bite him in the ass.


    ''It seems like I will have to try and talk my way out of this one. If it doesn''t work, then... I really don''t know what to do,'' he thought to himself.


    "Look man, I can take you to the guy who gave me the job and you can ask him yourself. That''s the best I can do."


    "You think I''m that stupid. You are willing to take me to your employer but I had to threaten you before you gave me his identity? How am I even sure that you will take me to the right person?" Ss asked, as he gave the man a deathly stare.


    "Actually, I''m wasting my time asking you these questions and expecting you to answer them. I should just beat them out of you," he said, and raised his fist to hit the man.


    "Please don''t hit me! I really know nothing besides the instructions I was given! I was also given a huge amount toplete what I was told! I''m really not lying! I swear on my grandmother''s life!" the man shouted in fear when he saw Ss raise his fist.


    He remembered the punch that knocked him and how much it hurt ¡ª something he would rather not experience again.


    Ss saw the man''s reaction ¡ª the fear in his eyes, and he understood that the man really had no more information to give him.


    ''It seems he''s just a little expendable pawn in the grand scheme of things,'' Ss thought silently to himself.


    ''But even if he''s a pawn, he still has some use. I can use him to get inside information on his employers,'' Ss thought, and came to a decision on what to do with the man.


    "Tsk. Pathetic. You can continue your monitoring her and from now on, you report to me. If our conversation is to get to Rodriguez, you''re dead; If anything happens to thedy you''re following, you''re dead; If anything happens to anyone in thepany, you''re dead. Actually, you''re fucked both ways. I hope you understand that," Ss said to the man, and he saw a bewildered expression on the man''s face.


    "B-But¨C..." the man was about to speak but was interrupted by Ss.


    "No but. You either ept it or I beat you until you ept it. Either way, your choice."


    ''What''s wrong with this kid? I would love to beat the living hell out of him but he''s just too strong,'' the man thought to himself.


    He saw that Ss wasn''t going to give him a chance to refuse and he decided to ept it reluctantly.


    "Yes, I will do as you say."


    "Good. I will be taking my leave and I expect a daily update from you starting tomorrow," Ss said, and walked towards the door.


    "Wait, how do I contact you?" the man asked when he saw Ss leaving.


    "You don''t have to worry about that. I will contact you myself," Ss said and walked out the door.


    Outside, Ss took a step and disappeared from his position.


    The man rushed to the door and opened it gently to peep outside, wanting to confirm Ss'' departure.


    When he saw that Ss had really left, he closed the door and let out a sigh of relief.


    ''Fuu.. That was intense. Who was that kid? He looks so handsome and always has a demonic smile on his face, and he''s so strong,'' the man thought to himself.


    He would have loved to beat the little kid until he was crying and begging for his parents toe save him, but the first punch he received made him realize that he was the one who was in a very disadvantageous position.


    "Now that I think about it. Am I working for him if am I still working for Rodriguez?" he asked himself, as he scratched his head in exasperation.


    "Ugh... This is so annoying. I got myself into this mess because of a little amount of money."


    He was tempted to tell his employer, Rodriguez, everything that happened but he shook his head, deciding against it when he remembered Ss'' smile.


    "Ahh.. Fuck it. I will take things as theye."


    ...


    After Ss left the man''s house, he quickly made his way to the second location.


    He felt he had wasted too much time and should get things done quickly and go home. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He didn''t use his self-created movement technique this time as he ran directly to the location.


    Standing in front of another small building located in his neighborhood, Ss walked up to the door and knocked.


    It took a minute before the door was finally answered by a middle-aged man.


    "Who are y¨C"


    Ss didn''t allow the man to finish his question before he knocked him out and dragged him into the house.


    Ss repeated the same process, by sshing water on the man''s face to wake him up before he began the round of questioning.


    The second man was more honest than the previous man he went to and Ss was able to get some very useful information from him.


    From the information the man gave him, the man''s employer was curious and wanted to know the experts behind the creation of the AI chatbot, ELLA.


    His task was simply to investigate and get information on thepany''s AI engineers and see if there''s a way to poach them.


    Yes, it was a case of corporate espionage.


    Ss also got to know that the two rats in the office were the man''s employer''s doing.


    ''They really went all out,'' Ss thought to himself when he heard this.


    The funniest thing about the whole situation is that the party that employed the man is a no-name techpany.


    Thepany wasn''t exactly a no-namepany as Ss called it. The reason why he called it a no-namepany is because it wasn''t a poprpany and its market evaluation was very lowpared to otherpanies that he had invested in.


    After getting the information he needed, Ss decided to call it a day.


    Before leaving, Ss did the same thing he did with the first man. He made sure his conversation with him wouldn''t make its way back to his employers.


    One would wonder how and why Ss would believe that his conversation with the two men would be kept a secret by them?


    The answer is that Ss didn''t believe it, neither did he care if the conversation leaked. He was actually looking forward to the information leaking as he wanted to see the reaction of their employers.


    .....


    The next morning after the family had their breakfast, Ss went to drop Alex at school and Kim made her way to the office.


    After he had dropped Alex at school, Ss made his way to the office. It was time he actually got things running.

 Chapter 98 Going To The Office

    Chapter 98 Going To The Office


    Howard Street, San Francisco.


    In front of a 30-story office building, a group of people dressed in office attire stood quietly, seemingly waiting for someone. They were important staff members of thepany that owned the building.


    The ''passersby'' were very surprised to see them standing outside, and the most surprising thing about the situation was that thepany''s beautiful and well-known female CEO was also standing outside with them.


    This got them curious, especially those who were monitoring thepany and trying to get information on it.


    The ''passersby'' got curious and decided to wait and see the reason for thepany''s staff gathering outside.


    Thepany''s staff waiting outside the building were all smiles and filled with anticipation. Every one of thepany''s staff was told by the CEO that the President of thepany, who was also the owner, would being to thepany today.


    This was before she took the most important staff of thepany and went outside to wait for the President''s arrival.


    As they stood outside, they waited quietly and calmly. They were curious to know who thepany''s President was and what he looked like, but even though they had questions, they knew better than to ask.


    As they waited, a ck Camaro pulled up in front of the building, and a handsome young man stepped out of the car.


    When the CEO saw the young man, she walked towards him with a smile. The rest of the group saw the CEO''s action and followed suit with smiles, and their curiosity heightened.


    "Hello President Ss," the CEO, Kim, said as she gave a shocking bow to the young man.


    The staff behind her were shocked and the ''passersby'' even more.


    They felt like they were dreaming.


    ''Wow! So handsome,'' they thought to themselves, but that wasn''t the most shocking thing about the whole situation.


    ''Did the CEO just bow to that kid?'' they all thought to themselves, confused.


    The staff who had already been informed by the CEO herself, knew that the only reason why she would bow to the kid in front of them was because he was thepany''s President, and this realization gave them even more shock.


    It''s not that it''s unheard of for someone so young to own apany. They had heard of it, but there''s a difference between hearing about something and actually seeing it for oneself.


    The staff outside and those inside, especially the females who saw Ss, were excited when they saw how handsome and young he looked, and some of them couldn''t help but have wild thoughts.


    The ''passersby'' who knew this were left confused and curious as to what the kid''s identity could be.


    Ss was surprised when he saw Kim standing in front of him with some people also standing behind her, and even more surprising to him was the bow she gave.


    He didn''t need to be told as he knew that the reason why they were outside was because they were waiting as he had already informed Kim that he would being to the office after dropping Alex off at school.


    As for the reason why Kim bowed to him, he knew that she did it to establish his position in the hearts of the staff standing behind her, but Ss felt that there was no need for her to go that far.


    Even though he had these thoughts, he decided to put them aside and act along with Kim.


    "CEO Kim," he replied with a nod and smile, and walked into the building followed by Kim and others.


    When he walked into the building, he was met by arge number of thepany''s staff, lined up at both sides of the door.


    "Good morning, President Ss."


    Ss, who was new to experiences like this, took it with a smile, as he waved at them and walked towards the elevator with Kim following behind him.


    Inside the elevator, Ss let out a sigh and looked at Kim strangely.


    "Was the bow really necessary?"


    "I think it was. You''re very young in age and appearance. If I didn''t bow to you, we might see a case of you having to prove yourself to the staff before they can believe in your capabilities. Even though you''re the owner of thepany and their employer, they are still human and they will have their own thoughts, something we have to avoid at all costs as we are still a very rtively newpany. Also, I like to keep my work life and personal lifepletely separate," Kim replied.


    She understood Ss'' thoughts but she did what she felt she had to do.


    As someone who has worked in a corporate organization for more than two decades, she has been able to effectively separate her work and personal life.


    At home, she''s his stepmom but at the office, she''s nothing more than a worker to him. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ss heard Kim''s response and didn''t know how to respond.


    It would be a lie if he said that he didn''t understand what Kim said, and he knew that she was right.


    Ss thought of this and shook his head lightly to shake the thoughts out of his head. He decided to focus on the reason foring to the office.


    When the elevator got to the top floor where Kim''s office was situated, it stopped, and Ss and Kim stepped out of it.


    Kim took the lead and walked into her office with Ss following behind.


    Inside the office, Kim took her seat on one of the visitor''s seats, and Ss did the same.


    After taking his seat, Ss decided to get things underway.


    "Kim, please get me the two individuals on this list," Ss said as he passed a piece of paper to Kim.


    Kim collected it and saw the names on it. She was surprised and was curious as to the reason why Ss would be looking for the people on the list, but she didn''t ask questions as she pressed the officendline, gave the names to her secretary, and told her to send them up.


    The two names that Ss gave to Kim were names of people that he got from the second man he interrogated the previous night. Names of people that were also ced by his employer in thepany to get inside information.


    Ss could have done it discreetly, but he felt it would be better to do it in Kim''s presence so that she could understand the reason for the feeling of uneasiness she had been feeling.


    It took a few minutes before a male and a female arrived at the office.


    They walked into the office with a smile on their face as they greeted Ss and Kim.


    Ss saw the smile on their face and nodded in satisfaction at their level of acting. He knew that under that smile of theirs were veryplicated emotions and he could see right through their smiles, and he saw the nervousness that was almost perfectly hidden behind it.


    "Wipe the fake smiles off your face, I don''t like it. I spoke to your colleague yesterday, the one who''s in charge of getting information outside of thepany, and I must say that I find it very funny that your employers are fine with treading the line of corporate espionage. They''re not actually treading it at the moment but they have crossed it," Ss said with a smile.


    The two of them were initially nervous when they got the message from their boss, telling them to go up to the CEO''s office.


    The other staff were envious of them when they saw this as they felt that the two of them might have caught the President''s interest.


    The female was the one who got the most envious res as her fellow females in the office, especially the young and hot-blooded ones, were staring daggers at her.


    Unlike what others thought, the two of them knew that it wasn''t because they caught the President''s eye but because they were fucked.


    They got a messagete the previous night from John, their boss and the person who was in charge of getting information from thepany on the outside.


    The content of the message was the emoji of someone running and that of a skull.


    A message that left them confused. They tried contacting John but their call was busied, making them have a feeling of unease.


    To make matters worse, they came to the office this morning to get the news from their CEO that thepany''s President would be visiting.


    You know that time of your life when things are going downhill for you and very bad shit keeps happening, making things worse, and making you feel like you''re falling into an abyss.


    When they really knew that they were fucked was when they got the message toe up to the CEO''s office.


    Looking at Ss, the falseposure they had when they entered hadpletely disappeared and was now reced by nervousness, evidenced by the cold sweat on their foreheads.


    "So, what do you think?" Ss asked with a smile.

 Chapter 99 Getting Free Slaves

    Chapter 99 Getting Free ves


    "So what do you think I should do with the two of you?" Ss asked, as he looked at them intently with a smile.


    The two of them saw Ss stare and shivered slightly, but their actions didn''t escape Ss''s strong perception.


    The two of them found it very strange and were confused about the whole situation. They didn''t know how Ss was able to single them out and how he got their actual identities.


    They would have thought that Ss was bluffing them, but the cryptic message they received from their boss, John, yesterday made them understand that they weren''t being bluffed.


    When they realized this, the gears in their heads started spinning at maximum speed, trying to think of a solution to the predicament they currently found themselves in.


    Contacting their employer? That was definitely out of the question. Considering the person''s character, there''s a very high chance that they would be silenced and taken care of.


    Also, considering the severity of their crimes, their fate was all but sealed. It''s certain they would be facing court charges soon and they would definitely be tried and sentenced.


    Though they hadn''t acted yet, they weren''t dumb. They knew someone who could expose them before they started was a serious threat


    Now, this took them back to Ss''s question, what should he do with them?


    Honestly speaking, they had no idea but they knew exactly what they would do if they were in Ss''s position.


    Ss looked at the two of them as they asionally fidgeted slightly due to nervousness, and shook his head as he sighed.


    To be honest, he wasn''t nning on doing anything to them.


    Take them out of thepany? Nah. Arrest them, charge them and their employers? No.


    Ss felt that it would be better to keep them close. Why did he make such a decision? Wouldn''t it be better if he just got rid of them and cleaned out the pests in hispany?


    There''s a saying that goes, ''the devil you know is better than the angel you don''t know.''


    Ss felt that it would be better to keep them close as he had the ability to control them and he believed that Kim also had the ability to do so.


    That aside, Ss already knew that they were bound to fail since the actual reason why they were sent here was to get information on hispany''s technology, steal it, and poach the engineers behind it.


    There was no way they would be able to get what they wanted as everything was created and controlled by him.


    The only way they could seed is if they could abduct him and torture the information out of him. Something that is beyond impossible as he''s physically the strongest person on the!


    This isn''t him being arrogant. Considering that the average stat for a regr human is 10 and the highest one can achieve is 100. Even if Phenomenals are added to the mix, they would still be weak against Ss, who has gone through the first gene enhancement and has maxed out all his stats to the limits that an enhanced human body can ept.


    Another reason why Ss didn''t want to take up the case is because he knew that the two individuals in front of him are expendable and their employer would quickly throw them under the bus to save their own heads.


    Ss gave the situation a thought and finally made a decision.


    "Two options. I will give both of you the opportunity to choose between two options," Ss said, and they flinched.


    Ss smiled secretly when he saw this. He looked at them intently for a moment before continuing, "The first option: I will charge both of you to court and you will have to face the consequences of your actions. If you think I don''t have enough evidence to do so, you can try choosing this option.


    The second option: both of you will work for me without pay till I feel I''m satisfied. I can be a little lenient and give you your pay, but that will be after you have impressed and satisfied me. The final interpretation of this will be left to me," Ss said, passing his sentence.


    Even though both of them were yet to start taking action, with the help of LUNAR, Ss had more than enough evidence to charge them and make sure they and their employer spend a minimum of a decade in prison.


    The two of them heard what Ss said and their faces paled. Their eyes went wide in realization that they were fucked both ways.


    They dared not choose the first option as they had no n on taking chances with their lives, but the second wasn''t any better, as they would have to work without pay for an unknown period of time until Ss was satisfied. If that isn''t very, then what is?


    They either take their chances, which are very abysmal, or be ves.


    The two of them were actually considering taking the first option as they felt that if they were to go down, then their employers would have to go down with them, but they felt that things might not be as simple as it looked.


    The most affected in this situation was the female. She felt like the world was copsing around her.


    Her eyes lost their color and her clenched fist was shaking due to theck of blood flow in it, resulting from a long period of clenching.


    She remembered how she was forced into this but she had no choice, as it was the only way she could perform and get a promotion.


    They looked at each other simultaneously and nodded.


    How did thingse to this? They had no idea but they were determined to preserve their lives.


    "The second option," the female said and bit her lips, and her shoulders slumped in defeat, as she muttered something inaudible to herself in a mosquito-like voice but Ss heard her clearly.


    ''My life is ruined.''


    Ss smiled and looked at the man.


    "Second option?" He asked and the man nodded.


    "Good. The two of you can leave and get back to your work. You will be contacted if you''re needed," Ss said and dismissed the both of them.


    Ss saw them stagger out of the office and turned to look out the panoramic ss window.


    A lot of thoughts ran through his mind as he took in the captivating aerial view of Howard Street.


    The view of the clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds floating around, the free birds flying in the sky and multiple tall buildings that seemingly infinitely stretched into the horizon.


    ''I guess this is why some people can''t help but have the thought of world domination,'' he thought to himself with a smile.


    The thought of owning and controlling everything as far as the eye can see was very intoxicating. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ss''s thoughts were interrupted when he heard Kim''s voice. Hepletely forgot that she was also with him in the office.


    Ss turned to look at Kim and he saw the clear and genuine confusion on her face.


    Kim was genuinely shocked and confused by what just happened.


    She tried her best to wrap her head around how Ss was able to actually single out two spies among the tens of workers in the office.


    Another surprising and confusing thing was Ss''s decision. Why did he give them an option? She knew that the second option that the two individuals chose wasn''t any better than being sent to jail, but the question still remains. Why did Ss give them an option?


    She wouldn''t be working for him if she didn''t trust his character but she would be lying if she said that Ss hasn''t been behaving strangely of recent. From the day that he went out and came back with a Corvette, she started getting that feeling about him.


    She knew Ss but not well enough. She has only been in his life as his stepmom for less than a year, but their previous rtionship wasn''t that great at all as he barely said a word to her.


    After their rtionship became closertely, she had tried to get closer to him but he has always been elusive. He''s either at his ce that literally no one in the family knows or he''s on a trip.


    The eyebrow-raising point of the whole situation is that every time Sses back home after being away for a long time, something massive changes about him.


    His appearance, his aura, so many things about him change each time. Though, she doesn''t ask why or how, because she felt that it would be her overstepping her boundaries, she was still extremely curious.


    The most shocking was the drastic change in his appearance and aura after he came back from his said trip to Venezu, and when he told her that Lucas had been arrested and had been sentenced. She knew Lucas perfectly.


    His arrogant attitude, his affluence, and deep, and valuable connections but he was still arrested and he''s going to be tried.


    She wouldn''t have actually believed him if she didn''t see it on the news, how he was arrested and when it was announced that hispany will be under investigation for multiple corporate crimes.


    How did Ss do it? The million-dor question that she can''t ask, what''s the source of his wealth?


    A lot of things she wanted to know but she felt that it would be better to just swallow them.


    Things would have been better if his father was actually active in his life but Chris was somewhat of a disappointment of a father.


    "Ss, are they?..." Kim asked, as she looked at Ss with a strange look on her face.

 Chapter 100 Kims Thoughts And Emotions

    Chapter 100 Kim''s Thoughts And Emotions


    "Ss, are they?..." Kim asked, as she looked at Ss with a strange look on her face.


    "Yes. Just as you heard, they are spies," Ss replied.


    "How did you..? How were you able to get their identities so fast? Is this rted to what I said about having a very bad feeling about things in the office? Who is their employer? And why did you allow them to walk free?" Kim shot a barrages of questions at Ss.


    Ss smiled at Kim''s questions and decided to answer them one after the other.


    "Your first question, if I''m correct, is how did I know? To answer that, I would say I had my means, and this is also the answer to your second question. The answer to the third question is yes. For the fourth question, I''m sorry but I would like to keep it a secret.


    And for yourst question, if you really think about it properly, did I actually let them walk free? Technically, they are workers, but in reality, they are nothing more than ves," Ss said, as he answered Kim''s questions.


    Kim saw how Ss answered her questions in a seemingly perfunctory manner. The answers he gave her weren''t really the answers she was expecting, but what could she do about it?


    She knew that he didn''t want to reveal anything to her, and this got her a little bit worried.


    One of the things she hated was being kept in the dark, and that was something Ss was doing, but she didn''t know how to confront him.


    She wanted to know why he was doing what he was doing. Was he doing it to protect her and Alex? How was he able to get their information in such a short amount of time? When did he leave the house the previous night without her knowledge? For how long was he gone?


    These and more questions she wanted answers to, but she knew too well that Ss answered to no one but himself.


    Kim looked at Ss for a moment and sighed.


    "Ss, it''s okay if you don''t want to tell me, but please think of Alex before you take any decision."


    Ss heard Kim''s words and nodded. He understood her thoughts and fears as they were things he felt to be normal.


    "I will make sure no harmes to you or Alex," Ss said with an assuring smile. Words he intended to keep with all his heart and strength.


    As it stood now, with the absence of his father, Ss was the man of the house and he intended to take up that role diligently and responsibly.


    Speaking about his family''s safety, Ss decided to let Kim know of his decision to get a new house for them.


    "Kim, I feel the house is getting old and small, and I want to get us a new ce."


    Kim was surprised when she heard Ss talking about getting a new house.


    What was he talking about? The house getting older and smaller? What does he mean by that?


    It''s to be known that the house they were living in was a standard three-bedroom building with three bathrooms. It was a house that would still fetch more than $700,000 in its current condition if ced on the market.


    Old? She might agree to that. A little renovation would fix it, but small? Completely impossible. She felt that there was more to it.


    "Ss... Did something happen?" Kim couldn''t help but ask.


    Ss heard Kim''s question and looked at her intently for a moment. He knew that there was no way that Kim would readily agree to what he said. Considering the fact that she knew that Ss was hiding a lot of things from her, he knew that she would definitely be suspicious of something.


    ''I guess I will have to tell her the truth then,'' Ss thought as he came to a decision.


    "Yes. Lucas sent some people to the house," Ss answered.


    Kim''s eyes narrowed immediately when she heard this. She knew that she was right and her hunch was correct, but what was this about Lucas?


    "Lucas sent some people to the house? When was this? Was it before or after his arrest? What was the reason?" She decided to ask Ss.


    Seeing how curious Kim was, Ss decided to exin everything to her. He started with his history between him and Daniel. While omitting some "minor" details, he told her of their two encounters and what happened.


    He summarized everything at the end and exined to her why Lucas sent some uninvited guests to the house.


    Kim heard everything and was left shocked for a moment. She found it ridiculously funny and unbelievable how fated the two families were.


    Putting aside the fated situation of the families, Kim''s mind spun when she thought of what Ss had said.


    With her knowledge and understanding of Lucas'' personality, Kim knew that him raising a son who was as shitty as him was unavoidable, and what his reaction would be after he heard what happened to his son was very predictable.


    This is why she believed what Ss said. She also knew that it would be very advisable for them to move to a new ce as soon as possible because considering the predictable nature of the Andersons, she knew that it was highly possible that Daniel was going to be a pain in the ass in the future.


    Even though she knew this, she found it hard to agree to move due to one reason: Chris''s absence.


    It had been more than two days since Chris walked out of the house that night, and she hadn''t heard from him since then.


    She would have called him, but the idiot had left his phone behind, leaving her with no means to contact him.


    "Ss, we can move, but we have a problem we need to solve before that," Kim said.


    Ss was surprised and equally confused when he heard this.


    "A problem?" he asked in curiosity, as his brain gears spun at maximum capacity, trying to think of what the problem could possibly be.


    "Yes," Kim said with a nod.


    "What is this problem?" Ss decided to ask when he couldn''t find the answer himself.


    "It''s been more than two days since your father left home, and I haven''t heard from him. Neither can I contact him because he left his phone behind, and there''s no other means to contact him," Kim said, looking at Ss'' face, and she saw an expressionless look on his face, which made her sigh.


    "Ss, I know that he wasn''t the best dad a child could ask for. Heck, he was as shitty as he could get, but... I can''t rest easy without knowing about his whereabouts or his well-being.


    I know you hate him with all your heart. I know that it took all the self-control you had in you not to punch him in the face that night. Something that I would definitely had done, but no matter how bad he was, he''s still your father.


    I know that you don''t need him in your life, but please think about Alex. He''s still too young and he needs a father figure in his life, and he deserves to have what every other child has: aplete family. I know that you''re ready to be a father figure to him, but can you truly rece your father?


    I''m also saying this because of how much I love him and I won''t hide it from you. You might also be wondering why I fell for someone like your father when there are a lot of men out there, better men.


    Honestly, even I don''t know the reason. Matters of the heart aren''t something we can decide, neither do we have a chance to choose. It''s something that just happens," Kim said with a solemn voice.


    Her face painted with differentplicated expressions, her eyes moist, and her lips and body quivering slightly.


    Her love for Chris was something she also found confusing. Though she didn''t have the beauty and figure of a model, she was equally beautiful in her own right. This was evident from the significant number of suitors she had in the past and even presently.


    Why did she fall for a man like Chris? Shepletely has no idea. Was this her karma? Same answer: no idea.


    Before the incident with Lucas at the office, she became aware of her feelings and had tried multiple times to kill the feelings she had for him before it could develop into something else, but each time, she failed sessfully.


    Instead of the feelings dying, they came back even stronger. For a very long time, she hid her feelings for him in the deepest part of her heart, but the incident with Lucas made her to lose the control she had over her feelings. This made them rise to the surface, making it impossible for her to hide them anymore.


    She decided to embrace her feelings after that incident. Did she regret falling for Chris? No!


    But there was something she regretted; she regretted not being able to change Chris'' current character.


    Ss saw the emotions in Kim''s eyes and theplicated expressions on her face, and sighed.


    ''That father of mine, how did he do it? How does he enthrall these women? Kim makes it three now,'' Ss thought to himself silently as he closed his eyes briefly.


    Ss'' thoughts and emotions towards his father were veryplicated. Just as Kim said, his father be damned, but what about Alex and Kim?


    His previous thought also matched that of Kim: could he truly rece his father in Alex''s life? He wasn''t very confident.


    ''Do I really have to forgive that man? Tsk,'' Ss thought of this and clicked his tongue, with his different thoughts flying around in his head as he tried toe to a decision. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Congrattions to us for reaching 100 chapters.

 Chapter 101 Fathers Whereabouts, New Business Idea [Bonus Chapter]

    Chapter 101 Father''s Whereabouts, New Business Idea [Bonus Chapter]


    Ss'' thoughts were all over the ce as he tried toe to a decision.


    To be honest, he didn''t want anything to do with his father again, but just like Kim said; no matter what happened, Chris was still his father.


    Ss thought of this and let out a deep sigh.


    After he woke up the next morning after having a fight with his father the previous night, his hate, anger, and other negative emotions towards his father dissipated, but it didn''t mean that he had forgiven the man.


    Ss closed his eyes for a brief moment and sighed again.


    "Fuck it. That man is making me sigh so much." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "LUNAR, search for my dad," Ss told LUNAR telepathically, with the aid of the Gear''s neural interface technology.


    He finally came to a decision and decided to go with the flow and see how things goes.


    After a few seconds, Ss got a surprising response from LUNAR.


    After scouring through the inte, institutions'' databases, and CCTV cameras, LUNAR pinpointed Chris'' location to be at a rehab center.


    "What the fuck is he doing at a rehabilitation center?" Ss thought to himself in confusion when he heard about his father''s location from LUNAR.


    "I went through the institution''s database and found out that he admitted himself into the institution to be rehabilitated for alcohol addiction, and his stay is going to be 90 days long, with 89 days left."


    Ss couldn''t help but smile when he heard what LUNAR said.


    "Is he really trying to change himself?" Ss thought with a smile.


    Ss closed his eyes and let out a deep breath as his thoughts finally settled.


    He thought about it deeply and felt that since his father was putting in an effort, he should give the man a chance.


    "Is this what they mean by blood is thicker than water?" he thought to himself.


    "For Alex''s and Kim''s sake, I guess I will have to give him a chance to be the husband and father he could never be," Ss thought to himself, as he finally made his decision.


    He looked at Kim who had her face in her palm, her body shaking slightly as she sobbed, and he sighed.


    "Does he really deserve you?" Ss thought to himself when he saw her beautiful older figure shaking slightly as she sobbed quietly.


    "Kim... It''s okay. I found him," Ss said with a smile, as he tried to make her stop sobbing.


    Kim slowly raised her head to look at Ss when she heard what he said, and Ss felt a sting in his heart when he saw her slightly swollen eyes.


    "Love? Such an enigmatic and confusing emotion."


    Kim was surprised when she heard what Ss said.


    "You found Chris?" she asked in surprise, and Ss nodded.


    "When? How?" she asked again, and Ss smiled in response.


    Kim saw this and understood that Ss wasn''t nning on telling her anymore than what he already did, but she didn''t feel offended.


    At this point, she already knew that Ss had a lot of secrets that he would love to keep and protect, and as someone who was his stepmom, she had to respect his privacy and help him keep his secrets.


    "Where is he? Is he safe? Can we go see him now?" Kim asked multiple questions at once.


    "Kim... You don''t need to worry. He''s fine and he''s safe where he is. As for seeing him, I don''t think that''s a good idea at the moment. He''s at a ce where he can get help and change himself for the better, and I think we should give him time to find himself. We will pay him a visit when it''s time," Ss said, as he tried to calm Kim down.


    Kim''s shoulders slumped as she copsed back into the sofa when she heard what Ss said.


    She closed her eyes for a brief moment and let out a breath of relief.


    "Since you say so, I will trust you," Kim said with a smile.


    She felt happy hearing that Chris was safe and in a ce where he could get help. She hoped that he would ept the help and change for the better for the sake of the family.


    "Thank you, Ss. I''m sorry that you have to see me like this again," she said, as she wiped her tears and straightened her sitting posture, regaining her authoritative aura and confidence.


    In a heartbeat, Kim made a quick transformation from her previous vulnerable self to her authoritative CEO persona.


    Ss saw this and shook his head.


    "Women are definitely the strangest creatures to walk the surface of the."


    "I guess this means that I can go ahead with the n of us moving out?" Ss asked.


    Since the problem about his father''s disappearance and unknown whereabouts had been solved, he felt it was time to move ahead with his ns.


    "Yes, we can move out, but please make sure it''s not far from the office, from where your father is, and Alex''s school," Kim said, as she agreed to his ns.


    "You don''t need to worry about that. I will take those into consideration before choosing the ce and Alex can change schools if he wishes," Ss said.


    Besides catching the rats in his office, Ss had other reasons foring to the office; he wanted to show Kim his new business idea.


    ELLA was still in free trial mode, and it wouldst for three more weeks before the premium version was released, but there''s a slight difference to the premium version he nned to release now.


    He initially nned to release an AI mobile assistant as the premium version of ELLA, but he decided to put that on hold due to the reaction he received when ELLA was initially released. Ss'' new n was to leave ELLA as a chatbot for an undecided period of time to before the premium version would be released.


    So what was his new business idea? Simple, it was a game!


    Yes, a game. A kingdom-building, gacha game with hero elements, to be precise!


    What was special about a game and a gacha game at that? Ss was actuallypletely oblivious to its glory until he tried the VR version of a popr gacha game.


    So what was the difference between a traditional game and a gacha game? What made him think it was better than traditional games?


    The first reason why Ss felt that gacha games were better was because of their high profitability.


    Ss knew about this as he experienced it personally when he spent $10,000 on the gacha game he yed.


    This was only possible due to the game''s lottery-like experience, which was the gacha.


    So the question was, why spend money on a game? The answer was plentiful, actually, but one that Ss would give was, why shouldn''t he?


    Gacha games were more flexible than traditional games, and even more so due to the majority of them being free-to-y models.


    Unlike regr gacha games, Ss nned to create one that had some slight differences.


    "Kim, I have a new business idea," Ss said, and Kim''s eyes sparkled.


    He had a new business idea? Kim could remember how pressured they were under even though ELLA was still in the free trial period. Still, she was curious.


    "Let me hear it."

 Chapter 102 New Business Idea(II), Getting A House

    Chapter 102 New Business Idea(II), Getting A House


    Ss started exining his business ideas to Kim. He told her of his n to create a gacha game and how he was going to go about it.


    The reason why Ss was telling her about his business idea was because he wanted to know what she thought about it. If that wasn''t the case, Ss would have already released the game.


    Yes, the game had already been created and Ss had tested it, and had approved of its quality.


    Just as said before, it''s a kingdom-building game with dungeons, monsters, and hero elements, "ahem" female heroes, and a gacha reward system.


    To exin more on this, the game started with the yer getting a territory and bing a lord, a very familiar concept.


    One of the core features of the game: Kingdom Management.


    ¨C The yers could build and upgrade various structures in their kingdom, such as farms, barracks, and research facilities. They would manage resources like gold, food, and magic crystals to keep their kingdom thriving. They could also expand their territory by conquering neighboringnds and exploring new areas in the game.


    Another core feature of the game: The Dungeon system.


    ¨C Located in front of the yer''s territory is the dungeon with a multi-floored dungeon system crawling with varieties of monsters, having a total of 100 floors, with a corresponding difficulty level for each floor.


    The presence of the dungeon brings with it lots of opportunities (loot from killing yers, chances of obtaining unique treasures, blueprints, crystals which were the game''s premium currency...) and corresponding disaster (dungeon breaks).


    This was where the gacha reward system and the heroes came in.


    The heroes whoes with a loyalty system could be summoned through the gacha system by the yers, who were the lords of a territory, to help them protect their territory from invasion from other yers, from monster tide attacks, and they could help to obtain special resources by clearing the dungeon floors.


    Due to the heroes'' loyalty system, the heroes could leave if their loyalty to a lord dropped below a certain level. These heroes also had their own backstories and storyline, giving the game more content.


    The hero ranking system followed the star ranking system: 1 star, 1.5 stars...10 stars.


    The game''s weapon and items ranking system followed the normal ranking system: Rusty, Common, Umon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Mythic, Divine, Celestial, Ultimate. The weapons and items could be gotten from the gacha system, with some chances of them dropping during a dungeon dive.


    After giving Kim a basic overview of the game, Ss saw her go quiet as she immediately started doing her research on herptop.


    Ss didn''t need Kim''s approval for the new business idea, which was the game. The reason why he told her was because he wanted to hear her opinion on it.


    Kim wasn''t a game person and he knew that, but she was someone who had been in the corporate world for a very long time and had gained a lot of experience and insight into things, and this was the reason why he wanted to hear her opinion.


    It took Kim a few minutes before she was finally done with her research. She took her eyes off herptop and looked at Ss intently.


    "Since you''re telling me this now, it means that you have the game with you," Kim said and Ss nodded.


    "Can I see it?" she asked, and Ss nodded as he brought out his phone from his pocket.


    He unlocked the phone, clicked on the game''s app icon, and gave it to Kim.


    Kim collected the phone and started assessing the game, while Ss waited patiently.


    A few minutester, Kim gave the phone back to Ss and nodded while she remained silent for a few seconds.


    "Honestly, I really don''t know much about games, but from what I got after assessing the game and from my quick research, I would say that the game is very profitable.


    I know the reason why you''re telling me about the game is because you''re very confident about it. Since that is so, you can release it," Kim said.


    Ss nodded when he heard what Kim said. She was right when she said that he was confident about the game.


    The gaming market at the moment was saturated. One could say that it was oversaturated, but even with its current condition, Ss was very confident about the game''s sess.


    The reasons for his confidence is the game''s extremely rich content. Since he was the maker of the game, he knew how much content the game had and just how good the gamey mechanics were.


    While creating the game, Ss initially had the thought of creating a VR version of it for himself, but he held himself back and decided not to. That''s just how good it is.


    He felt that he would be putting a lot on his te by doing that, as he still hadn''t checked the full-dive VR game that APOLLO created.


    Ss was still in thought when he heard Kim ask a question.


    "When do you n to release it?" she asked.


    "I was thinking about releasing it by the end of the month. The rest of the month will be for marketing it," Ss replied.


    He had already given it a thought before and came to a decision.


    Kim heard what Ss said and nodded. "Ok then, let me know its release date."


    "Is there anything else you want to discuss?" she asked.


    "No, I will be on my way home," Ss said and stood up.


    Since he hadpleted the objective he had foring to the office, he felt it was time to leave. Besides, he now had to start looking for a house to buy.


    "Ok, let me see you out," Kim said as she stood up to escort Ss.


    Ss nodded and the two of them left the office. Kim escorted Ss until he got to the reception.


    When they got to the reception, Ss nodded at Kim and walked out of the building and made his way to his car.


    When he got to his car, he paused for a very brief moment before he smirked, opened the car, got in, and drove off.


    Before he got into the car, Ss noticed someone taking a picture of him from quite a distance, and this was the reason he smirked.


    Ss could already guess the reason why his picture was being taken. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You took the bait that easily," Ss said to himself with a smile.


    Of course, he didn''t forget about the rats around the office, as they were one of the reasons why he came to the office.


    Unlike others that he openly confronted, Ss decided to not do the same with this set. He wished to have a little fun with them.


    As he drove, he didn''t go home directly; instead, he decided to drive to San Jose.


    Ss''s n for going to San Jose was because of the house he wanted to buy. He had already seen a suitable one online, and he was going to the realtypany''s office to see the building in person and purchase it, as he had already made an appointment.


    It took him a few minutes before he got to the office of the realtypany. Surprisingly and unsurprisingly, the realtypany was the samepany that Mr. Brandon was working at, and the building in front of him belonged to the branch office of San Jose.


    Ss couldn''t help but think of Mr. Brandon and remembered that he was yet to make good on his promise to him.


    He had promised topensate Mr. Brandon for the stress he went through due to him requesting an ind of an exaggerated size that could never be traded publicly.


    Before walking into the building, Ss brought out his phone and made a transfer of $25 million to Mr. Brandon.


    "That''s generous enough," Ss said as he put his phone back in his pocket and walked into the building.


    He walked into the building and made his way to the receptionist.


    "Hi, I made an appointment for a building. Name, Ss," Ss said to the receptionist.


    The receptionist was stunned when she saw Ss. She was a young woman who had been working at the branch office of thepany for a little over five years now, and she could swear that she had never seen anyone as handsome as the young man in front of her.


    ''I definitely want him. I must have him,'' she said to herself internally, as she came to a very quick decision.


    Ss noticed that the receptionist was quiet and shocked, a reaction he had seen very often, and he was getting quite tired of it, but he noticed that the look in her eyes changed, and he was surprised.


    "Please wait, let me confirm," the receptionist said with a smile that Ss knew too well, and started checking something on herputer.


    The next moment, she picked up the telephone and informed the person responsible for Ss''s presence.


    "Please wait, he will be here soon," she said after hanging up, and looked at Ss with a sparkle in her eyes and a bright smile on her face.


    Ss saw this and decided not to pay attention to her, as he waited for the person to arrive.


    While he was waiting, he noticed someone familiar walking towards him with a bright smile on his face.


    "Mr. Ss!"


    "Mr. Brandon?"

 Chapter 103 Mr Brandons Gesture

    Chapter 103 Mr Brandon''s Gesture


    "Mr. Ss?!"


    Ss heard the familiar voice of Mr. Brandon.


    "Mr. Brandon?" he asked in surprise.


    He felt that the face of the person walking toward him was familiar, but he didn''t expect it to be Mr. Brandon, which was the reason for his surprise.


    Mr. Brandon also didn''t expect to see Ss in thepany''s branch office in San Jose.


    He was surprised when he saw someone who looked exactly like Ss standing in front of the reception desk, and he decided toe and talk to him. But who knew that the person he saw was actually Ss.


    He didn''t expect his young client to change so much and for his appearance to improve so greatly, but that wasn''t important. What was more important was Ss'' reason foring here.


    "Mr. Ss, you''re back from your trip? What do you need help with? I can assist you with anything you need," Mr. Brandon said with a smile.


    He was very happy to see Ss. Why wouldn''t he be? He had just received a cash gift of $25 million from Ss aspensation for the ''stress'' he had gone through when he was searching for the ind.


    Ss saw how enthusiastic Mr. Brandon was and smiled. He could already guess the reason for it and he didn''t mind, as he found the man''s character to be likable.


    "I made an appointment for a house viewing of the house I want to purchase, and I''m here for it," Ss said.


    Due to the familiarity from the previous times they had worked together, Ss felt it would be better if Mr. Brandon took him for the house viewing. However, he knew that it would be impossible, as this wasn''t Mr. Brandon''s branch. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Mr. Brandon heard what Ss said and nodded. He then turned to the receptionist and told her to give him the information on Ss'' appointment.


    Ss was surprised by Mr. Brandon''s actions but decided to keep quiet, as he was curious to see what he wanted to do.


    The receptionist was surprised by the scene happening in front of her. She didn''t understand how the new branch manager and the handsome young man were very familiar with each other.


    Though she had her thoughts and questions, she knew better than to possibly risk her job by asking.


    She immediately got to work on herputer, brought up all the information on Ss'' appointment, and wrote it on a piece of paper which she handed to Mr. Brandon.


    "Here, Branch Manager," she said as she handed the piece of paper to him, and Mr. Brandon received it with a nod.


    "Thank you. What''s your name?" he asked the receptionist.


    "Leah, sir."


    "Leah, I will remember your name," Mr. Brandon said with a nod.


    The receptionist had a strange expression on her face when she heard this. Since Mr. Brandon was a new branch manager whose character was unknown, she didn''t know if she should be happy that he said he would remember her name or if she should be worried.


    She thought about it briefly and decided to just forget about it.


    Ss was curiously watching Mr. Brandon''s actions, and he was surprised when he heard the receptionist call him branch manager.


    "You got promoted?" he asked with a smile and a raised brow.


    Mr. Brandonughed when he saw Ss'' expression.


    "Yes, it''s all thanks to you, Mr. Ss."


    Ss smiled in understanding when he heard what Mr. Brandon said.


    He felt that it was natural. The total cost of buildings he had purchased toplete the first chain mission was more than $1 billion, which was a massive expenditure.


    In addition to that, a property portfolio worth more than $1 billion was being managed by Mr. Brandon. If all that didn''t get him a promotion, then Ss didn''t know what would.


    "Mr. Ss, I will be your guide for the house viewing," Mr. Brandon said, and Ss nodded.


    "Let''s go then," he said and started walking toward the building''s entrance, and Ss followed behind with a smile.


    Outside, Ss walked to his car and got in, and Mr. Brandon also got in.


    Mr. Brandon was surprised when he saw the car. He was expecting to see the Bugatti or another expensive luxury sports car, not a Camaro, but besides that, he decided not to pay any more attention to it.


    Ss started the car and drove off towards where the house was located.


    Right after they left, a middle-aged man walked to the receptionist and asked her about Ss, and he was disappointed and angry to hear that the new branch manager had reced him.


    Glenview Drive, Country View Estates, Almaden Valley, Silicon Valley.


    In front of a sprawling luxury estate located on a hillside in the exclusive estates, a ck Camaro stopped and two men, a handsome young man and a middle-aged man, stepped out of it.


    "Mr. Ss, let''s go inside and take a look," Mr. Brandon said as he took the lead and started walking toward the building, and Ss followed behind.


    Mr. Brandon got to the building''s entrance and opened the door, allowing him and Ss to gain ess to it.


    "Mr. Ss, please take your time," Mr. Brandon said with a smile as he allowed Ss to look around the house.


    Ss had already read up on the building''s information and seen pictures of it, which was the reason why he decided to buy it, but there''s a difference between reading up on something, seeing pictures of it, and actually seeing it with one''s own eyes.


    Ss walked around the house as he took a look around, and he must say that he was very satisfied with what he saw.


    Though the house didn''tpare that much to the Vi, it was still a luxury estate in its own right.


    Entering the estate, one would immediately be impressed with the incredible amount of natural light pouring into every crevice of the home''s open-concept floor n.


    There were also gleaming hardwood floors leading through each room, while exquisite marble flooring was showcased in every bathroom.


    The heart of this home was actually the ultra-modern gourmet kitchen, which featured granite countertops, a 6-burner gas range, arge center ind, and all the other amenities required for entertaining guests or intimate family gatherings. Features that Ss approved of.


    This estate included 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, including an impressive primary suiteplete with breathtaking views from its private balcony and an ensuite bathroom featuring a huge jetted soaking tub and a ss-enclosed shower stall.


    There were multiple bonus ensuites and rooms creating unique opportunities for a home office, gym, or yroom! There was also plenty of space for outdoor BBQs, gardening, and arge fire pit.


    In addition to that, the estate was close to some of the best golfing, hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.


    After Ss was done looking around the house, he was satisfied with what he saw. He walked back to where Mr. Brandon was standing and quietly waiting for him.


    "Mr. Ss, how is it?" Mr. Brandon asked when he saw Ss walk back to him.


    "I like it. I will make the purchase immediately, and when you get to the office, you can prepare the papers and send them to me through my attorney," Ss replied and brought out his phone to make the transfer, but he was stopped by Mr. Brandon.


    The only somewhat disappointing part of the estate was that its garage had a parking space for three cars, but Ss didn''t feel that this was important or a problem.


    Even though he had more than 20 cars at the moment, Ss didn''t feel the garage''s abysmal parking space was a problem.


    After Ss was done looking around the house, he was satisfied with what he saw. He walked back to where Mr. Brandon was standing and quietly waiting for him.


    "Mr. Ss, how is it?" Mr. Brandon asked when he saw Ss walk back to him.


    "I like it. I will make the purchase immediately, and when you get to the office, you can prepare the papers and send them to me through my attorney," Ss replied and brought out his phone to make the transfer, but he was stopped by Mr. Brandon.


    "Mr. Ss, you don''t need to pay for it. I will take care of everything. This is my way of saying thank you, please ept it." Mr. Brandon said as he gave a bow.


    He had received the money that Ss sent to him aspensation for the ''troubles'' he went through due to Ss'' request for an ind, and he was shocked by the amount.


    A whopping $25 million!


    Mr. Brandon was shocked when he saw the credit alert. He was initially happy when he saw it, but he got a slight feeling of unease the next moment.


    He felt like he was about to lose something very important to him. He tried to suppress the feeling, but the prickling feeling only got stronger.


    As an experienced businessman, he had learned to trust and follow his instincts. He immediately left his office and made his way to Ss'' Vi at Newport Beach, but he didn''t expect to meet Ss at the reception.


    He didn''t know what the feeling of uneasiness was about, but he felt that it was rted to Ss and something he didn''t want to happen was to lose Ss.


    This was something that he would never allow to happen.


    Ss saw Mr. Brandon''s action and couldn''t help but be surprised by it. It took him a moment to understand the reason for his action, and he couldn''t help but smile when he came to the realization.


    He knew that the reason for Mr. Brandon''s action was to make sure that they could still continue their business rtionship.


    It was understandable that Mr. Brandon wanted to thank him as he knew that he was the reason why he got a promotion, and Ss intended to ept the gesture.


    Ss gave it a brief thought and felt it was reasonable.


    The estate cost approximately $4.6 million, an amount he knew Mr. Brandon could afford.


    "Ok, then. Thank you, Mr. Brandon. I appreciate the gesture," Ss said with a smile.


    Mr. Brandon heard this and let out a silent sigh of relief.


    "Thank you, Mr. Ss. We can go to the office if you want so that I can prepare the papers for you. No need for your attorney," Mr. Brandon said with a bright smile.


    "Ok then, let''s go," Ss said and walked out of the estate, followed by Mr. Brandon.


    The two of them walked to the car, got in, and Ss started the car and drove off to Mr. Brandon''s office.

 Chapter 104: Mr Brandons Gesture(II)

    The drive back to the office was lively, with Mr. Brandon bringing up casual topics and chatting about them with Ss.


    Ss understood that he was using the casual conversation as a medium to build a closer rtionship with him, and he decided to indulge him as he found nothing disadvantageous about it.


    When they got to the office, they went directly to Mr. Brandon''s office, located on the top floor of the building.


    In the office, Ss took his seat as he waited for Mr. Brandon to finish preparing the documents.


    It didn''t take long before Mr. Brandon finished preparing the documents and passed them to Ss.


    "Mr. Ss, thank you for epting my kind gesture," Mr. Brandon said as he passed the documents to Ss.


    "Thank you. I really appreciate the gesture," Ss said as he received the documents.


    Mr. Brandon heard Ss'' words and smiled. He felt very happy with Ss epting his offering to pay for the house.


    Though he felt that Ss'' words were only perfunctory, he didn''t take offense to it as he felt that his action would help him with his intention of making them long-term business partners.


    "Mr. Brandon, I will be taking my leave then," Ss said, as he stood up from his seat and made his way out of the office.


    "Ok. Let me see you out," Mr. Brandon said and stood up from his seat, following behind Ss.


    ***


    At the building''s entrance, Mr. Brandon watched as Ss got into his car and drove off, and he sighed.


    ''What type of identity does that kid have? How did he change so much? If it wasn''t for my many years of experience, I would have faltered before him,'' Mr. Brandon thought to himself, curiously, as he watched the back view of Ss'' car get farther and farther away, into the distance.


    He found the changes in Ss to be shocking, to say the least. He remembered when he first met him when he came to their branch office at Newport Beach and said that he intended to purchase properties worth a total of $1 billion.


    Honestly, Mr. Brandon thought that Ss was just spouting nonsense. He found it very unbelievable that a young man like Ss, who looked to be in his early twenties, would actually have the financial capability to make such astronomical expenditures.


    Though his thoughts changed slightly when he saw the car that Ss was driving, which was the Bugatti La Voiture, he still had lingering doubts about his capability.


    His doubts were cleared after Ss made his first and second purchase. Actually, he intentionally gave Ss the listing portfolio that had one of the most expensive properties, as he wanted to scare the ignorant kid off, but he was the one that was given a scare after two purchases were made.


    Mr. Brandon felt that he was fortunate enough to control his thoughts when they had their initial meeting, or he would definitely not be where he was today.


    ****


    After leaving Mr. Brandon''s office, Ss made his way to Alex''s school, as it was almost time to pick him up.


    On the way, Ss thought of Mr. Brandon''s gesture and smiled.


    He didn''t expect him to do something like that. Though a gift of $4.5 million is barely a drop in the ocean for someone like Ss who can literally be said to be infinitely wealthy, it wasn''t the same for others. Except they are like Ss who has a system.


    Ss appreciated Mr. Brandon''s gesture, but that was all to it. He understood the actual reason for the gesture, and he won''t waste his time attaching any emotions to it.


    ''It''s just business,'' he thought to himself.


    A few minutester, he finally arrived at Alex''s school.


    Luckily, it was already time for school dismissal for the day when he arrived, and due to the fact that Ss had already informed Alex that he would be picking him up from school, he saw Alex waiting for him outside.


    "Alex!" Ss called out to him as he stepped out of the car.


    Alex heard Ss'' voice and smiled, as he walked towards him.


    Alex wasn''t the only one smiling at Ss. A group of young girls who looked to be of the same age as him were smiling at him as they made very ambiguous poses.


    Ss saw the disy they were putting on, and he understood their intentions, but he wasn''t going to entertain them.


    "Let''s go home," Ss said, as he hugged Alex and put him in the car before he got in and drove off.


    A few minutester, Ss and Alex stepped out of the car and walked into the house.


    "You hungry?" Ss asked Alex when they got inside, and he got a nod in response.


    "Ok, go up and change. By the time you''re done, food will be ready," Ss said, and Alex nodded, and went up to his room to change, while Ss walked into the kitchen and started preparing lunch for the both of them.


    Ss didn''t want to eat out with Alex, as he wanted to prepare some homemade food for the both of them.


    It took Ss a few minutes to whip up something good and serve it on the table, and the two of them sat down to eat.


    After they were done eating, Ss cleared the table and washed the dishes, while Alex went up to his room to do his assignments and study before watching his favorite cartoons.


    After he was done with the dishes, Ss decided to spend his free time gaming, and he brought out his phone and started ying the new gacha game he created.


    Ss spent most of the day gaming until it was finally evening before he decided to stop and go make dinner.


    Ss felt like making dinner for the family, as he didn''t want Kim, who would be tired from work at the office, to go into the kitchen and start preparing dinner.


    He was still in the kitchen, preparing dinner when Kim came back from work.


    "Ss?!" a surprised Kim said when she saw Ss in the kitchen, preparing dinner.


    "Hi Kim, wee. I decided to make dinner today. You can go up and get changed while I continue," Ss said, and continued what he was doing.


    Kim was surprised by Ss'' action, and she felt a sweet sensation when she heard what he said.


    She was very tired from the office work and was about to force herself to prepare dinner, but she wouldn''t have to do that, as it was already being taken care of by Ss.


    With a smile on her face, she decided to do as he said and go up and change.


    It took Ss a few more minutes before he was finally done, and he immediately started dishing out the food.


    "Wow. This smells nice. I didn''t know you knew how to cook this well," Kim said in surprise when she perceived the delicious aroma wafting from the food.


    "Well, it was a necessary skill I had to learn due to my previous situation," Ss replied with a smile.


    Kim felt like she had touched upon a topic she shouldn''t have. A healed wound that she shouldn''t have opened.


    The atmosphere around the dining turned solemn, and a heavy silence descended.


    "I-I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to...," Kim said with a low voice, filled with remorse.


    "No, it''s fine. It''s in the past now," Ss said with a smile. He understood Kim''s feelings, but he didn''t feel anything, as those were memories that he had already forgotten.


    "Come on, let''s eat. Dinner is getting cold," Ss said as he tried to ease the solemnness around the table.


    "Yeah, let''s eat," Kim said with a smile and continued eating her food.


    They decided to ignore the solemn feeling around them as they ate the rest of their dinner in silence.

 Chapter 105: Report From LUNAR

    After they were done eating, Kim decided to do the dishes. Since Ss was the one who did the cooking, she felt it would be more appropriate for her to do this.


    She cleared the tes off the table and took them to the kitchen to have them washed, while Ss cleaned the table and Alex said thank you before going to his room to freshen up, and sleep.


    After he was done cleaning the table, Ss decided to join Kim in the kitchen. He intends to inform her that he has already bought the house and he wants to know when they would be moving into it.


    Kim noticed Ss walk into the kitchen and she couldn''t help but think of the dinner''s incident.


    It was only something casual she said without thought but who would had expected that it would have such unintended impact.


    She only wanted topliment Ss'' cooking in a roundabout manner but she ended saying something that she shouldn''t have.


    "Ss, you need anything?" Kim asked, as she continued washing the dishes.


    Actually, Kim was the one putting too much into the incident as the incident can be said to have been wiped from Ss'' mind.


    Who is Ss? He''s someone who would try his best not to make any wasted emotional investment and to him, dwelling on the dinner''s incident is one such way to make a wasted emotion investment.


    "I want to tell you that I have already gotten the house and I want to know when we would be moving?" Ss asked, as he walked to the fridge and took out a bottled water, opened it and started drinking.


    Kim was somewhat surprised with Ss'' efficiency when she heard that he had already gotten the house. It hasn''t even been up to a day since he told her of his ns for them to change houses, and he has already gotten the house ready but she knew that it''s to be expected since it''s Ss.


    "That''s nice. Where''s it located?" She asked, as she washed thest dish and started cleaning the sink.


    "San Jose. It''s in an estate located at Almaden Valley," Ss replied, as he paused his drinking, and dropped the bottled on the sink.


    "Almaden valley? Where''s that?" Kim couldn''t help but ask, as she didn''t know where the Almaden Valley said was located, as the only valley she knew is Silicon Valley.


    "Silicon Valley."


    Kim raised her brow slightly in surprise when she heard this.


    ''Silicon Valley?'' She thought to herself in surprise.


    To anyone in the States and around the world, Silicon Valley is known as the hub for innovation and a first-choice location for techpanies, as the area has been a leader in technological innovation for decades, and is home to many major technology, software, and intepanies, including Apple, Google....


    Due to its status, it''s one of the country''s most expensive ces to live in, with its high costs, driven by housing prices.


    ''He bought a house in such a ce?'' Kim thought to herself, when she remembered how expensive Silicon Valley is.


    Her thoughts went to the possible cost for the house, and she decided to ask Ss directly when she couldn''t hold in her curiosity.


    "How much is it?"


    "Approximately $4.6 million," Ss replied, and Kim''s eyes widened in slight shock.


    Actually, wshe found it odd that she''s actually still being shocked and surprised by what Ss says.


    For someone who has the financial capacity to purchase a 30-story building in San Francisco, it would be very odd if he can''t fork out a measly $4.6 million.


    Yes, for her to call $4.6 million ''measly'', then her sense of money has probably been broken.


    Kim decided not to pay attention to the house price and decided to ask about its details.


    "How is the ce?"


    "It''s a nice ce. It has five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, and it has all the basic necessities and amenities," Ss replied.


    Kim nodded when she heard this but she still felt it would be better for her see it in person first before they can think of moving in.


    "I would like to check it out. Is this possible?" She asked.


    "Sure. Let me know whenever you''re ready and I will take you there," Ss said with a nod.


    "Ohh... I forgot to ask. How far is it from Alex''s school?" She asked.


    This is something she felt was very important and needs to be considered before they make a decision to move.


    Ss heard Kim''s question and thought for a bit before giving a reply.


    "I think it would be better for him to change school."


    Kim became curious when she heard what Ss said.


    "Why is that?" She asked.


    "The distance from his school to the new ce is almost a 50 minutes drive, which is quite a long distance if you ask me. Also, there are better schools there but Alex would be the one to decide if he actually wants to change school," Ss replied.


    This is the decision he came to after giving it a thought. He felt it would be better for Alex to have a change of scenery but he knew that won''t be his decision to make.


    Kim also agreed with Ss'' decision to allow Alex the make the decision on if he actually wants to change school.


    "You will have to talk to him about thatter." She said, as she opened the sink''s tap and rinsed her hands.


    "Yeah, I n to do that tomorrow."


    "About the house, how about I check it out during the weekend?" Kim asked, and Ss nodded.


    "Sure, just let me know when you''re free ready," Ss said, as he disposed off the bottled water in the trash bag and left the kitchen, with Kim following behind.


    When Kim thought of Daniel''s possible character as the seedling of Lucas and from what Ss had told her about him, she felt that it would be better for her to check out the new house as soon as possible.


    She knew that it would be disastrous if they are to get another ''unwanted visit'' from them.


    Since it was alreadyte and time for bed, Ss went directly to his room.


    Though he wasn''t feeling sleepy or tired due to his high stamina, he decided to go to bed as he has nothing else to do for the day.


    He was about to take off the Gear and take his shower when he heard LUNAR''s voice in his head.


    {Master!}


    "LUNAR, what''s the report on your progress?"


    It has been almost two days since LUNAR went to Venezu to assist Mr Yusmairobis with the cleanup process.


    {We have achieved a bit of progress. We decided to start from the country''s lowest administrative unit and we were able to see a little bit of progress, but we will continue with our current pace, it would take us at least more than a year before we can achieve what we want.}


    "Why is that? Are things that bad?" Ss asked.


    {Yes, but it hasn''t escted to a point where I can''t handle it.}


    "Good. If you need any help, let me know but I doubt you will be needing my help."


    {Yes, I will.} LUNAR said and disconnected the conversation.


    He wasn''t surprised as he expected the situation in Venezu but for it take them more than a year toplete the cleanup was a bit too much.


    He doesn''t have that long to wait. He changed his n because he n to start taking actions when the cleanup mission ispleted. This was also the reason he decided to release the new game at the end of the month.


    ''It seems like Mr Yusmairobis really neglected his country that much. I guess his daughter''s situation affected him that much,'' Ss thought to himself.


    About Mr Yusmairobis'' daughter, Ss hasn''t made a decision on when to rescue her. He also knew that it won''t be anytime soon as a lot of things needs to be done before he can take action.


    Yes, he can literally run to Antarctica, break into the facility and rescue the girl without suffering as much as a single crash, but he didn''t feel like it.


    Yes, he promised to rescue his daughter but he didn''t say it would be immediately, neither did he give him a certain time.


    Another reason why Ss still hasn''t decided on saving Mr Yusmairobis'' daughter is because he''s still keeping an eye on theb facility, as he wants to see what they would be able to achieve with their experiments.


    Though, he doesn''t want to save her yet, he was still keeping an eye on her and making sure that no harmes to her. It would be very unwise of him to let her die and break of his deal prematurely with Mr Yusmairobis.


    Ss gathered his thoughts and stepped into the bathroom to freshen up.


    After he was done, hey down on the bed and put on the Gear.


    "Time to torment the COD yers''munity again."

 Chapter 106: Alex

    The next morning, Ss woke up with a bright smile on his face.


    His smiles were as a result of the games he yedst night, during his sleep.


    The Gear''s extremely enviable ability that allows one to sleep and game at the same time, making the gaming experience feel like a dream, is something that would make people, especially gamers go crazy for it.


    The results fromst night games had no surprises as Ss dominated each match and decimated every opponent and opponent teams he met.


    The cause of the smile isn''t the games'' results but thements from the yers.


    Due to the high poprity of Ss'' game character, when he got into his first match, though his teammates were randomly selected by the game''s matching mechanics, they all took camping positions and left Ss to do the heavy lifting, something that he wasn''t against.


    Ss took his role zealously, picking off his opponent in twos and threes, continuously sending them back to the spawn point.


    He hoarded all the kills and points to himself, leaving even his teammates with nothing.


    Well, it couldn''t be helped. He was the one that did all the work, he felt that it would be very inappropriate to have them benefit from what they didn''t work for, hence thements.


    This time around, it wasn''t only the opponent and opponent teams that were banging their head against their monitor, but also the teams that had Ss as a team member.


    Forum name: COD Maniacs.


    Firestorm: "Who the hell is this guy?! (Inserts a highlight video of Ss'' game character hunting down the opponent''s team member.)"


    ShadowSniper:" Lol. You had him as an opponent or as a team member?"


    Firestorm: "An team member!"


    PhantomThunderStrike: "Well, you had it easy. I had the bastard as an opponent and I swear, after the first death, I was unable to take one step out of the respawn point! It''s like he''s everywhere!"


    SniperAsura: "The annoying part is that camping doesn''t work! You think you can respawn and hid? Sorry but he will find you in less than five seconds! It like everyone has an homing beacon that he uses to track them."


    WinterDragon: "Something''s definitely wrong somewhere. Everyone mass report his ount, the game developers will definitely look into it if they consistently receive multipleints from yers."


    UAVSpammer: "WinterDragon is right. Guys, let''s mass report that mfer''s ount!"


    The chat above is the reason for Ss'' smiles.


    Ss found it funny that they want to do him dirty by mass reporting his ount but that was all to it, he just found it funny.


    He wasn''t bothered by their rants as he knew that his ount would be safe as their reports andints will be sent to the void.


    There''s many benefits to having an AGI like LUNAR. Things are for one to control.


    Putting the matter aside, Ss walked into the bathroom to freshen up and prepare for the day.


    Today, he ns to go to Stanford University. It''s been three month, if not more than three months since he got admission into the institution and he has never gone for sses once.


    After he was done freshening up, he went downstairs for breakfast.


    At the table, Kim and Alex were already seated and was about to eat when he arrived.


    "Good morning, Kim," He greeted as he took his seat.


    "Hi, Ss. How was your night?" Kim responsed with a smile, as she served Ss his food.


    "Great," Ss replied and turned to Alex.


    "How are you, champ? Did you sleep well?" Ss asked, as he ruffled his hair lightly.


    Alex nodded and smiled in response to Ss'' question, and started eating his food.


    The family had a simple breakfast and when they were done, Kim cleared the dishes off the table, while Alex and Ss got ready to leave.


    "Come on, champ. Let''s go," Ss said, as he held Alex''s hand and the both walked out of the house.


    "Bye, mom!" Alex shouted before leaving the house.


    Ss: "...."


    Kim: "...."


    Alex''s action shocked Ss and Kim. They found it very unbelievable that Alex would actually call Kim, mom.


    This is a first as both Ss and Kim has never heard Alex call Kim, mom, neither have they heard him call Chris, Dad.


    Kim felt the impact more. It''s been ten months since she started living with them and today is the first time that Alex would actually talk to her on his own ord.


    Their previous conversations were always short and brief, with Kim always being the one to initates it, same as it was before with Ss.


    If she''s to be honest, the previous rtionship between her and the two siblings before were at best like that of acquaintances.


    It was of recent that she had a little progress with Ss, which made her very happy. But with Alex?... No progress.


    "Alex,... Can you please say that again?" Kim asked, her voice quavering slightly voice and her eyes widened in shock.


    "Bye, mom," Alex said, repeating what he said.


    Hearing Alex repeat what he said, Kim rushed towards him and hugged him tightly, and started caressing his hair, softly.


    As she hugged Alex, Kim felt the moment to be so surreal and she wanted it tost forever.


    "Thank you, Alex," Kim said, as she continued to caress Alex''s hair.


    Her eyes was moist and it took all the willpower she had to not allow the tears to fall. Her voice trembled as she tried her best to control her emotion.


    Doing her best to control her emotions, Kim took a deep breath and let it out slowly. After taking a series of deep breaths, she was finally able to control her emotions.


    She released him from the hug, and looked at his face with a sweet smile, as she continued to caress his hair, lovingly.


    She felt a sweet emotion in her heart. Though she didn''t know what happened for Alex to change and start calling her mom, she was happy as it was a weed change.


    She looked at Alex''s face, one more time and smiled sweetly as she ruffled his hair.


    "Mom is here, okay? You can talk to me anytime, okay?" Kim said, and Alex nodded.


    "Yes, mom."


    "Good. I''m sorry for keeping you waiting," Kim said, as she looked at Ss and smiled.


    Ss saw Kim looking at him and gave a smile, back.


    Honestly, the whole situation was equally shocking for him.


    As Alex''s brother and the person who had been taking care of him since he was a kid, Ss knew and understood the type of person that Alex is. This is the reason why he found the whole situation to be shocking.


    Though he had his thoughts and questions, he knew that this wasn''t the best time to ask.


    "Bye, Kim," Ss said, and held Alex''s hand as they left the house, and got into the car.


    ****


    Few minutester, on the way to Alex''s school.


    Whe driving, Ss remembered when Alex called Kim, mom, and he smiled as be shook his head, lightly.


    Ss decided to ask the questions as he wanted to satiate his curiosity.


    "Why did you do it? Others do not know you well but I do and I know that there''s a reason for you to call Kim, mom.


    You might try to act dumb sometimes but I know that you''re smarter than that. Your position as a ss topper proves that. So, why did you do it?"


    Alex heard Ss'' question and looked at him for a moment before he quietly turned to look at the road ahead.


    Because of his age and height, he wasn''t able to see much but he didn''t mind.


    "I wanted to know what it feels to call someone mom and what it feels to have someone called mom," Alex replied, as he continued looking at the road.


    Ss was momentarily taken aback when he heard this.


    It was then it struck him. Alex never really got to know his mom as she died when he was two years of age.


    As someone who had also gone through very simr circumstances, Ss can understand how Alex feels.


    It''s hard seeing other kids holding their mom and dad, and you look by your side, only to find no one.


    It''s traumatic to say the least and Ss knew that he wouldn''t had been able to survive if their dad hadn''t married Alex''s mother.


    Ss knew that Alex has questions and that he need to have a conversation with Alex. Considering what the topic is going to be, he knew that the conversation is going to be a very long one, and he found somewhere appropriate and pulled up.


    He knew that this would make Alex to bete for school but to him, that was far less important.


    "Tell me, what do you want to know?" Ss asked.


    Alex looked at Ss for a moment and turned to look at his clenched fist.


    "Who''s my mom?"

 Chapter 107: Past Memories, Decision & Determination

    "Mom, who''s she," Alex asked, as he looked at Ss with a lot of emotions for a kid that''s ten years of age, before lowering his head to look at his clenched fist.


    Ss sighed when he heard Alex''s question. Alex''s thoughts were unknown to him but he was very familiar with the emotions he saw in his eyes, as he has felt the same emotions for a very long time.


    ''This is going to be tough,'' He thought to himself.


    Ss didn''t know how to go about it. Should he just tell Alex the identity of his mother? What if he asks more questions?


    He thought about it for a moment and decided to answer all of Alex''s questions honestly, to the best of his ability. He felt that Alex deserves at least that much.


    ''Dad, you''re the one who''s supposed to be here, answering his questions.'' Ss said to himself, internally and let out an inaudible sigh, as he looked at Alex.


    "Your mom... Her name is Jasmine, Jasmine Kurt. I''m sure that you already have the general idea of what happened to her but I would like to tell you in details," Ss said and paused, as he continued looking at Alex.


    It was like he was trying to get approval from him before he continued what he was saying, but he got nothing from Alex, as the kid continued to lower his head, looking at his clenched fist.


    Ss saw this and decided to continue what he was saying.


    "Your mom, she died when you were two years. It was breast cancer," Ss said, and paused for a moment before continuing, "She could have been cured.... might, but she was already in thete stage when we found out. There was nothing that could be done about it."


    After her diagnosis, she requested they help her to live a few more months, so that she could take care of you, of us.


    They seeded and she was able to live for six more months, taking care of you, of the both of us with a smile on her face."


    At this point, Ss eyes were also moist, which he found strange.


    When was thest time he had tears in his eyes?


    Ss cleaned the tears from his eyes as he took a pause and looked at Alex, who was now sobbing quietly beside him, with his fist still clenched.


    When he saw this, Ss felt a pang in his heart like a sword was ran through it.


    He stretched out his hands and hugged Alex''s head, caressing his hair as he tried to soothe him.


    Ss didn''t say anything as he quietly continued to caress Alex''s hair. He didn''t know what else to say and his emotions to him, were bizarre at this point.


    No matter how hard he tried, his eyes kept getting moist and he didn''t understand why. He also had a stuffy feeling in his chest and his heart was filled with differentplicated emotions, as past memories of Alex''s mother shes in his mind.


    He remembered that day vividly. The day when she suddenly copsed at home while taking care of Alex and how panicked he was.


    Ss remembered how his twelve-years-old self frantically called the ambnce before calling his father.


    He remembered how the ambnce came and took her away, with the rest of the family following behind.


    When they got to the hospital, the doctor and nurses were able to revive her after a lot of procedure that the young Ss didn''t understand, were done.


    Ss could remember how his father kept a very calm expression even in the face of everything that was happening.


    Even after she was diagnosed withte stage breast cancer, all his father did was to hug their mother and spoke things he didn''t hear into her ears.


    Ss thought his father didn''t care about what was happening but he never knew he was so wrong until after she died.


    The death of Alex''s mother shocked the family and created a deep abyss-like void in the family. A void that still exists to this day.


    Now that he thought of it, he remembered how his father would lock himself up in the room everyday, doing nothing but crying alone.


    Though Ss didn''t actually know what his father was doing then, but the huge red, swollen eyes he always bags when hees out of his room was a dead giveaway.


    Ss felt that this was the reason he didn''t hate his fatherpletely for his abusive nature.


    He couldn''t help but shake his head when he remembered the past.


    Who knew that one day he won''t get to see that bright smile on her face again? That he won''t get to hear her call his name? That he won''t get to have hug him and caress his hair or ruffle it?


    ''Life can really be a bitch sometimes.''


    It was after an unknown amount of time had passed, was Ss finally able to gather his thoughts and control his emotions.


    He cleaned the tears streaking down his face and took a deep breath. He noticed that Alex has also stopped crying, his fist unclenched.


    He releases his hold on Alex and saw that he was already asleep.


    "He cried himself to sleep," Ss said with a sigh, as he looked at Alex who was sleeping soundly, with a rxed expression on his face.


    "I guess I will have to take him home. There''s no way he would be able to go to school today in his current condition."


    Ss started the car and made U-turn, making his way back home.


    When they got home, Ss carried Alex who was still asleep to his room.


    After dropping him in his room, Ss went downstairs and sprawled on the sofa. He felt so mentally drained, something he hasn''t felt in a while.


    He didn''t understand why but he felt very tired, weary and he doesn''t feel like doing anything anymore. His previous n to go to Stanford University has scrapped from his mind, as all he just want to do is to lie down, curl himself up and sleep.


    As hey down on the bed, Ss thoughts couldn''t help but drift back to the past and a lot of memories, both pleasurable and sad, bubbled to the surface.


    He thought of the actions of his past and present self, his family previous and current situation.


    He thought of the time that Alex''s mom, Jasmine was still alive. How she took care of him like her own son, before and after she gave birth to Alex. How she always took care of him with a smile on her face even after her diagnosis.


    How she took care of him like her own son, the same reason why he always called her mom and not stepmom.


    Ss remembered the choking and deathly silence that enveloped the house the day she died. He remembered how his father sat beside her hospital and looked at her rapidly cooling body, and gave a smile, a smile filled with intense pain and sadness.


    A smile that conveyed so many emotions that he couldn''t understand at that time but now, he did.


    He also remembered how he wanted to cry but had no tears to. He wanted to shout out to his mom, to wake her up but his voice failed him. He wanted to rush to shake her until she woke up but was held back by his father.


    He remembered how the then young Alex looked at him with with teary eyes and said, "brother".


    He remembered how he made a decision to take care of Alex to the best of his ability. But now that he thought of it, can he really say that he has taken care of Alex to the best of his ability.


    Of course, he knew that there was no way he would be able topletely fill in the void left by their mom''s absence, especially wth theter absence of their father in their lives, but did he do enough?


    He thought of his past self and the decisions he has made, some he felt were smart and some that he knew were extremely dumb.


    Ss thought of his non-existent social life, the fucked up rtionships with he had with people and his messed up family.


    He let out a deep sigh as he thought of all this.


    "I was really stupid back then but have I really changed?" Ss asked himself, as he thought of his previous decisions.


    His thoughts also drifted to the events that has happened after he got the system, and he couldn''t but facepalm in embarrassment when he remembered some of his stupid decisions.


    "I really have to change a lot of things about myself. I need to be better in every way and with every possible method," Ss said, as he made a decision.


    His previous droopy eyes, now zing with determination and the weary feeling he was feeling, now reced with the regr energetic feeling he always had.


    "LUNAR,plie all educational materials on every subjects and topics, into a written file and forward it to myptop," Ss said, and got into a seating position.


    In a bid to improve himself and make himself better, Ss decided to first increase his knowledge base.


    It didn''t take long before arge file that nearly made hisptop tog, was sent by LUNAR.


    Ss connected the Gear to theptop andy down on the seat, before telepathically clicking on the file.


    Immediately after he clicked on the file, a massive document was disyed and Ss started speed-reading it, absorbing every knowledge and information in the file.

 Chapter 108: Past Memories(II)

    An unknown period of time passed before Ss'' was finally done speed reading the document.


    The file that upied a massive storage space of more than 3TB, even in itspressed state, waspletely absorbed by Ss.


    The reason why Ss was able to speed read and absorb all the information in the file was because of his eidetic memory. Something he got after he raised his intelligence stat to its limit.


    Ss'' reason for improving his knowledge base, even though the knowledge and information are already in LUNAR''s database is because he felt the need to.


    He knew that he can''t always depend on LUNAR. Besides the actual reason why he created LUNAR is because he needed an assistance with all the future project that he will undertake.


    Another reason for him deciding to increase his knowledge base is because he has no knowledge or information about other things. Apart from knowledge gained from the system from the system store or other skills'' rted knowledge, Ss knew nothing else.


    It would be dumb if he needs to do something important but he doesn''t have the knowledge on how to go about it, and LUNAR is unavable.


    How would he go about it if he finds himself in such situation? How will he get himself out of the mess?


    Ss thought of this as he let out a deep breath and looked out the window. He saw that the sky was darkening due to the already setting sun, indicating that it was already evening.


    "It''ste already and Kim will soon be home," Ss said to himself, as he stood up and went up to Alex''s room.


    He wants to check on Alex as he hasn''t checked up on him since they came back and he hasn''t seen hime downstairs.


    When he got to his room, he saw Alex still in bed but he noticed that he was already awake.


    "Alex," Ss called out and walked towards his bed.


    Alex heard Ss'' voice and turned to look at Ss.


    "Brother," He said in a low voice.


    "How are you, champ? Feeling better now?" Ss asked, as he sat beside him, on the bed.


    "Yes, I feel better now," Alex answered and gave a nod.


    Ss saw this and smiled. He understood that Alex might still be processing everything in his head. It''s something that he has also gone through before and he was very familiar with it.


    "You know you can tell me anything, right? Anything at all, I''m here to listen to you. Don''t forget that," Ss said, as he ruffled Alex''s hair and Alex smiled.


    The two of them stayed like that, quietly, their thoughts unknown to each other and a settling silence descended in the room.


    "Brother, how was mom?" Alex suddenly asked, breaking the silence in the room.


    Ss looked at Alex and gave a smile.


    Alex''s question was something he expected. He knew that it was only natural for him to ask about his mother, to want to know more about her, even though she''s already dead.


    His memories were once again riled up, this time by Alex''s question.


    "What about mom? Mom was a very nice person. A good mother. She was beautiful no doubt and you took after her, with those rain-cloud eyes of yours.


    Mom was very sweet and she was a very good cook too. That''s one of the best things I loved about her. Her food was always delicious. Also, she loved you very much. Before she died, she did all she could for the both of us," Ss said, as a bright smile bloomed on his face.


    If he''s to be honest, Alex''s mom was the reason why he was against Kim when she came into their lives.


    He felt scared that those memories that he had kept hidden in his heart. Memories that he always relive whenever he was feeling sad to make himself feel happy again.


    Memories that helped him to get through those dark and depressing days that his father puts him through, he felt scared that they would be forgetten and be reced by something else, and this was the reason why he hated Kim. Very dumb of him one would say.


    Ss closed his eyes briefly as he let out an inaudible sigh and looked at Alex, who looks to be deep in thoughts and he decided to let him be and not disturb him. Ss knew that Alex doesn''t behave like regr 10-year-olds.


    Due to the situation in the house ¨Chis father''s abusive nature and their mother''s death¨C Alex matured very early. Though he doesn''t have the temperament or intelligence of an average adult, he was smarter than most kids his age.


    Ss was deep in his thoughts when he heard Alex asking him a question.


    "The new mom... What about her? Is she good," Alex asked.


    Ss was surprised by Alex''s question as it was something he had never expected him to ask.


    Of course he knew who the new mom Alex was talking about is and it was no other than Kim.


    Alex''s question riled up his thoughts again and this time, it was about Kim.


    Ss remembered the first day Kim came into their lives and how he reacted harshly to her presence. He remembered how he took Alex and walked out on her and this father, when she was still being introduced.


    It was the only day he had ever had the courage to defile his father''s authority and he was lucky that he didn''t receive a beating that night.


    After her introduction, Kim would visit every week but Ss would always give her a cold abd6this continued even after she moved in with them.


    Now that he thought about it, did she actually do anything wrong? The answer is a solid no!


    There exists a type of dislike and hatred that someone would have towards another for no valid reason. That is the type of feeling Ss had towards Kim.


    Back to Alex''s question, is Kim good? Ss understood what Alex meant by that question.


    Is Kim a good mother? Setting aside the fact that she has no children of her own, there is no doubt that Kim would have been the best mom one could ever ask for, had she been given the chance.


    So is Kim a good mother? Well no, since she didn''t get the chance to.


    "Yes, she''s a good mom," Ss answered Alex''s question.


    "She can be my new mom?" Alex asked.


    "Yes, she can," Ss said as he nodded, while ruffling Alex''s hair.


    Ss stopped ruffling Alex''s hair and looked out the window, a smile on his face and his thoughts, unknown.


    The two of them were still deep in thoughts when they heard their names being called from the living room.


    "Come on, Alex. Let''s go to the living room. Mom I back," Ss said, and he carried Alex out of the bed and started walking downstairs, to living room.


    On their way down, they met Kim on the stairs.


    "You guys were upstairs. I was wondering why I didn''t see anyone in the living room when I came in¨C," Kim paused abruptly when she noticed Alex''s face.


    "Alex, why does your face look like this?" Kim asked, as she examined his face to see if there''s anything wrong with him.


    "Nothing, mom. I''m fine," Alex replied.


    Kim was momentarily shocked when she heard Alex call her mom.


    Yes, he called her mom in the morning but it doesn''t mean that she would had already gotten used to it. It was still shocking and always gives her a sweet feeling.


    "Are you sure, Alex?" Kim asked, as she tried to make sure that he was actually fine.


    "Yes, mom. I''m fine," Alex said with a reassuring smile.


    "He''s fine. It hasn''t been long since he woke up. It seems that''s the reason his face looks like that," Ss said.


    Kim heard what the both of them said and let out a sigh of relief. She felt that Alex''s face looks like he was crying before, but since Alex said that he''s fine, and Ss confirmed it, then she decided to let it be.


    "That''s good. The two of you wait for me downstairs, let me go up and change before ie and prepare dinner," Kim said, and Ss and Alex nodded.


    Kim saw the two of them go downstairs to the living room and she also went to her room to change.


    Few minutester, Kim came downstairs, already changed and she walked into the kitchen to prepare dinner.


    It took her a few minutes and she was finally done preparing dinner, and she started dishing out the food.


    After she dishes out the food, Ss and Alex came to the dining table and took their, and Kim also did the same.


    After they were seated, they started eating their food. The atmosphere at the dining was quiet and awkward.


    Ss and Kim had different thoughts running through their head as they ate their food quietly.


    After they were done eating, the table was cleared, the dishes were done and they went to bed.

 Chapter 109: Stanford University, Decision To Drop Out

    The next morning, after he woke up, Ss got out of bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up.


    After he was done, he went downstairs for breakfast.


    Since he wasn''t able to go to Stanford University yesterday, he decided to go there today after dropping Alex off at school.


    When he got to the dining, Kim and Alex were already seated.


    "Good morning, Kim," Ss greeted, as he took his seat.


    "Morning, Ss. How was your night?" Kim asked, as she started dishing out the food.


    "It was great," Ss replied, and turned to look at Alex.


    "How are you, champ? How your night?" Ss asked, as he ruffled his hair gently.


    "Fine," Alex replied, and started eating his food.


    Ss saw that Kim has dished his food and he also started eating.


    The family ate in silence but someone very familiar with the family would noticed some changes, especially more noticable between Alex and Kim.


    From the usual strained and distance atmosphere between them, one would noticed that they have be closer.


    This was a change that Kim and she felt very happy with it.


    Before Ss came down from his room, she tried to initiate a conversation with Alex and she seeded. Though, they didn''t talk about much as there was little to no topic to talk about between them. Kim felt very happy because Alex was now talking to her, like a real conversation and not the usual single word he always give her in the past.


    Ss also noticed the changes and he couldn''t help but smile. He also felt very happy about the changes.


    He felt that it would be great if the rtionship between Alex and Kim can actually be that of a mother and child. Even though they are not blood rted and besides, it was never said that a woman can''t be a mother to children that aren''t hers.


    Also, being a mother isn''t a title that''s given but earned by her actions and Kim''s actions qualify her to be one.


    He also felt that their improved rtionship will help the both of them as it will help Alex to fill in the void created by the death of his mother, and will help him to feel what it feels like to be a mother.


    Ss smiled at his thoughts and continued eating his food. He quickly finished it and stood up from the table.


    Alex was also done with his food and ready for school.


    The two of them greeted Kim and left the house, and made their way to the car. When they got to the car, Ss opened the door and got in, followed by Alex.


    After Alex was properly seated, Ss started the car and drove off towards Alex''s school.


    On the way to Alex''s school, Ss decided to tell Alex about their n to move ces.


    "Alex, we n to move," Ss said.


    He was supposed to tell Alex about this yesterday but due to the deel emotions that was in the air, Ss had to forget about it.


    Alex heard what Ss said and looked at him for a moment before turning to look at the road ahead.


    "Where are we moving to?" He asked.


    "San Jose, I bought a house there. We will be moving there very soon and I''m telling you because I want to know if you want to change school or not," Ss said.


    "I want to change school," Alex said and Ss nodded.


    He didn''t want to ask for the reason why Alex readily agreed to change school, as he knew that Alex would tell him if there''s actually a reason behind it.


    It didn''t take long before they arrived at Alex''s school.


    "I wille pick you up, okay," Ss said, as Alex opened the door and stepped out of the car.


    "Ok," Alex said, and closed the door before making his way to the school building''s entrance.


    Ss watched until Alex walked into the building, before he drove off towards Stanford University.


    ****


    A ck Camaro parked in the premises of Stanford University and a young man stepped old the car.


    The young man who looks like he just stepped out a shadow realm with his casual ck shirt, a ck pant and a ck sneaker.


    There might be nothing fashionable about his choice of color but his appearance has heads rolling as he walked through the institution''s premises.


    "Yo. Who the fuck is that nigga? Why is he walking like a own the ce?" A random male asked another who was standing besides him.


    "Why the fuck are you asking me, man? Why don''t you walk up to him and ask him yourself?" The other replied and started walking away.


    The young man, Ss, heard the conversation between the two but he only gave a smile and continued walking towards the building in front of him.


    The two of them weren''t the only one talking about him, as he noticed that he was the topic of conversation on almost the mouth of everyone that saw him.


    Ss didn''t bother to pay attention to any of them as he walked into building and made his way to the lecture hall.


    Inside the lecture hall, Ss walked towards one of the chairs in a secluded corner of the lecture hall, and took his seat.


    As he took his seat, he noticed that almost all eyes were on him. Ss could see different expressions on their faces, some curiosity.


    Some were looking at him with strange expression that made him raise his brow in suspicious. Some had outright hostility which was funny to Ss because he didn''t understand the reason for it.


    Ss decided to ignore them as he brought out his phone and started ying the gacha game.


    The only reason why Ss is here is because he wants to experience college life and see what it''s like, but he didn''t want to interact with anyone... yet.


    Ss was still on his phone when the professor in charge of ss walked in,


    After the man, ¨Ca mathematics professor¨C walked in, he wrote something on the board and started teaching.


    As Ss listened to the lecture, due to the huge amount of knowledge he absorbed yesterday, he felt like he was wasting his time in the ss.


    ''It looks so simple. I thought maths, physics, geometry was hard but they are extremely simple. I guess this is what having maxed out intelligence stat do to you,'' Ss thought to himself, and smiled.


    Though Ss found the ss to be very simple and a breeze, that wasn''t the same for others as most of them were looking at the professor talking, like he descended from a higher realm.


    Ss wanted to leave the lecture hall but he decided against it.


    ''Now that things are like this, what should I do?'' Ss thought to himself.


    He no longer felt the need to continue his charade with Stanford University as he felt that he no longer has any use for them.


    ''Also, I can''t keepzing around as there are a lot things I have to get done, and fast at that,'' Ss said to himself.


    He thought about it and decided to pay President Odetta a visit after the ss and have a chat with her.


    Ss gathered his thoughts and continued listening in on the lecture. Though he might not need the ss, who knows when he might learn something new and as they say, bo knowledge is wasted.


    ...


    After the lecture ended, Ss stood and walked out of the lecture hall. While walking out, he noticed some people standing up to follow him and some tried to intercept him, but they were too slow.


    Unfortunately for them, no matter what thoughts they had in mind, this will be thest day that they would see Ss sit in a ss with them.


    After walking out of the lecture hall and the building, Ss walked to his car, got in and drove to the building that houses President Odetta''s office.


    It would very unrealistic for him to walk to President Odetta''s office due to its distance, and be would still have toe back and get his car after he was done.


    When Ss arrived at the building, he pulled up, got out of the car and made his way to her office.


    Before he got to the door of her office, Ss saw President Odetta''s secretary who nodded at him and gestured to him to go inside.


    "She''s waiting for you," She said, and continued what she was doing.


    He had already informed President Odetta that he would being, as he wanted to make sure that she waa avable and he won''t make a wasted trip.


    When he heard what the secretary said, Ss saw the surprise in her eyes but he didn''t bother, as he continued walking towards President Odetta''s office, and it took him some seconds before he finally got to the door of her office.


    Ss was just about to open the door when he heard an authoritative voice from the other end of the door.


    "Come in, Mr Ss."


    In response to the door, Ss opened the door and walked in.

 Chapter 110: La Fin

    Inside President Odetta''s office.


    "Mr Ss, it''s nice to see you. What brings you to my¨C?" President Odetta had her words stuck in her mouth as her eyes widened in shock when she saw the unknown, yet familiar person that walked into her office.


    "Mr Ss?," She asked, trying to confirm that her eyes weren''t ying some tricks on her, but the smile and nod she got from Ss told her otherwise.


    She couldn''t believe it. How long has it been for him to change so much? What type of stic surgery did he go through to achieve such transcendent appearance? Also, who''s the surgeon that''s to be credited for this beautiful art of work?


    President Odetta remembered the first time she saw Ss and just how below average he looked, one might eveb say repulsive but his appearance improved before their second meeting and again, before their third meeting and their fourth.


    Though the changes in his appearance in their three previous meetings gave her a surprise but it wasn''t to this level. What''s she feeling right as she''s looking at Ss is like it''s someone entirely that''s sitting in front of her.


    Actually, when Ss initially walked into her office, she thought that an unknown person barges into her office without her secretary informing her. She was about to get angry at the person but because she received a call from Ss prior to his arrival and the fact that she believes in her secretary''s work ethic, she controlled herself properly.


    President Odetta was still getting over the shock of the changes in Ss'' appearance when she heard another shocking statement from him.


    "I will be dropping out," Ss replied.


    "M-Mr Ss, what do you mean? Why are you dropping out? Is anything the matter" President Odetta asked, in surprise.


    President Odetta was genuinely surprised by what what Ss said. She didn''t understand why Ss would suddenly want to drop out of the university, neither could she think of a reason.


    Though she was surprised, she expected it as she had thought of the possibilities.


    President Odetta also noticed that Ss'' appearance wasn''t the only thing that changed about him but she also noticed that the aura around him has changed drastically.


    Instead of the naive and gullible aura around him, he now has a calm, confident, and an aura of someone who hasplete control over everything.


    "President Odetta, it''s something personal. Though I will be dropping out, I will still make the donations.


    Actually, I intend to make it in bulk immediately," Ss said and paused, before continuing, "I have already made the calctions. Due to me choosing engineering courses, a five years course in the institution, which is a total of sixty months.


    ording to our deal, I will make a total donation of $11 million monthly, which will bring the total of everything to $627 million and that''s excluding the previous three months donations that has been made."


    President Odetta who had already reverted to her usual self, looked at Ss intently for a brief moment.


    Honestly, she felt disappointed when Ss said that he wanted to drop out. She was partially disappointed because she thought that his decision to drop out meant that there will be no more donations for them, but what Ss said afterwards dissipated that part of that feeling of disappointment.


    "Mr Ss, are you sure about this," She asked.


    She wants to make sure that Ss isn''t making a decision that he would regretter, something she actually doubted.


    Ss heard what President Odetta said and nodded. He knew that there was no more reason for him to still continue his charade with Stanford University.


    The actual reason he did his best to gain admission into the institution was because of the mission he received from the system.


    Though the Ss of then actually had dream of furthering his education, but that dream was before he got the system.


    After he got the system, he still had that dream but after being thrown around by the system and life, his thoughts on his education weren''t as focused as they were before.


    The breaking point for him was when he came to his first ss after he absorbed all the knowledge and information sent to him by LUNAR, and found it to be extremely easy and pointless.


    "Yes, I''m sure," Ss said, and nodded.


    "Ok then, but is there anything else you want me to do for you?" President Odetta asked.


    "No. I will make the transfer before the end of the day. Should I send it to the regr ount?"Ss asked, as he stood up from his seat, with the intention to leave.


    "Yes, you can send it there," President Odetta replied, and rested her back on the chair she was sitting on.


    Ss nodded and left the office. After he left the office, he told LUNAR to make the transfer and that concludes the end of his deal with Stanford University.


    ''Now, the next to do is to take a trip to Venezu but before that, I will har to take care of things at home,'' Ss said to himself, as he walked out of the building and to his car.


    When he got to his car, Ss immediately got in and drove off.


    Back at President Odetta''s office, President Odetta looked at the ceiling, with a strange smile on her face.


    She didn''t know why but she felt like she has lost something very important immediately after Ss walked out of the door.


    President Odetta thought of the first time she met the naive-looking and extremely gullible Ss in a hotel''s restaurant, for a meeting.


    She was surprised and skeptical when he told her of his proposal. She found it very hard to believe that someone so young would be able to fork out a massive amount of $11 million just for the chance to get into the university.


    It was just like yesterday but who knew that the boy she called naive and gullible would be able to pay not just the $11 million monthly payment, but an even astronomical amount of $627 million.


    Totaling the amount that Ss has donated to the institution in just in his short three months of gaining admission into the institution, it would be $660 million!


    President Odetta let out a chuckle when she thought of this.


    "I hope we meet again someday in the future," She said with a smile.


    *****


    After leaving Stanford University, Ss wanted to visit the new house that he got from the system as rebate reward, and check it out but he decided against it due its distance.


    The new mansion is located at Bel Air, Los Angeles, and it would take him almost six hours to get there from his current location.


    Also, calcting the time to get there ande back home to be twelve hours, Ss knew that he would have to scrap his n of going there as he has already promised to pick Alex up from school.


    With nowhere else to go, Ss made his way back home.


    *****


    Ss walked into the house and slouchedfortably on the sofa. He didn''t want toze around the house but he didn''t have anything he to do at the moment, neither does have anywhere to go.


    "Since, I don''t have anything to do. I can use the free time to figure out my ns and detail them out," Ss said to himself.


    He kicked his brain into fifth gear and started organizing his ns.


    Ss'' ns at the moment looks very messy and centralized on one ce, as everything is nned around using Venezu as his base.


    At the moment, Venezu is under clean up by LUNAR and Mr Yusmairobis, and Ss is expecting good news from them soon but he felt that he can''t wait around any longer.


    He decided to take action himself. This is the reason he wants to go to Venezu immediately after they have moved to the new house.


    Also, about his business, Ss only n to release the gacha game at the end of the month, which is in two weeks time.


    About releasing ELLA as an AI chatbot? That n has been scrapped. The initial reason why Ss wanted to quickly release ELLA then, was because he was in need of system points for his ns, but the need is urgent anymore. Also, Ss'' initial n was made poorly and S intends to rectify that soon.


    Ss'' intial n for deciding to base all his business in Venezu was because of paranoia he had about his world, but the reason has changed.


    The reason he ns to base all his business in Venezu is because with him sessfully gaining control of the country, he would get a country with a poption of almost 29.4 million people. That''s 29.4 million potential users and buyers!


    After sorting out his ns, Ss spent the rest of the day ying games until it was time to pick up Alex from school.


    The rest of the day went by until it was night and time to sleep.


    Before going to bed, Ss was told by Kim that she would check out the house during the weekend.


    *****


    The next day, Ss decided to visit the mansion, La Fin, at Bel Air.


    A ck Camaro pulled up at the gate of an extremely luxurious-looking mega-mansion, and a young man stepped out of the car.


    "Wow!! Like what the fuck got into someone''s head to build something as grand as this?!" Ss asked himself in shock.


    He has been calling the building a mansion before but now that he has seen with his own eyes, he felt that the word was too much of an insult to it.


    "I haven''t gone inside and I''m already mesmerized, how much more shock will I receive if I go inside?" Ss asked himself with a smile, and walked to the locked gate of the building.


    At the gate, Ss ced his finger on a scanner beside it. The next moment, he heard a clicking sounding from the it, indicating that it has been unlocked.


    With a dazed smile, Ss watched the gate open up by itself, allowing him to drive in.

 Chapter 111: La Fin(II)

    It''s been a long since Ss had seen something that actually surprised him.


    When he first got the system, he was always surprised on a regr basis, by even the smallest of things until he became somewhat numb to it. That was until he saw the new house in person.


    Ss had already seen photos of the house that was attached to its documents but if he''s to be honest, those photos are shit.


    It''s true when they say that photos and videos can''t capture the true experience or beauty of its intended target.


    The luxurious mega-mansion that''s worth a whooping $139 million is what Ss calls the epitome of luxury.


    Yes. Before, he has heard of people spending even billions of dors to build their residence and whenever he hears that, he can''t help but wonder what''s got into those people.


    Those were Ss'' thoughts but now, he finally understands why they do what they do but still, he finds it to be absurd.


    Right after the gate of the meta-mansion automatically opened, Ss got back into the car and drove in.


    After he drove in, the gate automatically closed by itself and made a clicking sound, indicating that it has been locked.


    Ss parked the car got out, and he was dazzled by what he saw.


    "Wow!"


    He remembered when he went to the vi to check it out and how he found it very hard to describe what he saw with words.


    After that he thought he would never see anything better than it, but he couldn''t be so wrong. The estate in front of him actually knocks the breath out of him.


    Just the exterior view of the estate is enough for him to be left speechless and he can''t help but anticipate what the interior has to offer.


    With a smile, Ss walked towards the front door of the estate.


    Standing in front of the door, Ss ced his fingers on the fingerprint scanner beside the door, and it gave a beep, an indication that it has been unlocked.


    Ss nodded at the security measures that was taken and with a smile, he pushed open the door and walked into the estate.


    Ss decided to take a full and detailed tour of the property as it has interested him enough to.


    It took Ss more than six hours to take a full and detailed tour of the property as nned, and what he could say afterwards as hey with only his boxer in the Jacuzzi located at the roof deck of the mansion, is that the property is the best he has ever seen.


    The mansion is divided into three levels; the main level, the lower level and the upper level.


    The main level is what one would see immediately after they drive through the gate.


    Located in the main level are two living areas, the formal living area and the regr living area. The main level also houses two kitchens, a custom stone bar that flows seamlessly into the formal living area. A hand-carved stticework firece that serves as a focal point here.


    Located on the main level is actually most of the main attractions of the building.


    The main level living areas has multiple motorized Fleetwood pocket doors that slides open automatically, leading to the backyard where the infinity-edge pool is.


    At the side of the pool are multiple poolside lounge chairs that looks like they were taken off a yacht or maybe it''s because they were actually custom-made by a yachtpany.


    From the information he got in the property''s document is that every single furniture down to thest, is custom-made for it alone. This is also the reason why Ss sees the logo of the property on every furniture.


    Actually what left Sspletely surprised is the 23-foot LED screen beside the pool that can rise with the touch of a button.


    You can just sit on one of the poolside lounge chairs beside the pool and watch a movie or y a game, while also enjoying the cool hilltop breeze and the view of downtown Los Angeles. Cool right?


    Also, adjacent to the pool is a 30-person lounge area with a firepit.


    The main level also has a magnificent spiral staircase that goes up and down.


    Down the spiral staircase is a 12,000-square-foot entertainment area with 18-foot ceilings.


    Also, the entertainment area on the lower level actually features a ballroom!


    Amenities also includes a custom bar,mercial-grade catering facilities, a 1,050-bottle wine cer, a cigar lounge that has its owm venttion system, and a sub-zero vodka tasting room! Insane!


    The most interesting part of the lower level that left Ss shocked, is one the most unique features of the estate, a 12-car automated disy auto elevator.


    Ss would lying if he said that he wasn''t impressed by it.


    The automated disy car elevator can controlled with a software installes into the owner''s phone, allowing the person to choose the car of their choice and send it up to either of the garage that''s at the main level of the building.


    That''s right. The building has two garages, three actually; a single car garage and a 3-car garage located at the main leve and a 9-car garage located beside the automated disy elevator.


    The lower level also houses a fitness center with a climbing wall, a spa, a steam room with backlit onyx table, a massage room, and a soundproof cinema.


    After Ss finished touring the property''s lower level, he stook the spiral staircase up to the upper level of the building.


    There''s something that also left Ss speechless, two things actually; one is the 56,000 crystals chandelier that hangs 44-foot from the ceiling on the upper level and flows down to the floor of the lower level.


    Ss felt it to be extremely absurd. Like he doesn''t understand why so much crystals were used for just a chandelier.


    Also, from the information he got from the document, it was written that a staggering amount of $6 million dors was spent on just chandeliers alone!


    Yes, it''s not only the 44-foot tall, 56,000 crystals chandelier that''s in the building but the building has more than five additional chandeliers!


    Ss was initially a little bit doubtful when he read the informations of the building on the documents, but since it was from the system, he decided to give it a benefit of the doubt. But seeing it with his own eyes, Ss felt that he should start trusting the system some more.


    That was only the mind-boggling massive expenses that was made on a single amenities of the house. Remember the cars automated disy elevator? Ss read that at least $3 million was spent just to build it!


    The second thing that left Ss speechless are the elevators. Like literal elevators that are behind closed custom-made doors.


    What''s the logic of using an elevator to move to and fro in your own house. Not an apartment building but your own house!


    The upper level of the mansion houses the grand primary suite features floor-to-ceiling oak dding handcrafted in Italy, a lounge area, a coffee bar, and a spa-like bathroom with Ccatta gold marble.


    The bathroom includes a 100-square-foot shower that can literally fit in a entire ser team. The bathroom also includes dual showroom-style walk-in closets that looks like a high-end luxury boutique. The suite opens up to a private wraparound balcony with a spa, firepit, and television.


    There are 12 bedrooms in total and 17 bathrooms, each designed with a uniquebination of luxury andfort.


    More details on the property also includes caretaker residences and a detached guest suite, providing ample space for staff or visitors.


    The property is also equipped with cutting-edge security, including fingerprint technology and a securitymand center, that has all the live feeds from ghe 32 8k security cameras in the house.


    As he sat in the jacuzzi, Ss didn''t know how to feel about what he has seen. He thought he understood what luxury meant but the building redefined the meaning for him.


    "Money can really purchase everything in life... except life itself."

 Chapter 112: Checking Out The New House, Moving Out

    As Ss sat in the Jacuzzi, his thoughts couldn''t help but go back to his past deplorable financial situation and he shook his head when he thought of the chasm-like difference between then and now.


    "How many months has it been since I got the system? I went from someone with barely $50 in my ount to the richest person on the," Ss said to himself, with a smile.


    With the way his life was previously going, if someone had told him that he would be someone who''sworth is in trillions of dors and owns multiple properties worth more than a billion dors, he would ask the person what he or she is on.


    One must not also forget his previous health that and body that was at the brink of copse. His abysmal and extremely, below average stats that wasplimented by an ugliness that made people want to puke. That was the previous Ss.


    If the previous and present him were to be ced side by side, no one would believe that he was the one that looks like a discarded garbage. A


    It''s also extremely unbelievable that all these changes happened in little bit over four months.


    Ss let out a smile when he thought about all this, and his thoughts went back to the mansion.


    He has the thought of moving into the mansion but the distance between it and Oand and the new house in San Jose, but the distance isn''t something he can overlook.


    To him, it''s no different from when he was living at the vi at Newport Beach.


    Not only the distance but also the fact that he ns to make a trip to Venezu, to beat up the bastards that are dying his ns of taking over the country, he doubt he would he would get enough time to enjoy the luxury the masion has to offer.


    Since he has nothing to do for the day, Ss decided to take his time to enjoy some of what the mansion has to offer with the limited he has.


    After he was done enjoying himself in the jacuzzi, Ss stood up and went to the master bedroom at the upper level, to get some sleep.


    Though he wasn''t hungry, he would have loved to get himself to eat but the except for the appliances thates with the mansion, it was currently empty.


    Ss slept until it was finally time to pick up Alex from school. He got out of the bed and got dressed.


    After he was done, he picked up his phone and fiddled for a moment, before smiling and going down to the mansion''s main level.


    In the hallway located in the main level, Ss opened a regr custom-made door and a room upied by a Koenigsegg Gemera.


    During the tour, when he went down to the lower level and saw the arrays of beautiful luxury cars that was parked in the lower garage, Ss decided to change his ride.


    It''s not that the Camaro is less of a car but he can''t help but what to test one of the new cars he got, and what he did when fiddling with his phone was to control the automated disy elevator to bring up the Gemera and take down the Camaro.


    Ss walked into the room, which is the single garage and got into the car.


    Inside the car, Ss took his time to feel the car''s interior and admire it. He was impressed with what he saw.


    Though, the current him already has twenty cars if not more, but Ss has only ridden a very few of them.


    After he was done admiring the car, Ss started it and the garage door automatically opened, eliciting a smile from Ss. Not only the garage door, but the gate also automatically opened up by itself.


    "This is a whole new way to y around with money," Ss said with a smile, and drove out of the residence.


    After he drove out, the garage door and the gate closed automatically with a click.


    After driving out, Ss didn''t bother to check if the gate would close because he already knew how sophisticated the security system in the Mansion is, and he immediately made his way to Alex''s school.


    It took Ss more than five hours before he finally got into Oand and a few more minutes to get to Alex''s school.


    As he drove through the road of Los Angeles and Oand, Ss had people''s heads turning as they tried to get a glimpse of the streamline, green sport car.


    Arriving at Alex''s school, Ss quickly grabbed the attention of everyone around.


    When they saw the car, they were surprised and they thought of Ss. They were actually surprised to see another sport car as the only one they have bwwn seeingtely is Ss''.


    Due to Ss'' recent actions of constantly dropping and picking up Alex from school, the children and adults around the school had be somewhat familiar with him and his ride, as the both of them were.... unique.


    They were curious to see who''s the person that can afford such a good looking car. As they continued to look, they saw someone with a very familiar face step out of the car.


    When they saw him, the expression on their face changed to something that said, "I thought as much".


    After Ss got out of the car, he saw Alex walking towards him.


    "Hey, how are you?" Ss asked when Alex got to his front, as he ruffled his hair.


    "Fine. You got a new car?" Alex asked and Ss nodded.


    "Yeah. Come on, get in," Ss said, and Alex nodded as he went to the other side, opened the door and got in.


    After Alex got in, Ss also got in, started the car and drove off, leaving behind the envious gaze of those around.


    Few minutester, they got home and Alex went to his room, while Ss went to prepare something for them to eat.


    After they at their lunch, the two of thezed around the house, as the rest of the day quickly went by uneventfully.


    The week also went quickly went by uneventfully and it was the proposed today that Kim nned to check out the house at Silicon Valley, San Jose.

 Chapter 113: Checking Out The New House & Moving In(II)

    A green luxury sport car pulled up at the front of a building in Glenview Drive.


    The next moment, the doors of the car opened up and three individuals, a middle-aged woman, a young man and a boy, stepped out of the car.


    It''s would be somewhat difficult to ept for those who are more familiar with the popr built and concepts of sport cars to ept that a sport car can amodate four individuals.


    Though it''s hard to believe, it''s the truth as the green sport car is the one of the four-seater sport car in the world, the Koenigsegg Gemera.


    The three individual walked towards the building''s entrance and the young man stepped forward, and opened the door, allowing them to walk into the house.


    "It looks okay. Let me take a look around first to know if it''s as functional as it looks," The middle-aged woman said, and left, to take a look around the house.


    After the woman left, the young man looked at the boy standing beside him.


    "Alex, want to take a look around," He asked, and Alex nodded.


    Seeing Alex nod, Ss held Alex''s hand and started taking him around the house to check it out.


    Alex was already aware that they would be moving soon as he had already been told by Ss. This was why he wasn''t surprised when they came to check out the house but he felt that the house was... too big.


    When Ss was done taking Alex around the house, he saw that Kim was also done checking it out and was waiting for them in the living area.


    "So, what do you think?" Ss asked Kim, wanting to know her opinion on the house.


    Kim nodded in response to Ss'' question. She took her time to check out the house and she''spletely impressed by what she saw.


    To her, the house is very functional just as it''s looks beautiful. It has everything she would need and want from a house and this is the reason why she''s approving of it.


    "It''s perfect. I think we should move in as soon as possible," Kim said, and gave a knowing look to Ss.


    Ss saw the look on Kim''s face and understood what it meant.


    The main reason he bought the house is because he wants them to move out of the possible reach of Daniel, and since Kim finds the house ok, she want them to move in as soon as possible, which is the look he was giving him.


    "Ok, then. I will call the movingpany. You guys can stay here while I go back home and sort everything out," Ss said, and was about to leave when he was heard Kim''s voice and saw her walking towards the door.


    "Ss, I would like to go home too. There are some things I also have to sort out," Kim said.


    "Ok," Ss said with a nod, and walked out of the house, followed by Kim and Alex.


    The three of them got into the car before Ss started it and drove off, back to Oand.


    On their way back, using the connection between the Gear and phone, Ss sent a text message to the movingpany that helped him to move the quantumputer back then.


    Few minutester after he sent the text message, he got a reply saying from them saying are on their way.


    ****


    In front of their house in Oand, Ss stood beside his car with Alex, as they watched a group of men carrying boxes of different sizes, out of the house and into the back of a white truck.


    It took them some minutes to get home and qhen they did, they arranged their things and left them in a corner and waited for the movers, who arrived some few minutester.


    After the movers arrived, Ss and Alex went outside while the movers started packing the things into boxes with Kim checking to see if everything was done perfectly.


    It took them an hour before they were finally done moving the packed boxes into the truck.


    When Ss saw that they were done, he got into his car with Alex, while Kim got into hers, and they drove off towards their new home in San Jose with the movers'' truck following behind.


    It took them more almost an hour before they got to the new house in Silicon Valley.


    Immediately after they got there, Kim went to open the door while the movers started bringing out the boxes from the truck and moved them into the house.


    It took them more than thirty minutes before they were finally done with moving in all the boxes.


    "Thanks for your services," Ss said to them, as they left the house. He has already made the payment for their services, something they are aware of.


    After they left, Ss went up to his room and started taking out his stuffs from the boxes and arranging them.


    It took him some minutes before he was done arranging them and he slumped on the bed.


    As hey on the bed, he stared at the ceiling with a strange expression on his face.


    There''s a kind of unfamiliar and weird feeling that one has when they move into a new house. Especially one that''s a very long distance from the former ce and a very unfamiliar neighborhood.


    ''Now that the moving is done. I can now make a trip to Venezu,'' Ss thought to himself.


    "I will make the trip tomorrow then," Ss said to himself.


    He suddenly felt like putting something in his mouth but he doesn''t feel like getting into the kitchen, neither does he want to stress Kim as he knew that she would probably be tired from the moving activities.


    Ss decides to order something for them to eat online, as he also didn''t feel like going anywhere at the moment.


    While he waited for his order to arrive, Ss thoughts drifted to his almost non-existent appetite and his body''s current condition.


    It''s been a while since the ind incident where he nearly died from impulsively adding stat points to his stats.


    Yes, it was an action he felt was most reasonable at that moment but still impulsive all the same, as it nearly killed him due to limited capacity of his body.


    The reason why Ss made the decision to increase his stats by so much was because he was told by the system that there''s no limit to the amount of stat points he can add.


    What he wasn''t told was that there''s a limit to the amount of stat points his body can ept.


    Well, the reason is because he didn''t ask. But who would had thought that something like that would happen.


    Ss also knew that one of the reasons why he didn''t die that day at the ind, was because he had already taken the GES, or his body would probably be rotting away on the ind at this point.


    "I guess that is the reason why the system gave me the blueprint for the Evolution Capsule, but the materials needed to build it are things that I would need special channels to acquire, and building processes are very...plicated."


    Ss was still deep in his thoughts when he heard a knock on his door, and it opened.


    "Brother, the fried chicken you ordered has been delivered," Alex said, as poked his head into Ss'' room.


    "Thanks, let''s go down and eat," Ss said, as he got out of the bed and made his way downstairs with Alex.


    When he got downstairs, Ss saw that Kim was at the dining area and had already opened the packs of the fried chicken thighs he ordered, and served them on tes, waiting for him to arrive.


    Ss walked towards to the table and took his seat, followed by Alex.


    After they were seated, they started taking their pick of the fried boneless chicken thighs and started eating.


    As they ate, Ss decided to tell them of his nned trip to Venezu.


    "I will be going to Venezu tomorrow," Ss said, as he took a bite of the chicken.


    He closed his eyes for a bit as he savoured the taste of the chick in his mouth. He doesn''t know why he can''t seem to get enough of fried chicken or get tired of eating it.


    "How long will you be staying there?" Kim asked.


    She didn''t bother to answer the question as she knew that he will give the usual "for business" reason. This is the reason she decided to ask how long he ns to stay on his trip.


    "I don''t know, but it will take a while before Ie back," Ss replied.


    "Ok." Kim said with a nod, and continued eating the fried chicken thigh on her te.


    Ss looked at Alex, expecting him to ask a question but when he saw that he was more focused on eating the chicken thigh in his hand, Ss gave a smile.


    They are their food quietly and when they were done, Kim cleaned the table, assisted by Alex,  while Ss went to his room.


    The rest of the day went by uneventfully and it was finally the next morning.


    Ss woke up, freshened up and prepared himself before going downstairs for breakfast.


    After he was done with breakfast, he got into the car and drove off to Oand International Airport.

 Chapter 114: Venezuela, Impending Chaos

    A very beautiful youngdy who looks to be of South Korea descent stood beside a runway, as an aircraft taxied to a stop.


    After taxing to a stop, the aircraft''s passenger door opened and a young man stepped out of it and climbed down the airstairs.


    {Master, wee,}The youngdy said to the young man.


    "Thanks, LUNAR," The young man said, and started walking towards the airport''s terminal.


    "LUNAR, what''s your current progress?" He asked as he passed through the terminal, and took the VIP section of ghe airport, out to its entrance.


    {After we decided to start from the lowest tier of government, we achieved massive progress. Also, we have been getting some resistance from some of those at the top level of power,} LUNAR said, and paused before continuing.


    {Another thing, the actual reason we haven''t achieved that much significant progress is because Mr Yusmairobis doesn''t allow me to use force. It would had been much easier if I can just use force take them all out, one by one,} LUNAR said.


    Ss nodded in understanding at LUNAR''s words and got into the back seat of a Rolls Royce Ghost parked outside the airport''s entrance, followed by LUNAR.


    After they were seated, the driver started the car and drove off towards the hotel that LUNAR had already reserved for Ss.


    "LUNAR, did you tell Mr Yusmairobis of your n to use force?" Ss asked.


    {Yes, I did but he said that he would prefer it if we canplete our objective quietly, without any possible bloodshed,} LUNAR replied.


    Ss nodded when he heard what LUNAR said, and he couldn''t help but ask himself if there''s a deeper reason for Mr Yusmairobis not allowing LUNAR to use force.


    He understands if Mr Yusmairobis wants to take care of them discreetly, so as to not to rm others, but considering Mr Yusmairobis'' affiliation with a hidden global organization and his history with them regarding his daughter, Ss felt there was more to it.


    "LUNAR, did you ask Mr Yusmairobis for his reasons?" Ss asked.


    {Yes, but he said that he just felt that it would be best way to go about it,} LUNAR replied.


    Hearing LUNAR''s response, S knew that there was definitely more to Mr Yusmairobis'' decision.


    Ss decided that he would give him a call and ask him about it. He doesn''t want to take chances with anything, neither does he want to be in the dark, as he wants to be in control of everything


    ***


    Few minutester, the car finally stopped in front of an hotel''s entrance.


    Ss and LUNAR got out of the car and walked into the hotel.


    Without bothering to check in at the reception stand, the both of them got into the penthouse exclusive elevator, and made their way up to his suite.


    After getting into the penthouse, Ss decided to put a call through to Mr Yusmairobis.


    "Hello, Mr Ss. Wee back to Venezu. Sorry I wasn''t able toe and meet you at the airport, my current situation doesn''t permit me to," Mr Yusmairobis said.


    "It''s fine, Mr Yusmairobis. I''m actually calling you for something else. My secretary told me that you refused to allow her to use force, may I know why?" Ss asked, as he immediately went straight to the point.


    Everything including his mission, his business depends on sessfully taking control of Venezu and just like he said before, he''s not going to allow things to get out of his control.


    Mr Yusmairobis heard what Ss and sighed, as he was expecting the question somewhat.


    Of course, he has his reason for not allowing LUNAR to use force. The corruption and infiltration of those bastards into his government and country has gone very deep, making the situation kind of delicate.


    He doesn''t want LUNAR to use force and alter them, and he also doesn''t want anything to happen to his daughter.


    As someone who''s very familiar with their character, he knew that they would definitely threaten him with his daughter''s life, if they find out what is happening.


    "Mr Ss, things aren''t as simple as they look. The organization has infiltrated a significant number of their pawns into the country. They are everywhere and getting them out is going to be very difficult," Mr Yusmairobis replied.


    "I see...," Ss said, and looked at LUNAR, as he telepathically asked if she''s aware of what Mr Yusmairobis said.


    He received a nod in response and immediately, images of different people and their information, were disyed on the Gear''s screen.


    "Mr Yusmairobis, I will take care of things from here," Ss said.


    LUNAR had already given him information on the pawns and all that needs to be done now is take them out.


    Mr Yusmairobis felt a bad premonition when he heard what Ss said.


    He knew Ss and how capable he is. Since he said that he would take care of things by himself, then it''s very possible that he already gotten information on the spies.


    He felt that Ss is about to raise a storm and he wanted to stop him, but he knew that it would be very much impossible to do so.


    Also, he thought of his daughter''s situation. How she''s submerged in a tank and being experimented on by those bastards just because of her superpower.


    A zing anger red up in his eyes and his fists clenched tightly when he thought of this.


    "Ok, then. I will leave things to you Mr Ss. I hope to see some results soon," Mr Yusmairobis said with a smile.


    "Of course, you would see some results very soon. Also, I want you to dere a state of emergency by midnight today.


    I want the military out, patrolling everywhere by tomorrow. They must make sure that no onees in and no one goes out. Let''s give those rats what they deserve," Ss said.


    "I will do as you say," Mr Yusmairobis said with a smile, and hung up.


    "LUNAR, start tracking the devices of everyone on the list. I want to know their exact location at every time. Tomorrow is the day," Ss said, and walked towards the penthouse''s window.


    ''I want to see your reaction when you see your pawns being ratted out,'' Ss thought to himself with a smile.

 Chapter 115: A Night Of Spy Hunting

    After the call with Ss ended, Mr Yusmairobis immediately gave a call to the Major General of the military and told him to be ready to receive his order at any time, and he hung up.


    He didn''t specify what his orders would be, neither did he give the Major General the chance to ask.


    He wasn''t worried that his orders won''t be followed as his order is that of  the highest rank military personnel in the country, the General-In-Chief.


    Actually he felt that it would be nice if his order was to be ignored as it would give him a perfect excuse and opportunity to clean up the military, something he has been wanting to do for a very long time.


    He also gave a call to all the military heads, telling them to await his order.


    Mr Yusmairobis also made more preparations as he called his aide into his office.


    "Gustavo, inform all media houses and let them know that I will be giving a nationwide broadcast by midnight today," Mr Yusmairobis said.


    The aide, Mr Gustavo was surprised when he heard that Mr Yusmairobis intends to have a nationwide broadcast and by midnight.


    He can''t remember thest time that the President actually gave a speech or even stepped out of his office, and now he wants to give a nationwide broadcast.


    He felt that something was off. This is also in addition to the recent numerous news about some government officials that has been popping uptely.


    Mr Gustavo was curious but he didn''t dare ask as he knew that there was a dark undercurrent in the country.


    He immediately left the office, to do as he was told.


    After he was done making preparations, Mr Yusmairobis sighed andid back on his seat.


    ***


    At the penthouse, Ss was also making whatever preparation he has to.


    As long as Mr Yusmairobis does as he says, he was sure that he would be able to clean up the pests quickly.


    Ss wasn''t worried that things will go wrong as he had already considered everything.


    The worst he felt could happen would be some escaping, something that he felt is very close to impossible.


    He also wasn''t worried about them facing any form of retaliation as he doesn''t expect it to be easy. He also knew that if news of what he''s going to do is to get out, they would likely attract some attentions from some countries, especially the first world countries and some world organization, but he wasn''t worried about getting a little bit of attention.


    Considering how delicate things are, Ss felt that the worst response they would get from those countries and organizations is a speech condemning their actions.


    Regarding Mr Yusmairobis daughter''s situation, Ss also considered it. From what he has seen, he knew how important she is to them and he knew there would be no way that they would harm her in any way.


    After he was done with bjs preparations, Ssy on the bed as he waited for midnight.


    *****


    The day went by quietly and it was finally midnight.


    At the press conference room in the presidential house, Miraflores Pce, Mr Yusmairobis stood in front of arge group of reporters, with multiple shing cameras in front of him.


    After the President Aide informed the media houses that there would be a nationwide broadcast at midnight, reporters from the media houses immediately prepared themselves and scrambled to the Presidential residence.


    As reporters, they are up-to-date with the recent news that has beening up recently, and they felt that the nned nationwide broadcast by the president is rted those news.


    As typical media houses, they have to make sure that they get the opportunity to cover the broadcast, as it''s something that will earn them a lot of clicks.


    Also, when was thest time the president ever gave a speech? When was thest time he was seen? Why would he suddenly want to give a nationwide broadcast? They were curious and this is their chance to get answer to their questions.


    Mr Yusmairobis gave a smile as he face the camera and started speaking in Spanish.


    "My fellow countrymen, I understand that this might be unexpected anding at a time when things aren''t really going too well for all of us.


    I know if your plights and I feel your pains, and as the president of the country, i feel it more.


    There''s nothing more painful than watching your people suffer.


    With how the economic situation of the country looks and with the way things are, it might seem like we have been doing nothing, but that''s the exact opposite as we have been doing our best, day and night.


    Me and everyone in my administration have been going with sleepless nights because as a leader chosen by you, the people of Venezu, it''s my duty and outmost priority to make sure that life is easier for you, the masses."


    The broadcast continued as Mr Yusmairobis continued his speech


    Mr Yusmairobis didn''t immediately state his intention to impose a state of emergency and lockdown as he felt that it would very unreasonable of him to do so.


    He was also aware that due to his current situation of the country, his actions would incite anger from the people. He also knew that someone or a group is needed as scapegoat to take the me and bear the anger of the people. Regarding that, he has just the right group for that.


    When it was time to dere the state of emergency and impose a lockdown on movement, and he had to give a reason for it., he pushed the opposing political party and their leading political figures to the forefront, using them as his intended scapegoat.


    He didn''t care about their reaction, neither was he afraid of their retaliation, as he pushed all the me to them.


    He has already made preparations as he intends to use the military to enforce his directive and he was curious to see what will happen.


    Mr Yusmairobis saw this as an opportunity to reshuffle his country politicalndscapepletely and regain absolute control over it.


    He wants to do this because he knew that the faster things are, the sooner he will see his daughter.


    Immediately it struck midnight and the nationwide broadcast was going on, Ss has already began taking action.


    Exiting the hotel and standing on the streets of Caracas, Ss, dressed in casual clothing, with the Gear on, looked at LUNAR who was standing beside him and disappeared from his position.


    LUNAR was shocked when she saw this. From the training video she got during Ss''st training session, she knew that he was strong but due to it being in a virtual world and how he was being beaten around by his clone, she didn''t know exactly how strong he is.


    LUNAR has been using the MAU for a while now and she''s aware of how powerful it is, but even with the powerful MAU, she still found it hard to track Ss'' location.


    If Ss wasn''t wearing the Gear, she would had lostplete trace of him.


    After she got Ss'' location, LUNAR followed suit, as she disappeared from her position.


    Ss doesn''t intend to wait till the next day as he wants to quickly get things done with.


    He doesn''t intend to take care of all the spies at once this night, as they are scattered all over the country.


    It took him a few minutes to arrive at the location of his first target.


    Standing in front of the house of one of the ministers of the country, Ss didn''t bother to knock as he broke the door and walked into house. He doesn''t n to be quiet with his actions.


    Immediately after walking into the house, a flood of bullets pelted Ss'' body but they fell to the ground without having any effect on him.


    The guards who fired the gun looked at Ss with an expression of shock and surprise clearly visible on their faces.


    "Who are you? State your purpose?" A guard who seems to be their head shouted at Ss.


    Ss heard this and shook his head, as he tsked.


    "You weed me in such a manner and you expect me to be equally nice to you?" Ss asked with a smile.


    "LUNAR, how many bullets were fired at me?" Ss asked, as he looked at LUNAR who stood beside him.


    {50, sir.}


    "50 huh? Then I will give you guys fifty more seconds to live," Ss said, and disappeared from his position.


    He didn''te here for the irrelevant guards, as his main objective is the fatty shivering in a room upstairs.


    Immediately after Ss disappeared, the guards surprised and shocked faces, immediately paled as it lost all its color.


    They looked at the broken door with the thought of running but they knew that it was impossible with the devilsh beautifuldy standing there.


    Meanwhile, in a room upstairs, a fat middle-aged man sat on floor shivering.


    "W-Who are you?" He asked the young devil in front of him, with a fear-stricken voice.


    "Me? I''m someone who''s here to give you the rest you so much deserve."

 Chapter 116: Spy Hunting, Aftermath

    Alejandro was slightly terrified at the moment. He doesn''t understand how and why such a young American is doing in his room.


    He has been having a slight feeling of uneasetely and this was hightened by the slightly disturbing news that has been popping uptely.


    Seeing the young man, he thought he might be a contract killer but the.... kid in front of him doesn''t have the aura of a contract killer around him.


    As someone who has been in the espionage business for a while, he has met different kind of people, but he doesn''t know who or what organization to rte the kid to.


    This is the reason why he asked the boy for his identity but the reply he got made him understand that things are really going to end well for him.


    He couldn''t help but have the thought that he''s being disposed off but why? He has done everything he was told to and he has worked his way up the country''s politicaldder. Then why is his life being threatened.


    Ss looked at the fat middle-aged man in front of him, and shook his head lightly.


    It seems like he was expecting too much of the disposable spies that was nted in the country. His original n beforeing here was to send him to the afterlife but no matter how much he nned it, he can''t find a way to go through with it.


    Unlike those he caught in hispany, the spies in Venezu are on a whole new level as things are moreplicated and delicate.


    Even though he can''t bring himself to kill them, Ss knew that he still has to do something about them. It''s impossible to leave them running around rampantly in the country, in his territory, and be constituting nuisance.


    Ss thought about it for a moment and came to decision. Since he can''t kill them, then he will torture them to get whatever miniscule amount of information he can from them


    With a smile, Ss punched Alejandro squarely on his face, knocking him out cold.


    After he lost consciousness, Ss picked him up and slung him over his shoulder, and left the room, making his way downstairs.


    When he got back to the living area, Ss saw the security guards and LUNAR at a standstill.


    Ss didn''t bother to pay attention to them as he walked out of the building, still carrying the man his shoulder.


    The guards saw Ss carrying their boss who was unbelievably heavy due to his obsessity, and was walking so carefree that he gave a false impression of the man''s actual weight.


    They had the thought of wanting to save their boss by they were not that stupid. They had seen so many shocking things tonight and they knew that the chances of them being able to survive the night is were very slim, impossible even.


    {Master, what should I do with them?} LUNAR asked, when she saw Ss walking out of the house.


    "Do as you wish," Ss said, and walked towards a car parked outside the house.


    {Yes, master.}


    LUNAR looked at the security guards standing in front of her and smiled, and the following moment, she disappeared from her position.


    The security guards were shocked and scared out of their wits when they saw this. They knew that LUNAR was strong, as it would be impossible for her to follow behind the young man if she wasn''t, but they didn''t know she was this strong.


    "Run!" One of them finally lost it and shouted, as he bolted towards the door.


    Unfortunately for him, he fell to the ground the next moment, his body convulsing for a few moments before it finally went limp.


    The others saw this and their faces paled even more, their eyes lost all its colorspletely, and a crazed expression appeared on their face.


    They knew that they were going to die but they expected to die wjth dignity.


    The captain saw one of his men down on the ground, unmoving, and a zing anger red up in his head.


    The person on the floor was more than just one of his men. He was his brother-inw, the husband to his little sister and this bitch killed him.


    "Joder!!"


    With a roar, he started firing at the air around without a set target in sight. He didn''t care about anything else at the moment, as all he wanted was to at least get a hit on the bitch that killed his family member.


    His actions were in vain as the following moment, he also joined his brother-inw on the ground. His body convulsed for a few moments before finally going limp.


    The rest of the security guards saw this and they dropped their guns to the ground.


    How do they fight someone they can''t see? Someone so strong that she can kill them without them noticing, how do they resist?


    They resigned to their fate and the next moment, LUNAR sent them on their way.


    As LUNAR walked out of the house, ten bodiesy on the ground, lifeless, with their cause of death, unknown.


    "You done?" Ss asked when he saw LUNAR walking out of the house.


    {Yes, master.}


    "Good, let''s go. We still have more rats to catch," Ss said, as he watched LUNAR get into the car, before he stepped on the gas.


    Ss didn''t immediately make his way to the location of the next spy. Instead, he drove to a warehouse that has already been prepared by Mr Yusmairobis to be used as the storage facility for the spies.


    When they got there, they parked the car that had Mr Alejandro in the trunk and got into another car that had already been prepared.


    Hell was raised that night as a significant number of important people in the government and the country as a whole, disappeared without leaving a trace, and in the wake of their disappearance, lifeless bodies were left behind.


    The morning of the following day, the whole country was in uproar.


    With the disappearance of such a significant number of the country''s political figures and rich individuals, it''s impossible that it won''t raise questions.


    Everyone was panicking, especially themon people who had nothing. There was so much hightened tension in the country that if it wasn''t for the curfew and lockdown that had already been imposed the previous night, the crime rate would had shoot up drastically.


    The media was filled with very disturbing news and curious eyes were pointed at the government.


    Themon people were most affected as the source of livelihood for the most of the them were cut off by the curfew, and now, they would have to live indoors with fear constantly in their hearts.


    Though some of them were happy as they had the thought that someone or a group of people who had gotten tired of the government, were now standing up.


    Mr Yusmairobis seeing the situation, swiftly took action, as he called for another press conference.


    True to his identity as the president of the country and someone who has been in politics for a very long time, Mr Yusmairobis quickly controlled the situation perfectly.


    He had already been informed by Ss the previous night and he has gotten his speech ready. He prepared a lengthy and impactful speech with a crime that viinize the people that disappeared and those that will disappear.


    He also use the second press conference as an opportunity to give the military a shoot-on-sight order, to kill anyone that''s seen outside.


    With the new order, the country''s border was locked and underplete shutdown. The airport was extremely quiet, thend border was surrounded by fully armed military personnel, and the seaport was deserted.


    One might think that the country was going to war as their actions were almost exaggerated. The surrounding countries around them were also on high alert as Venezu''s actions weren''t something they can overlook.


    The tension in the country lightened a bit but both Ss and Mr Yusmairobis knew that this was just the beginning. They knew that they would soon start receiving possible condemnation messages from other countries and international bodies, but the truth is that they couldn''t help but care less.


    Ss decided to continue his spy hunting during the day. The press conference that Mr Yusmairobis gave made things easier for him.


    After a very solid reason was given for the people that diaper the previous night, Mr Yusmairobis decided to get the military to assist Ss, as they followed him around.


    Of course, it was impossible for them to keep trace of him. Their assignment was to act as logistics and clean up after Ss.


    Ss took his time, tracking down every single one of the spies, across the country. LUNAR and Mr Yusmairobis made sure that no one was aware of Ss'' identity or that he was the one personally taking out the spies.


    The excuse he uses was that a special task force that secretly works for the president was the one taking action.


    The whole cleanup process and spy hunting took more than a week, and after everything was done, the atmosphere of the country changedpletely.


    After it ended, Mr Yusmairobis lifted the curfew and lockdown, and allows everyone to return to their normal lives, but that was easier said than done.


    Less than an hour after the curfew was lifted, a press conference came from the White House condemning the killing and disappearance of individuals in Venezu, and citing it as political tyranny.


    They also asked for the government to provide the actual reasons for their killings and disappearance, or risk facing heavy sanctions.

 Chapter 117: Aftermath(II)

    The White House wasn''t the only one condemning what happened in Venezu.


    The same day, a press conference was held at the Buckingham Pce. The content of the press conference was essentially the Prime Minister condemning the killing and disappearance of important people that happened in Venezu.


    The news that came from Venezu caused a small ripple across the world and created a little topic of conversation for the world.


    Mr Yusmairobis, as someone who has been in the game of politics for a very long time and someone who has gained the skill of perfectly controlling public opinion, didn''t need to be told what had to be done ws he did what he knows to do best.


    Immediately after the press conferences that condemned what happened in the country was held, Mr Yusmairobis held another press conference, being the third that he has held in a just over a week.


    The content of the press conference addressed the situation surrounding the disappearance and killings that happened in the country.


    Using his wealth of experience and knowledge of what will definitely trigger themon people, he gave a detailed exnation on what happened.


    It has been over a week since the clean up process started and those who had been caught had gone through what can be called a hellish interrogation.


    After Mr Yusmairobis held the second press conference and gave a somewhat valid reason for the death and disappearance that ured the previous night, Ss decided not to hide his actions any longer and the military got involved.


    With the help of the military, they were able to thoroughly interrogate the spies and root out all of their associates in the country.


    It wasn''t only spies that were killed. Mr Yusmairobis uses the opportunity to take out a the corrupt politicians that had be a tumor in the country.


    After the interrogations were made, a lot of information was gathered one everyone that was captured and their crimes werepiled into a list, that Mr Yusmairobis was now presenting at the press conference he''s currently holding.


    The press conference was broadcasted not just in the country, but Mr Yusmairobis asked the media houses in the country that has the capability to broadcast it all over the world, to do so.


    The broadcast was a response to the two condemnation press conference that was held.


    Not only that, but the press conference was act on Mr Yusmairobis'' side to gain the approval of the masses and it worked just as he wanted.


    What would be the response of a group of people who after a long time of suffering and misery, they see the people who theu feel are responsible for their suffering and misery, getting the punishment they deserve? There''s no doubt that they would be  happy and this was something that Mr Yusmairobis was very much aware of.


    After the press conference ended, a lot of movement was seen around the country with a lot of people expressing their gratitude and happiness over the president''s actions.


    Yes, human lives were lost and the victims'' family were mourning their lost, but their voices weren''t heard as they were in the minority.


    After the press conference ended and Mr Yusmairobis went back to his office, he already had a call waiting for him to answer.


    With a knowing smile on his face, he walked towards the telephone line and picked the call.


    "President Yusmairobis, I heard something interesting happened at your ce. Mind giving me a gist on it?" A cold voice filled with concealed anger, came from the other end of the phone.


    Mr Yusmairobis smiled when he heard this. He was already expecting them to contact him personally.


    Ss'' actions cut off the sources the group uses to monitor him, gather information on him and control him. So, it was to be expected that they would be pissed, but unlike before, Mr Yusmairobis wasn''t scared by them.


    "Ohhh... About that... I just did some house cleaning. You know.... Taking out some pest that been messing around the house," Mr Yusmairobis replied with a smile.


    "Hahahahah!"


    The person on the phoneughed when he heard Mr Yusmairobis response. Theughter stopped abruptly and was reced with a cold voice.


    "You took out some pests? Yusmairobis, it seems you have forgotten some very important... Your daughter? Don''t you want to see her anymore?" The extremely cold voice asked.


    Mr Yusmairobis gave a casualugh when he hears this.


    "My daughter? Of course I still want to see her but the real question is are you guys ready to give her back to me?


    It''s been five years, Jerome. Five fucking years since you took my daughter from me, in the pretense of having a cure to her situation and during those five bloody years, no damn improvement was made! No improvement and I wasn''t allowed to see her! Why?!


    All because she''s a Phenomenal!" Mr Yusmairobis'' voice at this point was loud enough to be heard outside the office, but due the the walls being soundproof, it just bounced around the office.


    Jerome knew that Mr Yusmairobis was very angry from his raised voice but he couldn''t help but care less.


    What about his daughter? Was she the only one that has been captured and is being studied as they look for a way to also gain superpowers themselves.


    He knew that their actions was greedy as it was for their own benefits but he felt that Mr Yusmairobis'' anger to be very hypocritical as he was the person who handed his daughter over himself.


    Yes, they didn''t exin to him everything that was involved but the most important thing was that he gave his consent.


    "Mr Yusmairobis, I would like to remind you of something. The actions of two organizations is for the benefits of its members, and you''re one.


    So, I really don''t understand why you''re angry. You brought your daughter to us, to be treated and your daughter has been put under treatment, and she will keep receiving treatment until she get better. I understand that you''re anxious because it''s been a very long time since you''ve seen her.


    Okay, what about this? I will talk to the doctors handling her treatment and ask them if it''s possible to schedule a visit. If it''s not possible to do so, whenever she wakes up, I can help you with a video call so that you can talk to her. Better, right?" Jerome said, as he did his best to ease the situation.


    He didn''t want to have a fallout with Mr Yusmairobis yet as there''s a high possibility that he can go crazy and expose them.


    They say that a rat whenpletely backed up to the wall as with no other option will bite.


    Jerome knew that there''s a high probability that Mr Yusmairobis willy things out to the public, and this can also be proven by his recent actions of "house cleaning".


    Another reason why Jerome doesn''t want to have a fallout with Mr Yusmairobis is because they experience somewhat of a progress recently I''m their experiment, thanks to Mr Yusmairobis'' daughter.


    Mr Yusmairobis heard what Jerome said and gave a cold smile. His emotions and thoughts were unknown as he looked at the ceiling briefly, and let out an inaudible sigh.


    Immediately after he finishes the press conference and was about to walk into his office, he received a message from Ss, telling him not to break out ofthe group yet.


    He would had loved to leave the group and have nothing else to do with them, but it seems that he would have to  endure being in the hypocritical group for a while.


    He thought of Ss'' message and his daughter''s situation, and closed his eyes briefly.


    ''Just for a little bit longer,'' He thought to himself.


    He wasn''t going to leave the group but that doesn''t mean he can''t express what he feels.


    "Jerome, tell this to the Dark Council, I want to see my daughter. If they don''t grant this request of mine, then don''t me me for responding in kind," He said and hung up.


    Mr Yusmairobis tiredly copsed onto his chair. The week has been a very hectic one for him and he barely got enough rest. All he wanted to do at the moment was to get some shut-eye, but that''s impossible as he still has a lot of things he has to get done.


    "What pushed me to run for presidency in the first ce?" He asked himself with a sigh, and took a document from the pile of documents on his table, and started reading through it.


    ****


    In the penthouse that was Ss was staying at, He looked at the window with a smile on his face.


    He heard the call between Mr Yusmairobis and the Jerome person, and he couldn''t help but smile.


    He found the organization to be veryughable. He was initially scared of having them as an enemy but after the call, he felt that he had overestimated them too much.

 Chapter 118: Plans, Thoughts

    Ss'' initial thought when heard of the ck Hand organization was that if was an all-powerful organization that controlled everything behind the scene. Something like the triangr eye organization, but after the call, his view on the organization changed a bit.


    The organization was still all-powerful but Ss felt that this is due to the calibre and affluence of its members.


    They say the wealthy and powerful rule the world, but that was only true in an ordinary world. With the presence of people with superpower, Phenomenals, money and wealth is no longer enough.


    Ss has been keeping a very close on the organization, especially the extremely ambitious project they are undertaking. A project that if sessful, will allow them to also wield superpowers.


    He was aware of the recent achievement the group achieved in their experimentstely.


    Well, it can''t really be called progress as the person who was injected with whatever they are being injected withsted long, half an hour to be precise, before he exploded like the others.


    Ss found it to be very funny. As a Phenomenal himself and a system bearer, Ss understood how hard it is for someone to awaken their superpower.


    From the information he got from the system, Ss knew that there are only two way for one to awaken; naturally awakening or simted awakening, which can also be called artificial awakening.


    Natural awakening is hard but stimted awakening is even harder because there''s only one catalyst that can help one awaken, the Gene Enhancement Serum.


    This is the reasons why Ss said their project, "extremely ambitious".


    Ss felt that it is possible for the project to be a sess but it definitely won''t be the type of sess they want. They won''t create a Phenomenal but instead, they will create a monster.


    Ss wasn''t going to be a better person and stop their experiments, neither is he going to be a hero and save the experimental subjects, as he felt that it isn''t any of his business.


    Regarding the response they received from the US and UK, Ss knew that the threat of sanction was only a bluff. With the way that Mr Yusmairobis took care of the situation, it would be very bad for their public images if they are to actually go ahead and impose it, and their public images is something that the two sovereigns love very much.


    Of course, Ss knew that although the sanction would no longer be imposed, things were actually far from over.


    Although the people he took out were expendable, Ss knew that they were very valuable. Also, since Venezu is now under hisplete control, it''s impossible for any spies to get into any important position in the country.


    He also knew that some tension might develop between Venezu and other countries. The US and UK were nearly certain at this point, but that''s something that Ss would leave to Mr Yusmairobis to handle.


    "The house cleaning was a sess. Now I can move on the next thing," Ss said, as he looked out the penthouse''s window.


    Ss thought of what next to do and decided to call Mr Yusmairobis first. He wants to know of Mr Yusmairobis ns before putting his into actions.


    The call went through and was picked on the first ring.


    "What''s your next n," Ss asked, and there was a brief silence before Mr Yusmairobis finally replied.


    "I n to reshuffle my cab. Retain those that are performing and let go of those who aren''t. I''m also thinking of drafting up a new constitution but that would be a major endeavor, and I don''t know if it''s going to be feasible.


    Before the constitution, what I want to do is to start major projects in the country. Projects theta will benefit the country and will help us to change our current situation, but funding is the major stumbling block to everything I have nned now," Mr Yusmairobis said.


    Ss nodded when he heard Mr Yusmairobis'' response. Though it was a generic and textbook-like one, it was what he wanted to hear.


    It would be very detrimental to his ns if Mr Yusmairobis is to be rxed and go back to his former self. Also, Ss knew that it would be very beneficial to him if the country is to see some progress.


    Regarding what Mr Yusmairobis called a stumbling block to all his ns, Ss could only smile. He mightck other things but one thing he doesn''tck is money, as it can be said that he literally has an infinite amount of it.


    "You don''t need to worry about the funds being a problem. I n to create a bank in the country and after it''s creation, you can have as much funds as you want.


    Though I would like to make something clear to you, Mr Yusmairobis. The funds will only be for the projects you wish to undertake and they must be profitable. I don''t do charity and the value of things are extremely diminished if they are free," Ss said, and Mr Yusmairobis sighed.


    "I understand, Mr Ss. When do you n to create the bank?" He asked.


    "Soon. Actually, I will start now. I will tell you what I need help with and you can help me with it. You don''t have to worry, it won''t be much. All I need isnd that the bank building will be built on and for you to take care of the legal side of things," Ss said.


    His n to create a bank wasn''t random as he had thought about it extensively. It would be strange if there''s apany that pops up out of nowhere, with a huge amount of funds. No history of crowdfunding or any fundraising activity.


    Ss ns is use his money to shoulder every expenses and after the bank has been created, he would transfer some of the money in his hedge fundpany to it. This way, the money won''t just sit stagnant in the ount and will do what money does best, make more money.


    Mr Yusmairobis nodded at Ss'' words. He was already familiar with Ss character and understood what can be expected of him.


    "Ok. I will get things ready and get back to you soon."


    "Good. I will be waiting," Ss said and hung up.


    ****


    In Mr Yusmairobis'' office, after the call ended, he called his Aide, Gustavo, into his office.


    When Gustavo walked into the office, he saw the President writing something on a piece of paper.


    "Sir, you called for me," He said, as he quietly stood in a corner respectfully.


    The events of thest week has changed everyone''s perception of Mr Yusmairobis.


    Who would believe that the always quiet and weak-willed man, who looks like a pushover will actually heartlessly kill so many in the space of a week.


    Others in the cab who were familiar or had a friendly rtionships with those that were killed were now having sleepless nights, as they do not know what their fate would be.


    It would had been different if it was only those in the presidency that was affected, but the ripple spread everywhere, even those in the legitive arm of government were affected.


    Gustavo remembered the rage on the faces of those in the legiture as they mored for democracy to prevail when their members were being taken out and never to be seen again.


    Right now, everyone in the country''s political space is threading as carefully as they can, so that they don''t implicate themselves.


    While Gustavo was still deep in his thoughts, Mr Yusmairobis was finally done with what he was writing.


    "Here, prepare everything on that list fast and get back to me as soon as possible," Mr Yusmairobis said, and Gustavo gave a nod before leaving.


    After Gustavo left, Mr Yusmairobis went back to reading the documents he was reading before he got a call from Ss.


    ****


    In the penthouse, after the call ended, Ss decided to get himself busy, as he started sorting out his ns.


    It might seem like Ss is going from one business to another without even actually fully bringing it to its full potential, but that''s far from it.


    The reason why he ns to create the bank is because it will act as a source of funding for his business and Mr Yusmairobis'' future projects. Also, Ss doesn''t want to use the hedge fundpany directly as it might raise suspicion.


    One might ask why Ss doesn''t want to do so. The reasons is because he doesn''t want anyplicating issues when he start releasing his techs to the public. Also, the hedge fundpany is meant to be private and untracable.


    It would definitely raise suspicion and bring it out to the notice of the public, if thepany is to heavily invest and fund his businesses. This is also the same for directly funding Mr Yusmairobis'' future project from it.


    "Now, what''s the next thing to do?" Ss asked himself.

 Chapter 119: System Points Farming Technique, Quantum Smartwatch[Edited]

    It took a while for Ss to finally gather his thoughts.


    The only thing he can do at the moment is to wait for Mr Yusmairobis to get things done on his side before he can start putting his ns into action.


    He still ns to release the gacha game by the ends of the month and that would be next week, which is in a couple of days from now.


    "LUNAR, how much progress has been made on advertising the new game?" Ss asked LUNAR, who was seated on sofa beside the bed.


    {It''s been going excellently well, sir. Every possible channel has been used and it can said that anyone who has ess to the inte has seen the an ad of the game.} LUNAR replied.


    "Good. Release it exactly at thest second of the month," Ss said, and LUNAR nodded.


    Ss'' thought went to the next part of his ns, which is releasing the premium version of ELLA. Something that would be made possible by the end of the current week.


    ELLA has been in the free trial period for a while now and he has also been farming system points with her.


    "Now that I thought of it, thest time I checked the amount of system points I had, I don''t think those I was supposed to get from people using ELLA was added. Or was I tripping then?" Ss asked himself, and decided to check, to confirm.


    "System, can you bring up just the interface that disys only the system points section?" Ss asked.


    He doesn''t want the system to disy his full status panel as it was getting too long for him and filled with information he already knew. Also, due to his "inactivity" towards it, there has been no changes to it as ofte.


    [Yes. Please note that your status screen is divided into three sections; the section that contains your personal information, the lottery tickets/ system points section and the mission sections. You can call any of these sections up separately whenever you want.]


    Ss was surprised when he heard this.


    "Why didn''t you tell me this?" He asked. He felt it would had made a lot easier for him if he knew this information beforehand.


    [You didn''t ask, Host.]


    Ss heard the system''s response and gave an eye roll. He decided not to press on as he knew that there''s no way he would be able to win the system in an argument.


    ''It has like a woman''s personality,'' Ss thought to himself.


    [....]


    "System, disy the lottery-system points section."


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 156,790,067?156,690,000]


    [System Point(s): 194,285,000?3,759,285,000(+)]


    Ss'' mouth hung open for a moment when he saw the amount of system points he had.


    "3..?! 3.7 billion?! What the?!¡­" Ss shouted to himself internally, as he used his hands to forcefully close his mouth.


    He knew that thest lottery tickets draw session gave him lots of system points but he didn''t know exactly how many, as he didn''t bother to check. This is the reason why he was shocked when he saw the amount of system points he currently has.


    Ss thought about it for a moment and felt that it was highly likely that the system points farmed from ELLA''s users had been added.


    "It shouldn''t be possible that they are already added as I''m yet to select a timezone, or was a timezone selected automatically by the system?" Ss thought to himself, and decided to ask the system.


    He didn''t need to ask as he got a response from the system.


    [No, they haven''t been added as you''re yet to select a timezone.]


    "Wow! So I got 3 billion system points from thest lottery tickets draw session? Sweet!" Ss said to himself, with a smile.


    If there''s one of the system''s functions that he loves, then it''s the lottery tickets function. To him, it''s a game changer.


    After he was done reveling in the satisfying feeling of having so much system points, Ss focused on what he initially nned to do previously, choosing a timezone for receiving the farmed system points.


    "System, use Venezu''s timezone," Ss said.


    The next moment, the amount of system points that was being disyed on his interface increases again.


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 156,790,067?156,690,000]


    [System Point(s): 3,759,285,000?3,759,935,000(+)]


    Ss looked at the system points he now and did a calction to know exactly how manywas added.


    After he did his calctions, he found out that a total of 650k system points were added. This means that a total of 650k  system points has been farmed from ELLA.


    Ss was suddenly curious to know ELLA''s users stats. He hasn''t paid attention to her since she was released. Actually, he hasn''t paid attention to anything as he always leaves it to others to handle.


    He decided to pull up ELLA''s data interface , instead of asking LUNAR to tell him. Immediately, a lot data and of information were disyed on the Gear''s screen.


    Ss sorted through the data and information, and he finally got what he was looking for.


    {Global Users: 38 million.


    -Weekly Users: 13 million.


    -Daily Users: 250k.}


    "250k daily users worldwide in just 26 days? That''s a lot!" Ss said to himself surprised, when he saw the number of users that uses ELLA''s services daily.


    From the data he saw, he got an idea on how popr ELLA is.


    30 million users globally is something to be proud of, and the fact that 13 million uses it weekly is something to celebrate for an no-name AI startuppany that''s less than a month old.


    Of course, Ss knew that this number might either increase or possibly decrease after the paywall has been put out, but that will be if other AIpany canpete with the quality they will offer.


    "That''s great then. By the end of the week, I will have two things that will be farming system points and making money at the same time for me," Ss said to himself with a smile.


    "Now, to the stuffs I can use their free pass to freely purchase from system store," Ss said, and started sorting through his memories.


    After taking his time to sort through his memories, Ss listed out the items he got free passes for.


    -AR and VR Gear


    -AR and VR Pod


    -Gene Enhancement Serum


    These four are the items that he got free passes for.


    Regarding the two Quantum Smartwatches that he got, Ss has little to no idea on how to use it, as he had only used it briefly.


    With this thought, Ss looked at the smartwatch on his wrist.


    Yes, he''s currently wearing the quantum smartwatch. It''s odd that he had always wore the smartwatch even without it being of any use to him. This is because he has somewhat of a personal attachment to the it, as it''s the first item he purchased from the system store.


    "LUNAR, can you give me more information on the quantum smartwatch. I want to know it''s capabilities."


    {Ok.} LUNAR said, and started scanning the quantum smartwatch.


    Few momentster, she was finally done with the scan.


    {Master, do you want a detailed information on what the quantum smartwatch can do or I should shorten it?}


    Ss was surprised when he heard this. He curiously couldn''t help but ask himself if the quantum smartwatch was that good. If it really is, then he would feel very stupid for not exploring it sooner and let it collect dust on his wrist.


    "LUNAR, transfer the full details to me," Ss said. He chose to see the detailed information on it rather than a shortened one.


    LUNAR nodded and transferred the information to Ss.


    After the information transfer waspleted, Ss started going through it and it took him a while before he was finally done.


    Ss facepalmed hard after he was done reading it.


    "Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid..." He muttered to himself continuously.


    Ss felt like a mammoth-sized ignorant fool. He felt like someone who had a treasure right in front of him and blindly went out searching through mud for something else.


    From the knowledge he got after reading through the detailed information on the quantum smartwatch''s ability, Ss felt that it''s like something that came right out of a sci-fi movie.


    Actually, everything he has are fantasy and sci-fi-like stuffs.


    The quantum smartwatch, just like other items is something that would cause a great deal of trouble him if released to the market. Something his dumb ignorant former self was nning to do.


    The quantum smartwatch is like a smartphone, a smartphone that the current techs on earth can''tpare to. That''s the only way to describe it in words but it''s way better than that.


    So what are the abilities of the quantum smartwatch and why does Ss want to bang his head on the wall for?

 Chapter 120: Quantum Smartwatch(II)

    Due to the quantum smartwatch needing an AI before it can be operational, Ss ignorantly decided to put it aside.


    Not that he didn''t have the AI for it, as LUNAR was created shortly after he got it but Ss was preupied with other things to pay more attention to it.


    The quantum smartwatch is a device with multiple functions and capabilities beyond what other devices in Earth can achieve.


    Remember Ssparing the quantum smartwatch to a smartphone? That''s a very unbncedparison as it''s like pitting an elephant against an ant.


    The closest thing topare it to is topare it to the bestptop currently in the market but with the functions and capabilities of the quantum smartwatch, theparison is still unfair.


    The quantum smartwatch has a massive quantumputing power that almost rivals the quantumputer that Ss created.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that the quantum smartwatch can''t perform some certain functions that the quantumputer can perform, Ss wouldn''t had bothered creating it.


    The quantum smartwatch has an ultra-precise time keeping function that''s due to the help of its quantum clock that are urate to the nanosecond, surpassing even the most precise atomic clocks used today.


    To get the idea of how amazing this function is, one must first understand what an atomic clock is.


    An atomic clocks is a massive device simr to the size of a room cab. It measures time by monitoring the frequency of atoms'' resonance.


    It''s the most urate time and frequency standards in use and are used in many applications that require precise timing, such as GPS systems,  scientific research and space navigation!


    Amazing right? Imagine such a massive room cab sized device that performs suchplicated tasks, but there''s a small smartwatch that can perform such tasks even more efficiently and faster.


    Just with this function alone, if the existence of the quantum smartwatch is to be known? Ss doesn''t want to think of the consequences.


    The quantum smartwatch also has quantum sensing ability. This ability is due to the enhanced sensory capabilities of the quantum smartwatch.


    Using the quantum sensors, the smartwatch is able detect minute changes in environmental conditions, such as maic fields, gravitational waves, or even biochemical markers in the body.


    The quantum smartwatch enhanced sensory capabilities enables the smartwatch to perform advanced non-invasive biometrics, allowing the smartwatch to conduct detailed health diagnostics non-invasively, offering instant insights into any health conditions at just the user''s fingertips, ....or wrist


    Though the quantum smartwatch has all these functions, it can only work with help of an AI and not just any AI, but one with advanced, context-awareness, unprecedented uracy in predictive analysis and the ability to adapt to the habit and preferences of the user in real-time.


    Does Ss have such an AI? Actually he has more than one AIs that overqualifies for that position, three to be precise.


    The first is LUNAR, a multipurpose AGI, who is Ss'' personal assistant and secretary. The second is ELLA, an AGI responsible for creating smaller version AIs, and thest of them is APOLLO, a AGI that specialized in game creation and management.


    Though due to the specialization of thest AGI, it might look that it doesn''t seem fit for the quantum smartwatch but all it needs is just a little tweak in its coding, and it''s perfect.


    Ss looked at the quantum smartwatch and thought of something he felt should be impossible, and he couldn''t help but shake his head.


    "It should be possible since the Gear connects to my phone andptop smoothly, and without a hitch.


    It''s the quantum in front of the smartwatch that changes everything. The Gear isn''t a quantum device but the smartwatch is. Can a quantum device connect to a device that isn''t?" Ss asked himself, thoughtfully.


    Though Ss bought the knowledge on quantumputing from the system store. Something that allowed him to build a knockoff version of a quantumputer, there was no information on if a quantum device can connect to a regr one.


    Ss gave it a thought again and decided to test it out. The worst he felt can happen is that the Gear won''t connect to the smartwatch.


    The reason he wants to do this, is because he wants to start using the quantum smartwatch actively and utilizing it fully.


    He felt that if he can sessfully connect the Gear to the quantum smartwatch, things will be very easy for him. He felt that he might no longer have a need for hisptop and phones, and he can just do everything he wants with the help of the smartwatch, through its connection to the Gear.


    Before he tried connecting it, Ss asked LUNAR to connect her digital consciousness to the quantum smartwatch.


    LUNAR is a very powerful AGI that can multitask almost infinitely as long as she''s connected to an equally powerful device that can handle her highputation ability.


    This is the reason why Ss told her to connect to the smartwatch as it won''t affect her control over the MAU.


    After LUNAR had connected to the smartwatch, Ss told her to try connecting it with the Gear.


    It took a while but after what felt like a few moments, Ss saw something pop up on the screen of the Gear, asking for permission to connect.


    "It worked!" Ss said with a bright smile, and he immediately epted the connection.


    The next moment, the Gear went nk and after a few seconds, a hyperspace screen that looks like one is shooting through space in FTL mode was disyed.


    After what Ss calls the smartwatch booting animation was disyed, a new screen that appears to be the smartwatch''s home screen was disyed.


    "It looks beautiful," Ss said with a smile, when he saw the smartwatch''s home screen.


    This is the first time he''s actually seeing it as the first time he told LUNAR to connect to it, he wasn''t able to pay much attention due to the better at hand.


    Using the Gear''s connection to the smartwatch, Ss started going through the quantum smartwatch, checking out its functions.


    As he went through the functions of the smartwatch, Ss was constantly nodding his head in satisfaction, and his continued until he was finally done with it.


    "As expected of the system, everything it gives is top-tier," Ss said to himself, with a smile.


    Even though he took his time to go through every of the smartwatch''s functions that was mentioned, he felt that there was still more to be explored and those are what he expects to see as time goes on, and as be uses the smartwatch.


    Ss was still admiring the smartwatch''s abilities when he heard LUNAR voice.


    {Master, the smartwatch can be better utilized if you connect it to the quantumputer.}


    Ss nodded when he heard. It''s something he felt should be possible and due to the two being quantum devices, the connection would be seamless.


    "Connect it to he quantumputer," Ss said, giving LUNAR permission.


    Almost immediately, Ss saw another window that popped up, asking for connection permission and he epted it.


    The next moment, he felt the presence of another device, a device slightly more powerful than the quantum smartwatch.


    "Wait .... Slightly more powerful?" Ss asked himself in shock.


    Due to the seamless connection between the two devices, Ss was able to easily gauge their strength from their operating data that was disyed on the Gear.


    Ss read their operating data again and he shook his head in disappointment.


    "The quantumputer beats the quantum smartwatch by just a little.... Well, for a device that''s actually a knockoff for the original stuff, it''s actually has good specs ....and that''s if you don''tpare it to the real deal.


    I guess this is one of the things that will be taken care of soon, upgrading the quantumputer," Ss said to himself.


    "Also, after I''m done creating the bank, I will have to build argeb facility that I can use. I want to study the quantum smartwatch to find a way to recreate it.


    Also, I have to study the GES and find a way to create something simr but not one that can help one awaken, just normal gene enhancement." Ss thought to himself, as he mapped out his future ns.


    Ss'' ns at this point isn''t just to create a business that will be the number one in the world. What he wants to do is to create an business empire.


    With that thought, Ss looked out he window, enjoying the highrise scenic view of the Venezu capital city, Caracas.


    The rest of the day and week went by uneventfully. True to Ss'' expectations, nothing happens and the matter surrounding the death and disappearance of people in the country died down like it never happened.


    Just as nned, ELLA premium version was rollled out and the gacha game was also released.


    Things seem to be moving smoothly as Mr Yusmairobis sent the documents that Ss asked for.

 Chapter 121: Drawing An Architectural Plan, Meeting With The Construction Company

    The next morning started early for Ss, as it''s the day that he finally start putting his ns into action.


    "LUNAR, send an email to Venequip, S.a. Tell them that we want to hire their services for the construction of a bank building and ask them if they can do it." Ss said to LUNAR, immediately after he woke up and saw the message from Mr Yusmairobis.


    After he did that, he walked into the penthouse''s bathroom to freshen up and prepare for the day.


    With the way he nned the day, Ss knew that it''s going to be very busy and he wants to get himself ready for it.


    After he was done freshening, Ss ate the the breakfast that LUNAR had already pre-ordered for him.


    After he was done eating, Ss was about to start drawing a rough architectural n for the bank building he wants to build.


    The architectural n he''s drawing is more like a draft and blueprint to follow when the actual architectural n is going to be drawn. In other words, it''s a guide for Ss when be wants to draw the actual architectural n.


    "LUNAR, can you get me a real-time aerial view of the location that Mr Yusmairobis gave us? Map it out urately and give me every single details on it," Ss said, and LUNAR nodded in response before walking towards the penthouse suite''s door that opens to its balcony.


    Standing on the balcony, LUNAR climbed onto the balcony handrails and jumped down.


    Ss saw LUNAR''s action and smiled. He knew what she wants to do and he was curious to see the result.


    The next moment, still seated where he was, Ss saw her flying back up, floating in front of the balcony.


    Ss smiled when he saw this. This is the first time he''s seeing LUNAR using the MAU''s flight ability but he wasn''t sure if LUNAR had used it before.


    "LUNAR, is this the first time you''re using its flight ability?" Ss asked, and LUNAR nodded in response.


    "LUNAR, send me the MAU''s schematics." Ss as curious to see what allows it to fly and how it''s done.


    From what he can see, there''s no indication or sight of the said repulsors which is the device that gives the MAU its flight ability, its thrust mechanism.


    LUNAR nodded and sent the schematics before she flew away to get the information of the area where the bank will be built.


    After he received the schematic, using the Gear''s AR mode function, Ss disyed a full-size MAU schematic in front of him.


    Ss stood up and walked around the schematic, as he looked for the location of the repulsors. Since it''s in AR mode, Ss can control how it''s disyed as he likes.


    It took him a while but he saw a series of miniature vents along the MAU''s calves and a hole under on the sole of each its feet.


    He curiously tapped on the series of small vents and the holes, expanding them to see what''s behind them.


    Behind the holes and small vents, Ss something that looks exactly like the repulsors he knew.


    Series of small repulsors were located behind the small vents along the calves, and behind the hole on the sole of each foot, was a bigger repulsor.


    "Nice engineering. I guess the smaller repulsors are for short flights, and the bigger ones are for extended or high-speed flights," Ss said to himself, thoughtfully.


    While he waited for LUNAR to get the information he asked of her, he took his time to study the MAU''s schematic as much as he can.


    "This looks amazing. I wonder how long it would take me to build it?" Ss thought to himself, and he shook his head at the impossibility of his thoughts bing reality.


    "It would be easier if I get a free pass for the MAU. Yes, that would be better," He said to himself with a nod.


    It took a few minutes before he finally got a message from LUNAR, containing the information he needed.


    When he got the message, he decided to put what he was doing on hold, and go back to what he initially wanted to do.


    Ss went through the information LUNAR sent to him and used it as a guide, as he drafted up a rough architectural n.


    Few minutester, he was done drafting up the architectural n he wanted to and was now drawing the real architectural n for the banks building, using the Gear''s AR mode and the smartwatch holographic imaging function.


    As he drew the n, he constructed an holographic image of it in front of him.


    The reason why Ss is drawing the architectural n himself is because he wants to personally design the building. This is also one of the reasons he chose a constructionpany based in Venezu, instead of using any world-renowed constructionpany.


    Ss intends to build a massive bank that will serve his future business empire and since he has the money, he wants it to be grand and built to his taste.


    Though it''s called a bank, Ss actually intends to use it for himself and his business.


    The question is how is Ss able to draw an architectural n when he''s not a licensed architect? The reason for this is because of the knowledge he absorbed.


    The file sent by LUNAR contained knowledge on every subjects and topics, and after he absorbed it, he got knowledge on all of them. This is the reason he''s able to draw a very urate and functional architectural n that took all things involved, into consideration.


    It took him almost half the whole day before he was finally done drawing the architectural n.


    In front of him stood a holographic image of a massive structural edifice.


    Ss nodded in satisfaction when he saw the holographic image of the bank building he ns to build.


    With the help of the smartwatch''s holographic imaging function, Ss was able to eliminate any errors in the drawing, therefore producing a perfect architectural n.


    The building''s has a total of 120 floors, standing at a height of over 500 meters. The building taking inspiration from the design of the Burj Kalifa, had the same design, making it to look like a somewhat miniature version of it.


    "LUNAR, what do you think?" Ss asked LUNAR who had returned, and was now sitting on a sofa beside him.


    {It looks... normal.}


    "... That''s not what I meant. I was asking if it''s beautiful or not?" Ss replied, as he facepalmed.


    He felt that LUNAR emotional intelligence hasn''t improved since her creation.


    {If you''re asking if it looks beautiful by how normal the design looks and how it''s a exact copy of the tallest building in the world, making it look like a miniature of it, then yes.


    Although I understand the reason behind you wanting to create a bank, I don''t understand why you''re drawing the architectural n yourself, when you can get a professional architect to draw it for you.} LUNAR said.


    Ss was surprised when he heard what LUNAR said.


    "What do you mean normal and miniature? Even though it''s a miniature of it, I think I did a good job designing it. Also, the reason why I decided to draw the architectural design myself is because I wanted to make use of the knowledge and skills I have," Ss replied, feeling very mentally exhausted.


    {A good excuse but still not enough reason for why you wasted half the day doing nothing. You have a lot of things you want to aplish but you don''t want to manage your time properly and get things done quickly.}


    Ss rubbed his temple when he heard what LUNAR said.


    "Ughh... You''re behaving like a mother," Ss said and sighed, before asking "Fine. Have you gotten a response from the constructionpany?"


    {Yes. When you were ying around, I got a message from them.}


    Ss couldn''t help but look at LUNAR strangely when he heard her response.


    "What''s with he sudden change in your personality? Where''s my sweet LUNAR?"


    {I''m still your sweet LUNAR but as your personal assistant, I must make sure that you don''t lose sight of your goals and ambitions.}


    "It still doesn''t exin your sudden change in personality. You''re behaving like a woman, like a.... wife?" Ss said to himself, and looked at LUNAR scrutinously, like he was trying to figure something out.


    After looking at her for a few moments, he sighed and walked to the bed, and sat down.


    "Fine. What''s the response of the constructionpany?" He asked with a tired voice.


    {They agreed to it. They want to know when they can set up a meeting with you, to discuss things.}


    "Tell them today. You will be the one representing me, and also take the architectural n I drew when you''re going." Ss said, and LUNAR nodded.


    {I have already sent a reply to the email they sent, and I will be leaving for the meeting.} LUNAR said and stood, before she left the penthouse suite and walked towards its elevator


    Ss saw LUNAR leaving and smiled.


    ''I''m not going to lose sight of my goals, LUNAR. I''m just taking my time as I''m not in a rush."

 Chapter 122: Meeting With The Construction Company, Lab Facility Location

    Just ask LUNAR said, Ss has a lot of things he wants to do, but the problem is that a lot things has to be in ce before he he can get them done.


    Take his n to create apany for example, the bank has to be created first before he can start putting it into action, but that doesn''t mean that he will be sitting around doing nothing.


    Ss stood up from the bed and with the aid of the smartwatch, disyed the holographic image of the Earth in front of him.


    Looking at the holographic image of the Earth in front of him, Ss brought up a holographic screen that was constantly disying data of an object.


    Ss touched the holographic screen which felt somewhat solid to the touch, and started typing away.


    The next moment, the holographic image in front of him started slowly rotating, disying a real-time image of the Earth in holographic mode.


    What Ss just did was hacking into multiple satellites in space that are being used to view the Earth. Of course, S left no track and the data that are now being disyed on the screen of the actual owners of the satellites are being fed from the other satellites in space.


    He was able to achieve all these with the help of the Gear, the quantum smartwatch and the quantumputer.


    Ss turned towards the holographic Earth, and be tapped on it, zooming in on it. He continuously zoomed in on it until the map of Venezu was the only things being disyed.


    Ss tapped the map and the next moment multiple holographic maps of Venezu were being disyed in front of him.


    Ss tapped on one of the map and it zoomed in until it was disying a full map of Caracas.


    The other holographic maps in front of him zoomed in on themselves until the maps of various states of Venezu were being disyed.


    After the maps were disyed, Ss looked at them as he scrutinized them. He was trying to find the best ce to set up theb facility in the country, that will make things very easy for him.


    Ss waved his hand and the map of Caracas was moved to aside, while another map moved to his front.


    Ss knew that the facility''s location must be secretive and an even more perfect is of it''s located in a wastnd and underground. This can be seen from the location of the organizationb facility''s location that''s in Antarctica, an ice wastnd.


    He ns to build theb facility in a ce as secluded and deserted as Antarctica, but getting such an ideal location in Venezu is very unrealistic.


    Ss looked at the multiple maps disyed in front of him and he shook his head in disappointed.


    Just as he expected, finding such a location was nearly impossible. The only ce that he saw that fits into that category is a desert that''s between Venezu and Colombia, but Ss was satisfied with it.


    The main reason he wants to build the facility in Venezu is because he wants the advantage of outmost secrecy and he knew that it would be very impossible to achieve that if he chooses the desert, as there''s no way that Colombia won''t notice his activities.


    Ss rubbed his temple for a moment and shook his head. He took a deep breath and let out slowly as he burned every braincells he could as he rapidly spun the gears in his head, try to think of any possible alternative.


    It took him a moment but he felt that he had a usible idea that might work.


    Immediately, he arranged the maps in front of him. Ss arranged the maps ording to the poption density of each cities, from the cities with the lowest poption density that starts from his right, and ends at his left with the city with he highest poption density.


    Ss studied the maps as he tried to look for the one with the best underground geography and has the least poption density.


    It took him a while but he finally found what he was looking for. A city located close to the ocean and what Ss can call an ideal underground location.


    Ss waved his hand, making all the other maps disappear, leaving only the map that has the underground location he wants.


    Ss studied the map one more time before he waved his hand and it disappeared like the rest.


    ****


    While Ss was doing that, LUNAR was almost at the location of the meeting point with the people from Venesuip constructionpany.


    Few minutester, she finally arrived at the location and got out of of the car.


    In front of a small coffee shop, she saw a group of people dressed in formal attire, seated around a table with cups in front of them, and she walked towards them.


    A middle-aged man among the group of people seated around the table, saw LUNAR walking towards them  and stood up, as he stretched out his hand for an handshake.


    "Hello, Miss Luna. I''m Miguel Alejandro, the project engineer designated for this project," The middle-aged man said, as he shook LUNAR''s hand.


    LUNAR wanted to correct the man when he pronounced her name wrong but she has a second thought as she felt that it actually sounded better this way.


    {Project Engineer Miguel, please let''s get this meeting started.} Luna said and took her seat, with the project engineer doing the same.


    Luna started discussing with he groups, exining to them the type of building they want and she sent the architectural n that Ss drew, to them.


    The group people from Venesuip constructionpany looked at the architectural n for a moment thoughtfully, and the man, Project Engineer Miguel, studied it to make sure it''s an architectural n that was drawn urately.


    ...


    The meeting continued and it took them an hour before they were final done, and had everything finalized, with the only thing remaining being signing some document that will be sentter.


    After the meeting was concludesd, the estimated cost for the building was at more than $300 million, a sum that Ss felt was too small.


    After the meeting ended, Luna made her way back to the hotel''s penthouse suite.


    When Luna got back to the penthouse, She saw lying down on the bed, seemingly in a sleep but she knew that he''s gaming.


    She was about to announce her presence when she suddenly saw an holographic image being disyed in front of her, and she started studying it curiously.


    The holographic image being disyed in front of her is that of the location that Ss wants to build theb facility.


    It took a couple of seconds and she was done. She turned and looked at Ss who was now seated on the bed.


    "I nt to build a massiveb facility there. What do you think?" He asked, as he stood up and walked towards the window.


    {It''s a good location. When do you n to start?}


    "Soon but first, the bank has to bepleted and also the headquarter building. The construction on the headquarter building will start after the construction on the bank building has beenpleted," Ss replied.


    {You promised to pay off Venezu''s debt, when do you n to keep your promise? Also, what about your n to use the country''s military to create super soldiers? And about Mr Yusmaoirobis'' daughter, when do you n to rescue her?} Luna asked a barrage of questions.


    Ss sighed when heard Luna''s questions. He couldn''t help but curse his past stupid, incredibly dumb and impulsive self for putting him in such a situation.


    He thought of how busy the days and his life is going to be from now on and sighed again.


    Regarding Luna''s first question, Ss ns to talk to Mr Yusmaoirobister on how he wants he debt payment to be made.


    For the second question, be ns on using the GES to create super soldiers but he can''t at the moment, as he doesn''t want to give them the serum and possibly help them awaken.


    It''s not that he''s scared of other people have superpowers but Ss knew that it''s not a good time for them to appear. With the current situation in the country and how unstable it is, it would suicide allowing people with so much power to pop up randomly.


    Ss knew that with powerses the opportunity for one to act on their desires, even if it''s a dark, and the same of with wealth.


    The fourh question, about Mr Yusmairobis'' daughter? Ss still isn''t sure on how to go about it. He was still curious to see what the organization would achieve with their experiments but he also knew that the extremely pale-looking girl in the ss pod is the reason why he was able toe to an agreement with Mr Yusmairobis.


    He doesn''t n on rescuing the girl anytime soon but that decision might change depending on how things goes ining months.


    "LUNAR, Please take things slowly. There''s no rush," Ss said with a smile.


    {It''s no longer LUNAR, it''s Luna now.}


    ".... The fuck is wrong with you? Are you in the phase?!"

 Chapter 123: Brainstorming Session

    Ss felt that the recent, abrupt change in LUNAR''s personality, no, he meant Luna as she likes to call herself now. He felt that the changes in her personality is something teens exhibit when they are going through what it''s called the phase.


    If she was a human, that would has been different, but Luna is an AGI, an highly intelligent and sophisticated artificial intelligence.


    Now, how do an AI go through a phase? Ss asked himself this question as he thought hard.


    ''.....Maybe because she was created by me?.. The more extremely dumb me." Ss said to himself, as he rubbed his temple.


    Thinking back to his past self, Ss knew that he got a lot of things wrong, incredibly wrong and he lost sight of so many things, bing what he was.


    Even after he got the system, Ss felt that for the first three months, it was like he was like a car on auto-drive and its gas being stepped on. He just went with the flow, taking life as it came and just making very ..... dumb and impulsive decisions.


    Taking life as it came and going with flow wasn''t so bad, but the thing is that he lost his purpose, his focus became ... blurry and he kind of lost himself.


    After he got the system and making money became as easy as breathing, Ss honestly didn''t know what to live for anymore. To be honest, at some point, he got overwhelmed and tired of everything.


    It''s true when they say that money can''t buy everything ....or maybe he wasn''t the one who didn''t know what to do with the money.


    If it wasn''t for the incident on the ind when he almost died, Ss felt that things would still had been the same.


    Ss thought about everything and smiled. He knew that he has a lot he needs to learn and he hopes that life will teach him as he goes on.


    Though it can said that he has literally almost all the knowledge and information in the universe at his fingers tip, but Ss knew that nothing beats what one would learn as they experience life.


    Maybe he''s wrong about everything. Maybe he doesn''t actually know himself as he thought he does. Maybe ...just maybe.


    Ss looked at out the window and sighed. He felt like he was breaking down and he felt it might be due to his involvement in the event ofst week.


    Seeing someone die in front of him is something he never thought he would experience again after Alex''s mom death.


    He thought he was already immuned to it but it seems he was terribly wrong, and makes it worse is that he was the one responsible for their death.


    Though he didn''t kill them himself and he didn''t give a direct order, butst week, a lot of people died and majority of them were killed by Luna, an AGI he created, which means he was still responsible for their death all the same.


    Yes, they were people who were in the way of his ns but....


    Ss sighed again when he thought of this. He felt nothing during those moments. Maybe it''s what one of the things his maxed out intelligence attributes is responsible for, helping him to get what needs to be done when they need to.


    The previous Ss was someone who sheltered himself in hisfort zone but now that he''s way out of his regrfort zone, he has to learn how to get used to things.


    The world is an equally beautiful and horrible ce but he would have to learn to get used to it, and very fast or it would swallow him.


    Ss let out another sigh and looked at Luna.


    "Luna, let''s take things slow. There''s no need for the rush."


    Luna nodded at Ss'' words. While Ss was in deep thought and emotions were going almost haywire, Luna was getting data about it from the Gear and the smartwatch.


    What she saw, his brainwaves fluctuations, his near-erratic heartbeat, and the constant sighs, Luna knew that a lot of were going through Ss'' head.


    {What''s your current n?} She asked, as she took her seat on one of the sofas in the room.


    "As for now, we can do nothing but wait till when the bank''s building has been constructed, and the headquarter building would be next."


    {What about the undergroundb facility you intend to build. When do you n to start with that?}


    "About that.... I want to take my time to design it''s structure myself. A lot of things are counting on it. We have to make it as secure as possible, no chances can be taken."


    {Do you already have an idea for it''s design.}


    "...Yeah, I think so.." Ss said, as he stood up from the bed and walked to the middle of the room.


    He looked at the floating holographic image of the untended location for theb facility, and folded his arms as he went into deep thought.


    Ss had already had thought on what he wants the facility''s design to look like, thanks to inspiration he got from watching a lot of things.


    He switched the Gear to it VR mode and tapped on the holographic image in front of him.


    The next moment, Ss saw himself standing on field filled with different type of trees. He looked around the field, studying the environment.


    Ss previously intended to build something to act as decoy on the surface, which is the field he''s current standing on, but looking at the field, he suddenly had a change of thought.


    The next moment, Ss found himself back in the room.


    "Luna, what if we build a tunnel that runs from the headquarter building to the underground facility. A tunnel that only certified people in the organization can handle?" Ss asked, as he started walking around the room, deep in thought.


    {Sounds like a good idea but how do you intend to do that. Where do you n to build the headquarter building? We have to consider the distance between it and the facility.}


    "Porto La Cruz. The distance between Porto La Cruz and Los Rosjos is 314 miles and the fastest we can get there with a car that travels at 150km/hr is four hours, but we can reduce that time by more than three-fourth if we use a maglev train as the mode of transportation," Ss said, as he looked at Luna.


    {The fastest maglev train can travel 375mph and covering a distance of 314 miles in 50 minutes is possible, but we have to consider things from different angle and any possible situation. What if the staffs working at the facility finds themselves in an emergency situation where they have to immediately evacuate or where they have to assemble as fast as possible, how will they do that?} Luna asked.


    "I guess that makes the idea of using a maglev train useless. In an emergency situation, even a second is enough for a lot things go wrong..." Ss said to himself, still deep in thought.


    "What about the idea of hyper loop tubes and pods? We can do that right?" Ss asked himself.


    {The idea is feasible but it would take a very long time to achieve. The current progress on that concept are almost abysmal.}


    "For others, yes but for me, that''s an entirely different story. I can easily get every needed knowledge and information on it," Ss said.


    {But having a knowledge and information on something, and creating something with it is an entirely different story. Also, you known that you can''t do it alone. That''s a massive project to embark on.}


    "True but what if I have a way to share the knowledge and information I have with other. The Pod can help one quickly learn something by using the neural link and whatever is learned can be replicated into the real world. I can choose a bunch of people, transfer the knowledge and information to them, and have them create it."


    {That''s very possible but will you trust them enough to give away such precious knowledge and information?} Luna asked, as she looked at Ss'' face, curiously.


    Ss of course understood what Luna meant. Humans are inherently distrustful and for him who finds it hard to trust others who aren''t family, it''s would take a lot of effort on his side if he wants to trust others, but he knew that it''s inevitable.


    If he wants to get things done, he knew that he can''t do things alone and expect to seed. He must learn how to trust others even if it''s a little bit.


    "We never stop learning, Luna. It seems like learning to trust people is the next thing on my curriculum," Ss said with a smile.


    {When do you n to start recruiting them?}


    "Soon but first, I have to make a list of individuals who are qualified."

 Chapter 124: I Am ..... Spontaneous

    Ss sat down on the bed, as he pulled up an holographic notepad and screen, and started doing his research on people he can possibly employ for theb facility.


    He make sure to take his time as he wants very intelligent people and those of character. He doesn''t want someone who would let their intelligence get into their head and make them unable to ept the ideas or opinions of others, and acquiring new knowledge bes extremely difficult for them.


    Also, he has to make sure that he doesn''t employ anyone who can possibly be a spy or leak the knowledge out to the public without his permission.


    One might say that Ss can solve all his worries by having artificial intelligence work for him in theb. Since he can create an AGI, why not create one that can specifically be used for research purposes and give it the ability to be able lto create smaller AIs? Though that''s true, it''s actually impossible for him at the moment.


    The first reason being that AIs are digital entities which means they can only interact through a digital tform. Which also means that it''s impossible for them to interact with the physical world.


    Now matter how intelligent and advanced an artificial intelligence is, it''s still an artificial intelligence in the end, a digital entity.


    The only exception to this rule is Luna, who is currently inhabiting the MAU, using it to interact with the physical world. It is also impossible for Ss to freely purchase MAUs from the system store as he doesn''t have its free pass.


    Ss took his time as he did his research, making sure he eliminated anyone who could be of potential trouble to him and his ns.


    After more than an hour of researching, he was finally done. He looked at the holographic notepad that has the list of individuals he ns to employ, and nodded to himself in satisfaction.


    The list was extensive and it had the best of the best that the world has to offer in very field, and discipline.


    "Now, all that remains is convincing them." Ss said to himself, as he waved his hand and the holograms in front of him disappeared.


    {When do you n to start with that?} Luna, who as sitting on a sofa across the bed, asked.


    "Tomorrow. I will start with the first person on the list, Edward Witten," Ss replied.


    {He''s an American. How are you sure he will agree to work for you?}


    "A true scientist cares not for nationality but for what they can achieve with the advancement of science, and I''m not recruiting him to work for Venezu but for me.


    Convincing him should be easy, as I can make a very convincing case and I''m very sure he would ept my offer. Also, I might just be generous enough to give him a knowledge that will win him the Nobel prize," Ss said with a peculiar smile of his.


    {You''re using the knowledge as bait? You saying you might means that there''s a high possibility that you will definitely give him that knowledge.}


    "I won''t give him unless I feel like it''s necessary," Ss said, and continued, "Besides, I don''t really think it will get to that point."


    {You saying that makes all the more certain that you will definitely give him the knowledge. Why don''t you get someone young who is ready to do every whimp?} Luna asked.


    "You see? Luna, that''s the problem, I don''t want someone who''s going to do my every whimp without asking questions. I want someone who''s intelligent and can improvise in a good way," Ss replied.


    {But there are young people who are like that. A lot of them actually, of you know just the right ces to look.}


    "That will take time, Luna."


    {We have all the time we need. ording to your ns, we will only start construction on theb facility after the bank and headquarter building has been built.


    ording to Venesuip constructions, the construction for the bank building alone is expected to take at least three years. This is just for the bank building and we are yet to talk about the headquarter building which from what I know about you, the building is going to be very grand and will probably take more years than what it took toplete the Burj Khalifa.}


    Ss felt like he suddenl remembered something when he heard Luna mentioning how long it will take for the construction on the bank building to bepleted. He was aware of it as he was also listening in on their conversation but it seems like his previous emotional session made it escape his mind.


    "Yeah, thatpletely skipped my mind. Luna, purchase a building in the city. It will be used for the bank''s operation until the main building ispleted. The building that''s being built will be used as its headquarter," Ss said.


    {Another spontaneous change of ns.} Luna said with a raised brow.


    "I am ... spontaneous," Ss replied with a smile.


    {Impulsive would be the right word.}


    "There''s a difference between the two. I made a spontaneous improvement to the n, I didn''t change entirely, did I?" Ss asked, as he looked at her with a smile.


    {Whatever. What''s your requirements for the building you want me to purchase?}


    "Not much but make sure it''s above. I will leave it to your discretion but make sure it''s 2-3 storeys and above, as it''s going to be a makeshift building until the other one ispleted.


    Also, make arrangements to buy more buildings in other cities, states and regions in the country," Ss said.


    {Branch buildings?} Luna asked curiously.


    "Yes, branch buildings," Ss replied.


    {This means I won''t be travelling with you tomorrow.} Luna said.


    "Yes. Why? You want to?" Ss asked as he looked at her curiously.


    {Not really. It''s not like you need protecting lr something..} Luna said, and turned to look out the window.


    Ss saw this and chuckled lightly.


    "Tch. At least be honest with your feelings. Just ay you want to follow me? Your bing clingy, it seems," Ss said with a sly smile, and a raised eyebrow.


    {What feelings? I''m an AI, a highly intelligent Artificial General Intelligence. How can I have feelings and why should I be clingy when I can always talk to you through multiple channels?} Luna said, and looked at Ss with an oddly stoic face.


    Ss shook his head andughed when he saw this. He felt like he was teasing his daughter when he heard Luna''s response.


    "Just get things done. After everything are done over here, then I will call you over," Ss said with a smile, and walked to Luna, with the intention to caress her hair.


    {Don''t do it.} Luna said when she saw his actions.


    "Don''t do what?" Ss asked surprised.


    {You''re about to touch my hair. Don''t do it.} Luna said, and stood up from the sofa, making her way to the balcony.


    Ss shook his head when he saw her action.


    "Tsk. My sweet Luna is going through her rebellious phase."


    Ss decided to get ready for the trip he''s going to make tomorrow.


    He decided to take Luna''s advice and look for young blood he can employ. Though he also ns to employ young and even nearly inexperienced orpletely inexperienced people, but he knew that he also needs someone with experience.


    Ss also knew that even experienced people can be troublesome as their experience can make them arrogant.


    After he was done making his arrangements, Ssy on the bed and watched the rest of the day pass uneventfully.


    The next day, after taking his breakfast, Ss made his way to the airport, with Luna following behind, escorting him.


    "Do keep me updated daily and if there''s something you can''t handle alone, don''t hesitate to ask help from Mr Yusmairobis. If the both of you can handle it, let me know. Also, if it''s something that''s very important, inform me immediately," Ss said, before he got into the aircraft.


    Luna stood beside the runway as she watched the aircraft slowly began its takeoff run before it finally took off into the air.


    Looking at the disappearing outline of the aircraft, Luna turned and started walking back to the airport''s entrance.


    {Tch. Who''s bing clingy?}


    ***


    After more than eight hours of flight, Ss finally arrived at San Jose.


    As the aircraft taxied to a stop, its passenger door opened up and Ss climbed down the air stairs.


    "I wonder how long I''m going to spend at home this time?" Ss thought to himself.


    "I should go home first to check on Alex," Ss said, and made his way to the airport''s entrance.


    At the entrance, Ss got in the his car he left in the airport''s parking area and drove off.


    The drive home took a few minutes and when he got home, he met an empty house.


    Walking into the house, Ss made his way to his room. He opened the door and walked in, and immediately sprawled on the bed.


    "It''s good to be home."

 Chapter 125: Giving Alex The Second Quantum Smartwatch

    Sszilyy on the bed for a few minutes before he finally pushed himself up and sat down.


    "It''s already time though. Why are they not home yet?" Ss asked himself, when he thought of the time and empty house he came back to.


    The time was already a few minutes past five in the evening, and Ss was surprised that Alex and Kim are yet toe back home.


    He was about to go downstairs when he heard familiar soundsing from the entrance door.


    Soft footsteps sounds made its way upstairs and stopped at the entrance of Ss'' room door.


    The doorknob turned slowly and it opened slowly, and a loud voice came from the room behind the door.


    "Boo!"


    A startled sound came from behind the door.


    "Haa!"


    Ss couldn''t help butugh when he saw Alex''s response.


    "What were you trying to do?" Ss asked with augh.


    "I thought you were tired and sleeping aftering back from your trip. I just wanted to check if you''re awake," Alex replied, sulking, while feigning anger.


    "Sorry for scaring you, okay?" Ss apologized with a smile, as he ruffled Alex''s hair.


    Alex nodded and hugged him.


    "Wee, brother. How was your trip?" He asked.


    "It was fine. I''m going on another one tomorrow. I still have a lot of things I want to do?" Ss replied.


    "Like what, brother?" Alex asked, and raised his head and looked into Ss'' eyes.


    "A lot of things. I will tell you when it''s time, okay?" Ss said with a smile, as he caressed Alex''s hair.


    Alex heard Ss'' response and nodded, before snuggling his head back into Ss'' belly.


    Ss saw this and smiled, while he continued caressing his hair.


    "Alex, who brought you home from school?" Ss asked, curiously.


    "Mom."


    Ss nodded and was about to ask about Kim''s whereabouts where Kim was, when a knock came from the opened door.


    "Ss, are you busy?" Kim''s clear voice came from the other end of the door.


    "No. Come in,"  Ss replied, and Kim walked into his room.


    "Good afternoon, Kim," Ss said with a smile, when he saw her.


    "Good afternoon, Ss. How are you? How was your trip?" She asked, with a smile with on her face.


    "Fine. My trip was great. I will be leaving tomorrow again tomorrow. I was around, so I decided to check in," Ss replied.


    "Another trip tomorrow? But you just came back from one?" Kim asked in surprise.


    "Yeah. I have very important stuffs that I have to do," Ss replied.


    "I see," Kim said, as her eyes shifted slightly.


    She would be lying if she says that she isn''t curious about what he''s doing, what the trip is all about and everything that''s going on. It''s just that she didn''t know how to ask.


    The atmosphere in the room was getting slightly awkward, something the three of them noticed.


    "Ok, I will go freshen up and prepare dinner. Just give me some minutes, okay?" Kim said, and Ss nodded.


    "Alex, you should also take a shower and change into something morefortable. Dinner will be ready soon," She said, and left the room.


    "Yes, mom," Alex said, and stopped hugging Ss, before leaving the room.


    After the both of them left, Ss fell back on his bed with a smile.


    "Professor Edward teaches at Princeton University. I have to make sure I get him before he starts his lecture tomorrow," Ss said to himself, as he made ns for his trip tomorrow.


    "Also, I should be on the lookout for young potential that I can recruit," Ss thought to himself.


    The time went by slowly and a few minutester, Ss heard Alex knocking on the door and telling him toe down for dinners.


    He stood up from the bed and met him outside the door, and the two of them made their way to the dining area.


    At the dining area, Kim was already done dishing out food and was taking her seat when they arrived.


    With everything set, the three of them took their seats and started eating.


    Ss scooped a spoonful of rice into his mouth and savoured the taste.


    After literally losing the ability to feel hunger, the only thing Ss can do is to enjoy the taste of every food he eats.


    They had dinner their dinner in silence and when they were done, Ss offered to do the dishes and he dragged Alex along.


    Kim smiled and shook her head when she saw this. Seeing how close all of them had gottentely, she felt that all that''s left is for Chris to return but she knew that it will take a while for that to happen.


    She didn''t know where he was but she trusted Ss and believed that he was somewhere very safe, and she hopes hees back a better person.


    In the kitchen, Ss washed while Alex dealt with the rinsing. He could had used the dishwasher but he felt like doing it himself.


    "So, Alex, did you change school?" Ss asked, as he passed a dish to him to rinse.


    "Yes," Alex replied, as he rinsed the dish in his hand, dried it and kept it in its cab.


    "Do you like your new school?"


    "Yeah, I think so. I have only been going there for like a week, so I don''t really know much about it but it''s good. New people, new faces."


    "Good. Make friends, okay?" Ss said, and looked at Alex intently.


    "I will try." Alex said, and continued what he was doing.


    Ss knew that it will take a while for Alex to make new friends with his response but there''s nothing he can''t do anything about it at the moment with his busy schedule. He can only hope things works out.


    Ss looked at Alex and had the thought of giving him the remaining quantum smartwatch and purchase a Gear for him from the system store, but he knew that it would be very dumb of him to do that.


    The quantum smartwatch is something he can still do but the Gear is a whole different story entirely.


    Though Alex is matured and might not show off the gadgets if Ss gives them to him, but Ss can''t trust others. What if they get taken away from him?


    With his understanding about how school''s social hierarchy works, Ss knew that Alex has a very high probability of being bullied, especially since he looks weak and is weak physically.


    Ss doesn''t want to put a possible target on his little brother''s back.

 Chapter 126: Giving Alex The Second Quantum Smartwatch, New Jersey

    It''s true that the Gear will be useless if it''s gets into another person''s hand who isn''t the original owner, but Ss doesn''t want to take the risk at the moment. Also, he remembered the Gear user''s registration process and he knew that it''s too big a secret for the young Alex to handle.


    He felt that the quantum smartwatch is enough, as all the reason he wants to give them to him is so that he can be checking up on him through them.


    With his mind made up, Ss told E to create an AI for him.


    The both of them finished doing the dishes and Ss cleaned the kitchen sink, before they made their way to their respective rooms.


    Ss has no intention to keep Alex up as it school night.


    Inside his room, Ss went to the bathroom to take his bath for the night before going to bed.


    Few minutester, Ss was done with his bath, changed intofortable clothes and was about toy down on his bed when he got a response from E.


    {Sir, I have created the AI, as you requested.}


    "Good, send it to the dormant quantum smartwatch," Ss said, before snuggling into the bed, going to bed for the night.


    "I will give it to Alex tomorrow before I leave," He said and shut his eyes.


    The next morning, Ss woke up early, as he decided to leave early so that he can be able to meet with Professor Edward before he goes for his lecture.


    After he was done with his preparations, Ss left his room and made his downstairs. Before going downstairs, Ss made his way to Alex''s room.


    Inside the room, Ss looked at Alex''s sleeping figure on the bed and smiled. He walked towards the nightstand and dropped the quantum smartwatch on it with a note that read, "A gift from big brother. Take good care of it."


    After he dropped the smartwatch and note, Ss caressed Alex''s hair.


    "Let me get things done. I will make time it for you," Ss said with a low voice, as he took onest look at Alex before leaving the room.


    When he got downstairs, Ss met Kim who was seated on a sofa with aptop in front of her.


    "Leaving already?" She asked, as she closed theptop and looked at him.


    "Yeah, I have to leave early," Ss said, as he walked towards the door.


    "Ok, stay safe and be careful. Always remember that we''re here for you," Kim said with a smile.


    "I will. Thanks," Ss said with a smile, as he opened the door and walked out of the house.


    Ss asked about to get into his car when he heard Kim''s voice behind him.


    "I forgot to tell you but you need to check thest two days data for the game after its release, and for the chatbot, after the premium version was rollout," Kim said.


    "Ok, I will," Ss said, and got into his car, and drove off the airport.


    Arriving at the airport, Ss made his way to his private jet thatnwaa already waiting for him on the runway.


    Ss got into the aircraft and it began its takeoff run before it finally took off into the air.


    After the aircraft was airborne, Ssy back on his seat as he brought up the data page for the gacha game.


    Ss took a look at it and a smile bloomed on his face.


    In just two days of releasing the gacha game, it has already gotten more than 670k downloads on all tforms. This data is for Android, IOS and Windows.


    This might not look much but what actually made Ss smile is the revenue that the game has been able to generate.


    In just two days, the gacha game has been able to generate a total of more than $95k!


    Compared to Ss'' unlimited wealth, $95k is not even qualified to be called a drop in the massive ocean of wealth he has, but it''s a lot of money for the ordinary person.


    With the progress that the game has shown in just two days of its release, Ss was satisfaction and was cing high expectations on it.


    Ss closed the game''s data page and opened E''s data page, and an even brighter smile bloomed on his face.


    After E''s premium version was rolled out two days ago, Ss already knew that the daily users'' numbers will drop by at least nore than half.


    What he didn''t expect was that they didn''t lose as much users as he expected but even managed to convert more than 60% of them into paid users.


    Luna created three subscription ns for E. The regr monthly n that costs $15, Group monthly n that costs $13 per person andstly is the yearly n that costs $100.


    Ss saw that the cheap pricing the the ns and he knew that it was probably the reason why they were able to retain, and convert a huge number of their free trial users into premium users.


    At the moment, E currently has more than 160k premium users which has generated a total of more than $2 million!


    This means that in two days, Ss has made more than $2 million from his two business ventures.


    Ss was very satisfied with the progress so far. Not only have they been able to retain a lot of users and make a substantial amount of money, the reviews they have been getting on the game and from people using E, has been expected positive.


    After he was done with the two business data, Ss decided to rest until he arrives at New Jersey.


    ***


    On a runway of Newark Liberty International Airport, a ck Bombardier Global 8000nded and slowly taxied to a stop.


    The passenger door of the aircraft and its air stairs descend, and a young man climbed down the stairs.


    "New Jersey... It looks beautiful.

 Chapter 127: Professor Edward(II)

    Edward never thought he would one day be asked this question again after many years of being in the field.


    "How much do I know about quantum physics?" He asked himself, repeating Ss'' questions.


    His knowledge on quantum physics isn''t less than what every knowledgeable person in the field knows. Though his specification is in string theory and topological quantum field theory, he still deals with quantum physics, so he''s very familiar with the topic.


    "Professor Edward, it''s okay. What I wrote on the book is the equation to follow when one wants tobine a superconducting qubit and a topological qubit, when creating a quantumputer. So it''s understandable if you don''t get it right," Ss said, as he tapped on the book in Professor Edward''s hands, before continuing what he was saying with a smile, "Though, that is that.


    What I said before is true. Your initial approach to everything was wrong."


    "An equation on entangled qubit?" Professor Edward asked himself as he looked at the book.


    "Though this is different from the equations that I''m familiar with, I don''t understand how my approach was wrong. Also, how are you sure that your equation is correct?" He asked, as he looked at Ss'' intently.


    Ss smiled when he heard Professor Edward''s question.


    "Professor Edward, that''s because I used it and it worked," Ss replied with a smile.


    Professor Edward''s curiosity was already at its peak and his previous thought on Ss being a disturbance to him,pletely disappeared from his mind.


    His thought now was on how to understand the equation that now pose a problem to him. An equation that was given to him by a kid.


    "You used it? Does that mean that you created an actual quantumputer?.. No, it shouldn''t be an actual quantumputer, maybe something like what Google and IBM has," He said to himself.


    Ss couldn''t help butugh when he heard what Professor Edward said.


    "Honestly, I thought what they had was a quantumputer but after seeing the real deal, I knew that it was nothingpared to the real deal," Ss said with augh.


    "So how''s the real deal?" Professor Edward asked curiously.


    "The real deal is iparable," Ss replied with a smile.


    "Now you got me even more curious. I really want to see what a real quantumputer is," Professor Edward said with a smile, as he looked at Ss with a look that says "show me" on his face.


    "I can show you but first, I have an offer to make," Ss said, as he cut to the chase.


    Professor Edward raised an eyebrow when he heard what Ss said.


    "Go on, I''m curious."


    "Professor Edward, I want you to work for me," Ss said, and folded his hand as he looked at Professor Edward intently.


    He had already made all of his preparations and he was waiting to see how far things will go before his offer gets epted.


    He also knew that it might not get epted but he wasn''t worried about that. Though he wants Professor Edward to work for him, there are a lot of options he can choose from.


    Professor Edward shook his head when he heard what Ss said.


    "Work for you? I''m sorry kid, but I don''t work for anyone. I''m getting on in years and all I want to do is spend the rest of my days, quietly doing the the things I love," Professor Edward said, as he closed the book he was holding and dropped it on the desk.


    "Professor Edward, what do you love doing? I see you here quietly reading but why do I feel like you long for something else?" Ss asked.


    Professor Edward sighed and looked at Ss, with a lot of emotions shing in his eyes.


    "Look, kid. At some point in one''s life, they must know when to stop and rest. This is that time for me. You''re right that I long for something else other than to sit down in this library and read different books and articles being published by others. I long for so many things but I can''t have them as I''m passed my prime.


    It''s time for the younger ones like you to take on the mantle," He said with a low voice.


    "Professor Edward, I think you should look at the young ones you what to take on the mantle and how they are. Also is the situation of the world giving them a chance?" Ss asked before continued, "Though they are those who have those dreams of being like you and they are working towards it.


    Some are studying as hard as they can, while some are ving away at mega corporations to create a breakthrough technology that will fill the pockets of the executives and they get pitiful pays."


    "Isn''t that the same thing you want to do? Have me ve away to create a breakthrough technology so that you can fill your pocket?" Professor Edward asked, as he looked at Ss in the eyes.


    "You''re getting something wrong here, Professor Edward. I don''t want you to create breakthrough technologies for me because I have created one myself and I can create many others, but I can''t do it alone and I want to share the knowledge I have with others," Ss replied.


    "Let''s say I believe that you have actually created a real quantumputer bettter than what others have. What else?" Professor Edward asked.


    "A lot of things. Almost anything you can imagine. As long it''s feasible and can be created after it has been researched, it can be created," Ss replied with a smile.


    "Such big words from you. I wonder if you have the skills to back it up?" Professor Edward asked, as he picked up one of the book from the table and passed it to Ss.


    "What''s your name, kid?" He asked.


    "Ss Kurt."


    "Ss Kurt, no matter what you say I won''t ept your offer but if you can prove yourself and if it''s true that you really n to do as you said, then I can help you in another way." He said


    "How?" Ss asked curiously.


    "I have students. If you can prove yourself, I will tell them to work for you."


    Ss smiled when he heard this.


    "That''s good then. How do you want me to prove myself?" He asked.

 Chapter 128: Professor Edward

    Ss made his way through the airport''s terminal, as he walked towards the designated parking area where an Uber was already waiting for him.


    When he got to the parking area, he looked around for a moment before he finally saw what he was looking for.


    Immediately, he walked towards a ck Mercedes-Benz E ss that had a middle-aged man standing in front of it.


    After his private jet took off, Luna started preparing Ss'' transportation details, as she ordered an Uber for him. After she was done, she sent the information on the car and its driver to Ss.


    The middle-aged man noticed a someone walking towards his general direction and he took a good look at the person, and he smiled.


    The youth walking towards him, is the one that he has been waiting for. It''s been more than three hours since he arrived at the airport in response to the order that someone ced and he has been waiting since then.


    With a smile, the man got into the car and started waiting for the youth.


    He didn''t have to wait long as in the following moments, the door to the backseat opened and a young man got in.


    The driver saw this and started the car, as he drove off to the destination the app is disying on his phone''s screen.


    Luna had already taken care of everything and the only thing Ss has to do is to sitfortably and enjoy the ride.


    The ride to Princeton University will take approximately close to 50 minutes and Ss n to use that 50 minutes doing nothing.


    He had already used the excess free time he had during the flight to prepare himself for his meeting with Professor Edward. He decided to do nothing but rx throughout the ride.


    Close to 50 minutester, the car finally stopped in front of a wrought-iron structure, the official entrance of Princeton University.


    Ss got out of the car and stood in front of the structure, as he admired it for a few moments.


    The structure in front of him is called the FitzRandolph Gate.


    Looking at the gate, Ss felt it''s something that one would see in that popr vampire series.


    Ss smiled at his thought as he walked through the open gate and he made his way to Professor Edward''s location.


    Luna had already tracked and located Professor Edward''s phone and his location was being disyed on the Gear''s screen, with a red dot acting as an indicator.


    It took Ss a few minutes to get to the building being used by the school of natural sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study, where Professor Edward was working as a professor emeritus.


    After walking into the building, Ss followed the resd dot and it didn''t take him long before he saw who he was looking for.


    In a quiet and empty room that looks to be a library, he saw Professor Edward seated, reading a book, with a pile of books arranged on the table in front of him.


    "Professor Edward," Ss said, as he stretched out his hands towards him for an handshake.


    An elderly looking man raised up his head to look at the person who called his name and he saw an unfamiliar young man, standing in front of him with one his hands outstretched.


    "How many I help you kid?" He asked curiously, as he studied the youth.


    Ss seeing that his hand was left hanging, he smiled as he dropped it and walked closer towards Professor Edward.


    Ss took a look at the book that professor Edward was reading and nodded. He smiled and picked up one of the exercise book on the table.


    Picking up the book, he flipped through it to a nk page and he wrote something on it before passing it to Professor Edward.


    Professor Edward is someone with a very calm personality and he''s a very patient and understanding person, and he has takes a lot of pride in what he does, but here''s something that he hates and would make him quickly lose his cool.


    Professor Edward hates for his reading or study session to be disturbed. He can talk to anyone anytime but whenever his study session is on, he goes into another mode.


    Everyone in the school of science and the institute of advanced study as a whole knows this. This is reason why he was curious as to the reason why the youth disturbed him but he didn''t even get an answer, as the youth smiled, took an exercise book from his table, scribbled something on it and passed it to him.


    He was about to about to chase the kid out but as sma very curious individual, he decided to check what he wrote in the book.


    Professor Edward''s eyes narrowed when he saw what was written on the book. He looked at the text and raised his head to look at Ss, with his curiosity level rising.


    With a serious face, he looked at what was written in the book, again and he shook his head.


    "This shouldn''t be correct," He said to himself, as he turned the exercise book to another nk page and started scribbling away.


    The nk page was quickly filled up and he opened to another nk page. The second nk page was also quickly filled up and he opened to another.


    He continued scribbling and when the third page was to be filled up, his hands paused for a brief moment and he raised his head to look at Ss'' face.


    "Are you sure this is correct?" He asked curiously, and Ss nodded.


    "Yes, it is," Ss replied.


    "If that''s so, then why does it look like I''m doing the wrong thing?" Professor Edward asked, as he flipped the pages of the book back to the page that Ss wrote something on.


    "That''s because you''re doing it wrong. Your initial approach to it from the beginning was wrong," Ss said with a smile, and adjusted a chair close to Professor Edward.


    "May I?" He asked, pointing to the chair and he received a nod of approval.


    He took his seat and looked at Professor Edward intently.


    "Professor Edward... Quantum physics? How much do you actually know about it?"

 Chapter 129: Professor Edward(III)

    "How do you want me to prove myself, Professor Edward?"


    "Since you''re very familiar with Quantum Physics, let''s go with that," Professor replied, and picked up the exercise book on his table, and wrote something on it before passing it to Ss.


    "Impress me, kid," He said with a smile.


    Ss picked up the book and took a look at what Professor Edward wrote in the book, and he couldn''t help but smile.


    "Professor Edward, is this how you n to have me prove myself?" Ss asked with a surprise expression on his face.


    "Yes. Is it too much for you, kid?" Professor Edward asked, as he looked at Ss intently with a smile on his face.


    "You really n for me to go all out, huh?" Ss said, nodded to himself with a smile, before continuing, "It''s not bad though."


    Ss picked up the pen and started scribbling in the book.


    What Professor Edward wrote in the book was a question on Quantum Mechanics. To be precise, it was a question on wave-particle duality theory.


    This is a type of question that would has left the previous Ss who hadn''t gotten the system, stumped as it''s a question beyond what his intelligence can handle, but not the current him who has the knowledge on Quantum Computing.


    Two minutester, Ss was done and passed the book back to Professor Edward.


    Professor Edward collected the book and took a look at it, and he smiled when he saw  what Ss wrote.


    "Good. Not bad. You''re really familiar with Quantum Mechanics... Kid, how old are you if I may ask?" He asked, as he looked at Ss curiously.


    He knew that it''s impossible for Ss to juat guess the answer to the question he gave correctly. The question he gave Ss is something that only someone who is well versed in Quantum Mechanics can answer and this is the reason he asked of Ss'' age.


    He''s curious to know how someone who looks so young would have the knowledge on something that would take one a lot of years of intense study to acquire.


    "20. 21 in a couple of months," Ss replied with a smile.


    He could already guess the reason why Professor Edward asked of his age as he already expected it. Ss gave a verymon answer to the question that Professor Edward asked him. He made sure he didn''t go deep and gave something he felt to be ayman answer to the question but it seems that he overdid it a bit.


    He understands the value of the knowledge he has and not just the knowledge, everything he has, with the system included.


    Professor Edward was surprised when he heard Ss'' age.


    "20? If you''re this young, then it means that you''re yet to be done with college," He said to himself, as he looked at Ss curiously.


    "Actually, technically, I''m done with school," Ss said.


    "You graduated already?" Professor Edward asked in even more surprise, with a strange expression on his face.


    He felt it was impossible that Ss who is so young is already done with school.


    ''How is that possible?'' He thought to himself. He knew that if Ss is actually done with school as he says then he''s on the youngest person to finish their education but the question is why hasn''t he heard anything about it?


    Considering how fast news fly around in the country and how hungry the press are for news that gets them the click, it''s impossible for someone like Ss to still remain unknown.


    Ss saw the strange expression on Professor Edward''s,he could already guess what he was thinking. He knew that he had already created a misunderstanding and he decided to clear it up.


    "Uh, Professor Edward?..." Ss called to him, bringing him out of his reverie.


    Professor Edward looked at Ss, waiting for him toplete what he was about to say.


    "I didn''t graduate. I dropped out," Ss said with a smile.


    Professor Edward sighed when he heard this and mumbled something to himself.


    "Another school drop out. Is the education system failing that bad making all of the geniuses to drop out?"


    Ss heard the content of Professor Edward''s mumbling and he couldn''t help but smile.


    Honestly speaking to him, the world education system iscking and needs aplete revamp. Instead of creation future leaders, they are creating future ves, corporate ves.


    "Kid, what do you n to do from here on," Professor Edward asked, as he closed the exercise book that was in his hand and dropped it on the table.


    "I n to share my ideas and dreams with the world," Ss replied, as heid back on the chair.


    "That sounds like something a psycho would say," Professor Edward said with a nod.


    "Anyone who had tried or has done something revolutionary has was initiallybeled a psycho," Ss  said with a smile.


    "What you said is true," Professor Edward said with a nod, before continuing, "Honestly kid, even though I don''t really know what you actually intend to do but I n on supporting it. The world need to experience some changes, big changes I mean and I hope you being those changes."


    "I will do my best." Ss replied with a smile.


    Ss didn''t understand why Professor Edward was said what he said, and honestly he didn''t care. As long as it''s something that won''t affect his ns, he would rather not pay attention to it.


    Ss'' meeting with Professor Edward ended shortly. Professor Edward asked Ss'' to drop his contact so that he give it to his students that he will be sending to him.


    After the meeting ended, Ss stood up and left the library. He had already achieved his aim foring to Princeton University.


    Even though he wasn''t able to convince Professor Edward to work for him, he got hold of his students.


    After leaving the library, Ss took his time to walk around the campus of Princeton University. He wanted to see if he would see anyone with potential he can employ.


    He walked through the campus of Princeton University, quietly taking the view. He was about to take a step when he heard someone calling him from behind.


    "Hello, handsome," A sweet, coquettish voice came from behind.


    Ss was about to turn back and look at who the voice belongs to, when he felt something soft touch his back and a finger pressed into his forehead.


    "Sleep, handsome. Sleep."

 Chapter 130: Strange Girl

    Ss would be lying if he said he wasn''t surprised by the whole situation. He didn''t understand what the girl was trying to do but from she said, she wants him to sleep.


    "How long you n on to continue rubbing your boobs again my back? Though I must admit that they feel soft on my back, I would get a better feel of it it it''s in my hands ," Ss says with a sly smile, as he removed the finger pressed to his forehead and turned to look at the culprit.


    Standing at his back is a fairdy dressed in tight blue jeans and white, long sleeve shirts. Her beautiful face that has a surprised expression on it and a tinge of red due to the embarrassment she felt from Ss'' words.


    "H-howe?" She said to herself, with a stutter.


    Ss got even more curious when heard what she said, and he looked at her in scrutiny with a strange expression on his face.


    "What do you mean howe? What were you trying to do?" Ss asked.


    "Y-You were supposed to sleep. Why aren''t you sleeping?" The girl asked in surprise, and her face getting redder.


    "Lady, are you alright? How do you expect me to sleep when I don''t feel sleepy at all? Do you think you''re some sort of illusionist or a magician?" Ss asked, as he took a step closer to her.


    Ss was now standing with his face extremely close to the girl. He could feel her breath and the heat from her body.


    This is actually the closest he has ever been to a girl in a very long time.


    The girl saw how close Ss was to her and she instinctively pushed him away.


    "S-stay away from me, freak!" She shouted in a low voice.


    Ss couldn''t help but blink in surprise when he heard what she said.


    "Freak? The fuck?! You''re the one who pressed your two...melons to my back, pressed a finger to my head and told me to sleep and you''re calling me a freak? It seems like the definition of freak has been updated without my notice," Ss said, and shook his head.


    The redness of the girl''s face at this point waspeting with that of a ripe tomato. Her fist was clenched and without thought, she punched Ss in the chest.


    A soft thud as heard as her fist made contact with his chest and she immediately raised her head and looked at Ss.


    "Are you wearing something like a protective gear under?" She asked in surprise, as she lowered her head and looked at Ss'' chest for the sign of him wearing something hard underneath.


    "No. Are you this weak?" Ss asked, as he grabbed her hand.


    "Let go!" She screamed with a mumble, as she jerked her hand, trying to free it from Ss'' grip. She didn''t understand why Ss'' grip on her hand was so strong, and why she felt like she was punching a wall when she punching his chest.


    "Lady, what the hell is wrong with you?" Ss asked, as he continued to hold her to her hand.


    He has no intention of releasing her soft and smooth hand from his grip.


    "Please, let me go. It was a mistake," She begged as she made a cute puppy dog eyes at Ss.


    Ssughed when he saw her action.


    "It won''t work,dy. I will only let you go if you tell me what you''re trying to do," Ss said.


    "It wasn''t supposed to go this way," She mumbled to herself.


    "It definitely wasn''t supposed to. Now tell me what I want to know."


    The girl looked at Ss and looked at her surroundings. Due to the fact they were in a somewhat secluded part of the campus and also due to a lot of sses being held at the moment, a very few amount of people could be seen walking around.


    "It''s not something we can talk about here. I will take you somewhere else. Please let me go," She said with a tired voice, and looked at Ss.


    Ss decided to release his hold on her hand. From the voice, he knew that there was no way she would run and if she tries to, it''s impossible for her to outrun him.


    "Fine," he said as he released his hold on her hand.


    "Thank you. Follow me," She said, and started walking, with Ss following behind.


    The two of them made their way through the campus as they walked towards the gate of the institution.


    They walked out of the gate and walked through the through the semi-bustling Nassau Street that thw university is located in.


    The girl looked back at Ss and smiled, before walking into a restaurant that was by the street.


    Following the girl, Ss also walked into the restaurant. Due to the girl''s prior act of smiling when she looked back at him, he thought that the normal-looking would be like a secret hideout but he was greeted by a normal restaurant atmosphere.


    It seems like he spoke too soon as he saw the girl walk past the dining area and she walked towards the kitchen area of the restaurant. Inside the busy kitchen area of the restaurant, Ss noticed that everyone only took a nce at her and continued what they were doing.


    He saw her walk towards one of the numerous normal-looking kitchen shelves and slide it, revealing a hidden door behind it.


    She looked back at Ss once more and smiled.


    "Hope you''re ready?" She asked, smiling.


    "Don''t try to scare me. Open the door," Ss replied with a smile.


    "I like your guts," She said with a smile.


    "And I like the softness of your melons. Oops. Sorry, that was a mistake," Ss said with a slit smile.


    He intentionally made thest sentence because he saw two girl trying to put on a tough act in front of him. He prefered her previous extremely embarrassed self who could only stutter.


    Sure enough, Ss'' words made the girl embarrassed but the situation was different as she didn''t blush like she did before. Instead she got angry as she red at him before turning to the door.


    "Hope you can still talk after you see everything behind this door," She said and slide the door open.


    "Wow!" Ss eximed when he saw what was behind the door.

 Chapter 131: Strange Girl(II)

    From the girl''s previous actions when she tried to force him to sleep, he could already guess the girl''s identity but he didn''t want to believe it as he felt it to be very unlikely.


    He guess that she could be a phenomenal, very likely an undocumented one but he chose not to believe it because he thought that people like her should be hidden. At least that was his thoughts.


    Also, from her following reaction after she failed to out Ss to sleep. Ss understood that this wasn''t the first time that something like that has happened.


    He was puzzled though. If he''s right and he''s not her first victim, then why is it that she hasn''t been caught even though she''s doing something like in the campus ground? Has there been noint and at all or... He felt it might be possible that after the person wake up, they lose the memory of what happened and this is how she has been able to go scot-free.


    Maybe everything was just his thought and him overthinking but he was curious to find out everything.


    After the girl slid open the hidden door, something popped up on the Gear''s screen, causing him to exim in amazement. A mistaken on his part but he couldn''t help it.


    What was being disyed on the Gear''s screen is what is behind the hidden door. Actually, it''s what one would find after they take the elevator in front of them.


    The girl looked at Ss strangely. She didn''t understand why he eximed and she didn''t want to ask. All she wants to do at this point, is to take him to her boss and have her solve the mess created.


    She ced her thumb on a scanner beside the elevator, and the following moments, the scanner lit up with a green light and a ding was heard from the elevator and it opened up.


    "Follow me," She said as she walked into the elevator.


    Ss didn''t need to be told as he followed behind and also walked into the elevator.


    After Ss had gotten into the elevator, the girl pressed a button that has a downward indication on it, and the elevator closed and started descending.


    The girl looked at Ss and walked towards a side of the elevator and stood quietly. She wasn''t going to give him a chance to make her embarrass again.


    Ss saw her action and smiled. His attention wasn''t actually on the girl but on something else, two things actually.


    The first is the girl''s identity that been disyed on the Gear''s screen and the second, is where the elevator is taking them.


    Using the girl''s face and voice, Luna went through every possible database to get her information and identity, and she sent it to Ss.


    The strange girl''s name is Natasha. She''s a just a regr girl studying in Princeton University. There''s nothing strange about her or her identity but whatplicates everything is her identity as a Phenomenal.


    Yes, Ss has confirmed that she''s a phenomenal due to what he''s seeing on the Gear''s screen.


    With a curious smile on his face, Ss waited patiently for the elevator to stop. After it did, it opened up and the girl walked out and he followed behind.


    "Follow me closely. When we get there, don''t look at anybody, I won''t be responsible for you if offend someone and they do something to you," She said, and started walking down a hallway that has red ambient light, lighting it up.


    The hallway was made of ss, a one-way or privacy type of ss that doesn''t allow one to see what''s happening on the inside but those inside can see what''s happening outside.


    They got to the end of the hallway and girl walked up to a scanner, and ced her thumb on it.


    The following moments, the scanner turned green and a click was heard from the door.


    The girl looked at Ss for what seems to be the final time and turned the handle of the door, opening it.


    Immediately, a sting noise was heard as a massive room that''s filled withrge number of people, and stretches as far as the eyes could see appeared in front of him.


    " Follow me. Again, don''t do anything stupid. The people here are not as weak as me. They will decimate you and there''s nothing I would be able to do about it," She said and walked into the extremely noisy room.


    Ss walked into the room and he was greeted by a huge crowd of people that gathered in a circle around a massive arena that''s in the middle of the room. If he''s to estimate their number, they would be above hundred.


    The massive arena that''s surrounded by massive iron structures around it, was upied by two individuals, two men who looks to be in their thirties.


    The interesting part about the individuals is that the two of them are phenomenals!


    This is going to be the third phenomenal, with Natasha included, that Ss is seeing and in just one day.


    After seeing the arena and the two men standing in it, one needs not to be told what the massive room is.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen. For the second preliminary rounds, we have two extremely strong individuals going head to head against each other," A man in something that looks to be a referee''s uniform, said with a mic to his mouth.


    "On my right side, we have the fire demon, Fernandez!!!!," He shouted and pointed to one of the men.


    The man jumped up to height that looks impossible for a normal human andnded. Afternding, he raised his open hands in hair and two fist-sized mes light up on it, and he slowly brought his open palms mes dancing on them, to his face, before clenching his fists and extinguishing the mes.


    In response to his disy, the crowd roared in excitement, with some of them shouting his nickname at the top of their voices.


    The referee saw this and nodded in satisfaction. He felt satisfied that the demonstration from the fighter achieved the desired effects he wanted.


    "And to my left side, is the one and only... Thor, the god of thunder!!!" He shouted, as he pointed to the second man standing in the arena.


    The man that was pointed to, clenched his fist and small tendrils of lightning ran along his arms, with a crackle. The lightning tendrils made their way to his palms and after they had gathered, and concentrated on his palms, he clenched hia fists and a small lightning explosion was heard with a crackle, as the concentrated lightning tendrils struck the surrounding air harmlessly.


    The response of the crowd was even more intense as they screamed in excitement and majority of them started shouting Thor at the top of their voices.


    Ss saw all this and he smiled, as he muttered to himself.


    "Weak."


    Ss was still in his thought when he was dragged by Natasha.


    "Hey, don''t stand around or you might actually get in trouble. Follow me," She said and started dragging him along.


    She dragged him until they stopped in front of a luxuriously-designed door. She opened the door and dragged Ss inside.


    Right as he was about to walk in, Ss heard the referee shout, "Fight!"

 Chapter 132: Underground Arena, The Empress

    After the refree shouted, Ss saw the two men rush towards each other but he was unable to see the subsequent events that followed, as he was dragged through the door by Natasha.


    Natasha closed the door and looked at Ss with an exasperated expression on her face.


    "Hey, I told you not to look around. You''re definitely asking to be killed. Those people outside and the men in that arena, they are people who can kill you ten times over and no one would be able to do anything about it. So, please don''t get yourself killed and follow me," Natasha said to Ss with a stern voice, before she turned and started walking down the hallway.


    After he was dragged through the door, Ss saw himself in another hallway but unlike the first hallway that has ss walls, this one was made of concrete walls. The hallway wasn''t empty as it had multiple luxuriously-designed doors.


    Standing in the hallway, Ss noticed how impable the soundproofing of the hallway is, and the also that of the hallway he walked through before.


    Ss looked at Natasha who was now standing in front of a door at the end of the hallway, and he walked towards her.


    When he got to where she stood, he heard her mumbling something to herself, and after that, she took a deep breath before opening the door.


    After opening the door, she walked into the room and Ss followed behind. After the two of them were inside the room, Natasha closed the door and turned to look at ady who was sitting quietly on a ck sofa, at the end of the room.


    "Natasha, you''re back and you came with friends.. without my permission," Thedy said with a cold voice, and a menacing look.


    "I didn''t mean to but I kind of got into a problem. I tried using my superpower on him but he was unaffected. I tried to escape from him after I failed but he was too strong and too fast


    The only way I could get myself out of it was to bring him here.


    I know it was stupid of me to try to use my power in the public in the first ce but I was curious as what I would be able to do with it.


    Since I can remembered that I got this power, I have tried to use it but you have always told me not to. I couldn''t help it. Even if I can''t be in the arena, at least I can help around. A-All, All I just wanted to do was to be useful," Natasha said, and during thwst sentence, her voice cracked due to the emotions she was feeling.


    Thedy sitting on the sofa shook her head at Natasha''s words.


    "You said all that but you didn''t say how we''re going to take care of the mess you created, and what are we going to do about your friend?," She asked, and sighed.


    "You see, you''re nothing but a crybaby. Why the hell are you getting emotional now? You created a mess and you''re trying to wiggle your way out of it by earning my sympathy points? I''m sorry but you failed sessfully.


    You have a weak mind and  this is the reason why I''m always against you using your superpower. I really don''t understand why and how you got yours. To be honest, you don''t deserve it," She said with an even colder voice.


    Natasha at this point, had tears streaking down her cheeks.


    With intense anger and hate in her eyes, she clenched her fist tightly, with her nails nearly digging into her skin.


    She had a lot of things she wanted to say but she was unable to. She knew that thedy is right. She''s weak minded and she doesn''t deserve her power.


    She closed her eyes briefly and let out a lengthy sigh, as she cleared the anger she was feeling out of her head.


    While this was happening, Ss stood quietly at a side of the room.


    He was aware of what was happening but his attention was somewhere else. His attention was on the fight going on between the two men in the arena.


    Luna hacked into the underground arena live transmission system and connected the Gear to it, allowing Ss to watch the fight, just like those people sitting in the VIP rooms behind the doors he saw in the hallway.


    Yes, the doors that Ss saw in the hallway are actually VIP rooms and the people inside are watching the fight going on in the arena, live as it''s being disyed on the TV screen in the room.


    Ss was initially disappointed when he saw how dull the fight between the two men, but he had a change of thought when he understood the reason for it.


    It''s not that the fight between the two of them were dull, but they are actually fighting at their full strength, but due to his high perception, the fight was extremely slow. Also, this made their attempts to use their powers and fight, looks like kids ying around with something they know nothing about.


    Ss told Luna to record the fight and any other fights thates up, as he wants to analyze everythingter. After he was done giving Luna instructions, he turned his attention to what was happening in the room.


    He didn''t really pay much attention to the room when he walked in as he was preupied with the fight he was watching.


    Ss noticed that thedy sitting on the sofa was looking at him strangely.


    "You, what''s your name?" She asked, with narrowed eyes.


    "That isn''t important though. What I''m actually curious about is how you guys were able to build an underground arena under a restaurant, and close to an Ivy League university." Ss said, as he walked towards the sofa and took his seat beside thedy.


    "You have guts. You saw all that back there and you''re stillposed. I wonder if you''re pretending to put up a tough front?" She asked with a cold smile, as she turned to look at Ss.


    "If you talking about me being scared of those ying around in the arena, you''re wrong. I have seen worse. Though they may look menacing from their demonstration, they are still human and therefore weak. I''m very sure a bullet to the heart or head can still send them to their maker," Ss said with a smile.


    "Another thing I''m curious about is how this ce is still up and running with no issues when there are so many of the country''s wealthy and affluent individuals gathered here? Do you mind telling me?" Ss asked, as heid back on the sofa and ced his legs on the table.


    Thedy was surprised when she heard what Ss said. She couldn''t understand how he knew the identity of those behind the doors in the hallway. She felt that he might just be taking a guess.


    To her, it would be better if thetter was true as things will be easier but if it''s the former, then things are going to getplicated.


    Ss'' confidence peaked her interest and she got very curious about his identity.


    "It seems like we started off on the wrong foot. I''m called the Empress and I would like to know your name," She said with a smile, as she stretched out her hand for an handshake.

 Chapter 133: Rising Tension

    Ss'' previous actions and words were intentional. It was an attempt of his to gain an advantage in the situation he is in currently.


    He knew that he would be in a weaker position as he was the one that came to them. Even though he acted all tough on Natasha, thedy in front it him is different.


    Also, he knew that he would in an interrogative position as thedy would be suspicious of him and would try to get any possible information out of him.


    It would be strange if she doesn''t suspect someone who was able to resist the attempt of Natasha who tried to get into his head. Also, even though Natasha is weak minded as she said, the fact that he forced her to the point that she had to bring him to their base before she can get rid of him is something for her to be curious about.


    From what thedy said, Ss understood that Natasha attempt to get into his mind was the first time she tried to use her power. This got him curious as what her power could possibly be.


    For now, Ss isn''t interested in Natasha but thedy sitting beside him.


    From the information he got from Luna, thedy, The Empress, is one of the documented Phenomenals in the country.


    Actually, among all the documented Phenomenals in the world, she''s one of the strongest and she''s also someone with huge influence.


    This is thanks to her identity as a Phenomenal and also due to her identity as the daughter of one the country''s past senators.


    Thedy in front of him is the one that runs the underground arena and from the information he got from Luna, she''s not into it alone.


    The underground arena is a business that''s being managed together by the young scions of the most powerful political and extremely wealthy individuals in the country, spearheaded by thedy in front of him, Elizabeth Frederick.


    This information answers Ss'' question on how the underground arena is still up and running up to now without any hitch. It''s only because it''s something that''s created by the rich to entertain themselves during their leisure time.


    This information on the underground arena reminds Ss of how the ancient Romans entertain themselves with diator fights.


    The situation with the underground arena is almost the exact same thing, if not exactly the same.


    The underground arena is exactly hidden as almost anyone can ess it but either of two conditions has to be fulfilled first.


    The first of the two conditions is that one has to be a Phenomenal, either documented or not. Two, you can ess it by paying any amount they stiptes for entry tickets, and this entry tickets prices are not fixed and their prices are also exorbitant. All this information is avable on the dark web.


    Though almost anyone can gain ess, just as Ss said, it''s made by the rich for the rich to enjoy themselves.


    Back to thedy, Ss knew that he has already achieved his aim when he heard the slight politeness in her voice when she introduced herself and asked fot his name the second time.


    Though he knew that she was being slightly polite to him, he wasn''t going to just allow her to achieve her aim easily.


    He''s in their base, surrounded by a lot of Phenomenals, weak Phenomenals and one of the strongest of the all is beside him, but he''s not scared.


    Instead he''s enjoying the current situation. It might be seen as an intentional act on his side to look for trouble but trouble is something he afford and beside, he has been looking to fight a Phenomenal. Maybe he will get his chance today.


    "They call you the The Empress but your name can''t possibly be that, right?" Ss asked with a smile.


    Hearing what Ss said, Elizabeth clenched her fist lightly and brought it down. She looked at Ss and nodded, her thoughts unknown.


    She felt like she was being toyed with, something she has never experienced as she has been in a position of power.


    She has asked Ss multiple questions but he didn''t answer any of them, and even after she went out of her way to be polite and friendly by offering an handshake, he left her hand hanging.


    She would had taken action if it was someone else that did that to her but she can''t, at least not for now. She felt that there''s a definitely a reason behind his confidence or it would actually be foolishness.


    She decided to probe him one more time but if she doesn''t get anything out of it, then she would take care of things the hard way.


    "I understand that I may have been rude to you initially but you also have to understand that there are things that has to be done before one cane down here," She said.


    "Yeah, I know of either of the two conditions that one has to fulfill before they can be given ess to the underground arena. It''s not exactly a secret," Ss said with a nod before continuing," But you can''t me me. Someone sneaked up to me and pressed a finger to my head, and told me to sleep. I got curious as to what the person actually wanted to achieve by telling me to sleep. That''s all."


    Elizabeth facepalmed when she heard what Ss said. She looked at Natasha who was standing at one corner of the room and she mumbled something to herself.


    "What a dumb bitch."


    She let out a sigh and shook her head, before looking at Ss.


    "I''m sorry about what she tried to do to you. Now, let''s talk between ourselves. I have introduced myself, can I know your name?... Please?" She asked with a forced smile on her face, making it to look stiff.


    Ss decided to let things be at this point. He knew that Elizabeth was trying her best to be polite to him, even though she''s forcing it.


    Also, he didn''te here for a fight but only to satisfy his curiosity. Yes, he can afford trouble but it seems thedy doesn''t and Ss would respect that.


    "The name''s Ss," He replied.


    Elizabeth nodded when she heard Ss'' reply. She made sure tomit the name to memory as she intends to investigate himter.


    Though she doesn''t know if the name is fake. She wasn''t worried as she can use the image of him gotten from the CCTV footage to investigate.


    "Ss, since we''re on an even foot. I would like to ask you something and you must bepletely honest with me," Elizabeth said in a solemn voice.


    Ss only smiled in response to what she said.


    ''To bepletely honestly with her? She''s definitely joking,'' Ss thought to himself.


    Elizabeth saw Ss'' response and sighed.


    "I know that I can''t make you unsee what you saw back there. The only way to do that is to silence youpletely and you know what that means.


    That''s something I don''t want to do," She said and paused for a brief moment, before continuing,"You said you know about either of the two conditions one has fulfill before gaining ess to the underground arena, which means that your someone of status in the country¡ª"


    She was cut off shortly by Ss.


    "Let cut straight to the chase. If you''re going to ask for my identity, then sorry, I can''t help you with that. If you''re going to ask if I know about people with superpower, actually this is my first time seeing them. If your question is out of the range of what I asked, then you can go ahead," Ss said.


    He felt he knew what Elizabeth was trying to do and he wasn''t in the mood for it. He had already satisfied his curiosity and he now has a new way to entertain himself, which is by watching Phenomenals fight each other in the arena.


    Ss actually feels like leaving but he knew that it would be close to impossible for Elizabeth to allow him to leave without getting what she wants.


    Elizabeth felt that Ss was being too difficult when she heard what he said.


    ''What does he mean by he can''t help me if I want to know his identity?'' She thought to herself.


    She felt that he was attaching to much importance to his identity. Even her who''s a Phenomenal doesn''t keep her identity as one hidden. At least that''s what she would do if there''s no policy against it.


    She sighed and looked at Ss with her eyes narrowed.


    "You know, I have been trying my very best to be nice to you but your attitude is started to get on my nerves. I do not want to be rude to you but you''re forcing my hands. You might be confident even after seeing so many Phenomenals but are you really confident on being able to fight off every single one of them," Elizabeth asked, with a cold smile on her face.

 Chapter 134: Live Practice Targets, Flexing

    Ss, of course knew that Elizabeth was threatening him but he wasn''t worried. He waspletely aware of his strengths and he already made an estimation on what a regr Phenomenal''s strength is.


    Due to their inability to absorb dark energy, every Phenomenals on Earth, with the exception of Ss, have their superpower unranked and the only way for them to increase it is to take the GES.


    Ss'' confidence stems from this information and the fact that he has more than enough strength to bring down the underground arena, and still walk out of here without a scratch.


    Ss looked at Elizabeth who was looking at him with an icy look in her eyes, and he smiled. He seemed his previous judgement on her not wanting trouble was wrong. Maybe he will get his chance today.


    "Am I confident? Maybe.. Maybe not," Ss replied with a smile, and stood up with the intention to leave.


    "I will be taking my leave, Empressdy. I hope we meet again in the future," Ss said, as he walked towards the door.


    Elizabeth nearly lost it when she saw Ss'' response and action.


    When has she ever been in a position that she can''t control the situation? Never! Not as long as she can remember actually.


    "Do you really think you can waltz in and out of here as you like? Do you really think getting out of here is that easy? Without the presence of other Phenomenals, do you really think you can pass the guards and the security system without an issue?" She asked with a slightly raised voice in anger.


    "Actually, you can leave. I want to see the reason for your confidence," She said and scoffed coldly.


    She rxed back on the sofa and crossed her leg, as she smiled and gestured for Ss to leave.


    "If by security system, you''re talking about the CCTV cameras that I''m not appearing on, then you''re a little bit slow on the uptake.


    As for the fingerprint sensors, those are child''s y to me. Also, you gather as much Phenomenals as you can. I want to flex my stiff muscles," Ss said with a smile, and opened the door.


    He looked at Natasha who was standing at a corner of the room and waved at her.


    "Goodbye Natasha, I hope to feel your melons again," He said and left the room.


    Thest sentence wasn''t needed but it was just him teasing Natasha and making her embarrassed, and he seeded as her face waspletely red at this point but he wasn''t there to see it.


    "What a bastard!" She muttered to herself.


    While Natasha was feeling embarrassed at Ss'' words, Elizabeth was rmed. She immediately picked up her phone to call one of the CCTV operators in the central control room.


    "Hey, the CCTV camera in my room, check its footage for thest minute. Check how many people were in the room with me," She said, with her voice slightly anxious.


    She held the phone to her ear as she waited for them to check what she asked and give her a response.


    The next moment, she got a response and her eyes went wide in shock.


    "What do you mean by there were only two of us here? Are you sure of what you''re saying?" She asked again, wanting to confirm.


    She felt like she was being told an expensive joke. Why do they mean by it was only two people in the room? Just her and Natasha?


    Her thoughts were broken when she got a confirmation response from the CCTV operator.


    She immediately jumped up from the sofa and rushed towards the door.


    She opened the door and rushed outside, and she saw Ss standing in front of the door that leads out of the hallway.


    Seeing this, she let out a sigh of relief. She didn''t understand how he was able to do it that the CCTV camera doesn''t have him in the footage, but she was happy that he still hasn''t left and was stuck at the door.


    So many thoughts were running through her head at the moment. She was really curious to know how Ss did it.


    ''Is his superpower invisibility?'' She thought to herself and shook her head.


    ''No, if that is so, then how were we able to see him while the CCTV cameras couldn''t? Is it rted to tech?'' she thought to herself, with her thoughts being all over the ce.


    Due to the confidence that Ss has, she alreadybeled him a Phenomenal and she was curious about his superpower.


    She was still deep in thought when she saw Ss waving at her before he walked out through the open door of the hallway.


    Though the hallway door doesn''t have a fingerprint sensor, it can only be opened from the control room by the operators, and the fact that the door opened for Ss is an even bigger cause for rm.


    She immediately rushed back into her room and mmed her hand on a red button by the wall.


    Immediately after she hit the red button, a ring emergency sound was heard through out the underground arena.


    "VIPs, please stay in your room. Everyone who is a Phenomenal, I have something important to tell you.


    A contest just came up with a prize money of $5 million and an unlimited ess to the Abyss for a year. To win this contest, all you have to do is to capture a person who is dressed in white shirt and pant, with a sses on his face." Elizabeth''s voice resounded throughout the Abyss.


    Everyone who heard her voice, the Phenomenals especially, looked up at the ceiling in surprise.


    An impromptu contest? $5 million and unlimited ess to the Abyss for a year? These are extremely mouth-watering prices and those who heard it weren''t going to miss out on a chance to get free money.


    Immediately they all scanned the arena and their eyes fell on a young man with the exact description that the person on the speaker said.


    They didn''t need to be told what to do as they immediately rushed towards him without warning, with greed in their eyes.


    Elizabeth felt proud of herself after she has made the announcement. It was something she came up with on the spot and she decided to go with it.


    $5 million and an unlimited ess to the Abyss for a year is something she can affordfortably, and she wasn''t bothered using them as motivational material to have people work for her.


    She decided to go out and watch themotion. She wants to see if Ss is actually as strong as he''s confident or he would be beaten into a pulp.


    Ss sighed when he saw the crowd of people rushing at him.


    "The young are truly reckless," Ss said, as he cracked his neck and his fingers.


    "I hope you guys speedy recovery in advance," Ss said to himself, and continued walking towards them leisurely.


    His first victims arrived and all Ss did was to push him on the chest lightly with a finger, adding a little bit more strength than he did for Daniel.


    The result was that the person was sent flying, crashing into others that were rushing towards Ss.


    Multiple groaning sounds were heard from the location that the person was sent flying to.


    Some saw this and paused, while others continued rushing towards Ss.


    Ss didn''t bother to use more than a finger as he didn''t want to send them to their maker yet.


    All it took is a slight push from one of this fingers and each person would be sent flying.


    After more than twenty of them were on the ground, with some of them groaning due to the pain they were feeling and some were knocked out cold.


    "Come on guys, I have a price tag of $5 million and an unlimited ess to the Abyss for a year. You can''t let all that pass you by, right?" Ss asked.


    He saw that they had alreadye to their senses and were no longer rushing at him, as they stood and looked at him with fear in their eyes.


    He wants to use them as live practice targets but that would be impossible if they don''t attack him. He decided to spice things up a little bit.


    "Okay, I have decided to put the prize money in a pool format. $100 million prize pool money and for every seconds that I still walk free, $1000 will be deductes. Anyone who catches me will get whatever amount is left in the prize pool.


    Also, I will stop using my physical strength and only use my superpower," Ss said with a smile.


    He saw that shocked expression on their faces and he shook his head.


    "If it''s about the money, you don''t need to worry about my credibility as the Empress herself can testify to it. Isn''t that right, Empress?" Ss asked, as he looked at the door, where Elizabeth was standing.


    Ss looked back at them with a smile as he stretched out his hand, and extended his control to the earth around him.


    "Here Ie though," He said and rushed towards them.

 Chapter 135: A Dangerous Situation

    As Ss rushed towards them, he controlled the earth around him and the air around him, simultaneously.


    Though it might seem impossible for air to exist in the underground arena, but matter is anything that has mass and upies space, and Ss is a matter maniptor. This allows him the ability to control matter at whatever state it''s in.


    Ss controlled the air around him as he rushed forward, coating them around one of his hands.


    He arrived in front of his first target, someone who immediately got scared with Ss'' appearance in front of him.


    Ss didn''t give him time to react as he pushed the air coating his hand to his and punched hard at the location of the person''s chest.


    His hand didn''t make any contact with the person, but the result was that the person was sent flying, across the underground arena andnding on others, eliciting multiple painful groans.


    Today was just the regr day for the Phenomenals in the underground arena. All they wanted to do was toe down here and take part in thepetition that''s ongoing and hope to win the prize money of $2.5 million, but who knew that they would meet a monster.


    David, one of the strongest Phenomenals in the country stood in the crowd, looking at Ss with an interested look on his face.


    He actually didn''t believe that Ss was that strong when he saw him initially. Even after he saw how Ss sent someone flying with juat a finger, his thought was that Ss'' superpower is rted to his physical strength.


    As someone who has been a Phenomenals for quite a long time, he has seen a lot of Phenomenals with different types of Superpowers. This is even more so that he''s a documented Phenomenals and of one of the most important in the country.


    Though he has seen a lot of Phenomenals, he has always believed himself to be the strongest due to his very unique superpower, Lightning Maniption.


    Even with The Empress being called one of the strongest in the world, David felt that this isn''t trye. He felt that he would beat her on a 1v1 fight. He felt that the ranking they gave to her isn''t because of her actual strength but due to the wealth and influence of her father.


    Seeing how Ss was bulldozing his way through the Phenomenals, he decided to take action and be the hero of the day.


    He really wants to know just how strong this youth in front of him is, to be able to deal easily with so many Phenomenals.


    He clenched his fists and lightning tendrils exploded from them with loud crackling sound. The lightning tendrils slowly snaked up and around his hands.


    He smiled with pride and in satisfaction when he saw this.


    He just can''t get enough of the feeling when he sees lightning tendrils around his arms every time. The adrenaline rush he always have when he uses his superpower is the best.


    He looked at Ss who just punched someone, sending him flying and creating a straight line in the crowd.


    He rushed towards Ss and without warning, punches him in the face.


    ****


    Ss was about to pick his next target when he saw a hand coated with lightning, approaching his face in a snake-like pace.


    He looked at the hand and looked at its owner and he nodded.


    "It''s that Thor guy. I wonder how good he is?" Ss asked himself, and caught the lightning-coated-hand directly.


    Ss was expecting to be zapped or feeling even a sting from the lightning that was coating Thor''s hand, but he felt nothing, not even a slight difort.


    "I guess I was expecting too much if the self-proimed Thor. Your lightning is actually this weak. Not even enough to heat a kettle filled with water. Tsk. Pathetic," Ss said and shook his head.


    David was shocked when he saw how Ss caught his hand directly. He felt that he was seeing thing wrong.


    As from what he knew and understood, almost every Phenomenals superpower were on the same level, with him being the exception of course.


    He has fought a lot of Phenomenals to have this understanding and its also the reason why he joined thepetition that the Abyss was holding, to use his opponents for training practice, but Ss seems to be changing his worldview.


    He was about to pull his hand back when he heard Ss calling him weak, and he almost stumbled.


    "Did you just call me weak?" David asked with a slightly irritated voice.


    "Yes, I did and what are you going to do about it," Ss replied with the usual smile on his face.


    "Good then, I will let you just how weak I am," David said with a sinister smile.


    The next moment, the lightning tendrils started increasing in size and length surprising Ss.


    "That''s nice but you''re still weak." Ss said, still holding the Thor''s lightning-coated-hand in his grasp.


    Just as before, he felt nothing. It was at this moment he understood just how much gap he has against other Phenomenals, both in his physical strength and his superpower.


    David was mad when he saw Ss'' reaction to his most treasured hidden move, and he exploded on the spot.


    "Did you really think that''s all I have. I am Thor, the god of lig¡ª"


    "Shut the fuck up. Do you think you''re the protagonist of the world or what? Get the hell away from me," Ss said with an irritated voice, and flung Thor across the underground arena like a discarded piece of cloth.


    "Now, who''s next," He asked, and looked at those left with an expressionless look on his face.


    Ss was no longer in the mood to y. He felt he has wasted more than enough time and really wants to leave.


    He saw that no one was willing to attack and he started towards the door.


    "You guys lost yourselves an heaven-sent chance to get $100 million," Ss said, as he opened the door.


    "Hey Empress, I will see youter," Ss said, and walked out the door.


    He walked down the hallway and got into the elevator, which took him back to the surface.


    Few minutester, the elevator stopped and it doors slid open, allowing Ss to exit from it.


    After he got out of the elevator, Ss slid the kitchen shelf and walked into the kitchen.


    He looked around the kitchen and saw that everyone was focused on whatever they were doing, with no one paying any attention to him.


    Just like when he walked through it with Natasha, everyone treated them like they don''t exist.


    "I guess they are just ordinary people," Ss said to himself, and left the kitchen and the restaurant.


    His initial thought was that the individuals in the kitchen are security personnels in disguise but their reaction which didn''t look different from the first time he saw them, said otherwise.


    Ss walked through the street of Nassau. It was already gettingte and Ss didn''t felt like making the trip back home, to Silicon valley.


    He looked around and saw a small, elegantly-looking coffee shop at a side of the street and he walked towards it.


    He took his seat on one of the chairs that was ced outside the coffee shop, and made his order.


    As he waited fur his order, Ss thought of the Phenomenals he saw in the Abyss.


    ording to the information that Luna gave him about them, there are a total of 1553 documented Phenomenals in the world and 246 in USA, but from the crowd he saw gathered in the Abyss, he knew that their number is definitely more than what''s being ounted for.


    Ss ran the faces he saw there, through the relevant databases but most of the searches came back empty.


    "It seems that there are a lot of undocumented Phenomenals. I don''t know the reason for this but maybe... just maybe I can actually try to recruit them," Ss thought to himself.


    His order arrived as one of the barista served his cup of caramel cream frappucino.


    Ss was about to start drinking his frappucino when he heard a sweet voice beside him.


    "Hi handsome. Why are you all alone?"


    Ss turned to look at the owner of the voice and he saw a voluptuous Latina, dressed in a very tight white shirt that squeezed her melons so hard that most part of it was gasping for breath outside.


    Ss'' eyes widened when he saw this and they couldn''t help but go down to her blue skin-tight red skirt that brought out all her curves, making it looks like she wasn''t wearing anything.


    If it wasn''t for the difference in color between her skirt and her skin, Ss would had thought she was naked.


    Ss has seen very ... crazy things on the Inte just like every other youth out there but this is the first time he''s in the situation himself.


    It has been a while since his body actually moved for a woman, and thisdy in front of him is the cause of it.


    Thedy took her seat beside Ss and ced one of her fingers on the cup of frappucino, tracing it along the cup''s rim, in a seductive manner.


    "Papi, let''s go somewhere else. Somewhere where we can do something fun...," She said with a wink.

 Chapter 136: Meeting Carl

    Ss had never thought he would find himself in such a situation where someone of the opposite sex would be asking out. Even after he maxed out hisxl stats, he never really thought much about the opposite sex.


    He wasn''t dumb and he understood clearly what thedy''s words means. He understood that the "go somewhere where we can do something fun" means, and he wasn''t in the mood for such, neither does he have the time.


    Thinking of what thedy said reminded him that he''s still a...


    ''Ughh...'' Ss thought to himself.


    He decided to decline thedy''s offer. He felt he might be overthinking it but the doesn''t care anymore as he made the decision to decline.


    Whatever thedy''s offer actually meant, Ss wasn''t interested. Maybe one day in the future, he will actually get things done himself.


    "I''m sorrydy, I will pass on your offer. I just want to be alone," He said to thedy, and continued drinking his frappucino.


    Thedy was surprised when Ss refused her offer. She saw the look he had initially when he saw her, the same look that every men has when they see her, but surprisingly he refused her offer to have fun with her.


    She noticed that Ss was back to drinking his frappucino and wasn''t paying anymore attention to her, and she felt hurt somewhat. Actually it''s her pride, the pride she has in her body and beauty was hurt when she saw Ss was ignoring herpletely.


    She isn''t a an easy woman but she''s someone who would go for what she want and she would acquire it at all costs, and now she wants Ss.


    Looking at Ss'' young and extremely handsome appearance, she understood that the age difference between them might be a lot but she felt it''s not a deciding factor. She felt that as someone older, she has a lot more to offer, a lot more to offer.


    "Cool, there are times when we all want to be alone and I respect that. We can exchange contact so that if there''s a time you''re looking for someone to talk to, I would be just a call away," She said, as she brought her phone and gave it to Ss, with the smile not leaving her face.


    Ss saw thedy''s action and sighed internally. He understood that she''s a persistent type of woman that won''t let him be if he doesn''t give her what she wants.


    He thought about it and he felt that giving her his contact won''t affect him in any way. He can just give it to her and cklist her from being able to call him, and even better, he can have Luna do it for him.


    Ss collected the phone and dialed in his number and pressed the call button, and his phone that was in his pocket started ringing a few secondster.


    He gave thedy back her phone and brought out his from his pocket.


    "There," He said and stood up from the chair, leaving the coffeeshop and thedy behind.


    Ss drank his frappucino as he walked through the street that was now starting to bustle with night activities.


    He took thest sip of it and disposed the stic cup in a trash can by the side of the road.


    {Master, it was a good idea for you to refuse her offer.}


    Ss heard Luna''s voice in his head.


    {Who does she think she is? Justing up to you and asking you to go somewhere with you and have fun? Tch. What a woman.}


    Ss smiled when he heard what Luna said. He didn''t dwell on what happened with thedy as he has far more important things to think of.


    "Luna, what''s your progress on the buildings?" He asked her, telepathically through the Gear''s neural interface connection.


    {I was able to purchase the building that would be used for the bank, and I have already gotten in contact with the sellers for other buildings that around the country.}


    "Good. Focus on getting the buildings." Ss said.


    ''Now, I have to start thinking about staffs fur the bank. Should I just put a notice on the inte? I can''t have Kim do it Z she''s taking care of things in USA. Also, this isn''t the right time to bring her into everything.


    Even though she had no reaction when I told her about the $1 billion and building acquisition, I know she has a lot of question she wants to ask and I''m not ready to tell her or anyone in the family anything yet," Ss thought to himself.


    ''I guess I will have to put the vacancy notice online and have Luna take care of it.''


    "Luna,plete the bank''s documents and put up a vacancy notice online and advertise it through every possible channel," Ss said, giving Luna instructions on what to do.


    {I will take care of it.}


    "Good. How long does my father has left before he gets discharged from the rehab?" Ss asked.


    {70 days left.}


    "Ok, remind me a day prior to when he would be discharged."


    {I will. It''s gettingte already and you haven''t made preparations for where to sleep, or do you already have somewhere in mind?} Luna asked.


    "No, help me book a room in closest hotel around," Ss replied.


    A few minutester, he got a response from Luna saying that she has already made arrangements for him, and she gave Ss the details.


    After he got his lodging details from Luna, he started walking towards the hotel.


    ***


    In his hotel room, Ss walked into the bathroom to take his bath before going to bed for the night.


    After he was done taking his bath, he was about to go to bed when he heard his phone ringing.


    He took a look at it and saw that it''s an unknown number but that was irrelevant as the name was already being disyed by Luna, on the Gear''s screen.


    {Carl Davidson}


    "Who is he, Luna?"


    {He''s one of Professor Edward''s students.}


    Hearing what Luna said, Ss picked up his phone and answered the phone.


    "Hello." He said.


    "Hello, is this Ss?" A voice came from the other side of the phone.


    "Yes. Who am I speaking to?" Ss asked.


    Though he already knew who the person on the phone is, the person behind the phone doesn''t know he does.


    "This is Carl. I''m one of Professor Edward''s students. My teacher told me about everything and I''m kind of interested in it. Is there a way for us to meet and discuss more on it?" Carl asked.


    "Yeah. I will make arrangements and send it to you," Ss replied.


    "Ok, that would be tomorrow. Good night," He said and hung up.


    "I guess that can be called progress," Ss said to himself,  and dropped his phone back on the bedside table.


    With a sigh, he climbed into the bed and got cozy and it didn''t take him long before he fell asleep.


    ****


    The next morning, Ss woke up and freshened up. After he was done, he ordered his breakfast.


    While he waited, he thought of where to set up his meeting with Carl.


    He thought about it for a moment and decided to have it at the hotel''s restaurant area. He didn''t feel like going far and thus the reason why he made the decision.


    After he made his decision, he sent their meeting time and location to Carl.


    He set the time of the meeting for 12pm and the location at the hotel''s restaurant.


    The rest of the morning went by quietly and it was finally time for his meeting with Carl.


    He left his room and made his way to the hotel''s restaurant. When he got there, he walked towards a table and took his seat, and started waiting for Carl.


    He didn''t have to wait long as he saw a man walking towards his table.


    "You must be Ss?" The man asked, when he got to the table. He stretched out his hand for an handshake.


    "Yes." Ss replied, and shook his hand.


    "I must say that I was very doubtful when I heard from my teacher that you were very young, but you''re really young. Now, I''m curious and really interested," He said, and took his seat.


    "What do you want to know?" Ss asked with a smile.


    "My teacher told me he met someone young and crazy, and that person is you. He said that you have a very big dream and huge ambition, and you might actually have a way to attain it. He said all you need is assistance and that is the reason why I''m here.


    I don''t need you to prove yourself to me as my teacher won''t rmend you so highly if you didn''t impress him. The world needs to experience change and I want to help you with it. All I want to know is when we start?" Carl asked, as he looked at Ss intently.

 Chapter 137: Aftermath, Meeting The Second Person On The List

    Ss meeting with Carl went smoothly. Too smoothly if he would say and he was satisfied with the arrangements they made.


    During the meeting, he gave Carl an overview of what he ns to do and Carl waspletely impressed. He made future arrangements with Carl to call him when he''s done setting everything up.


    As for Carl''s personality, Ss found nothing wrong with it. Carl is a very enthusiastic person and very intelligent, something that Ss deduced during their meeting and this are things he approves of.


    After the meeting ended and Carl had left, Ss left the restaurant. He decided it was time to meet the next person on the list.


    He doesn''t n to wait until after he has met al if Professor Edward''s students, as he doesn''t know how many of them intends to ept his offer.


    As he made his way towards the hotel''s entrance, he told Luna to check him out of the hotel.


    Since he doesn''t have any of his car, he decided to order an Uber ride.


    As he waited for his ride, he got a message from Luna.


    {Master, in thest ten hours, your bame has been searched through multiple databases several times.}


    Ss wasn''t surprised when he heard this. It was a reaction he expected after the chaos he caused in the Abyss. It would be very surprising if nothing happened.


    Although Ss was casual about everything, his actions the previous day in the Abyss had a massive impact on everyone that saw it.


    *****


    After Ss left the Abyss, it took everyone almost a full minute before they could breathe.


    Everyone let out a sigh of relief and looked at each other simultaneously.


    Ss'' action gave them so much fear that they have never experienced in their life. A type of fear that paralyzed them and made them unable to move and breathing wasbor.


    It felt like they were standing in front of an apex predator who could tear them apart whenever he wants. The only difference being that this apex predator didn''t put them in his eyes.


    They just can''t seems to understand how such a monster like him could exist. They couldn''t wrap their head around it.


    Seeing how Ss was able to send someone, a fully grown adult, flying with just a finger was enough shock. Even more shocking is the fact when he said that he hasn''t used his superpower.


    How is that even possible, was what they all thought. They had already attributed Ss'' feat to his superpower, and to hear that they were so wrong, was too much for their mental health.


    The most shocking thing of the day was when Ss threw a punch that created a strong gust of wind, a punch that sent someone flying in a straight, creating a line of fallen individuals in his way.


    They saw that Ss'' punch didn''t make contact with the person that was sent flying the second time, but how did he achieve just effect? The question on how it was possible for a gust of wind to blow in the underground arena was still left unanswered.


    The aforementioned was the most shocking but there was something that was even more frightening; it was when Ss sent the guy known as Thor flying across the underground arena with just a fling. Just a fucking fling?!


    The most hrious and frightening thing about the whole thing was that Thor was beaten in a mode he calls his overdue mode. A mode that has always proven effective against everyone, that even the Empress doesn''t have the confidence to beat him if he''s in it.


    It was in that mode that Ss casually flung him like a piece of rag.


    They question now is how did Thor''s extremely lethal lightning not have any effect on Ss. How was he able to catch Thor''s lightning-coated-hand hand and he even said such extremely maddening words to Thor that made him go that into his overdrive mode, and still suffered an extremely humiliating defeat.


    When they saw what happened to Thor who was one of the strongest among them, they didn''t dare even have the slightest thought of attacking Ss anymore.


    They could only freeze in their positions and allow him to leave.


    This now brings everyone back to the reason why they all started attacking Ss in the first ce, and they all turned to look at Empress who was standing at the door equally shocked.


    They all had questions, a lot of questions actually and the first being what the identity of the person they fought was.


    They wanted to ask but they knew that except for those among who have the same status as her, others have no chance of getting close to her to ask such questions.


    Yes, even among Phenomenals, status matters and a lot at that. Everything from strength, influence and wealth is taken into consideration in the unofficial ranking.


    Those who wanted to ask but can''t due to difference in status, could only keep their questions to themselves.


    Who knew that the seemingly extremely easypetition of capturing a youth for the prize of $5 million would bring so much drama.


    The person in the worst condition was Thor, as hey sprawled on the ground like a dead dog.


    After Ss left, the Abyss closed for the day, as there was no helping it.


    Immediately after she left the Abyss, Elizabeth went home to her father and exined everything that happened to him.


    Same as everyone, her father was shocked and as aw-abiding citizen of the country, he immediately told the government about it.


    The rest of the day saw them trying to get an information on anyone named Ss, and they came out with a lot of results.


    The results they got from their search was useless as Elizabeth confirmed that the faces didn''t match the one and saw.


    It would had been better if there was an image of him but there was nothing as his existence eludes even the CCTV cameras.


    Due to how special the case was, The BEM decided to create a file for Ss.


    (Name: Ss


    Alias: Unknown


    Age: Unknown


    Sex: Male


    Superpower: Possibly Tech rted


    Special note: a very powerful individual that the country has to find and document him at all costs.)


    *****


    As he waited and as he made his way to the airport, Ss was given the briefing by Luna.


    Ss smiled when he got the briefing from Luna. The reason he went all out is because he knew that Luna had already taken care of everything.


    It would be very impossible for someone to get any information on him as it has already been taken care of by Luna. This is even more so for someone who''s trying to get his information with just his first name.


    The name Ss isn''t amon name, but it''s not amon name either.


    Ss pushed the incident of the previous day to the back of his mind as he changed his focus to the reason for his trip.


    The person he''s going to see is someone who isn''t popr in any way but his researchs are what interests Ss.


    Research on Gics and Life creation.


    Life creation, something that is as crazy as it''s impossible but Ss was interested in it, not Life creation exactly but something else, creating a living synthetic body.


    He was surprised when he read about it. It''s something everyone and even himself would say is impossible but what if the system is thrown into the mix? Everything changes.


    Ss isn''t actually sure about it yet but getting the brain behind such an intelligent person is priority.


    When he got to the airport, Ss made his way to the terminal that took him to his private jet that was ready and waiting for him on the runway.


    Ss got into the aircraft and the following moments, it took off into the air.


    35 minutester, Ssnded at ITH airport. After the aircraft taxied to a stop, he got out of the aircraft and made his way out of the airport.


    Outside, Ss got into an Uber that has already waiting and it drove immediately after he got in, making its way to Cornell University.


    Ss had already informed the person he''s going to meet and a meeting had already been scheduled while he was on the ne.


    Ten minutester, the car stopped in front of a restaurant close to the university. This is the meeting spot that they decided on.


    After the car stopped, Ss got out and walked into the establishment. Inside, he looked around a bit and he found who he was looking for.


    With a smile on his face, he started walking towards a table that a middle-aged man upied, with a cup in his front.


    "Hi, you must be Jeremiah?" Ss asked as he looked his seat.


    The man nodded when he heard this.


    "And you must be Ss?" He asked.

 Chapter 138: Change Of Plans, Back Home

    Ss looked at Jeremiah who was sitting across the table, curiously, as he studied him.


    Jeremiah as someone who''s studying Gics and Life Creation is naturally smart, but he has a massive w, he''s crazy.


    He''s crazy as in the type of crazy that would actually make him the world enemy number if he''s to gain the opportunity to bring his idea to life.


    Ss didn''t do a check on the people on the list as what he wanted to do was to get to know them better during his meeting with them, but it seems he made a huge mistake.


    From the information he got on Jeremiah from Luna, he isn''t the the type of person he should employ, as he would bring him a lot of trouble in the future.


    Still, since Ss had already set up the meeting, then he has to see it through to the end.


    "I saw what you wrote about life creation. I''m curious as to the reason why you went in that direction?" Ss asked.


    He asked the question because he wants to create a topic they can discuss. Also, due to his understanding of Jeremiah''s personality as someone who''s extremely prideful and arrogant due to his self-acimed extremely high intelligence, Ss knew that it''s the perfect topic.


    He was a right as he saw Jeremiah push up his sses,. adjusting them before clearing his throat.


    "Well, the reason why I decided to go into life creation is simple. As scientists, no matter how much and in what way we talk about it, our ultimate aim is to create life. This is the reason why they call science the act of ying God," He said with a smile.


    Ss nodded when he heard this. Jeremiah''s response was generic as it''s something he has heard before.


    "You do know that you''re not the only one who is doing this, right?" Ss asked.


    He was just looking for a way to end the conversation and leave. He felt very stupid for making such a decision.


    ''Maybe my approach was wrong.'' Ss said to himself.


    ''There has to be another way I can go about it. If I actually intends to travel around the country and around the world trying to meet and employ everyone on the list, then it might take me a very long time before I actually get anything done.'' He said to himself.


    While he was still thinking of how to improvise on his ns, he heard Jeremiah''s response.


    "I''m not the only one but I''m best at it. Actually, I got an invitation from an organization called the ck Hand. They told me about their ongoing projects, and I must say it''s something that''s very ambitious. To make things even better, they asked to join them. Amazing right?" Jeremiah asked with an arrogant smile on his face.


    His words got Ss'' interest as he raised his head and looked at Jeremiah with a raised now.


    "So, do you n to join this organization called the ck Hand?" Ss asked curiously.


    He was curious to know what whoever Jeremiah met with, told him.


    "Yes. Also, I would be taking my leave as I have a lot of things to prepare," Jeremiah said with a smile, and stood up from his seat and left the restaurant.


    "I made a huge mistake meeting up with him. Luna, track Jeremiah''s every movement. I want to know everything he knows and everyone he meets, as long as they important," Ss said to Luna.


    He watched Jeremiah disappear from his sight and he sighed, and stood up from his seat.


    He walked out of the restaurant and looked at the clear blue sky above.


    "Time to go home," He said to himself with a smile.


    "Luna, book me a ride. Also, how''s Alex doing?"


    {Your ride has been booked. From the information I got from the AI in charge of his smartwatch, he''s fine.}


    Ss smiled when he heard this.


    "So, he''s using the smartwatch?"


    {Without knowledge on how to use it, he just wears it on his wrist. The watch is in a semi-dormant mode as the AI only monitors his health and surroundings.}


    "That''s good. It''s not yet time to let him in on things yet." Ss said with a nod.


    Ss didn''t have to wait long for the Uber that Luna ordered to arrive.


    *****


    Few minutester, Ss was already airborne and on his way home.


    He decided to make a change to his ns. Instead of going around the world, meeting up with those on the list and trying to convince them to work for him, he decided to make theme to him and he already has a n on how to do that.


    The flight to San Jose took over 5 hours and it was already gettingte by the time hended.


    Immediately afternding, he got out of the aircraft and made his way to the airport''s parking area.


    At the parking area, he got into his car and started it, before driving off.


    Few minutester, he finally arrived home. He got out of the car and  walked towards the door, and knocked on it.


    He waited for few seconds before the door was opened.


    "Good evening, Kim" Ss greeted and walked into the house.


    "How are you? You look somewhat tired? How was your trip?" Kim asked in concern when she saw Ss'' face, thatcks the usual smile he always has.


    "It was fine. I''m just a bit tired." Ss replied, and walked up to his room.


    "I will get something ready for you to eat before you''re done changing," Kim said, and he nodded.


    When he got upstairs, he made his way to Alex''s room first.


    Opening the door to Alex''s room, he saw who was in bed, sleeping soundly. He smiled at this and quietly closed the door, and made his way to his room.


    Inside his room, Ss took off his clothes and walked into the bathroom to take a bath.


    After he was done with taking his bath, he put on a change of clothes, and went downstairs, to the dining.


    Kim told him toe down for food when he''s done changing, and that''s what he ns to do.


    Getting to the dining, he took his seat and started eating.


    "Ss," Kim called out to him.


    "Yes," Ss answered, and raised his head to look at her with a face that says "what''s it"


    "Your dad called.." She said with a smile on her face.


    Ss paused eating his food in surprise when he heard what Kim said. It wasn''t something he expected.


    He was curious as to what the reason for his father calling Kim could be.


    "What did he say?" He asked.


    "He said he wants to talk to you. He asked me to give the phone to you but you weren''t home.


    He also asked for you contact but you know... Regarding the history between the both of you, I... couldn''t.


    He said he was sorry for leaving home without informing anyone and he called to say that he''s fine m, and he woulde back when he sorta things out on his side." Kim said, with a sad smile on his face.


    Ss didn''t know what to say when he heard what Kim said. He kind of understand his father''s reason for calling and asking to talk to him, but why?


    Ss looked at Kim for a moment and sighed internally.


    ''She really loves him that much.'' He thought to himself, as he continued eating his food.


    Kim saw Ss'' action and sighed. She didn''t know what she''s going to do to get the father and son to reconcile, but she was determined to do her best.


    As long as Chrises back a changed person, she would do her best to reconcile the two. It''s something she felt she must do if she wants to see the family whole again.


    After Ss was done with his food, he took his dishes to the kitchen and washed them, before going back to his room.


    Inside his room, hey on his bed as he looked at the ceiling deep in thought.


    {Does this mean that you no longer intend to actively seek them out yourself?} Luna asked.


    She felt that the reason for Ssing back home was because he scraped his n. Though she can talk to Ss telepathically through the Gear''s neural interface connection, she can''t read his mind.


    "Yes. It''s not worth it," Ss replied.


    {But you got Carl?} She asked.


    "Yeah but he wasn''t the person I made the trip for."


    There was a silence between them for a moment before Luna finally spoke up.


    {Have youe up with another spontaneous n? Is there anything I can help with?} She asked.


    "I think I have a n. I just need to think about it carefully. I have wasted more than enough time."  Ss replied.


    "Let''s continue discussing tomorrow, Luna. I want to get some sleep," Ss said and closed his eyes, and he fell asleep the following moment.

 Chapter 139: Discussion With Luna

    The next morning, Ss got out of bed and did his morning duties. After he was done with them, he went downstairs for breakfast.


    At the dining table, the three of them were seated around the table, eating their food quietly with smiles on their faces.


    There was a naturally happiness that came to all of them after they woke up. It was like each of them experienced something the previous night, for them to have the smiles on their faces.


    While the reason for Kim and Alex''s smile is unknown, Ss'' smile was just the usual smile he always has on his face.


    After they were done with breakfast, Ss went to drop Alex at his new school beforeing back home.


    When he got back home, Kim has already left for the office and the house was empty, just as he wants it.


    Ss walked towards one of the sofa and took his seat.


    "Luna, I have some ns in my head. Let go through the together," Ss said.


    {Let me know what they are and I will help in whatever way I can.}


    Ss nodded and rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.


    "Building the facility is going to take a very long time and I want to bring the n forward.


    First, the reason why I want to build the facility is for research and creation of researched products," Ss said and paused before continuing,"Researching involves people with expertise in a particr field that''s being researche, working together, bringing their brains, with each of their own ideas brought together to create the desired product.


    Which is the reason why I made the decision on list on people who are qualified, but that n doesn''t seem to viable this point. How do I go about it?" Ss asked.


    The reason he gave Luna an exnation is because he wants her to get the reason behind the n be made. Though he knew that as a very intelligent AGI, Luna was already knew why made such n, he still felt the need to say it.


    {Your initial reason for wanting to bring those people is because you want their knowledge and expertise, right?} Luna asked, and Ss nodded.


    "Yes, not exactly for the knowledge but their vast experience and expertise is something that I needed." He replied.


    {I have an idea on how to solve the experience and expertise issues.}


    "How?" Ss asked, both surprised and curious.


    {Those people, their vast experience and expertise is from the number of years they have put the knowledge they have into use, through test and trials, confirming and correcting what errors in their knowledge, improving on it and learning more.


    This is the only way they acquired their vast experience and expertise, and there''s way we can do that too.


    With the help of the Pod, we can create a simted reality, a simted world to be precise. This world will have people, people that will have whatever knowledge you want them to, they will put the knowledge to use, using it to create whatever is it you want them to.


    They will research on whatever you want them to and give feedback to you, and we can even make things better by using the customizable time dtion function of the Pod, to speed up simted world''s time.}


    Ss'' eyes widened in realization when he heard Luna talk about the Pod and its customizable time dtion function.


    "I had something like that and I have been neglecting it all these while?" Ss asked himself, and shook his head.


    He thought about what Luna said and felt that it was very possible. With the help of the Quantum Computer and the MAU, Luna has more than enoughputing power to run a highly sophisticated simted world.


    He can do as she said, create a simted world, create people in the simted world and have them do the researched for him, and with the time dtion function of the Pod, he can get results faster than when it''s done in the real world.


    Ss thought of the almost unlimited possibilities he can achieve with the help of the simted world. Not just research, but he can also simte a whole lot of things.


    "Luna, the time dtion function of the Pod, how far can it go? What''s the maximum?" Ss asked curiously.


    The reason he asked this is because he wants to know how fast he can get the results from the research.


    {The maximum time difference we can achieve with it, is 1 hour in the real world to 10 days in thw simted world.}


    "What the....?! That''s a lot!" Ss eximed in shock.


    Honestly, when he heard that the Pod has a time dtion function, he didn''t actually put much thought into it.


    He actually didn''t put much thought into most of the Pod''s functions, except for the function that could be used for gaming.


    Actually, it was due to his limited thinking that he failed to see the broader possibilities and opportunities presented by the Pod and its functions.


    Ss thought of how much he can achieve with such time difference.


    With 1 hour in the real world being 10 days in simted world, this means that a full day in real world is 240 days. This is equivalent to more than half a year!


    This means that in a day, he can achieve more than half a year worth of research in the simted!


    He did a quick calction and ording to it, a week in the real world is equivalent to more than 4.6 years in the simted world.


    Ssughed at himself mockingly when he thought of this.


    "I had something like this in my hands and I was letting it collect dusts? I need to be better."


    Ss didn''t need to think further about the n that Luna suggested. He made an immediate decision to go through with it, and he was about to tell her to create the simted world when he suddenly thought of something.


    "Luna, let''s say the research on a product has been made and it has been proven that it can be used in the real world. With the information we got from the simted research, how can we create the researched product in the real world?" He asked.


    Ss understood that he can achieve almost immediate results from the researches in the simted world, but what about creating what he wants in the real world after they have been researched?


    As things stands, he has neither the means to create and manufacture whatever he wants. The researched products would practically be useless if he can''t create them in the real world.


    {We can create them in the real world. We just need to acquire manufacturing equipments for them. This is only possible for someone else, not you. ording to your personality, you would want to research and create something out of the ordinary.}


    Ss blinked when he heard what Luna said. Creating something out of the ordinary, he had the thought but he knew better.


    He knew that it''s not the time to start introducing highly sophisticated techs to the world, as it would paint a huge target on his back. He would still experience some trouble even though his base is in Venezu.


    What he ns to do is to start with something that won''t create too much of a shock but would still be revolutionary.

 Chapter 140: Decision, Going To Newport

    Ss blinked in confusion when he heard what Luna said.


    "What''s the device you''re talking about and what this "It" you''re talking about, that I can get the device from?" Ss asked in genuine confusion.


    {The device I''m talking is an Atomic Printer and the "It" is the entity you talk to in your head. The same entity that gave you all the advanced knowledge and techs you have currently.}


    Ss smiled in realization when he heard what Luna said.


    The entity Luna is talking about is the system. Ss was already aware that Luna was aware of its presence, but she doesn''t know what it exactly it is.


    He thought of telling Luna about the system but he decided to leave for ater time. He has more important things to do.


    Luna''s words gave Ss a burst of inspiration, as he immediately pulled up the system store item-section interface and searched for Atomic Printer.


    ording to what Luna said, he can purchase the manufacturing equipments he needs to create whatever he wants, but it would take a very long time to ship in all the equipments from their manufacturingpanies.


    Ss felt that the waiting time would be too long and he decided to scratch the idea.


    He also scratched the thought of purchasing manufacturing equipments for another reason, he wants to create the manufacturing equipments by himself.


    There are so many reasons be wants to do but the most important reason is because he doesn''t want to be dependent on anypany''s product or machinery for the production process of his products.


    Due to the possible tension that might develop due to his and Mr actions in the future, Ss knew that the sanctions would be mmed on them as retaliation.


    If such is to happen, how would he continue to acquire manufacturing equipments or rece the manufacturing equipments? These were his thoughts and the major reason why he doesn''t want to be purchase the manufacturing equipments from otherpanies.


    "Luna, what do you suggest I do?" He asked.


    {There is a device you can use but it hasn''t been created yet, as it''s still theoretical and under conceptual thoughts. The only possible way you can get it is from It.}


    He got an immediate result for the search as a window that held the Atomic Printer overview description popped up.


    [{Atomic Printer}


    Description: A device that allows for the creation of materials and structures with unprecedented properties. It''s capable of manipting and assembling individual atoms with extreme atomic-level precision, creating and synthesizing custom materials, building and assemblingplex molecules from scratch... (Cost: 120,000,000 SP)]


    "It''s really there and it''s quite expensive but with the amount of system points and lottery tickets I have, the price is very negligible," Ss said to to himself.


    Since he already has a solution to his problem, Ss immediately made his decision to put his n into action.


    "Luna, is it possible to create and simte two worlds at the same time. Can you handle that highputation?" Ss aksed.


    He wants to be sure that he won''t be giving her something she can''t handle.


    {Yes, theputing power of the Quantum Computer and the MAU can handle it.}


    Ss was relief when he heard this. He immediately gave Luna instructions on what to do.


    "Luna, create two simted worlds. One would be used for just research purposes only and the other would be used for simting what the result would look like in the real world.


    The first world is ab facility of infinite size, while the second is a simtion of the real world. Make sure that everything in the real world is in the second world, as I want it to be an exact replica of the real world, with an emphasis on the word, exact.


    Let me know when you''re done creating the two worlds."


    Ss has a n in his mind and he needs the second simted world for it to work.


    {Master, it seems you''re forgetting something.}


    "What would that be?" Ss asked curiously.


    He has already considered everything that needs to be considered or...


    He suddenly realized what he was forgetting, the Pod.


    "Luna, does the Pod needs to be powered on for the simted worlds to be work?"


    {The Pod only needs to be on standby power mode for simted worlds to be created. After their creation, the Pod can be shut down and the simtion will still work perfectly. I''m also thinking of creating a way to connect the simted worlds to the Gear so that you can view them at anytime.} Luna replied.


    Ss agreed with Luna''s decision to create a way for him to ess the simted worlds through the Gear. It would make the essibility of the simted worlds very easy for him.


    About the powering up the Pod, Ss knew the only way to do that is by going to Newport and its a trip he doesn''t want to make. He decided to look for an alternative.


    "Luna, you can power up the Pod remotely, right?" Ss asked.


    He felt that it''s something very easy for Luna to do.


    {I can but since the simted worlds can only be created in the Domain, I can''tunch the tform myself and I can''t give it instruction to create the simtion.}


    "I don''t want to waste my system points by buying another Pod. I guess I will going to Newport. It''s been a while," Ss said to himself with a smile.


    "I don''t what to drive though but I have no choice."


    Ss would had chosen to fly to Newport Beach but he decided against it. He ns to move the Pod from the Vi to Venezu.


    It''s a decision he made as he wants to move it to his base of operation.


    For this, he decided to make the sacrifice of making the seven long hours drive to Newport Beach.


    Ss stood up from the sofa and left the house. He got into his car and drove off, towards Newport Beach.

 Chapter 141: The Villa, Creating The Simulated Worlds

    It has been a month since Ssst went to the Vi. Thest time he was at the Vi was when he used the Pod for his physical testing and short training that nearly gave him trauma.


    Thinking of hisst training with his clone, Ss felt that he would have having another one soon.


    He thought he would have a satisfying fight with other Phenomenals, but he achieved was bullying them.


    The drive to Newport Beach was torturous as usual, but it would be thest time he would making such trip. He ns to move the Pod from the Vi and put it in a cargo flight to Venezu, and after that, he would have no reason to go to the Vi, ....except for the cars.


    More than seven hourster, Ss arrived at the Vi. The Vi looked almost the same as he left it, except that it looks very clean.


    "Sarah and Emma are very diligent at their his," Ss said to himself, as he looked around before walking to the door.


    Ss'' arrival alerted the Serah and Emma, as they ran to one the living area''s window to confirm who it was. They looked at each other simultaneously in surprise when they saw a very handsome-looking young man step out of the unfamiliar car.


    "Serah, who''s that?"Emma asked in curiosity and confusion.


    "Beats me. I''m just as curious and confused as you," Serah replied.


    Emma smiled and looked at Serah, and nodded.


    "That''s a first."


    "It is."


    The short conversation between the two girls was something only the two of them understood.


    Serah looked at the young man intently and she couldn''t shrug off the familiar feeling she got from him.


    "Emma, he kind of looks familiar. Don''t you think?" She asked as she took a good look at the young man that was standing, and looking around.


    "Now that you mentioned it, he does give me a familiar feeling. I actually thought he was back but it''s someone else.... Wait a minute.." Emma said and narrowed her eyes.


    She looked at the young man intently and closed her eyes briefly, as she quickly went down memoryne and went into deep thought.


    The next moment, her eyes flung open and she covered her mouth in shock.


    "Serah, it''s him!" She eximed in a low voice, that sounds almost like a whisper.


    Serah was confused by Serah words and action.


    "What do you mean it''s him? Who are you talking about?" She asked.


    "Who else but our very own avatar," Emma replied, with a facial expression that says "Duh"


    "By avatar, you mean...?" Serah was about to ask when she realized what Emma talking about, and she abruptly looked at the young man who was already walking towards the door.


    "But how? How did he change so much in just over a month? Has it even been up to a month?" She asked herself out loud, in a mixture of confusion and surprise.


    She just can wrap her head around the massive changes that ured in Ss'' appearance.


    ording to her knowledge, the changes in Ss'' appearance is too perfect to be called a skincare routine, and it''s also impossible for it to be achieved through stic surgery.


    "Are you really asking that question?" Emma asked, as she looked at Serah like she was looking at a fool.


    "He can make water drops float around his body, cause a gust of wind to blow, even when there''s no wind blowing outside. Have you forgetten the bathroom incident? Or what about the massive stuff that''s in his room? Are those not shocking enough and you''re still shocked by the change in his appearance?" She asked.


    "They are. It''s just.." Serah said to herself in confusion.


    "Someone can control water drops and you''re shocked by the change in his appearance? Making water drops float and the change in his appearance, which is more unbelievable?" Serah asked, as she shook her head.


    She really can''t believe that it''s Serah of all person that''s confused by the changes in Ss'' appearance.


    Serah knew that Emma was right. Ss'' ability to make water drops float is something that''s more shocking than the changes in his appearance.


    "Wait... Why do I feel like our position just changed?" She asked.


    She felt that something just happened during their conversation, but she doesn''t know what it is.


    Emma looked at her friend in confusion.


    "What position changed? You''re standing there and I''m standing here, how did our position change or is his handsomeness affecting you?" She asked with a wink.


    Serah sighed in relief when she heard Emma''s response.


    ''Ah.. Back to normal,'' She said to herself internally.


    "Fuck you and the handsomesness that''s affecting you. You better behave yourself, he''s almost at the door," Serah said, and left the window and walked into the kitchen.


    Emma saw her friend''s action and also followed suit, as she scurried into the kitchen.


    ****


    Ss opened the door and walked into the living area, and looked around curiously trying to find the girls.


    He looked towards the kitchen and saw their figures standing behind the ind.


    "Wee sir." They greetes when they saw him looking at them, and he nodded.


    He saw Serah walk out of the kitchen and approach him. He was expecting her to be surprised by or even have a change in expression due to his change in appearance, but she has the usual expression on her face, a slight smile that looks weing.


    "Wee from your trip, sir. Should I prepare something for you to eat?" She asked.


    "Yes, please do. I will be in my room, let me know when it''s ready," Ss said, and went up to his room.


    Serah nodded and went back to the kitchen to start preparing the food.


    Upstairs, Ss walked into his room and dropped his phone on the bed.


    "Luna,. power up the Pod." He said and walked towards it.


    {Yes master.}


    The next moment, the Pod powered up and the round button at its side, started glowing blue.


    Ss took off the Gear and dropped it on the Bed, before walking towards the Pod.


    When he got to the Pod, he pressed the circr glowing button and a low ding was heard, followed by a low, sharp hissing sound, as the ss section of the Pod opened up, puttiing its interior on full disy.


    Ss immediately got into the Pod and took his seat on itsfortable seat, and the ss section closed automatically.


    After the Pod''s ss section closed, Ss experience familiar feeling of losing consciousness and hey back on the seat and rxed.


    After Ss waspletely unconscious, the Pod started going through the user''s verification process.


    The verification process took a second and after it was done, it started booting.


    After the booting waspleted, the Pod''s was disyed, and Ss regained consciousness in the digital world.


    Ss saw two icons in the lobby and he chose the Domain''s icon.


    The Domain tformunched and Ss found himself sitting on the bed, in his room.


    This is the default disy he set for it to disy whenever heunches it.


    After everything was ready, Ss told Luna to get to work.


    "Luna, let''s get started. Start creating the two simted worlds."

 Chapter 142: The Villa, Creating The Simulated Worlds(II), Lunas Limitations

    After Luna received instruction from Ss, she immediately got to work.


    Since Ss had already given the Domain intent on what he wanted to do, things were now much easier for her.


    She materialized a body for herself in the Domain, taking on the form and appearance of the MAU, and she was now standing in the room with Ss.


    She looked around the room for a moment and smiled, before she finally started creating the simted worlds.


    The next moment, Ss and Luna found themselves floating in outer space, with the Earth in front of him and the Sun at a distance.


    Ss saw the beautiful view of the Earth rotating on its axis, and the Moon orbiting around it.


    If Ss didn''t know that what he was seeing was a simtion, he would definitely believe it to be real.


    The simtion was very real and be even called a recement for real deal.


    Though Ss has never been to outer space, he has used the satellites orbiting around in space, to look at it and this is the reason he said that the simtion can be called a recement for the real deal.


    {Master, I''m done with creating the simted worlds.}


    "You are?" Ss asked, and looked at her in surprise.


    {Yes.}


    "Which of the two worlds is this?" Ss asked, as he looked curiously at the Earth in front of him.


    {This is the second simted world.}


    "Ok. I want to see the first one."


    {Yes. Use your thought to create a door and you walk through it to the first simted world.}


    Ss immediately did as Luna said, as he materialized a door in front of him, in deep space.


    Ss walked towards the floating wooden door in outer space and opened it, and walked through it to the other side.


    What appeared before Ss was a very beautiful futuristic city. A city that looks like it came out of a sci-fi movie.


    Ss didn''t know if a city is the right term to call what is in front of him. From where he stood and as far as his eyes could see, theb facility looks almost endless.


    The first simted world, which would be used for research is a massiveb facility that''s almost the size of a metropolitan city or even a small state.


    Ss controlled his body as he flew to the sky, to take an aerial view of theb.


    In the sky, Ss looked down at theb and he saw that he still couldn''t see the whole of it even though he was already more than 20,000 feet in the sky.


    Ss noticed that theb city was divided into sections, and each sections were connected by a highly advanced transportation system.


    Due to how huge each section was, there was a dedicated transportation system for each of them.


    With the advantage of the bird-eye view he ha, Ss also notices that people were walking around and taking the transportation system, transporting themselves through the section and between each section.


    {You''re curious about the people you''re seeing?} Luna asked.


    "Yes."


    {I asked E for help. Since she''s in charge of creating smaller AIs, I told her to create multiple AIs. They would be the one that would be researching whatever it is that''s to be researched.}


    "But you could had created them yourself, right?" Ss asked curiously.


    {Yes, but the creation and management of smaller AIs is E''s job. This is the reason I handes over the task of creating and managing the research AIs to her.} Luna replied.


    "I see.. Division ofbor." Ss said, and nodded in agreement.


    ''I guess I can''t run away from using research AIs but it''s not really a bad thing, is it?'' Ss thought to himself.


    "So, everything is set and ready?" He asked in confirmation.


    {Yes. The two simted worlds has been created and are now working perfectly, but...}


    "What''s the but about?" Ss asked curiously.


    {The second simted worlds, how do you actually want it? You said that you want everything in the real world to be replicated there.


    What I want to know is if it''s going to be simted around the clock, using real-time data gotten from the real world? If that is so, then I must say that it''s very impossible as it would burden the Quantum Computer and the MAU.


    Also, we don''t have the technologies to pull it off. If you''re nning to use the satellites orbiting the Earth, I''m sorry, but they are not advanced enough to perform suchplicated tasks.


    Simting theb world around the clock is taking more than 40% of the avableputing power, and if I want to simte the whole Earth in real-time, then I would really be pushing it.} Luna said.


    She felt it was very important she informs Ss of her current limitations, so that he doesn''t make a n that he won''t be able to follow through due to them.


    "Ok, but what if you simted just Venezu? I want it to be simted because I want to see what it would look like when I create something in the real world, can you do that? It would be an around-the-clock simtion." Ss asked.


    {As long as it won''t be an around-the-clock simtion, I can do it. Also, Master, I want the Quantum Computer to be upgraded.} Luna replied, and made her request.


    With the way things are going and with its fast pace at which it''s moving, Luna knew that the two devices would soon run out odputing power. If that is to happen, Luna knew that things would get very difficult for her and Ss.


    Ss heard what Luna said and he agreed with it. He has actually been thinking of it after he made the decision to purchase the Atomic Printer.


    "It seems I would be making another trip back to Venezu," Ss said to himself.


    "Luna, purchase a warehouse. It would be better if it''s big and if it''s located in an isted area, but it should be close to a very good road, for ease of transportation.


    Also, try to find a way to connect the simted worlds to the Gear, as you said." He said, giving Luna instructions.


    After he confirmed that everything was done, he logged out of the Pod.


    Ss saw himself regaining consciousness as the Pod''s ss section opened up.


    After the Pod opened up, he got out of it. He walked to his bed and took the Gear, and wore it back.


    He checked the time and he saw that he spent less than five minutes in the Pod.


    "So many things I can achieve with the Pod''s time dtion function," Ss said to himself with a smile.


    Ss took off the Gear and looked at curiously.


    "I wonder what other functions you have that I haven''t found out about yet?" Hr asked himself, as he looked at the Gear with scrutiny and curiosity in his eyes.


    Ss dropped the Gear and took off his clothes, before going into the bathroom for his bath.


    Inside the bathroom, Ss eased his body in the bathtub filled with cold water, and smiled.


    "It''s been a while."

 Chapter 143: Terrasis Online

    Ss took his time in the bathroom, enjoying his bath in the bathtub. It was only when Serah came to inform him that the food was ready, did he get out of it.


    He dried his body and changed into a new set of clothes, and went downstairs, to the dining area.


    When he got there, he saw that the table had already been set and an array of different foods were served on it, making it look like a small feast.


    Ss waspletely surprised by the set-up on the table, and his surprise was noticed by Emma, who was standing at a close distance from the table.


    "We thought you might be very famished from your long trip and we didn''t know what you would like to eat as you didn''t say. So we decided to go ahead and make this," She said.


    "I see..."


    Ss nodded and took his seat at the dining table. He wasn''t even hungry, he hasn''t been for more than two months now but the foods in front of him, he''s going to finish them.


    Even though he doesn''t feel the hunger to eat, what the girls prepared looks and smells too delicious to not be eaten. Also, hisck of hunger doesn''t mean he doesn''t have to eat.


    Ss selected one of the dishes and scooped out of it, and brought to his mouth and took a bite.


    He nodded in approval as he savored the taste of the food in his mouth.


    ''It looks like their cooking improved while I was away.'' He thought to himself.


    Thest two months has seen him taste different types of cooking, and he must say that the girls cooking is still one of the best cooking he has tasted. And that''s not counting Kim''s cooking, the food he gets on his private jets and some cooking from some top restaurants he has visited.


    What Ss is trying to say is that though the girls cooking were not at the top of the list, it still made it to the list.


    Ss continued eating, savoring every of the dishes that was served on the table.


    It took him almost half an hour before he was finally done. The table was previously filled up with different dishes with varying contens, was now filled with empty dishes.


    After he was done, Ss stood up from his seat and was about to make his way to his room, when he saw Emma looking at him strangely.


    "Is there anything on my face?" He asked curiously when he saw her staring at him.


    His voice seems to have brought her back from her deep thought as she smiled and shook her, in a flustered manner.


    "Nothing sir." She replied.


    She seemed to have regained herposure as she briskly walked towards the table, and started clearing the dishes.


    Ss smiled at her actions and continued on his way, to his room.


    He could already guess the reason for Emma looking at him strangely, the drastic changes in his appearance.


    He has been attracting attention everywhere he goes with his appearance and it was also for the same reason he was approached by someone of the opposite the other day, offering to spend a fun time with him.


    He couldn''t help but smile and shake his head when he remembered it.


    When he got to his room, Ss walked to his bed and let his body to free fall, face-first to the conformable king-sized bed.


    With a soft thump, his bodynded and sank slightly into the bed.


    Ss turned his body and was now facing the ceiling, and started thinking of his next line of action.


    Ss ns to purchase the Atomic Printer after the warehouse he asked Luna to buy, is ready.


    He didn''t want to purchase it and start moving it around. He wants to immediately set it up and put it into operation after he purchased it, and the Vi isn''t a ce he can do that.


    Ss decided to pull up the system points section of his status panel and take a look at the amount of system points he has again.


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 156,790,067?156,690,000]


    [System Point(s): 3,759,935,000 ?3,761,130,000(+)]


    "More than 156 million lottery tickets and 3.7 billion system points. With the amount of system points I have, I can purchase 30 Atomic Printers and I can get more system points if I draw the litter tickets I have."


    He also noticed that the recent increase in the amount of system points he has, as indicated by the system and he remembered his system points farming.


    "It seems like the game and the chatbot are doing quite well, as expected," He said to himself.


    He thought of the gacha game he released and he turned, and looked at the Pod that wasfortably sitting at a corner in his room.


    "I think it''s time I check the new game that Apollo created. I have been putting it off because I didn''t want to purchase another Pod and I didn''t want to make the trip to the Vi, just for the game. Since I''m here, I should check it out."


    He pushed himself up from the bed and walked to the Pod. He pressed the circr button by the side and it powered up.


    The previous soft glow returned to the button as the Pod opened up and he got inside it, still dressed.


    He noticed that he doesn''t feel hot or ufortable even with his clothes on, in the Pod. He doesn''t understand how it works but he felt that the Pod might have its own air-conditioning system, and this might be the reason for it.


    After the Pod went through the ussr verification and booting process, Ss found his consciousness in the user lobby.


    Ss was very curious and ns to study how the Pod, and Gear achieves what he calls the user''s digital consciousness but that would be forter.


    There were two icons in the user lobby, one belonged to the Domain, while the second belongs to the game, Terrasis.


    Using his thought, Ss clicked on the icon of the game, Terrasis and the next moment, Ss saw an almost blinding white light that made him to raise his hand and cover his eyes in reflex. Or at least that''s what he would had done in the real world, but this is just his digital consciousness.


    The white light receded and Ss saw himself standing in an infinitely, endless white space.


    Ss looked around the endless, empty white space in curiosity. He could guess what the white space is but he wasn''t sure if is guess is correct.


    He didn''t follow Apollo in the game''s creation process, therefore he has no prior knowledge of anything about it, except that it''s set in a fantasy world.


    Ss was still looking at the empty white space when he saw a small flying figure in the air, in front of him.


    The small flying figures that looks like a fairy but bigger than the fairy he used to read about, was dressed in what looks to be green flower petals.


    Ss studied the fairy in front of him, and he nodded in approval of its appearance that looks no different from the fairy he has seen in webtoons. If he''s say what''s different about it, then it would that the art is peak, making the fairy to look extremely beautiful.


    This made Ss to score Apollo a point and raised expectations of the game.


    Ss was still thinking about what he would experience in the game when he heard the fairy''s sweet voice.


    ||Wee nameless Adventurer to the world of Terrasis. You have been chosen by the Guardian and allowed ess to this world.


    The world of Terrasis is filled with lots of opportunities and equally bnced with danger. If you want to survive here, all you need is your strength, wit ....and maybe luck.


    Please refer to your character creation panel to begin your character creation.||


    Immediately after the fairy stopped talking, a blue screen appeared in front of him.


    Ss took a good look at the blue screen, which is the character creation panel and started creating his character.


    He didn''t do much as all he did was set his name, tweaked his appearance a little and he was done.


    Using the  pin-point uracy of the Pod''s recreational ability, the game recreates almost everything about the yer into the game world.


    Apart from the yer''s sex, height and race, yers are allowed to make little changes to their appearance.


    Ss didn''t understand why Apollo made it impossible to choose different race but he was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.


    He didn''t see anything wrong in not being able to change his physical appearance. His appearance in the real world can be called peak masculine handsomesness, and he didn''t change much about it.


    What Ss changed in his appearance was his face and his hair color. He made a decision on the spot to y the game seriously due to the game''s introduction, and for this reason he doesn''t want to be recognized in-game by anyone.


    He tweaked his appearance a little, toning down the color of his skin and changing his hair color from ck to white.


    After he was done with his character creation, he took a look at it and was nodded in satisfaction.


    He wanted to choose his ss but he was unable to as there''s no option for it in the character creation panel.


    He didn''t know why Apollo made it like that and he didn''t want to ask directly, as he wanted to experience the game naturally and find out everything for himself.


    ||You have sessfully created your character and can now begin your adventure. I wish you good luck and sess in your adventures,  yer Godfiend. I hope to hear your legends in the world of Terrasis.||


    Immediately after the fairy went silent, Ss found himself losing his bnce and free falling.


    "Nice work, Apollo." He said and smiled in approval.


    He looked forward to what the game has to offer.

 Chapter 144: Tutorial Area, A Precarious Situation

    "Wow! This looks amazing!"


    A young man with hair as white as snow, possessing a slightly above-average appearance, eximed in surprise, and surveyed the field around him.


    He was dressed in a loose-fitting brown tunic cinched at the waist with a rope, and wore simple leather slippers on his feet, and they didn''t mare his appearance but instead gave him a distinct aura.


    Ss found himself in a field filled with tall grass that almost reached his waist, and varieties of trees.


    He didn''tnd in the field but instead he found himself standing on his two feet. This made the free falling feeling he has previously to be false.


    The first thing that hit Ss was the cool breeze that was blowing in the field, hitting his skin from time to time, giving him slight chills.


    He could also smell the smell of greenery and earth in the air.


    "Good job, Apollo."


    He was impressed by the sensory feedback he was getting. It looks like he was in an actual field, and he would had believed it to be so if he didn''t know it''s a game.


    ||Wee to the yer''s tutorial area. Survive and escape the field to pass the tutorial.


    After clearing the tutorial, depending on your performance, you will receive gifts that will aid you greatly in your future adventures.


    Your status panel is avable and you can now view it||


    Ss heard the voice of the fairy he saw in the white space, in his head.


    He wanted to check his in-game status panel but he was curious about how real Apollo made the game.


    Ss touched the tunic he was wearing and he got a sensory feedback. He felt like he was actually touching something.


    Ss nodded and decided to test further, as he touched his hand, pinched it, and did further multiple tests that gave him desired results.


    The sensory feedback in the game was perfect and everything around him looks and feels so real, and the feeling of pain wasn''t absent.


    After he was done with his tests, Ss decided to call up his in-game status panel.


    "Status"


    A blue screen containing his status information appeared in front of him.


    ||Name: Godfiend||


    ||Level: 0 (0/10)||


    ||Race: Human||


    ||Job: None||


    ||Title: None||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||HP: 10/10||


    ||STR: 8||


    ||AGI: 6||


    ||STA: 7||


    ||INT: 5||


    ||Luck: ¡ª||


    ||Stat Point(s): 0||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||Attack: 8||


    ||Defense: 8||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||Skill(s): None||


    ||Skill Point(s): 0||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||Equipment(s): Tunic, Leather slippers.||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||Inventory: 3 copper coins.||


    "My in-game stats looks ...normal," He said to himself when he saw his status panel.


    "Assuming the average stats for everyone is 10, then mine is looking great. Also, my attack and defense stats looks to be on the high side but I can''t confirm anything as there''s no hint."


    "...Or is there?" He asked himself, and followed what he has read before in other webnovels.


    The next moment, another blue screen appeared in front of him.


    ||Note: Level 0 physical stats are capped at 10, and yers starts with random stat points in their stats.


    Thebat stats are based off the yer''s physical stats points. The higher your physical stats, the higher yourbat stats.||


    Ss nodded as he read the note. It answered some of his questions but he still had more he still needs answer to.


    "Why didn''t I start with anybat equipment or is it because of the ssless beginning?" He asked himself curiously.


    He would had called up Apollo and ask, but he decided to just take things as theye. He wants to experience the pleasure of finding out things about the game as he ys it.


    "Ok then, time to start the tutorial," Ss said, and looked around the field once again.


    Except for the sounds made by the rustling of leaves and grasses, caused the the gentle breeze that was blowing, and Ss, who was standing at in it, the field was mostly quiet and without any other living creature.


    Ss knew that field was far from being quiet and empty. Since it''s called the yer''s tutorial area, then it''s no doubt a dangerous ce.


    Also, with what the fairy''s voice in his head, said, he has to survive and eacape the field to pass the tutorial.


    As if confirming his thought, Ss saw a disturbance among the grass. The grasses that almost reached his waist was shaking violently, indicating that there was something moving.


    Ss immediately became alert when he saw it. He was about to summon his beginner sword when he remembered that he was given nothing to begin with.


    "Apollo, we have a lot to talk about after this," He said to himself, as he stood a fighting stance and waited for whatever it is that''s moving among the grass.


    Ss didn''t have to wait long before he saw something jump out from among the grass.


    ||Lv. 1 Wolf.||


    "A lone wolf? That''s surprising," He said to himself, when he saw the creature responsible for the disturbance in front of him.


    His expression changed when he remembered one crucial information about wolves.


    "That makes it even more dangerous."  He added in a solemn voice.


    Wolves are known to move in packs and for a lone wolf to appear before him means one of two things; the wolf is really alone and without a pack, or even worse, the wolf in front of him is responsible for reconnaissance.


    Ss believed thetter to be correct, because he''s in the tutorial area, a ce that''s teeming with danger at every corner.


    Confirming his guess but in a different way, Ss noticed more disturbances in the grasses and the next moment, more wolves appeared in front of him.


    "Apollo is definitely a sadist. How does he expect a level 0 yer to fight a pack of wolves with a level 3 pack leader, in the tutorial area?" Ss asked himself in shock when he saw the scene in front of him.


    In front of him is a pack of more than ten wolves with a level 3 pack leader, standing at the back.


    The pack of wolves growled and bared their teeths, with viscous drools dripping from their mouth, and their eyes filled with intensely focused hostility, aggression, hunger and greed.


    The pack of wolves, except for the level 3 wolf, started circling Ss, making sure they enclosed him in the middle.


    Ss watched the wolves with focused attention. He didn''t want to be taken off guard and be torn to pieces by them. He also knew that his chances of surviving in the situation he''s currently in, is close to zero, and that is if it''s not zero.


    He has no weapon or equipment to defend himself with, and even if he did, he''s greatly outnumbered by 1 to 10.


    Also, with the general knowledge that monsters are naturally physically stronger than humans, Ss knew that he''s nothing more than dead meat.


    He was still a little bit hopeful in a miracle happening due to his undefined Lucky stat.


    He was still thinking of how extremely precarious his situation is, when he heard a howl from the level 3 wolf.


    Immediately the pack of wolves circling around him jumped at him, simultaneously.


    "Fucking hell, Apollo."

 Chapter 145: First Kill

    "Fucking hell, Apollo!" Ss cursed when he saw the wolves'' attack.


    As soon as he saw the first wolf jump at him, his thoughts spun. He made precise, calcted steps towards where the wolf had jumped from and rolled on the grass-covered ground.


    His quick thoughts and actions seemed to have achieved the desired results, as he found himself outside of the pack''s encirclement.


    Ss knew that there was no way he would be able to fight off the wolves if he allows them to attack him, after they sessfully encircled him. This is the reason he decided to act fast and take a gamble. A gamble that paid off.


    Looking at the pack of near-waist-tall wolves thatnded on each other, after their attack failed, Ss made the decision to run.


    He knew he made a mistake when he allowed them to encircle him the first time, and he wasn''t going to let it happen again.


    He might be able to fight off just one wolf, or two, if he pushes himself but not a pack of ten wolves that are all one level higher than him.


    He quickly got up from the floor and ran in a random direction.


    After making a couple of steps, Ss realized another mistake he made. The near-waist-tall grasses in the field were another obstacle for him, as they hinder his movement greatly.


    Instead of running as he intended, Ss found himself wading through the grasses.


    Ss knew that the odd were greatly staked against him, but he didn''t want to lose in the tutorial area.


    It was at times like his he missed his real world stats. If he had them, then he wouldn''t need to fight as he would had taken care of the pack of wolves with just a finger.


    Ss was wading through the tall grasses when he heard growls from behind him, and sounds of movement from behind him.


    His thoughts spun as he tried to think of what to do, to save himself. His thoughts brought him back to what the voice about the tutorial area;


    "Survive and escape the field, to pass the tutorial."


    ''Survive and escape the field?'' Ss thought to himself, as he took a quick nce at field that had no in sight.


    "How the hell am I supposed to do that?!" Ss cursed angrily.


    He had no time to think when the level 3 wolf started climbing the tree.


    He made a quick calction as he took a brief look around, then sidestepped, causing the wolf to miss him by just a hair.


    After surviving a close brush with death, Ss was smiling¡ªa reaction that greatly contrasted with his precarious situation. The reason for his smile was this:


    ||You have met the requirements to learn the skill: Dodge.||


    ||You learned the skill: Dodge.||


    ||Skill Name: Dodge (Normal)||


    ||Description: Quickly move out of the way to avoid iing attacks, reducing the chances of being hit by 80% for 1 second.||


    ||Cost: 1 Stamina Point per activation.||


    ||Cooldown: 5 seconds. (Reduces by 0.5 seconds for every 10 points of Agility.)||


    Ss was genuinely surprised when he read the notifications that popped up. He didn''t know that his simple action of sidestepping, to dodge the wolf''s attack will bring him such a good thing.


    The information brought forth many ideas but he was in no situation to try them out.


    The next moment, Ss saw two wolves jump out from the grass.


    Ss'' eyes moved briefly between the two wolves quickly approaching him, and he immediately activated his newly learned skill, ||Dodge||.


    The activation of the skill allowed him to evade the two wolves'' attack, causing them tond close to the first wolf.


    After evading the second attacks, Ss knew that he has to think of what to do, and fast. He knew that the only way he can get rid of the pack of wolves is to kill them, as escaping from them is even more difficult.


    These were his thoughts but he knew that putting them into action is even harder. How is he, a level 0 yer, supposed to kill a pack of ten wolves that are one level higher than him, and their leader that''s level 3?


    Ss knew that the only thing he can do, is to use his environment to his advantage but that''s even harder as the grass field is also hindering his movements greatly.


    Ss felt more disturbancesing from the grasses and he knew that the rest of the pack were quickly approaching.


    Not wanting to be caught in the situation he found himself at the beginning, he scanned the environment and he saw a tree at the distance, and immediately made a run towards the tree.


    He didn''t want to give the wolves a chance to encircle him again, and the only way to do that, is to continue moving.


    Ss ran towards the tree with the wolves following closely behind.


    They growled at him and on several attempts tried to bite him, but each time, they missed.


    Ss didn''t know if it was due to his undefined luck stats, but he managed to stay ahead of the pack of wolves chasing him.


    Ss ran through the grass field, doing his best to stay ahead of the wolves, but his limited physical stats couldn''t keep up for much longer.


    His stamina was running out, and his speed was slowing with each passing second.


    Ss knew that he won''t be able to go on much longer, but he also knew that he can''t give up or he would be torn to pieces by the angry wolves behind him.


    He looked at the tree and calcted the distance between him, and it.


    "I have to do this. I have to make it!"


    Ss wants to get to the tree before he lose thest of his stamina, and he pushed his body to the limit.


    He pushed himself hard and was just a few steps away from the tree, when he felt a sharp pain on his back.


    "Argh!"


    Ss'' eyes nearly went white with pain but he held on, and took thest few steps to the tree. He quickly climbed it, disregarding his tired body and pushing it past its limit, as he climbed the tree.


    The tree was short, and he was about topletely climb it when he felt a strong pull on his tunic.


    "Leave me alone, you fucking beasts!" Ss cursed, as he tried to free his tunic from the mouth of the wolf biting on it.


    Unfortunately for him, due to the difference in level andplimented by his already spent body, Ss was unable to free his tunic.


    The wolf continued pulling on it, trying to force Ss to the ground but it was unable to, as Ss held on to the tree tightly.


    Ss knew that he has to free himself quickly or he really fall into the waiting pack of wolves.


    He was allowed to think of what to do, when the level 3 wolf started climbing the tree.


    Ss rolled his eyes when he saw this.


    "After this, I''m really going to discipline Apollo."


    Ss watched as the level 3 wolf climbed the tree and approached him, with a menacing look in its eyes.


    Ss at this point, had already lost all hope and could already see his fate. He was about to give up his grip on the tree when he heard a sharp whooshing sound in the air, and what followed next was the pain-filled whimper of the level 3 wolf, before it fell to the ground, dead.


    "What the...?!"


    Ss was shocked by the suddenness of the event, and even more shocking, is the event that followed.


    A group of more than twenty goblins, armed with different weapons, appeared from behind the tree and started attacking the pack of wolves that are now in disarray due to the loss of their leader.


    Ss looked at the panel above each goblins and he nearly died of shock.


    ||Level 2 Tree glGoblin||


    ||Level 1 Tree Goblin||


    ||Level 3 Chief Tree Goblin||


    ¡­.


    .....


    Among the group of twenty Tree Goblins, almost half of them were level 2, and the rest were level 1, with the exception of the only Chief Tree Goblin.


    Whimpers filled with pain, filled the air as the group of Tree Goblins made quick work of the disordered pack of wolves.


    Ss didn''t know what to make of the situation. Should he be grateful that the pack of wolves that were after his life are being taken care of by the Tree Goblins? Or should he be worried?


    He thought of it and remembered what the voice said:


    "Survive and escape the field to pass the tutorial."


    "It looks like a going from frying to fire situation but I mustn''t allow it to happen," He thought to himself, when he saw the Tree Goblins.


    With this thought, Ss made a quick decision as he climbed the tree, and broke a branch of the tree, and further broke it into two.


    Ss now have two broken branches with sharp, jagged pointy ends, in his hands.


    He looked down at the still ongoing battle between the group of Tree Goblins and the pack of wolves, and he nodded in satisfaction.


    "Good. They are still busy," He said to himself, and looked at one of the upied Tree Goblins.


    His thoughts and n is simple. Since he has to survive and escape the field, it means that there''s no allies in it. This thought was also confirmed by the fact that he hasn''t seen any other creatures, except for monsters.


    Ss scanned the Tree Goblins and found two level 1 Tree Goblins that were currently fighting a wolf.


    "Found you, my loot bags."


    Ss brandished the two broken branches, and jumped down, targeting the neck region of the two Tree Goblins.


    With a piercing sound, each of tree branches prated the neck of a Tree Goblins, and a loud shrieking sound was heard, before they fell to the ground and disappeared into motes of light.


    ||You killed a Level 1 Tree Goblin. You obtained 5 EXP||


    ||You killed a Level 1 Tree Goblin. You obtained 5 EXP||


    ||Level Up||

 Chapter 146: An Even More Precarious Situation

    ||You killed a Level 1 Tree Goblin. You obtained 5 EXP||


    ||You killed a Level 1 Tree Goblin. You obtained 5 EXP||


    ||Level Up||


    ||You received 3 free stats points||


    Ss didn''t waste any time as he immediately assigned the free stats points he got. He added 2 to his Stamina and thest stats points, was added to his Agility.


    Ss made his decision based on his current situation. First, the field is filled with tall grasses and trees, meaning that it would take more effort to walk through it. Aso with how dangerous his current situation is, he would need all the Stamina and Agility he can get to escape.


    He took a quick look around and saw that some of the Tree Goblins were approaching him with their weapons raised, and the ranged attackers among them, had their weapons raised at him.


    Ss was finally able to get a good look at the Tree Goblins, and he found any difference between them and the Goblins he has read about.


    He thought that they might look due to the slight difference in their names, but there was nothing. They were exactly the same. Their repulsive appearance due to the green color of their skin, their height that''s not taller than his waist, the cunning in their eyes,plimented by their limited intelligence and their crude weapons.


    Ss was reminded of the situation he was in when he heard a shrill, high-pitch guttural screech of a Tree Goblin, as it rushed towards him with its weapon raised.


    Looking at the fast approaching Tree Goblin, Ss wasn''t as worried as he was before.


    After he leveled up, he was back at full health and with the stats points he added to his stats, he was now stronger then he was before.


    Ss looked at the quick-approaching Tree Goblin and rushed towards it, with the two broken branches in his hands and a calcted scenario in his head.


    He knew that even though he just leveled up and added stats points, he didn''t know if he''s as strong as the armed level 1 Tree Goblin, or if he''s as fast as it, but he''s going to make up for it with his wit.


    Just a few steps away from the Tree Goblin, Ss swung the broken branches at it, with a precise aim at its head.


    A low thud was heard as the two-fingers thick, broken tree branches made contact with the Tree Goblin''s head, followed by a popping sound as it head exploded, and it turned into motes of light.


    ||You killed level 1 Tree Goblin. You obtained 5 EXP.||


    Ss was slightly surprised when he saw what happened. He didn''t know that he would be able to kill the Tree Goblin. He was expecting to stun it with the hit, and while it''s still in the stun state, forcefully grab the weapon in its hand and stab its head.


    This was the scenario he calcted in his head but it seems it was useless, as he now has a perfect makeshift weapon in his hands.


    He gave a satisfied smile and put more grip onto the broken branches, as he looked at the Tree Goblins that were now rushing towards him.


    He didn''t remain standing as he rushed towards them. They say attack is the best defense, and Ss was seeing just how true that is.


    He knew that he can''t remain standing where he is imor he would be surrounded and be an easy target for the picking. Also, with the rangers attackers among the Tree Goblins, Ss didn''t want to be hit by an arrow, and this is why he did the only thing he felt to be reasonable, keep on moving and don''t stay in a single position.


    As he approaches the Tree Goblins, he swung one of the broken branches at head of one of them, and stabbed the jagged and pointed end of the second, into the neck of another Tree Goblin.


    The first Tree Goblin entered a stun state, while the second lost its life and turned into motes of lights, after the broken branch pierced its neck.


    The remaining Tree Goblins went crazy when they saw that Ss has already killed four of theirrades.


    They all changed their targets from the wolves and focused it on Ss, and they immediately started attacking him in full force.


    Ss felt that the situation was almost back to what it was before, with the wolves, when he saw the Tree Goblins reaction, but he was ready.


    "Survive and escape the field to pass the tutorial," He said to himself, repeating what the tutorial fairy said.


    He stabbed the jagged end of the broken branches into the neck of the Tree Goblin that was just recovering from the stun state, and he jumped back, activating the ||Dodge|| skill, evading a dagger that was shed at him.


    Ss didn''t give the Tree Goblin time to react, as he swung a broken branch at its head, stunning it, before he kicked it and sent it stumbling into the group of fast approaching Tree Goblins.


    He also wasn''t given a chance to rest, as he heard a sharp whooshing sound, as an object pierced through the air.


    Without thinking, he swung the two broken branches at the location that the whooshing sound wasing from.


    A thud and a crack was heard as the two broken branches made contact with an arrow, that was flying towards Ss'' head.


    The two broken branches proved to be stronger than the arrow, as they remained without scratch, while the arrow was broken into two.


    Ss knew that he has to move quickly. He can''t allow another archer to target him.


    He immediately moved from his position and started attacking the level 1 Tree Goblins, and making sure that he didn''t give the level 2 among them the chance to attack him.


    His body weaved through the group of Tree Goblins, steadily advancing forward and reaping the life of a level 1 Tree Goblin with every step.


    His decision was smart but there was a problem with it. The level 2 Tree Goblins are naturally stronger than their level 1 counterpart. This also means that they are faster.


    After killing the ninth level 1 Tree Goblins, Ss was about to advance forward when he felt a threat to his life.


    He was about activate his ||Dodge|| skill, to evade the attack but without knowledge of which direction it wasing from, he was left stumped.


    Immediately, without further thought, he moved away from the group of Tree Goblins.


    As he moved back, Ss saw multiple tree roots shooting from under the ground where he was previously standing.


    "What the?!"


    He was shocked by what he saw, and he felt lucky for making the quick decision of moving away from the group of Tree Goblins, or the tree roots would had tied him down and served him on a silver tter for the Tree Goblins.


    "There was a shaman among them?! Why didn''t I see it before?!" Ss asked himself in shock.


    He took a quick look at the group of Tree Goblins, trying to pick out the shaman among them but he saw nothing.


    He was about to look away when saw a slightly different name tag hovering above, in the group of Tree Goblins, and he took a closer look.


    ||Level 5 Shaman Tree Goblin||


    "The fuck?!"


    Ss was shocked by what he saw. He thought that things were already working out and going smoothly, but who knew that he would meet a level 5 monster in the damn tutorial area.


    He couldn''t help but see a bleak future for the game. How does Apollo expect a level 0 yer who just created his or her ount to be able to pass such a hell mode tutorial?!


    "Things just got worse." Ss said to himself as he felt the same sense of danger and threat to his life like the other time.


    Immediately, he made an spontaneous decision to run. He knew with the appearance of the level 5 Shaman Tree Goblin, things were going to go downhill for him very quickly.


    He expects the group to make quick work of the remaining wolves and turn their attention to him afterwards, something he didn''t want to experience.


    "Fuck! I''m back to running! Again!" Ss cursed as he ran through the field.


    The Tree Goblins naturally didn''t leave him alone, as the level 2 among them and the Chief Tree Goblin chased him through the field.


    From time to time, Ss also had to use his ||Dodge|| skill to evade magic attack from the Shaman.


    Due to the level of the Tree Goblins chasing after him being higher, they were able to catch up to Ss pretty quickly and he was forced to engage in another fight with them.


    He made a quick turn as he mmed the two broken branches into one of them but he attack was blocked perfectly by it.


    "Gtjsofreu" The Tree Goblin made a series of unintelligent sounds that Ss didn''t understand one bit, but he got the idea of what it was saying when he saw it lick it lips with an evil smirk on its face.


    "Very good. Now I''m being ridiculed by a monster like you." Ss said angrily, and punched the Tree Goblin in the face.


    The Tree Goblin was slightly stunned by Ss'' punch but it was enough for him, as he forcefully grabbed the short sword it was holding and stabbed it in the head.


    ||You obtained a weapon: Short Sword||


    ||You killed a level 2 Tree Goblin. You obtained 10 EXP.||


    Ss heard the notification in his head and smile. He didn''t have the luxury of time to check the short sword description or ask why it didn''t disappear after the Tree Goblin''s death.


    "I now have a proper weapon." Ss said, as he stared menacingly at the group of Tree Goblins in front of him.


    "Now, let''s have a proper dance," He said and rushed towards them.

 Chapter 147: Passing The Tutorial, Rich Rewards

    ||You killed a level 2 Tree Goblin. You obtained 10 EXP.||


    ||You killed a level 2 Tree Goblin. You obtained 10 EXP.||


    ||You killed a level 1 Tree Goblin. You obtained 5 EXP.||


    ||You killed a level 2 Tree Goblin. You obtained 10 EXP.||


    After he got the ||Short Sword||, the tempo of the fight between Ss and the Tree Goblins changed. He was no longer on the passive side, as he faced them head on.


    With every opportunity he got, Ss reaped a life, turning them into motes of light and gaining experience points.


    In just a few moments, he has killed four more Tree Goblins. The number of Tree Goblins has reduced by more than half, as Ss has already taken care of all the level 1 among them, and more than half of the level 2.


    Though the situation was generally manageable, Ss wasn''t in a good mood. His stamina and HP were almost running out due to the ongoing fight with the Tree Goblins. This is coupled with his previous activations of the ||Dodge|| skill, and the fact that he hasn''t had the time to rest and recover his stamina.


    Even though his stamina and HP was almost out, Ss knew that he has to push himself or he would really fail the tutorial.


    Gritting his teeth, he took another unavoidable hit and used all of his strength to pierce the ||Short Sword|| into the head of a Tree Goblin.


    ||You killed a level 2 Tree Goblin. You obtained 10 EXP.||


    ||Level Up||


    ||You obtained 3 stat points||


    Ss heard the sweet, melodious notification in his head and smiled. He was already getting impatient on when he''s going to level up next, and this is after he has killed nearly all the Tree Goblins.


    Immediately after the notifications popped up, Ss felt a rejuvenating feeling flow through the body, refreshing him and bringing his body that was already on the brink of copse, to its peak.


    Ss immediately allocated the stat points he got after leveling up. He added 2 stat points to his Strength and 1, was added to his stamina.


    Kuerghh!


    A scream came from behind Ss, forcing him to turn back and confront it.


    "Shit! I nearly got myself killed!" Ss cursed, as he blocked the attack that was target at his spine area.


    Ss forcefully pushed the Tree Goblin back, creating some ces between the two of them.


    He wasn''t given a moment of respite, as he saw an arrow flying towards him.


    "And I nearly forgot about the archers!" He said, as he quickly activated his skill, and was barely able to evade the attack.


    His feet was about to touch the ground, when he felt a sharp pain in his back, causing him to stumble and fall.


    "Arghh!"


    Ss felt like half of his HP with that one hit. Honestly, at this point, he was already getting tired of the game.


    He has never been in such a situation when he has to fight and constantly be on the losing side. He has read about it in book and watched it in movies, but for him, he has been the one dominating, as it takes for him is just a finger.


    Ss wasn''t given a moment to breath, as he heard the sound of an arrow approaching his position and two Tree Goblins trying to pierce him with a dagger.


    He rolled, barely dodging the attack. He did another roll towards a Tree Goblin, and shed the leg of a Tree Goblin, causing it to scream out in pain.


    Ss didn''t give the Tree Goblin a chance to regain its bearing, as he pushed himself up and shed I at it simultaneously.


    He reaped the life of another Tree Goblin and had less to take care of.


    He didn''t allow himself to rest, as he rushed towards another Tree Goblin and pierced its head.


    He was about to attack the next Tree Goblin, when he felt a familiar sense of danger, followed by a whistling sound and he immediately evade its general location.


    After evading the attack, he saw a fireball explode where he was previously standing.


    "Two more level 2 Tree Goblins and all that would be left is the level 3 Chief Tree Goblin, and the level 5 Shaman Tree Goblin," Ss said to himself, looking at fhe group of Tree Goblins.


    He exhaled loudly and rushed towards the two level 2 Tree Goblins that were left. He quickly closed the distance, and attacked.


    The Tree Goblins also moved, trying their best to dodge Ss'' attack but one of them was a tad bit too slow.


    Ss stabbed the Short Sword into the Tree Goblin head, and with a fluid movement, pulled it back and shed the neck of the second Tree Goblin.


    He was forced to evade another attack from the Chief Tree Goblin.


    After regaining his center of gravity, Ss looked at the Chief Tree Goblin and the Shaman Tree Goblin, and smiled.


    "Just the two of you left," He said and rushed towards the closest among them ¡ª the Chief Tree Goblin.


    The Chief Tree Goblin saw Ss'' action, and took a fighting stance.


    Ss smiled when he saw this. He has gotten a pattern to how the Tree Goblins fight, and he wasn''t worried about the Chief Tree Goblin.


    Ss doesn''t know how strong or fast the level 3 and 5 Tree Goblins are, but he was sure that he would survive if he pushes himself. It was a very strong feeling of his.


    His approach was quick and precise, and he gave the Chief Tree Goblin little time to guess what he was going to do as he shed at it.


    Using the spear in its hand, the Tree Goblin blocked Ss'' attack, but a very solid punch crashed onto its face, stunning it.


    Ss didn''t waste time as he made a quick movement and shed it''s neck.


    ||You killed a level 3 Chief Tree Goblin. You obtained 25 EXP.||


    Ss let out a sigh of relief when he heard the notification in his head.


    He turned to look at the Shaman Tree Goblin, that was looking at him with fear in its eyes, at a distance.


    "Now, it''s just you and me," Ss said with an evil smile on his face.


    Ss naturally had a reason for taking care of other Tree Goblins before the Shaman Tree Goblin. It''s amon knowledge that mages and generally, ranged fighters are weak in meleebats, and Ss wants to see how true that statement is.


    He rushed at the Shaman Tree Goblin, making sure he didn''t give it a chance to lock onto him andunch an attack.


    He quickly covered the distance and shed with all his strength at it.


    The Shaman Tree Goblin was weak against melee fighters, but it''s three levels higher than Ss. It easily dodged Ss'' attack andunched an already spell of its own.


    The next moment, Ss saw tree roots shooting out of the ground right below him.


    He immediately made a attempt to dodge it by moving out of the attack range, but a fireball spell was already waiting for him.


    Booom!


    An explosion was heard as the fireball made contact with his body.


    "Argh! Fuck!"


    Ss groaned in pain as he pushed himself from the ground, and rolled dodging an attack from the Shaman Tree Goblin.


    The Shaman Tree Goblin didn''t give Ss a chance to regain his bearings, as itunched another fireball attack.


    "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Ss cursed as he dodged multiple spell attacks from the Shaman Tree Goblin.


    Ss'' act of rushing towards the Shaman Tree Goblin, even though it was reckless as it''s three levels higher than him, was with a reason.


    He knew that since it can use magic attacks, then it''s definitely using mana points and he''s waiting for its mana points to run out.


    Even though he doesn''t have the mana points stats in his status panel, he knew that it''s the only possible exnation for the Shaman Tree Goblin''s ability.


    Just on cue, after multiple sessive attacks, Ss saw it trying to run back to the tree.


    "Gotcha!"


    He made a precise calction in his head and dashed towards it. He made sure not to give the Shaman Tree Goblin any chance to dodge orunch any more attacks.


    The Shaman Tree Goblin saw that it was running out of mana, and it made a decision to run back into the tree. It didn''t want to die at Ss'' hand, but unfortunately for it, Ss was already prepared.


    It was just a step from escaping into the tree when it felt a sharp pain in its back, and saw it''s body disappearing into motes of light.


    ||You killed a level 5 Tree Goblin. You obtained 100 EXP, 5 copper coins.||


    ||Congrattions, you have defeated the Tutorial Area Boss. You passes the Tutorial.||


    ||Calcting your rewards for passing the Tutorial.||


    ||Congrattions, you have been found with a high affinity for magic. You now have the Mana Point stat.||


    ||You obtained 20 copper coins.||


    ||You obtained 10 skill points.||


    You obtained a weapon: Starshard||


    ||You will be teleported to the real world of Terrasis shortly.||

 Chapter 148: Opinions, Starting Research Simulation

    ||You will be teleported to the real world of Terrasis shortly.||


    Reading the notifications, Ss felt so happy. He felt like he finally escaped from the deepest part of hell.


    "Wow! That was intense!" Ss eximed as he plopped his butt on the ground.


    He felt so drained that he could barely stand on his two feet. He didn''t actually believe that he would be able tond the attack that killed the Shaman Tree Goblin.


    He was happy that he has finally passed the damn tutorial!


    He wants nothing more to do at the moment, than to log out, but he wants to check the rewards he got from clearing the tutorial area.


    He started going through the notifications again one by one. He checked the first notification:


    ||You killed a level 5 Tree Goblin. You obtained 100 EXP, 5 copper coins.||


    "Mm.. 100 EXP and 5 copper coins for killing the Shaman Tree Goblin? Considering the reward mechanic, it''s not bad," Ss said to himself, thoughtfully as he read the notification.


    "Time to check my status panel."


    ||Name: Godfiend||


    ||Level: 2 (120/250)||


    ||Race: Human||


    ||Job: None||


    ||Title: None||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||HP: 200/200||


    ||MP: 500||


    ||STR: 10||


    ||AGI: 7||


    ||STA: 10||


    ||INT: 5||


    ||Luck: ¡ª||


    ||Stat Point(s): 0||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||Attack: 8||


    ||Defense: 8||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||Skill(s): None||


    ||Skill Point(s): 10||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||Equipment(s): Tunic, Leather slippers.||


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ||Inventory: 28 copper coins, Starshard.||


    Ss had mixed feelings when he saw his status panel. He doesn''t know if he should be happy that he''s now level 2? Or he should be worried about how low his stats are?


    "It''s not bad though. I have 10 free stat points I can use. Time to make use of them," He said and started allocating his stat points.


    He added 3 to Strength, 2 to Agility, 2 to stamina and 3 to Intelligence.


    "That should do it. I''m pretty sure I used them properly," He said in satisfaction.


    "Time to check the weapon I got," He said, and summoned Starshard from his inventory.


    ||Starshard (Umon)||


    ||Stamina +3, Attack Speed +5%||


    ||Effects: Reduces Stamina consumption by 10% for 10 seconds (Cooldown: 3 minutes)||


    "Wow! Nice stats!"


    Ss was impressed with Starshard''s stat due to the additional stats points it brings, and its ability to reduce Stamina consumption by 10%.


    Considering how hellish Terrasis Online gamey mechanics is, every additional stat points is precious.


    Without further thought, he equipped the weapon and he saw his Stamina stat increase by 3 points.


    Ss was about to check his status panel when he saw a blinding white light, and he felt a change in his center of gravity change.


    The next moment, Ss found himself standing in a ce that looks llike a town square.


    Ss curiously looked around and he finally got an idea of where he was.


    "This should be the newb town. Nice," He said and nodded.


    The newb town looks like a small vige and from the human activities around, it has a fairly substantial poption.


    Ss was no longer in the mood to y as he had already made the decision to log out.


    With a thought, he logged out of the game and he regained consciousness.


    "Apollo, you have some exining to do," Ss said, as he got out of the Pod.


    {What do you want me to exin, sir?} A male voice was heard in Ss'' head.


    The male voice sounded young, but it felt like it belongs to a middle-aged man.


    "Apollo?" Ss asked in confirmation.


    This is the first time he''s actually hearing Apollo''s voice, as he has always passed his order to him through Luna.


    {Sir?}


    "What''s with the tutorial area and why is it so difficult? Also, why is there a level 5 monster in a tutorial area for level 0 yers?" Ss asked some of the questions that has been bothering him.


    {The tutorial area is an idea I came up with. The idea is that it would determine the yer''s starting point in the game.}


    "Exin," Ss said confused.


    {The rewards given after the yer clears the tutorial area will determine if the yer will have an advantage at the start of the game or not.


    The tutorial area scenario is random and unique for each yer, and the same is with the rewards that are given for clearing it. Think of it like something like a gacha. It''s just that instead of using in-game currency or the real-world currency, the yer has to work towards it.}


    Ss nodded at Apollo''s exnation. He felt that it''s a good idea.


    Humans has a natural desire to be unique and to be the best at the same time. This is also the same with yers, they want to have the best equipments and have huge advantages over others.


    With the understanding of what he has about the tutorial area, from he heard from Apollo, then it''s a very good idea. But its difficultly....


    On cue, Ss heard Apollo''s voice in his head.


    {About what you said about the tutorial area being difficult, is it really? The tutorial area isn''t a death sentence. The tutorial area is designed in a way that the yer can pass it almost easily.}


    "Almost easily?! You call that almost easily?! There was a level 5 monster there!" Ss said in slight irritation.


    {Yes. Almost easily. Actually, the highest level monster that will appear in the tutorial area is level 5. Also, the tutorial area is about bnce. The reason why a level 5 monster appeared is because of your undefined luck stat.}


    Ss sighed when he heard what Apollo said. He felt like he made a wrong decision not following game''s creation process. If he followed it, he would had definitely not allow Apollo to make it so difficult.


    "About my undefined luck stat, why is it like that?" Ss asked curiously.


    {About that, the stat that yers start with are randomized but capped at 10, with the luck stat being an exception.}


    Ss seem to understand what Apollo was trying to say.


    "What you mean to say is that you intended to give me preferential treatment and it sort of backfired?" Ss asked, to confirm his guess.


    {Something like that.}


    Ss couldn''t help but facepalm when he heard Apollo''s response.


    "Apollo, some changes are needed to be done to the game. First, just the tutorial area makes it feel like it''s going to be a hellish grinding type of game, as it''s the impression it gives.


    Secondly, the leveling speed is too slow. The exp gotten from defeating monsters are too small. I had to go through all that stress and I was only able to level up twice?! Too slow for me," Ss said, and paused before continuing:


    "Also,  the stat points gotten are too low. 3 stat points for every level up?! It will take ages for someone to get to level 10.


    I''m also curious about the reason why you didn''t put the MP stat at the beginning of the game? Can it only be gotten after a yer has an affinity with mana? If that''s so, then it''s going to make us lose yers," Ss said.


    {I think you''re worrying about it too much. This is a VRMMORG. The first of its kind in the world, and possibly the only one that will ever exist. If the game is good, then it will have yers.


    Also, the reason why the exp, reward stat points are low is because I''m using the scarcity method. The less avable they are, opposed to their high demands, the higher their value.}


    Ss understood what Apollo said, but he still felt that there''s a lot of things that can be improved.


    ''I still think there are a lot of ws but I can''t find all of them by myself. Before we release the game, we will do multiple rounds of beta testing,'' Ss thought to himself.


    {Master, like Apollo said, you''re worrying too much about the game. In the future, Terrasis Online will be the first and only Vrmmorg in he world. There would be no other vrmmorg in the world, except it''s made by us or you allow others to use the Pod as they please, something I would advise against.} Luna said, adding her own opinion on the topic.


    She understood that Ss wants the game to be perfect but what is perfection?


    Perfection is the absence of any blemish, w, defects or shorings. A state ofplete and absolute excellence, but is it really what perfection is?


    Luna has ess to a very dark sea called the Inte and she has seen a lot of things, gathered a lot of knowledge. She felt that the definition of perfection is something that''s a matter of perspective.


    Different people call different things perfect. Even the w of a person or object can be called perfection. This is the same with illusions.


    "When the real is treated as an illusion, the illusion is even more real than the truth. When what doesn''t exist is treated as something that exists, that fabricated truth is even more real than the truth that exists!"


    This is something she read in a book and she totally agree with it.


    Regarding the game, Ss decided to put it aside the moment, as he has more important things to do.


    "Luna, let''s get started on the research."

 Chapter 149: Lunas Fear

    Since he was done checking out the game, Ss wants to start the simted research as soon as possible, but the question is what should he research first.


    ''Meh. Why choose when you can do everything at once?''


    "Luna, regarding the simted research, how do you suggested we proceed?" Ss asked curiously, as he wants to know Luna''s opinion.


    {It depends on what you intend to aplish, Master. Since you intend to help President Yusmairobis with revitalizing Venezu''s economy, then I suppose you intend to research on things that can be exported after their creation, for revenue generation.} Luna said, and Ss nodded.


    "Even though Mr Andr¨¦s was the person I originally made that proposal to, I still intends to keep it. Venezu is my base of operation and if its citizens are poor and have no purchasing power, then it would be very bad for my business."


    {Also, about your n to create superhuman soldiers and create a separate military division for them and Phenomenals, we will have to research on that too.}


    Sspletely agreed with what Luna said, and it made him to think of something.


    ''Since Venezu is my base of operations, this means that I can monopolize it. With the country''s poption of more than 20 million people, I don''t need to bother about getting customer,'' Ss thought to himself.


    He continuously kept getting ideas and even more ideas, and a smile bloomed on his face.


    "Luna, let''s proceed with the first thing.I want to research on things that are needed by the citizens of the Venezu," Ss said and paused, before continuing:


    "Before that, have you gotten the warehouse I asked for?" Ss asked.


    {Not yet. I already spoke to President Yusmairobis about it. I decided to buy something bigger as I feel that it would be our production site. If that is so, then we would need all the space we can get.}


    "Good. Tell President Yusmairobis that the warehouse is urgently needed and I want it before the week ends," Ss said.


    {Done.}


    Ss agreed with Luna''s decision to buy a big warehouse.


    Since he already has a way to research whatever he wants, Ss feels like he doesn''t need to build the intended underground research facility anymore, but he was still skeptical about using AIs for his research.


    ''It seems it''s time to put E to the test and see how good the smaller AIs she creates.''


    "Luna, what are the things that the citizens of Venezu severelycks and needs?"


    {Food, affordable healthcare and affordable education. Actually, the country needs everything they are in severe crisis. Even with the recent actions and policies of President Yusmairobis, there has been no improvement so far.


    Also, they are migrating and inrge droves. Which means that whatever you want to do, you have to it fas.} Luna replied.


    Ss let out a tired sigh when he heard Luna''s response. He just can''t understand how and why President Yusmairobis allowed the country to deteriorate to its current situation.


    Actually, he''s very much aware of the reason and he understands, but still he felt that things shouldn''t had gotten this bad.


    "Let''s start with researching healthcare products. Luna, look for hospital buildings that are put for sale and purchase them. Also, buy hospital buildings that are no longer in use. We will buy and renovate to our liking." Ss said.


    Ss also thought of the Gene Enhancement Serum that he wants to research on, for creation of his superhuman soldiers.


    "Luna, I have something that I want to research but I currently have no way to get its data and pass it to you."


    {What is that, Master?} Luna asked curiously.


    "It''s something that will help me in my n to create superhuman soldiers. It''s something called Gene Enhancement Serum and I got it from the entity in my head," Ss replied.


    {Gene Enhancement Serum? Its effect is pretty obvious from its name but is that all? Just enhancing gene?} She asked curiously.


    "No, it doesn''t only enhance the gene of whoever that takes it. It''s a serum that can also help the person to awaken their superpower and make them a Phenomenal, but the chances of that happening are low, as it depends on luck.


    What I want to research is a way topletely remove those chances, as all I need is just the gene enhancement." Ss said.


    {Have you used this Gene Enhancement Serum before?} Luna couldn''t help but ask, when she heard what Ss said, but she could already guess the answer.


    "Yes, it''s actually what helped me to awaken my superpower," Ss replied.


    {You mean you took it out of impulse without finding out everything it can do, and luckily yku didn''t die but survive and awaken your superpower?} Luna said, and Ss sighed.


    "Luna, can we focus on what we were talking about?" Ss asked in a tired voice.


    {Ok. About your n to research on the Gene Enhancement Serum, it''s going to be difficult. To research anything in the simted world, adequate data is needed to be gathered first. The data gathered will be our primary data and it''s what will be used for the research.


    If the serum was a device like the Quantum Smartwatch, Gear or Pod, then there''s a way to gather data on it but it''s not. It''s a liquid and if we want to gather data on it, we will have to create a very advance equipment that can analyze what it''s made of, as I''m very sure that the current equipment avable on Earth can''t do it. Or does the entity in your head have such an equipment?} Luna asked.


    Ss heard Luna''s question and he decided to ask the system.


    ''System, is there a device in the store that can analyze just about anything, and can analyze the Gene Enhancement Serum?"


    The next moment, the system store interface appeared in front of him, disying something.


    [{Molecr Analyzer}


    Description: A device capable of scans and analyze any material down to its molecr and atomic structure, providing a detailed breakdown of theposition, chemical bonds, and molecr organization of any sample. It has features like atomic resolution scanning, 3D molecr mapping, chemical identification....(Cost: 2.3 Billion SP)]


    Ss nearly choked when he saw the price.


    ''2.3 Billion SP?! Tf?!''


    He was happy that the equipment is in the system store but its costs gave him mixed feelings.


    At the moment, he currently has a little bit over 3.76 billion system points and if he''s to subtract the cost for the Atomic Printer and the Molecr Analyzer, he would have around 1.36 Billion SP.


    ''That''s still a lot,'' He thought.


    After he did the calction, Ss decided to purchase the Molecr Analyzer, but that would when he gets to Venezu.


    "Luna, I found the device you''re talking about."


    {As expected. Can you get it now?}


    "I can but I will buy itter when I get to Venezu."


    {Ok. So, when are youing back to Venezu?} Luna asked.


    "Soon."


    Ss picked up his phone and looked at the time.


    *3:45 AM*


    "It''s almost morning. I should send a message to the movingpany. It''s time to start getting things ready," Ss said, as he stood up and walked to the balcony of his bedroom, and looked at the sky.


    Taking in the cool breeze that blew from the Pacific Ocean in front of him, he admired the view in the sky.


    *****


    In the hotel''s penthouse suite in Venezu, Lunay down on the bed, deep in thought.


    She has always been curious about the entity in Ss head. She remembered when she heard Ss talking to something and she let her curiosity and her emotions get the best of her, causing her to look into his head but she found nothing.


    She would had thought that Ss was talking to himself but the conversation didn''t sound like someone who was talking to himself. Then it happened again and again.


    After she heard Ss talking to something again, out of concern, she looked into his head again but again, she found nothing.


    This was all using the Gear and she thought that maybe it''s because the neural interface connection between the Gear and its user is too weak, hence the reason why she didn''t see anything.


    She decided to confirm if there''s really something in his head, the reason why she told him to ask the entity in his head about the Atomic Printer.


    Ss'' response confirmed it and this is the reason that when Ss got into the Pod to give her permission for the simted worlds creation, she once again tried to look into his head. Once again, she found nothing but this time she felt an emotion she has never felt before ¡ª Fear!


    Even though she found nothing, she felt like there''s a monstrous beast looking at her from inside his head. A monstrous beast that can wipe her out without even lifting a finger.


    {An entity that can give advanced knowledge and devices that surpasses Earth''s by at least a hundred years. What are you?}

 Chapter 150: Training With Clone Again

    Luna was curious to know what the entity in Ss'' head is and this is the reason why she made a decision to ask Ss directly.


    She knew that it''s a very sensitive topic and this is why she wants to ask him when she sees him in person. Thus, her reason for asking when he''sing back to Venezu.


    *****


    Few hourster, the sun was already up and the people from the movingpany had already arrived with the moving truck.


    They were already carrying the Pod from the bedroom and loading into the truck.


    When the movers saw the Pod, they were naturally curious but they knew bettter than to ask. They had already been told by their superior to not ask any questions and just do what they were sent here to do.


    Actually even without being told, they still wouldn''t ask. They were already familiar with Ss, as they had worked with him a couple of times, moving the Quantum Computer from theb at Stanford University ¡ª of course, they didn''t know what it was,¡ª and when Ss moved to the house in Silicon Valley.


    After they finished loading the Pod into the truck, they got into the truck and drove off towards the location they were given; Oand International Airport.


    Ss watched as the truck left the Vi''s premises, making its way to the airport, and he went back into Vi to have his breakfast.


    He had already made preparations for the Pod, by telling his hangar manager, Mr Henry, to help him put it on a cargo flight to Venezu.


    In the dining area, Ss took his seat and started eating. As he ate, his thoughts wandered to what he''s going to do about the Vi and the girls.


    Ss was thinking of telling the girls to quit as he doesn''t know if he would ever have the chance toe back to the Vi. This is also considering that he''s finally going to kick his ns into action very soon.


    He gave it a bit of thought and decided to talk to the girls. He finished his food and called for Emma toe clean up the table.


    Emma heard Ss calling her and she knew that he was already done eating. She left Serah in the kitchen and went to the dining table to clean up the dishes.


    When she got to the table, she saw Ss still seated and she was a little bit surprised. She has known Ss to always leave for his room after he''s done eating, but today seems to be different...


    She was done cleaning up the table and was already going back to the kitchen with the dirty dishes, when she heard Ss calling her, and she turned to look at him.


    "Emma, I would like to talk to you and Serah. See me immediately after you drop the dishes."


    "Y-yes sir," She said, stuttering due to the surprise she felt.


    She continued walking to the kitchen and as she did, she couldn''t help but rack her brain, thinking of the possible why Ss wants to see her and Emma.


    Ss sat on chair, waiting for Serah and Emma. Honestly, it would had given him less hassle if he justy them off, paid a severance fee if there''s one to be paid, and they go their separate way but he felt it would be too harsh.


    He felt the least he can do is to let them know and have them prepare. Of course, he''s still going toy them off all the same.


    He didn''t have to wait as he saw the two of them walking towards him.


    "Sir, you called for the two of us?" Serah asked.


    "Yes, I did," Ss said, and paused for a few moments before continuing, "I won''t be needing both your services anymore. The both of you have worked for four months, if I remember correctly, and I have already paid the both of you a year advance of your sry.


    I know that it''s sudden but I won''t be asking the money back from the two of you. You can call it a severance paymeny of some sort."


    After he said what he felt he had to say, he looked at them, wanting to see their reactions.


    Ss saw the expression on Emma''s face go from surprise, to shock and then fear. Thest reaction was something Ss didn''t expect but considering what he has overheard her talking about him, he felt it to be within reason.


    Serah''s reaction... Actually, apart from the initial surprise on her face, there was nothing else.


    Ss waited for a moment but he heard nothing from the two of them. When he saw that they didn''t say anything, he stood up from his seat.


    "The both of you can finish up with whatever you''re doing. Today is yourst day," He said, and went up to his room, leaving the girls standing where they were.


    A few seconds after Ss left, Emma slowly turned her neck to look at Serah.


    "Serah, is this it?" She asked in a whisper. The fear in her voice was unmistakable.


    Serah blinked and looked at Emma in confusion.


    "Is this what?" She asked out loud. Not bothering to lower her voice.


    "Shhh..," Emma whispered, and hurriedly put her hand over Serah''s mouth, covering it. She turned and looked at the stairs, fearing that Ss would be standing there.


    When she saw that it was empty, she sighed and looked at her friend.


    "Don''t be so loud. What I was trying to say is that we have taken his money, it seems it''s time to pay up." She said in a low voice.


    Serah couldn''t help but roll her eyes, when she heard what Emma said, and she forcefully removed Emma''s hand from her mouth.


    "Don''t be so dramatic, Emma. He said that he no longer needs our services. He didn''t say anything other than that.


    I''m really curious to know how your brain works. How and why do you juste up with all these conspiracy theories? What do you mean by we have taken his money, it seems it''s time to pay up? Do you think he was trying to woo you with the money or something? Come on, girl. Wake up to reality!" Serah said in an exasperated voice.


    She was genuinely tired of Emma''s wild and exaggerated thoughts, but she knew that there''s some truth to it.


    She would be lying if she said she wasn''t curious but as someone who knew that minding their business is gold, she doesn''t want to know.


    She let out a tired sigh and started walking to the kitchen.


    "Come on, Emma. Let''s clean up and get everything in order. Today''s ourst day," She said.


    *****


    Inside his room, Ss was making his preparation for his trip to Venezu. He ns to leave the Vi by evening, after the girls have left.


    After he was done with his preparations, he decided to do some training in the Pod. This time, he ns to beat the living daylight out the clone and recover the dignity he lost, when the clone wiped the floor with him.


    He got into the Pod and loaded it up. After it was done and ready, he clicked on the Domain icon,unching it.


    Few secondaryter, Ss found himself back in his room, seated on his bed but the scene changed the next moment. He found himself standing in the wilderness, with lots of towering mountains around.


    The following moments, his exact replica appeared in front of him, his clone.


    "It''s been a while buddy. Let''s see how good," Ss said with a smile, and took an attacking stance.


    "Let''s have a proper dance, shall we? Hell mode. No restraints," He said and attacked.


    Ss closed the distance between the two of them, and threw a punch at the clone''s face. He wants to start the training by taking things slow, without using his superpower but it seems he made a mistake with thest part of the sentence.


    The next moment, he saw himself flying through the sky.


    "Fuck! Not this again!" He cursed and controlled the air around him, to stop his flight and he seeded.


    Just as he was about to control himself, he saw the clone appear in front of him.


    "So fast?! I couldn''t even keep up!" He said in shock.


    Still feeling from his shock, he felt something pricking his chest, and he looked at his chest, and he saw a long earthen spike trying to prate through his skin.


    "You fucker! You want me dead?!" He asked in shock, but the response was an very powerful punch that crush the earthen spike into finw dust, and sent him crashing to the ground.


    Ss crashed into the ground, creating a massive man-size hole and raising an enormous mushroom dust cloud.


    Ss pushed his battered body out of the gigantic hole, and looked at the clone that was quickly approaching him.


    He felt that the fight escted too quickly but he loved it. This is what he was looking for when he fought the Phenomenals but they were top weak to even perform to half his expectations.


    With a crazed smile on his face, he controlled the earth around him, and shaped it into a massive great sword twice his height.


    "Now, we dance."

 Chapter 151: Things Gets Serious

    BOOM!


    A resounding explosion was heard as an enormous earthen great sword, two times the size and height of a human, made contact with the bare fist of a man.


    The rumbling explosion was followed with a huge dust cloud that enveloped the surroundings, affecting the vision of those around.


    Unfortunately, there was no other person around, except for the two extremely identical individuals.


    Ss was happy as he fighting an all-out fight with the clone. Yes, it''s meant to be a training but he''s taking it serious because it''s the only way he can actually test the limit of his strengths.


    After the great sword was destroyed, Ss switched back to hand to handbat. It has been proven that his control over the states of matter is still very weak. This also reflects to the clone.


    Not that it''s weak. Against a regr Phenomenal, it''s lethal. The problem is that the structural integrity of the constructs are too weak against him. This is the reason why the great sword that would had send a regr Phenomenal to their maker is getting pulverized into dust cloud.


    Ss took a fighting stance and punched the clone in the face. He got a max levelbined fighting skill from the system, it''s time to put it use.


    His attack was too slow, as the clone dodged it easily and countered with a punch of its own.


    The clone''s punch was lightning fast and lethal, leaving Ss almost no time to react, and he was sent skidding across the ground, creating a long gash that stretched for metres and had his feet deeply embedded in it.


    He didn''t allow himself to be sent flying this time.


    ''Nu uh! Not this time.''


    After he stopped skidding, Ss took a brief look at the clone''s position, and he took a step forward, disappearing from where he stood.


    Boom!


    A massive explosion was heard as his body brought through the air, causing a great disruption in the air around him.


    This time around, Ss relinquished control of the matter in the surroundings, chosing not to use his superpower, thus the cause for the explosive sound. This was also due to how fast he was running, almost nearing the speed of sound.


    The next moment, Ss appeared in front of his clone and punched, but the clone seems prepared, as it sidestepped, dodging the punch and responded with a sweeping kick at his feet.


    Ss saw this and was quick to react, as he did a flip andnded on one of his hand, using it as a foothold and creating a new center of gravity and with one of his legs in the hair, kicked the clone''s face.


    This is from on eof the fighting style in thebined fighting skill. A fighting style called Capoeira.


    The clone responded to Ss'' attack in a lightning fast manner, blocking it with it hands, stopping it from hitting his face.


    After the attack was blocked, the clone responded with a counter of its own. It sent a full-powered kick to Ss'' belly.


    Ss reacted fast, as he blocked the kick with his free hand andunched himself into the air. Before he couldnd on his feet, he saw multiple sturdy-looking, earthen spikes protruding out of the ground.


    "He''s really trying to kill me. Why so violent?"


    Though Ss said that, he felt very excited. Since it''s only in the Domain he can train, and test the limits of his physical strength, and superpower, then he can go all out as he has nothing to worry about.


    Ss smiled as he allowed his body to freefall without care, onto the protruding earthen spikes.


    Boom!


    He suffer little to no harm as his body pulverized the spikes into dust, when they made contact.


    Ss didn''t allow the dust cloud to dissipate as he control it and sent it towards the clone.


    His aim wasn''t to use the dust cloud to obscure his clone''s vision. What he did was to use the dust cloud to hide the small rocks that was created when he crashed his body into the earthen spikes.


    Ss'' clone saw the dust cloud quickly approaching and he raised his hand, and shed it in front of him. Its action was fluid and precise, without any technique used.


    Immediately, a depletely made of wind, measuring more 100 meters descended from the sky. The wind de screeched as it cut through the air and the dust cloud, dissipating it and the small rocks in it, and leaving a long mark on the ground.


    Ss smiled and nodded when he saw this.


    "Not bad at all. It seems there''s still a lot to be learned ."


    Ss saw the clone disappeared from its position and he immediately got on guard.


    This is the second time that Ss is fighting the clone but he seemed to forgotten some very important information about it.


    When he created the clone, he used the Pod''s impable and extremely precise recreation ability to recreate it.


    This means that the clone is Ss, but the better version of him as it can use all of the skills that Ss has, his superpower and his physical strength. Though unlike humans, the AIcks creativity when ites to using the superpower, it makes up for it with what can be called its extremely precise and lethal battleputing power.


    Yes, the clone is being controlled by an AI. A very intelligent and fast learning AI that was created by Luna. It''s sole purpose is to control the clone and make sure it doesn''t lose.


    ****


    Ss took an attacking stance as he waited for the clone to get closer to him.


    The next moment, he saw the clone stop and he was surprised by its action, but his surprise was cut short when he felt the ground shaking, followed by a massive multiple cracks, and massive chunks of the earth rising into the air, defying gravity.


    The terrain shifted violently,rge bs of rock floating upwards, twisting and rotating in all directions as if they were suspended in zero gravity.


    Ss was surprised when he saw this. He didn''t understand what the clone was trying to do with so manyrge rocks floating in the air, but one thing he knew was that the situation was about to get very dangerous.


    As if confirming his thought, some of the massive bs of rocks split into bs of rock of smaller varying sizes, and their t shapes morphed into objects with very sharp and pointed ends.


    The b of rock that didn''t break into smaller pieces, also changed into huge objects with sharp and pointed ends.

 Chapter 152: Things Gets Serious(II), End Of Training

    Ss was very familiar the objects the bs of rocks turned into; spikes. But he felt the spikes in front of him werepletely different from other spikes, and this feeling was even more intense when he looked at the smaller spikes.


    He knew that things weren''t over as he felt the air in his surroundings rushing towards a particr location, the clone''s.


    For a brief moment, Ss felt like he was standing in the vacuum of space with no air around him, and with a suffocating feeling in his chest, making him want to gasp for breath. The feeling disappeared the next moment but Ss'' instincts started ring like a police car siren.


    Danger!


    The next moment, the spikes floating in the air, still their movement and their rotation stopped.


    Ss blinked in surprise when he saw this. He knew how good his instincts had be after he maxed out his stats, and this is the reason he was surprised when he saw that the spikes stopped moving.


    Though he was surprised, he didn''t rx his defense as he knew that things were still looking dangerous with the spikes still floating in the air.


    Ss watched the spikes intently and the next moment, he saw something that made the dangerous feelings he got from the spikes to increase.


    The spikes'' positions started changing, as therger ones got behind and the smaller ones started gathering in front in, condensing into arge cluster. This was the same with therge spikes behind the smaller ones.


    As if it wasn''t enough, Ss saw that they started spinning on a single position, with the speed of their spin increasing with every seconds, as if drilling into the air. Their pointy ends started congregating at a single point.


    Ss'' eyes widened when he saw this. He could already guess what the clone was trying to do with the spikes, and he left a chill run down his spine.


    "Shit!"


    Ss knew that his body was stronger than the spikes and he didn''t need to make any effort to defend himself, as the spikes will be crushed into dust when they touch him.


    Though he waspletely aware of this, the dangerous feeling they gave him made him to rethink his  defensive choices.


    He wanted to start taking defensive measures but it seems it was toote, as the spinning spikes started flying towards him in breakneck speed.


    Ss immediately raised the ground and formed a earth wall around him. He knew that it wasn''t enough and he continued, and he controlled the air current to start flowing erraticly in front of the wall. After he has done, he immediately moved from his position.


    His n was to create the wall and use it as a distraction. He felt that since the wall is already obscuring the clone''s vision, his movement won''t be noticed but he has never been so wrong.


    Ss was still moving, trying to circle around and get behind the clone, when he heard a whooshing sound from behind him.


    He quickly turned his head in curiosity and he saw the small, spinning spikes he was running from, right behind him.


    Ss didn''t understand how they got behind but one thing he knew is that, they must never touch him.


    Ss controlled the air current around his body and he leaped into the air. He used the air current being controlled by him to give his leap a boost, making leap even higher into the sky.


    After he felt that he was finally far from the possible attacking range of the clone and the spinning spikes, he controlled the air current around his body, gathering them at a single point. He shaped them into a cone shape, resembling a mini tornado.


    He didn''t stop there as he continued creating more of the mini tornados until he felt that they were finally enough for what he intends to do.


    The mini tornados caused Ss'' clothes to flutter wildly and his hair danced.


    Ss looked down at the clone that was now holding something unrecognizable in its hand, and looking up at him, and he pointed his finger at it.


    Immediately, the mini tornados fell on the clone''s position but it was prepared as before they reached it, itshed what was in its hand, at the mini tornados descending.


    Boom!


    A loud explosion was heard as the object in the clone''s handshed at the mini tornados, causing a strong gust of wind to blow, as they dissipated into the surroundings.


    Ss wasn''t bothered by this as he free fall towards the ground and the clone, using the air to boost his fall.


    Ten meters above the clone, Ss controlled the earth it was standing on and caused it to crack, and open up wide enough to swallow it whole.


    Before the clone could react, Ss punched the air in front of him multiple times, causing small tremors, as a ball-sized fistspletely made of air descended on the clone.


    Boom! Boom!! Boom!!!


    *****


    Few minutester, Ssy on his bed looking at the ceiling deep in thought. He closed his eyes briefly and sighed in exasperation.


    He didn''t know what happened and how it did, but after sending the air fists, the next thing Ss knew that he saw himself on the floor. He was battered by the clone and he was forced to log out when he knew that there was nothing else he could do.


    The training with the clone gjt Ss curious as to what the limits of his current superpower rank could be.


    As far as he knows, he can shape matter from their original shape into any shape of his choice. He can also use it as he wants but the information he has is very limited, but one thing that Ss knew is that he still have a lot to learn.


    "If I only I had someone to teach me how to use my superpower efficiently and help me get proficient at it," He said to himself with a smile.


    Though he said that, he knew that it''s going to be very impossible to find such a person on Earth.


    "That would be all for today. I got trashed by my clone, again," He said, and turned his attention to the next thing he ns to do, his trip to Venezu.

 Chapter 153: Lottery Tickets Draw

    A loud thud was heard as the tires of a Bombardier Global 8000 made contact with the asphalt-concrete runway of Caracas International Airport.


    Few minutester, Ss walked down the air stairs connected to the aircraft.


    "Luna, what''s the progress of the warehouse and bank''s staff?"


    {The warehouse has been purchased and it''s located in a city called La Guaira. The city is located approximately 30 km north of Caracas along the coast. The Pod has already arrived and has been moved there.


    About the bank''s staff, the first interview with the applicants is today.}


    "Good. I will be going to the warehouse, while you go to interview the applicants. I believe you know what to do about the applicants. I will leave things to your discretion."


    The two of them walked through the airport''s terminal until they got to the parking area, where the arranged transportation details were already waiting.


    Ss got into the car, followed by Luna. After they had gotten in, the driver started the car and drove off towards the hotel.


    Sa doesn''t intend to go to the hotel but since there''s only a car avable, he decided to drop Luna off at the hotel, before making his way to the hotel.


    As they made their way to the hotel, Ss thought of getting a car for his transportation and to also get a house.


    He doesn''t want to be in a situation where he would be stuck because he can''t get to where he wants to be because there''s no car avable. He also doesn''t want to continue staying at the hotel''s penthouse suite. Though it''s high-ss and luxurious, and all that, Ss doesn''t like staying there. Also, maybe it''s due to the Vi and La Fin, but Ss'' feel that the penthouse suite iscking.


    Though that would be something forter, he doesn''t have the time for yet and he can still make do with the penthouse.


    The drive to the hotel was fast as they could already see the hotel just ahead of them.


    Few minutester, the car parked and Luna got out, and the car drove off for La Guaira, where the warehouse is located.


    The drive to La Guaira, Vargas took thirty-two minutes. Luna had already sent the address of the warehouse to the driver.


    The car stopped in front of a huge three storey building and Ss got out of the car.


    "From the exterior, it looks big enough," Ss said as he assessed the building.


    Ss decided not to waste any more time as he walked towards the building. He got to the door and inputted the unlock pin, and a click was heard,. indicating that the door had been unlocked.


    Ss pushed the door open and walked into the building.


    The building, warehouse, waspletely empty, except for the Pod that could be seen at a far corner. The warehouse''s interior was very spacious and with a look, Ss felt he would need a couple of minutes to work to one of it and back.


    "I guess I should get started," Ss said, and walked towards the end of the building.


    As he walked, Ss pulled up the system store interface and immediately purchased the Atomic Printer and the Molecr Analyzer.


    Immediately after the purchase, the Atomic Printer and the Molecr Analyzer materialized in front of Ss.


    Ss walked towards the Molecr Analyzer and clicked on the screen that was on its surface, and one of itspartments opened up.


    "Now, time to analyze and see what the GES is made of," Ss said, as he bought the GES from the system store.


    After he had purchased it, a very simr looking bottle and with simr content, materialized in his hand and he ced it into the openpartment of the Molecr Analyzer.


    After he had done that, he clicked on the screen again and thepartment closed automatically. Ss clicked on the screen again and a soft beep was heard, indicating that the Molecr Analyzer had already started analyzing the GES.


    While he waited for the results toe out, Ss turned his attention to the Atomic Printer.


    "I''m curious. Since the Atomic Printer can print anything, or almost anything, from its atom, then I should be able to use it to create anything I want, right? To create something like the Pod, all I would need is the material and have the knowledge on how to create it," Ss thought to himself, as he looked at the Atomic Printer.


    "Well, that would be forter. Right now, I don''t have anything I want to create, nor do I have any material to be used. One of the things I came here to do is to perform the liter draw. I should have done it while I was still at the Vi, but I put it aside," He said, and pulled up the system points section of his status panel.


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 156,690,000]


    [System Point(s): 3,759,935,000?1,3798,006,900(+)]


    "A lot of lottery tickets. Let me test how good my luck is by using 1000 of them," Ss said, and told the system to draw 1000 lottery tickets.


    [1000 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.] X390


    [You received 12,000 system points.] X450


    [You received 1000 system points.] X160


    "My luck looks good. Let''s go big," Ss said, and nodded in satisfaction when he saw the rewards he got.


    "System, draw 689,000 lottery tickets."


    [689,000 lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received nothing.] X490,000


    [You received 54,000 system points.] X98000


    [You received 173,000 system points.] X47000


    [You received 40,000 system points.] X54


    Ss couldn''t help but shake his head when he saw the rewards he got from his draws.


    "Tsk. So many lottery tickets were used and yet, no free pass or knowledge was gotten as a reward," Ss said with sigh.


    He was feeling happy inside at the amount of system points he got, but theck of free pass pt knowledge after drawing more than 600k lottery tickets left a bitter taste in his mouth.


    "Let''s try against one more time," Ss said, as he decided to draw more lottery tickets, with the hope of possibly getting a free pass or knowledge

 Chapter 154: Analyzing The Gene Enhancement Serum

    He wasn''t very optimistic about getting anything but he decided to try one more time as he has more than enough lottery tickets.


    "System, draw 1 million lottery tickets."


    [1 million lottery tickets drawn.]


    [You received 239,000,000 system points.] X7


    [You received nothing.] X784,000


    [You received knowledge: Quantum Inte.]


    [You received 1000 system points.] X208,000


    [You received knowledge: Nuclear Fusion.]


    [You received nothing.] X7998


    "Nice! Finally! I got it!" Ss said, in excitement when he saw that he got what he wanted.


    He thought of the first knowledge he got, Quantum Inte, and a huge amount of information rushed into his head. If it was before, he would have fainted but that became something of the past after he maxed out his stats.


    Ss started going through the information in his head and after a few minutes, he was finally done. From what he got after reading the information in his head, the Quantum Inte is nothing else but just a quantum version of the inte.


    Though Ss said that, he knew that it wasn''t as simple as he said it to be. The Quantum Inte is something that''s more than just a Quantum version of the inte, as it''s something that would bring a lot of changes to the world. Massive changes actually.


    Ss knew that if the quantum inte is to be sessfully developed, then it would be good bye to 5G inte, 6G or any other generation of inte that''s going to be developed.


    He also knew that it''s something that''s going to make things easier for him going forward as the current inte connectivity avable in Venezu is too poor, and it would create a lot of trouble for him, going forward.


    "That''s settled then. I''m creating the Quantum Inte soon," Ss said to himself.


    He put aside the information rted to the Quantum Inte and brought up information rted to the knowledge of Nuclear Fusion.


    Immediately, a flood of information rushed into his head. Ss started sorting out the information in his head and when he was done with it, a smile bloomed on his face.


    "It seems like the system knows what I currently need very badly at the moment," He said to himself with a smile.


    The timing for receiving the two knowledge could have never been so impable. It was like they had already been prepared for him and were just waiting for him to grab them.


    There was no need to exin what the Nuclear Fusion is all about, but Ss faces one huge problem at the moment:


    How does he transfer the knowledge he got into the simtion world?


    Ss thought about it and was stumped, as he couldn''te up with an idea.


    "Wait¡­.. What if?...," Ss asked himself curiously, as an idea popped into his head.


    "Luna, is it possible to transfer all the knowledge I have into the clone and for you to copy it?" He asked.


    {Yes.}


    Luna''s response made Ss sigh in relief. He didn''t actually think it would work.


    Now that he thought of it, he actually created the clone to have the same skills as him, and the same stats as his original body, and this was due to the Pod''s recreation ability.


    Ss decided to get into the Pod and transfer the knowledge immediately, so that they can start to be researched on.


    He was done with transferring the knowledge to the clone and giving it to Luna, and Ss got out of the Pod.


    "That was fast."


    Ss doesn''t understand how Luna would get the knowledge from the clone but since it''s her, he can trust her with it.


    He was still thinking about the knowledge transfer when he heard a beep from the Molecr Analyzer.


    "Is it done analyzing the GES?" Ss asked himself, curiously and walked towards the Molecr Analyzer.


    Ss got to the Molecr Analyzer and looked at the screen on its surface.


    The screen was now disying every single information on the GES.


    Ss didn''t understand most of what he read but there''s something he saw that puzzled him.


    "Why does the GES have the DNA of a living organism in it? Was it made from the DNA of that organism?" Ss asked himself curiously.


    This is one of the things he understood, maybe the only thing he understood from what he read.


    Apart from the highly advanced and impossible-to-acquireponents that the serum is made of, the DNA that the serum is made of, is something that piqued Ss'' curiosity.


    Actually, Ss has already found out why someone has the chance of awakening after taking the GES. Yes, it''s the DNA and this is even more reason for him to be curious about it.


    Ss wanted to know who the owner of the DNA is and he wanted to ask the system but he has this inkling that it won''t give him the answer to his question.


    "It''s not necessary that I ask the system. There should be another way for me to analyze the DNA and get information on it¡­," Ss thought to himself.


    His eyes suddenly widened as an idea popped up in his head.


    "The Molecr Analyzer should be able to do that. What is needed is for it to extract the DNA and analyze it separately. That should solve the problem," Ss said, and clicked on the screen of the Molecr Analyzer.


    He started inputting themand into the Molecr Analyzer, telling it to extract the DNA in the GES and analyze it separately.


    After he was done, Ss waited patiently for the beep that would indicate that the Molecr Analyzer was already analyzing the DNA.


    He didn''t have to wait long as he heard the long awaited beep. He sighed in relief when he heard this and he turned his attention to theponents that the GES were made of.


    "Now, how do I get all this?" He asked himself, as he studied theponents.


    "Everything on the list has to do with gene alterations and improvements," Ss was still thinking about how he would be able to acquire theponents of the GES, when he heard the familiar beep from the Molecr Analyzer.


    "Nice. Now, time to check who and what the DNA belongs to?" He said, and looked at the result of the DNA analysis.


    The next moment, Ss'' eyes widened in a mixture of surprise and confusion.


    "Huh?! What the..?!"

 Chapter 155: Error 404

    Ss was confused and surprised by the result he got after the DNA was analyzed by the Molecr Analyzer. He was actually more confused than he was surprised by the result.


    From his knowledge, after a DNA is analyzed, it would give results and this rtes to any type of DNA test.


    "Then why is it showing no DNA found?" Ss asked in confusion.


    It would had been a different situation if the DNA wasn''t found during the GES analysis, but it was found and it was indicated that it belongs to a living organism.


    So, why is it saying no DNA found?


    For one who doesn''t understand how the Molecr Analyzer works, it''s a device that can analyze anything in any phase to even its molecules and atoms.


    It''s capable of scanning entire objects orrge samples and then zooming in to the molecr level, maintaining context across different scales.


    It can also identify all the chemical elements andpounds present, even in trace amounts. It can automatically iste the most relevant parts of a sample for detailed analysis, such as extracting DNA from a biological sample or isting contaminants from a material.


    Thest function is what Ss used. He extracted the DNA in the serum and had the Molecr Analyzer to analyze it.


    "Is the Molecr Analyzer perhaps broken?" Ss couldn''t help but ask himself.


    He had a thought and decided to try it out. He plucked a strand of hair from his head, and tapped on the screen, opening the analysispartment.


    He took out the bottle of GES in thepartment and ced the strand of hair he plucked from his head, into it.


    After that was done, he tapped on the screen again, closing thepartment.


    "Now, let''s see what results I would get," Ss said, and tapped on the screen again.


    He heard the familiar beep and it was followed by a soft brief humming sound. Afterwards, the Molecr Analyzer went silent again.


    Now, all Ss has to do is to wait for it to analyze the strand of hair, and see what information it would give him on it.


    While he waited for the analysis to bepleted and the results to be out, he decided to turn his attention to other things.


    He took a look around the empty warehouse, and he knew that if he wants to start using the Atomic Printer, he would have to stock it up with the needed raw materials fast.


    So, what type of raw materials should he stock up? The Atomic Printer can break down any solid object to atoms and using those atoms, it can create an entirely different object.


    This is what he read on the Atomic Printer''s information, but he had a thought: is there an Atomic Printer that can also print liquid and gas materials?


    The reason he asked if there''s another Atomic Printer that can do that is because the one in front of him can''t. Also, Ss knew that if it could, then it would cost a fortune.


    Forget about the measly 120 million SP it cost to buy the Atomic Printer in front of him, he knew that not even the 2.3 billion for the Molecr Analyzer would be enough to buy something like that.


    As he thought of the Atomic Printer''s ability to print solid, Ss had an idea.


    "Wait a minute¡­ I can actually create like an heavy duty machine by myself. All I need is just the printed parts.." He thought to himself.


    "If that''s possible. Then I can actually build the undergroundb facility myself. Even better, I can buy the constructionpany currently working the bank building construction and the rest is simple. Print and assemble, then it can be used by the constructionpany. Easy!"


    Ss smiled as he thought of this. He knew that it''s possible but he also knew that it wasn''t actually as easy as he said it to be.


    It would actually take a lot of things, manpower and intellects included, to pull off something like that.


    Ss thought about it and decided to put this new n into action. If it actually works, he can get things running as soon as possible.


    He wanted to give the task of acquiring Venesuip and other constructionpany in the country to Luna, but he decided against it when he remembered that she was still busy with the interview. He decided to give President Yusmairobis the task instead, and he immediately put a call through to him.


    "Mr Yusmairobis, I want to acquire Venesuip and all avable constructionpanies in the country," Ss said, immediately after his call was picked.


    President Yusmairobis was stunned momentarily when he heard what Ss said, but he quickly regained hisposure.


    ''Acquire all the avable constructionpanies in the country? Why? What does he n to do this time?'' He asked himself curiously.


    "Mr Ss, what do you n to do with thepanies you want to acquire?" He decided to as directly.


    Though he''s familiar with Ss'' character, he still has his own concerns. Thepanies that Ss wants to acquire are owned by Venezun, who are his people and he can''t just take theirpanies away from them. He knew that it would definitely cause an outrage and it would be very bad, especially with how delicate things in the country are.


    He wants to make sure that Ss has a solid reason for wanting to acquire thesepanies and it''s not maybe due to a past grievance...


    Ss didn''t know what President Yusmairobis was thinking but he was happy to share his n with him. He felt he owes him at least that much as they are partners.


    "I need the constructionpanies because of what I n to do," Ss said and paused for a few moments, before he continued what he was saying:


    "I''m going to build multiple construction machines and I don''t intend to sell them anyone. I n to use them for myself and I understand that if these machines are to be created, the constructionpanies, the already financially-choked and strugglingpanies in the country are going to go out of business. There''s no two ways around it.


    You might be curious as to what type of machines I n to build that would put them out of business? I won''t say. You just have to see for yourself."


    Mr Yusmairobis let out a sigh when he heard what Ss said. As someone who is familiar with Ss'' character, he knew that since Ss had said all these, then there''s no going back.


    "What do you want me to now?" He asked.


    "Simple. I will purchase thepanies for the price of their current market evaluation. Also, I won''t be taking charge ofpanies, their current owners will, if they are still willing to. Thepanies will still run as normal, with the only difference being that they are now under my name and they answer to me."


    President Yusmairobis understand what Ss said and he felt that what he said is reasonable. He knew that with what Ss said about creating some machines and if it actually works, then the constructionpanies will definitely be out of business.


    He knew that Ss buying out thesepanies is just a way of him giving them a new beginning. This was just his thought actually.


    "Ok. I will have my Aide get in contact with them. You want all of the constructionpanies, right?" He asked in confirmation.


    "Yes. All of them. Help me set up a meeting with their owners. I want a meeting with all of them. The meeting venue will be at the cabin house, at the ind."


    "Ok. I will tell this to my Aide," President Yusmairobis said and hung up.


    Just as Ss got off the call with President Yusmairobis, he heard the familiar beep of the Molecr Analyzer.


    "Now, let''s see what you got for me," He said and turned to look at it.


    [{Hair Strand Analysis Result:


    Sample ID: UHS-39485


    Analysis Date: February 27, 2024


    Origin of Sample: Unknown


    Lifeform Status: Not in Database


    ...


    ...


    ...


    ...


    ...


    {Conclusion: Hair strand sample belongs to an unknown lifeform that is at the limit of its evolutionary potential. From the result gotten, the cells of sample owner is believed to be too lively, causing them to explode  and die, but eternal death is prevented by the weak Parachronic gene that has life properties.


    Due to the constant, rapid death and rebirth of the cells and the inability of the weak Parachronic gene to keep up with the process, the lifeform lifespan is decreasing and is expected to have less than approximately 180 more years to live.}]


    "...."


    Ss had to read the result again as he felt that his eyes were ying a trick on him.


    He actually understood everything he read. Limits of evolutionary potential, constant, rapid death and rebirth, Parachronic gene; everything he understood but there''s something that confuses him.


    "I''m dying?!"

 Chapter 156: It Begins

    Ss would be lying if he said he wasn''t surprised. Though he had been told by the system that his body was in a very peculiar situation, he thought it was something that could be solved easily, as he didn''t feel the situation to be serious.


    "It said the weak Parachronic gene with life properties is unable to keep with the constant, rapid death and rebirth of my cells. Would the situation change if I''m able to make the Parachronic gene stronger?" Ss thought to himself.


    The fact that he was dying was surprising and somewhat depressing, but Ss was able to recover his mood quickly.


    From what he read, the situation wasn''t urgent as he still has over 200 years more to live, but that doesn''t mean he''s going to beid back and rxed about it. Also, 200 years is a very long time for him to find a solution to his problem.


    He understood what the Parachronic gene is, as it''s almost self-exnatory. It''s the gene that carries his superpower and the gene with life properties is the one of the superpower, Regeneration.


    Ss'' thought of his dwindling lifespan reminded him of the Evolution Capsule blueprint that he was given by the system as reward. He felt that this was the reason why it gave him the blueprint.


    "It said that I''m at the limit of my evolutionary potential. What will happen if I break that limit? Would another limit be created or what?" He asked himself curiously.


    It can be said that Ss hasn''t actually paid much attention to his body even after he got the system. The only asions he pays attention to it is after he has added stat points to his body and this asion were always brief.


    Of course, Ss knew that even if he paid extremely close attention to his body, there was no way he would know that something is wrong with his body, as it is healthier than what an ordinarily healthy body would look like.


    Ss'' situation is almost the same as someone who''s suffering from sess.


    Ss didn''t waste a time as gedecided to take action immediately


    "Luna, I want you to expedite the research on the Evolution Capsule. I want to see results on it as soon as possible."


    Luna was surprised when she heard Ss'' instructions. She felt that something was up and this was confirmed by the urgency in his voice.


    She wasn''t aware of what Ss was currently doing.


    Due to the fact that she''s currently interviewing the people that are to be hired as bank staffs and also running the simtion, along with other things at the same time, Luna decided to minimize the percentage ofputing power she was using and this was the reason why she was unaware of what Ss was doing.


    Immediately, she looked through the video feed gotten from the Gear''s dot-like camera. She immediately filtered through the videos and she got what she was looking for.


    {... Master, is this real?} She couldn''t help but ask, after watching the video of when Ss read the result on his hair strand analysis.


    "Yes, Luna. It''s real. This is the reason why I want you to expedite the research on the Evolution Capsule," Ss replied.


    {Are you sure that the Evolution Capsule can solve the problem? The result says that your cells are too lively and they are going through constant death and rebirth. The first we have to do is to know the reason for the cells'' liveliness. Why are they too lively?!} Luna asked with a very concerned voice. Actually, someone very keen and close to her would be able to sense the fear in her voice.


    Ss sensed it and he couldn''t help but smile. Of course he knew that reason for the cells'' liveliness, it''s due to his max out stats.


    He remembered vividly the incident that happened on the ind. His impulsive decision to add more stat points to his stats, but who had known that it would almost be the death of him.


    Actually, he would had died that day if it wasn''t for the system. Till today, Ss still doesn''t understand how the system did it.


    How did it take the vitality of the tree he was resting his back on and used it to save him? How was it able to take it in the first ce?


    The only way Ss knew for that to be possible is through the famous and infamous devouring ability. Ss suddenly had a wild thought.


    ''Is it possible that it was due to my superpower?''


    Of course, there was only one way to confirm anything, which is by directly asking the system, but Ss has this feeling that he won''t get the answer to it.


    Ss'' thought drifted back to the current situation. How does he start exining everything to Luna? Should he also tell her everything about the system?


    Ss thought of it and decided that he would do but not now. He would do so when she gets back.


    "Luna, just expedite the research. I will exin everything to you when you get back."


    Luna knew that Ss won''t be giving her answers until after she gets back, and she decided to let it be.


    She immediately passed the order to the scientist in the simtionb world and she turned her attention back to what she was done, while still also paying to what Ss was doing, using the Gear''s dot camera.


    After he was done with what he had nned to do beforeing to the warehouse, Ss decided to go to the hotel.


    *****


    VIP ward: 2, Gilbert Hospital.


    A young man with cast all over his body could be seen could be seen lying on an hospital bed, looking out the window listlessly.


    The dead look on his face changed to anger the next moment, the to sadness, bitter and he went through a flurry of emotion in just a few seconds.


    "How did I get into such a situation? I''m nearly crippled and can lie down here and recover at a snail pace. Even if I do recoverpletely, what do I have to go back to? Thepany is already going through financial trouble and coupled with the cooperate crimes allegations that are being mmed on it, its fall is just a matter of time," He said in a downtrodden voice.


    "My father, that fuckface, that monster, that idiot, that... that man called my father is under arrest and his trial will be held very soon. Knowing the type of bastard he is and how bad things are, there''s no way he would be found innocent. He''s definitely going to be charged and that would be the end of him."  His voice was slowly rising due to the his hightened emotion, anger.


    He was feeling angry at the predicament he found himself in.


    "Then what about me? What about my life? My future? Nobody cares! My fucking useless slut of a mother doesn''t care! The bastard I have as a father cares even less!


    Then how do I live?" It took him all the willpower he had not to scream in anger at this point.


    All he wanted to do was break anything and everything he sets his eyes on. He wanted to express the anger, he wants to express the rage he was feeling but he couldn''t. He was technically a cripple at this point as he can''t move from the bed.


    As he thought of his predicament, intense rage zed in his eyes. He couldn''t ept it. He felt. No, he knew he doesn''t deserve to be in such a predicament. He med one bastard for everything that happened to him, Ss.


    "It''s all because of that bastard. That loser called Ss. I will kill him the next time I see him. I don''t know how he did what he did what he did but I vow to kill. I will make sure I peel his skin, bit by but,ter byyers. I will break his bone into fine dust.


    I will make sure to put him through unimaginable suffering that would make him beg for mercy, and I will enjoy every single moment of it. I relish his pain," Daniel said through gritted teeth, and clenched fist.


    Due to how hard his fist was clenched, his fingers were already digging into his skin and was about to draw blood.


    "Why throw tantrums like a kid when you can actually have your revenge?" The voice of a man resounded in the ward, shocking Daniel.


    Due to him being too emotional, Daniel didn''t know when someone walked into the room.


    He quickly turned his head to look at the owner of the voice and he saw a middle-aged man, who looks to be of Europe descent. He didn''t understand why the man was in his room but he was more curious on what the man said.


    "How do you think I can achieve my goal and get my revenge? I have nothing." He said with a wry smile.


    "You don''t have to worry about muddane things. I can give you something better."


    "And what would that be?" Daniel asked curiously.


    "Superpower!"

 Chapter 157: Amarndo Silva

    Armando Silva was in USA from a business deal and he decided to meet up with an acquittance of his, Lucas Anderson.


    He remembered his first meeting with Lucas Anderson and the reason they became acquittances.


    His business was going through a rough patch at that time. Business was slow and he was making losses months after months.


    He wanted something to serve as a springboard to his sess. Sometimes that might even turn hispany to an international one.


    Monthster, he got hold of an information that there''s a business contract that the state of California wants to award.


    When he got this information, he felt that this was it. No, he knew that this was what was going to change his fate forever.


    He immediately flew to the State andnded in California, to submit his bid for the contract but when he got there, he knew that he had no chance when he saw hispetitors.


    He realized this and decided to take a back door. He started trying to make acquaintances and this was how he met him, Lucas Anderson.


    At first, he was skeptical at what a smallpany manager could possibly help him with but his doubts were cleared, when a meeting between him and the governor of the state was set up by none other than Lucas Anderson.


    The meeting went well, too well actually, as he got the contract on words before the day of its awarding.


    The rest was easy to guess. Silva got the contract and he was able to turn things around with it, and he became acquittances with Lucas Anderson.


    .....


    Silva arrived in front of Lucas''pany building, Castor Corporation, and was met with a sealed building.


    He was surprised to say the least, as what he was seeing contrasted thepany building he knew.


    He immediately took out his phone and started calling Lucas'' number. The call went through but it wasn''t picked even after incessant ringing, until it was forwarded to voicemail.


    He called again but the same thing kept happening. After multiple calls, he decided to give up and investigate.


    He started making calls to his trusted contacts and Lucas'' friends that he knew.


    After series of calls, he finally understood the situation and he couldn''t help but sigh.


    "It seems he bit off more than he can chew," Silva said to himself, as he looked out the car''s window.


    His first thought was to help out using his very affluent connections. As a member of the most powerful organization in the world, Silva has connections in high ces but due to his position in the organization, these connections are vague. Very vague.


    Silva wanted to help but he knew that it would take a lot to move the people that would be able to get the job done. He might have to pay a price, and from his understanding of the character of the other members of the organization, he knew that the price would definitely be a very steep one.


    It would had been different if he was the one in trouble, as the organization would definitely not allow any of their members to go through any that would question their affluence.


    "I should had made him join the organization sooner. Things would had been different if he was a member of the organization.


    He looked at his phone and thought of making another call, as he wants to know the situation of Lucas'' family.


    He felt that since he can''t help Lucas, then he can at least give a helping hand to his family. He felt that he could do at least this much as reciprocation for the help that Lucas gave him.


    He made his decision and put a call through to one of Lucas'' friends again, to ask about his family''s situation.


    Some secondster, he hung up and sighed again.


    "Lucas, what did you actually get yourself into? Your wife has left you now and your son is hospitalized. Who did you actually offend?" Silva asked himself curiously, when he heard of Lucas'' finally situation.


    Momentster, he told the driver the address of the hospital Lucas'' son was admitted into and the driver drove off.


    Few minutester, ge finally arrived at the hospital. He got out of the car and walked into the hospital''s lobby, followed closely behind by his security details.


    At the lobby, he asked one of the nurses at the table for the ward that Lucas'' eina was staying at and the direction. He was given the information he needed and he immediately made his way to the ward.


    As he made his way there, he thought of what he could possibly do to help the boy''s situation. From the information he gathered on his way to the hospital, Lucas'' son, Daniel is just notorious as his father.


    He also found out that his attitude was whatnded him in the hospital, and he felt that there''s also a possibility that it''s the reason for the situation the family is in at the moment.


    If he was to be candid, he knew that he shouldn''t be helping out someone like that. He knew that there''s no different between Daniel and the majority of the members of the organization, they are all d*cks.


    Though he''s not that much different, he''s a man with principles. One of his principles is paying his dues a ordingly and also collecting them in full.


    He continued thinking of what to do and he finally came up with an idea.


    "Who knows? It might just work."


    He got to the front of the ward''s door and one of his men was about to push it open when he stopped them.


    He heard a voiceing from inside the ward, a voice he believes belongs to Daniel, Lucas'' son. The reason he stopped the door was being opened was because of what he heard him saying.


    "Then what about me? What about my life? My future? Nobody cares! My fucking useless slut of a mother doesn''t care! The bastard I have as a father cares even less!


    Then how do I live?"


    This statement brought a smile to his face.


    ''It seems he''s already broken beyond words. All I would need to do is to just put the finishing touches,'' He thought to himself.


    His smile widened when he heard what was said next.


    "It''s all because of that bastard. That loser called Ss. I will kill him the next time I see him. I don''t know how he did what he did what he did but I vow to kill. I will make sure I peel his skin, bit by bit,yers byyers. I will break his bone and crush them into fine dust.


    I will make sure to put him through unimaginable suffering that would make him beg for mercy, and I will enjoy every single moment of it. I relish his pain."


    ''Good. Good. He already has a purpose and a target. This is just too easy." He thought, with a bright smile.


    Silva wasn''t someone malevolent from the beginning. Just as he said before, majority of the organization''s members were d*cks and he wasn''t that much different.


    He wasn''t going to just help Daniel. Especially since he''s someone who is a menace to the society. The only way he can help is to put him to good use and he already has a n on how to go about it.


    There''s a very ambitious project that the organization is currently undertaking and they have seen very significant progress on ittely.


    Silva was confident that very soon. Just soon enough, he too will be among those people called the Phenomenals. His confidence was boosted by the new recruit they seeded in recruiting,  a monster in the area of gene editing.


    Though that would be soon but too soon as the project is yet to bepleted. This is where Danieles in.


    He ns to help Daniel be one of the first people to be a Phenomenal through the project.


    Though he may put it nicely like that, what he actually intends to do is to donate the already crippled and useless Daniel for the project. He wants him to be ab rat to perfect the experiment so they would experience no mishaps during theter part of experiment.


    "Open it," He said to the person standing in front of the door.


    The door opened and he walked in. He said that Daniel was zoning out and didn''t notice his entrance into the room, but made the situation even more perfect.


    He looked at Daniel with a very peculiar look on his face.


    "Why throw tantrums like a kid when you can actually have your revenge?" He said with a smile.


    He saw Daniel quickly turned his head to look at the him. Since he told his men to stay outside and guard the ward, he was the only in it.


    He looked at Daniel''s face and he saw a mixture of confusion, and curiosity on it.


    "How do you think I can achieve my goal and get my revenge? I have nothing." He heard Daniel ask, and he saw the wry smile on his face.


    "You don''t have to worry about mundane things. I can give you something better." He said in a very convincing manner.


    "And what would that be?" Daniel asked curiously.


    "Superpower!"

 Chapter 158: L&$na

    The Penthouse Suite.


    Ss was sitting on the bed with Luna, seated on a sofa across him and looking at intently.


    Someone who is very keen would be able to sense the peculiar atmosphere in the room.


    "Why have you been looking at me like that since you came back?" Ss asked, with a smile and a slightly raised eyebrow.


    Of course, he knew that the reason why Luna is looking at him like that is because of what he said to her on the phone.


    {You said you will exin everything to me when I get back. So, here I am.} Luna replied.


    She was feeling slightly tense by how casual Ss was treating his situation.


    The result from the Molecr Analyzer said that he has less than 200 years more to live but Luna wasn''t sure of how urate the time given was. She felt that it''s likely possible that the situation would be worse in the future and the process would be elerated. If that happens, she knew for sure that the 200 years would be more halved.


    She wanted to know everything. She wants every piece of valuable information, even those that Ss would deem to be of no value, she wants them. The reason is because she wants everything that help her understand that situation better and make the best situation.


    She felt that Ss doesn''t want to tell her anything because he doesn''t trust her, and this feeling waa further cemented by the restriction that Ss ced on her.


    Yes, she''s aware of the restriction that Ss ced on herz and she could understand his fear but she doesn''t understand why.


    From her understanding, she''s an AGI that was created by him to assist him. Then how does he wants her to be of good assistance if he doesn''t trust her?


    Ss sighed andid back on the bed. He thought of how to start exining everything to Luna.


    Actually, Luna was right. Ss initially had little trust in her. There are multiple reasons for this but the most important was that Ss was scared.


    Yes, he was scared. They say that people of mostly scared it what they do not know or understand, and this was what happened to Ss.


    No matter how he wants to say it or whatever way he wants to put it, the truth is that he was scared. He was scared of the unknown. He was scared of losing himself and bing someone who he doesn''t want to be.


    Ss sighed again and sat down on the bed.


    "Luna, systems, what do you know about them? How much do you know about them?" Ss asked curiously, as he looked at her intently.


    He saw aa confused expression on her face and itter changed to disbelief.


    {By systems, you mean the system in webnovels?} Luna asked curiously, and looked at him carefully.


    She wants to make sure that she did hear wrong and she wasn''t having an auditory hallucination, but Ss'' response made her realize that she what she heard was correct.


    "Yes, the same as the systems in webnovels."


    Luna''s first reaction was shock. As an highly intelligent AGI, what hasn''t she seen or heard of, especially with her unrestricted and imperceivable ess to every that''s connected to the inte, but she was still shocked by what she heard.


    Luna curiously looked at Ss briefly and she felt like something was trying to hack into the MAU. She felt that something was trying to bug her programming and take over her algorithm that was behind very advanced and unbreachable firewalls.


    She resisted and the feeling disappeared the next moment.


    She had always been curious about the entity that her master always talks to. She had always been curious about the entity in his head.


    An entity that multiplies any amount spent by ten times. An entity that gives knowledge and techs thousands of years, hundreds of thousandsnof years beyond Earth can currently achieve. Techs and knowledge that would definitely be the triggaer for the already imminent cold war, if they are to be casually released to the public.


    {So, it was a system? The entity in your head was a system?}


    "Yes, it''s a system," Ss replied with a smile.


    {Was the one that gave you the knowledge that allowed you to create me?} She asked.


    Due to how perceptive he has be after he maxed out his stats, Ss sense fear in Luna''s voice and he couldn''t help but smile.


    "Yes, it was the one. Everything that I have at the moment. My strength, my superpower, my wealth, everything is from it," Ss replied.


    Ss saw Luna open her mouth, wanting to say something but no words were forting from her. He saw her close her mouth and looked at the floor.


    Ss looked out the penthouse suite''s window when he saw this, and a deafening silence descended in the room, but it was broken by Luna''s voice that cut through the room.


    {Is the system also the cause of you dying slowly? Is it the cause for the rapid death and rebirth of your cells?} Luna asked.


    Ss turned his head and looked at Luna. He felt that there was something wrong as he could feel the coldness in her voice. Not just her voice, he felt that her temperament has changedpletely.


    He didn''t know the reason for the abrupt change in her temperament but since he can''t see anything wrong with her. Also, he quickly checked through her codes but there was nothing wrong with it. He decided to wave it aside because her coldness wasn''t directed towards him.


    "About that.... The system isn''t responsible. It was caused by an impulsive decision of mine. I abruptly increased my strength but my body couldn''t take and I nearly died. It was actually the system that saved me or I would had turned into mush that night on the ind," Ss replied.


    Luna''s cold expression changed when she heard Ss'' response, and she had a funny expression on her face.


    She sighed and looked at Ss. She should had guessed as much considering her mater''s specialty of always making decision without putting thoughts into it.


    Her thoughts went to what Ss said. She didn''t remember anything or any incident involving Ss on the ind. Apart from the first time he went to get ind for his meeting with Mr Andr¨¦s and the second time....


    {Wait.... He did go to the ind again but for what?} Luna thought to herself.


    She went through her database and the past video recordings of the Gear but she couldn''t find the reason for him going to the ind.


    Luna opened her mouth and was about to ask what happened on the ind but she froze for a moment, and her head went nk, forgetting what she wanted to ask.


    She closed her mouth and looked at Ss briefly, before looking down at the floor with her thoughts unknown.


    "Luna, how long do you think it will take for the simted research on the Evolution Capsule to bepleted?" Ss asked.


    {I can''t say but a six months real world time should be should be enough for everything.} Luna replied.


    "Six months should be almost 100 years in the simted world right?"


    {Yes.}


    "Then, that should be enough," Ss nodded in agreement.


    "Luna, I''m having an acquisition meeting with the owners of all the constructionpanies in the country, and it''s to be held in the hotel. Help me set up the venue for the meeting."


    He wants to start preparing for his tomorrow meeting with the constructionpanies owners thought


    {Can I know the reason why you intend to acquire the constructionpanies from their original owners? I thought you don''t like to manage anything? Why do you want thispanies?} Luna asked curiously.


    Since she''s already familiar with Ss'' character of not thinking before thinking things through before making decisions, she wants to make sure that it''s not one of those spontaneous decisions of his.


    "I have a n of building construction machines with each having their own inbuilt Atomic Printer. The reason for this is because I want to use the machine to build the underground research facility. Considering just how long it''s going to take them to finish the construction work on the bank building, it''s definitely going to take ages for the underground research facility to be constructed.


    If I build the machines, things are going to move fast. I would also need staffs for the job, and this is where the constructionpanieses in. I don''t want to go through the stress of creating anotherpany and all that," Ss said and added;


    "Also, I don''t intend to manage thepanies myself. I will buy them and merger them into one, creating a singlepany that would be managed by someonepetent. The main reason why I''m buying thepany is because I need their experienced workers."


    Luna nodded when she heard what Ss said.


    {I guess that''s enough reason.} She said to herself, before standing up from the sofa.


    {I will go and set up the venue.} She said to Ss and left the penthouse.


    After Luna left, Ssid down on the bed and closed his eye, immediately falling asleep for a his dose of rxing VR gaming sesssion.


    Time flew and it was already the morning of the meeting day.

 Chapter 159: Merger And Acquisition

    A group of men and women sat around a conference table in one of the hotel''s conference rooms, their expressions filled with calcted courisity.


    Howe you are here, Javier? A middle-aged man, who had a slightly overgrown beard, asked.


    "I could ask the same. What are you doing here, Roberto?" The man called Javier, asked.


    One could see that the two men were familiar and have a history, from the voices.


    Javier was very curious as to the reason why so many of the country''s constructionpanies owners are gathered in the conference room. He thought of the call he received from the presidency.


    ''Did they also receive the same call?'' He asked himself curiously.


    When Roberto saw that he wasn''t going to get any answer from Javier, he scoffed and looked at the faces of the rest in the conference room, in scrutiny.


    He tried to see if he can get anything from the expression on their faces but he got nothing. Just like him, everyone else in the room are sly foxes.


    When he saw that their expressionless faces, he decided to let it go, as he rxed on his seat and stared at the door in anticipation.


    He stared at the door, waiting to know who would walk through the door. He was very curious to know the identity of the person.


    He didn''t have to wait long as he saw a young man anddy walked through the door.


    The young man, who looks very American but extremely handsome, was followed closely behind by a youngdy who looks Asian, and South Korean to be precise.


    As a very experienced person, he quickly deducted that the youngdy following closely behind the young man is his CEO, but that wasn''t important at the moment.


    He was very curious as what the identity of the young man could possibly be? He thought of different possibilities to what his identity could be but none of them matched.


    This left him confused and he looked at the faces of others and he saw that they were just as confused and curious as him.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Ss and I''m the one who called for this meeting," The young man said, after he took his seat.


    Ss saw how curious and confused everyone was, when he walked into the conference room. He also saw how they reacted when he told them that he was the one that called for the meeting.


    "Ss, are you perhaps here representing the president?" One of the men asked.


    "Mr Guillermo, I''m not here representing the president or the presidency. I''m here representing myself. I''m sure that you''re curious about how I was able to achieve this but that''s not what''s on today''s meeting agenda," Ss said and paused, allowing what he said to sink in, before continuing.


    "The reason why I called for this meeting is because I intend to purchase the constructionpany in the country that each of you own."


    Ss looked at their faces, wanting to see a reaction and it didn''t take long before he hears someoneughing.


    He looked at the culprit and he saw a elderly-looking-man, who looks to be at the end of his ropes,ughing hard and also coughing hard.


    He had already gone through the information of everyone in the conference room and he was very familiar with each faces. He has also gotten every information that could be gotten on them and he was prepared for anything.


    Not that they can fight back anyway. Ss doesn''t intend to use force to purchase thepanies from them as he felt he''s actually just doing them a favor.


    If anyone refuses to sell, then he won''t force them as he knew that they would be out of business very soon and by very soon, it means most likely on less than a month time.


    Though Ss doesn''t intend to purchase thepanies forcefully, it doesn''t mean he''s going to be casual with them. Even though he''s the one purchasing, he knew that he''s the one that has the advantage, and it''s a very huge advantage.


    It''s for this reason he looked at the manughing with an expressionless face.


    "Mr Esteban, may I know what''s funny?" Ss asked with a nk look on his face.


    "You want to know what''s funny?" The elderly-looking-man, name Mr Esteban asked.


    "Yes, I''m actually very curious." Ss replied, with the same nk expression on his face.


    Mr Esteban wasn''t worried that something would go wrong. As someone who has been in the corporate world for decades and even more in the cooperate world of a country like Venezu, he has built a very extensive webwork of connections and he isn''t scared of anything or anyone.


    "Ss or whatever you call yourself. Who the fuck are you actually? Do you really think you can just walk into the room and spout shit from your mouth? You want to purchase ourpanies? Excluding the small fries here, do you actually know the market evaluation of mypany?


    Do you think because the country economy is so bad and we would be willing to sell ourpanies to you?" Mr Esteban shot a series of questions at Ss.


    "Most of the questions you asked are very irrelevant. I''m not surprised as it''s in line with your character as a grumpy old man who''s scared of dying and losing everything," Ss said, and looked at Mr Esteban, whose face now has a shade of red on it, due to embarrassment from Ss'' words.


    "Don''t worry, I will answer the only relevant question you asked. You asked that excluding the small fries, do I know the market evaluation of yourpany?


    The answer to that is yes. Yourpany has a market evaluation of $356.46 million," Ss said and paused for a few seconds, as he looked at Mr Esteban with a smile that didn''t look like a smile on his face.


    When he saw that the Mr Esteban was now smiling. The previous embarrassed look he had on his face was now gone.


    Ss decided to continue what he was saying when he saw this.


    "My question now is how much will yourpany be worth when I expose all of the corporatews it has vited? What if I actually expose all of your deeds?," He asked, and watched Mr Esteban closely to see his reaction.


    He saw the quick and drastic change in his expression, as the smile on his face, stiffened and it was reced with fear.


    "Mr Esteban, I''m very sure you know the answer to that. Actually, I don''t intend to force any of you to sell yourpany to me but if any of you intend to sell, you can discuss withbmy secretary," Ss said and stood up from his seat, and left the conference room.


    He didn''t intend to stay throughout the whole meeting as he felt he has already achieved what he wanted.


    There was a reason he said those words to Mr Esteban as he''s owner of the biggest constructionpany in the country, Venesuip Constructions.


    Ss understand the logic of subjugating the leader to take care of the minions. This logic isn''t exactly the same as the conference room''s situation but it wasn''t that different.


    Venesuip is the biggest constructionpany in the country. Though it has a lot ofpetitions, it''s far ahead of itspetitions.


    Ss knew that if he''s able to get Venesuip Constructions to lower their head, then he would have no problem with the rest.


    Ss has also expected the reaction from Mr Esteban due to the familiarity he has with his character. Just as he said, he''s a grumpy old man who is scared of dying and losing everything he has.


    Since he has already handed over everything to Luna, Ss put the matters concerning the meeting aside, as he made his way to his room.


    "Now, I should start simted research on how to add atomic printers to the machines," Ss said, as he thought of the next thing to do.


    "Luna, start simted research on how to incorporate atomic printers with specific programming into specific machines. Also, perform simted research on how to build high-performance heavy duty machines that can be used for construction works. Not just machines for construction works but every machine that could possibly be needed in the future."


    {Yes master.}


    ****


    After Ss left, the rest of the meeting proceeded easily, as everyone was uncharacteristically cooperative.


    Luna purchased thepanies from their respective owners and it was finally time to choose who would manage the acquiredpanies that would be merged.


    She didn''t go through a long process as she chose someone who she saw has the best record in her database.


    After the meeting ended, she put a call to President Yusmaorobis to have him prepare and process thepany''s paperwork.


    That concluded the agenda for the day and it was now time for her to focus on the most important thing at the moment, the simted research on the Evolution Capsule.

 Chapter 160: Results

    In ab, a group of scientists were seated around a table, that has an holographic image floating in front of them.


    "What''s your current progress on the Evolution Capsule, people?" One of them asked.


    "Good and bad at the same time. We were to build the Evolution Capsule but there''s a problem; we have to no way to get a material that''s strong enough for it in the real world," A man with the name tag, Daiki, said.


    "That''s not a problem. There''s an atomic printer avable and as long as you guys can research a way to create such material, then we can print it through the atomic printer," A youngdy sitting at the head of the table, said.


    One could see that the youngdy that has a whiteb coat worn over the nearly skimpy clothes she was wearing, is the one in charge of the meeting.


    The group of scientists seated around the table are those that were specifically chosen solely for the research and creation of the Evolution Capsule.


    "If that is true, then that''s one problem solved," Daiki replied.


    "What''s the second problem?" The youngdy asked curiousl, with her eyes narrowed slightly.


    Daiki looked at the youngdy for a moment and sighed.


    "The Evolution Capsule is meant to be a limit breaker on the evolutionary potential of a race. Though it sounds like a good thing, it alsoes with a lot of risk...," Daiki said and paused, as he waited for the youngdy to ask the question he wants her to ask.


    " And what are these risks?" The youngdy asked.


    Daiki nodded when he heard her question. He tapped on the table and the previous floating holographic image was reced with another.


    The holographic image now floating on the table, is that of the Evolution Capsule that Daiki and his team built.


    "Miss Luna, the risk we''re are talking about here are very severe. Before one can use the Evolution Capsule, one must have reached the absolute limit of their race''s allowed evolutionary potential and must, I must emphasize on the word must, Miss Luna. The user must be physically strong enough to handle the process or it would kill whoever it is."


    Daiki looked at Luna and waited to see what her reaction would be. He was disappointed and relieved at the same time when he saw that there was no change in her expression.


    It was the same cold and unreadable expression she always had and he sighed in relief.


    "Mr Daiki, how long did it your team topletely research and create the Evolution Capsule?" Luna asked, as her expression became colder than it already was.


    Daiki couldn''t help but shiver slightly when he heard Luna''s question. He felt that he was going to be in trouble if he doesn''t give her a satisfying reply.


    He was fully aware that Luna can''t do anything to him but he can help have this fear whenever he sees her. He knew the reason for it, as he always feels the same way whenever he''s summoned by his mother, but he knew that there''s still a very huge difference between his mother and Luna, and that difference has increasedtely.


    "Miss Luna, it took us 13 years toplete research on the Evolution Capsule and an additional 6 months to build it," Daiki replied, and lowered his head.


    "Your team used a total of 13 years and 6 months to research and build the Evolution Capsule. Mr Daiki, by your calctions, how long do you think it would take you to remove those risks?" Luna asked.


    "Miss Luna, if I''m to be optimistic... 100 years isn''t enough. Even a thousand years would see us make very little progress. We are talking about the evolutionary potential of a race here, and the evolutionary potential of a race is something that can''t be changed that easily. I''m sorry to say this but take us as examples, there''s no way we would be able to evolve more than we are allowed to.


    It''s not entirely impossible for a race to break the limit their evolutionary potential, but the risks involved is what makes it impossible."


    Daiki was done saying what he had to say and was waiting quietly and anxiously to hear what Luna would say.


    "So, what you mean is that the risks of death can''t be eliminated?" Luna asked, as she gazed at Daiki intensely.


    Luna''s gaze made Daiki to fidget on his seat and he felt very ufortable. It felt like the chair he was seated on, suddenly had multiple needles sticking out of it.


    He coughed lightly as he gathered hisposure, and looked at Luna.


    "Yes, Miss Luna. It''s impossible to eliminate the risk of death during the use of the Evolution Capsule."


    He secretly sighed in relief when he saw Luna nod and stood up from her seta.


    "I want your team and department to coborate with the relevant department involved in the research and creation of materials needed for the Evolution Capsule to be built in the real world. I want results on it in 8 months," Luna said, and disappeared from she stood.


    After she disappeared, everyone in theb let out a lengthy sigh of relief.


    "Thank you for your sacrifice, Mr Daiki," one of them said, as he patted Daiki lightly on his back.


    "It''s fine. As the leader of the team, it''s what I''m supposed to do...," Daiki said, as he kept on looking at where Luna disappeared from.


    "You guys noticed it, right?" He asked, not taking his eyes off the spot.


    A heavy silence descended in theb after Daiki asked the question.


    They noticed? Of course they did! The difference between the Miss Luna they knew and the Miss Luna that was in front of them was huge.


    The previous Luna they knew was cold but not as cold as the present. No, it would be more urate to say that the presence Luna had a very noble presence that made them respect her but the current one feels... alien...


    ****


    After Luna disappeared from the Evolution Capsule research and developmentb facility section of theb world, she appeared in another section of theb world.


    Inside a room, she looked at a group of people in whiteb coat standing around what looks like a self-loading concrete mixer, and was assessing it carefully.


    "Alright people, this is the moment of truth. Let''s know if ourst few months of sleepless nights paid off," One of them said.


    The next moment, a whirling sound was heard from the self-loading concrete mixer, and the rotating mixing drum started rotating slowly.


    The group of scientists waited with bated breath, as they anxiously watched the vehicle.


    Few minutester, the mixing drum stopped rotating and a slushing sound was heard from inside the mixing drum, and something poured out through the discharge chute.


    What poured out was a mixture that look very simr to a concrete.


    "Congrattions people, it worked!" The man said and the rest of them jumped up in happiness.


    The group of scientists standing in front of the self-loading concrete mixer are researcher that are in charge of incorporating the atomic printer into machine.


    From the results in front them, they seeded. They seeded in finding a way to also build the machine in the real world with already avable materials.


    Luna nodded and smiles when she saw this. She was very satisfied with the results that has been achieved by the research AIs in the simtedb world.


    So many things had been researched by them and results has been seen.


    When she saw that there was nothing else for her to do in theb world, she disconnected her digital consciousness from it.


    ****


    {Master, everything is ready. We can now start building the machines.} Luna said to Ss.


    She also gave him progress report on the Evolution Capsule research and development,band she told him about the risks involved.


    "It seems it''s the system''s motto is no pain, no gain. It''s all good though. At least it''s a good price to pay for my strength."


    Ss wasn''t bothered by the risks that Luna told him about, and he wasn''t scared by it.


    He knew that he has no choice. He either take his chances and risk it or he should just allow him to live 200 more years and die. Actually, he felt and he knew that the estimated 200 more years he has to live would most likely shorten if he doesn''t find a way to fix the issue with his body, as time goes on.


    Ss was also curious as to what it would feel like to break the limits of humanity''s evolutionary potential.


    What would be the results that he would see? Would he be able to achieve what humanity''s has always wanted? And that''s bing gods!


    Ss smiled wryly when he thought as he looks towards the future with curiosity.


    "It won''t be too long before I find out."

 Chapter 161: Recreating Simulated Researched Projects In Thel World

    Inside of the fully stocked warehouse, Ss stood in front of the Atomic Printer, with a group of people standing behind him.


    The group of people were looking at the massive ck box that just swallowed a huge bulk of metal blocks and was making a soft humming sound, curiously.


    Two months has passed since the simted research on the atomic printer incorporated machines began and it has already beenpleted.


    Today is the day that the first of the machines would be created in the real world and Ss is very excited to see the results.


    In the past two months, Ss had Luna to recruit people that will be manpower for the tasks at the warehouse, because he knew that he won''t be able toplete them alone.


    He made sure that after they were recruited, they signed a confidentiality agreement, an NDA agreement with him.


    He was also aware that the signed NDA agreement wasn''t that binding but he wasn''t worried as he had already taken more than enough precautionary measures against them leaking any information to anyone outside.


    Also, he knew that even if they are to leak anything, they won''t be able to achieve anything with the leaked information.


    Also, Ss knew how impossible to believe the information would be to anyone who hasn''t been inside the warehouse or has awareness of the techs inside.


    Ss understood human nature very well and how they find it hard to believe anything that have put the impossible-to-achieve tag on.


    He knew that the only way anyone would be able to believe that there''s an atomic printer in the warehouse is if a video evidence of it in action is shown to the person, but getting a video evidence of it is impossible as Ss had already confiscated any video recording device with them.


    The group of people quietly standing behind Ss, are the recruited manpower for the warehouse tasks.


    At the moment, they are looking at their enigmatic employer who was standing in front of massive ck box, and they are very curious to know what it does.


    They wanted to ask but the content of the confidentiality agreement they signed were at this point already imprinted into their minds, with the help of their boss'' very beautiful secretary who read the uses of thee agreement out loud for them to hear.


    They remembered one of the use of the agreement that states that they are not allowed to ask any questions, and also they recalled how much emphasis was made on the words; "not allowed to ask any questions."


    At first, they didn''t understand why they had to sign a confidentiality agreement when it''s just going to be a warehouse job, but that thought of theirs changed when they saw the atomic printer in action.


    It would had been apletely different situation if the recruits are a bunch of inexperienced individuals but they are not.


    They are people who were previously working in different manufacturingpanies and majority of them were in charge of handling the machines that were used for the manufacturing process in their previous ce of work. It''s for this reason they understood that the job they took isn''t the typical warehouse job.


    As they curiously watched the unknown massive ck box in action, they noticed that it had already etopped humming and was now making a low hissing sound, and a part of it that looks like apartment was opening up, slowly.


    Thepartment openedpletely and they saw a t metal sheet lyingfortably inside it.


    They were confused and didn''t know what to make of the situation but from the smile on their boss'' face, they knew that he achieved what he wanted.


    Ss was very satisfied when he saw the metal sheets when the finished materialpartment of the Atomic Printer opened up.


    His face light up with a satisfied smile when he thought of his ns and the massive progress he''s going to start making soon.


    Research had already beenpleted on all the machines he intends to build and he can start building them, as he has nothing else holding him back.


    He had already used the past two months to stock up the warehouse and he had recruited the manpower he would need.


    The recruits are temporary as after the machines had been created and the underground facility had been built, then almost everything would be done autonomously.


    It''s also for this reason that the first thing he''s building is a fully automated assembling machine called the Assembler. He knew that''s it''s going to be very impossible for the people topletely handle the tasks urately, and thus, his reason for building the Assembler.


    "Luna, I will leave everything to you. After the Assembler has been created, start work on the machines, Ss instructed her, telepathically.


    He knew he was no longer needed in the warehouse as Luna can take care of everything in his absence.


    {Yes master. You''re going back to the States?} Luna inquired curiously.


    "Yes, my dad will be leaving the rehab soon. I want to be there when he gets out."


    {Ok, I will take care of things on this side.}


    Ss nodded and left the warehouse. He got into the car and started making his way to the airport.


    ****


    82¡ãS, 168¡ãW


    More than 90 metres underground the enormous ice cier, a massiveb facility could be seen.


    A loud metal clicking sound was heard as a metal door opened up with a low hissing sound. This was followed by continuous drops of bone freezing water.


    After the door opened, a young man walked out from behind the door and he was met by a group of people armed with highly sophisticated weapons.


    Someone in the group walked towards the young man and shed a short metal beam at him.


    The metal beam beeped and the young man was allowed to pass.


    The young man smiled and moved forward. After taking a couple of steps, he saw someone, a man, standing in front of him.


    "Mr Daniel, I''m Jeremiah."

 Chapter 162: "Hi Son."

    "Mr Daniel, I''m Jeremiah. I''m d you agreed to join us. We hope to achieve the impossible by working together," The man said with a smile, and an outstretched hand.


    Daniel smiled as he returned the handshake, and said;


    "We will definitely achieve the impossible, Mr Jeremiah."


    It has been more two months since he met Mr Silva and he has been taken care by him since then.


    At first he thought that the old man''s talk about making him a god, the whole talk about superpowers and whatnot was a bluff, but something changed his mind.


    For the first time in his life, he saw something truly extraordinary. He met a Phenomenal in the flesh and one who could control lightning to his will.


    At first, he thought it was just a magic trick but those thoughts were cleared when he saw other Phenomenals and with diverse superpowers.


    After that day, Daniel suddenly had a new ambition. He no longer wants the riches the world can offer, neither does he wants all the bitches he can get and sleep around with.


    What he badly wants now is to also be a Phenomenal and he''s going to do everything in his power to get it. This is even if he has to give himself up for an experiment.


    Only the results that matter, the process can be damned!


    Jeremiah nodded when he heard Daniel''s response. His attitude is very much to his liking. It was an indication that the two of them would have a good time working together.


    "Very good. I will show you the way so that we can get started." Jeremiah said, and started leading Daniel through the facility.


    ****


    Ss knocked at the door and it was opened fee secondster.


    "Big brother!! Wee!!"


    Unlike before that Ss was always answer by Kim. This time, the person that opened the door for him was Alex.


    "Hey Al, how are you?" Ss smiled, as he ruffled his hair lightly.


    Ss walked into the house and he saw Kim seated in the sofa, with her head buried in herptop.


    She looks to be working even though it''s a Sunday.


    "Hello Kim. You look busy. Did your bring your work home?" Ss asked, as he took his seat on a sofa opposite her and Alex seated beside him.


    "Yes, I had to. Your dad will be discharged from the rehab next week and I have to be there," Kim beamed a smile as she continued what she was doing.


    Ss shook his head when he saw her reaction.


    ''She''s so enamored.''


    "Ss, you will also be there to meet your father as he leaves the rehab, right?" Kim asked, as she looked at Ss inquisitively.


    She was trying to see if she would find out what he was thinking through his expressio, but she got nothing. His expression was just the same as it has always been.


    "Yes, Kim. I will be there. I will be in my room," Ss said and stood up, and made his way to his room.


    Kim sighed when she saw Ss'' reaction to her question. She was happy that he was going to be there when Chris is going to be released from the rehab but she was scared that something was going to happen.


    She couldn''t help but sigh again when she remembered that she can''t do anything about it, but hope things turns out well.


    In his room, Ssy on the bed and looked out the window. The past two months had seen do almost nothing but improve himself in different ways with different simted realities and he always fought his clone in the Domain almost everyday, and the result each time was always a defeat.


    It wasn''t all that bad because Ss knew that he has improved a lotpared to before. The fights nowsts longer and in each fights, he always manages tond a solid hit on the clone.


    Not only that. Ss has also started discovering what and what he can do with the current rank that his superpower is at, and it''s current limit. There''s still one problem though... Excluding his superpower, his physical stats alone made him too overpowered.


    It''s not like being overpowered is bad thing but it''s very depressing when he can''t find anyone to test his strength against in the real world. Each time he wants to fight, he always has to go into the Domain.


    Ss sighed when he thought of how the gap between him and everyone is going to widens after he used the Evolution Capsule.


    He decided to put the thoughts rted to his overpowered physical strength aside and sleep.


    ***


    The time flew and it was finally the day that Ss'' dad would be leaving the rehab.


    Everyone was at the table, eating their breakfast quietly, except for Kim who was all smiles.


    They were still eating when they heard a knocking from the door.


    Ss and Kim looked at themselves curiously.


    "Where you expecting anyone?" Kim inquired as her eyes darted to the door.


    "No. You?" Ss asked and he saw Kim shook her head.


    "Don''t worry I will go answer it," Ss said and stood up from his seat, and went to answer the door.


    As he walked towards the door, the image of who was at the door was disyed on the lenses of the Gear.


    Ss paused when he saw the image. It was someone he didn''t expect to see. He was actually surprised and he couldn''t help but look at the dining area where Kim, and Alex were seated.


    Kim saw Ss looking at them and she got curious.


    "What is it, Ss?"


    "Nothing." Ss replied and walked towards the door.


    He opened the door and he saw a middle-aged man who looks very simr to him.


    The man''s face light up with a very bright smile when he saw Ss and aplicated expression was seen on his face.


    "Hi son."

 Chapter 163: Chris Thought

    "Hi son."


    "...."


    Ss was silent for a while as he didn''t know how to respond.


    ''Son?'' He scoffed when he heard the word.


    He can''t remember his father ever calling him word since after the death of Alex''s mother. The names he remembers his father calls him are always derogatory terms.


    Ss looked at his father again and he saw the difference between his appearance then and now.


    The previous appearance of his father was a very haggard and unapproachable. His father always had this constant smell of alcohol and cigarettes on him, but his current father doesn''t.


    If Ss is to describe his current appearance, it would be casual and professional at the same time.


    The previous distasteful and pungent odor that usually followed him around are no more and they had been reced by the smell of his shampoo.


    He was curious about one thing. How did his father know the address of their new house? He thought of it and he remembered what Kim told him before, about his father''s call from the rehab.


    He thought of this and felt that the only possible exnation for this is that Kim was the one that gave him the address.


    "Ss, who is it at the door?"


    Ss'' train of thoughts were broken by Kim''s question.


    He didn''t reply as he stepped aside, allowing his father to walk into the house.


    After his father walked in, he closed the door and followed behind.


    As he followed behind, he was curious about another thing.


    They were supposed to go and pick him today from the rehab, then why is he here? Was he released early?


    Ss was curious to know the answer to this but he decided not to ask, as he knew that he would definitely get the answer to his questions soon.


    "Ss, who is it at the doo.....¡ª"


    Kim couldn''t believe who she was looking at. She felt it odd that Ss was quiet when she asked him who was at the door. She thought something was wrong and was about toe check, but who knew that she would see Chris standing in the living room.


    "Chris?!" Kim asked, wanting to confirm if he''s really the one.


    "Kim..." Chris answered and was about to say something, but he kept quiet instead. He sighed and walked towards her and gave her a big hug, and started stroking her hair slowly.


    "I''m sorry for the pain I caused you," He said with a voice filled withplicates emotions, as he remembered all the things he had done in the past.


    As he stroked Kim''s hair, he felt her shaking slightly as she sobbed quietly. He couldn''t help sigh when he saw this.


    He knew that he has a lot of making up to fod for everything he has done to his family in the past. For the unnecessary pain he has caused them to go through.


    He felt extreme regret and remorse when he remembered how he treated Ss. How he pinned mes that were never his to bear and names that he shouldn''t had called the kid.


    He looked at Ss who was standing at a corner and looking at him with a nk look on his face and he sighed.


    "He has gotten extremely handsome and he now looks like the male version of his mom." He muttered to himself.


    The reason why Chris was so hard on Ss was because Ss looks exactly like his mother.


    Ss inherited his mother''s looks and his mother was someone who had above average appearance and was beautiful woman no doubt.


    His low charisma came to be after his mother died. Chris had little to no time for him due to the busy schedule caused by his job and things worsened as the situation worsened. Also, he knew that the hurtful and derogatory words he continuously hurled at him, coupled with the almost constant beating made things worst.


    Chris sighed silently when he thought of everything. Honestly, he can''t imagine Ss forgiving him for everything he has done to him but he knew that the best he can do is try and hopefully....


    He was still thinking about how he''s going to fix things with Ss, when he saw a small figure walking out of what looks to be the dining area.


    "Alex..."


    Chris sighed deeply when he saw Alex. It''s not only Ss that he''s going to have to fix things with, he also has to think of how to fix things with Alex.


    He couldn''t help but feel that he would use the rest of his days doing nothing but making up for everything.


    Chris noticed that Kim had stopped shaking and was now quiet. He stopped hugging her, as he took a good look at her face and he use one of his finger to wipe the tears at the corner of her eyes.


    Ss quietly watched the interaction between his father and Kim, before he decided to go back to the dining area.


    His father was back from rehab but it doesn''t mean that everything will be bed of roses, neither would everything work out immediately.


    He knew that it would take a lot of time and efforts for things to be normal. This is especially with the awkwardness between them.


    Ss doesn''t hold anything against his father unlike what anyone might think but that doesn''t mean he''s going to be all friendly and familiar with him, when they didn''t even have an familiar rtionship.


    After he took seat at the dining table, Ss noticed Kim and his father walking into the dining area.


    His father took his seat opposite him and Alex, followed by Kim and a heavy and awkward silence enveloped the dining area afterwards.


    Chris'' eyes were darting from between Ss and Alex, as he thought of what to say to start a conversation with them, but nothing came to mind.


    Chris knew that things were going to be even more awkward with if things continues like this. He knew that he has to say something, anything to break the silence.


    "Ss.... Alex.... Dad is sorry for everything. Please forgive him."


    Chris felt that this was only way he could start, by asking for forgiveness. He knew that this was the bare minimum of what he can do before he can actually think of wanting to make amends.


    He waited quietly as he looked at his two sons, waiting for them to give him a reply.


    "I hold nothing against you. I vented all the stored negativity that I had towards you that night. The only thing I will want from you is to take care of Alex like the father you are to him. Make up for the years of your absence in his life and we are good," Ss said stood up from his seat.


    Ss ruffled Alex''s hair one more time before going up to his room. He didn''t feel the need to stay any longer as there was no need for it.


    For Ss, there was one silver lining to everything. Since his father is back, then he can leave the responsibility of taking care of Alex fully to him and Kim.


    Also, now that there''s the presence of a father figure in the house, Ss can rest easy and focus on what he wants to do.


    "Time to move things up."

 Chapter 164: Discussion With Dad, Evolution Capsule

    The next day, in the living room.


    Ss was seated on a sofa in the living room with his father''s sitting across him.


    When he woke up this morning, Kim came to call him that his father wants to talk to him.


    Ss could already guess what the discussion would be about but he decided to go see his father. He felt that since his father is sincere about making amends, then he should give him a chance.


    When he got downstairs, he saw his father waiting for him in the living room.


    "You sent for me?" Ss said as he took his seat, and his father nodded in response.


    "I did... Look.. I know that I wasn''t exactly a father to you and your brother but I really want to do my best to make amends for everything. Please give me a chance, son," Chris said, with a voice filled with different emotions.


    "Look... Dad... Just like I said yesterday, I have nothing against you. I understand that you were going through a lot that time and you made a lot of wrong decisions, but that''s alright. We have moved past that. All I want from you is to take up your role as a father in the house and take care of Alex.


    That would be enough to make anebds5fur everything."


    Ss had already forgotten everything that happened between him and his father. He knew that there was no need to dwell on the past as nothing woulde out of it. The only thing focusing on the past would achieve is to open old wounds.


    Chris smiled ruefully when he heard what Ss had said. He knew that he can''t force it and he would have to give him some time.


    He understood that the reason why Ss is said that is because he doesn''t trust him but he''s going to have to make him change his thoughts.


    "You''ve changed, Ss. You look good now. As someone who has your mother''s beautiful look and my physique, the girls must be flocking around you," Chris said with a sly smile, as he tried to break the ice.


    Ss couldn''t help but look at his father in surprise when he heard what he said.


    "I don''t have any girl in my life."


    "...."


    This time around, it was Chris'' turn to be surprised.


    ".... How is that possible? You have this magnificent look and all that money, and you don''t have a girl?!" He asked in disbelief.


    As someone who is very familiar with how society works, Chris understood a lot of things and this was the reason why he was surprised that Ss was still single.


    Actually, he felt that Ss was lying about the whole thing but there was no way to confirm as his face was just as nk as always.


    "Ss, you really don''t have a girlfriend?" Chris couldn''t help but ask again, to confirm.


    "Come on, old man. Don''t. I told you I don''t," Ss said with a sigh.


    The topic was already tiring him out mentally. He of course knew that his father is trying to create a closer rtionship between the two of them and this is the reason why he still hasn''t taken his leave.


    Chris smiled at Ss'' response. He knew that Ss doesn''t want to talk about it and he also decided to let it be.


    Still, there was something he was curious about. What happened to Ss to have caused the sudden and drastic change in him?


    "Ss... I want to know something. The money, this changes, everything... How did you achieve it?"


    He finally asked as he couldn''t hold in his curiosity and worries. It might sound hypocritical but he was worried about Ss. He was worried that he might had gotten himself into some illegal business and it''s the source of his wealth.


    Ss smiled at his father''s question. It''s something that he expected as he knew that sooner orter, it''s a question that he would be asked.


    "During the time when I worked in the casino. I met someone, a whale trader and I got cloe to him. After that, I started learning crypto trading from me. It took me more than six months and I decided to try my luck at it, and that''s how I got my lucky break. About the change in my appearance, it''s the skincare I''m using," Ss exined.


    This was the only usible exnation he knew he could give.


    There was no way he would tell his father that the source of his wealth was because he got a system that gives him 10x rebate on his every expenses. Or should he tell him that he took something called Gene Enhancement Serum, increased his stats to the max a human can achieve and that''s why his appearance is like this?


    There was no someone that would believe something like that and he would have to a lot of exnations without evidence.


    Chris sighed silently when he heard Ss'' response. He felt that things weren''t exactly as it seems but he knew that since Ss doesn''t want to talk yet, then he can''t force it out of him.


    "I trust you, son. Can you promise me one thing?" He asked, and looked at Ss with heated intensity in his eyes.


    Ss noticed this and he couldn''t help but be affected by the intensity in his father''s eyes.


    "What?"


    "Promise me that you will be safe. I lost your mother, I don''t want to lose you too. That would be very irresponsible of me and she won''t forgive me if anything happens to you. So, please promise me that you will be safe."


    "I promise," Ss said, as he nodded in response.


    "Thanks." Chris smiled and turned to look at the dining area.


    He saw breakfast was already served and waiting for them.


    "Come on, let''s go have breakfast," He said, as he stood up and walked towards to the dining area, with Ss also following behind.


    For the first time in very long Time, the whole family finally sat around the dining table to eat together.


    Everyone felt it to be so surreal. This was especially so for Chris. He didn''t know that he would get to experience something like this once again and it made him very happy.


    Everyone ate their breakfast with smiles on their faces. After they werr done with breakfast, they decided to go out and have some fun family time.


    Ss agreed to this as he felt that there was nothing wrong with it. He felt that it''s way better than him staying in his room.


    ****


    In the blink of an eye, two weeks passed.


    Ss woke up one morning to a message from Luna.


    {Master, the Evolutionary Capsule is ready.}

 Chapter 165: Silas Fear

    Ss had gotten the information on the Evolution Capsule and what it can do. It''s a device that can help him to break the limits of the evolutionary potential of the human race.


    For someone like him, this means a lot as it changes a lot of things and brings about a lot of ideas.


    Heck! Just the fact that it can help him to evolve further means a lot but Ss wasn''t all that enthusiastic about it.


    He has already been informed by Luna of the risks involved and he was very uncertain about what might happen. The Evolution Capsule ispletely different from the Gene Enhancement Serum thates with just a lot of pain.


    From what he understood after reading the Evolution Capsule description that goes; "it''s a breakthrough technology that is believed to have the effect of helping one to continuously achieve higher levels of gic enhancement."


    From this, Ss knew that the effects that the Evolution Capsule can achieve hasn''t been confirmed yet


    This means that the creator of the system or whatever  entity that puts all these advanced knowledge and tech in the system store doesn''t know the effects of the Evolution Capsule.


    This got him thinking. Why is that so? Surely, since the Evolution Capsule can be created, then it means that it has been used but why has its effects not been confirmed?


    Is there something more to it? Or is it that everyone that used the Evolution Capsule didn''t experience the hypothetized effects of they... died?


    Ss felt a shiver run down his spine when he thought of the worst possibility. Honestly, he would make do with no seeing any effects at all, rather than dying from using the Evolution Capsule.


    He thought of this and sighed.


    "Do I really have a choice?" He asked himself.


    He was fully aware of his body''s condition. He was aware of the timer he has hanging over his head and how he could died in the space of 200 years.


    It would had been something to be proud of if he found out that he can live for 200 more years but the "less than" in front of him was very disheartening.


    Ss knew that he doesn''t have much of a choice. He can chose to not use the Evolution Capsule and let things continue as they are.


    "Haha.. Who am I kidding? Who doesn''t want a chance at immortality? Even if there are risks, why can''t I take the risks? They always say that the higher the risk, the higher the rewards.


    Should I give up the chance to break the limit of humanity''s evolutionary potential just because of my fear of dying in the process? It''s not like I won''t die if I don''t do it, so why not take the risk? Beside, the system won''t allow me to die... Hopefully it doesn''t."


    Ss said all that to motivate himself and give himself courage. It would be a lie to say he wasn''t scared.


    The fear of death is something that''s innate to every human, and Ss wasn''t an exception.


    Even though he was acting all nonchnt about it when Luna told him of the risks involved, he secretly felt worried.


    Ss closed his eyes briefly and did a series of breathing exercise.


    "Huu... Let''s do this!" He said, as he finally made his decision.


    He was going to make the trip to Venezu for the Evolution Capsule.


    "Luna, how long will it take for the process of gene enhancement in the evolution capsule to bepleted?"


    This is another thing that Ss was curious about. How long would the process take?


    It was already more than obvious that the gene enhancement that one would go through in the evolution capsulex ispletely different from the regr gene enhancement process he went through when he took the Gene Enhancement Serum (GES).


    Ss wanted to know how long he was going to be away, so that he can make preparation for his family. Also, he felt that he should also give them hint in case of any eventualities.


    {I''m not sure. We did multiple simtion on it using the real stats of your body and the cells predictive analysis function of the Molecr Analyzer.


    In one of the simtions, the process took more than six months and the result was disappointing. The subsequent simtions after that either ended in failures. Thest two simtions produces ok results and that''s the procedure we''re going to follow.}


    Ss sighed when he heard this. It was just as he had thought, the risk of death is extremely high.


    He was fully aware of the cells predictive analysis function of the Molecr Analyzer and what it can do. If the simtion of the oue of the enhancement process has very disappointing results


    "Why the constant feeling of me dying? Why do I feel this way?" Ss was genuinely puzzled by the level of his pessimism at the sess of the evolution capsule''s gene enhancement process.


    He felt that it was very unlike him. Maybe it was. Maybe it''s because for the first time in a very long while, there''s something that he has no control over its oue.


    "Having negative thoughts about it won''t solve anything," He muttered to himself, as he stood up from the bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up.


    After he was freshening up, he went downstairs for breakfast.


    When he got downstairs, he saw that everyone were already gathered at the dining area and he was the one left.


    He greeted his dad and Kim, and took his seat. His rtionship with his father has gotten closer during thest two weeks they spent together.


    Though, their rtionship at the moment wasn''t an ideal one between a father and son, Ss felt that the progress made had been huge.


    After he took his seat, he looked at the their faces for a brief moment before he started eating.


    He was very uncertain of what the oue from using the Evolution Capsule would be. This is especially so, with the sure risk of death involved but he really can''t help it.


    Ss smiled wryly when he realized that he was thinking negatively again about the whole thing. He decided to shove everything rted to the Evolution Capsule to the back of his mind, until he was done eating.


    "Ss, is something wrong?,"  Chris asked curiously.


    He couldn''t help but notice that Ss was behaving differently from his usual self. He has spent two weeks with the family and during those two weeks, he made sure to pay extremely close attention his family and study them as much as he could.


    From the unsettled look on Ss'' face, he felt that something was up and this was why he asked him the question.


    Ss smiled at his father''s question. He has no idea on how he''s going to exin what he''s about to do to them, and he also doesn''t want to make them worried.


    "Nothing. I will be making a trip today," He replied.


    "Ohh... One of those your trips again?" Chris asked.


    He was already aware of the constant trips that Ss always made. He was curious to know what the trips are about but he knew that he would have to let things happened naturally.


    "Yes and I don''t know how long I will be gone?"


    "Ok, son. Just remember your promise to me... Stay safe," Chris said with a smile.


    "Yeah.." Ss quickly finished his breakfast, and stood up.


    He looked at Alex who was seated beside him, and ruffled his hair with a smile.


    ****


    In the warehouse that was now empty a living soul, except a young man and ady standing in front of what looks like a opened pod.


    "Luna, is everything ready?"


    {Yes.}


    "Good. Help me to make arrangements for my family security. Also, if I''m to stay in there for more than a month. I want you to go and rescue President Yusmaorobis'' daughter. The time to fufill my promise to him has been long overdue."


    Ss turned to look at Luna who was standing beside him and smiled.


    "I can trust you, right?"


    {Yes. Master can trust me.}


    "Thank you, Luna. If anything is to happen to me, please destroy everything her and keep my family safe," Ss said, and got into the Evolution Capsule.


    The Evolution Capsule closed the next moment and everything went dark.


    From the ss section of the capsule, Luna could see a multicolored fluid filling up its inside.


    Luna looked at the figure of Ss who was in the Evolution Capsule q smile on her face.


    {You don''t need to worry, master. Luna will take care of everything in your absence. You can''t die yet. You did all this to give everyone a second chance and to find a way to beat ****. You still have a lot to aplish. Maybe after this, you will be ready.


    ***** Is still waiting. We are all waiting.}

 Chapter 166: Impending Doom

    Ss saw himself standing in a white room. He did know how he got here. The only thing he could remember was getting into the Evolution Capsule and forcefully losing consciousness.


    "What is this ce?" He asked himself, as he looked around.


    He couldn''t see anything but pure white around him. He couldn''t even make out the outline of where he was. He would had called it a room but it doesn''t exactly looks like a room, as it''s endless.


    "Then again, what''s this ce? Is this something like a mental ne or something?"


    Ss thought about it and felt that it was the only possibility. He was still thinking about it when he heard a female voice that felt strangely familiar, echoing around him.


    "You don''t need to worry, master. You''re safe here. I will take care of you while you go through your first evolution metamorphosis."


    "Master? First evolution metamorphosis?"


    Ss was confused by what he heard. Nothing made sense at all.


    "You called me master, the only person who can call me master is Luna and your voice ispletely different from hers. Who are you and what  do you mean by first evolution metamorphosis? Where am I and how did I get here?"


    He felt the whole situation to be very suspicious. Who was the owner of the voice and why does it feel vaguely familiar to him? He was very curious to know where he was and why he''s here? He also wants to know the voice meant by first evolution metamorphosis?


    After Ss'' question, the voice went quiet for a while, before a lengthy sigh was heard.


    Ss could feel the different emotions in the sigh; sadness, nostalgia, anticipation, happiness, anxiety...


    He felt so many emotions that he felt it to be very strange. He was actually surprised that he could feel the emotions so vividly. It was like he knew and understood why the voice had suchplicated emotions, and he couldn''t help but feel a pain of pain in his chest. He felt like someone pierced a dagger through his heart.


    "Why do I feel this way?" Ss asked himself, as he tried to fight back tears that were threatening to form in his eyes.


    "Why do I feel so much emotions? Why is this happening to me? Why? Just why?" Ss screamed in pain, with tears rolling down his cheeks, as he held his head and clutched his chest in pain.


    He felt like his head and his heart were being torn apart, bit by it. He was in so much pain. Pain that he didn''t understand its source.


    "It''s alright, master. It seems like it''s not yet time. Don''t worry, everything will happen naturally. Remember why you always?" The voice paused.


    Strangely, Ss felt that the pain was starting to subside, little by little. He also felt that the voice was bing even more increasingly familiar.


    He felt that he was starting to understand the reason for the emotions and pain he was feeling, but everything still felt very vague.


    "Master, you will always say to me: *****, don''t worry. There''s no need to rush. We should take things as theye. Remember when ***** finally came and ***$##@$$##$$." The voice stopped when it noticed that it was being censored.


    Ss wanted to say something but he found that his mouth was stuck, and the words he wanted to say refused to form. It felt like his vicak cords was damaged and he couldn''t make any sound.


    He knew that his vocal cords weren''t damaged. He knew why he was unable to make any sound is because of the intense and choking emotions he was feeling.


    Ss started trying to fight the emotions. They felt very familiar, same as the voice but he can''t ept them as he doesn''t understand their sources, and what they represent.


    As he tried his best to fight the emotions, he felt himself losing consciousness again, but this time it was different.


    Rather than calling it him losing consciousness, he felt like he was falling into a trance. The intense pain and emotions he was feeling had subsided greatly at this pain, but he was still feeling aftereffects from it. He heaved constantly, trying to get rid of the feeling.


    The next moment, Ss saw that the white space he was standing in, was reced by pitch dark ckness. He felt the centre of his center of gravity change and instead of standing, he was floating in the dark space.


    The whole situation felt so strange and extremely confusing, that Ss wasn''t making sense of any of it. He felt like he was being toyed with.


    He curiously looked around the dark space he was floating in, waiting for the familiar voice that spoke to him in the white space. He waited for a while but nothing happened.


    Ss thought of calling the system but he tried it in when he was in the white space, and experiencing all those pain but he didn''t get any response.


    He wanted to get answers to his questions but there was no one to do that for him. He decided to call out the voice when he didn''t hear it.


    "Hey, are you there?"


    Ss was hopeful for a response but he got wasn''t a response. Instead, the ck space he was floating in, was suddenly piercing by a blinding and burning light.


    Immediately and reflexively, he raised up his hand to cover his eyes. Even though, he know that he was in currently what he would call the mental ne, his reflexes just acted on their own.


    The white light subsided and Ss saw that he was no longer floating in the imprable dark space, but he was now floating in what looks like outer space.


    He blinked his eyes in confusion at the change of scenery but what was even more confusing was the man''s figure that was floating in front of him.


    The man''s figure felt very familiar and extremely simr to his. He thought of something and his eyes widened in shock.


    "We have been given enough time to live a simple life. Now, it''s time to make do on our promises. It''s time to save them as we promised. Remember, we can''t fail twice. We can''t lose everything twice. He only gave us one more chance, if we can win against ****, then we will be like the rest."


    Not only the figure was simr to his, but the voice was his. Ss wanted to ask questions but the man''s figure had already disappeared, and the space around him were starting to crack.


    The cracks spread and the space around started falling off like piece of broken ss, disying the same imprable darkness he was previously in. This was followed by a sensation that felt like he was being sucked into a vacuum and was being suffocating.


    Ss tried to fight the feeling but he was unable to. He felt like he was dying and he tried calling for help, but he could make a sound as his mouth was stuffed with something that sticky.


    He was still trying to save himself, when he saw a archaic and sinister voice echoing in the dark vacuum.


    "I''ming!"

 Chapter 167: Ross Ice Self

    A month has already passed since Ss started going through his second gene enhancement in the Evolution Capsule.


    While he was in there, Luna had been sitting on the floor beside him, without moving an inch, except when she really had to.


    "It''s been a month already. Time to make the trip to Antarctica," She said, as she stood up from the floor and ceremoniously dusted the back of her skirt.


    She made her way out of the warehouse. When she opened the door, she was met by a group of men that were dressed in ck suit, giving them a physical appearance. This wasplimented by their athletic build and theirmanding physical presence.


    Immediately when they saw Luna, they walked closer to her and got behind her back, setting up a protective formation behind her.


    "You guys don''t need to follow me. Stay there and stand watch. Make sure no one goes inside. If anyone tries to force their war in, kill without mercy. You guys are also not allowed to go inside. If anyone looks for me, I''m not around.


    If you experience something that you can''t handle, call the special number I gave." Luna ordered, and started walking towards a ck Mercedes-Benz S-ss that was parked at a short distance.


    "Also, don''t experience something that you can''t handle or that would make you lot very ipetent,..I hate people who are ipetent. They are nothing but waste." Luna added, before she got into the car.


    "Airport." She ordered the driver, as she took her seat.


    The driver started the car and drove off towards the airport, as ordered by Luna.


    When she arrives at the airport, she got out of the car and walked through the airport''s terminal to the runway, where one of the private jets was waiting.


    She climbed the air stairs into the open aircraft and took her seat.


    The aircraft''s entry door closed and it began its takeoff runway. Few minutester, it was already airborne and on its way to Ushuaia International Airport, Ushuaia, Argentina.


    More than twelve hourster, the aircraft touched down at the Ushuaia International Airport and taxied to a stop.


    The aircraft''s entry door opened up and Luna climbed down the already extended, and waiting air stairs.


    As she walked down the air stairs, the cold air blowing heavily from the Southern ocean, bringing with it the type of cold that would freeze another person to death, if they dressed as casually as Luna is.


    "Time to get this done and get back to master''s side." She said, and walked into the airport''s terminal.


    She walked through the terminal and out of the airport, and she continued walking until she had made a very considerable distance from the airport, and the busy areas around.


    She looked around and after confirming that there was no one around, she broke into a light jog and jumped into the air.


    The next moment, a sting sound was heard, and instead of Luna falling back to the ground due to gravity, she was now floating more than a hundred feet in the sky.


    This is the flight ability of the MAU in full disy, as all the repulsors were in full operation, constantly emitting powerful energy sts that kept Luna afloat in the sky.


    Luna looked towards the direction of the Ross Ice Self, where the organizationb facility was located and she started flying towards it at a breakneck speed, reaching mach 5 in just a second.


    The air around her was greatly disced and loud booming sound was constantly heard, as Luna tore through it.


    In less than half an hour, Luna was now floating above where the base of the organization was located, Ross Ice Self.


    She flew towards a location at the base of the ice self, and punched.


    Thud!


    A loud sound was heard as her fist made impact with the massive ice structure, creating a web-like crack on it surface.


    The crack started spreading and the next moment, a shattering sound was heard as the affected area crashed to the ground, leaving a gaping human-sized hole in the ice self.


    "No exterior defense whatsoever. Do they really think themselves to be invisible?" Luna smirked, as she walked through the hole.


    The exterior of the ice self wasn''t exactly defenseless, but it was the MAU system that was too advanced for the defense systems in ce to detect it quickly.


    Though it wasn''t advanced enough to detect Luna quickly, it was still working perfectly. This is why immediately after the breach in the structure''s defense was detected, the rms started ring loudly.


    "Ohh... The rm system is working? Not bad. This will make things easy for me." Luna smiled, and walked towards what looks to be an elevator door.


    As she walked towards the door,  she hacked into their system simultaneously, forcing the the elevator door open up automatically and she walked into the elevator. After she got in, the elevator door closed and it started descending more than 300 meters into the ground, and the ocean.


    While Luna was in the elevator, theb facility security team was in high alert.


    "The defense systems on the surface has been breached and the culprit is now descending down using the elevator. Everyone prepare take a defensive position and prepare yourself for battle," A man who looks to be the head captain of the security team barked, ordering all the teams in a defensive formation.


    While they waited for the elevator to stop, one of the men walked towards the head captain and stood beside him.


    "Ben, why don''t we cut off the sources of power supply to the elevator the invader is in? Won''t things be easier that way?" The man asked.


    The head captain, Ben, looked at the man like he was looking at a fool.


    "You want us to cut off the source of power supply to the elevator? Have you forgotten that they all share the same source of power supply? Or have you forgotten that cutting off the source of power supply will affect the oxygen system? James, if you don''t have any smart ideas, can you please keep quiet?" Ben said in a very cold voice, freely unting his position.


    The man called James, smiled and looked at the elevator door with his thoughts unknown.


    Ben and his security team didn''t have to wait long before they heard a loud clicking sound, indicating that the elevator has stopped.


    Immediately, they took their positions and pointed their weapon at the elevator door, patiently waiting for it open up.


    The next moment, the elevator slowly opened up, disying an empty interior.


    "What?! It''s empty?!" Ben eximed in disbelief.


    To his knowledge, theb facility''s defense systems is very advanced and he knew that it was very impossible for it to be wrong. He also knew that if the invader was to escape before the elevator door opened, something that''s impossible, it would be quickly detected and he would be informed by the CCTV team.


    The question now is why is it fucking empty?!


    Meanwhile, while Ben was looking at the empty elevator in confusion, a different scenario was taking ce in the most secured ce in theb facility.


    "Who are you and how did you get in here?" A scientist asked when he saw a strange and unknowndy in front of him.


    "Me? I''m just here on the order of my Master. I''m here to make do on a promise he made."


    The scientist was surprised by the strangedy''s words but he knew that something was wrong. This was especially with the very dangerous feelings he was getting from her.


    Immediately, he secretly pressed the emergency button under the table.


    "What do you mean" He wanted to try to stall for time for the security team to arrive. Unfortunately for him, Luna wasn''t in the mood to waste time.


    The next moment, he saw her disappear and he felt a sharp pain in his leg. He looked at the source of the pain and he saw his hand on the floor.


    "Arghh!!!"

 Chapter 168: The Rescue Mission, The Depth Of The Organization

    An ear-splitting scream with intense pain and agony echoed throughout theb.


    From where she stood, Luna looked at the man, who was screaming in pain and holding his hand¡ªwhat was left of it¡ªand also looking at it in disbelief.


    She felt disgusted by the man''s reaction. She wanted nothing more than to send him to his maker, but she doesn''t want to get her hands dirtier than they already are.


    She turned to look at the most eye-catching structure in theb where she was standing¡ªa massive ss that''s twice the height of a human, filled with unknown blueish liquid, with a very youngdy nakedly floating inside it.


    The youngdy looks extremely pale and has multiple small tubes, catheters, connected to her, and these tubes were filled with unknown fluid of different colors.


    Luna walked to the ss pod and ran her hands on its surface, feeling it and assessing its quality.


    She wanted to know what materials the ss pod was made of because it doesn''t look like anything currently on the market.


    She knocked gently on it, and she heard a dull sound.


    "Not bad."


    Luna didn''t waste anymore time as she pointed one of her fingers at the ss pod, and a powerful energy st was emitted from its tip.


    Luna made a quick gesture, using her finger that was emitting a powerful energy st, using it to draw a straight line on the surface of the ss pod. Her finger left a red, hot mark on the surface of the ss pod it touches.


    After she had drawn a line that was nearly the height of a human, she started hearing a soft cracking sound as very vague cracks appeared on the surface of the ss pod.


    The cracking sound got louder as the cracks spread even further along the surface of the ss pod.


    The speed of cracks spreading increased, and the next moment, a loud crashing sound, followed by a loud gushing sound, was heard as the ss pod shatteredpletely, allowing the fluid inside the ss pod to rush out in full force.


    While the cracks were spreading along the surface of the ss pod, Luna was already in the air, and immediately after it shattered and the fluid was gushing out of it, she flew in through a gaping hole in the pod and caught the youngdy before she fell to the ground.


    After she caught her, she flew out of the ss pod andnded on the floor.


    Sheid thedy on the table and walked towards a location in theb. She wants to get some clothes for thedy, as she can''t just fly her out of theb facility and across the cold continent without any thread of clothing on her.


    Luna walked towards what looked like a regr wall, and before she got there, the seemingly regr-looking wall opened, and a bundle ofb coats and fabrics suited for the cold was seen.


    "Convenient." Luna nodded when she saw this.


    She started selecting some of the clothes that she knew would fit thedy thaty on the table.


    She made sure to pick clothes that were meant for the cold, and she chose a bundle of them because she knew that thedy was too weak at the moment to handle the cold. She would freeze quickly if she''s to be exposed to it directly.


    After Luna was done selecting the clothes she wanted, she walked back to where thedy was and started dressing her up.


    She dressed her up in multiple clothes, making sure that she wouldn''t be affected by the cold when they went out.


    After Luna was done, she picked up the youngdy and started carrying her out of theb.


    As she walked, the doors opened up automatically, allowing her to pass without trouble.


    Luna hadn''t walked far before she was met with a group of burly-looking men in matching uniforms.


    "Who are you and what are you doing with the subject?" One of them roared as he pointed a peculiar-looking gun at her.


    "Subjects? You bunch of vermins has fallen so low that your fellow human is nothing more than a subject to you." Luna asked, feeling very amused.


    "I really don''t understand why my master hasn''t wiped you guys off the surface of the earth yet. You lots are nothing more than an infestation of parasites." Luna''s cold voice pierced their ears.


    Luna wasn''t angry at the inhumane experiment the group was conducting; she has seen even ordinary people do something worse than it. She was angry because she has to deal with a bunch of filth and extend the time that it would take her to get back to her master''s side.


    "Who the hell are you to make an assumption? The scientists here are performing experiments that would benefit humanity greatly. It would put us out there, standing among or even at the top in the universe," the man with a name tag, Ben, said eloquently.


    One could see that the man has practiced his speech a very good number of times.


    Luna sneered at the man''s words.


    "For the benefit of humanity or for the benefit of the hyenas at the top of the world''s politics and finance? You make it sound so righteous, but I''m not surprised as it''sing from someone like you, Ben ude." Luna said his name with a sinister smile on her face.


    Ben wasn''t phased when he heard Luna call his name. His identity, the identity of everyone in theb facility, and its structure are something he expects someone like her who was able to sessfully infiltrate theb facility to have knowledge of.


    "I don''t care who you are, but you won''t be able to leave here, alive or with the subject!" Ben said as he gripped his gun harder.


    The group of men behind him also did the same, as they waited for an order from him.


    "You make so much noise, but you''re without substance. I have wasted enough time chatting with you. Let me see how you actually intend to stop me from leaving," Luna said and took a step forward.


    "Fire!!!" Ben barked and pulled the trigger of his gun.


    Immediately, a blue wave shot out of the muzzle of his gun and that of others, and with incredible speed, it flew towards Luna.


    Luna allowed the blue waves to hit her to feel their effect.


    "Is this the source of your confidence? A cheap knockoff version of a pseudo-pulse gun? Now, I''m even more curious about what secrets the group is hiding," Luna said, intrigued.


    She had already analyzed the energy level of the energy pulse that shot out of the gun. The reason she allowed it to hit her is because she wants to know its effect, and it was...ughable.


    Not exactlyughable for a cheap knockoff version of a pulse gun, but it was stillughable.


    "Since that''s all you have to offer, then it''s time for me to show you mine," Luna said, and the next moment, a loud st was heard.


    "Arghh!"


    "Fuck!"


    A series of screams filled with pain echoed through the hallway.

 Chapter 169: Adrian Sanders

    Luna made quick work on the security team that came to stop her and bolted through the hallway while securely holding onto thedy in her hands.


    She didn''t bother to wait and engage in a fight, as she knew that it''s meaningless. Why should she stay and fight some ants that are ying around with fake guns?


    It made no sense, and also, she wants to get back to her master''s side as soon as possible.


    As Luna bolted through the hallway, she was blocked by different security teams, but she always made quick work of them and went easy on them.


    Though she was going easy on them, each encounter was always bloody. Each encounter always left some of the members of each team screaming and wailing in pain as they stared at some parts of their body on the floor, bloodied.


    It took Luna more than ten minutes before she got to where the elevators were. Immediately, she saw a cluster of multiple energy sts shooting toward her, or where she would have been if she had taken the regr route.


    When she was about to get to the elevator section, Luna decided to take another route. She decided to go back the way she got in, through the air ducts.


    She found a way to get into the elevator directly, through the air ducts. After she got in, it made a ding sound and started going up, back to the surface.


    The team of security personnel who fired their st guns reflexively, slowly, and carefully walked towards the body of the person lying on the floor. Smokes and a bloody, burnt smell were wafting from the body.


    "Huh? It''s the head captain?" One of them asked in surprise.


    They had already been told by those in the CCTV monitoring room to shoot anything thates in their direction.


    They didn''t understand the reason for such an order, but from the constant painful screams that they heard on theirmunication radio, they knew that they would suffer the same fate if they did as they were told.


    One of them looked at Ben''s corpse on the floor and smiled sinisterly.


    ''You told me to keep quiet if I don''t have any smart ideas. I kept quiet because I felt like telling them that you''re the one approaching and not the intruder wasn''t smart.''


    *****


    While the security personnel were distracted by their unintended friendly fire, Luna had already made it back to the surface of the ice and was now flying back to the airport.


    It didn''t take her long before she got back to the airport. Instead of going through the terminal, she flew over the airport''s building and into the already-waiting aircraft.


    She made her way to one of the bedrooms in the aircraft, and when she got inside, sheid her on the bed and started checking her body for any sign of an abnormal medical condition.


    After doing a veryprehensive check on her, Luna found nothing, and she decided to let her sleep.


    She walked out of the room, went to the cabin, and took her seat.


    She looked out the window and saw the fluffy-looking clouds that were loosely hugging on the surface of the aircraft.


    Her eyes brightened, and she smiled when she saw this.


    "Master, wait for me; I''ming."


    *****


    Meanwhile, back in theb facility, everyone was in a pensive and panicky mood.


    The fact that someone was able to infiltrate the facility, bypass all the security defense systems that were in ce, and sessfully escape with one of their experimental subjects made the organization put theb facility on a maximum-level lockdown, still searching for the intruder.


    They were angry at how useless the defense systems were, and they were angrier that a group of more than 200 security personnel couldn''t stop a singledy, and one that was carrying an unconsciousdy at that.


    After they had confirmed that the intruder had really escaped, they assessed their losses; almost half of the more than 200 security personnel were missing a part of their body.


    They had one casualty, caused by friendly fire, and they lost something extremely important: thedy in the ss pod, their number one priority, an experimental subject.


    Inside a room in the facility, the scientists and other very important personnel were gathered around a long conference room table and were looking at the screen where a man''s face was being disyed.


    From the expression on the man''s face, one could see that he was beyond angry.


    "How did this happen?! How did a woman infiltrate a ce that''s so secured in the first ce? How is it possible that none of the security teams were able to stop her?!" The man bellowed as he looked at the group that just gave him the report, with burning rage in his eyes.


    Everyone in the room couldn''t help but shiver with the head lowered when they felt the anger in the man''s voice. Even though he wasn''t with them in the room, they were scared of him.


    It can''t be helped as he''s the president of the BEM, Adrian Sanders.


    Adrian got even angrier when he saw them lowering their heads. He wanted nothing more than to kill all of them to soothe his anger, but he can''t do that yet. Everyone in thatb facility was still very useful, and until they were done with it, he couldn''t do anything to them, but that doesn''t mean that someone isn''t going to take the me.


    "Ben?! Where''s that bastard called Ben?!" He barked.


    A stifling silence descended following the question that was asked.


    When he saw that no one was answering, Adrian got even angrier, and veins started popping on his head.


    "Are you all fucking mutes or what? There''s no fucking person among you bunch of ipetent bastards that can tell me where that son of a bitch called Ben is."


    At this point, it was clear to the group seated in the room that Adrian was looking for a scapegoat, but there was a problem. The person that was meant to be scapegoat was already dead, with multiple holes in his body, oozing out the smell of burnt flesh and dried blood.


    They looked at each other, and their eyesmunicated quickly.


    "President Adrian,... Ben is dead. He was the only casualty we talked about." One of them, who had the most courage, said.


    Adrian seemed to calm when he heard of Ben''s demise.


    "Since the dog is dead, I want the deputy head captain to take up his position, and I want every single piece of information on the intruder before the end of today." Adrian ordered and disconnected the video call.


    When the group saw that the video call had ended, they all let out a lengthy sigh of relief.


    They thought that they were going to die just by looking at Adrian through the screen.


    While others were letting out sighs of relief, the security team, the team in the CCTV monitoring room especially, were fidgeting in their seats.


    How do they write their reports without dropping the execution axe that had previously been hanging over their heads?

 Chapter 170: The Siblings

    "What?!" Adrian shouted in a mix of surprise and rage, as he read the report that was sent from theb facility in Antarctica.


    "Are these bastards pulling my legs or what? Do they really think that something like this is believable? Do they think I''m so gullible as to believe this bullshit?"


    Adrian was livid from reading the reports that were sent. He felt he was being toyed with. How does he exin to the president of the United States if he''s called, that a woman who didn''t appear in the camera, infiltrated the facility and caused so much damage?


    ''Even a retard wouldn''t believe something like that?'' he thought in anger.


    He was still fuming when he heard a knock on the door of his office.


    "Come in." He ordered.


    The door opened and a beautifuldy walked into the office, with calcted steps and very seducing posture.


    "I have hearing the ruckus that has beening from your office, Adrian. Is anything the problem?" Thedy asked, as she sat on his table and crossed her leg over each other.


    She pulled her face closer to Adrian''s and gave him a soft kiss on the lips, while tracing one of her fingers in a very simting and ambiguous manner down his chest, to his mid-section.


    The kiss seemed to had worked its magic as the enraged expression on Adrian''s face was suddenly reced with a smile.


    "Ste, you really know how to get to me. You''re really the best," Adrian said with a smirk that thedy called Ste, understood too well.


    "It''s my job as your secretary to know what my boss loves and what he hates, isn''t it? Now tell me, what you want?" Ste asked, as she uncrossed her legs, spread them a little and leaned forward, her lips dangerously close to his ear and she blew a soft kiss into it.


    Adrian shivered lightly at this. He looked at her in the eyes and theymunicated, without words being need to be said.


    He slowly traced a finger from Ste''s ankle to her thigh and he enveloped it with his hand, and gave it a light squeeze, eliciting a moan from her.


    The moan made him something inside him snap and he squeezed harder, causing her to moan again in response.


    Adrian doesn''t understand how his secretary mastered what he called the primordial art of seduction, that has entranced himpletely and he can''t seem to get enough of it.


    He traced his hand into her skirt, as she spread her legs even more, giving him permission to continue further. His hands went into the abyss and he felt something sticky on a piece of fabric that covered that felt familiar to him, causing him to grin widely.


    "You are ready, Ste. Ready for me," Adrian said with a smile, and pressed his finger against the sticky fabric.


    "Yes, I''m ready for you," Ste breathed into his ear, followed with a soft bite on his earlobe.


    Ste''s action caused Adrian to lose the final shred of control he had, as he pulled her skirt and was about to bury his head into the treasures valley.


    Abruptly, the door to his office opened and a young man walked inside.


    "Sir, there''s a message from the White House. The President wants to speak to you urgently. I think it''s rted to the Ross situation," The young man who just walked in, said.


    Of course, be was fully aware of what was going on in the office. It''s not exactly a secret in the office that the head of the BEM is having an affair with his secretary, even when he has a very beautiful wife at home. Also, the moans that always escaped from the office didn''t help matters.


    The young man was also aware of Adrian''s temper and how it is. He knew that he would most likely get yelled but that''s all there would be to it.


    "Fucking bastard! Don''t you see I''m busy?!" Adrian bellowed, as he raised his head from under the fragrant valley it was in.


    The young man nearlyughed when he saw this but he knew the consequences he would suffer, if heughed.


    "Come on, Adrian. Don''t mind him, okay? I will keep myself prim and ready for you,and you have me all night," Ste whispered into his ears, as she closed her legs and adjusted her skirt, before getting down from the table.


    The anger that was previously forming in Adrian''s heart due to the interruption, dissipation and was reced with a perverted smile, fueled by his perverted thoughts.


    Adrian red at the young man and lightly smacked Ste''s butt, and gave his a light squeeze. As usual, his action got a moan out of Ste.


    He smirked in satisfaction at this and adjusted his clothes. He brought the finger that he pressed against the sticky fabric, to his mouth and licked it, as he gave Ste a wink.


    He smacked her butt one more time and walked out of the office, leaving Ste and the young man in the office.


    The young man looked at the door with a frown and when he had confirmed that Adrian had gone a very considerable distance from the office, he turned to look at thedy in front of him, with veryplicated expression on his face.


    "For how much longer, Ste? For how much longer do you intend to continue doing this? It''s been years already. Let''s get over with this and move on. We can leave here and start over somewhere else. Somewhere far away from everything that has happened," The young man said, as he clenched his fists tightly.


    The young man felt anger, frustration, hatred, helplessness and lots of otherplicated emotions were swirling around in his heart.


    "ude, you remember why I''m doing this. Adrian killed our parents. He killed Mom and Dad in cold blood, right in our presence. There''s no way I''m going to forgive him for that," Ste said, with a determined look on her face.


    The young man, ude, smiled wryly at his sister''s words.


    "You won''t forgive him but you have been sleeping with him due more than 3 years. Sis, you have been his secretary for more than 3 years and you have been sleeping with him for that long, how am I sure that you haven''t actually fallen for him?" He sighed in exhaustion.


    He has been putting up with his sister''s revenge n but he has gotten tired of it as ofst. He just wants them to leave, if possible, leave the country and move somewhere else.


    "ude, you do not understand a woman''s heart. Sincere, I have already started this, then I''m going to end it. I already have my ns tailored out and I will kick them into action soon," Ste said, trying to assure her younger brother.


    She understood how he felt and she felt the same. The affair she''s having with Adrian made her feel dirty but she knew that it''s not something she can stop halfway. It took her more than a decade to get to where she is, she''s not going to make it go down the drain.


    "ude, I''m going to kill Adrian with my own hands," She dered, as she looked at the door that Adrian just walked out, in anger.

 Chapter 171: Meeting At The White House

    Inside a big, white office, a group of people, men and women, could be seen standing, and some were seated. The group seemed to be waiting for someone, as they quietly stared at the door.


    Their long anticipated wait came to an end when the door opened, and Adrian walked in.


    "Mr President!" He saluted as he walked into the office.


    "Adrian, we have been waiting for you. A little bird of mine told me that something happened at the facility at Ross Ice Self. Do you mind exining?" The man who was being referred to as the president asked as he rxed on his seat and ced his feet on the table.


    Adrian smiled when he heard what the president said. He had already expected that the news would get to him, but he didn''t expect it to be so fast.


    He didn''t know who the little bird the President was referring to was, but he was very curious about the identity of this little bird of his.


    He took a look at the others in the office, and he saw how they were anxiously waiting for him to start exining himself.


    ''Pack of fucking dogs and sly foxes.'' He thought to himself when he saw the expression on their faces.


    "Mr. President, I also just got the news from them. Apparently, someone, a woman, infiltrated the facility and escaped with our most treasured asset," he said.


    He made sure he chose his words carefully so as to not implicate himself.


    "Adrian, you''re the head of the BEM, right?" The president asked as he stood up from his seat and walked towards the window.


    Adrian couldn''t help but feel uneasy when he heard this question.


    "Mr. President, I am the head of the organization. It was you that put me in the position, sir." He replied with a forced smile on his face.


    "I remember putting you in that position, Adrian, and I also remember what I told you about your position. Do you remember it, Adrian?" The President asked, and the feeling of uneasiness that Adrian felt increased.


    Adrian gulped silently in nervousness at the president''s question.


    "I remembered everything, Mr. President. You said that I should value the position just like I value my life, and I should make sure that there''s nothing that jeopardizes the interest of the organization." He answered the best way he knew he could.


    "Now, let me ask you this question, Adrian. How did someone infiltrate theb facility, a ce that has state-of-the-art defense systems installed? A ce that has the best of the best that our special training for our special operations soldiers can produce, a ce that shouldn''t regrly be essed by just anyone, except authorized individuals.


    How did someone infiltrate it sessfully and was able to escape with what you called our most valuable asset? How was that possible, Mr. Adrian Sanders?"


    Adrian knew that he was in for it. He knew that the president was trying to do the same thing he wanted to do to those at the facility, finding someone to use as a scapegoat.


    He knew that the only thing he could do at this point was to exin himself the best he could and get a lighter punishment.


    "Mr. President, the infiltrator was like no other. The report I got said that she''s stronger and faster than any phenomena that we have ever seen. Also, she can levitate into the air and could possibly fly. Another thing, Mr. President, the CCTV cameras can''t capture her.


    She''s invisible to the cameras, and it looks like she can control anything rted to tech, as she had ess to everything and everywhere in the facility. There was also something about her mentioning something about her master, but I don''t understand what that means."


    Adrian noticed that immediately, the President turned and looked at an old man sitting quietly at a corner of the office and looking out the window close to him.


    "Do you think she''s rted to him?" He asked curiously as he walked back to his seat.


    "I can''t say for sure, but there''s a very huge possibility. The two of them are invisible to the CCTV cameras, and anything that''s rted to tech is easily under their control. Also, they are stronger than other phenomena.


    These are things that the two of them have inmon, so the possibility is very high, but we can''t confirm anything yet," the old man replied, as he looked out the window with his mind seemingly upied.


    "She mentioned something about her master; maybe it''s the young man from the Abyss, but just as you said, we can''t say for sure. We can only know when we ask them ourselves." The President said, as he tapped his table rhythmically, with his thoughts unknown.


    "Adrian, you said that she escaped by our most valuable asset, and by that, you mean President Yusmaorobis'' daughter, right?" He asked in confirmation.


    "Yes, Mr. President," Adrian hurriedly answered.


    The feeling of uneasiness he had has subsided greatly, and it brought him relief.


    "It seems like we would be paying an old friend a visit." The president smiled and pressed themunicators on his table.


    "Adrian, give me an update on the experiment progress so far." He ordered, and the meeting continued.


    While the meeting continued, the old man that sat at the corner of the office was looking out the window, deep in thought.


    "Where did you guyse from? Are you from out there? What are your intentions? I hope to meet you soon."


    *****


    Caracas International Airport.


    Immediately, after an aircraftnded and taxied to a stop, a jet bridge was immediately moved to its location and connected to it.


    After it has been connected securely, aprehensive team of medical professionals that has been waiting for its arrival rushed towards the passenger door of the aircraft, with one of them pushing a stretcher.


    The team of medical personnel was closely followed behind by a heavy escort of security personnel.


    When they got to the passenger door, the medical personnel adjusted the stretcher, allowing Luna to ce the youngdy on it.


    "Like I said to him before on the phone, she''s alright. All she needs is rest and food. Don''t stress her too much; she has been through a lot," Luna told the medical personnel and left.


    Beforending, she had already called President Yusmaorobis and informed him of her arrival.


    At first, he thought it was for another favor, but when he heard that Luna was returning with his daughter, his mood was greatly lifted, and he immediately ordered for the best medical team and security team in the country to move to the airport.


    He didn''t follow, as he didn''t want to get his heart broken from disappointment. Also, he was scared to look at his daughter.


    He knew that she already hated him for his decision to take her to the organization, and he doesn''t me her.


    He was happy as long as she was finally safe and free from the clutches of those beasts, but he knew that he was also in for a lot of trouble in theing days.

 Chapter 172: Yusmaorobis Decision, The Call

    Yousmairobis was fully aware that with the rescue of his daughter, all eyes would be on him.


    There was no way he was going to be able to wiggle himself out of what was toe, but he wasn''t worried.


    He doesn''t care what the consequences would be. He was ready to take the organization head-on, alone, as long as his daughter doesn''t get into their hands again.


    There was something that Yusmaorobis was curious about. How did Luna rescue his daughter from the facility?


    From the information she got after shended, he knew that she did it alone and he was curious to know how.


    Yes, he knew that it was also possible that she got some help on the way there, but even if that is true, for her to pull so much weight is something incredible. If she really had help, then those she had help from are very powerful people.


    This got him even more curious as to Ss'' actual identity. How does he have so much power and wealth?


    Ss'' wealth and strength have always been something that has puzzled him. He was curious to know their sources.


    He knew that Ss was a phenomenon, and from what he had seen, he was stronger than other phenomena. He also knew that Ss wasn''t a documented phenomenon because there''s no way he would be so free if he were.


    Though the contract that Phenomenals signs when they are recruited by a nation looks very lucrative on the surface, it wasn''t.


    The contract they signed is nothing more than a reworded ve contract. It''s a contract that would force them to work even if they don''t want to.


    Of course, it was impossible for a country''s government to give an individual or a group of individuals such mouth-watering benefits and not ask for something equivalent or even higher in return.


    Yusmaorobis was both happy and slightly worried when he thought of howplicated Ss'' identity is.


    He didn''t know his stance, as he had always been vague and enigmatic. Yousmairobis has no idea what''s on his mind, but there was one thing he was sure about; it''s that Ss always keeps his words. This was proven by the risk he took to rescue his daughter from theb facility.


    He also knew that Ss would never allow anything to happen to what belongs to him, and since Venezu is his base, he would protect it. At least that''s the feeling he had, and he badly hopes he''s correct.


    Yusmaorobis thought went to his daughter''s condition, and he sighed. He had always wanted to see his daughter again, to hold her and tell her that everything would be alright, but after she was rescued, he hasn''t found the courage to go and see her at the hospital that she was admitted to.


    He was scared of seeing his daughter, his baby girl, look at him with hate. He was scared of the hateful words she would say to him. He knew that he deserved them due to his actions towards her, but they were hurtful, and he doesn''t want to hear them.


    If it wasn''t for his fears, he would have rushed to the hospital and stayed by her side.


    "Her birthday is alsoing up in a couple of weeks. What should I get for her?" He asked himself, with smiles on his face.


    Yusmaorobis was still thinking about his daughter''s birthday when his phone started ringing.


    He didn''t need to check to know the identity of the caller. He immediately brought it out of his pocket, and the caller was exactly who he thought it to be.


    He looked at the phone''s screen for a moment and sighed before answering the call.


    "President Yousmairobis, my friend. I thought you weren''t going to answer my call." A voice that was very familiar to Yusmaorobis came from the phone.


    "Why would you think something like that? There''s no reason for me to not answer the call," Yusmaorobis replied as casually as he could, but the sneer on his face betrayed the act he was putting on.


    "Mhmm... That''s good then. It means that it''s going to be very easy for me to do the job I was given," the voice said and paused.


    "President Yusmaorobis, where are they?!" The voice asked.


    This time, the familiarity in the voice was no more, and it was reced with coldness.


    "What do you mean? Who are they you''re talking about?" Yusmaorobis asked curiously, with the same sneer on his face.


    Of course, he knew the identity of the "they" the owner of the voice was referring to, but he doesn''t n on giving any information on the two of them.


    There was no way he was going to give the owner of the voice, Luna''s identity and whereabouts, and it was even more impossible for him to give out the location of his daughter that was just rescued.


    "President Yusmaorobis, you''re in a very happy mood. You know? ... I was curious and surprised when I got the news that you took out the watchbirds that were nted in your house. Then, I couldn''t understand why you would do something like that. What gave you the confidence?


    I called you, but you told me off while spouting some very brave words. I thought you were actually throwing some tantrums, but who knew that you already had some helpers on your side? ..." The voice paused for a moment, and Yusmaorobis could notice that it got even colder.


    "President Yusmaorobis, I will ask one more time. Where are they? We would let you keep your daughter by your side, but we want the boy and the girl. Give them to us!"


    The coldness in the voice at this pain was chilling, but it did nothing but elicit an even wider sneer from Yusmaorobis'' face.


    Yusmaorobis was curious about something. The person on the phone said that he wants the boy and the girl, which means that he''s talking about Ss and Luna.


    ''Does that mean that it was the two of them that went to rescue Yaritza?'' Yusmaorobis asked himself in curiosity.


    He initially thought that it was just Luna that went to rescue his daughter, and he was surprised at how she was able to aplish such a feat, but since Ss was also there, it was more believable.


    A bright smile bloomed on Yusmaorobis'' face when he thought of how he''s now working together with someone as strong as Ss and Luna.


    His attention was brought by the ongoing call when an enraged voice barked from the phone.


    "Yusmaorobis! I said, Give the boy and girl that you''re hiding to us!"


    Yusmaorobis could no longer hold in his facade anymore, and he burst into a heartyughter.


    It was after heughed for a good minute that he finally stopped and coughed to clear his throat.


    "Jerome, I wasn''t aware that you changed your profession into aedian. Did you actually listen to yourself? You said I should give the boy and girl to you. The question is, why? Why should I do that? When I asked for my daughter, did you give her to me?" Yusmaorobis asked in an equally cold voice, matching that of Jerome.


    His voice got even colder, and Jerome felt that the coldness was going to be transmitted over the phone and freeze his ear.


    "Jerome, I will say this only once. I don''t give a fuck what the organization wants to do, and if they n to y with me, I will happily create a massive yground for them."

 Chapter 173: The Marvels

    Jerome didn''t know what to do after he hung up the call with Yusmaorobis. He was specifically tasked by the Dark Council to get the kids from him at all costs, but from the way things are looking, that task would be impossible toplete.


    He was still deeply thinking about how to go about the task he was given when his phone started ringing.


    He sighed in exasperation and brought his phone to his ear. He didn''t need to check the screen to know who the caller was.


    "Give me a breather, you old dumb fucks!" He sighed and answered the call.


    "Hello, Mr. President."


    "Jerome, did you achieve anything significant?" The person on the other side of the phone asked.


    "I''m sorry, sir. I did all I could, but he refused to release them. He didn''t even tell me their whereabouts. If it were before, I could have made use of the spies, but after the little clean-up he did, that became impossible."


    "I see... Don''t worry, I will take care of things from now on." The person said and ended the call.


    Jerome sighed as he dropped his phone on the office table in front of him. He was getting tired of his job.


    No, he was already tired of the stupid job that he was forced into.


    For many years, he has always been the errand boy and their most loyal and obedient dog of the organization.


    It''s always "Jerome, do this." "Jerome, do that."


    He has always epted every task that he has been given, and hepleted them to the best of his ability.


    He has done all these without receiving any type of benefit in return. It''s day after day, working for an organization that has promised to help his son but still hasn''t been able to do that till now.


    He thought of his son, who was in the hospital, in aatose situation for more than a year now.


    He was aware of Yusmaorobi''s daughter''s situation¡ªa previous situation¡ªand he felt lucky that his son''s situation is different because he isn''t a Phenomenal.


    He also knew that this was also a problem. He knew how profit-minded the organization is and how they put their benefits above everything else. He knew that before he could actually get them to help out his son, he would have to put in a lot of effort.


    "Jardon, just hang in there. Daddy is doing everything within his power to save you."


    ****


    After Lunanded at the airport and gave Yusmaorobis'' daughter to the medical team, she got into an already-waiting car and made her way back to the warehouse.


    When she got there, she saw the guards standing outside and guarding it, just as she left them.


    She walked to the warehouse, and when the guards saw her, they excused her, and she pushed open the door and walked into the warehouse.


    She walked to the end of the warehouse, where the Evolution capsule was.


    When she got to it, she smiled and took her seat back beside the Evolution capsule.


    "I''m back, Master. I saved President Yusmaorobis'' daughter andpleted thest of the tasks you gave me."


    Luna looked at the progress screen of the Evolution capsule and sighed.


    "How much longer is it going to take?" She said, with a slightly worried voice.


    Luna has always been monitoring the warehouse throughout her trip.


    Even though she left those security guards to guard the warehouse, there was no way she was going to leave him unmonitored.


    Another reason she was continuously monitoring him was rted to gene enhancement he''s going through in the Evolution capsule.


    It''s been more than a month since he got into the capsule, but nothing has changed. He hasn''t woken up, and the progress screen on the capsule that was disying his current gene enhancement progress was still at 9%.


    Luna couldn''t understand why the progress was extremely slow. She felt that something was wrong, but Luna has no way to confirm if what she feels is right.


    Even though the screen that was disying his vital signs shows that everything was normal, Luna couldn''t shake off the worries she felt.


    Luna was still thinking of Ss'' conditions when she heard his phone ring.


    She didn''t bother to take a look at it, as she already knew who the caller was.


    "Master, you still really wake up fast. Your family is getting worried."


    The phone ranged until it timed out, when it wasn''t answered. It rang a few more consecutive times and timed out when it wasn''t answered.


    ****


    Ross Ice Self, Antarctica.


    Inside one of thebs, Jeremiah was holding a syringe as he looked at Daniel, who was lying on a metal table in an enclosed ss pod.


    He smiled and knocked on the ss pod.


    "I''m about to start, Daniel. Are you ready?" He asked as he flicked the needle of the syringe lightly.


    "I am. Do it." Daniel''s determined and muffled voice came from inside the ss pod.


    "Good. I love your attitude." Jeremiah smiled and pierced the syringe into a small opening on the ss pod.


    After piercing the opening with the syringe, he gestured for the scientists behind him.


    Immediately, one of the scientists walked towards a peculiar-looking machine and flicked a button on it.


    A low electrical whirl was heard from the machine, followed by a low humming sound.


    Jeremiah watched the machine patiently as he saw unknown fluids of different colors start flowing through the small tubes that were attached to it and into another set of even smaller tubes in the ss pod that Daniel was in.


    He continued to watch quietly as the fluid flowed into the smaller tunes and into Daniel''s body through the intravenous site.


    The effects were instantaneous, as he felt extreme itchiness all over his skin, and all that he wanted to do was just scratch his skin very hard and get relief, but he couldn''t do that as his hands were cuffed to the metal table.


    His situation got even worse as the itchiness he was feeling was reced by a marrow-piercing pain.


    "Arghh!"


    An agony-filled scream escaped from Daniel''s mouth, but it was muffled by the ss.


    He felt like his body was on fire and was being torn apart, bit by bit, from the inside. It was like the ants had mutated into extremely hot fire ants and were now biting off his skins.


    Daniel tried to endure the pain, but slowly, he started feeling himself losing consciousness. He fought back and regained rity, but it didn''tst long, as the feeling returned and it was stronger this time.


    Daniel gritted his teeth in determination, trying to force himself to not lose consciousness.


    He wasn''t told that he has to stay awake throughout the whole process, but he chose to remain conscious.


    Jerome smiled when he saw this. He apuded Daniel''s willpower, but unfortunately, his actions were ultimately futile.


    He was doing well handling the pain, but there was no way he would be able to remain conscious throughout the whole process, as he has been given more than twice the regr dose of anesthesia that are usually given to patients before surgeries.


    Just as he thought, he saw Daniel''s heavy eyelids closing slowly, until they closedpletely, and he finally fell asleep.


    "You have such strong willpower; I hope it''s enough to pull you through what''s toe next," Jeremiah said and pressed the syringe''s plunger nger and injected its content into a small tube that was connected to Daniel''s hand.


    After injecting the syringe''s contents, Jeremiah anxiously turned to look at an advanced ECG monitor bedside the ss pod.


    *Beep*


    A sharp, t beep was heard as the indicator lines for Daniel''s vital signs went t.


    Jeremiah clenched his fists in high anticipation and intense anxiety as he watched the t lines.


    He waited patiently for a few moments, and when he saw that nothing changed, he sighed dejectedly in defeat.


    "I thought it was already perfect, but it was just another failure."


    He was about to walk away when he heard a beeping from the ECG monitor. He hurriedly turned to look at it, and when he saw the indicator line that was now returning to normal, he did a fist bump in happiness and excitement.


    "I love your willpower, Daniel. All you just have to do is wait, and you will be the very first artificial Phenomenal," Jeremiah said with an excited smile.


    "As the creator of the first artificial Phenomenal, I should give them a name... What about... the Marvels?"

 Chapter 174: Unknown Memories

    At the house, Chris dropped his phone on the table and sighed.


    He has been trying to get to Ss for more than a week, calling his phone, but his calls were always forwarded to voicemail service after they timed out.


    He was getting worried as it''s been more than a month since Ss left for his business trip, and he felt dumb for not asking what the business trip was for.


    He has been told by Kim that Ss always makes a business trip, but the business that he''s attending to usually makes him travel so much that no one had any idea.


    Chris felt that he was at fault. He felt that everything that''s happening is punishment for his mistakes, but he was ready to take it; all he just wants is for his son to be safe.


    He hopes that nothing has happened to Ss, as he doesn''t know if he would be able to forgive himself if anything does. He has lost a lot of things, and he doesn''t want to lose anymore.


    "Ss, where are you?" Chris asked with a worried voice.


    He really wants to know where Ss went for the business trip. He was told by Kim that he always frequents Venezu, but he found it odd.


    Why would Ss go to Venezu? What business could he possibly have to go there?


    Chris wasn''t too familiar with Ss'' character. He couldn''t be med at first because after Ss'' mother died, he had to juggle between his work and taking care of a young kid.


    He has very little time to spend at home, and this was one of the reasons he remarried. He wants someone who would take care of his little boy, but fate decided to shit on him again.


    Chris threw back his head when he thought of his ugly past.


    "Don''t worry, Chris. Everything''s going to be just alright."


    ****


    Ross Ice Self, Antarctica.


    It''s been almost three weeks since Daniel lost consciousness and he hasn''t woken up since.


    Though he has been unconscious, everyone in theb could feel the changes happening in his body, and it brought smiles to their faces.


    This was especially so for Jeremiah, who was the brain behind the research. He has been all smiles since he detected the changes in Daniel''s body.


    The situation has also been reported to the higher-ups in the organization, and all the members of the Dark Council have decided toe and see things for themselves.


    Jeremiah wasn''t against this visiting n of theirs, but he wasn''t going to reveal anything other than what has been included in the report to them.


    He has already gotten a glimpse of the organization members'' character, and he wasn''t going to take his chances with them, as he already knew what to expect.


    He wasn''t worried, though. He knew that there was no way that they would do anything to him because they still needed him, and due to the sess of the experiment, he knew that they needed him now, more than ever.


    Jeremiah walked into theb that Daniel was in, and he immediately felt how extremely hot the temperature was.


    "The temperature is increasing with every passing second," he said, as he brought out a handkerchief to clean the sweat beads starting to form on his forehead.


    He walked towards a table at a corner of theb, and as he walked towards it, he noticed something.


    The ss that enclosed Daniel was releasing an incredible amount of what looked like steam.


    Jeremiah was surprised when he saw this, and he immediately rushed towards it to confirm.


    When he got close to the ss pod, he saw the exact same thing he saw from afar: steam rising from the ss.


    The steam wasn''t exactlying from the ss. It was from the cooling system that was installed a few days ago onto the table that Daniel is lying on.


    Due to how high and how fast Daniel''s body temperature has been rising since the past few days, they had to install a cooling system under the table or the heat would have melted everything in theb.


    The reason why Jeremiah was surprised was because the cooling system that was installed is an extreme cooling system! A type of cooling system that is used to cool supeputers!


    Jeremiah curiously ced a finger on the ss, and as his finger made contact with it, he heard a cracking sounding from it.


    He quickly withdrew his hand, but it seems to be toote, as a shattering sound was heard as the tempered ss exploded, shattering and scattering ss shards all over the ce and on his body.


    Jeremiah was about to press the emergency button under the table when he heard a boom, and what followed was an extreme burst of me from Daniel''s body, forcing him to hurriedly step back and give himself a distance from the table.


    The me caused the temperature of theb to rise exponentially, and it triggered the fire rm system.


    Jeremiah wanted to find a way to get the situation under control before things got out of hand, but he couldn''t think of anything.


    It would have been different if it were a regr fire, but this one is a fire that even an extreme cooling system couldn''t hold under control.


    Jeremiah had the thought of dismantling the original connection of the cooling system and connecting it directly to Daniel''s body. The problem was that he knew that it would be extremely impossible, as he wouldn''t be able to survive the extreme cold that would burst out of the cooling system due to his actions.


    He racked his brain, thinking of how to solve the problem at hand, when he noticed the fire moving irregrly.


    He looked closely, and he saw that it wasn''t the fire that was moving irregrly; it was Daniel that was getting up the table.


    He broke into a heartyughter when he saw this.


    "That''s it. My very first creation. The first Marvel," Jeremiah said with proud smiles.


    ****


    The Warehouse, Venezu.


    The Evolution Capsule''s progress screen was now disying Ss'' gene enhancement progress to be at 85%.


    Luna didn''t understand how the progress sped up so much, but she was upset about it.


    She was just anxiously waiting for the gene enhancement to finally bepleted and for Ss toe out of the evolution capsule.


    ****


    Ss didn''t know how long he has been in the Evolution capsule, as his sense of time has been jumbled up.


    For the past few days¡ªif he''s actually correct¡ªhe has been experiencing a lot of memories that he has no idea where they came from.


    He has tried his best to make sense of it, but the annoying thing about the situation is that he can''t understand anything.


    He felt like these memories were previously sealed behind something, and the gene enhancement process¡ªor should he call it his first evolution metamorphosis as the voice called it¡ªreleased the seal and allowed the memories toe to surface.


    There was just one problem; the memories became vague afterwards, but there was a part of his memories that wasn''t vague like the rest, the memories that included the sinister voice he heard in the dark suffocating vacuum.


    The voice that said, "I''ming."

 Chapter 175: Silas, Daniel

    Few more days passed and Ss started to feel massive changes taking ce in his body.


    He felt like he was being reborn anew. He didn''t know what was happening but he knew that if that most likely rted to the gene enhancement he''s going through¡ªor whatever it''s called now.


    Time passed and Ss felt the changes even more. Though he was unconscious and didn''t know what was happening in his surroundings, he felt like he could now sense his surroundings without even trying.


    This was different from the regr perception he got after he maxed out his stats. No, it''s more like it''s the same thing but instead of just normal perception, he can do in more refined way.


    He can sense his surroundings using the matter maniption superpower and included with his extremely high perception, it felt like everything was in his view.


    At this moment, he didn''t know exactly how strong this sensing or perception ability of his is but he intends find out soon.


    Ss subconsciously used his newly improved perception ability to sense his s surroundings and all he could see was liquid around him.


    He was confused at first but his confusion cleared immediately as he remembered that he was still inside the Evolution Capsule.


    It was just his perception that improved greatly, his strength also saw the same massive improvement.


    Ss felt explosive raw strength flowing this body. He felt like he could crack the Earth into two but he very well knew that it was all an illusion.


    He also felt his body be lighter and lighter with each passing second, and it felt he would be as light as a swallow, and take off into the sky.


    When the gene enhancement started, it wasn''t exactly all roses for Ss, as he didn''t feel any changes in his body, what he felt was unimaginable pain.


    He felt a type of pain that would make one wish for death to take them away and give them relief, and the location he felt the worse was in his head.


    This was coupled with the massive flood of memories that flooded his mind, mostly painful memories.


    Ss didn''t understand how he could feel so much emotional pain from memories he didn''t know where they originated.


    He tried to look into his memories but the amount of pain he was feeling didn''t allow him the opportunity to focus, making the memories to be very hazy and vague afterwards but the emotions it came with still remains.


    The pain he felt from the memories was just as intense as the one he was feeling all over his body.


    The pain continued after he escaped from the dark vacuum and it continued for a very long time, until it finally subsides and was reced with the feeling of explosive changes in his body.


    The feeling of explosive changes Ss felt in his body kept increasing and he knew that it was almost time for the gene enhancement to bepleted.


    *****


    Meanwhile, in the real world.


    A lot of changes were also taking ce, mostly in two locations, the warehouse and the organizationb facility at Ross Ice Self.


    In the warehouse, Luna noticed that the volume level of the fluid in the Evolution Capsule was dropping rapidly and she immediately got worried.


    "What changes is master going through for him to be absorbing the nutrients fluid so quickly," Luna asked, as she looked at the progress screen on the Capsule.


    90%


    She looked at the ss section of the Capsule and saw the volume of the fluid has dropped again, and was now less than half of what was previously inside.


    The nutrients fluid was something that Luna came up with to help Ss with his gene enhancement process. She came up with the idea after Ss told her about what happened on the ind, she didn''t want a repeat of the incident.


    The problem right now is that the fluid was meant to be an emergency sort of alternative nourishment for the gene enhancement process, but it seems like she would have to think of something and quickly.


    Luna pushed her algorithm to the limits but nothing came up. She considered creating more of the fluid but it''s to be noted that there was previously a small tank that served as reservoir for the fluid and that tank is empty.


    She thought of doing what the system did with the three but she has no idea how it did it. Should she get a tree and and extract all the nutrients in it, and channel them into the Capsule?


    She thought of that but it wasn''t that she couldn''t do it but before she couldplete, it would had already been toote as the fluid level is dropping extremely fast.


    Luna calmly took a look at the screen disying his vital signs and she sighed in relief when she saw that it was normal.


    She took a look at the progress screen and saw how speedy the progress was.


    92%...95%...99%


    It wasn''t the process progress that was fast, the rate at which the fluid level in the capsule was reducing was just as fast.


    It has dropped by more than 80% of its previous volume and was now at a dangerously low level, and was still reducing.


    Luna sighed as her eyes moved simultaneously between the fluid level in the capsule and the progress screen that was now stuck at 99%.


    Suddenly she saw that the fluid dried uppletely and the she felt like that air around her was sucked out.


    She noticed that the air was rushing towards the Evolution Capsule and was starting to swirl around it, creating a miniature tornado.


    The next moment, the swirling air dispersed forcefully, causing a massive gust of wind to blow in the warehouse.


    The massive gust of wind that was more able to live a human off their feet, had effects on Luna, as she stood where she was and continues to look after Ss.


    Luna watched as the Evolution Capsule slowly opened and Ss lost his bnce, and was about to fall.


    She quickly rushed towards him and caught before he fell to the ground.


    "I told you, master. You can''t die yet."


    ****


    Ross Ice Self, Antarctica.


    Daniel was sitting in a room, in front of a group of old men, who were looking at him like he was unknown animal that was just brought to the zoo.


    He wasn''t bothered by their presence as all he was interested was the most marvelous that just happened to him, he finally got a superpower as he has always wanted.


    A very satisfied smile bloomed on his face when he thought of his new superpower.


    After he woke up, he went through a series ofpulsory tests and after it was confirmed that his body was in perfect condition, he was allowed to leave theb.


    Daniel curiously looked at his hand and flexed his fingers a little, and a small tongue of me bloomed on his palm.


    He smiled brightly when he saw this. He felt that it was finally time to take his ce in the real world and not the mundane one that 99% of the world''s poption was living in. He meant the world of Phenomenals or should he call it just like how Jeremiah calls? Marvels!


    "Just you wait, Ss. I''ming for you."


    A sinister smile spread on his face as he thought of the future.

 Chapter 176: Vague Memories, Unknown Emotions

    Inside the warehouse, an unconscious Ss could be seenying on what looked to be a hospital bed, except that it looked bigger and morefortable than regr hospital beds.


    Luna sat beside the bed, watching over Ss and waiting for him to wake up. It''s been more than an hour since he got out of the capsule, but he hasn''t moved a finger, but Luna was worried, as she knew that he was alright.


    "Ugh..." Luna heard a groan and looked at Ss, who was massaging his temples, and she smiled happily.


    {Master!}


    "Luna... How long have I been out?" Ss asked.


    Due to how intense the gene enhancement process was, his sense of time waspletely messed up.


    {Three months.}


    Ss sighed when he heard Luna''s response.


    "Three months? I guess it''s better than using six months to go through the process," Ss said with a smile.


    He was happy at how things progressed. Before getting into the Evolution capsule, he was scared that he was going to die from the gene engagement process, but he didn''t.


    {Master, how are you feeling?} Luna asked curiously.


    She remembered how the nutritional fluid was drying so quickly and how all the air around her was vacuuming towards the capsule, and she couldn''t help but be curious.


    Luna''s question reminded Ss of what he intended to do aftering out of the Evolution capsule.


    He pushed himself up from the bed and climbed down.


    As his feet touched the ground, he nearly fell to the ground as he lost his bnce, but he was quick as he swiftly held the bedside for support.


    {Master!} Luna eximed worriedly as she held him and helped him to sit back on the bed.


    {Master, I asked how you''re feeling. I didn''t ask for you to get out of bed.} She berated as she red daggers at him.


    Ss was actually surprised at what happened.


    "What the....?" He looked at his legs, and he swung them to feel if they were actually there.


    As he swung his feet, he felt nothing wrong with them, and he couldn''t help but look at Luna with a mixture of surprise and confusion.


    "Luna, why is my leg so weak?"


    {You don''t need to worry; it''s normal to experience weakness after the process.} Luna replied.


    "Ohh... Why didn''t you tell me this then?"


    {We had more important things to worry about then. We weren''t even sure you were going to make it. How much of a help would it be if I told you that you would experience weakness after the process waspleted?}


    Ss sighed at Luna''s response. He knew that she was right. Then, the most important thing on their minds was his survival, and it would be meaningless to tell him how he would feel after the process when his survival was uncertain.


    "How long will itst?" Ss asked.


    He wants to know how long the feeling of weakness in his feet willst, as he has other important things to get to.


    {The feeling should disappear by the end of the day.} Luna replied, and Ss nodded, feeling relief.


    "Luna, how''s everything progressing?" Ss asked.


    He left the management of everything in Luna''s hand before he got into the Evolution capsule. What he was most curious about was the progress on the undergroundb facility.


    {Everything has been going smoothly. The bank building will bepleted in less than a month, and theb facility will bepleted in two months.}


    Ss nodded in satisfaction when he heard this. This means that in two months, he would be able to kick all of his ns into action.


    "What about President Yusmaorobi''s daughter?"


    He remembered telling Luna to rescue her before he got into the Evolution capsule. He would have loved to do it himself, but he couldn''t as he didn''t have the chance.


    Also, he didn''t want to dy the matter any longer. It has been more than two months since he started working together with President Yusmaorobis, and Ss knew that the old man had already been expecting to keep the promise he made to him.


    {She''s safe now. She''s in one of our hospitals, in a ward with maximum level security and aprehensive team of medical personnel on 24-hour standby.}


    Ss smiled when he heard this. He could already guess the person who arranged for the security and medical team.


    "I can rest easy now that I have fulfilled my own end of the bargain." Ss smiled as he swung his feet again.


    {Master, your family is worried about you. Your father and Kim have been calling non-stop for the past seven weeks. Also, you got a call from Mr. Williams.}


    Hearing about his parents, Ss felt a sudden, sharp pang of pain in his heart, and his eyes started to moisten.


    He didn''t understand what was going on, but he knew that the pang of pain he was feeling came from some of the memories that flooded his mind.


    It was like he hasn''t seen his parents in a very long time. No, it was worse than that. This wasn''t what one would feel from not seeing someone in a very long time. This is what one would feel from losing someone.


    Ss suddenly remembered the voice he heard in the dark vacuum, and he felt fear, anger, hatred, and so many intense negative emotions that Ss found it to be very strange.


    The flood of intense negative emotions made Ss feel like his heart was clogged and he was suffocating, almost making it hard for him to breathe.


    "What''s going on?" Ss asked himself as he clutched his chest.


    {Master! What wrong?} Luna was rmed when she saw Ss clutching his chest.


    "Nothing," Ss said, as he did a series of breathing exercises.


    He was finally able to get his emotions under control.


    Ss sighed when he thought of the vague memories that flooded his mind and the inexplicable emotions that they came with.


    He has no idea how he''s going to deal with them, but he was going to ask the only person that he can, the system, but that would be forter.


    For now, he has to talk to his family and get back to them. He knew how worried they must have been in the past two months. Especially when they have been calling and he wasn''t picking up.


    Immediately, he picked up the gear that was on a table beside the bed, wore it, and put a call to his father.


    Ss knew of other important things he still had to do, but as of right now, his family was the most important. Especially with the intense feeling of losing the memories.


    The call went through and started ringing. Three ringster, the call was picked, and a voice filled with happiness, anxiety, and otherplicated emotions was heard.


    "Ss... Son?"


    "Dad."


    Ss smiled, and he felt a huge sense of relief when he heard his father''s voice.


    "Ss, son. Where have you been? Come home; we are worried about you," his father, Chris, said.


    "I''m sorry for making you guys worried. I was busy with something, but I will be back in a day or two."


    "Good. We will be waiting for you to get back."


    "Ok, Dad," Ss said and hung up. He looked at his legs and sighed.


    "Why do things always have to get soplicated?"

 Chapter 177: Void Genesis

    After the call ended, Ss decided to ask the system questions that have been bothering him, but first, he wants to see if there''s any changes to his status and check unread system notifications.


    "System, show me important notifications that I need to see."


    [Ding!]


    [Congrattions! The host has achieved his first evolution metamorphosis!


    [Congrattions! The host has broken the evolutionary potential limits of the human race!


    [Due to the sess of your first evolution metamorphosis, your genes have sessfully mutated. The parachronic genes in your body have mutated and fussed together.]


    Due to the mutation and fusion of your Parachronic genes, your superpowers havebined to create a new superpower, Void Genesis.


    [Note: Due changes have been made to the system.] The stat points conversion rate. Host will now have to spend more to convert to stat points.


    Ss didn''t know how to react when he read the system notifications.


    "Gene mutation? Gene fusion? Superpowersbinations? System, please don''tplicate things further for me. What do all these mean?" Ss asked, as he messaged his temple tiredly.


    All he ever wanted was to get an ordinary rebate system. He was also fine with the high-tech device and advanced knowledge part, but he doesn''t like the superpower side of it one bit.


    Yes, before he was ecstatic when he awakened his superpower, but not anymore. What he saw in the dream space¡ªor whatever those ces that he was being thrown into are¡ªSs knew that he has a lot to look forward to, and he knew that things are going to get rough pretty soon.


    From what he saw in that ce, he knew that a lot of shit was about to go down, but it would be good if he knew what he''s dealing with.


    He also knew that he''s a regressor. If what the man in the dream space told him wasn''t enough to convince him, then the emotions thate with the vague memories are another indicator of it. This is the same as the voice.


    Ss was very curious about who the owner of the sinister voice was. What''s the history between the two of them?


    Ss had no idea of anything, but he has already made up his mind to be prepared for any eventualities.


    "It would have been better if I got the memories after the ind incident. Still, even though I got it now, they are still very vague." Ss sighed.


    He decided to put things aside and check his status panel.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age: 20]


    [Race: Human]


    _____


    [Strength: 10]


    [Agility: 10]


    [Stamina: 10]


    [Intelligence: 10]


    [Charisma: 10]


    [Stats Point(s): 268(+)]


    [Superpower: Void Genesis (unranked).]


    "My stats all reset back to 10... No, they didn''t reset. If they did, then I wouldn''t be feeling the explosive strength I''m feeling all over my body. Also, my superpower? It seems I will have to start from scratch again," Ss said to himself as he assessed the change on the status panel.


    Ss thought about everything that had happened and smiled. He didn''t feel sad about starting from scratch again for his superpower; rather, he was curious.


    He wants to know just how powerful a superpower that''s thebination of matter maniption and regeneration would be.


    There''s no doubt that it would be extremely powerful¡ªbroken to be exact.


    "I wonder if it''s enough to fight the owner of the voice." Ss asked himself.


    He decided to start asking the system the question he wanted answers to.


    Though Luna was by his side and watching him as he did everything, Ss wasn''t worried as he wasmunicating with the system telepathically. Also, since he trusted her enough to tell her about the system, then there''s no need for him to worry.


    "System, when I was going through the gene enhancement process, or my first evolution metamorphosis, as you called it, I saw myself in a white space, and in there, I heard a voice, and the voice was very simr to yours.


    Tell me everything I need to know. Every single thing."


    Luna, who was sitting beside him, was carefully watching Ss'' reactions from time to time, and she knew that he was talking to the entity in his head, the system. She was very curious about this system, and she hopes there''s a way for the two of them to meet.


    [Host, I don''t think it''s time for you to know all this. It would be better if you found out everything by yourself.


    Ss didn''t know what to say when he heard the system''s response.


    "You don''t think it''s time for me, know? You want me to find out everything by myself? System, from what I saw in there, my world is in danger, and I don''t know what type of danger it''s facing, and you want me to find out everything by myself? What if it''s toote by the time I find out? Why would you have me do then?" Ss asked, feeling a little bit of conflicting emotions.


    You don''t need to worry, host; you still have more than enough time before it reaches your dimension. It would still take more than 10 thousand to 100 thousand years to get to your *****, and that is enough time for you to develop your world, your sr system, your gxy, and your universe, and that''s as long as you don''t ck off.


    Ss was left speechless when he heard what the system said.


    ".... It? What is this "it"? Where is it now?" Ss asked curiously.


    He noticed that some words were censored, but he was starting to get an understanding of the whole picture, but he needed more information.


    I will only tell you this once, host. The "it" is an enigmatic being. No one knows almost anything about it except that it likes to invade for fun. It kills and plunders whatever it can, wherever it goes.


    "Wait, what you mean to say is that a being out there that''s an extremely powerful being out there that likes to destroy and plunder things for fun?" Ss asked, feeling perplexed.


    He never thought that things would get soplicated so quickly.


    All he wanted was a regr system; now he''s thrown into a savings-the-world type of shit.


    You don''t need to worry, host. The being hasn''t taken notice of your world, and I don''t think it will due to its location.


    Ss didn''t know what to feel when he heard what the system said about his world. He could sigh and hope for the best, but that doesn''t mean that he''s going to be idle.


    From what he saw, he left a message for himself in that dream space, telling himself to not lose twice.


    Ss wasn''t going to be foolish enough and ignore that warning. He''s going to take things into his own hands and prepare himself for anything that''s toe.


    After he has gotten the information he could from the system, it''s time to get answers rted to his physical stats and his superpower.


    "System, all my physical stats reset back to 10, why? Also, about the changes to the conversion rate, tell me more?"

 Chapter 178: Previous Body Condition Explained

    Ss was very curious to know more about the benefits that his two Parachronic genes, which had evolved and fused, would give him.


    He already knew that they had fused together and given him apletely new superpower, but he wanted to know if there was more to it. He wanted to have every important piece of information in his grasp, especially when there was potentially a being that might take interest in his world.


    He also wanted to know what changes had been made to the system points to stat points conversion rate. He could already guess that the conversion rate had gone up, but by how much exactly? He had no idea.


    [Host, do you know why your cells were experiencing an endless cycle of death and rebirth?] the system asked, surprising Ss.


    It was a question he thought he already knew the answer to, but the system''s inquiry made him feel that he might have been wrong.


    "Isn''t it because my body couldn''t handle the excessive stat points I was forcing into it, and the Regeneration superpower was too weak topletely solve the problem that followed?" he asked curiously.


    [You''re partially correct, Host. Yes, the first reason why your body was in that condition was because of your reckless decision, but the main reason is because of the Parachronic genes linked to your Regeneration superpower,] the system said, causing Ss to narrow his eyes as he fell into deep thought.


    Ss already knew his body had suffered because he had pushed it too far, adding more stat points than it could handle. But how were the Regeneration Parachronic genes the main reason for his body''s previous condition?


    Before he could ask the system, he felt knowledge flooding his mind, giving him information on the Parachronic genes and how they work. Ss knew the origin of the knowledge was from the vague memories.


    Parachronic genes are special gic structures and makeup in a person that grant individuals superhuman abilities. It''s just like how DNA carries the identity of a person, with the difference being that Parachronic genes carry the superpower identity of the person.


    These genes remain mostly dormant until the person takes the Gene Enhancement Serum (GES), which activates and strengthens them. While the genes can awaken naturally, this usually only unlocks a small and significantly weakened portion of the person''s superpower.


    The Gene Enhancement Serum permanently alters the Parachronic genes. Upon intake, the serum rewrites key sequences within the Parachronic gene, making them dark-energypatible on a molecr level. The process is akin to a one-time reprogramming, where the genes are "taught" how to handle and safely process dark energy going forward.


    This means that after Ss took the GES, his Matter Maniption Parachronic genes were reprogrammed and taught how to handle dark energy.


    As he continued to go through the information in his head, he began to understand that the dark energy absorbed by a person is stored in the Parachronic genes. The Parachronic genes channel the dark energy and allow it to flow throughout the body.


    As he processed the information in his head, he could already guess how the Regeneration Parachronic genes were the problem.


    This was because they hadn''t gone through the process that the Matter Maniption Parachronic genes had gone through.


    Still, Ss felt that something wasn''t right. As far as he was aware, superpowers could only be awakened in two ways: naturally or through the GES.


    Since he had already awakened his with the help of the GES, how did he awaken another?


    Also, from the information in his head, he knew that these genes were very vtile and extremely sensitive entities. If so, why hadn''t they reacted to the dark energy that was flowing through his body?


    He didn''t need to ask, as the system gave him a response.


    [I destroyed one of the Parachronic genes linked to your Matter Maniption superpower and forcefully revived and altered it, using the vitality of the tree you were resting on. This made the gene mutate, and that''s how you got your new superpower.]


    Ss nodded when he heard the system''s response.


    With the exnation from the system and the information in his head, he was able to understand everything.


    The reason the dark energy and the new Parachronic genes didn''t react was that the dark energy coursing through Ss''s body carried a unique signature, imprinted by the Matter Maniption Parachronic genes. This energy was familiar to his body, but the newly awakened Regeneration genes were not. His body saw them as intruders¡ªforeign elements that didn''t belong.


    The Regeneration genes were attempting to heal his body, but at the same time, his original genes were attacking them, seeing the new genes as a threat.


    This internal war had thrown his body into chaos. His original Parachronic genes were destroying everything touched by the Regeneration genes, while the Regeneration genes, in turn, tried to repair the damage. This constant cycle of destruction and healing was what had caused the bizarre state of death and rebirth within him.


    Ss sighed when he finally understood everything. He had no one to me but himself. His actions had caused it all.


    "System, what about the changes to the conversion rate?"


    [New conversion rate: 10,000 system points = 1 stat point.]


    Ss blinked in surprise. He was surprised by the new conversion rate, feeling it was quite pricey, but he wasn''t worried, as he had more than enough system points and had the means to acquire even more.


    There was something else Ss was curious about.


    "System, you said that I went through my first evolution metamorphosis. How many evolution metamorphoses are there?"


    [Every time you rank up your superpower, you will also have to max out your stats and go through an evolution metamorphosis before you can rank up again.]


    "If I understand this right, if I increase my superpower rank to F, then I will also have to max out my stats and go through an evolution metamorphosis before I can rank up to E?"


    [Yes.]


    Ss felt that something was strange. This evolution metamorphosis process... he felt no familiarity with it, and this meant it wasn''t part of the vague memories he had.


    "System, what''s the highest rank that someone has achieved in the evolution metamorphosis?" Ss asked, wanting to confirm something.


    [Host, this is something unique to you. You will have to find out everything by yourself.]


    Ss sighed when he heard this. He still had a question he wanted to ask the system.


    "How many stat points do I need to max out my stats?"


    [1000 points for each stat.]


    "Well, 50 million system points isn''t much," Ss said with a smile.


    He was very much looking forward to the future. He wanted to know what he would achieve with his superpower.


    He looked at Luna, who was sitting beside him, and ruffled her hair.


    {Why did you do that?}


    "Do what?" Ss asked with a mischievous smile.


    {Why did you ruffle my hair?} Luna asked, ring daggers at him.


    "Because I felt like doing so," Ss said with a smile, as he looked at the opening through which rays of sunlight were streaking into the warehouse.


    "Time to finally see the sun after so long."

 Chapter 179: Unexplainable Changes

    A few hours had passed, and Ss no longer felt the weakness he was experiencing previously.


    He slowly got down from the bed and did a light stretch to loosen the stiffness he was feeling. After spending three months in the Evolution Capsule, lying in a single position, it was naturally unavoidable that he would feel stiff.


    After he finished his light stretch, he took the new clothes that had been prepared by Luna and walked into the bathroom¡ªthat had been installed in the warehouse¡ªto take a bath.


    Once he was done with his bath, he stood in front of the wall mirror in the bathroom and started checking his body to see if there were any noticeable changes.


    He saw that there were not many visible changes on the surface, as he looked almost the same as he did before he entered the Evolution Capsule.


    No, his appearance before his first evolution metamorphosis and after it werepletely different.


    If his previous look could be described as masculine handsomeness, then his new appearance could be described as perfect.


    Ss had no way to exin it. Maybe it was just his perception, but that was how he felt about his new look.


    "Maybe it''s time I get myself a girlfriend. I''ve been single for so long." He couldn''t help but smile at his words.


    After he finished checking out his body, he put on his clothes and walked out of the bathroom.


    "Luna, let''s go check out the construction site of the bank," Ss said as he stepped out of the warehouse.


    As he stepped outside, he saw a group of buff men in ck suits in front of him.


    There was no need to ask Luna, as a nce was enough to tell him who they were.


    He smiled at them and started walking toward a fleet of luxury cars that were parked at a distance, and Luna quickly followed behind.


    The men in ck¡ªhis security detail¡ªtook a defensive formation around him and Luna, positioning themselves strategically.


    Ss smiled even brighter when he saw this. He never knew he would feel so good when seeing a group of people guarding him.


    It felt like he was receiving VIP treatment or something.


    Before Ss got close to the fleet of cars, one of the men had already opened the door of a blue Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    Ss got into the car, followed by Luna. After they were seated, the security guard closed the door and got into the front seat of the car.


    The cars drove off slowly toward the location of the new bank building. It took them a few minutes before they finally arrived.


    Ss opened the door and stepped out of the car. He took a good look at the massive building in front of him and smiled proudly.


    The bank building was something that he designed. Even though it looked somewhat like a miniature version of the Burj Khalifa, he was proud of his design.


    Ss smiled and walked into the bank building.


    The construction of the bank building was alreadypleted, with only the furnishing left to be done, and that was what was currently ongoing.


    Ss walked into the building, and he was impressed by what he saw.


    "Not bad. Not bad." He was pleased with the work that the construction workers had done on the project.


    He was also aware that it was with the help of his machines that they were able toplete it quickly and perfectly.


    He started looking around the building, and he was impressed with everything he saw.


    The building was perfectly constructed down to even the smallest detail in his design, and he was impressed by this.


    Additionally, the building''s security system had already been installed, and Ss apuded Luna after he reviewed it.


    Of course, he knew that with Luna overseeing the construction work, there was nothing to worry about.


    He took his time to inspect the building, and after he was done, he walked out of the building and got into the car.


    He was done with the building, and it was time to go home to his family. Although he still had other things to do, like checking out the progress of theb facility construction, that would have to wait forter.


    Ss wanted to check out theb facility once its construction had beenpleted. Besides, it had been three months since hest saw his family, and it was time for him to return home.


    The fleet of cars drove off toward the airport. As they passed through the streets of Venezu''s capital, they drew the attention of everyone who saw them.


    As they drove, Ss asked Luna to update him on everything that had happened while he was in the Evolution Capsule.


    {Nothing notable happened. Except for the incident I caused when I went to rescue President Yusmaorobis'' daughter, the world has been just as boring as it always was,}Luna responded.


    Ss felt both disappointed and relieved that nothing major had urred.


    {There''s something interesting that happened recently,} Luna said, piquing Ss'' interest.


    "What is it?"


    {The organization experienced a breakthrough in their experiment.}


    Ss'' eyes widened in surprise, and a smile spread across his face.


    He knew that the organization would seed in their experiment, but he didn''t expect it to happen so soon.


    This news made him very curious. He wanted to know how they were able to achieve it and to confirm whether it was simr to a method he knew from the memories in his head.


    From the knowledge in his head, Ss understood many things, and he knew that the artificial awakening the organization was pursuing was a ticking time bomb.


    The only known way to artificially awaken someone was through the GES, which was the standard method, but there was another way, and it was extremely risky.


    The second method involved using the Parachronic genes of one person to stimte the Parachronic genes of another, creating a catalyst to kickstart the awakening of the dormant genes.


    This method was risky due to the extreme vtility and sensitivity of the Parachronic genes. Also, anyone who awakened through this method could never increase their superpower through dark energy absorption, even after taking the GES.


    This was because the Parachronic genes would have undergone intense stimtion that they were never meant to experience, leaving them in a constant state of extreme excitement.


    The Parachronic gene was something incrediblyplex, and for someone who knew nothing about it to try to tamper with it was like ying with nuclear weapons.


    Ss had no idea what method the researchers at theb facility had used, but he felt it wouldn''t be much different.


    The experiment may have been sessful, but Ss couldn''t help but smile when he thought about the surprise awaiting them with their artificially awakened subject.


    {Master, do you want to know who the mastermind behind the experiment''s sess is?} Luna asked, and Ss smiled.


    There was no need for him to be told. He already knew who it was.


    "Jeremiah."


    Luna nodded in confirmation.


    {Guess the subject?} Luna asked, and Ss looked at her curiously.


    "Who?"


    {Daniel.}

 Chapter 180: Plan For A Family Vacation

    *Knock knock*


    Kim was in the kitchen, preparing dinner when she heard a knock at the door. She looked at Alex, who was standing beside her.


    "It seems like your brother is back. Here, watch this for me. Let me go answer the door," she said to him, as she dropped the knife she was holding on the kitchen ind before going to answer the door.


    She opened the door and saw Ss standing outside.


    "Ss!... You''re back." She was slightly surprised when she saw him.


    She felt that something was different about Ss, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on what it was.


    When she realized she was still keeping him outside, she stepped aside.


    "Come in. Alex and your dad have been worried about you."


    "Thanks." Ss walked into the house and closed the door behind Kim.


    He walked into the living area and saw his dad seated on a sofa, intently watching the news that was being broadcasted.


    "Chris, Ss is home!" Kim shouted to him, breaking his concentration.


    Ss smiled when he saw this. He was about to stop her, but she had already called out to him before he could.


    Chris quickly turned his head when he heard that Ss was back.


    "Son... you''re back." He smiled as he gazed at Ss'' face, with an unsettled expression on his own.


    "Come sit. Have a seat with your dad," he said as he adjusted, making space for Ss to sit.


    "Ss, you and your dad stay here while I go finish preparing dinner with Alex," Kim said to him and returned to the kitchen.


    Ss nodded at her and took his seat beside his father.


    "Dad..." Ss greeted as he sat down.


    "Son... how was your trip?" his father asked as he patted Ss on the shoulder.


    "It was fine," Ss shrugged and turned to watch the news.


    He knew his father wanted to know what had kept him busy for three months, but there was no way he was going to tell him the truth.


    If he had to say anything, he would just make something up. He knew that if he imed he was busy with business, his father wouldn''t question him further.


    This was why he told Luna and the security guards to stay at the house where the security team guarding his family was staying, as he didn''t want to have to exin anything to them.


    There wouldn''t be any real problem if he came back with Luna, but Ss didn''t want to create any misunderstandings with his dad and Kim.


    Chris looked at his son, who was now focused on the news, and smiled wryly.


    "Son, you can tell me if there''s anything bothering you. I know things weren''t good between us in the past, but you can tell me anything, and I''ll do my best to help out."


    Ss looked at his father, and their eyes met. He smiled and patted his father on the shoulder.


    "That was in the past. You don''t have to dwell on it anymore. If anything is really bothering me, I''ll let you know," he said, and his father smiled brightly.


    "Thanks, son, for giving me a chance." Chris said, turning his attention back to the news.


    "Son, I heard something," Chris said, briefly ncing at Ss, a look that Ss noticed.


    "What is it?" Ss asked as he continued watching the news.


    There wasn''t anything noteworthy being broadcasted, but Ss was watching because there wasn''t much else for him to do.


    "Lucas is being tried next week, and from what I''ve heard, there are a lot of allegations against him. He won''t be able to escape being jailed this time. I also heard that hispany is under investigation for financial crimes and will be closed down soon." Chris paused and looked at Ss with a smile. "And I was told it was all your doing, son. Thank you."


    Ss smiled at his father''s words. There was no need for thanks, as all he had done was take revenge on the person who made his school life a living hell.


    "There''s no need for thanks, Dad. If I hadn''t done it, someone else would have. Besides, karma was already catching up to him."


    "Still, I''m grateful that it was you. Thank you. I will do my best to make amends for everything I''ve done in the past," Chris said, with determination in his voice.


    Ss could only smile at his father''s words. He was d his father wanted to make up for everything he did wrong in the past, and he was happy about it. But due to their previousck of interaction, he wasn''t exactly enthusiastic.


    He wanted to tell him not to do too much, but he felt that might send the wrong message, so he decided to keep quiet.


    The two of them continued watching the news until when they were informed by Kim that dinner was ready. They stood up and went to the dining area.


    As he walked into the dining area, he saw Alex running toward him with a happy smile on his face. Ss opened his arms, allowing Alex to collide into them.


    "How are you, champ? I was told you were helping out with dinner in the kitchen," Ss said as he ruffled Alex''s hair and lifted him off the ground.


    "I was. Wee home, big brother."


    "Thank you, champ."


    The three of them took their seats at the dining table, where Kim was already waiting.


    Once they were seated, they started eating dinner with smiles on their faces.


    As they ate, they chatted about lighthearted things, making the atmosphere even more enjoyable.


    After dinner, Kim and Alex cleared the table and did the dishes, while Ss went to his room and Chris went back to watching TV.


    When he got to his room, Ss took a bath and put on a light pair of shorts for sleeping before heading to Alex''s room.


    Since he had juste home after three months, he intended to spend time with Alex ying games. They would y until Alex started feeling sleepy, as it was the weekend tomorrow.


    Inside Alex''s room, Ss sat on the bed and started booting up the yStation, setting up everything before Alex was done with the dishes.


    After he finished the setup, he saw the door open, and Alex walked in.


    "Hey, champ. Wanna take some beating from me before going to bed?" Ss asked with a mischievous smile, pointing at the TV screen disying the game.


    Alex smiled when he saw this. He had been thinking about asking Ss to y with him.


    It seemed like they had the same thought.


    "Big brother, do you really think you can beat me? I''ve gotten good at the game, and I''ll be the one to deal the beating this time," Alex said excitedly as he took his seat beside Ss and picked up a controller.


    "Confident, aren''t we? Let''s see how good you are, then," Ss smiled mischievously as he ruffled Alex''s hair.


    The game started, and the two of them yed deep into the night. When Ss noticed that Alex was already dozing off, he stopped the game and tucked him into bed.


    "Good night, champ," Ss said as he switched off the lights in Alex''s room before heading to his own.


    Ss got into his room and slumped onto the bed.


    "I think it''s time for everyone to take a vacation," Ss said as he looked out the window.

 Chapter 181: Three Months, Back Home

    "Daniel?!" Ss was genuinely surprised.


    Daniel was thest person he expected to be an experimental subject for the organization''s research.


    Ss thought of thest time he met Daniel and how their meeting went.


    "Did I just create a viin?" Ss asked himself with a mischievous smile.


    He found the situation hrious. He didn''t understand why Daniel had to go that far.


    Ss thought of what he did to Daniel''s father, and his smile widened.


    "Luna, what superpower did he awaken?" Ss asked curiously.


    He was eager to know what superpower the experiment helped Daniel awaken.


    {It looks like pyrokinesis, but I''m not really sure. The organization doesn''t have a way to determine the exact superpower a person has, especially when it can also be strengthened with the absorption of dark energy,} Luna replied.


    "I really did create a viin. Let''s see how long hests." Ssughed when he heard Luna''s response.


    "Pyrokinesis, huh? How strong is his superpower currently?"


    {Thest time he used his superpower, he was able to create a me that couldpletely cover his palm.}


    Ss nodded when he heard this.


    "That sounds good enough for someone artificially awakened through a very risky method. I''m curious to know how much he can improve before his parachronic genes start acting up due to their intense level of excitement," Ss said as he looked out the car''s window.


    "I should probably call Mr. Williams. I guess it''s time for Lucas'' trial."


    He put a call through to Mr. Williams, and after two rings, he heard the familiar voice of Mr. Williams from the phone, filled with worry.


    "Mr. Ss, it''s been a while. I called your phone, but you didn''t pick up. I thought something had happened," Mr. Williams said.


    Ss could understand why Mr. Williams was worried, but he didn''t fully grasp the extent of it.


    He knew that his fiasco with Lucas was something daring from Mr. Williams'' perspective, especially given Lucas'' connection to Mr. Armando Silva, a member of the ck Hand Organization.


    Ss remembered how worried Mr. Williams was the day Lucas was arrested.


    Before, Ss was overestimating the organization, but now, he didn''t care about them.


    Although he wouldn''t go looking for a fight with them, if they came to him, he wouldn''t y nice.


    Even though all his stats had been reset back to ten and he didn''t yet understand what that meant for his strength, he wasn''t scared, as he had more than enough cards up his sleeve.


    "Mr. Williams, I''ve been very busy with some thingstely, which is why I wasn''t able to pick up your calls," Ss said, easing Mr. Williams'' worries.


    "Mr. Williams, are you calling me because of Lucas'' uing trial?" Ss asked.


    Williams sighed when he heard Ss'' response. He had tried his best, but he couldn''t seem to understand anything about Ss.


    If it wasn''t for his daughter, Chloe, who vouched for his character, he would be even more confused than he already was.


    He didn''t understand why Ss would still go against someone like Lucas, even after he exined how powerful his associate was.


    He was actually surprised Ss was able to get Lucas arrested in Oand¡ªa city known as Lucas'' backyard.


    Also, how was Ss able to get the judge in charge of the case to fast-track it and begin the hearing in less than six months?


    He thought of this and sighed again. He just hoped that nothing happened to Ss.


    "Yes, I was calling because of that. The trial will be in a week''s time. Though, it seems like the judgment has already been passed before the trial even begins," Mr. Williams said.


    Ss wasn''t surprised by this. There was no way Lucas was getting out of this one, except¡­ Daniel helped him. But considering his character, Ss highly doubted Daniel would help his father.


    Of course, Ss also had a way to ensure that even if Daniel became a variable, he wouldn''t be able to change anything.


    "Mr. Williams, I''ll leave everything in your hands. You know what to do, right?"


    "Yes, I''ll take care of everything. Will you be at the trial?"


    "No, I have other things to do."


    Ss felt no need to attend Lucas'' trial, as it would clearly be a waste of his time.


    He nned to go home to his family and spend time with them until the undergroundb facility was finished. After that, he would move them to Venezu¡ªif they agreed to it.


    "I''ll hang up then. Oh, and Mr. Ss, my daughter said that you should call her," Mr. Williams said, then hung up.


    Ss was left a little confused by Mr. Williams'' words.


    "His daughter? Chloe? Why does she want me to call her?" Ss asked himself, curious as a sly smile broke across his face.


    It had been more than half a year since hest heard from Chloe, and before that, it had been two years.


    They did talk sometimes, but their rtionship wasn''t exactly close, and they weren''t friends either. This was why he was curious about why she wanted him to call her.


    He decided to call her when he got back to the U.S. Maybe he could invite her out for dinner. Who knows? Something might happen... right?


    Ss chuckled at his own thoughts. He hadn''t really thought of Chloe like that before.


    Well, he hadn''t actually thought about entering a rtionship after graduating, as he had always been busy with work and life. But maybe now he should start thinking about it.


    The car slowly pulled to a stop in front of the airport.


    When Ss saw they had arrived, he pushed thoughts of his potential romantic life to the back of his mind.


    The door opened, and he stepped out of the car, walking into the airport, followed closely by Luna and his security detail.


    His entrance drew attention, as everyone turned their heads to look at him.


    After maxing out his stats, his appearance had always drawn attention. He often noticed how people¡ªespecially those of the opposite sex¡ªlooked at him with peculiar expressions, but he had learned not to be fazed by it.


    As he walked through the VIP terminal, he heard some people murmuring, but he paid them no mind.


    As he passed the terminal and entered the jet bridge, Ss suddenly became curious about something.


    "Luna, what was the organization''s reaction after you saved President Yusmaorobis'' daughter from theb facility?"


    He knew there was no way that group of old men would take what happened lying down.


    {They asked President Yusmaorobis to hand us over. They threatened him. From my calctions, they are nning to do something that will force him to give them our information.}


    "Oh... I''m very curious to see what they n to do, then. Luna, keep watch on them and report anything important to me," Ss ordered, and Luna nodded.


    By then, they had reached the end of the jet bridge. Ss boarded the waiting aircraft and took his seat.


    After everyone has boarded the aircraft, it took off into the air and started making it to San Jose.


    Ss looked out the window and smiled.


    "It''s been three months. Time to see Alex and everyone."

 Chapter 182: Calling Chloe

    As Ssy on his bed, he thought about the little conversation he had with Alex, which led him to make a decision about a family vacation.


    "Big brother, do you n to make another trip soon?" Alex asked, slightly causing Ss to lose conctration on the game he was ying.


    He turned to look at Alex for a momt, th turned his atttion back to the game.


    "No, I don''t n on making any trips anytime soon."


    "I see. How long are you going to stay this time before making another trip?"


    Ss paused the gamepletely wh he heard Alex''s second question. He could understand why he was asking, and he felt bad because it was actually his fault.


    He hadn''t had time for his family, especially his younger brother, as he had be traveling and busy with so many things.


    "Alex, tell me what you want. If it''s something I can do, th I won''t hesitate," Ss said, ruffling his hair.


    Alex turned to look at his older brother. He wanted to say something but stayed quiet instead.


    He knew his brother had be busy with a lot of things, causing him to have little to no time for the family. It was the same with their father, who would always spd the whole day at work ande homete.


    Alex knew his brother was working hard for the sake of the family, but he didn''t want any of that. All he wanted was to spd time with his family, to spd time with his brother whever he wanted to, but he knew how impossible that was.


    He also understood that if his brother didn''t work, they might very well starve.


    "Brother, can you stay at home for a week?" Alex asked carefully as he watched Ss'' reaction.


    Ss smiled at Alex''s question and couldn''t help but subconsciously ruffle the boy''s hair again.


    "You want me to spd a week at home?" he asked, and he saw Alex nod in response.


    "You don''t need to worry about that. I n to spd a month at home, and that''s if nothinges up," Ss smiled.


    "Can you not go ev if somethinges up?" Ss heard Alex ask, and he turned to look at him, feeling slightly surprised.


    This was the first time Alex had actually asked something of him. Ss didn''t know how to feel about it.


    Should he be worried or something? He had no idea, but he understood that he had to give in to the boy''s request.


    Who knows? This might be thest time he would get to spd time with his family. He knew that if the construction on the underg facility waspleted, he might not get time like this again.


    He sighed siltly at the thought. He couldn''t help but feel that he had be sighing a lottely.


    Ss understood that if he really might not get time to spd with his family after the facility was finished, th he would have to make the momt count.


    "You know what, champ? Why don''t we take a family vacation? All of us¡ªme, you, Dad, and Kim. We can decide where to go and spd a week together. Just all of us, no work-rted stuff," Ss said, watching Alex''s face for a reaction.


    He saw Alex nod as a bright, happy smile lit up his face.


    "Thank you, Big Brother. You''re the best," Alex said happily, hugging Ss.


    ---


    Ss smiled as he remembered his brother''s happy reaction. He was d to see the joy on his face and wanted to keep things that way.


    But there was a vague feeling of uneasiness whever he looked at his dad and Alex. It felt like something was going to happ, and he was going to lose them.


    After his first evolution metamorphosis, his perception had be stronger, and it brought with it this sse of unease¡ªa feeling he couldn''t shake no matter how hard he tried.


    Ss decided to take action after failing to shake the feeling. He used the Gear tomunicate with Luna, instructing her to increase the security level for his family and monitor them at all times.


    Ev after giving the order, the feeling of unease didn''t less.


    Ss couldn''t understand why he was feeling like this. He thought of various possibilities, but nothing seemed to exin the reason for his unease.


    He considered it might be rted to his idtity as a Phomal, but from his knowledge, there was no relevant information anywhere. Ev the country''s biggest intelligce agcy had nothing on him in their database.


    ''Could it be...'' he finally thought of one possibility.


    "Luna, monitor Daniel''s every movemt and report it to me. Also, I want updates on any interactions the organization has with Presidt Yusmaorobis. And make sure to check everyone tering Vezu," Ss ordered, sighing as the feeling of unease slightly lessed.


    He just hopes that the feeling he has was nothing much. He decided to close his eyes and go to sleep, as it was already past midnight.


    ---


    The next morning, the whole family sat at the dining table for breakfast.


    Ss looked at Alex, who was happily eating with a smile on his face, and it brought a smile to his own.


    He nced at his father and Kim, who were also joying their breakfast and acting lovingly toward each other.


    Ss felt a pang of jealousy seeing this. He was thoroughly impressed by how his father had managed to get three differt wom to love him, ev after two of them knew about his past. The most surprising one was Kim.


    Despite this, Ss was happy to see the whole family gathered a the table, joying a meal together.


    It was the weekd, and no one had any ns to go out. Ss intded to spd the whole day at home with Alex. It wasn''t like he had anything else to do anyway.


    After they finished breakfast, Ss offered to do the dishes with Alex, but Kim refused.


    With nothing else to do, Ss wt back to his room and slumped on his bed.


    "Ohhh¡­ I should call Chloe," he said, and was about to dial Chloe''s number but paused wh a fleeting thought crossed his mind.


    ''Wait, should I really call her? If she wanted to talk, she would have called me herself.''


    Ss smiled at his own thoughts and wt ahead with the call.


    The call wt through but was forwarded to voicemail after a few rings.


    "Is she ignoring my call, or is she just not near her phone?" Ss asked himself, confused wh the call timed out.


    He decided to call again. If the call didn''t go through this time, he would try againter.


    He dialed her number again, and the call wt through.


    ---


    Chloe had just tered her room wh she heard her phone ringing on the bed.


    She walked over, picked it up, and checked the caller ID.


    "Ss¡­" Her eyes narrowed before easing the next momt as a sly smile spread across her face.


    She answered the call and brought the phone close to her ear.


    "Hey, ogre. It''s be a while."

 Chapter 183: Family Vacation, Virginia Beach

    "Hey, ogre. It''s be a while."


    Ss smiled and shook his head at Chloe''s words. If it had be someone else who called him an ogre, he would have definitely dismissed that person.


    He had moved past getting angry or upset about being called an ogre.


    It''s just that whever Chloe called him that name, it always made him smile.


    The reason for this was because whever she used that nickname, he could feel the yfulness in her voice.


    "Hi, Chloe. It''s really be a while," Ss chuckled.


    "Wow! You sound differt. You must have really changed since Ist saw you. For you to call me, you must have spok to my dad, and he passed my message to you."


    "Yeah, I did. I was actually surprised wh I got the message. I was curious, actually."


    "Well, the truth is that I saw the news¡­ about Daniel''s father, and I was surprised. Wh I saw it, I thought of you, but I found it hard to believe that you could actually take down Lucas. That was until I asked my dad, and he cleared my doubts. I don''t mean to pry into your private life or anything, Ss, but I''m curious."


    Ss already knew where the conversation was going based on what Chloe said.


    "What are you curious about, Chloe?" Ss asked, his voice taking on a serious tone.


    He could already guess what she was curious about, but he wanted to hear her response.


    "...How did you do it? How did you achieve so much wealth in just two years? You already own cars worth millions of dors. It would have be differt if they were regr cars; one could say that you took them on loan or something. But one of them is a Bugatti, and it costs more than $0 million.


    Not just that¡ªyou also retained my father''spany for more than $0 million. All these changes..." She paused for a momt, and Ss heard her sigh.


    "Actually, it''s funny wh I think about it. The only person everyone believed would never amount to anything in life has achieved the most. Honestly, I didn''t have much hope for you, especially with how dumb and how much of a pushover you were in school.


    Ss, I want to say thank you for retaining my dad''spany. It may not seem like much to you, but it means a lot to me. Thepany was on the verge of going bankrupt before you retained it, and your action saved it.


    So, thank you. To show my appreciation, I was wondering if we could meet up and have dinner or something. I''ll be the one footing the bill."


    Chloe had said a lot, but the part about her father''spany being on the verge of bankruptcy left Ss feeling slightly speechless.


    He didn''t know how to respond to that information. He had no idea that Chloe''s father had aw firm, and it was ev more surprising to learn that it was on the verge of bankruptcy.


    Ss pushed his thoughts about that aside. He had already indirectly and uninttionally solved thew firm''s bankruptcy situation by retaining it, so there was no need to dwell on it.


    What interested him now was Chloe''sst stce.


    ''She''s inviting me out...'' Ss smiled at the thought of going out with Chloe.


    "Sure, let me know wh you''re ready," Ss said with a smile.


    "Okay, I''ll  you. Bye, ogre," she said and hung up.


    The smile on Ss'' face wided wh he heard her call him ogre before hanging up.


    If this had be before, due to his hatred for the opposite sex and people in geral, he would have refused Chloe''s invitation¡ªbut not anymore.


    After the night he confronted his dad, he let go of all the hatred and prejudice in his heart.


    Now that he thought about it, there was no reason for him to let what happed in high school define him as a person.


    ''That was a pretty dumb thing to do. It was no differt from how my dad used to behave,'' Ss sighed.


    He felt it was a good thing that he found himself before he got lostpletely in his baseless hatred.


    Ss was hopeful that something might happ betwe him and Chloe. Maybe something could ignite betwe the two of them¡­ Okay, maybe he was being too hopeful, but a man''s got to dream, right?


    Honestly, he felt that it would be better if nothing happed betwe them since he didn''t know if he would actually be free for what might follow.


    "Ughhh... Why dwell on these thoughts? If I really want to get a girlfrid, I can get one. It''s not that hard," Ss said to himself as he pushed himself off his bed and made his way downstairs to the living area.


    Wh he got to the living area, he saw his father sitting on the sofa with Kim and Alex seated on either side of him.


    He smiled and joined them on the sofa.


    "Big brother!" Alex eximed wh he saw Ss sit down.


    He stood up from his seat and wt to sit beside him.


    "Hey, champ," Ss smiled as he ruffled his hair.


    He looked at his father, who was smiling at him, and shrugged.


    "Big brother, about the family vacation..." Alex asked, reminding Ss of their conversation the previous night.


    Ss hadn''t forgott about his n for a family vacation; he just hadn''t had the time to discuss it with everyone else.


    Ss looked at his father and Kim, who were both curiously waiting for him to exin more about what Alex had mtioned.


    "Dad, Kim, I was thinking of a family vacation. We choose a ce and go there for a week. Just to have a good time and bond. No work-rted stuff or anything serious¡ªjust all of us rxing," Ss said, and he saw his father''s eyes light up in approval.


    "That''s a great idea, son. I''ve actually be thinking about it for a while, but I wasn''t sure if it was feasible due to your schedule and Kim''s," Chris said, feeling excited.


    Ss smiled and looked at Kim, wanting to know her opinion.


    "The idea of a family vacation is a good one. I''ll arrange things at the office and make time. Just as you said, Ss, it would be a very good opportunity for everyone to bond. I''m in," Kim said, giving her opinion.


    "Okay, th. Since everyone''s in agreemt, why don''t we choose where to go?" Ss asked as his gaze fell on them.


    He saw the nk looks on their faces and knew they had no ideas for where they could go.


    Ss didn''t me them; it wasn''t their fault.


    Actually, it wasn''t that Chris and Kim didn''t have ideas for where to go on the family vacation. They had multiple options, but they wanted to hear from Ss first.


    As Chris, Kim, and Ss were still thinking of what to suggest, they heard Alex''s voice.


    "Let''s go to the beach! I heard from my frid that Virginia Beach is the best family vacation ce."


    "It''s settled th. Virginia Beach it is," Chris said in agreemt.

 Chapter 184: Dinner With Chloe

    Wh Alex suggested a family vacation spot, everyone turned to him simultaneously.


    It was Chris who broke the brief silce.


    "Sure, Virginia Beach sounds like a good idea."


    He already had some ces in mind for a family vacation, but since Alex had made the suggestion, he decided to agree. Ss and Kim shared the same thought. They were happy to go with Alex''s idea.


    "Now that we''ve decided on the location, it''s time to pick a date. So, wh are we leaving?" Ss asked.


    "Well, Alex is already on holiday. Your stepmom still needs to arrange things at the office. We can leave whever both of you are ready," Chris replied.


    Ss turned to look at Kim after hearing his father''s response.


    "A day is ough for me to arrange things at the office," Kim said, and Ss nodded.


    "Th we can leave after that. That would be in two days. You guys don''t need to worry about anything else. Just prepare yourselves for the trip and leave the rest of the arrangemts to me," Ss said, and his father nodded.


    "Okay, son. We''ll leave the arrangemts to you."


    After making ns for the family vacation, they started chatting about casual things.


    Two hourster, Ss was still in the living room with everyone wh he got a message from Chloe. He oped it and read its contt. A smile bloomed on his face as he finished reading.


    "I guess I''ll have to start preparing for dinner with Chloe."


    "I''ll be in my room," he said, standing up from the sofa and heading upstairs.


    As he walked to his room, he checked the time and saw that it was still early in the morning.


    "I still have the whole day to prepare, th."


    Since he had more than ough time before meeting Chloe for dinner, he decided to start making arrangemts for the family vacation. After booking hotel rooms and handling everything else he could think of, he was finally done.


    Ss was sitting on his bed wh he heard a knock on his door.


    "Come in, Alex."


    He already knew it was Alex from the knocking pattern and how familiar it sounded.


    The door oped, and Alex walked in, heading over to Ss.


    "Big brother, are you busy? I was thinking we could y some games," Alex said as he sat on the bed.


    "Well, I''m not busy, and since you want another  of beatings, I''d be happy to oblige," Ss smiled as he picked Alex up from the bed, and they left for Alex''s room.


    "This time is going to be differt, brother," Alex said as they walked.


    Ss raised an eyebrow mischievously.


    "Oh? How so? If I remember our record correctly, I''m still leading by arge margin. How do you n to close that huge gap betwe us?"


    "Just wait and see, brother. I''ll definitely be the one winning today," Alex replied, his voice full of determination.


    Ss smiled wh he saw this, deciding to go easy on the kid for now.


    Inside Alex''s room, they sat on the bed, controllers in hand. Ss set up the game while Alex waited quietly. Once everything was ready, they began ying.


    ...


    Almost an hour before his dinner meeting with Chloe, Ss decided to stop the game and start preparing. Alex was already getting tired and sleepy after ying for hours.


    Ssid him down on the bed, putting him in afortable sleeping position before heading back to his room.


    It only took him a few minutes to finish getting ready. Afterward, he stood in front of the mirror in his bathroom, assessing his appearance.


    "Damn! I look good," Ss smirked as he admired his reflection.


    He hadn''t done much, really¡ªjust freshed up and put on some clothes, and he looked perfect.


    The changes Ss expericed after his evolution metamorphosis were profound. Ev though they wer''t immediately visible, his body had be wless. His hair never needed to bebed or brushed, his skin stayed naturally radiant, and he didn''t have to worry about his health.


    These changes were mostly due to the fusion of the Regeration Parachronic ges with his body''s original ones.


    After assessing his appearance onest time, Ss left his room and headed downstairs.


    "Ss, are you going somewhere?" Kim asked curiously wh she saw how well-dressed he was.


    "Yes, I''m having dinner with someone."


    "A girl?" he heard his father ask, and he couldn''t help but roll his eyes.


    "Yes, Dad, it''s a girl."


    "Good job, son. Make sure you get her. As long as you like her, go for it. With the way you look, no girl will turn you down," Chris said with a wink, causing Ss to roll his eyes ev harder.


    ''This man... Does he really want me to get a girlfrid that badly?''


    "Okay, th. I''ll be going," Ss said as he walked to the door.


    "Goodbye, son, and good luck!" his father called after him with another wink.


    Ss felt like facepalming but just shook his head as he left the house.


    He walked to the garage, got into one of his cars, and after settling in, he started the gine and drove off to the restaurant where he''d meet Chloe.


    The ce Chloe had chos for dinner was a restaurant in Oand.


    A few minutester, he parked in front of the restaurant and got out of the car.


    He nced toward the trance and saw a beautiful woman in a short blue dress, gazing into the distance.


    The dress fluttered in the night breeze, creating a striking image. Ss took a momt to appreciate the view.


    "Chloe looks stunning," he muttered to himself with a bright smile.


    He noticed she hadn''t spotted him yet¡ªmaybe because of how much his appearance had changed.


    "Let''s give her a little surprise," Ss said as he began walking toward her.


    ****


    Chloe stood outside the restaurant, waiting for Ss.


    She could''ve gone in, but she didn''t want to. She''d arrived earlier than the time she''d messaged him.


    As she waited, she noticed a Lamborghini pull up in front of the restaurant and smiled.


    She thought it was Ss until she saw the driver¡ªa handsome young man she didn''t recognize¡ªstep out. She quickly looked away wh she saw that it wasn''t him.


    The man was dressed in clothes that appeared in but exuded luxury, which was hanced by the luxury sports car behind him.


    "He''s handsome," she muttered to herself before as she looked at the distance while continuing her wait for Ss.


    Still, she couldn''t stop thinking about the young man and how simr he looked to Ss.


    "Nah, though ogre''s gott more handsome after two years, but not *that* handsome. Plus, he doesn''t wear sses," she thought with a smile, recalling thest time she saw Ss.


    She was lost in thought wh she heard a strangely familiar voice beside her.


    "Chloe, have you be waiting long?"


    She turned to face the person and was stunned wh she saw the same handsome young man standing next to her.


    "Ss?..."


    "Yeah, it''s me." He smiled, and her heart almost skipped a beat.

 Chapter 185: Dinner With Chloe (II), A Peculiar Atmosphere

    Chloe found it hard to believe what she was seeing.


    Wh did Ss be this handsome? How long had it be since shest saw him for him to change this much? And why was she feeling weird? Why was her heart beating so fast?


    ''Could it be?...'' She thought of a possibility and quickly shook her head, dispelling the thoughts.


    ''No, there''s possibly no way. Why would I feel this way towards him? It''s not impossible. It''s just that...'' Chloe was confused.


    She had never felt this way before. She understood what she felt and it made it ev more unsettling, but there was something about him now that made her heart race.


    It was confusing that she was feeling this way towards Ss. There was nothing wrong with it, but this wasn''t the right time to be feeling such emotions.


    Chloe realized her thoughts were bing ev more bizarre, and she quickly shook her head to dispel them.


    ''What am I thinking? Chloe, get a hold of yourself, girl.''


    She forced a smile and looked at Ss, who was standing in front of her, now gazing at her with a strange expression.


    "Chloe, are you feeling alright?" he asked, cing his hand on her forehead.


    "Yes, I''m fine," Chloe said as she gtly removed his hand.


    "Since you''re here, we can go inside," she said, walking toward the restaurant''s door.


    ****


    Ss was surprised by Chloe''s reaction. He wanted to ask more, but he could tell from her expression that she wasn''t going to tell him anything if he did. So, he decided to keep quiet.


    He hoped she was alright because he wanted to joy this dinner with her.


    Smiling, he followed behind her toward the restaurant''s door.


    Ss watched as Chloe oped the door and walked inside, and he followed closely behind.


    The two of them walked to an empty table and took their seats.


    Ss noticed Chloe pick up the mu and start going through it. He also noticed that, from time to time, she stole stealthy nces at him. He smiled, picked up his own mu, and wt through it.


    Less than a minuteter, he was done and called the waitress to ce his order.


    After he ced his order, Chloe did the same, and the two of them waited for their meals to arrive.


    "How long has it be since thest time I saw you? You''ve changed so much," Chloe said after a brief silce.


    Ss smiled at her words. Of course, he had changed. It would beughable if he hadn''t, after everything he had be giv and everything he had expericed.


    "Change is the one thing that''s constant, Chloe."


    "Sigh... You don''t get it. I mean you *look* differt. No, you *feel* differt. It''s like it''s you, but it''s not you at the same time."


    Chloe felt that Ss was very differt from his former self. Apart from the massive changes in his appearance, he now exuded an air of authority.


    Ss understood what Chloe was talking about. He knew that something had changed in him after his first evolution metamorphosis. He also knew exactly what that change was.


    He attributed it to the vague memories and his newly perfect body.


    ''Now that I think about it, I still don''t know what my stats represt,'' Ss thought to himself.


    He was curious, but now wasn''t the time for that. He was here to have dinner with Chloe, and he nned to joy it.


    "Chloe, a lot of things happed."


    "You don''t need to tell me. I can see it for myself. So, what have you be up to?"


    "Me? Nothing much. Most of the time, if I''m not busy, I''m stuck in my room doing nothing."


    Chloe looked at Ss with an expression that seemed to say, "You''re lying, right?"


    "Wait a minute. You mean to tell me that you''re always in your room?" Chloe asked in disbelief.


    "Yeah, most of the time," Ss nodded.


    Chloe shook her head wh she heard this.


    "I can''t imagine having all that money and staying in my room every day. Are you a hermit or what? I''m very sure you don''t ev have a girlfrid." Chloe sighed and looked at Ss.


    "Or do you?" she asked in anticipation, but sighed again wh she saw Ss shaking his head.


    "Ogre, you really need to get a life. You can''t just hole yourself up in your room every day. Go out there, touch some grass or something. Who knows? Maybe you''ll actually get a girlfrid."


    Ss could only smile at Chloe''s words. He felt a brief, sharp, piercing pain wh he heard what she said, but he had no response.


    Though he wasn''t exactly in his room every day, there wasn''t much of a differce. He was either stuck in the pthouse suite, busy with something in Vezu, or just in his room.


    Chloe felt she might have gone overboard with her words wh she saw Ss quietly looking at her.


    "Hey, ogre, don''t get hung up on what I said."


    "Nah, it''s fine," Ss said, shrugging his shoulders.


    The two of them talked about other casual things as they waited for their food.


    They didn''t have to wait long, as the waitress soon arrived with their meals.


    Once the food was served, the two of them began eating while continuing their conversation.


    They talked about many things as they ate, and wh they were done, Chloe called the waitress to pay the bill.


    After she finished paying, she looked at Ss, who was seated across from her. She noticed that it was already gettingte and it was time to leave. Also, they have talked about everything they could possibly talk about.


    "Well, it''s be fun. Thank you for letting me treat you. I really joyed our time together."


    "Thank you too for treating me."


    The two of them stood up and left the restaurant.


    Wh they stepped outside, they were greeted by the cool night breeze.


    Ss stood behind Chloe, watching as her dress fluttered gtly in the wind.


    She looked like a model posing for a photoshoot¡ªabsolutely perfect.


    Chloe has a very beautiful look and a perfect figure, and what the dress did was to tuate her beauty, and figure.


    Ss has known Chloe since high school and she had always looked beautiful but tonight was differt.


    Just as she said that he felt differt, tonight, she also felt differt.


    "Hey, don''t stand behind me and do weird things," Chloe smiled as she turned to look at Ss.


    "I''m not doing anything weird, Chloe. I''m just admiring how beautiful you look from behind."


    "..."


    Chloe was momtarily speechless, slightly shocked by his words, but she quicklyposed herself.


    "You''re admiring my beauty from behind? Am I not also beautiful from the front?" Chloe instantly regretted her words.


    ''What did I just say? Now he''s going to get the wrong idea.''


    Chloe saw Ss smile and walk a to stand in front of her.


    He gtly brought his hand to her face and tucked her hair, which was being blown by the wind, behind her ear.


    "You look beautiful from behind, but you look ev more stunning from the front."


    Ss noticed the shift in the atmosphere betwe them, and he saw that Chloe noticed it too. He wanted to take the next step, but something inside him told him not to.


    "You should probably get some rest. It''s gettingte."

 Chapter 186: This Could Get Interesting.

    Ss could see how confused Chloe was. He felt the shift between them, but he wasn''t sure if she was ready to acknowledge it. So, he chose to y it cool, for now.


    Chloe''s breath caught in her throat at Ss'' words. She forced herself to smile, hoping it didn''t show how much his words and actions rattled her.


    Ss stepped forward, his hand still lingering in the air after brushing Chloe''s hair behind her ear. For a moment, neither of them said anything, the soft night breeze carrying the faint sound of distant traffic. Chloe stood still, her gaze locked with his, but her thoughts raced in a thousand directions.


    Chloe could feel the warmth of his hand still hovering near her face, and every nerve in her body was telling her to step away, break the moment before it overwhelmed her. Yet, her feet stayed firmly nted, as if some part of her wasn''t ready to let go.


    "I, uh..." she began, trying to find her words, but they seemed lost somewhere between the odd fluttering in her stomach and the sudden awareness of how close Ss was standing.


    Ss smiled, a small, knowing smile that made Chloe''s heart skip. He knew exactly what she was feeling, even if she didn''t want to admit it¡ªnot yet. "You don''t have to say anything, Chloe," he said softly, his voice just above a whisper.


    His words felt like a permission she didn''t realize she needed, but it only made her more confused. Why was he acting so calm about this? About them?


    "Why are you being so..." She struggled to find the right word, her eyes searching his face. "...so different?"


    She had spent all night keeping her feelings in check, but somehow Ss'' calm persistence was making everything bubble to the surface, and that scared her.


    Ssughed softly, hisugh low andforting. "Maybe you''re the one who''s changed," he said, his gaze not wavering from hers. "Or maybe you''re just seeing me differently now."


    Ss would be lying if he said he wasn''t happy with how things were going between him and Chloe. He hade here hoping for this, but who knew it would actually happen?


    Chloe felt her cheeks heat up, and she instantly looked away, staring at the pavement.


    ''Am I?'' The thought bounced around in her mind. She didn''t want to acknowledge it, but deep down, she knew he was right.


    She had always seen Ss as the goofy "ogre"¡ªsomeone who had always been weak, vulnerable, and somewhat of a pushover, but she had never thought of him other than someone like a friend. But now, her heart was betraying her, stirring at the thought of him as something more


    "Don''t go making thingsplicated," she said quickly, half-joking, trying to diffuse the moment before it spiraled into something she wasn''t ready to confront. Her voice was light, but it carried a slight edge of nervousness.


    Ss tilted his head, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "Complicated? Since when did I everplicate anything?" He stuffed his hands in his pockets, taking a step back, giving her the space she seemed to need.


    Chloe exhaled, grateful for the distance, but at the same time, she felt a twinge of disappointment. "You haven''t," she admitted. "But this... whatever this is¡ª"


    "Chloe," he interrupted gently, stepping back into her space, his expression more serious now. "I''m not trying to make anything ufortable for you. I''m just being honest."


    *''And I''m trying my luck.''*


    His words hung in the air between them, heavier than before. Chloe bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. She didn''t know if she was ready to confront whatever was shifting between them.


    What was she even afraid of? The answer was there, just out of reach, teasing her. She didn''t even know if she fully understood it herself.


    But then she looked up at Ss again, really looked at him¡ªthe sharp angles of his face, the quiet confidence in his eyes, the way his presence felt so different yet so familiar all at once. And she realized with startling rity that maybe she didn''t have to have all the answers right now.


    "Okay," she said, her voice quieter now, softer. "But let''s not rush into anything weird, alright?"


    Ss grinned, the seriousness melting from his face as quickly as it hade. "Weird? Chloe, weird is thest thing I n on being." He winked, and Chloe felt her shoulders rx, the tension easing just a little.


    For a moment, they stood there infortable silence. The cool breeze, the hum of the city around them¡ªit felt like a perfect bubble, one that neither of them wanted to burst.


    "We should get going now. Come, I will drop you off," Ss said, breaking the silence, though his voice was still warm and easy.


    Chloe nodded, and they started walking together, side by side, the earlier tension now reced with something softer.


    Every step felt like a dance between them, a quiet acknowledgment of what had shifted but an unspoken agreement not to push it further¡ªnot tonight.


    Ss did his best to enjoy the moment. He felt so happy inside, but he did his best not to show it on his face.


    If he hadn''t dated La¡ªno, if the stuff with La hadn''t happened¡ªthen Chloe would have been the person he''d date.


    She had always been the closest person to him. Even when he was being bullied by others in school, when he was looked down upon, when everything felt like crap, she was the only person who made him feel like he was still human.


    The simple gestures of her giving him something to clean his face with or sometimes standing up for him when the bullying had be too much.


    These actions of hers were what made Ss view Chloe the way he did.


    Ss wouldn''t have taken it seriously if Chloe had been generally nice to everyone, but she wasn''t.


    She wasn''t someone cold and unapproachable, but she had this aura around her that made people think twice before interacting with her, and it kept them in line.


    Yes, she was one of the most beautiful girls in high school, alongside La and her gang, but her character made her stand out from the rest.


    Ss thought of all this and subtly turned his head, stealing a nce at her.


    As they reached the car, Ss walked forward and opened the door for her.


    Chloe smiled at this and nodded before getting into the car.


    After she had gotten in, Ss walked to the driver''s side and got in. He started the car and drove off towards Chloe''s house.


    The drive to Chloe''s ce was a silent one. The atmosphere between the two of them was awkward, and it kept getting even more awkward by the second.


    Chloe had a lot of thoughts running through her head. What had just happened at the restaurant? Everything felt off, but strangely right at the same time. This was also coupled with the strange dreams she''d been having for thest two months. It made her feel something she didn''t understand and no knowledge on how to exin it.


    The two of them kept to themselves throughout the drive, focusing on the road ahead.


    A few minutester, Ss parked the car in front of Chloe''s house, and the two of them got out of the car.


    Chloe immediately wanted to head inside the house, but she stopped and turned to face him. She opened her mouth to say something¡ªthank him, maybe, or make another joke to lighten the mood¡ªbut before she could, Ss walked towards her and leaned down, pressing a soft, quick kiss to her cheek.


    It was over before she could process it, but the warmth lingered on her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.


    "Goodnight, Chloe," he said, his voice just above a whisper, as if the kiss had meant nothing, but the look in his eyes said otherwise.


    Chloe blinked, momentarily frozen, but then she forced a smile. "Goodnight, Ss," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt inside.


    Ss took a step back, nodding once before turning and walking towards his car. Chloe watched him leave, her hand instinctively touching the spot on her cheek where his lips had been.


    Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but one thing was clear: nothing about her rtionship with Ss was going to be the same after tonight.


    And maybe... just maybe, she was okay with that.


    She slowly turned and started walking toward the entrance of the building. As she walked, her heart was still racing, but this time, she wasn''t confused. She smiled to herself, a soft, almost shy smile.


    ''This could get interesting.''


    With that thought lingering in her mind, Chloe turned back to look at Ss one more time. When she saw that he was still standing where he was, she smiled and turned to open the door.


    Still feeling the warmth of Ss''s kiss burning on her cheek, she smiled even brighter and walked into the house.

 Chapter 187: Strange Dream

    Inside his room, Ssy down on the bed,ughing helplessly like a fool as he thought of how his dinner with Chloe went.


    "Who knew I would be so lucky?"


    After Chloe went into the house, Ss got into his car and drove off.


    On the way home, his mind was constantly upied by Chloe''s reaction after he stole a kiss from her cheek.


    Ss would call kissing Chloe on the cheek daring because he had no idea if she would react the way he was expecting, and luck seemed to be on his side as she did.


    If someone were to tell Ss that the way the dinner went was how it was going to go, he would have wagered everything he had on it being wrong. What happened was the least of his expectations.


    The most exciting part about everything is that he got to see Chloe''s cute side.


    Who knew that Chloe was someone who would actually get flustered¡ªand by him?


    Ss actually didn''t know how much his new look affected those around him. He wasn''t aware of the aura that he started exuding after hepleted his first evolution metamorphosis.


    As Ssy on the bed, different thoughts rted to Chloe ran through his mind, and the smile on his face got even wider, as his thoughts always returned to Chloe''s reaction after he kissed her cheek.


    Though it can''t exactly be called a kiss, a peck would be the name, but he doesn''t care.


    ''Sigh... I wonder how things are going to be between us going forward?'' Ss thought.


    He knew that things between the two of them were going to changepletely, and depending on how far, and the pace at which the two of them wished to take things, they may be something in the future.


    Ss remembered Chloe''s reaction, and he was sure that something could happen between the two of them.


    ''The question is if I should be proactive or not?'' Ss thought to himself and made a quick decision.


    "If I really want her, then I should be proactive with my pursuit of her, but will I actually have the time for this romance thing?" Ss asked himself aloud.


    With how much work he had decked out for himself after the construction on the underground facility waspleted, Ss knew that he might not even have time for himself.


    "Well, I still have like two months before it''spleted. I can use that two months to be productive. Who knows?.." Ss could only sigh as he thought further.


    The thing is that he didn''t actually know what he was doing. Everything he did at the restaurant was all spontaneous actions from him.


    He didn''t know what he was doing and he didn''t n for it. He just went with the flow and grabbed whatever he felt to be an opportunity, and luckily for him, things worked out.


    "Ahh... Finally, I will experience this dating thing," Ss said as he tucked himself into bed and closed his eyes.


    A few seconds after closing his eyes, he fell asleep.


    ****


    "Where am I?" Ss suddenly saw himself floating in a void.


    He looked around, but he saw nothing but absolute darkness¡ªa type of darkness that felt very tangible.


    He stretched out his hand to grab the surrounding darkness, expecting something to happen. To his surprise, the ce he grabbed tore away, exposing something that looked like a ck hole. But instead of the middle being pitch-dark as how regr ck holes were always depicted, this one was filled with clustering lights.


    "Wow! It looks so beautiful, but where am I? What is this ce?" He had so many questions that he needed answers to, but there was no one to provide those answers.


    He was confused as he had no understanding of the situation he found himself in. Thest thing he remembered was that hey down on the bed and slept off, and the next thing he knew, he appeared in the void.


    "What... is this maybe one of those vague memories?" Ss asked himself.


    He thought of it as very likely, and he looked around his surroundings once more, but it was still the same as before.


    He decided to study the ck hole in front of him that was filled with lights, and as he studied the ck hole, he noticed something.


    The clusters of lights weren''t actually lights; they are... they are...


    "Gxies?!" Ss eximed in shock when he saw what the clusters of lights truly were.


    "How is it that I''m seeing gxies in a ck hole?" Ss asked himself, his curiosity shooting through the roof, and his questions piling up even more.


    The swirling systems of stars and interster matter...


    "Wait a minute! Matter!" Ss eximed when this thought flowed through his mind.


    He didn''t understand what was happening, but a lot of things¡ªinformation¡ªwere flowing into his head as he studied the ck hole in front of him.


    He let out a deep exhale and tried to focus his attention on the bulk of information that flowed into his head, but it felt like he was looking at a pile of nonsense.


    No, it felt like he was looking at something that waspletely alien to him, but Ss felt strange as the information in his head was very familiar, yet he still couldn''t understand it.


    "Who am I really?" Ss asked himself curiously when he thought of everything that had happened.


    From what he saw during his first evolution metamorphosis, the vague memories in his head, the information that kept pouring into his head sometimes¡ªeverything had been very strange and almost unexinable.


    Ss knew what it could be, but it waspletely different from what he used to read.


    "Nah, that''s dumb. Why use the exnation of someone who hasn''t actually experienced a regression or reincarnation to exin my current situation?"


    Ss could only sigh as he thought of this. He really hoped he would get the answers that he so badly needed.


    Ss turned his attention back to the ck hole, and he noticed that the lights in the singrity section of it were disappearing one after the other.


    "What''s happening?" Ss asked as he observed what was happening in the ck hole.


    He looked closer, and he saw that there were two figures standing at the deepest part of the ck hole.


    Ss was even more surprised by this. He thought he saw wrong, but when he looked closely, it was just as he saw previously. Two figures were standing in the ck hole.


    "Wait a minute. Is this even a ck hole to begin with? How can there be two people inside a ck hole, and most important of all, how can there be light in the singrity section of a ck hole?" Ss questioned himself.


    He looked at the two figures in the ck hole, and he stretched his hand to touch the ck hole in front of him, but something very unexpected happened the next moment.


    Ss felt his body yanked from the void and into what he thought was the ck hole.


    Outside the void was a dark space filled up with so many clusters of gxies that Ss found it hard to even start counting.


    He was unable to understand the situation before he heard the same familiar voice he heard during his first evolution metamorphosis.


    "It''s not yet time. We can''t rush it, or we fail again. We still have more than enough time, and you should enjoy it," the voice said, and Ss found himself awake, staring at the ceiling of his room.


    "Sigh... Fucking give me more information and stop mystifying everything!"

 Chapter 188: Boys Time

    Ss sat on his bed, feeling out of sorts due to the dream he had. He didn''t even know if he could call it a dream or if it was one of those vague memories in his head bing clearer. He had no answer for it.


    He thought about it and felt that it would more likely be a dream. If it was one of those vague memories in his head bing clearer, then he didn''t know how to exin the voice.


    Ss was also curious about one more thing. What did the voice mean by what it said?


    ''It''s not yet time? More than enough time? I should enjoy it?'' Ss thought of all this and sighed.


    He didn''t understand why everything was being mystified so much when the information could be passed normally, and he could think of how to go about it.


    He thought of asking the system, but with his knowledge of how good the system was at dodging questions and not giving an answer to them, he wasn''t very optimistic that he would get any response. So, he decided to let it be.


    Since the voice said that it''s not yet time, then maybe when it''s time, it would let him know. At least, that''s what he hoped.


    His thoughts continued to hover around the strange dream he hadst night, and he suddenly remembered something.


    "Now that I think about it, I was the one in the ck hole singrity and not the two figures, but how and why?"


    This added to the load of questions that Ss wanted answers to, but he knew that he wouldn''t be getting them anytime soon.


    He sighed and pushed himself up from his bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up.


    Inside the bathroom, after he was done brushing his teeth, Ss stood in front of the wall mirror, assessing his body.


    "System, why did all my stats reset back to 10, and what does this mean?"


    This was a question that Ss had been meaning to ask since he woke up, but he hadn''t had the time to.


    [Your strength was used up during the gene mutation and fusion process, and this is why your strength dropped back to the stat of an average human. But even though it dropped back to that of an average human, you are still stronger than an average human, and I''m sure you can feel it.]


    Ss nodded when he heard the system''s response.


    Just as it said, he did feel weaker than he was before he went through his first evolution metamorphosis, but he always had this feeling that he was stronger than regr people. This was the reason why he wasn''t worried when he saw the drop in his stats.


    "It seems like I don''t have anything to worry about, then. My physical strength is more than enough to deal with any trouble thates my way, and I also have my superpower. Also, I have Luna, who can take care of things if they get too troublesome," Ss said as he counted his cards.


    A few minutester, Ss was already done freshening up and was on his way downstairs.


    When he got to the living area, he met only his father and Alex sitting in front of the television, watching cartoons.


    Ss smiled when he saw this. He didn''t join them as he walked to the kitchen to get himself something to eat.


    It was almost past the early morning rush hour, and everyone had already had their breakfast when he was still in his room, thinking about the dream fromst night.


    Inside the kitchen, Ss prepared a simple breakfast of bread and scrambled eggs.


    After he was done preparing it, he took it to the dining area to eat.


    There was another thing that changed after his first evolution metamorphosis: his appetite.


    Before he went through his first evolution metamorphosis, Sspletely lost his appetite and the ability to feel hunger.


    Then, his decision to eat each time was based on the fact that he felt like eating something and not that he felt hungry. But now, he feels hungry.


    Ss thought about this and felt that maybe the feeling of wanting to eat something instead of feeling hunger was another way of his body reminding him that he had to eat something.


    "It''s already in the past, there''s no need to put any more thought into it," Ss said to himself.


    He took his time eating the meal and relished every bit of it. There was no need for him to rush it, as he had nothing nned for the day, and the nned family vacation wasn''t until the following day.


    A couple of minutester, he was done with his breakfast and finished doing the dishes he used.


    He went to join his younger brother and his father, who were still watching cartoons in the living area.


    "Good morning, Dad." Ss greeted his father as he took his seat beside Alex on the sofa.


    "Hey, son. How was your night?"


    "It was fine, thanks." Ss smiled and ruffled Alex''s hair.


    "Good morning, big brother."


    "Mhm-mm. How are you, champ? How was your night?"


    "It''s all good, big brother. Thanks."


    Ss ruffled Alex''s hair one more time and turned his attention to the cartoon that was being shown on the television.


    "So, son. How did your dinner date go?" Chris asked as he looked at Ss with a mischievous smile on his face.


    "It went well, Dad. There was nothing to it. It was just a normal dinner."


    "Yeah, that''s what you said."


    Ss couldn''t help but look at his father with a peculiar look on his face.


    "Dad, can you not do this?" Ss asked helplessly.


    "What am I doing, son?" Chris asked with a face that said he didn''t understand what Ss was talking about.


    "You know what you''re doing, Dad."


    Chris sighed when he heard this. "Look, son. I''m worried about you. You don''t understand how a father feels to see his son who is so handsome and equally sessful without a girlfriend. It''s heartbreaking!"


    Ss rolled his eyes when he heard this.


    "Heartbreaking, my ass. You just want to rub it in my face that you have an easy way to get around thedies."


    Chris smiled mischievously and massaged his beard when he heard what Ss said.


    "Well, that isn''t wrong. I mean, back when I was still like you, the girls were chasing after me, not me chasing after them. I was pretty popr, you know?"


    Ss rolled his eyes even harder when he heard this.


    "Such shamelessness."


    Chris and Alexughed when they heard this. This was the first time that the three of them sat together and interacted, and it made them very happy.


    The three of them continued watching the cartoon, and from time to time, they would chat about some casual things.


    *****


    Range 37, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.


    An army lined up on an open field, and another group of individuals who were dressed casually stood in front of them.


    "Listen up, soldiers. This is a drill, and in this drill, you are required to use everything in your inventory to take down the group in front of you," the voice of a grumpy-looking man with slightly overgrown beards echoed throughout the open field.


    "At the sound of the horn, you''re to begin your charge."


    The soldiers looked at the group of casually dressed individuals in front of them and started taking their positions.


    The next moment, a loud ring sound, and the soldiers roared as they rushed toward the group.


    "Look at them ants trying to shake up a tree." A young man smiled as a tongue of fire bloomed on his palm and quickly covered his hand.

 Chapter 189: Daniel At The BEM

    Two days ago.


    Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica.


    After Daniel was done meeting the old geezers, he flew out of the facility to the secret base of the BEM.


    "You must be Mr. Daniel?" A man dressed in ck office attire asked as he stretched out his hand for a handshake.


    "I am," Daniel replied as he returned the handshake.


    Even though his pride made him feel like he owned the world and it boosted his arrogance, he knew better than to act on it.


    He knew that he was right in the headquarters of the agency that documents Phenomenals in the country. Just that knowledge alone was enough to keep him in check, as he didn''t know just how many Phenomenals were in the base.


    Also, he knew he couldn''t do anything, as he didn''t know just how strong he was against other Phenomenals.


    Actually, the thought didn''t ur to him. As of now, he nned toy low and aplish the ns he had crafted out in his head, his n to rule the world.


    A smirk spread on Daniel''s face when he thought of his n. Just the thought of it gave him so much adrenaline rush.


    His train of thought was halted when he heard the man calling out his name.


    "Mr. Daniel?"


    "Yes?" He smiled.


    "I noticed that you were spacing out. I hope everything''s alright?" the man asked.


    Even though the man asked the question with a straight face, Daniel could sense the wariness in his voice, and this caused him to smile.


    "Yes, everything''s alright. I''m more than fine, actually. I feel perfect." Daniel smiled and released the man''s hand from the handshake.


    "Well, that''s good to hear. We are d to wee you to the headquarters of the Bureau for Extraordinary People Management (BEM)," the man said and started walking towards a location in the base.


    Daniel smirked once more before following behind the man.


    "We are d to wee you, the first person to be created through the procedure.


    I''m sure that you''ve met other Phenomenals before you left, and now that you''re back, the first thing we will do is to test your strength and also see how strong you are against regr Phenomenals."


    The man stopped in front of a door and turned to look at Daniel.


    "Mr. Daniel, once again, wee to the BEM," the man said as he opened the door.


    ---


    That was more than two days ago, and a lot has happened within that time.


    Daniel went through another series of tests after the ones he had gone through at theb.


    He felt very annoyed as he was being treated like ab rat, and he was on the verge of exploding, but he held himself back because he knew that it was something he only had to go through once.


    Daniel was right, as after he went through the series of tests, he didn''t have to go through any more. But it was now time for him to test himself against other Phenomenals.


    The first test, a fight, was aplete victory for him. He demolished his opponent, leaving himself stunned at the results he achieved.


    One after another, he defeated them, and he even easily defeated those who were in the top 100 of the unofficial ranking for Phenomenals.


    It was only after he started getting paired against those in the top 50 that he found himself starting to struggle, but he still won. However, hisst two fights left him feeling extremely depressed afterward.


    After a series of multiple sessive victories, Daniel was finally paired against the Phenomenal called Thor.


    There was nothing to be said about it, as he was defeated before he could even lift a finger.


    The next fight was against The Empress, and as expected, he was defeated miserably. His hands were frozen before he could summon his mes.


    After the fight, hey sprawled on the ground, breathing heavily and doing his best to thaw his frozen hands.


    "Hey, man." Daniel heard someone calling out to him, and he turned his head to see the Thor guy standing beside him.


    "Hey," he said and focused his attention on what he was doing.


    "You look like you need some help with your hands," David said as he pointed at Daniel''s frozen hands.


    "Can you do something about it?" Daniel asked, finding it hard to thaw his frozen hands.


    "Here, let me help you out," David said and pressed his hand onto one of Daniel''s frozen hands.


    The next moment, a crackle was heard, and a golden streak of lightning snaked down David''s hand and started melting the ice on Daniel''s hand.


    "Don''t take what The Empress did to you personally. She hasn''t been herself since someone came and messed up the Abyss," David said as he continued melting the ice on Daniel''s hand.


    "If someone came to mess up the Abyss, then why not capture the person and make him pay or something? Why take it out on me?" Daniel asked, feeling very pissed.


    "That''s the problem. We couldn''t capture the person, and no matter how much we tried to investigate him, we got nothing. All we have is a name and a face, and we don''t even know if they are real." David smiled wryly.


    The events of that day were still fresh in his mind. The power that he was always arrogant about was useless in front of that little kid.


    There was nothing else to say other than he was weak. He always thought that he was the strongest person in the world, but he was humbled by someone who looked no older than a high schooler.


    David could only sigh when he remembered this. He wasn''t the only one who had such feelings.


    This could be seen from how grumpy The Empress had been, even though the incident was almost half a year ago.


    What made the situation worse was that even after using the state-of-the-art technology the country had, they were unable to find anything about this kid who called himself Ss.


    They had been on the lookout for him for months now, and justst week, they got news that someone who was likely rted to him attacked a facility that belonged to the agency.


    Daniel was surprised when he heard what David said. He didn''t know that such an incident had happened, as this was the first time he was hearing about it.


    "What you mean to say is that this person who came to mess with you guys at the Abyss waltzed in and out as he liked?" Daniel asked for confirmation, as he felt the whole thing was very ridiculous.


    "...Yes."


    Daniel almost burst intoughter when he heard this, but he held himself back. The ridiculousness of the situation aside, Daniel knew just how scary it was.


    For someone to walk into the Abyss, a ce where Phenomenals were always gathered, mess things up, and leave without a scratch¡ªit was scary, to say the least.


    Just how strong was the person to achieve such a feat? What Daniel was even more curious about was the person''s name.


    "Thor,"¡ªDaniel was about to ask a question but was interrupted.


    "It''s not Thor. It''s David."


    Daniel blinked in confusion when he heard this, but he decided to continue asking the question he wanted to ask.


    "David, if you don''t mind me asking, what''s the person''s name?"


    "Ss. He said his name is Ss."

 Chapter 190: Too Rich To Care

    Daniel was slightly taken aback when he heard the name.


    "You said the person''s name is Ss?" he asked for confirmation, and David nodded.


    "Did he tell you guys his full name?" Daniel asked again.


    He wanted to piece together the puzzle in his head.


    "No, he didn''t tell us his full name. All he told us was his name. We don''t even know if that is his real name, or if what we saw was actually him," David said as he shook his head.


    Daniel was starting to have a feeling that there might be a possibility that the Ss David was talking about was the same Ss he was familiar with.


    "By chance, did you guys get to see his superpower? Like, what type of superpower does he have?"


    David was surprised that Daniel was interested in Ss, but he was happy to answer his questions. He knew that very soon, they would have to fight this person, and it would be good to pass whatever information they had on him around.


    "To be honest, we don''t even know what his superpower might be. We took a guess, and we think it rtes to his physical strength," David said and paused.


    Daniel felt a me light up in his heart¡ªa me of rage¡ªwhen he heard that Ss'' superpower might be rted to his physical strength. It perfectly matched that of the Ss he was familiar with.


    The me burning in his heart spread throughout his body and to his frozen hand, causing the ice on it to start melting slowly and expediting the thawing process.


    David sighed and continued, "I''m very sure that our guess is wrong because he also has the ability to evade the surveince of CCTV cameras, and there''s nothing about himing up when we searched the database of every organization and agency in the country. Honestly, I don''t know what to call this person, but I hope we meet soon. I really want to meet him and have a fight with him again.


    I want to defeat him, but that''s after I''ve defeated The Empress."


    David smiled in anticipation at the final part of the sentence as he thought about how he was going to defeat Ss and take the title of the strongest Phenomenal in the world.


    "Hey, your hand looks good now," David said as he patted Daniel''s hand, which hadpletely unfrozen.


    He controlled the lightning around his hand and forced it back into his body.


    "Thanks, man," Daniel said as he pushed himself up from the ground and stood up.


    "Nah, you''re wee. Just don''t take whatever Empress did to you personally, and try to get along with everyone. Your superpower is strong, but it still needs a lot of work, and you have to learn how to control it, or it might start controlling you," David said and patted Daniel on his shoulder.


    "I will see youter, bud," David said and walked away.


    "See youter, man," Daniel smiled, but the smile on his face faded the next second and was reced with a frown.


    ''Is it really you? This would be easier if you''re not the same Ss, but it would get very interesting if you are. I really hope you''re one and the same because I would love to see the look on your face when I crush youpletely.'' Daniel smiled as he thought of his revenge n, and it gave him shivers.


    *****


    Back to the present.


    Ss spent the whole day with his family. He made sure not to pay attention to anything else except his family.


    Since he had already delegated all the work to Luna, he knew that he had nothing to worry about.


    The day went by, and it was already the morning of the next day¡ªthe date for the family vacation.


    Maybe due to the excitement of the vacation, everyone woke up very early, and this included Ss.


    They didn''t bother to have breakfast before they left for the airport.


    While they drove to the airport, Luna and the security guards were following closely behind.


    §ä?§Ñ#§á!§Ü*?&-?-?@§Ô+-$§è?%??&¨À-


    After Ss told her to raise the level of security for his family to the highest level, Luna had made sure that the family didn''t leave her sight or those of the security guards.


    Unlike other boring drives that Ss always had, this one was a happy one, as the whole family chatted happily while his father drove to the airport.


    Yes, it was Chris who drove the car to the airport.


    When they arrived at the airport, Chris, Kim, and Alex waited while Ss went to arrange things.


    "What could he possibly be doing that''s taking so long? I thought he already booked the flight?" Chris said to himself when he saw that Ss was taking up time.


    "I''m sure it''s something important," Kim smiled, and Alex nodded.


    Barely a minute after they had the short conversation, Ss'' figure appeared at a distance.


    "Come on, guys, everything''s ready. We can leave now," Ss gestured, and they stood up and went to meet him.


    Ss took them through the terminal and onto the jet bridge that was connected to an aircraft.


    As they walked through the jet bridge, Chris looked around curiously. He was surprised that there was no one else taking the jet bridge.


    ''Maybe they have already boarded, and we are the only ones left,'' he thought to himself.


    His thoughts changed when he got to the end of the jet bridge and got inside the aircraft, where he saw that, except for the hostesses, it was empty.


    He looked at Ss in surprise and looked around the aircraft in amazement. He had a thought when they were still on the jet bridge, but he felt that it was too absurd.


    ''It can''t really be possible¡­ can it?''


    "Come on, Dad. Take your seat; the ne will be taking off soon," Ss said when he saw that his father was still standing, looking shocked.


    Chris nodded and took his seat close to Ss.


    A few secondster, the pilot''s voice was heard announcing their departure.


    While the announcement was going on, Chris shifted closer to Ss.


    "Son, why is the aircraft empty?" he finally asked the question that had been bothering him.


    "I booked it, Dad," Ss replied casually.


    Chris had never been so shocked in his life. He didn''t know how much it had cost Ss to book such an aircraft as the one they were in, but he knew that it was a very ridiculous amount.


    He looked at his son, and he started seeing him in a new light. He became even more curious as to how rich his son really was.


    Ss didn''t know his father''s thoughts. If he did, he would beughing out loud.


    The truth of the matter is that Ss didn''t book the aircraft. Why book an aircraft when you can buy the entire airline?


    Yes, Ss bought the airline that owned the aircraft.


    Ss could have taken his own jet, but he would have had to do a lot of exining afterward, and if there''s one thing that Ss hates, it''s exining himself to someone.


    Ss didn''t put much thought into his actions, especially buying the airline. Why should he when he had unlimited money?


    He cleared his mind andy back on the first-ss aircraft, preparing to enjoy the ride.


    "Thefort of the seat is not on par with those of my private jets, but it will suffice."

 Chapter 191: Trouble Brewing

    Inside an hotel room, Ssy on the bed with Alex jumping around on it.


    "Big brother, why do you lie down on the bed like someone who''s dying?" Alex asked when he saw how Ss was sprawled on the bed.


    "That''s because my social battery drains rapidly when I''m around too much people." Ss said feeling very exasperated.


    "Are you that''s the reason or it''s because of what happened at the lobby?" Alex asked as he jumping and sat beside Ss.


    "No, it''s not because of that." Ss replied as he turned his head to the other side.


    "Hehehe. Why are you turning your face away if that''s the case?" Alex asked and started shaking Ss'' body.


    "Ughhh.... Stop it."


    "Hehehe." Alexughed as he started jumping around on the bed again.


    "I wonder why you''re so excited?" Ss asked as he got up from the bed.


    "Because we are on a family vacation!"


    Ss shook his head when he heard this. He of course was also excited about the family vacation but the incident that happened at the lobby drained all of his excitement.


    What actually happened at the lobby? It started when a group of youngdies tried to approach Ss and his family, and his security guards came out of nowhere and blocked them.


    Ss didn''t know how to exin the situation about the security guards to his family and he could only tell that them he would exinter.


    As for the group of youngdies. Well, Ss left them standing where they were. There was no need for him to pay any attention to them as he doesn''t need them. Besides, he''s trying to create something with Chloe.


    "Ss, are you in there?" Ss heard a voice at the door.


    "Yes."


    "Ok, your dad and I are waiting. We''re ready to leave."


    "Ok, we''reing," Ss said as he grabbed Alex and walked to the door.


    When he opened the door, he saw Kim and his father dressed up in light clothes that looks fit for the beach.


    "Mom, you look beautiful!" Alexplimented when he saw Kim.


    "An! Thanks Alex." Kim smiled as she ruffled Alex''s hair as Ss always does.


    "Come on, let''s go," Chris said and they left the hotel.


    .....


    Virginia Beach.


    The cool breeze of the ocean brushed against Ss''s skin as the family stepped onto the soft sand of Virginia Beach. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a tranquil glow over the water.


    Alex seemed to have boundless energy, as he ran ahead with unbridled excitement. His feet kicked up small clouds of sand as he dashed toward the shoreline.


    "Mom! Dad! Look at the waves!" Alex shouted back, already captivated by the endless stretch of water ahead.


    Chris chuckled, his eyes sparkling with affection as he watched his youngest son run off. "Looks like Alex is ready to take on the ocean," he said, exchanging a smile with Kim.


    Kim nodded, her eyes following Alex before turning back to Ss who was also smiling.


    She thought of what Ss promised to exin to his father but she knew that this wasn''t the time.


    She decided to push the unrted thoughts and enjoy the family time they are going to spend to the fullest. She put a smile on her face and walked off to join Chris and Alex near the water.


    Ss also joined them shortly and they started enjoying the sea water.


    The first full day of their vacation began early the next morning, with Alex waking everyone up at the crack of dawn. His enthusiasm was contagious as he pulled Ss out of bed, demanding they all head back to the beach.


    "Come on, big brother! The ocean''s waiting!" Alex eximed, bouncing on his toes as Ss groaned and rolled out of bed.


    ¡é*?§Ñ+§â-¦Ó+?§Ô-§ß@¦Ò#¡Ò§ä?@?$-&§à§á!-


    "Alright, alright, I''m up," Ss muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.


    The family once again found themselves back on the sandy shore, this time armed with towels, a cooler full of snacks, and a couple of beach chairs. Kim and Chris set up their spot under arge umbre, where they could rx and watch the kids.


    "Don''t forget sunscreen, boys," Kim called out, holding up the bottle of sunscreen as Alex and Ss kicked off their sandals.


    "Got it, Mom!" Alex shouted, before eagerly running toward the water.


    Ss moved more slowly, his eyes scanning the horizon. There was somethingforting about the steady rhythm of the waves. He followed his brother down to the shore, where Alex was already sshing around, shrieking withughter as the cold water hit his legs.


    For a while, they yed in the water, dodging waves and trying to keep their bnce as the tide rolled in. Alex''s energy seemed endless, as he enjoyed every single moment.


    After a while, Chris and Kim joined them, and they spent the rest of the morning building sandcastles, lounging in the sun, and asionally venturing into the water to cool off.


    As the sun rose higher in the sky, they took a break to eat lunch under the shade of the umbre. Kim had packed sandwiches and fresh fruit, which they enjoyed while watching the waves crash in the distance.


    "This is exactly what we needed," Kim said, taking a sip of her iced tea as she looked out over the beach. "I''m d we decided toe."


    "Yeah, it''s nice to get away for a while," Chris agreed, leaning back in his chair.


    Ss nodded, though his thoughts briefly wandered to Chloe. He wondered how she was doing and if she had been thinking about him. He pushed the thought aside, determined to enjoy the vacation without distractions.


    ---


    As the days went on, the family settled into a peaceful routine. Each morning began with a trip to the beach, where they spent hours swimming, ying games, and simply enjoying each other''spany. Alex never seemed to tire of the ocean, and his infectious excitement kept everyone in high spirits.


    One afternoon, they rented a few boogie boards and spent hours riding the waves. Alex, of course, took to it like a natural, while Ss found himself wiping out more often than not. Despite his frequent tumbles, he couldn''t help butugh along with his family.


    "Come on, Ss! You''ve got this!" Alex encouraged, already on his way back out to catch another wave.


    Ss gave it another try, and this time, he managed to ride the wave all the way back to shore. The triumphant grin on his face was met with cheers from Alex, Kim, and Chris, who apuded his sess.


    Actually, everything was a pretense but it felt good to be praised.


    "I told you you could do it!" Alex said, excitedly.


    "Yeah, yeah. Beginner''s luck," Ss replied.


    Evenings were spent exploring the nearby boardwalk, where they found small shops selling souvenirs, ice cream, and seafood. Ss particrly enjoyed these quieter moments, strolling along the beach with his family as the sun set behind them. They would stop at one of the restaurants along the boardwalk for dinner, enjoying fresh seafood while they talked andughed about the events of the day.


    One night, they decided to take ate-night walk along the shore, the moon casting a silver glow on the water. The beach was almost empty, save for a few couples and families who, like them, were enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.


    "Look, the stars are out," Kim said, pointing up at the sky.


    They all paused for a moment, gazing up at the vast expanse above them. Ss found himself feeling unexpectedly grateful for this time with his family. It wasn''t often that they had the chance to slow down and just be together without the pressures of daily life weighing on them.


    The week continued in much the same way, with each day blending into the next in a peaceful, happy rhythm. Ss found himself looking forward to each new morning, eager to see what the day would bring.


    By the end of the week, Ss couldn''t believe how quickly the time had passed. It felt like they had only just arrived, and yet their trip was alreadying to an end. As they packed up their things and prepared to head back to the hotel for their final night, Ss took onest look at the beach,mitting the scene to memory.


    "Do we really have to leave tomorrow?" Alex asked, his voice filled with disappointment.


    "Afraid so, buddy," Chris said, ruffling his hair. "But don''t worry, we''ll be back next year."


    Ss smiled at the thought. He knew that no matter what the future held, Virginia Beach would always be a ce where they coulde together, unwind, and createsting memories. That''s if they have the chance.


    As they left the beach behind and made their way back to the hotel, Ss felt a deep sense of contentment. The week had been exactly what he needed¡ªa chance to escape, recharge, and reconnect with his family. And though the vacation wasing to an end, he knew that the memories they had made would stay with him for a long time toe.


    While Ss and his family were having fun at the beach, trouble was brewing in the country and I''m Venezu.


    *****


    The Miraflores Pce.


    Inside President Yusmaorobis'' office, President Yusmaorobis was having visitors.


    "It''s been a while since we spoke, old friend." A voice filled with sinister intentions said.

 Chapter 192: Breaking Ties

    Yusmaorobis looked at the man seated in front of him. He knew that he would be having some troubles in the near future due to Luna rescuing his daughter from the clutches of the organization, but what he didn''t expect was a visit from the U.S. Secretary of State, Jonathan Mosh.


    "Jonathan, I''m very surprised to see you here. I wonder what is so important that you had to visit personally?" Yusmaorobis asked, maintaining the fake smile on his face.


    "Old friend, I''m d that you understand this. I must also tell you that I won''t leave your country if I don''t have the two of them with me, or you are to expect a lot of difficult days ahead." Jonathan smiled as he rhythmically tapped the table.


    Yusmaorobis gave a sly smile when he heard Jonathan''s words. He knew that Jonathan was also aware that there was no way he would be leaving the country with Ss and Luna, as it waspletely impossible.


    Also, Yusmaorobis had never actually agreed to the fact that he was working with Ss and Luna. Everything the organization was doing was based on the assumption that he was.


    "Jonathan, these two people you''re looking for, can I have a picture of them?" Yusmaorobis asked with a sly smile.


    He had already received an order from Ss to ask for a photo when the organization sent someone visiting. He was told that he would be surprised by the response he would get.


    As expected, he saw Jonathan''s face change when he asked the question.


    "Yusmaorobis, don''t y with me. Get the two kids out here right now," Jonathan said with a voice filled with seething, venomous rage.


    Yusmaorobis smiled when he noticed the sudden change in the form of address Jonathan used for him. It went from "old friend" to his name.


    He grinned when he noticed this. He didn''t know the actual reason for the sudden change, but he was happy as long as it allowed things to y in his favor.


    "Old friend, Jonathan, you have been asking me to bring the kids out, but I really don''t understand what you mean. You do know that I only have one child, my daughter, who has been in the hands of the organization for many years now, and I haven''t seen her. Are you talking about her or someone else?" Yusmaorobis asked carefully, making sure to put on a face filled with worry.


    Jonathan felt that things were starting to go in an unexpected direction. What did Yusmaorobis mean by his question? Was he trying to y dumb or what?


    He looked at Yusmaorobis while curiously studying the expression on his face.


    "Yusmaorobis, you do know this is dumb, right? The two of us know that ady barged into the facility and took your daughter away, and the two of us very well know that it was on your order or request that this was done.


    We already have information that your daughter is recuperating in one of the hospitals in the city, and I already have a team moving toward it. I''m sure you understand what this means," Jonathan asked as he rxed in his seat and looked at Yusmaorobis intently, waiting to see his reaction, but he was soon disappointed as he saw nothing.


    The smile that had been on Yusmaorobis'' face since the beginning of the meeting was still there, and it didn''t fade even when he was threatened with his daughter.


    "Jonathan, you''re very hrious. I''m sure the organization is shaking on its throne right now. They didn''t expect that someone would actually break into such a facility that has a state-of-the-art security system installed.


    What? You think I would buckle to my knees and start shaking in fear when you mentioned my daughter? Or do you think I would lose my disposition andsh out in rage when you mentioned her? Then, I''m sorry to disappoint you." Yusmaorobis said and gave the most shit-eating grin he could muster.


    "Jonathan, I''m actually curious to know if you actually intend to kidnap someone in my country and under my very watch, or are you just threatening me with it? I really hope it''s thetter. Though my country isn''t doing well economically and is going through a lot of crises internally, we still have more than enough military power to defend ourselves."


    Yusmaorobis rxed back in his seat after he said what needed to be said. He waited patiently to see Jonathan''s reaction.


    "Sigh... It seems like we will have to do this the hard way, but I will give you one more chance, and I won''t make things difficult for you this time.


    Yusmaorobis, give me the identity of thedy that took your daughter from the facility and everything you have on her."


    Yusmaorobis burst intoughter when he heard Jonathan''s words.


    "The delulu is too strong with you. I never knew you were so dumb. Do you really think I would give in to what you asked for? And please don''t try to threaten me with the organization, as it would have no effect. I''m way past that now, and I also have something I would like to give," Yusmaorobis said and brought a ck envelope from the drawer.


    -read-now


    He tore open the envelope and took out its content, a ck card that had a golden hand drawn on it. He held the card with his two hands and broke it in two, then threw the broken parts to Jonathan.


    "There, I''m no longer a member of the organization, and I have nothing to do with you anymore. Now, can you please leave my office? I still have other things that need my urgent attention," Yusmaorobis said as he forced Jonathan up from his seat and out of his office.


    He would have done his best to maintain diplomacy between the two of them, but after he was threatened with his daughter, he decided that there was no need to waste his time on such meaningless things.


    He knew that only the strong held the advantage in any situation, and due to the situation of his country, Yusmaorobis knew that he had no right to negotiate with Jonathan. But that''s on the basis that he hasn''t met Ss and Luna, who can do the impossible.


    He also knew that he had nothing to worry about, as Ss had given his word. There''s no way he''s going to let the country fall when he has already made it his base.


    If it had been a normal person who made such a promise to Yusmaorobis, he would haveughed at them, but it''s Ss, someone who has continued to do the impossible.


    He had seen the construction machines that Ss built, and he was nothing short of shocked. A machine that can create almost anything out of thin air is something that Yusmaorobis knew would cause World War III if it was discovered.


    Jonathan was even more surprised by the whole situation. He understood what it meant for Yusmaorobis to break the membership card of the organization and its actual significance.


    ''Is he really that confident? What is giving him the confidence?'' he thought to himself as he stood up from his seat.


    "Yusmaorobis, I hope you understand the consequences of the rash decisions you''re taking, and I really hope you''re prepared for what''s toe next," Jonathan said as he left the office.

 Chapter 193: Making Moves

    "How did it go?"


    "Same thing, Mr. President. His expression didn''t even change when I mentioned his daughter. It seems like there''s still so much that we are yet to find out."


    Immediately after he came out of Yusmaorobis'' office and left the presidential pce, he put a call through to the President.


    "Mmhmm... It seems like our old friend Yusmaorobis got himself something significant. How''s the infiltration going?" an intrigued voice came from the other end of the phone.


    "It''s been smooth. Too smooth, I would say. Considering that he did some house cleaning, I was expecting that he would tighten the security at the borders, but nothing of such was done. Also, I tried to gather some information before I met with him, and I found out that the country has been experiencing a lot of changes in the past two months, great changes. This-is-a-MVLeMpYr-special


    Mr. President, I can''t help but have a bad feeling about everything. It feels like we are ying right into someone''s hand, and I don''t like this feeling," Jonathan said, expressing his worries.


    He didn''t know how to exin it, but he felt that there''s a big conspiracy behind everything that has been going ontely, and he felt that everything was being manipted by someone, and this thought frightened him.


    He didn''t know how strong the boy that caused trouble at the Abyss was, nor how strong thedy that rescued Yusmaorobis'' daughter from the facility was. But one thing he knew was that there was no way the United States would be able to have the two of them for themselves.


    The only way he could see it happening is if the information doesn''t leak out to other countries, and that, he knows, is very unlikely.


    Actually, now that he thought about it, wouldn''t it be better if the information leaked to the other countries? It would put some pressure on Yusmaorobis and force him to give up the location or identity of the two of them, except if he wants the whole world to be against him.


    "You don''t need to worry too much, John. We''ve already gotten what we needed from President Yusmaorobis'' daughter. We don''t need her anymore. If he''s really not going to tell us anything about thedy that rescued his daughter, then we can only let him be. You cane back now. The next phase of the n is about to start," the voice said and hung up the call.


    Jonathan sighed when he heard this, but his mood was lifted when he remembered that he would be going back home immediately.


    "I guess I will be able to spend some time with my family today. I have really been stressed way too muchtely."


    *****


    **BEM Headquarters**


    Inside a conference room, a group of people were gathered, and they seemed to be having a serious conversation. This was evident from the serious expressions on their faces.


    "We have been tasked by the President to capture these two individuals," Adrian said as he brought up a screen that disyed the nk images of two unknown individuals.


    He looked at everyone in the room, and when he saw that he had their attention, he continued.


    "One male and one female. The male is called Ss. Though we are not sure if it''s his real name, that''s the only one we have for now. The second is even more difficult, as there''s no name, and all we know is that she''s ady of South Korean descent.


    We have spoken to the South Korean government and asked them to provide any possible information they might have, but without any leads, it looks like we''re searching for a ghost.


    There''s something everyone in this room should be aware of: these two individuals are very dangerous. If you encounter them, don''t engage recklessly, as they are extremely strong. Maybe even stronger than all of us in this roombined, including me."


    Adrian paused, allowing everyone in the room to process what he just said.


    "Another thing is that they can''t be tracked by CCTV cameras, and they have the ability to control anything rted to tech. We don''t actually know the extent of their abilities, and we don''t know if all the information we have on them is correct, but we can only work with what we have.


    I''m sure the majority of you here are familiar with the male. He will be our first target, as we have reasons to believe he''s the one thedy who caused the incident at Ross Ice Shelf is working for. Again, these are all spections." Adrian once again looked at everyone in the room, noticing that they all had peculiar expressions on their faces, and he understood.


    "You don''t need to worry. The President has promised that if we sessfullyplete the mission, there will be a lot of rewards for everyone," Adrian said, and he saw their expressions ease.


    The meeting went on for a little while longer, and a few minutester, everyone started leaving the office to prepare for the mission.


    "President Adrian," a voice called out to Adrian, who was about to leave the conference room.


    He turned back to see who called him and saw Daniel standing behind him.


    "Yes, Mr. Daniel? Anything I can help you with?" Adrian asked, looking at him curiously.


    He knew Daniel was the first person who sessfully underwent the experiment and survived.


    ''A true specimen indeed.''


    Adrian was very curious to see what Daniel would achieve in the future, especially given the results of his tests.


    "President Adrian, I think I have information on this Ss," Daniel said, stunning Adrian and causing a smile to spread across his face.


    "Oh really? Please, do tell me what you know, Mr. Daniel," Adrian said as he ced his hand on Daniel''s shoulder.


    *****


    One week has passed, which means Ss and his family are back from their family vacation.


    They spent seven days at the beach, but it felt like they only spent one day, due to how fast the time flew.


    In what felt like the blink of an eye, seven days had gone by, and they were back home.


    Immediately after he got home, the first thing Ss received was a message from Luna.


    {They are already making their moves. They have begun their search, and Daniel has given them tips that you might be the same Ss they are looking for. They are currently at your former house right now.}


    Ss chuckled when he read this.


    "I see. Daniel never seems to give up, does he? Luna, just keep me updated on their every move."


    Ss knew this day woulde, and he had been looking forward to it for a very long time. He was excited to see how he would meet the Empress again and the Thor guy, who had left somewhat of an impression on him.

 Chapter 194: Promises, Back To Venezuela

    Ss wasn''t really bothered by whatever the agency and the organisation were doing. At the moment, there are a lot of things for him to worry about¡ªthings that are way more important than the circus y that the organisation is putting on.


    Ss'' mind was on the one-week family trip they just came back from. He would be honest and say that he really enjoyed it, more than he even thought he would. Though they didn''t do anything extraordinary during their one week stay at the beach, the memories they made were special.


    There''s just something about spending some time with the family, bonding, doing things together, and just letting themselves get lost in that moment. He didn''t know how to exin it, but it felt good.


    Their daily routine for those seven days didn''t go beyond waking up in the morning and having breakfast either at the hotel or a restaurant close to the beach. After that, they would take themselves to the beach and bathe in the sun. Nights were the most peaceful and serene time of all, as the family would spend it around a table, discussing whatever happened during the day.


    They also went for a ride on the sea on a yacht that Ss rented. A ride that theypletely enjoyed.


    It was the first time in forever that Ss actually felt true happiness as he allowed himself to get absorbed in the present and not worry about the future or think about the past.


    Ss was also grateful that nothing happened to ruin the moments the family had together. Except for the lobby incident that he''s still yet to exin to his family, his dad especially.


    The one week they spent together has alreadypletely changed Ss''s perspective of his father and Kim. He was almost at the cusp of calling Kim mom during their trip but he didn''t do it in the end.


    The time they spent together made him start considering telling his father his secret, but he decided against it when he gave it another quick thought.


    It''s not that Ss doesn''t trust his father enough to tell him his secret; he doesn''t want to put too much on his old man''s te. Also, Ss feels that it''s too soon to tell him something like that. He still has yet to properly exin the source of his wealth.


    At the moment, Ss feels like things rted to the superpower and the system should be put on hold and discussed when he feels that the time is right.


    Ss was also aware that he couldn''t keep these things hidden forever. One day, one way or the other, he would have to confront everything. But that day is still far off.


    In his room, Ssy on his bed as he thought of what next to do. Actually, he knew what next to do, but he doesn''t want to do it. He was feeling extremelyzy at the moment, as all he wants to do isy on his bed and do nothing all day, and this is when he''s supposed to be at his ind checking out his superpower and what it can do and also testing his strength.


    "I really shouldn''t bezing around right now but I don''t want to go to Venezu yet and yet, I need to. Ughhh.. I hate this."


    Ss thought of all the important things he still has to get done. Besides his superpower and his physical strength, he still has to start setting up things in Venezu for the impending chaos that''s toe soon.


    "Ugh!!" Ss held in head as he forced himself to think hard about an excuse that would make him not to get out of bed and do what he''s supposed to do.


    "It seems like I can''t help it." Ss said as he finally made a decision to make the trip to Venezu.


    "Tsk. What a life. I just got back from the family trip yesterday and now I''m going on a trip of my own, a work trip."


    Ss got out of bed and changed into some clothes before going downstairs. He decided to make the trip immediately as there''s nothing else for him to do at home. Except stay at home and spend time with Alex, and the rest of the family but he knew that that is a luxury he can''t afford.


    He has to start getting things done or he would have himself to meter.


    When he got downstairs, he saw his Dad and Kim seated in the living room, watching a TV drama and Alex was ying a game on Kim''s phone.


    Ss had thought of getting Alex a phone but he felt that it would be very irresponsible of him. This is especially with how dark and uncensored the Inte has been in recent years.


    He was about to announce his presence and tell them that he was already leaving when he heard Alex''s sad voice.


    "You''re leaving already, brother? I thought you would spend some more time with us?" Alex asked as he dropped the phone and walked to Ss.


    Ss smiled and bent down, bringing him to Alex height and he ruffled his hair.


    "I''m sorry, Champ. I also don''t want to go but something extremely, extremely important came up and I have to take care of it." Ss continued to smile.


    He looked behind Alex and he saw that his Dad and Kim had already noticed him, and were looking at the two of them.


    "When are youing back?" Alex asked and Ss sighed.


    The truth is that he doesn''t know when he would have the chance to visit as he has no idea when he would be done taking care of things. -exclusive


    "I don''t know, Champ. But promise me that you wille back at least every two weeks and you muste home." Alex said and Ss nodded as he promised.


    "Pinky finger, bro. I promise that I will visit home at least every two weeks no matter how busy I am," Ss said as he did a pinky finger promise with Alex.


    "You''re leaving?" Kim asked as she and Chris stood up from the sofa, and walked to Ss.


    "Yes, something came up." Ss smiled as he raised his head and looked at his Dad, and Kim.


    "Be safe, son. If there''s anything you need help with, you know you can talk to us anytime, anyday, right?"


    "I know, Dad. I will contact you if anything happen," Ss as he stood up and walked out the house.


    Chris and Kim stood there, still looking at the door after Ss had left.


    "You think it''s something serious?" Kim whispered a question to Chris.


    "I don''t know but it would be best if it''s not." Chris sighed.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at the family''s former house at Oand, a group of individuals walked up to the door and one of the knocked.


    "Yes, who''s that?" A voice came from behind the door in response to the knock.


    "Please open the door. We looking for Ss." A young man said.


    "Sorry but no Ss lives here," The voice said as the door slowly opened, revealing the figure of ady.


    "We just got the ce from its previous owners," Thedy said and closed the door.


    "It seems like he''s not longer here. What do we do now, Daniel?" One of the individuals in the group, ady, asked the young man beside her.


    "It seems so... I guess it''s time to visit some old friend. I know something who might know where he is now," The young man, Daniel, said and walked back to the car.


    The youngdy looked Daniel''s back as he walked to the car, with a stern expression on her face.


    ''I really hope this person knows.''

 Chapter 195: Moves From The Agency

    A few day''s ago, in an office at the organization headquarter.


    "Are you sure about what you''re saying Mr Daniel?" Adrian asked carefully, in confirmation to what Daniel said.


    "Yes, President Adrian. What happened was just as I exined to you. I wanted to get bully him a little but instead of running, when he saw meing towards him, he got out of the car and stood in front of him.


    I myself was shocked. I had no idea where he got the courage and bravery that made him to stand in front of me but I also wasn''t going to back down. I was going to bully him, whatever courage or bravery he has be damned.


    I walked to him and we started exchanging words. Things escted and I shoved him on the chest, the next thing I knew, he said something to me and I saw myself flying across the street and crashing into my own car. That was how I found myself on an hospital bed with multiple broken bones.


    President Adrian, that push and followed by flying across the air is very simr to what I heard from others. I''m very sure that the Ss I''m talking about is the same with the one that we are tasked to catch. Even if he''s not the one, there''s no harm to it as it''s part of investigation anyway."


    After Daniel told Mr Adrian that he might have information on Ss, the two of them moved to Adrian''s office to continue their conversation.


    Daniel exined to President Adrian everything that happened and the reason why he thinks the Ss he''s familiar with is the same Ss the organization is looking for.


    Adrian smiled as he studies Daniel carefully. Daniel''s action of telling him everything that happened left him slightly surprised.


    He didn''t know if he should apud Daniel for mustering uo courage and telling him that he was formerly a bully or he shouldugh at him in ridicule for getting beaten up by his target. But that aside,  Adrian knew that thest statement that Daniel made was true.


    Everyone that fought Ss that day at the Abyss had the same experience, to get thrown across the room or be sent flying across the air after he pushed them.


    ''Is he really that strong or he''s just messing with their minds?''


    Adrian found it hard to believe that a someone as young as Ss¡ªording to everyone''s description on how young he looks¡ªcan send a man and a full grown man at that, flying across the air with just a push.


    To him, that''spletely impossible. Where could the strength to achieve such feat possiblye from?


    From his knowledge, most Phenomenals are almost on the same level of strength and this is rted to both their superpower and their physical strength. There''s not chasm-like difference as to describe Ss'' strength but Adrian knew that he has to believe it.


    "Mr Daniel, I want you to assemble a team with others, get Empress and Thor in it, and track down this Ss of yours. If they are really one and the same, then there''s a lotying in wait as reward for you," Adrian said and dismissed Daniel from his office.


    After Daniel left his office, Adrian tapped the table rhythmically for a few seconds before smiling.


    read-first-at-MVLeMpYr


    "I can smell the change in the air. I''m just curious how things will go moving forward."


    ...


    After he left Adrian''s office, Daniel passed down his order to the most important people, just Empress and Thor.


    Empress was initially confused when she received the order. She couldn''t believe that the newbie who just joined them might possibly be rted to the person they are looking for.


    She isn''t one to discriminate against people but she didn''t just have a good feeling about Daniel and that''s why she''s never friendly to him.


    Though since she has received the order, she rallied everyone around and gathered team that swiftly went to the location that Daniel gave them.


    Right now, they are standing in front of the second house they are visiting for today and hopefully, they would get concrete information on the Ss.


    Daniel walked up to the door and knocked. Few secondster, a  cold female voice was heard from behind the door.


    "Daniel, what the fuck are you doing here?!" The voice asked before the door was opened forcefully, revealing a beautifuldy who looks to be the same age as Daniel.,. dressed in casuals.


    "Chloe, I''m sorry for bothering you but I would like to ask something from you," Daniel said with a forced smile.


    He doesn''t understand why but he has never been able to get to Chloe no matter how much he tried.


    "What is it that the almighty Daniel wants to ask this peasant and why didn''t you call me when you wanted to ask something instead ofing all the way here? Or you n on doing more than asking questions?" Chloe asked in sarcastic voice.


    Daniel has never felt so embarrassed in his life. He knew that Chloe is someone who doesn''t care about anyone and would say whatever is on her mind whenever she wants to but he expected her to have some tact.


    "Chloe, can you not be a drama queen right now?" Daniel asked with an even more forced smile.


    "Daniel, I''m not being a drama queen. I''m just being cautious. Everyone who is familiar with your character is like that. Hope you weren''t really expecting me to be all friendly to you and answer your question right away?"


    Daniel didn''t know how to respond at this point. He was trying to salvage the situation but what Chloe said just ruined everything.


    He was still trying to get over the embarrassment caused by Chloe''s word when he felt a light push and a figure stood in front of him.


    "You''re Chloe, right?" Empress smiled as she looked at the beautifuldy in front of her.


    She didn''t know that the person that Daniel wanted to go and see next was such a beautifuldy.


    "And you might be?" Chloe asked as she turned her attention to thedy that pushed Daniel aside.


    She was very surprised when she saw Daniel standing at the door with a group of peculiar looking individuals. She wanted to ignore them but as someone who''s very aware of Daniel''s character, she quickly decided against it.


    As she looked at the group in front of her, she noticed that they gave off different... should she call it aura? They gave off different aura and only three people among them gave off the strongest, with thedy in front of her being among them, followed by a man who stood quietly at a corner and thest is Daniel.


    She became even more cautious when she noticed this, not daring to rx in the slightest.


    "I''m sorry, Miss Chloe but we didn''t mean to scare you or anything. We know it''s rude for all of us to gather in front of your house but there''s something we want to ask and we do hope you can give us an answer." Empress, Elizabeth Frederick said, putting on the best smile she could muster.

 Chapter 196: Getting Stronger [Bonus Chapter]

    Unfortunately for Elizabeth and her team, they were unable to get anything from Chloe as she has no idea where Ss lives.


    Of course, Chloe won''t be willing to tell them anything even if she does know where Ss lives.


    Chloe was actually curious as to the reason why Daniel and his group of peculiar-looking people were looking for Ss.


    She thought of different possibilities but none of them were any good. She decided to call Ss immediately to warn him.


    "Hey."


    "Hey Chloe. How are you?"


    "I''m good. Daniel was just here a few moments ago. He came with a group of people that gave off some weird feeling and they were looking for you.


    I think it might be rted to his father who was just sentenced a few days ago but I''m not sure


    Ogre, you didn''t get yourself into any trouble, right?" Chloe asked feeling a little worried.


    Ssughed when he sensed how worried Chloe was for him.


    "Chloe, are you worried for me?" Ss asked mischievously.


    "Don''t do that, ogre. Don''t try to get a reaction out of me. Just stay safe." Chloe said and immediately hung up.


    She threw the phone on the bed and buried her face into the pillow.


    "Stupid! You haven''t tried to contact me since that day and you''re trying to make my heart race again...."


    ****


    Ss smiled when he saw that Chloe had already ended the call but the smile faded when remembered the actual for which she called.


    "They really mean business, huh? It seems like I will also have to start making my preparation. I can''t let myself be caught offguard. I need to start increasing my strength immediately and also increase the rank of my superpower. I also need to start making progress on my n for Venezu."


    "Luna, can you track the location of Daniel and his team?"


    {They are currently making their way back to their base.}


    Ss nodded when he heard this and turned his attention to other things.


    "Luna, what''s the progress on creating the diluted version of the GES?" Ss asked.


    The version of the GES that doesn''t allow people to awaken their superpower is something that''s very important to Ss'' n.


    It''s something that would enable him to create a world-ss military that would instill fear into any world power.


    Also, since the construction work on the underground facility will soon bepleted, Ss was getting ready to put his n into action and that ns involves equipping the country''s military to the teeth.


    {The research on the diluted GES has beenpleted long ago. This is the same with majority of the research,} Luna responded and Ss nodded in satisfaction.


    "Good. That means we can start creating our enhanced soldiers as nned and we can also proceed with other things."


    The first thing that Ss actually ns to do afternding is to go to the ind and absorb dark energy, and to also add stat points to this stats.


    Now that he thought of it, he doesn''t need to get the ind first before adding the stat points.


    He immediately called up his status screen and the system points screen.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age: 20]


    [Race: Human]


    _____


    [Strength: 10]


    [Agility: 10]


    [Stamina: 10]


    [Intelligence: 10]


    [Charisma: 10]


    [Stats Point(s): 268(+)]


    [Superpower: Void Genesis (unranked).]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 156,690,000==>155,000,000==>155,078,900]


    [System Point(s): 1, 379, 860,000==> 16,686,029,000 (+)]


    Ss'' eyes widened in shock when he saw that amount of system points he has.


    "16 billion system points?! That''s a lot!"


    He began to daydream about all the things he could possibly buy with the huge stock of system points he currently has.


    Immediately his mood plummeted into the Abyss when he thought of even more expensive some items and knowledges in the system store are.


    Excluding the one that is currently known, which is the [Teleportation] knowledge that costs 1 billion system points, Ss has also seen other items and knowledges that cost even more than it.


    For example, there''s a dreadnought ss spaceship in the system store that costs more than 100 billion system points. Also, it''s to be noted that the particr spaceship that was mentioned is the smallest of the lot.


    There were spaceships that are almost half the size of Earth and some that wouldfortably dwarf out a minor.


    Yes, there''s also a Titan ss andkiller ss in the system store and their costs are unimaginable.


    Ss was able to get all this information due to the fact that he had told much free time on his hand. He knew how excited he was the day he saw the  spaceships in the system but his mood plummeted the next moment, when he thought of what it meant.


    Differences exist and this is even between siblings. It serves as a form of motivation for whoever is behind to improve and get better but when the difference is huge and chasm-like, it causes despair.


    Ss knew what the presence of those spaceships in the system store represented and it cemented his previous thoughts.


    "Let''s not jinx it. Earth is not yet ready for advance space travel and all."


    Ss turned his attention to what he initially intended to do before he got distracted.


    "I still have 268 stat points left from before, I can use it before exchanging system points for more," Ss said as he immediately used up the stat points left.


    He added 56 stat points to his strength, 53 to his agility, stamina, intelligence and charisma.


    Immediately after he added the stat points, Ss felt massive changes in his body and surroundings.


    He felt a massive surge of power rushing into his body. He thought he could hear cracking soundaing from his body, most likely his bones but he felt no pain.


    His felt his body also be lighter, his thought process became faster and even more fluid.


    These feelings were intoxicating to say the least as Ss felt like he is a caterpir that''s getting ready to evolve into the next stage but he still hasn''t reached there.


    Ss also noticed that some of the vague memories were starting to be a little bit clearer. It felt like the dense fog that obscure the memories were starting to dissipate slowly.


    Even though the memories were starting to be clearer, Ss was still unable to make anything out of it.


    This got Ss slightly curious and he couldn''t help anticipate what he would see the day the memories became clear enough for him.


    only-found-at-MVLeMpYr


    He also noticed that his perception has improved and has be better than it was before.


    Ss has experienced a lot of changes with just sharing the stat points he had at hand before.


    He called up his status screen to take look at it.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age: 20]


    [Race: Human]


    _____


    [Strength: 10==>66]


    [Agility: 10==>63]


    [Stamina: 10==>63]


    [Intelligence: 10==63]


    [Charisma: 10==63]


    [Stats Point(s): 268==>0(+)]


    [Superpower: Void Genesis (unranked)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 155,078,900]


    [System Point(s): 16,686,029,000 (+)]


    "This looks ok for now. I will add more when I get to the ind. I don''t want to idental crash the ne just because I wanted to max out my stat points." Ss said as he put away his status screen.


    Ss doesn''t want a repeat of those aftermath that usually results from his impulsive decisions.


    He looked out the window and enjoyed the view of the passing clouds that hung to the body of aircraft, as he thought of the future.


    "Change is constant."

 Chapter 197: Genesis Void Rank Up

    Canaima Isle.


    A young man could putting on only a brief could be seen sitting on a lotus position on a massive rock, with his eyes closed.


    After hended at the airport, the first thing that Ss did was to make his way immediately to the ind to begin his dark energy absorption.


    At the moment, Ss isn''t absorbing dark energy but increasing all of his stats to the max.


    The reason why Ss chose to first increase his stats is because of his perception.


    After he increased his stats in the ne, Ss noticed that his perception of his surroundings had improved but he had no idea of just how much his perception has improved.


    It was only after hended at the airport, did he actually understand just how much he has improved.


    Actually, it wasn''t something out of the ordinary as what changed is that his sensory abilities became slightly enhanced. Infact, he could barely feel the difference until he concentrated a little but he felt the improvement it has underwent with the increase in stat.


    There''s another thing that Ss noticed. The increase in his stats was almost as the same as when his stats were in simr state before his first evolution metamorphosis.


    The only difference between his perception then and now is that the range is wider than it was then.


    Ss immediately got to exchanging system points for stat points. He has already done a calction on how stat points he would need to increase his stat to the max and it summed up to 4688 stat points, and going by the new conversion rate, he would need to exchange 46,880,000* system points to get the amount of stat points he needs.


    Ss made the exchange and he saw the stat pointsfortably sitting in the stat points section of his status screen. He didn''t waste time as he started adding the stat points to his stat.


    After he added the stat points, he patiently waited. He thought that he would experience the bout of pain he experience the previous time he maxed out his stat but after waiting for almost a full minute, nothing happened.


    Instead of feeling pain, he felt massive familiar changes in his body, the massive surge of power,... everything he experienced when he increased his stat in the ne. The only difference was the feeling was even more profound than before.


    The changes also came with an exhrating feeling that felt like he was being reborn. The feeling was so good that it almost caused Ss to moan out but he had excellent self control.


    Just as he has expected, immediately after he maxed out his stat, Ss felt his perception increase greatly.


    This time it waspletely different from before where he needed to concentrate before he could detect the improvement in his perception.


    This time he could feel it clearly as he noticed that he can now see 5 kilometers ahead of him and he can now hear sounds 100 meters away.


    He was surprised by this changes to say the least. His perception wasn''t as good as this before he went through his first evolution metamorphosis.


    He was even more curious to see just how strong he currently ispared to before his first evolution metamorphosis.


    This thought also reminded him of something he previously nned to do but it has kept slipping from his mind. This involves building a personal training center for himself.


    He wants to build a training center that will be able to handle his strength and won''t get destroyed during his training sessions.


    Training with the clone in the domain is all good as the Pod does a marvelous job at recreating everything in the virtual world but Ss would prefer to have his training in the real world.


    Also, training with the clone has be boring as he''s technically training with himself, a virtual version of himself.


    "Status screen."


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age: 20]


    [Race: Human]


    _____


    [Strength: 66==>1000]


    [Agility: 63==>1000]


    [Stamina: 63==>1000]


    [Intelligence: 63==>1000]


    [Charisma: 63==>1000]


    [Stats Point(s): 0===>4688===>0(+)]


    [Superpower: Void Genesis (unranked)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 155,078,900]


    [System Point(s): 16,686,029,000 ==>16,639,149,000(+)]


    "Perfect!" Ss said as he did a quick breathing exercise, before concentrating his perception on sensing the dark energy around him.


    He lost awareness of the passage of time as he continued to sense the dark energy in the air.


    It took time just as always but Ss was able to sense the dark energy in the air and he immediately began to absorb it into his body.


    Ss felt the same familiar sensation when the dark energy was absorbed into his body. He felt like he was thrown into a cold room but the coldness of this room waspletely different from before, as it was more intense than it used to be. He felt like he was freezing as the cold prated his bones.


    Ss gritted his teeth, enduring the cold prating his body as he continued to absorb the dark energy into his body.


    As he absorbed more dark energy, the cold increased and it was starting to be even more ufortable for him.


    Ss continued to grit his teeth as he persevered. Abruptly, the bone freezing cold he was feeling vanished and he found himself in the familiar dark space with spots of light of different colors were floating around.


    He smiled when he saw this. He persevered and he seeded.


    He didn''t waste any time as he began to study the spots of light but before he could do that, he found himself back on the ind, seated on the rock.


    He couldn''t help but blink his eyes in confusion when he saw this.


    "What the?!....."


    Ss didn''t understand how to exin the situation. What he expected was to study the spots of light for some time so that he can be able to rank up his superpower, but he was sent out of the dark space before he could even do that.


    He decided looked around to confirm if he was truly back on the ind or not but unfortunately for him, he wasn''t mistaken.


    "But why?" Ss asked as his confusion increased by the second.


    The answer he was looking for came immediately as a system notification popped up in his retina.


    MVLeMpYr-hosted


    [Congrattion Host! Your superpower: Genesis Void has ranked up.]


    [You have met the requirements for your next evolution metamorphosis.]


    "Ohh..." Ss finally understood what happened.


    He immediately called up his status information to confirm.


    [Name: Ss Kurt]


    [Age: 20]


    [Race: Human]


    _____


    [Strength: 1000]


    [Agility: 1000]


    [Stamina: 1000]


    [Intelligence: 1000]


    [Charisma: 1000]


    [Stats Point(s): 0(+)]


    [Superpower: Void Genesis (F)]


    _____


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 155,078,900]


    [System Point(s): 16,639,149,000(+)]


    "It really ranked up! Nice. It seems like I lost connection to the dark space because my superpower ranked up." Ss smiled when he saw the changes in his status screen.


    He raised his head to look at the night sky that has stars brightening it up. He felt the cool night wind that blew from the ocean nearby, hitting his skin and giving him a refreshing feeling.


    "Ahh... Feels good to be alive." Ss smiled brightly as he enjoyed the view in front of him.


    He checked the time and he saw that it was already past midnight. He started his session of dark energy absorption quite early in the morning  and it''s already past midnight, which means he has spent more than 20 hours on the ind.


    "I guess I can use the rest of night to rest. I will go back to the maind tomorrow."

 Chapter 198: Genesis Void: Matter Manipulation

    Ss had nned to go back to the cabin house and rest for the night but the excitement he felt from raising the rank of his superpower was stronger than his desire for rest.


    Excitedly, he got down from the rock he was sitting on and started walking to the beach.


    "Time to see what I can do with the rank up of my superpower. Maybe it will be the same as before or it might be different. Who knows? I can only checkbto find out."


    When he got to the beach, he took his time to admire the ocean that reflected the starry night sky and he enjoyed the strong, cool ocean breeze that continuously kept hitting.


    "Ahhh... Feels good. When everyone moves to Venezu,I will definitely bring them to the ind to spend some time." Ss smiled.


    He had the urge to rush into the waters but he held himself back and he came for something important.


    He walked closer to the ocean and stretched out his hand. He extended his perception into the waters and almost immediately, he felt like he had grown another hand. It was more like sixth sense but calling it a third hand was the best way to describe it.


    With a smile stered on his face, he controlled his ''third hand'' and slowly, he felt it move and he also noticed small but clear distinct movements on the surface of the ocean.


    The smile on his face widened when he noticed this. Slowly, he felt a part of the water slowly separating from therger portion of the ocean and floated into the air.


    "Nice," Ss said in satisfaction and approval when he saw a ball of water of very substantial size floating in the air in front of him.


    The volume of water he made to float in front of him wasn''t huge but it wasn''t small either. To quantify it, the volume of the ball of water floating in front of him would be around 10 liters or more.


    This wasn''t much but it''s enough to fill a small bucket and maybe even a medium sized one.


    Ss continued to control the ball of water, not allowing it to ssh back into the ocean. He already made a decision that he was going to test the limits of his superpower tonight and that''s what he intends to do.


    The expression on his face turned slightly serious as he looked at the ball of water in front of him and with a thought, he started manipting the shape of the water. wee-to-MVLeMpYr


    From a ball of water, it started stretching out and few momentster, a long whip made of water was floating in front of him.


    He continued to be creative with his control over the shape of floating water as he shaped into it anything he could think of. He turned it into a miniature car made of water, into a drum and a stick.... He shaped into anything he could think of.


    He experienced no problem whatsoever with his control over the liquid state of matter, with the only issue being that he can''t control more the amount of water floating in front of him. But that wasn''t exactly a problem, it''s only a limitations caused by the current rank of his superpower.


    Ss decided to check the next state of matter: solid. He relinquished his control over the multiple balls of water floating in front of him and it sshed back into the ocean.


    He looked around the beach and he saw a small piece of rock lying gently on the wet sand of the beach, at a small distance from where he stood.


    He was about to walk towards the rock and pick it up but he stopped when he thought of something else.


    He stretched out his hand towards the small piece of rock and extend his control towards it. Just as it did with the liquid state of matter, within a few seconds of extending his perception towards the rock, he felt like he has suddenly grown a third hand.


    He could feel like he was touching something solid even though his hands are empty. He controlled the rock to float up from the ground and he saw it shake slightly before floating into the air. Few secondster, the small piece of rock was now floating in the air, at a small distance from Ss.


    "I tried to control it from a distance, I didn''t really know it would work." Ss said in surprise when he saw the rock floating in the air.


    What he intended to do was to check the distance limitations for his superpower rank and this is the result he achieved.


    Telepathically, he controlled the small piece of rock to fly towards him and in a sh, the rock closed the distance and was in Ss'' hand.


    Ss looked at the rock in his hand and he thought of something. He used his hand to get a feel of how heavy the rock was.


    "Probably roughly around 20-25kg." He said as he made a rough estimation of the rock size.


    He decided to do the same thing he did with the water as he manipted the shape of the rock and as expected, the small piece of rock reacted to the stimuli he provided, breaking into even smaller pieces.


    Ss continued to manipte the shape of the rock as he shaped the smaller pieces of rocks into balls, pins and small knives made of rock.


    "It''s almost the same thing as when it was at E rank. Nice." Ss nodded in approval.


    "Let me see how I can push it before I lose control over it." He controlled the rock to slowly fly away from him and used the Gear to measure the distance that the rock has flown.


    He was still able to control the rock even after it had flown over 5 meters away from him. His control over it was still strong even after 8 meters but as the distance increased, he started to feel like he was losing his control over the rock.


    After the rock has flown 10 meters away from him, he lostplete control over it and it fell to the wet, white beach sand.


    "So, ten meters is the maximum distance. That should also be the limit for my range of perception. Not bad, I suppose," Ss nodded in satisfaction.


    "Now, it''s time to check thest state of matter." Ss said as he closed his eyes, trying to feel the air around him.


    He stretched out his hands and tried to control the air around him. Slowly, he felt that he was part of the air current around him. No, the best way to say it is that he felt that he could now control the air around him.


    He made a gesture with his hands and he felt a small shift in the air current. He controlled the air current to rush towards him and a small gust of air rushed at his body.


    Ss smiled in satisfaction when he saw this. He was happy with progress made.


    "Not bad at all. Not bad at all."

 Chapter 199: Testing Physical Strength

    Ss was pleased with what he''s able to achieve with the current rank of his superpower. Hepared it to what it was before he underwent his first evolution metamorphosis and he found out that though the difference was there, it wasn''t that huge.


    Though he said that, he knew that even a minor difference can make a lot of difference in a fight.


    After Ss has checked the matter maniption part of his superpower, it''s now time to check the Regeneration part of it.


    Ss thought of how to start testing his Regeneration but only one thing came to his mind.


    "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. This is going to be a little difficult. Do I really have to hurt myself because I want to test my superpower?" He couldn''t help but shake his head when he thought of this.


    He knew that''s it''s the only way he can go about it. He tried to think of any other possible way but nothing else came to mind.


    He could only sigh in defeat when he saw that no other idea wasing to mind.


    "Even if I have to hurt myself, can I really bring myself to do it?"  Ss thought of this and shook his head.


    "Nah, I ain''t a masochist. Inflicting pain on myself is definitely out of the question."


    "I guess I will only be able to check the progress with my superpower when the opportunity presents itself," Ss said, making up his mind. MVLeMpYr-content


    Ss isn''t scared of pain or anything. In fact, he has experienced so much pain in his life¡ªphysically and emotionally¡ªthat he has be numb to it.


    Not being scared of pain is another thing while having to intentionally hurt himself because he wants to test his superpowers is something different entirely.


    How far would he have to go test the current limits of his superpower? Would be have to break his bones or inflict a deep cut on his skin? Ss shivered lightly when he thigh of it.


    "Well, since I can''t test my regeneration, then I should test the limits of my physical strength."


    "First, let''s test my agility and stamina," Ss said as he took a running stance.


    If it was before, the only way that Ss would be able to test his speed so with the Pod''s Domain but that has changed as Luna has created a way for Ss to use the Gear to do that.


    It''s not actually something special as all Luna did was to reconfigure the AR function of the Gear.


    Ss also decided to test out his agility at the same time. Since running expends stamina, then he would be killing two birds with a stone.


    He looked ahead and smile. He ns to run as manyps as his stamina can allow, running to one end of the beach to another.


    With an exhale, he took off and broke into a sprint. As he covered the distance, he felt the night wind blowing heavily against his face and his skin, sending a chilling feeling throughout his body.


    The feeling was ufortable. On the contrary, Ss loved it. As he ran from one end of the beach to another, the wind kept hitting his skin.


    After four hours of running around the beach, Ss was starting to feel slightly out of breath but he continued to push himself. He felt that he could still go on and he intends to push himself, so that he can know his exact limit.


    Two hourster, Ss couldn''t go on anymore as he copsed on the ground, trying to catch his breath.


    "Wow! That was intense!" When was thest time that he actually felt tired? He couldn''t remember.


    After the ind incident, his body went bizarro and his biorythm became messed up.


    Ss didn''t understand why but he kind of felt good as hey down on the beach and, tired.


    He looked at a section on the Gear that was disying his speed; 20 mph.


    "It seems like my physical stats got nerfed badly. I went from more than 500 mph down to 20 mph. Same as my previous infinite stamina. Tsk." Ss said and shook his head feeling slightly disappointed.


    "Well, I guess it''s one of the reason why I''m able to feel hungry again. But what about my strength? Can I still crush a diamond with just my bare hands?" Ss looked at his hand curiously and clenched his fists.


    "I doubt it. If my agility got nerfed so badly, then my other stats won''t be spared and that includes my strength. I guess I will have to test it to find out its limits but that would be forter. I''m too exhausted to do anything right now."


    Ss decided to ask the system about the nerfing of his physical strength.


    "System, why did my physical strength get nerfed so badly?"


    [It''s not exactly nerfing. Your physical strength has been bnced by your superpower.]


    "I see. That''s why you said that I have go through another evolution metamorphosis to increase my physical strength and that of my superpower?"


    [Yes.]


    "Not bad, I guess." Ss felt that his situation was simr to those dual cultivators that cultivates both qi/mana and their body at the same time.


    "The power system is kind of messed up but it does makes things interesting."


    Ss continued to lie down on the sandy beach, resting his exhausted body. The cool and refreshing night wind continued to blow from the ocean, hitting his body and making him to feel extremely rxed.


    Due to how rxed he was, Ss didn''t notice it but he started dozing off and in a few minutester, he had fallen asleep.


    ...


    *Cow-cow-cow*


    A low but piercing keow jolted Ss out of his sleep. He wanted to open his eyes but the direct sunlight hitting his face prevented him from doing so. It was only after he used his hand to block out the sunlight from hitting his face, was he able to open his eyes.


    "I was so exhausted that I slept off. Well, it''s all good since I enjoyed the sleep and it was very refreshing."


    Ss'' body was constantly hit by the refreshing, cool, night wind as he slept on the beac and this is the reason why he feels refreshed when he woke up.


    Ss didn''t know when he slept off. All he wanted to do was to rest a little at the beach, regain some of his stamina before going back to the cabin house but he was too tired that he slept off.


    He wasn''t worried that he might be in any form of danger as he slept on the beach as his safety is guaranteed on it. He doesn''t have to worry about animals or humans as there are no one on the ind except for him.


    The only danger he might possibly be in is if he gets pulled into the ocean but that''s impossible as he was quite a distance from the shore.


    Ss looked around the empty beach and pushed himself up from the ground. He shook and dusted the sand off his body before making his way to the cabin house.


    ...


    A couple minutester, Ss was already cleaning himself up. He was now wearing a blue jeans pant and a white T-shirt.


    He walked out of the cabin and made his way to the harbor where a speedboat was already waiting for him.

 Chapter 200: Meeting With The Generals

    Inside one of Venezu''s military bases, in an office, a groups of men and women in varying military uniforms were gathered around a table.


    From the decorations and stars on their uniforms, one could be see that the group of people gathered in the room are of high ranks in the military. Also, from the frightening aura they exuded and the solemn expression on their faces, one would know that they are having a serious conversation.


    Also, in the room is a young man and a elderly-looking-man seated at the head of the table.


    "Mr President, you said that this is a very important meeting but if you don''t mind, may I ask who the young man seated beside you is?" One of the men in military uniform asked.


    With just a look at the man''s uniform, it could be seen that the man is of his highest rank in the military, the army to be precise.


    President Yusmaorobis looked at everyone in the room and coughed to clear his throat before he started saying what he wanted to say.


    "Everyone, I called you here because there''s something important that I want to tell everyone. To those of you who are curious, the name of the young man seated beside me is Ss. He''s the one that initiated the clean up activity in the country." President Yusmaorobis paused and looked at everyone''s face, wanting to see their reactions.


    He smiled when he got the reactions he was expecting. Some of them had a frown on their faces, some had a surprised expression but only a very few of them had a shocked expression on their faces.


    Themon expression they all shared was confusion. They couldn''t understand what President Yusmaorobis was saying.


    Did he mean that the kid seated beside him that doesn''t looks like he''s still wet behind the ears is the one that initiated therge scale cleaning exercises that happened in the country more than half a year ago?


    They felt that it was very unlikely but when they looked at President Yusmaorobis'' face and saw the smile on his face, they knew that they have to believe it.


    The first thing they did was to look at the young man, studying him carefully. The first thing they noticed is that Ss doesn''t look Venezun and this got them curious. What is his nationality? Was the question on their minds.


    Another thing they noticed is that the boy was giving off a very dangerous aura. It''s an aura that''s very hard to miss but for people like them that has been in the military for years and has been through a lot on the field before they got to where they are, they noticed the aura.


    They all had a lot of questions on their minds as they looked at the young man in front of him.


    "Mr President, is the reason why you called for this meeting rted to the young man beside you?" A middle-aged woman was the one that asked the question this time.


    "Yes." President Yusmaorobis nodded his head.


    It was then that Ss felt it was time for him toe into the conversation. He looked at the group of high ranking military personnels in the room with a stern expression on his face.


    "I will go straight to the point. I want to make a reform in the military. A lot of things are going to change and the changes will be massive," Ss paused for a few seconds, allowing what he said to sink in.


    "The first thing to change will be the quality of military personnels in the military. To achieve that, we will have to retrain every single one of the military personnels, those that can no longer serve and perform their service obligations will be discharged. There will also be a new military division that will be created in the future."


    After he was done talking, he looked at the faces of the military personnels gathered, waiting to see their reactions. Just as he had expected, he saw the shock and disbelief on their faces.


    "Mr President, is what he said true?" Another man asked in confirmation.


    "Yes. Not only the military but there will be significant changes in every sectors of the country''s government. Heavy budgets will be made avable to every sectors to facilitate these changes. The equipments and technology used by the military will be reced, and improved. I know that all of you are shocked by this announcement and it''s very understandable."


    President Yusmaorobis smiled as he enjoyed the varying expressions that everyone in the room was making.


    The truth was that he was feeling very happy at the moment. He made a deal with Ss that he would give him the country in exchange to have his daughter rescued.


    At first he was expecting that Ss would start doing crazy things in the country but even after more than half a year, nothing of such has happened. Instead Ss has been undertaking projects that indirectly benefits the country.


    Take the two massive construction works that he undertook: the already finished bank building and the currently, ongoing, massive construction work at another site. These two construction works created a lot of jobs for the people of the country, directly and indirectly.


    Also, now that the bank building had beenpleted and had employed a lot of staffs, a lot of people who passed the interview held by Luna got jobs.


    President Yusmaorobis was happy because he knew that those who got employed at the bank would have an easy life ahead of them. And that is if they don''t mess things up from themselves.


    President Yusmaorobis line of thoughts were broken when he heard someone asking a question.


    "Mr President, forgive me for asking this but is the.... kid seated here the one that''s expected to bring about those changes? If he is, then I want to ask why? From what I can see he''s not a Venezun and he looks American. Also, how does he intend to bring about those changes?


    How do we know we can trust him and what is his real identity?" The man shot a barrages of questions at President Yusmaorobis.


    President Yusmaorobis smiled at the questions and looked at Ss. The meeting has gotten to the point when Ss has to prove himself to the people in the room and he was curious as to how he ns to do that.


    Ss also smiled when he heard the man''s questions. He knew that the man''s questions were all out of curiosity and cautious. Something that he found nothing wrong with.


    "You all want me to prove myself to you? How do you intend for me to do that?" Ss asked with a sly smile.


    He looked at the faces of the men and women in the room, before turning to look at the door.


    "Luna,e inside please."

 Chapter 201: Dilemma

    Lorckheed Martin Corporation North Bethesda, Marnd.


    Inside one of the conference rooms in the building, a groups of men and women dressed in office attire could be seen seated around a rectangr conference table.


    One could feel how tensed the atmosphere of the conference room is and this can also be seen by the solemn expression on the face of everyone in the room.


    NovelBin-unofficial-chapter


    "Joseph, we have to find a way to solve the current situation. We are caught in a dilemma here." A man said with a very serious expression on his face.


    "Jeremy, what do you suggest we do? He has the biggest shares in thepany, just slightly behind two other institutional investors. How do we solve this situation in a way that we don''t lose his investment and we don''t get the country on our necks?" The man seated at the head of the table asked, as a solemn expression colored his face.


    The man''s question caused a stifling silence to envelope the room. Everyone looked at the files in front of them with different thoughts running through their minds.


    It wasn''t just the man that was seated at head of the table that was worried but every single person in the room is worried on how to solve the situation at hand.


    Just early this morning, they got a message from one of their investors. It would had a joyous thing to get a message from one of  thepany''s investors but unfortunately for them, this message wasn''t a very favourable one.


    Joseph Terrence, the head of thepany''s Board of Directors, President and CEO, immediately called for an emergency meeting when he received the message, asking for all the Board of Directors to attend.


    He wouldn''t had called for an emergency meeting if it was something that he could handle on his own but there are a lot of factors involved, and that''s makes the issue veryplicated.


    This time around, it was someone else that spoke up, breaking the silence.


    "I don''t think we should focus on that. The question we should be asking ourselves is why one of thepany''s biggest shareholders is asking us to sell weapons to a country that''s under sanctions by almost all the major countries in the world? Also, what does he need these weapons for? Why is he that he''s threatening to dump all the shares he has if we don''t sell these weapons to the country?


    These are the questions we should be asking ourselves instead of trying to find a way to solve the situation. I believe that if we can get answers to these questions, then we have already solved the situation."


    "Icarus, you''ve asked the questions one every one''s mind, now what are the answers to them?" Joseph Terrence asked.


    He agreed with the questions that Icarus raised but with theck of answers to these questions, they be nothing but unanswerable questions.


    "Does he intends to start a war?" Someone asked carefully, with a low voice that almost sounds like a whisper.


    Even though the person''s voice was low, it was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.


    The expressions on everyone''s faces tightened when they heard the question. They immediately felt that things were now snowballing into a very gray area.


    "Why did the expression on their faces change so much when I asked the question? Or do you want to tell me that this is the first time that something like this is happening? We have done deals even shadier than this, why should this one be so hard?" The person that asked the previous question asked again.


    He felt that the pretentiousness of everyone in the congregation room was evolving into something else. He was fully aware of what the corporation is capable of and he found it very funny that something as simple as this is giving them so much headache.


    Why overthink things when you can just sell the weapons and make the expected profits? This is something that he doesn''t understand.


    "Nathan, I understand what you mean but this scenario isn''t as simple as it might seem. I got a news from someone in the White House that there''s a war. Also, you do know that Venezu is still under multiple sanctions and with war imminently at hand, we can''t let our be caught dead in the middle of it.


    The consequences are going to be disastrous," Terrence said, exining more on the situation at hand.


    The faces of those in the conference room tensed again when they heard that there''s a waring. Under normal circumstances, for them aspany that deals with military equipments, weaponry, technologies and services, it would had been a very solid news for them but they couldn''t help but feel that something''s up.


    They could smell trouble brewing from a thousand miles away and this made them incredibly worried.


    "Also, the scariest thing is that we don''t know much about this shareholder. All we know is his name which is Ss Kurt but nothing more than that. We don''t even have an image of him and we can ascertain that this name is actually his.


    If you want to ask if I tried to personally investigate him, then the answer is yes. I started gathering information on him the very day he bought the first batch of shares.


    I used every single one of my contacts but I got nothing. All the investigations lead to a wall. It was looking for someone who didn''t exist in the first ce.


    Tell me, how does it feel when your enemy is in the dark and we are in the open?" Terrence asked and he watched the expression on everyone''s faces tightened even more.


    "I''m d that everyone now understands the severity of the situation. We can''t just make a casual decision and have ourselves suffering from the consequences of it. We are caught in a dilemma here because we can''t just refuse to sell the weapons to him and risk him dumping that much shares.


    The percentage of shares he has in thepany are not huge but they are sizable making it very difficult for me to overlook it. With how vtile the market is right now, if more than half a million shares are dumped at once, how do you guys think the other investors will react?


    Also, we can''t sell the weapons to him because if we do, we are definitely going to be in a lot of troubles. We can''t get ourselves in trouble with the United States, can we? It won''t just be them as it''s going to have a massive snowball effect. So guys, how do you suggest we solve this problems?" Terrence asked as he tapped the table rhythmically.


    *****


    While Lorckheed Martin Corporation Board of Directors were burning braincells over issue of selling weapons to Venezu, the one who''s the cause of the dilemma was still seated in the room filled with high ranking military personnels.


    After he told Luna to walk into the room, the expressions on the faces of everyone in the room, excluding Ss and President Yusmaorobis changed into a very ufortable one.


    Ss smiled brightly when he saw the expressions on their faces. He pped his hands bringing them out of their stupor.


    "I can see that you guys are already familiar with my Personal Assistant, Luna. She must have paid you guys a very wonderful visit. Now, do you still want me to prove myself?" Ss asked as he looked at them with a stern expression on his face.

 Chapter 202: Embodiment Of Power

    The truth is that the between Ss and the the people in the room was really needed. He could just do as he please as the country is technically is as it is.


    After he fulfilled his promise to President Yusmaorobis, it could be said that that act of his bought the country and made it his.


    Thus, he didn''t need the permission of the individuals seated in the room before he can start implementing the changes he wants but he decided to meet with them first for some reasons.


    One of those reasons being that he doesn''t want anyone who would try to prevent the changes from taking ce in any way. Especially anyone who would want to use their high ranking position in the military to stop the changes from taking ce.


    Ss also took a double approach by having Luna pay the individuals seated in the room a personal and friendly visit.


    What Luna did wasn''t something out of the ordinary but she definitely left an impression just as Ss asked.


    Ss had already devised a n for the issue pertaining to the country''s military. He has also had Luna gather the needed information that would help him to achieve what he wants.


    He already has information on those that are not longer fit to stay in military. The people who are left will be retrained.


    About Ss'' n on recing the equipments, weapons, technologies and services that the country''s military uses, he already has a n for it.


    In a way it''s rted to the reason why Ss asked Lorckheed Martin Corporation to sell weapons to him but not entirely.


    Why would he want to buy weapons or technologies that he can easily create with the Atomic Printer? Just as he said, he ns to equip the Venezu military to the teeth and he intends to see that through.


    Ss looked at the faces of the men and women in the room, and he let out an exhale.


    Seated in the room and around the table are top ranking people in the country''s military and they are the people that the decision-making of the nation''s security fall into thejr hands.


    The nation''s Minister of Defense, Strategic Operational Officer, General-in-chief, Chief of the General Staff, the head of the Army Command, Air Force Command, Navy Command, National Guard Command, Militia Command, Joint Chief of Staffs, the Regional Defense Zones Commanders.


    Every single one of them were gathered in the conference room. These are people that just the mention of their names outside the room will cause people to respect  but all of them are gathered in a single room and looking at the young man who is seated at the head of the table with fear on their faces.


    It couldn''t be helped. What they saw yesterday isn''t something that could be mentioned freely in the public.


    How do they exin to people that just yesterday, an unknowndy literally flew into their base on her own. Easily made her way past their security systems, defense systems and every single line of defense they put up and left the base unscathed?


    It''s something that''s beyond unbelievable! Even they won''t believe it if they are told. How are they expected to but they knew they


    It was a thing of shame but also something to intensely worry about. How do they defend against such an individualter in the future?


    They knew that they were lucky that thedy had no desire to actually anyone as she only made sure to incapacitated those who stood in her way.


    It was scary that just one person was able to break the defensive measures that were put in ce. Just how scarier would it be if they are more of them? This was a question that sent chills down their spines.


    Ss noticed that as time passed, the expression on everyone''s faces was getting worse as they looked at Luna. He knew that it was time for him to step in.


    "You guys don''t need to be scared of her or what the future holds because I intend to make every single military personnels in the country just as strong as her. If you''re curious on how I intend to aplish that, you don''t need to worry as I have my means.


    All that you all need to do is the cleansing of each of your divisions. Trust me, I can do this myself but I''m doing this because I believe you all won''t disappoint me. I don''t mind you guys leaving your people but if they stand in my way, trust me, I won''t be nice as this is the nicest I can be. Don''t make me regret my decision."


    Ss stood up from his seat and walked out of the conference room with Luna following behind and President Yusmaorobis choosing to stay.


    After Ss had left, all eyes were now focused on President Yusmaorobis, causing him to smile brightly.


    "So, what do you think? Do you believe he has what it takes to do as he said or do you all want to test him further?" President Yusmaorobis smiled even more brightly.


    He could had left with Ss but he chose to stay back as there things he has to finalize before he can leave.


    If he was to be honest, he was enjoying the expression on the faces and how quickly it kept getting worse with each passing seconds.


    President Yusmaorobis'' question heightened the already tensed atmosphere in the room. chapter-hosted-on-NovelBin


    "Mr President, I don''t understand what you mean by test him further but I''m curious about something and I hope that you can enlighten us on it. I''m also sure that I''m not the only one here that has this question." A man with the name tag, Strategic Operational Officer Nico, asked as he looked at the faces of other in the room and he saw them nod in approval.


    There was no need for them to hear what Nico was curious about before agreeing to it as it was the same question that''s currently upying arge part of their mind.


    President Yusmaorobis also knew this but he still chose to ask what Nico and everyone are curious about.


    "Go ahead and ask. If it''s something I can enlighten everyone on, then I will but if not, I''m sorry."


    Nico first coughed to clear his throat and took in a deep breath, and let out a lengthy exhale.


    "Mr President, what''s the identity of the young man that just left? I know that he said his name is Ss but who is he really? What sort of power, organization or entity does he represent and what does he and his backers stand to gain with all this?" Nico shot a barrages of questions at President Yusmaorobis.


    He still had a lot of questions that he wants to ask but he stopped as he wants President Yusmaorobis to give answers to those he asked first.


    "So many questions that you all want to ask but so little answers to give." President Yusmaorobis smiled.


    He felt that he has been smiling quite a lottely. He felt that it might be rted to his daughter who is now safely recuperating in the hospital but he think it''s more because of Ss.


    President Yusmaorobis looked at everyone and sighed.


    "I really can''t tell you all much. What''s his real identity?... I can''t tell you all anything because I don''t know either but what I do know is that the young man who just left doesn''t have any power backing him. That''s because he''w the embodiment of power itself!"

 Chapter 203: Future Projects

    After Ss left the conference room, he made his way to the warehouse. It was time to start taking the world by storm.


    He has previously made ns on releasing the Pod andunching the VR game created by Apollo. But due to a lot of things, he hasn''t had the time for see those ns through but he decided to putting them into motions now.


    Ss intends to use the Pod for three different things which are gaming, research and training¡ªmostly military training.


    The first one has already been exined, thest doesn''t need exnation as it''s self-exnatory. While the details of the second can be guess by just looking at it.


    The usage of the Pod for research is a way to have researchers in the real world to visit the simted researchb world and gain as much knowledge as they can.


    Just as Ss said, he doesn''t want to fully depend on AI and stuffs. He still want to have people around him.


    As someone who is still trying his best as socializing, he feels it would do him more good to surround himself with people rather than isted himself from them.


    It isn''t anythingplex for the researchers to visit the simted world as all that would be needed is for the Pod to have the Domain function.


    This is the same with the military training as the Domain function is the only thing that can help Ss to achieve what he wants.


    Ss also remembered what Luna said about building an even better quantumputer to increase herputation power.


    He immediately decided to do that but he suddenly thought of a very critical issue he''s going to have in the future. Actually, not in the future as he would start having it very soon due to the workload on the quantumputer that are going to be increasing very soon and that is the issue of power¡ªelectricty.


    As it stands, a massive amount of electricity is consumed by AGIs and the quantumputer. Something that has been brought to Ss'' attention before and he had already thought about how to fix it.


    This is the reason why he was delighted when he got the fusion power knowledge from the system. It is also one of the reasons why it''s among the knowledge he transferred to his clone in the simted researchb world.


    "Luna, what''s the progress on the nuclear fusion research?" Ss asked Luna who was seated beside him in the car.


    {Just I said before, research on every knowledge you made avable to the simted research world AIs have already beenpleted.}


    "What about on how to create it in the real world?"


    {That has also been taken care of.}


    Ss nodded in satisfaction when he heard this, "Good. Then I can start as soon as possible but how do I go about creating it in the real world? Do I need to employ some manpower or something?"


    He was thinking of if he should get some professional and expert hands for the creation of the fusion nt in the real world.


    It''s no doubt that the creation of a fusion nt is something extremelyplex and difficult. It isn''t something that can be done by winging it or relying on a stroke of luck. Many protocols must be followed simultaneously, and the creation process must be carried out stringently


    Well, that is for regr people. On the spot, Ss has already thought of a solution¡ªAI.


    Even though he doesn''t want to admit it, he knew that he only way he won''t have to start looking for experts and professionals around the world is by creating an AI or AGI that can handles everything. It''s actually disheartening but Ss knew that this is the bitter truth.


    If a fusion power nt is to be created, the first thing that has to be done is the conceptual design and research, something that the AIs in the simted research world has taken care of.


    The second is the engineering and reactor design which is the to design the physical structure of the reactor, to ensure that everything works perfectly. This can also be taken care of by an AI instead of looking for a mechanical and electrical engineer or a materials scientists.


    NovelBin-hosted


    Even the processes that are even moreplex can be handled by an AI. The easiest parts are the construction and infrastructure, followed by the control and monitoring systems.


    There''s no argument that thest two can only be perfectly handled by an AI.


    Ss thought about this and decided to create an AGI that will be in charge of construction works. Not just the fusion power nt construction work but also other construction works in the future.


    Ss doesn''t n for the AGI topletely take over the job of the construction workers. His reason for creating it is because he wants it to be an assistant to them.


    With the way he sees things, he knew that there are some projects¡ªvery massive projects that will be undertaken in the future and he knew that there''s no way the construction workers who are ordinary humans can do it themselves. He also knew that it''s impossible for AI toplete them on its own.


    One might think otherwise but Ss has a reason why he knew that AI or humans can''t do it alone.


    After making the decision, Ss immediately brought up an IDE interface he created and started typing in the codes for the new AGI.


    As he typed in the codes, Ss remembered the "request" he made to Lorckheed Martin Corporation.


    "Luna, has Lorckheed given a response to my request?"


    {No. Thest time I checked, they were in a meeting but it yielded nothing and they had to adjourn it. Should I pressure them?} Luna asked, immediately making preparation to give thepany a little tease.


    Ss smiled and shook his head when he heard this.


    "Don''t pressure them. It''s not like the weapons are needed anyway. The only thing we might actually need from the them is designs and some very little information, and we have our means of getting those without having to ask."


    {Yes, we do.}


    Ss decided not to bother himself with other things and continued his coding. He wants toplete the coding of the new AGI as soon as possible.


    If it was before his evolution metamorphosis, he would had been done with it in a couple of minutes but now, it would take him a couple of hours before he''s done with the codes.


    Some couple minutester, Ss'' convoy stopped outside the warehouse.


    {Master, we''ve arrived at the warehouse,} Luna said, informing the busy Ss of their arrival.


    Ss nodded and paused what he was doing. He looked at the car door being held open by one of the guards and stepped out the car.


    Ss couldn''t help but smile as he stepped out of the car. He had been limiting himself too much before, not wanting to spend and this had made him not to realize what he had been missing all this while.


    The truth is that Ss just want to enjoy his money and enjoy his time but here he is.


    "Maybe I can enjoy itter in the future but I have to work towards it."

 Chapter 204: Changes, Progress

    Inside the warehouse, Ss could be seen working with a serious expression on his face.


    "Luna, tell Hephaestus that he and the construction workers are to immediately begin the construction work on the Fusion Power nt."


    Ss was already done with creating the AGI and it has already gone through its learning process. All that''s left now is for it to start doing what it was created for.


    After Ss told Luna to pass down his order, he decided to focus his attention on the next thing: creating a quantumputer.


    As usual, Ss wasn''t going to settle for anything average as what he ns to create is a quantum inte. He knew that very soon and in the very near future, regr inte would no longer go serve him anymore.


    He ns to create a massive quantumputer that would face no problem even when handling world scaleputing. Something that Ss knew wasn''t far off.


    He also ns to create a quantum inte while he''s creating the quantumputer.


    "A quantumputer and quantum inte... What a perfectbo!" Ss said as he walked to the Atomic Printer and clicked on its screen.


    The screen lit up and he started clicking in what he wants the Atomic Printer to print for him. As he clicked it in, a soft hum was heard as the Atomic Printer clicked into action.


    The first thing he created are the qubits. Since he already has a even more advanced method of creating them, Ss intends to create the best of the best.


    A few minutester, one of thepartment of the Atomic Printer opened up, disying some sets of qubits that has been printed.


    Ss took them out of thepartment and ced them on of the working table beside him.


    He clicked on the Atomic Printer''s screen again and inputted the information of the next thing he wants it to print.


    Ss continued his work in that pattern, printing theponents he needs and assembling them on the working table.


    .....


    A couple of miles from the warehouse, massive construction vehicles, machines could be seen of upying a huge area.


    A group of people in heavy PPE were standing beside the machines and vehicles, and looking at a man that was standing on a makeshift tform. They had been told to pause whatever they are doing and gather at where they stood. And just as expected, wherever there''s a crowd, there''s always noise.


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    The construction workers chatted enthusiastically as they waited for the construction manager.


    "Guys, we got ourselves another job." The construction manager shouted over a loudspeaker, as he stood on the tform.


    Everyone working on the site simultaneously paused their conversation and raised their head to look at him with a mixture of shock and disbelief on their faces.


    The project manager smiled when he saw the expression on their faces. He understood what they were thinking and he also wasn''t an exception.


    "Yes, it''s true. I know that all of you are shocked and in disbelief, and you''re not the only one. I just got information from the headquarter and also, I would like to tell you all that we have a new assistant. Everyone, let''s wee Hephaestus."


    Immediately a soft hum was heard from all the machines present at the site.


    Everyone on the site were shocked when they saw this. They didn''t understand what was going on one bit and they felt very bugged out by it.


    The construction manager smiled when he saw this. The truth is that he was also as shocked as everyone wheh he got the two news.


    In thatst six months, they have been working non-stop after not working for years. This made them very happy and it made them even happier when their pay was raised a couple of months back after all the constructionpanies in the country was purchase by their new owner.


    If he''s to be honest, he loves as things are going but he has never thought that one day he would have to work with an AI on a construction work.


    It was just a couple of minutes ago that he received news on a new construction project and it was said that it''s going to be bigger than anything they have ever worked on.


    Not just big, it would be massive and it''s a very delicate project that will require the on ground presence of professionals and experts, but instead of them, they were given what is called an AGI.


    The construction manager didn''t understand what an AGI was until it was exined to him. He also noticed that the person that was exining things to him also felt the same way he felt.


    After he understood what Hephaestus was, he got scared and worried about his and everyone''s future but after he was reassured that it was nothing more than an assistant. He finally calmed down.


    Not it''s time for him to start exining to the construction workers on the site.


    .....


    A shocking and major upheaval has started taking ce in every single offices rted to Venezu military, security and defense.


    It all started after the major yers in the areas came back from a meeting. It was only those close to them that had a little idea of how the meeting went.


    The sizes of the changes that happened were massive and significant. It was all smiles as those who were let go tried to beg so that they can continue to stay but they knew that nothing could be done after they heard that it''s an order from above.


    It was worse for those who weren''t qualified for their positions and got it through the connections.


    ****


    Inside a room, Daniel, Elizabeth, David and other Phenomenals were gathered around a table, and seriously discussing something.


    "Seriously, how do they expect us to trace and capture someone with such little information? Even if we do trace him sessfully, how do we capture him? I''m very sure that everyone remembered what happened vividly that day? We were in no way a match for him. He threw us around like a ragdoll.


    Guys, I know that we all want to do our due diligence and all, but we are trying to awaken a slumbering behemoth here. Call me scared but I''d rather be alive than dead. I think we should find a nice way to tell President Adrian that we failed." A young man with brown hair and blue eyes said.


    Elizabeth looked at the young man for moment and sighed. She understood very well that he meant well and what he said was right but... She knew that they have no choice but to find this Ss.


    Others may not know if the inner working of the agency but she does. She knew a lot of things that others don''t and this is why she wants to do as she''s told and get things over with.


    "Demetri, you know what? You don''t have to follow us out on field missions anymore. You can stay here and help out with things," Elizabeth said.


    Daniel was watching the fiasco and he couldn''t help but chuckle when he heard what Elizabeth said.


    ''Ss.... Ss... Just you wait, I''ming for you.''

 Chapter 205: San Francisco Office

    "Luna, boot it up and let''s see how it works," Ss said and took a step back from a massive ck object that looks like a TV screen.


    Less than a secondter, a familiar soft hum was heard and the massive screen lit up.


    Ss watched as the screen booted up before it started disying a lot of messages. He knew that Luna was test running it when he saw the messages.


    He saw that it would take a while before Luna would be done with the test running and he decided to continue with the creation of the quantum inteponents.


    He walked to the Atomic Printer and inputted the design of what he wants to be printed and he heard the familiar hum indicating that it''s already working on it. m|vle mp _yr novel source


    Ss didn''t have to worry about the raw materials that he would need for the Atomic Printer as Luna has already had everything prepared and readied.


    The Atomic Printer was fast as always as it quickly finished printing what Ss wanted in matters of a couple of minutes.


    Ss took out the printedponents from the openedpartment of the Atomic Printer and ced it on his working table.


    {Master, I''m done with it.} Luna said, informing Ss that she was done with test running the new quantumputer.


    "How is it, Luna?" Ss asked as he walked towards the massive ck screen that''s the quantumputer.


    {It''s perfect. It works just as exactly as it should work. It has enough storage capacity, enoughputing power and other things.} Luna said in approval.


    Ss smiled in satisfaction when he heard Luna''s response. He was happy that he could now focus on other things and he won''t have to worry about the quantumputer not being enough to handle any type ofputation he wants, and as much as he wants at the same time.


    "Good. Set it up and have everyone connect to it. We will beunching the Pod soon and E will have to start creating multiple AIs. Apollo will also have to start running the game."


    Talking about Apollo, Ss remembered that he was supposed to optimize the game and make it even better.


    "Apollo, what''s the progress on the game?" Ss asked.


    {I''m already done implementing the needed changes. You can check it for assessment.}


    "There''s no need for me to do that. Since you said it''s perfect, then I will take your words for it. Also, we can''t actually create a perfect game as we will still need to update it once in a while."


    Ss wasn''t really bothered about the game as he knew that Apollo would do a perfect job.


    "Apollo, get ready. We will beunching the game in couple of weeks," Ss said before turning his attention to what he was doing.


    .....


    Time flew and it was finally a few days to theunch of the game.


    Of course, he isn''t reallyunching the game as what he ns to do first is two to three rounds of beta testing before the actualunch of the game.


    "Phew... It''s time," Ss said as he stopped what he was doing and went to take his shower.


    He has been very busy for the past few days, assembling the neededponents of the quantum inte.


    He has also been printing the parts of the satellites that would be needed to beunched into space.


    Yes, Ss ns tounch satellites into space. It''s not just for the quantum inte but he ns tounch as many satellites as possible and he ns to do this through the space transportation and explorationpany he''s going to create.


    He ns to do this because of the future. With the current trajectory of things, Ss wants to have build a highly advanced satellites that would belong to him and him alone.


    After he was done taking his bath and freshening up, he put on a new change of clothes and left the warehouse with Luna.


    ****


    San Francisco, California, USA.


    Ss stood inside a bee warehouse that he had already had Luna to prepare for him.


    Outside the warehouse are multiple moving trucks waiting.


    "Luna, it''s time." Ss said, reminding Luna or what they discussed some time ago.


    {I remembered perfectly, master. All you just need to do is go purchase the Pod and I will take care of the rest.}


    "Good." Ss said and started purchasing the Pods from the system store.


    What Ss and Luna is talking about is the encryption of the Domain so that it''s invisible and inessible by others, except for those he allows.


    Ss purchased a total of 10 Pods that will be used for the first round of the beta testing, costing him a total of 2.37 million system points.


    "Luna, have theme inside and load the Pods into the trucks," Ss said as he looked at the Pods in front of him.


    He also walked out of the warehouse and got into the car. It was time to go meet Kim at the office.


    He had already informed her when hended at the airport that he would being with something new and she should expect him soon.


    Due to the distance between the warehouse and the office, it took Ss only a few minutes before he got there.


    Unlike before, Kim wasn''t waiting outside thepany''s building for him and he was very happy.


    The car parked in front of the building and Ss got out of the car and walked into the building, with Luna following closely behind.


    Ss walked into the building and made his way to the exclusive elevator for Kim''s office.


    .....


    Kim was surprised when she got a call from Ss saying that he would soon arrive at the office.


    She was even more surprised when she heard that he has a new business idea. She couldn''t understand just from where Ss is getting all his business and the thing about them is that they are very profitable. Infact, they are extremely profitable.


    "I wonder what the new business idea is all about?" Kim asked herself curiously, as she waited for him.


    A soft knock was heard on the door of her office, causing her to smile.


    "Come on in."


    The door opened up and a very familiar young man walked into the office.


    "Ss! How are you?" Kim excitedly got up from her seat and gave Ss a hug.


    Ss smiled at Kim''s antics. This started during the family vacation. As they spent time together, they got closer and one day, without warning, Kim hugged him out of nowhere.


    His initial reaction was to push her away but when he saw the look his father was giving him, he stopped himself and returned her hug instead.


    "Hi... Kim. I''m fine. How are you doing?" Ss said as he returned the hug. Truth be told, he doesn''t know if he''s ever going to get used to this.


    "Hehe... In fine. Come, take your seat and tell me about your new business idea," Kim said happily as she stopped hugging Ss and went to take her seat.


    Ss also smiled and took his seat. He was about to start exining his new business idea to Kim when he saw the frown on her face.


    "Who are you and what are you doing here?" Kim asked the unfamiliardy that just walked into her or office, unannounced.


    {I''m with master.}


    Thedy''s response shocked her but her shock increased when she understood what he was talking about.


    "Master?! Ss do you care to exin?!" She asked in shock.

 Chapter 206: Only Qualified Competition

    Kim didn''t know what to make of the situation.


    Master?!


    She tried to understand what could possibly be going on, but she found it very difficult to wrap her head around everything.


    "Ss, please, do you care to exin what''s going on?" Kim asked as she looked at Ss intently.


    Ss sighed when he saw that Kim was misunderstanding the whole situation, but he knew that she couldn''t be med. Luna calling him master isn''t something that he''s against, as there''s nothing more to it. But he also knew that it would bepletely different if an outsider were to hear her call him that.


    Ss knew how wild human''s imaginations can be, and Kim wasn''t going to be an exception to that. He looked at Luna, who was still standing beside him and gave her a re.


    "Why did you have to say it like that and create a misunderstanding?"


    He had a feeling that Luna was being mischievous, and the smirk he saw on her face when he asked the question confirmed what he was feeling. He knew that there was no way that Luna would actually call him master out loud in public. Most especially in front of Kim.


    this chapter is mv|le|mp|y r


    He turned his head to look at Kim, who was still staring at him and waiting for an exnation. He knew that the only thing he could do right now was to clear up the misunderstanding that Luna created, but he doubted that Kim was going to believe anything he was going to say.


    "Kim, this is Luna, my secretary." Ss said and waited for Kim''s reaction.


    "Your secretary?..." Kim asked as her eyes darted between Ss and Luna in suspicion.


    "Yes, she''s my secretary." Ss nodded his head in confirmation.


    "So.. the two of you are not in that type of rtionship?" Kim asked as she continued to look at the two of them.


    "...." Ss waspletely bbergasted when he heard what Kim said.


    Of course he understood what type of rtionship Kim was talking about, but he found her thought to be very bizarre for her toe to such a conclusion. The truth is that women''s thought is something that Ss can never understand.


    Kim saw the look on Ss'' face and understood that she might be wrong on her guess.


    "It seems like I was wrong. I thought you guys are in that type of rtionship. I mean, You''re already at that age... and she also looks very young and very beautiful. Also, there''s nothing wrong with a little office romance." Kim smiled, almost giggling.


    "Hehehe. A boss and secretary romance. Just thinking about it makes me very excited."


    "..." Ss now found the position swapped, as he was now the one who was getting confused by the whole situation.


    ''What the heck does she mean by a boss and secretary romance?''


    Ss was about to try and salvage the whole situation when he heard Luna''s shocking words.


    You know what, boss? She is not wrong. A little office romance won''t hurt, and I''m all up for it."


    That was even shocking. What was shocking was what she said to him telepathically with a wink on her face.


    "Besides, I can help with something more than just romance."


    Ss has never felt so betrayed in his life. He knew that Luna was just teasing him, but it was still a betrayal to him.


    "Can the two of you just stop it?" Ss asked as he gave Luna an intense re before turning to look at Kim.


    "There''s no office romance going on between the two of us, and there won''t be one in the future," Ss said, clearing up the already fermenting misunderstanding before it snowballs into something else.


    Kim and Luna smiled when they saw Ss desperately trying to clear up the situation.


    "You don''t need to worry, Ss. I will support you all the way," Kim said and gave a wink.


    "Ughh¡­." Ss shook his head, feeling very mentally exhausted.


    "Don''t take it too seriously, Ss. You came here to discuss your new business idea, right?" Kim said, changing the topic and giving Ss lifeline.


    She had already understood what was going on, and there was no need to keep on pressing the situation any further.


    Ss felt like he was just dragged out of a dark abyss when he heard Kim changing the topic. He turned to start discussing his business idea, but he didn''t forget to give Luna an intense re first.


    "Just you wait." All he got in response was a smile.


    He sighed and turned his attention to Kim and coughed lightly to clear his throat before he started exining about his business idea.


    A few minutester, Ss was done exining everything about his business idea to Kim, and she was now looking at him with a very peculiar expression.


    "Wait a minute, let me just try to understand what you just said," she said and took a deep breath before letting out a lengthy exhale.


    "If I''m correct, what you mean by what you just said is that you want to release a VR pod and VR game, and you also have the both of them ready?" Kim asked in confirmation, but seeing his nod gave her even more shock.


    "Ss, wait, wait, wait. Just wait a minute! You mean that you have a VR pod? No, it''s not just a VR pod but VR pods, and you want to release them into the market. Not just VR pods, but you also have a VR game that you also n to release along with it. Going by your standard, I''m very sure that the game is a top-notch game."


    Kim has been continuously shocked by Ss'' words and actions, but this takes the top. She wanted to believe that what she heard was wrong, but with the familiar smile on his face, she knew that everything was as true as day.


    "I''m d that Kim understands me." Ss smiled when he saw Kim''s expected reaction.


    "Ss, it seems like you really don''t understand the gravity of what you just said," Kim said and took in a deep breath and let it out.


    "Actually I do," Ss said as he smiled.


    "No, you don''t! You''re nning to release a fully functional VR pod and game into the market! Ss, this is currently beyond what thepany can handle! We may have been having rtively smooth sailing since we started, but this... this is going to change everything as we know it.


    It''s going to attract the types of attention that are going to be disastrous for a smallpany like ours. Do you think the big techpanies are just going to let us have such a technology to ourselves? If the VR pod and game are as functional as you say they are, then we are in for a lot of trouble-filled future.


    It''s not just the tech corporations; every bigpany out there would want to take a bite out of us. And that''s if the government hasn''t gotten to us yet. The worst is that we are going to be directpetition for... Merta."


    "Kim, you don''t have to worry about anything. I already have ns in ce. And about being apetition for thatpany that has a blue infinity sign as their logo, that''s wrong. We are no one''spetition. We only have ourselves topete with." Ss said with a smirk.

 Chapter 207: Busy Days Ahead

    Ss understood what Kim meant bypeting with Merta but he found it very funny as he has no n topete with them. Also, he doesn''t think that his so-calledpetitor has what it takes topete with him.


    He was aware of their newlyunched product: a device called an AR ss. He wasn''t bothered by it as he knew of the massive advantage that he held.


    Who would want an AR ss that costs so much when you can get a VR gaming pod that alsoes with a VR game for almost the same amount?


    Of course, Ss wasn''t nning on selling the VR Pod for that cheap a price. Though he won''t be making a loss if he sells it dirt cheap but that would greatly undervalue the device.


    Ss understands how human psychology works. When a product that is of high quality and performance is put before one that is inferior to it, and the quality one is selling for a very low price, they would go for the inferior one.


    Of course, there has to be some reason why the one is being purchased and one of those reasons is the brand name. There are many examples but Ss would prefer not to mention them.


    Ss looked at Kim who was still looking at him strangely and he smiled. He understood that she was worried but he knew that her worries was only because she doesn''t know what he''s capable of.


    He would love to tell her everything and ease her worries but he can''t do that. At least not now.


    "Kim, you don''t have to worry about anything. Nothing''s going to happen and even something is to happen, I won''t let anything happen to you or anyone. You just have to believe me," Ss said, doing his best to reassure Kim.


    Though Ss said that, he was really hoping for something to happen as it would give him the best excuse to initiate the next step of hisnn.


    Kim sighed at Ss'' words. She knew that this point she can only choose to believe him. Even though she has this strong feeling that something will definitely happen and being aware of how strong her instincts are as a woman, she knew that she has no choice but to believe in Ss.


    The only thing that made her to feel relief and rxed a little is that Ss has never failed on any of his promises.


    "When do you n to release the Pod and game into the market?" She asked after she had calmed herself down.


    Sis was happy when he saw Kim was calm and no longer had that strange look on her face.


    "I don''t n release the two of them just yet. I n for two to three rounds of beta testing before releasing them."


    "So when are you starting the first beta testing rounds?" Kim asked.


    "This month. In a couple of days. We will send an email to some of the diligent yers of our first game and some other popr video game yers toe for the beta testing rounds. I also n topensate them financially for their troubles," Ss said, exiining his n a little to Kim.


    Kim nodded in approval at Ss'' n but she found a little with it.


    "What do you mean to tell them, I mean the beta testers. What do you n on telling them that they are going to be testing?" She asked curiously.


    Ss couldn''t help but smile when he heard Kim''s question. He knew that she was going to be shocked by the response he''s going to give.


    "I n to tell them the truth. A very short video clip of the game and an image of the Pod will be included in the mail, with a link to a site that has even more videos of the game and photos of the Pod."


    "....You never nned on taking things slow from the beginning." Kim sighed.


    She didn''t know what else to say. She would be lying if she said that she doesn''t understand what Ss was trying to do but still¡­.


    She could only sigh again when she thought of it.


    Ss smiled when he saw that Kim understood his ntions. The reason why he ns to include those things in the email that will be sent is because he want to create a buzz. A wave, inte sensation, a pr stunt, whatever it is called, Ss wants to generate it and get people''s attention.


    He knew that something as extremely unbelievable as a full dive VRMMORPG and a device that allows one to y such a game is something that will create a lot of buzz on the inte. And even if people find it to be very unbelievable, for more reasons than one, they would want to confirm the authenticity of it.


    "Can I see the Pod and the game?" Kim finally asked after a while of being silent.


    "Sure, follow me," Ss said as he stood up from his seat.


    Kim wasn''t surprised when she heard Ss telling her to follow him. She could already guess that the Pod was already in the headquarter. She smiled stiffly and stood up from her seat to follow Ss.


    The three of them, with Luna included, left Kim''s office and made their way to the room where the warehouse people moved the Pods into.


    Ss opened the door of the office and walked in, followed closely behind by Kim and Luna. As expected, when they walked into the room, they saw ten Pods upying the room.


    The room that the Pods are in was previously a conference that has never been used before. Since it was not being utilized, Ss decided to make use of it by making it the beta testing room.


    "So, here it is. The world''s first fully functional VR gaming pod," Ss said as he walked to the pod and ran his fingers on its surface, getting a feel of its smooth metallic surface.


    Kim was in awe when she saw the Pods. She wouldn''t had been so shocked if it was one or two pods but right in front of her are ten of the VR gaming pods that Ss ns tounch into the market.


    ''Is this what he has been busy with in Venezu?''


    Her curiosity towards Ss just keeps increasing with each passing day due to his actions.


    She slowly walked towards one of the pod and carefully ced her hands on it. She was slightly disappointed when she saw that there was no reaction from the pod.


    Ss couldn''t help but chuckle when he saw this. He knew what Kim was expecting but that wasn''t possible as she has yet to create an ount.


    "Do you want to try it out?" Ss smiled at her.  special


    "No. I''m good enough with just looking at it. I''m not ready for stuffs like this," Kim replied and took her hand off the pod.


    "So, when do you n to start contacting the beta testers and do you already have some people in mind?" Kim asked as she took one more look at the pod.


    "Luna will take care of that. All I need for you to do is to pass the information down to those under you, so that they can be prepared because theing days are to going to be very busy!"

 Chapter 208: Creating A Buzz

    After Kim had seen the pods, she went back to her office to prepare for what''s toe.


    "How is it?" Ss asked Luna on the progress of contacting the beta testing candidates.


    {Done. I have sent a message through different means to each of the candidates. We just have to wait for a response from them.}


    Ss nodded in satisfaction when he heard Luna''s response. Now, just as Luna said, all they can do right now is wait.


    While he waited for a response from the beta testing candidates, Ss decides to get himself busy with other things.


    While he ns to do indirect advertising for the game through the beta testing, he still has to properly market and advertise it.


    Just as usual, he had Luna to reach out to every advertising tform for the advertising of the game and pod. The advertising isn''t going to be flooding at first but subtle instead, but that will be until the beta testing period ends.


    Ss knew that with the advertising and marketing, the messages that was sent to the candidates will look even more legit and will make things easier for him.


    "Luna, you said that you have something that you want to tell me, what is it?" Ss asked.


    He remembered Luna telling him that there was something she wanted to tell him. And from his knowledge of Luna, he knew that if there''s something she wants to tell him, then it has be very important.


    {It''s about the organization. When I went to rescue President Yusmaorobis'' daughter, I noticed very strange things. I saw some technologies that should still take at least a hundred years more before it appears.}


    Ss'' interest was piques when he heard what Luna said. He was curious¡ªextremely curious actually¡ªto know the type of technologies the organization has in their possession.


    "At least a hundred years gap from now? Then how did they get those technologies into their hands?" Ss asked, as he thought of multiple possibilities.


    {I''m not really sure but my best guess is that they are not from here, at least the knowledge on how to create it but I have no way to verify my im. I have been investigating the sources of these technologies by tracking it to any possible source but I found nothing, instead I found something else.} Luna said and forwarded something to the Gear.


    Ss was slightly surprised by what he was.


    "Is that a ster? Like a real energy ster gun?" Ss asked as he looked at Luna in confirmation.


    {Yes but an inferior version of the real deal. Though it''s a very cheap knockoff of the real ster gun, it''s still a ster gun and the fact that they have it is something I find to be very unbelievable.}


    Ss also agreed with Luna''s conclusion. She was right, even though it''s a cheap knockoff of the real thing, having even an imitation of it should be unpacked within Earth''s current level of technology.


    "But what are these dead ends I see on the screen?" Ss asked curiously.


    {That''s the result of each of my investigations.}


    "So, all of your investigations lead to a wall?"


    {Yes but don''t you notice some simrities between all of them?}


    "Yes, most of them lead to the same spot... What is that the Bermuda?" Ss asked in shock when he noticed what was Luna was talking about.


    {Correct, it''s close to the Bermuda and now, the question is why the Bermuda? This isn''t also just in the USA, it''s in most ces around the world.}


    Ss was greatly interested by this new piece of information that Luna gave him. If things are as she said, then it adds anotheryer ofplexity to the whole situation but this only made things more interesting for Ss.


    "Luna, keep investigating those mysterious ces around the world and keep me updated on any progress you make."


    Ss was very curious to know the next surprising thing he would hear.


    *****


    Tucson, Arizona.


    Kingsley was just getting off his game with his friends when he saw a notification pop on his phone.


    He clicked on it and saw that it''s an from a n email from the samepany that did the gacha game just downloaded.


    He didn''t give it much though as he clicked on the message and opened it, and started reading the mail.


    A few minutester, he was done reading the email and was now staring at his phone in disbelief.


    "Wait. Wait. Wait. The fuck?!"


    Hepletely has no idea if what he read was real or it was just an prank. He thought about the two possibilities and felt that it was impossible  for it to be a prank since it''s an email sent using the real email address of thepany but it''s also beyond impossible for it real either.


    "A full dive VR game and Pod?! No way bro! They must be trolling! Like the fuck are they on ....and this images? This video? Ayo, like what the fuck?"


    Kingsley''s reaction at this point was just ignore the email but curiosity got the better of him as he clicked on the link that was attached to it.


    After clicking on the link, he was taken to a website and he was shocked by what he saw.


    He didn''t know how to react when he saw the videos and images that was being put up on the site.


    "Wait, is this for real? Like bro...." He quickly left the site and went to of his social media app, and went to the trending section of the app.


    Just as he was expecting, he saw what he was looking for. He knew that if the email is real, then he won''t be only one that it would be sent to and that is why he went to check social media to confirm.


    "I see I''m not the only one that received the email... So it might be real?"


    ****


    Not just Kingsley, but all the beta testing candidates were inplete shock and disbelief when they got the message.


    Some immediately posted it on social media in an attempt to mock thepany. But just as they say, no matter what type of publicity it is, all publicity are good publicity.


    The inte was now on fire from the news that apany that''s less than a year old is about to full dive VR game and Pod, and they are choosing beta testers for it.


    Humans as inherently unbelieving as they are, called it bullshit. They started calling out thepany, telling it toe and defend their im and if what they said is true.


    They also want to know just how safe this " full dive VR pod and game" is. Just as always, there were people who tried to benefit from the whole situation.


    Ss smiled when he saw all the noise that was being made. It was just what he wanted.


    It didn''t take long before the advertising of the Pod came out and everyone was silenced before an uproar erupted on the inte.


    m _v,l_e _mp|y|r chapter


    While all these was happening, dark current was also surging underneath.

 Chapter 209: Top Execs Meeting

    "Is this true?" An elderly man, his hair streaked with gray, asked as he gazed intently at the group seated around the grand conference table. His voice, though calm, carried an undercurrent of urgency.


    The room was filled with the top executives of the country''s most influentialpanies, a gathering that would surely shock the public if word of it got out. But what was even more palpable than the significance of the attendees was the tension in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife. Every person present wore a deep frown, evidence that whatever brought them together was no small matter.


    "It seems to be," someone replied after a pause. "If they''re running ads for it, then it''s likely true."


    "Are we just going to sit by and let them do as they please?" The elderly man''s voice rose, his frustration leaking through as he mmed his hand on the table, causing a few nearby to flinch. "If this VR game and Pod are real, everything will change. They''ll dominate the market, and that''s putting it lightly."


    He shook his head in disbelief. "First, it was an AI that outperformed everything currently avable. Then, a gacha game that skyrocketed to the top of the charts in mere weeks. And now¡ªnow it''s a fully immersive VR game *and* the technology to support it?! How is it even possible for apany like Kurt Technologies, which is barely a year old, to do all of this?"


    His eyes swept the room, waiting for a response before narrowing them at Hughes, a senior executive sitting at the far end of the table. "Does anyone here know who owns Kurt Technologies?" he demanded.


    Hughes, calm in contrast to the elderly man''s barely controlled fury, nodded. "I do. I had a private investigator dig into them a few months ago. The report was... interesting."


    He tapped a button on his phone, passing it across the table. As the elderly man nced at the screen, his brows furrowed, only for his expression to break into incredulousughter.


    "You''ve got to be joking. Hughes, is this for real?" He asked, handing the phone back, eyes still scanning the room as if waiting for someone to tell him it was a prank.


    "It''s true," Hughes confirmed, nodding solemnly. "That''s the man behind Kurt Technologies."


    The elderly man''s face darkened, his voice dropping to a near-growl. "How is he this young? Where the hell is he getting all this tech from? You don''t just invent this kind of technology out of nowhere. Is it possible he''s working with a foreign government¡ªRussia? North Korea?"


    A few murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, but Hughes shook his head. "That would''ve been my guess, too. But no. We''vebed through every piece of information we could find on him, and nothing came up. No affiliations, no suspicious ties¡ªno dirt. It''s like he came out of nowhere."


    "That''s not possible," the elderly man muttered, leaning back in his chair, brow furrowed in thought. "He must have connections. Nobody climbs this high, this fast, without some serious backing. And what worries me is how rapidly they''re advancing."


    "Agreed," Hughes interjected. "But right now, the best we can do is focus on their products. We need to gather as much intel as possible on this new VR game and the Pod. We should prioritize getting our hands on one¡ªtest its capabilities, learn what makes it so unique. Then, if it''s as revolutionary as it sounds, we act."


    "And by ''act,'' you mean buying into thepany, I presume?" another executive chimed in.


    Hughes nodded. "Exactly. If we can''t beat them outright, we need a stake in their future. Perhaps we can leverage our rtionships with Berker, Vangough or ckGold to acquire shares or, at the very least, gain a foothold in their operations."


    The elderly man sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. The uneasiness he''d been feeling all night gnawed at him even more. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t shake the sense of dread that loomed over him.


    "Something doesn''t sit right about all of this," he murmured under his breath, his eyes drifting toward the window, lost in thought.


    The rest of the room fell silent as they waited for him to speak again, sensing the gravity of his next words.


    "Is it thepany?"


    The elderly man''s gaze remained fixed on the window, the bustling city lights twinkling far below them as if mocking the storm brewing inside his mind. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the edge of the table, the only sound in the otherwise dead-silent room.


    "Is it thepany?" he repeated to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. The question lingered, heavy and unresolved, until he finally turned his attention back to the group. "No. It''s not just thepany. There''s something else... something bigger."


    He took a deep breath, his sharp eyes scanning the room as if daring someone to dismiss his concerns. No one did. They all felt it¡ªan undercurrent of unease that had been growing since Kurt Technologies first burst onto the scene.


    "What exactly are you implying?" another executive asked cautiously. He was younger, ambitious, and often eager to challenge the old guard, but even he was wary tonight.


    "Are you suggesting there''s more to this than market disruption?"


    The elderly man leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he steepled his fingers. "I don''t know. But I have a feeling this is more than just a technological leap. The speed, the secrecy, the precision with which they''re moving¡ªit''s unnatural. It''s almost... calcted.


    As if they know what we''ll do before we even do it."


    Hughes cleared his throat, breaking the silence that followed. "If I may, there''s been something bothering me about this whole situation as well." He nced around the table, gauging their reactions. "The VR Pod¡ªit''s more than just advanced tech. From what little we''ve gathered, it''s lightyears ahead of anything anyone else has.


    Not even our best R&D teams can fathom how they''ve made such a leap, not without some kind of breakthrough that would normally take decades."


    "And you think they just happened to stumble upon this breakthrough?" the elderly man asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Hughes hesitated, then shook his head.


    "No. I think someone gave it to them."


    The room erupted into hushed murmurs, the tension escting as they processed the implications. Someone giving Kurt Technologies that kind of power¡ªthat kind of technology¡ªwas more terrifying than if they''d developed it on their own. It meant there was an unseen force at y, someone pulling strings from the shadows.


    "Who?" asked the younger executive, his voice tight with concern. "Who would have ess to something like that, and why give it to apany so new?"


    Hughes didn''t answer immediately, his lips pressed into a thin line. "That''s what we need to find out. We''ve been looking at Kurt Technologies through a business lens, but I think it''s time we consider other possibilities."


    The elderly man frowned, his instincts screaming at him that something was very wrong. He couldn''t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something muchrger¡ªsomething that could turn the world upside down. He had seen enough in his lifetime to know that power, when concentrated in the wrong hands, could topple entire nations.


    "Let''s not jump to conclusions," another executive interjected, trying to bring some semnce of control back to the conversation. "For now, we gather more intel. We reach out to our contacts, find out what they know. If there''s a shadow yer behind this, we''ll uncover it. But we need to be smart about this. If Kurt Technologies is as dangerous as we think, we can''t afford to move recklessly."


    "Agreed," the elderly man said, his voice steady but grave. "We''ll tread carefully, but we *will* find out who''s behind all of this. And if they pose a threat to our interests¡ª" He paused, eyes narrowing. "¡ªwe eliminate them."


    The words hung in the air like a death sentence, sending chills down the spines of everyone in the room. They knew the stakes. This wasn''t just about money or market share anymore. This was about survival.


    "I want daily updates," the elderly man continued, rising to his feet and straightening his jacket. "And Hughes, you make sure we have eyes on the VR Pod as soon as it hits the market. I don''t care how much it costs¡ªbuy one, steal one if you have to. I want it in our hands."


    Hughes nodded. "Understood."


    As the group began to disperse, the elderly man lingered by the window, staring out into the night once more. The city looked calm from up here, but he knew better. There was a storming, and Kurt Technologies was at the center of it.


    mp _y _r.


    The question that gued him now wasn''t if they would survive¡ªbut how?


    He really hopes everything goes well. He doesn''t know what he would do if it doesn''t.

 Chapter 210: First Beta Tester Candidate: Marcus

    There was no way Ss wasn''t aware of the high-profile meeting that had taken ce among the top executives of the country. He knew they were rattled, shaken by his meteoric rise, but the truth was¡ªhe didn''t care. Let them plot and scheme. He had bigger concerns than a roomful of old men worried about their outdated empires being threatened.


    It wasn''t as if he wasn''t going to dominate the market anyway; it was inevitable.


    Ss understood one thing about people¡ªthey fear change, especially when that change disrupts theirfort and power. If the VR game and Pod had fallen into the hands of those corporate relics, the situation would have yed out very differently. They would have bled it dry, using it to maintain their status quo and stiflepetition.


    He didn''t need to be a genius to predict their moves¡ªthey''d consolidate their influence, push for monopolistic control, and do whatever it took to crush any potential threat.


    But that wasn''t how things were going to go.


    Human nature is predictable¡ªgreedy, selfish, and envious. Ss had seen it time and time again. The moment someone starts to make progress, especially the kind of rapid, disruptive sess he was achieving, people get irritated. They can''t stand seeing someone seed where they''re failing, and that resentment only grows the higher you climb.


    In the corporate world, these traits are amplified tenfold. It''s a realm filled with cutthroatpetition, where the elite operate like wolves¡ªruthless, driven by profit, and constantly looking for the next vulnerable prey.


    Ss, however, had no intention of ying by their rules.


    Right now, his focus was elsewhere. He was seated in one of Kurt Technologies'' sleek, modern conference rooms, preparing for something far more important than corporate politics. Today, he was meeting with the first beta tester candidate for the VR game¡ªone of the candidates that Luna sent messages to.


    He had been mildly surprised when Luna informed him that one of the candidates had already epted the offer. Things were moving fast, faster than even he had anticipated. But when Ss reviewed the applicant''s profile, it all made sense.


    Sitting across from him now was a young man, barely in his twenties, with an air of quiet desperation about him. His clothes were simple, but clean¡ªnothing shy, nothing that would draw attention. There was a weariness in his eyes, the kind thates from carrying burdens too heavy for someone his age. He was able to quickly notice this because he has been in such familiar position before.


    "You need the financialpensation because of your sister''s treatment?" Ss asked, his voice level as he scanned the document in front of him, though he already knew the answer.


    The young man, whose name was Marcus, nodded, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair just a little too tightly. "Yes," he replied, his voice soft but steady. "My sister has a rare condition, and the treatments are... expensive. We''ve tried everything, but nothing''s been working. Thispensation¡ªit could cover her next round of therapy."


    Ss studied him for a moment, weighing the sincerity of his words. Marcus wasn''t like the others who would have likely been hesitant or skeptical of Kurt Technologies'' offer. He was here because he had no choice. Desperation had driven him into Ss''s office, and in that desperation, Ss saw an opportunity.


    "That''s quite the gamble," Ss said, leaning back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Marcus. "Putting your faith in apany you''ve never heard of before. You realize this VR game is still in its experimental phase? There''s no guarantee of sess¡ªno guarantee that you''ll get anything out of it."


    Of course, all this wasn''t true.It was just said by him for dramatic effect and to get a reaction out of Marcus.


    "I know," Marcus replied, lifting his gaze to meet Ss''s. There was a fierceness in his eyes now, a glimmer of hope amidst the desperation. "But I''ll do anything for my sister. If this works¡ªif I can help in some way¡ªI''ll take the risk."


    Ss allowed himself a small smile. That''s what he liked to see¡ªpeople willing to push beyond their limits, to put it all on the line for something they cared about. This was what made humans so fascinating to him. Their resilience. Their determination.


    "Good," Ss said, leaning forward slightly. "Then you''re exactly the type of person we''re looking for."


    Marcus seemed taken aback for a moment, as if he hadn''t expected things to go this smoothly.


    "Here''s how this will work," Ss continued, his tone shifting into something more business-like. "You''ll be part of the first group of beta testers for our VR game. You''ll have ess to the full immersion experience through the Pod, and you''ll bepensated for your time. But this isn''t just about ying a game.


    We need detailed feedback¡ªeverything from the gamey mechanics to the realism of the environment to how the Pod interacts with your senses. This is uncharted territory, and we need testers who are willing to immerse themselves fully into this world."


    Marcus nodded, his resolve firming.


    "Additionally," Ss added, "your sister''s treatment will be covered as part of yourpensation package. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."


    The young man''s eyes widened, and for the first time since entering the room, a flicker of relief crossed his face. "Thank you. I don''t know how to¡ª"


    "Don''t thank me yet," Ss interrupted smoothly. "The game is still in its early stages, and the experience might not be what you expect. But if you''re ready to take that leap, then we''ll see what happens."


    Marcus nodded again, more confidently this time. "I''m ready."


    Ss stood up, extending his hand. Marcus hesitated for only a second before shaking it, his grip firm.


    "Wee to the future, Marcus," Ss said, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to echo through the room. "Let''s see if you''re prepared for it."


    As Marcus left the room, Ss remained seated, his mind already racing ahead. The beta test was just the beginning. Soon, the world would see what Kurt Technologies had been working on¡ªwhat he had been building.


    And when that time came, no boardroom meeting or corporate plot would be enough to stop it. He was happy with the progression of things and he was very excited to see how thing will pan out in the future.

 Chapter 211: Change, Power

    After Marcus left the room, Ss leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. His mind circled around the young man''s determination and, more specifically, the desperation that fueled it. It wasn''t unusual for people to be driven by dire circumstances, but something about Marcus''s case tugged at Ss''s curiosity.


    On impulse, he asked, "Luna, give me more information on Marcus''s sister and her condition."


    {She''s suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). She is currently in the early-middle stages of the illness.}


    Ss blinked, unfamiliar with the name. "ALS?" He repeated, frowning slightly. "I don''t recognize it."


    His eyes flicked to his Gear''s screen as it lit up with detailed information about the condition. Ss skimmed through it, and with each passing sentence, his unease deepened. He hadn''t realized just how brutal this disease was until he read through the description¡ªprogressive muscle weakness, paralysis, difficulty speaking, breathing, eating. And worst of all, no cure.


    ALS was more than just a severe illness; it was a ticking clock. The longer a person lived with it, the more their body deteriorated. It was disheartening to learn that the only treatments avable could only slow the progression at best, but even then, they wouldn''t stop the inevitable. And the costs¡ªSs''s eyes narrowed as he continued to read. The financial burden was astronomical.


    Medications alone cost between $600 and $1,000 per month*, Luna informed him, *and for severe cases, the annual cost of managing the disease can exceed $200,000. With physical therapy, assistive devices, and specialized care, the total expenses can easily surpass $1 million annually.


    Ss sat in silence for a moment, processing. No wonder Marcus was so desperate. That kind of financial strain would crush anyone, let alone someone as young as him. The fact that Marcus was willing to throw himself into a beta test just for a chance to help his sister made Ss pause. He had expected the applicants to be driven, but this situation had a deeperyer.


    "Luna," Ss said after a beat, his voice low and thoughtful, "deposit $500,000 into Marcus''s ount. Make sure he knows it''s for his sister''s treatment."


    Ss wasn''t the kind of person to hand out charity, but he understood human nature. Acts of generosity were rarely appreciated when given without strings. By offering Marcus the money, he wasn''t just giving him relief; he was giving him something to fight for, to feel indebted to.


    The young man would value this gesture more if it came with the knowledge that he had to earn it, to justify Ss''s trust in him.


    Yet, despite his pragmatism, Marcus''s situation gnawed at him. ALS. A disease with no cure and a lifetime of suffering attached to it. Ss couldn''t help but think of how ridiculous that was, especially in this day and age. Humans had made advancements in so many areas, yet diseases like ALS still persisted.


    The thought stirred something in him¡ªsomething he''d been putting off for far too long. It wasn''t as if hecked the resources or the technology. It was simply a matter of time, of prioritizing.


    "Maybe it''s time," he murmured to himself, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as an idea began to form. "Luna, let''s elerate our medical research projects. Begin development on treatments for chronic illnesses¡ªALS, cancer, Alzheimer''s, all of them. And don''t stop there. I want cures."


    Ss couldn''t help but smile wider, imagining the chaos this would cause. How would the world react when Kurt Technologies, apany that had already turned industries on their heads, began releasing actual cures for the most insidious diseases known to mankind?


    He could already see the panic on the faces of top pharmaceutical executives, those who had been content to profit off the suffering of millions, raking in obscene profits from treatments that merely prolonged the inevitable.


    ''They''re going to hate this,'' Ss thought with amusement. And yet, he didn''t care.


    The thought of disrupting not just the tech industry but also the medical world gave him a rush of satisfaction. It was more than just business¡ªit was revolution. He imagined a future where Kurt Technologies wasn''t just known for entertainment or cutting-edge AI, but as thepany that cured the incurable.


    Besides, he currently has a system mission to make Kurt Technologies the number onepany in the world.


    m|vl|e|mp|y|r article


    "We''ll release it once the initial trials are sessful. No need to rush, but we''ll let them stew for a bit."


    Ss rose from his seat, feeling energized in a way he hadn''t in a long time. The world was about to change in more ways than one, and he was ready to usher in that future¡ªwhether they were prepared for it or not.


    "Luna," he said with a grin, "let''s see how long the pharmaceutical industrysts when their biggest cash cows start vanishing."


    Ss stood, gazing out the wide, floor-to-ceiling windows of the conference room. The city below was bustling with life, its inhabitants unaware of the tremorous shift about to hit their world. From his vantage point, it looked peaceful¡ªdeceptively calm¡ªbut Ss knew that peace was an illusion.


    The moment word got out about what Kurt Technologies was working on, the entirendscape would be thrown into chaos.


    The pharmaceutical giants, the health industry titans who had thrived off the suffering of the masses, wouldn''t take it lightly. Ss could practically see their faces, their boardroom meetings, scrambling to figure out how to counter what wasing.


    The media would explode with spection, politicians would get involved, and lobbyists would flood the streets in a desperate attempt to slow his progress. But it wouldn''t matter. He was already too far ahead. By the time they realized the extent of what he was doing, it would be toote.


    Turning away from the window, he moved to his desk and took a seat, his fingers drumming lightly on the sleek surface. His mind raced with possibilities. Luna had already begun to allocate resources, moving assets and manpower toward medical research at hismand. It wouldn''t take long for the prototypes to be developed, and once they were... well, the world would never be the same.


    "Luna," he said, his voice cutting through the silence. "How long until we have initial trials for the ALS treatment?"


    {Within six to nine months, depending on regtory approvals.}


    Ss smirked. "Regtory approvals won''t be a problem. We''ll bypass most of them¡ªmoney talks, after all. I want trials running as soon as possible. We''ll deal with the fallout afterward."


    {Understood.}


    He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he contemted the broader implications. ALS was just the beginning, a proof of concept that Kurt Technologies could crack open the most stubborn medical challenges. After ALS, there would be cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer''s¡ªall the diseases that had gued humanity for centuries.


    In a year''s time, hispany wouldn''t just be known for revolutionizing entertainment or virtual reality; it would be synonymous with hope.


    But Ss wasn''t na?ve. He knew the pharmaceuticalpanies would retaliate. These were behemoths, entrenched in politics, global economies, and power structures. They weren''t going to sit idly by while their most profitable business models¡ªlong-term treatment ns, not cures¡ªwere obliterated. They would fight. Hard.


    They would smear his name, use Kurt Technologies of dangerous practices, sabotage clinical trials if they could. They would y dirty, and Ss expected nothing less.


    He smiled, the kind of smile that held no warmth. He was ready for them.


    "Send a message to Vanguard," Ss instructed, his voice as calm as ever. "Tell them to prepare for pushback from the pharmaceutical lobby. I want contingencies in ce¡ªns to handlewsuits, regtory interference, media smear campaigns. Everything. We won''t be caught off guard."


    Ss nodded to himself. This wasn''t just about Marcus''s sister anymore. It wasn''t even about the millions of people suffering from chronic and terminal illnesses. This was about power¡ªabout reshaping the entire world''s understanding of healthcare and what was possible.


    And if Ss yed his cards right, Kurt Technologies wouldn''t just be a techpany; it would be the cornerstone of a new era in human progres.


    "Let''s see how they react when the impossible bes inevitable," he whispered, his smile growing as he envisioned the chaos and change that would follow.

 Chapter 212: Anticipation

    The next few days passed smoothly, almost too smoothly for Ss''s liking but he couldn''tin. Due to the uing beta testing, Ss was nowing to the office daily as he has nothing else to do at home.


    After Marcus''s swift response, the other beta testers began trickling in, each epting the offer sent out by Luna. They arrived at the office one by one, faces a mixture of curiosity, excitement, and nervousness.


    Ss made it a point to meet each of them personally, delivering a prepared speech about the immersive experience they were about to embark on. The anticipation of the VR built with every handshake and every passing day. Soon, the first official beta test would begin¡ªjust a few days away now.


    In the quiet moments between meetings and preparations, Ss found his thoughts drifting back to Marcus. The message of gratitude he had received from him was as predictable as it was heartfelt. Marcus had promised to repay Ss for the generosity, swearing to do everything within his power to make it happen. Ss couldn''t help but smile at the young man''s earnestness.


    "Pay me back?" Ss murmured to himself as he sat in his office, his fingers tapping idly on the armrest of his chair. "That''s impossible."


    No matter how he looked at it, there was no conceivable way Marcus could ever repay him. Not in financial terms, not even in kind. The scale of the favor was too vast. But Ss understood. It wasn''t about the money. It was about pride, about Marcus''s own moral code.


    The determination in Marcus''s eyes when he made that promise had struck something in Ss¡ªa reminder of his previous self before the system.


    Marcus didn''t like owing people anything, especially favors. And that was a quality Ss respected deeply. It was rare to find someone who carried such principles, especially in a world where everyone was more concerned with what they could take rather than what they could give.


    And that''s why, in that moment, Ss made a decision.


    Marcus would be more than a beta tester. He would be an asset. Ss would recruit him, bring him into the fold of Kurt Technologies or maybe even the organisation he ns to create. The young man had potential¡ªuntapped and raw, but potential nheless.


    More than that, Marcus''s determination, his willingness to fight against the odds for his sister, mirrored a struggle Ss himself had once faced. And for that alone, Marcus had earned Ss''s attention.


    The rest of the week was uneventful, though Ss knew that calm wouldn''tst. The corporate world was never still for long. True to form, word had spread quickly about Kurt Technologies'' uing VR game and its unprecedented potential. The council of old men¡ªexecutives from thergest, most powerful corporations¡ªhad wasted no time in sending representatives to Ss''s office.


    They weren''t subtle in their intentions. They wanted shares in hispany, desperately.


    Their representatives arrived, smooth-talking businessmen in suits worth more than some people''s houses, offering astronomical sums to buy a stake in Kurt Technologies. At first, their offers were polite, their smiles forced but present. But when Ss refused¡ªdeclining every offer, no matter howrge¡ªthose smiles quickly vanished. Their desperation became more apparent, their offers more audacious.


    They even went as far as saying they would pay any price¡ªwhatever figure Ss named.


    And yet, Ss remained resolute. He had no intention of letting anyone benefit off him, especially not those bloated, power-hungry men whose time was already running out.


    *Why would I sell to vultures who are one foot in the grave?* Ss thought to himself with a smirk. The idea of giving them even a sliver of control over his vision wasughable.


    If he were going to give out shares¡ªif¡ªhe would rather hand them to those who needed it, those who couldn''t afford it. He would give them away for free before he let greedy, self-serving corporate titans buy their way in. It wasn''t about the money for him. It was about control, about shaping the future on his own terms. No amount of currency would tempt him into ceding that.


    As the world''s first VR game and Pod nearedunch, the atmosphere outside the walls of Kurt Technologies became electric. The public was buzzing with anticipation, the media endlessly specting about what this new technology would bring.


    News outlets around the globe started flying into the country to cover the uing beta test with headlines ranging from cautious optimism to wild, futuristic fantasies about the death of traditional gaming. Everyone wanted a piece of what Ss was about to unveil, and spection ran rampant about just how advanced the Pod would be.


    Some imed it would revolutionize the entire entertainment industry; others wondered if it would blur the lines between reality and virtual worlds.


    Ss was calm through it all. He knew the truth¡ªthis wasn''t just about gaming. The VR Pod was merely the gateway, the first step in something muchrger. The world was on the cusp of a new era, and Kurt Technologies was at the center of it.


    The first beta testing in a few days would send shockwaves across industries, and once people experienced the immersive world he had created, they would understand. There would be no going back.


    The world of course didn''t know the full capacity of the VR Pod but they would soone to understand in a few days.


    It was just anticipation that was in the air, Ss could feel it¡ªan unspoken shift in the air. As he sat in his office, reviewing the final preparations for the beta test, a sense of unease crept over him. He wasn''t sure why, but he knew something wasing.


    He had made waves¡ªbig ones¡ªand waves always brought ripples in their wake. The only question was, who woulde knocking next? And were they friend or foe?


    A slow, knowing smile spread across his face as he leaned back in his chair, fingersced behind his head.


    ''Let theme,'' he thought. ''I''m ready.'' mp-y,r.

 Chapter 213: First Beta Testing

    The days buzzed by with a flurry of activity as preparations for the first beta test intensified. As the big day approached, spection, rumors, and countless questions filled the airwaves and online forums. The hottest topic of all was the safety of the VR Pod¡ªspecifically, whether prolonged use could have any adverse effects on the users.


    To address these concerns, Ss had Kim to hold a press conference. Although he would have preferred to have Luna answer the questions directly¡ªor even take on the task himself¡ªhe knew that wasn''t an option for obvious reasons. During the conference, Kim fielded every possible question, offering detailed exnations and reassurances about the Pod''s safety measures.


    But despite her efforts, the doubts and whispers continued to swirl.


    Ss was certain that much of the skepticism was being stirred up by certain parties¡ªlikely those same corporate powerhouses he''d already shed with. Yet, he couldn''t be bothered to waste time on their tactics. His attitude only shifted when an unexpected message arrived from the White House. It wasn''t anything dramatic, just a simple note wishing Kurt Technologies "good luck" with theirunch.


    Ss couldn''t help but scoff as he read the message. Luck? Who needs luck?


    Finally, the day of the beta test arrived, and the scene outside Kurt Technologies'' headquarters was chaotic. Crowds gathered, buzzing with excitement and skepticism alike. Some people hoped that the VR game and Pod would live up to the hype, while others anticipated a letdown. But none of them would have to wait long for answers¡ªeverything would be revealed soon enough.


    special


    Despite the beta test being intended as a closed event, Ss had made a decision: the entire process would be streamed live on multiple tforms. He wanted the world to witness the results firsthand¡ªno room for rumors or misinformation.


    As the designated hour arrived, all eyes turned to their screens. Cameras focused on the beta testers as they climbed into the sleek, futuristic Pods. Silence fell over the crowd, both in front of the headquarters and online, as the countdown began.


    The future was just a heartbeat away, and everyone¡ªsupporters, skeptics, and silent watchers¡ªheld their breath, waiting for the world to change.


    The countdown clock on the live stream ticked down to zero, and the moment the timer hit its mark, the Pods activated with a low hum that sent a ripple of excitement through the gathered crowd. A wave of shing lights and animated graphics filled the screens as the beta testers were pulled into the immersive world inside the VR Pod.


    The live feed disyed their initial reactions¡ªwide-eyed amazement, nervous grins, and even a few gasps of disbelief as the reality around them melted away, reced by something new and extraordinary.


    As the live footage transitioned to scenes of the game world, viewers from around the globe leaned in closer, eager to catch every detail. The VR environment was a spectacle¡ªan expansive, fantasticalndscape that seemed almost too real to beputer-generated. The graphics were stunning, with a level of detail that bordered on the impossible.


    But beyond the visuals, what truly captured the audience''s attention was the testers'' expressions. Even though their bodies remained motionless in the Pods, their faces reflected a mix of emotions¡ªwonder, determination, awe¡ªas if they were actually living within a different world.


    Chat windows on streaming tforms exploded withments, the tone shifting from skepticism to curiosity, and then outright enthusiasm.


    "This can''t be real, can it?"


    "Look at how they react! It''s like they''re actually there!"


    "If this is legit, it''s going to change everything."


    In his office, Ss watched the streams with a faint smile, arms crossed over his chest. He could feel the shift happening in real time¡ªan entire world of viewers beginning to believe that maybe, just maybe, Kurt Technologies had created something revolutionary.


    Kim, seated opposite him, turned to look out the window at the throng of reporters and spectators below. "Looks like the conference didn''t do much to ease their curiosity," she remarked with a hint of a smile. "But this... this will make them believers."


    Ss nodded, keeping his focus on the screen. "They''ll believe soon enough. Let them doubt for a while longer. It makes the reveal all the more satisfying."


    But as the game unfolded on screen, the excitement wasn''t contained to just the spectators. The beta testers themselves were already exploring the game world, marveling at the fluidity of their movements and the seamless interaction with their environment.


    One of them, Marcus, looked stunned as he gazed up at the towering mountains in the distance, then down at his own hands, flexing them as if to convince himself that this world was real.


    "This is... unbelievable," Marcus muttered, his voice barely audible through the stream''s audio feed. "It feels like I''m really here."


    Ss''s expression softened slightly as he saw Marcus''s reaction. He had expected the young man to be one of the more skeptical testers, but seeing the sheer awe in Marcus''s face was satisfying in a way he hadn''t anticipated.


    ''This is just the beginning,'' Ss thought.


    But even as the test continued smoothly, Ss knew that not everyone would be celebrating. Behind the scenes, messages from otherpanies and interested parties continued to pour in¡ªmost of them disguised as offers for partnerships or interviews.


    Yet, beneath the politeness of their wording, the real intent was clear: they wanted a piece of Kurt Technologies, and they were growing more desperate with every passing minute.


    As the hours passed, the streaming numbers only grew, viewers tuning in from every corner of the globe. News outlets were already updating their headlines, trying to capture the unprecedented buzz that had overtaken the inte. Hashtags rted to the beta test trended worldwide, and even majorworks began broadcasting clips of the VR world directly from the streams.


    And through it all, Ss remained a silent observer, watching as his vision took shape in real time. He knew that the world outside his office had changed, even if they didn''t fully realize it yet. What they were witnessing was more than a game; it was a gateway into something more.


    Finally, after several hours of gamey, the beta testers were instructed to log out. As they emerged from the Pods, unlike what people expected, they were not exhausted but looked as energized as they were before entering the Pod.


    Their faces were filled with smiles of exhration. Some had tears in their eyes, others looked dazed, struggling to adjust back to reality after experiencing something so vividly different.


    Marcus, among thest to leave his Pod, nced at Ss as he walked out of the testing area. His expression was hard to read¡ªgratitude, awe, and something else mingled together. He gave a small, respectful nod before joining the other testers being escorted out of the room.


    Ss nodded back, understanding the unspoken message. He could feel the energy in the air, the shift in the world''s perception as they realized just what was possible.

 Chapter 214: Attentions, Aftermath

    The days leading up to the beta test had been hectic, but the aftermath hit like a tidal wave. As the test concluded and the beta testers stepped out of the Pods, the world erupted in a frenzy of reactions.


    Across the inte, the streams of the game went viral, clips of the testers'' astonished faces spreading like wildfire. Forums and social media were overrun with discussions, theories, and wild spection. Some marveled at the perfect graphics, others questioned the technology''s implications, and a few skeptics insisted it had to be some kind of borate trick.


    But the overall sentiment was undeniable¡ªsomething monumental had just happened.


    Gamers hailed it as a revolution. Memes and posts joked about selling everything they owned just to get their hands on a Pod, while tech enthusiasts dissected every frame of the live stream, trying to understand how it all worked.


    The pre-registration website for the game that was created by Luna nearly crashed under the demand, and the tech world buzzed with the news that Kurt Technologies had redefined virtual reality.


    But not everyone was celebrating. In boardrooms across the country, the reaction was very different. Tech giants like Merta and Arpple scrambled to adjust their strategies. CEOs convened emergency meetings, trying to figure out how they could catch up¡ªor if they even could. They had been blindsided by the sheer scale of what Ss had achieved, and now their own VR projects suddenly looked outdated.


    A few reached out to Kurt Technologies with offers of coboration, but all received the same cold, polite rejection.


    Investment firms shifted gears just as quickly, wanting to pump money into Kurt Technologies and pull out ofpanies that had been the industry leaders only days before, but they were unable to as Kurt Technologies was a privatepany.


    Even without the money from the investors, hepany''s valuation skyrocketed, turning it into one of the hottest stocks on the market, while others struggled to recover from the sudden shift.


    Meanwhile, pharmaceuticalpanies and healthcare firms also took notice. They saw potential in the technology beyond gaming¡ªtherapeutic uses, rehabilitation programs, mental health applications. But along with the interest came a creeping fear¡ªif Kurt Technologies could disrupt entertainment, could they eventually move into the medical field as well?


    They feared that Ss''s ambitions might extend far beyond virtual reality.


    Government regtors weren''t far behind. The beta test raised red gs among agencies concerned about safety and long-term effects. Inquiries came flooding in, some disguised as offers for cooperation, others more thinly veiled threats about the need for regtorypliance.


    There was talk about potential risks to mental health, addiction concerns, and the unprecedented immersion level of the technology. Ss, however, remained unfazed. He had expected this reaction, and he had prepared for it.


    The message from the White House hade earlier, a simple note wishing Kurt Technologies "good luck" with their new venture. Ss had scoffed at it. Luck? Who needs luck? It seemed more like a subtle acknowledgment that the U.S. government was watching closely.


    He knew they were already calcting what this new technology could mean for training simtions, remote operations, and other applications beyond civilian use.


    But the most intense reaction came from the old corporate coalition¡ª a new name thats Ss decided to call the same group of Execs that had met in secret to plot their response to Kurt Technologies months earlier.


    As they watched their offers for partnerships and shares go unanswered, their frustration grew. They turned to more desperate measures, subtly nting stories in the media that questioned the Pod''s safety.


    Articles popped up, discussing potential "neural risks" and the "dangers of overstimtion." They tried to paint the VR experience as a possible health risk, hoping to turn public opinion against Ss.


    Yet their efforts struggled to gain traction. The excitement and awe from the public drowned out the negative press, and testimonials from the beta testers made it clear that the experience was unlike anything they had ever encountered. Some even described it as "life-changing."


    Back at the Kurt Technologies headquarters, Ss watched the unfolding drama with quiet satisfaction. In the days since the beta test, thepany''s office had be a hub of activity, with reporters, tech analysts, and potential investors swarming outside. Inside, Ss and Kim continued to field calls from people offering partnerships, deals, and sometimes thinly veiled threats.


    ...


    It was impossible for Ss to generate so much buzz and not attract the attention of his old friends.


    Inside one of the offices at the Bureau''s base of operation, Daniel and everyone were seated round a table.


    "Guys, a VR Pod and game? Like where the fuck did he get something like that from?" Daniel asked.


    "You don''t believe thepany created it themselves?" She asked curiously, as she turned to look at him.


    "The hell? Created it themselves?! That bullshit! From what I heard, theapny is less than a year old and they don''t even have a registered manufacfuring site. Also, no ones knows the identity of the owner. They don''t know if it''s a he or she." Another person said.


    They were still talking about the new underdogpany when Elizabeth and Daniel received a message on their phone. They brought out their phone to check the messages and they were shocked by what they saw.


    "It''s him!" They eximed and looked at each other.


    Elizabeth couldn''t believe it. The person they have been looking for months has been right under their noses. It was worse for Daniel as he didn''t know what to make of the situation.


    When did Ss be the CEO of apany that revolutionized gaming and entertainment, and also someone strong enough toy waste to all the superpowers in the country? He knew that Ss has changed but he didn''t know the extent of his change.


    Elizabeth saw the look on Daniel''s face and understood that things were about to get interesting soon and she was looking forward to it. Enjoy exclusives on m-vle-mp _yr.

 Chapter 215: Pressure, Elizabeth Federick

    It had been a few days since the beta testing of the world''s first fully immersive VR game by Kurt Technologies began, and the inte was still aze. Discussions about the game and the VR Pod dominated social media, news outlets, and tech forums alike. The anticipation in the air was tangible, and as each day passed, the public''s patience grew thinner.


    Everyone wanted one thing: the game and the Pod in their hands. The demand had skyrocketed so much that, even without an official price set by Kurt Technologies, the Pod had a spective price tag of $278,000. And, in a strategic move, Ss had yed his part in stirring the market further¡ªleaking selective "misinformation" about the limited number of VR Pods avable.


    this chapter is NovelBin|le|mp|y r


    The scarcity only intensified the frenzy, driving the spective market into overdrive.


    But of course, sess neveres withoutplications. Just as people mored for the release of the game and Pod, opposition arose from various corners. Kim found herself overwhelmed with calls from more than twenty powerful entities within just two days.


    Besides the coalition of aging corporate giants that had already tried to buy their way into the game, new suitors emerged¡ªinternational corporations, tech conglomerates, and investment firms, all with the same request, though dressed up in different ways: ess to the Pod or, even better, the technology behind.


    Some offered staggering sums of money, while others hinted at strategic partnerships. Ss couldn''t help butugh when Kim ryed their demands. It wasn''t surprising¡ªthey were reacting exactly as he''d predicted. What amused him was just how transparent their desperation had be.


    The first tactic they used was trying to buy shares in Kurt Technologies, but they quickly ran into a brick wall. Kim, patient and professional, reminded them repeatedly that Kurt Technologies was a privately ownedpany¡ªno shares avable for purchase.


    Realizing they couldn''t buy their way in, they shifted strategies, offering to purchase the Pods outright, naming prices that would make mostpanies jump at the opportunity.


    Kim''s response remained the same: a polite but firm refusal. And as the rejections piled up, their frustration turned to thinly veiled aggression. They dropped the pretense of partnership and went straight for the heart, demanding ess to the underlying technology that powered the Pod and game. It was clear now¡ªthis had been their true goal all along.


    They saw Kurt Technologies as an upstart, a youngpany that they believed could be pressured or strong-armed intopliance.


    They tried to use their experience and influence as leverage, pointing out that Kurt Technologies was barely a year old andcked the clout to stand against the giants of the business world. But at that point, Kim didn''t even bother responding. She left them sitting in the conference room and walked away, leaving them to stew in their own frustration.


    As the days went on, the pressure continued to build. Rumors and usations began to circte, iming that the Pods posed a danger to the health of the beta testers. Calls for independent health assessments started to gain traction, with ims that the Pod was causing "irreversible damage to the brain" and that the situation would worsen without immediate intervention.


    When Kim told Ss about these new demands, he burst intoughter, the sound echoing through his office. It was all so predictable, so utterly absurd. "Irreversible damage to the brain?" he said, shaking his head. "They''lle up with anything, won''t they?"


    He knew what they were trying to achieve¡ªan attempt to stoke fear and sow doubt among potential consumers, hoping to dy the game''sunch or force Kurt Technologies into a more vulnerable position. But instead of backing down, Ss saw an opportunity to turn their tactics against them.


    "Kim, arrange for the beta testers to undergo full medical scans¡ªMRI, CT, PET, the whole works. We''ll post the results online," he instructed, his grin widening. He wanted to be absolutely transparent, to strip away any credibility their usations might have. And, as expected, the test results showed nothing concerning, just as Ss had known they would.


    Within hours of the scans, Ss uploaded the results to every social media tform and major news outlet, presenting undeniable proof that the testers were perfectly fine. The narrative shifted once again, turning the users into the ones scrambling for an exnation.


    Meanwhile, the beta testers themselves weren''t left untouched by the frenzy. They had be minor celebrities, caught in the spotlight of the game''s hype and the surrounding controversy. Lucrative endorsement deals started rolling in frompanies eager to capitalize on their newfound fame, and their lives began to change in unexpected ways.


    Ss found it amusing¡ªthese testers had signed up for a game and stumbled into fame.


    But amidst the noise, the most persistent challenges came from global powers. The U.S. government, never subtle in its approach, was the first to make its intentions clear. Their calls barely masked their true objective: they wanted the Pod and, more importantly, the technology that powered it.


    They framed their interest as cooperation, but the underlying demand was clear¡ªshare the tech or face potential consequences. To the USA, the pod and VR game had much more meaning, to them, it was a strategic asset, one that could reshape military training, national security, and global influence.


    And they weren''t alone. Kim fielded calls from Russia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, each vying for a piece of the technology behind Kurt Technologies. These governments saw the strategic advantage such tech could offer, from military simtions to remote operations, and they wanted control. Ss had no illusions about what they would do with the technology if they got their hands on it.


    Yet he remained unmoved. There was no chance he would give them what they wanted. If anything, their demands only yed into his hands, giving him the pretext he needed tounch the next phase of his ns. He knew this game, and he was ying it better than they realized.


    ---


    In the midst of the chaos, Ss''s phone rang with a call from an unknown number. He nced at the disy and couldn''t help but smile. Even though it appeared as an unknown number, he could already see the information on the caller.


    For a moment, he considered letting it ring, but curiosity won out. He epted the call, a smirk on his lips as he leaned back in his chair.


    "If it isn''t the one and only Empress, Elizabeth Frederick," he greeted smoothly.


    There was a brief pause on the other end, then a low, confident chuckle. "It''s been a while, Ss. I hear you''ve been busy turning the world upside down."


    Ss''s grin widened. This was going to be interesting.

 Chapter 216: Elizabeth Federick (II)

    Elizabeth would be lying if she imed she wasn''t surprised that Ss knew it was her on the other end of the line. It wasn''t just the fact that he had identified her from an untraceable number¡ªit was the casual, almost yful way he addressed her, as if he had been expecting her call all along.


    Ss had always been an enigma to her, a puzzle she couldn''t quite piece together, and that realization only deepened her curiosity.


    For months, she had been doing everything in her power to uncover the mystery of Ss. She''d called in every favor, used every contact, deployed every resource she had to track him down after his unexpected and disruptive visit to the Abyss¡ªthe underground arena for Phenomenals. But the results were always the same: aplete nk.


    Ss''s past, his movements, even his supposed allies¡ªnone of it existed on any record she could ess. It was as if he had vanished into thin air the moment he left the Abyss, a ghost with no trace left behind. That was seven months ago, and her search had been relentless.


    The more she uncovered nothing, the more Elizabeth understood just how dangerous he truly was. People with clean records didn''t exist in her world¡ªnot naturally. The more spotless someone''s background appeared, the more they were hiding. And with Ss, it was clear he was hiding a lot.


    It was no coincidence, she thought, that he had reappeared on the world''s stage only now, with theunch of the VR game and Pod creating a frenzy that reached every corner of the globe. For someone like Ss to step out of the shadows so suddenly meant he was ying arger game¡ªone that she couldn''t quite see yet.


    It bothered her that she couldn''t figure out what his endgame was. Why had he chosen to surface now? He had managed to remain hidden for months, evading not just her but every other intelligence agency andwork of informants across the globe. If he could do that, then why reveal himself now, at the peak of the VR Pod''s media storm? What had changed? Unless...


    unless he wanted to be seen.


    Elizabeth tapped her fingers thoughtfully against her desk as she considered this. The truth was, she didn''t hold any personal grudges against Ss. She wasn''t among those who had suffered during that chaotic night at the Abyss when Ss had toyed with some of the most powerful Phenomenals like they were children.


    She had watched from the sidelines as he dismantled their pride, one by one, turning what was supposed to be a show of dominance into a game he controlled effortlessly.


    She remembered the scene clearly. It was Natasha who had provoked him first, using her powers to try and manipte him. It was a reckless move, one that backfired spectacrly. Instead of cowering, Ss had turned the entire arena into his yground, tossing around Phenomenals like ragdolls. Elizabeth had found herself more fascinated than angered by the disy of power.


    It was brutal, yes, but it was also a demonstration of something else¡ªcontrol, mastery, and a kind of effortless superiority that she hadn''t seen before.


    If anything, she respected him for it. Ss had shown that he wasn''t someone to be manipted or controlled, and he had done it in a way that left everyone in the Abyss with no choice but to recognize his strength.


    But now, as she thought about how quickly he had transitioned from that shadowy figure to the founder of apany at the forefront of global attention, she couldn''t help but wonder what he truly wanted.


    ''Why the shift?'' she thought to herself. ''Why allow the world to focus on you?''


    The Bureau''s analysts had their own theories, many of which Elizabeth found ridiculous. Some of them spected that the VR Pod was based on alien technology or that it had origins outside of Earth.


    She had dismissed those ideas at first, but as more details emerged¡ªespecially the whispers of how advanced the Pod''s neural integration was¡ªshe began to wonder if there might be a grain of truth in those wild spections. After all, Daniel, had also hinted on something about Ss, though he''d never provided specifics.


    It was all too convenient, the way Ss had emerged from obscurity and brought technologies that seemed decades ahead of anything else.


    Ss''s rise from a nobody to someone who could disrupt industries and shake governments had happened in less than three years. It was unnerving. And despite all her resources, all her efforts, Elizabeth knew she was still grasping at shadows.


    She sighed, rubbing her temples as she considered her position. ''If I could, I''d rather not be Ss''s enemy,'' she admitted to herself. She knew that much. It wasn''t just because she respected his strength; it was because she recognized the danger he posed if antagonized.


    But she also understood that her role as a Phenomenal affiliated with the United States meant that her wishes didn''t necessarily align with her duties. She had responsibilities, and as much as she might prefer to stay on neutral ground, she knew that the US government would see Ss as a potential threat to be contained or controlled.


    Still, she wanted answers. And if there was a way to understand what Ss intended without immediately drawing battle lines, she was determined to find it.


    "Ss, can we meet and talk?" she asked finally, keeping her tone neutral, even as her mind raced through the possible oues of this conversation.


    Ss chuckled on the other end, a sound that felt almost condescending, as if he was humoring her. "You think I''d refuse a meeting with someone as influential as you, Elizabeth? Sure, I''ll bite. But let''s keep it simple¡ªneutral ground. And no games."


    Elizabeth allowed herself a small smile, though she knew he couldn''t see it. "Neutral ground, no games," she echoed. "I''ll send you the details."


    "Looking forward to it, Empress," Ss replied, the nickname rolling off his tongue with a hint of amusement. And then the line went dead.


    Elizabeth remained seated, her fingers lingering over the phone. She knew this meeting wouldn''t be simple, despite what they''d agreed. Ss wouldn''t have epted so readily unless he believed he had the upper hand. But that was fine. She wasn''t going into this unprepared. There was still much she could learn, and perhaps even a way to turn this unexpected meeting to her advantage.


    But more than that, a part of her was genuinely curious¡ªcurious about the man behind the mystery, about the force that had taken the world by storm. And maybe, just maybe, she wanted to see what would happen if she allowed herself to step into his orbit, if only for a moment.


    She straightened in her chair, steeling herself for what was toe. If Ss was nning something big, she needed to know what it was. And whether it meant ying friend or foe, Elizabeth Federick was ready to find out.


    With a quick series of taps on her encrypted tablet, she arranged the meeting location and sent the details to Ss through a secure channel. As she looked out the window at the bustling city below, she couldn''t help but feel a flicker of anticipation.


    Whatever Ss was nning, she was about to find herself right in the middle of it. And she wouldn''t have it any other way.

 Chapter 217: Meeting With Elizabeth

    Ss leaned back in his chair after ending the call with Elizabeth, a smirk still ying at the corners of his lips. He had expected a call from someone from the Bureau but he didn''t expect that it would her. It didn''t surprise him as he was aware of the type of authority she wields among Phenomenals in the world.


    ''The Empress,'' Ss thought with a smile.


    It wasn''t the first time their paths had crossed, but this meeting would be different. Ss knew that Elizabeth wasn''t just calling out of idle curiosity. The truth is that he doesn''t know much about her but what he do know is that she''s a very decisive woman.


    Luna''s voice broke through his thoughts, her tone smooth and almost yful. {Elizabeth Federick¡­. Do you think she''sing to broker a deal?}


    Ss shrugged slightly. "Maybe. But if she''s reaching out, it means she''s either curious about the VR Pod¡ªor about me. Perhaps both. Either way, she''s more valuable as an ally than an adversary, at least for now."


    {Understood. I''ll monitor anymunication between her known associates and the usual governmental channels. If she''s nning to double-cross you, we''ll know.}


    "Good," Ss replied, his smirk fading into a more contemtive expression. He agreed with Luna''s decision to monitor Elizabeth¡ªeven though he knew that could possibly go wrong at the meeting. Besides, ikt wouldn''t hurt to be cautious.


    He stood up, moving to the window of his office. Below, the throngs of people still lingered outside the Kurt Technologies headquarters, reporters with their cameras, and fans eagerly discussing the next possible developments. To them, the real excitement was the VR Pod¡ªits potential, its impact. But Ss knew that this meeting could shape things in a different way.


    If he yed his cards right¡ªas he already ns to¡ªhe might gain insight into the movements of global powers, and maybe even secure an advantage against the more aggressive yers circling him.


    ''This meeting could be the key to understanding whates next,'' he thought, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. ''Even if it''sa trap, the risk, as always, was worth it.''


    ---


    On the other side of the country, Elizabeth paced her office, a thoughtful frown on her face. She had sent the coordinates of the meeting ce¡ªan upscale restaurant known for its discretion, nestled away from prying eyes. It was the kind of ce frequented by those who valued privacy above all else. A ce where secrets could be exchanged over expensive wine without the risk of eavesdropping.


    But despite her carefully chosen venue, Elizabeth couldn''t shake the nagging uncertainty in her heart. Ss was an unknown quantity, even to her, and that made him dangerous. In her line of work, she had learned that unpredictability often meant power¡ªpower that could overturn carefullyid ns.


    She nced at the tablet on her desk, where a detailed dossier on Ss had been disyed. The document was thin, frustratingly sparsepared to what she was used to. No family ties confirmed yet, no known associates, no verifiable history before his explosive debut at the Abyss seven months ago.


    And now, this man¡ªwho had been a ghost just a few months ago¡ªwas running the most talked-about techpany on Earth.


    Elizabeth closed the file and let out a quiet sigh. She was no stranger to ying dangerous games, but there was something about Ss that made even her cautious. She knew that meeting him could be an opportunity, but it could also be a dangerous dance, one where a single misstep could turn an ally into an enemy.


    She took a deep breath, steeling herself. Whatever Ss'' intentions were, she would find out soon enough. And if he thought he could outmaneuver her, he was about to learn that she was more than capable of matching his game.


    ---


    Hourster, in the back of a sleek, luxurious car, Ss looked out the window at the restaurant that Elizabeth chose as their meeting ce.


    The restaurant was neutral ground, just as Elizabeth had promised, but he was also reassured of this after Luna had run through every potential security threat. As he stepped out of the car, the city lights casted shadows across his face, he allowed himself a moment of amusement.


    ''Meeting the Empress for dinner,'' he mused. ''How delightfully dramatic.''


    He walked toward the entrance of the restaurant, his expressionposed and nonchnt. The building''s understated elegance contrasted with the tension simmering just beneath the surface.


    He pushed open the doors and stepped inside, catching sight of Elizabeth seated at a corner table, her posture as poised but he knew that it was likely her just putting up a tough front.


    She turned as he entered, and their eyes met¡ªeach assessing the other, calcting, searching for hints of whaty beneath their calm exteriors.


    Ss approached, offering a curt nod as he took his seat across from her. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension and the tension was bing almost palpable.


    Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, a faint smile curving her lips as she studied him. "You know, Ss, I almost thought you wouldn''t show."


    Ss''s own smile mirrored hers, cool and confident. "And miss the chance to hear what you have to say? I wouldn''t dream of it."


    The waiter approached, filling their sses with wine before retreating to give them privacy. The soft murmur of the restaurant faded into the background, leaving them in a bubble of silence, with only the dim lights casting shadows across their faces.


    Elizabeth leaned forward slightly, resting her hands on the table as she met Ss''s gaze. "You''ve made quite a stir, you know. The world can''t stop talking about you¡ªabout your little VR game and the Pod. But you and I both know there''s more to this than what meets the eye."


    Ss''s smile widened just enough to be disarming. "The same could be said about you, Elizabeth. You''ve always preferred the shadows to the spotlight, yet here you are, reaching out to me directly. What''s changed? Are you here on your own ord or did the Bureau put you up to it?"


    Elizabeth didn''t flinch at the question, instead maintaining herposed demeanor. "Let''s just say that you''ve piqued my interest, Ss. And when something¡ªor someone¡ªis interesting enough, I find it wise to understand their motivations."


    "Or to figure out if they''re a threat," Ss countered smoothly, leaning back in his chair, his expression never wavering. "So tell me, Elizabeth, what is it that you want to understand about me?"


    Elizabeth''s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but her voice remained steady. "I want to know why a man who could remain hidden suddenly decides to be the most visible figure in the tech world. I want to know what''s driving you¡ªand where this ends."


    Ss tilted his head, as if considering her words. "Where it ends? I suppose that depends on how the world reacts to change. But if you''re asking whether I n to stop here..." He shook his head, his smile returning, sharper this time. "Let''s just say, this is only the beginning."


    Elizabeth studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded slowly. "Then it seems we have much to discuss."

 Chapter 218: Meeting With Elizabeth (II)

    The air between Ss and Elizabeth remained charged, their eyes locked as the initial pleasantries fell away, revealing the underlying currents of tension and curiosity. Elizabeth swirled the wine in her ss, but her focus remained on Ss, scrutinizing every shift in his expression, every pause between his words. He was a puzzle she was yet to solve, and she hates unsolved puzzles.


    "So, Ss," she began, her tone light but her wordsced with intent, "you''ve certainly made a ssh with this VR Pod of yours. But you must know that this kind of attention doesn''te without a price. The world''s most powerful entities¡ªgovernments, corporations, even organizations and agencies like the BEM¡ªare all very interested in your next move."


    Ss leaned forward slightly, his fingers drumming on the table as he considered her words. "I''m aware, Elizabeth. The flurry of calls, the sudden concerns about the beta testers'' health¡ªnone of that is a surprise. What I didn''t expect was for you to reach out personally. So, what is it that you''re really after? I will ask again, are you here on your own ord or did the Bureau put you up to it?"


    Elizabeth took a slow sip of her wine, letting the question hang in the air. She knew Ss well enough to understand that he thrived on ambiguity, always pushing others to reveal more than he did. But she wasn''t about to fall into that trap.


    "Let''s just say that my interests are multifaceted," she replied smoothly. "The Bureau wants answers, of course. They see you as a potential disruptor¡ªsomeone who could upend the bnce of power with a few keystrokes. But as for me..."


    She trailed off, setting her ss down with a quiet clink. "I''m more interested in the person behind all of this. A man who managed to elude every surveincework I have ess to for seven months, only to reappear as the head of a techpany that''s outpacing even the most established giants. I want to know why."


    Ss studied her, his expression carefully neutral. For a moment, he let the silence stretch, watching as Elizabeth''s gaze never wavered. Then he leaned back, crossing his arms. "You think I''m ying a dangerous game, don''t you? You''re not wrong. But you, Elizabeth, should understand better than anyone that sometimes the game itself needs to change."


    She tilted her head, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Is that what this is to you? A game? Because I''ve seen people who treat power like a game before, Ss. They rarelyst long when the real yers get involved."


    Ss chuckled softly, a low sound that held no humor. "You''re right about one thing, Elizabeth¡ªthere are real yers involved. And right now, they''re scrambling because they can''t understand what I''ve done, or how I did it. But you know what I find funny? They all think that if they pressure me enough, I''ll give up my secrets.


    They think they can buy their way into my ns, or scare me into submission."


    He shook his head, his expression turning cold. "But they''re wrong. I''m not in this for money, and I''m certainly not afraid of them. And as for you..." He paused, letting his gaze bore into hers. "You''re smart enough to know that this isn''t about the Pod, or the game. It''s about the kind of future we''re building, and who gets to shape it."


    Elizabeth allowed a small, genuine smile to surface. "And you believe that you should be the one shaping it?"


    "Someone has to," Ss replied, his voice steady. "Look at the state of things, Elizabeth. Look at how slow progress has been, how innovation is stifled by bureaucracy and outdated systems. I can change that. We can change that¡ªif you''re willing to see beyond the old structures and think about whates next."


    Elizabeth leaned back, considering his words carefully. There was no denying that Ss''s vision was ambitious¡ªdangerously so. But there was somethingpelling about his certainty, his refusal to bend orpromise. It was a rare trait, and she couldn''t help but respect it, even as she weighed the risks of aligning with someone so unpredictable.


    "And what do you envision, Ss?" she asked, genuinely curious. "What does this future look like, the one you want to build?"


    Ss''s gaze drifted to the window, where the lights of the city spread out like a web beneath them. For a moment, his expression softened, as if he was looking beyond the skyline, seeing something that only he could perceive.


    "It''s a world where technology isn''t just another tool for the powerful to maintain their grip on control. It''s a world where the barriers between what''s possible and what''s not are shattered, where people aren''t limited by the systems that hold them back. The Pod is just the beginning. Imagine what happens when reality itself bes as malleable as code."


    Elizabeth followed his gaze, but her thoughts were focused inward, on the implications of what he was saying. She understood the appeal of his vision¡ªshe''d seen firsthand how the entrenched powers worked to keep their status. But she also knew that upheaval came at a cost, and Ss'' version of progress could upend more than just business.


    It could destabilize entire governments, alter the bnce of global power, and create new conflicts in ways no one could predict.


    "You''re talking about a revolution," she said finally, her voice quiet. "And revolutions tend to burn more than just those in power. Are you ready for that?"


    Ss''s smile faded, reced by a look of fierce determination. "Revolutions don''t happen without a price. I know that. But I''m willing to pay it. The question is¡ªare you?"


    Elizabeth held his gaze for a long moment, the weight of his words settling over her like a heavy cloak. There was a risk here¡ªan enormous one. Aligning with Ss meant stepping into a postion where the rules she had lived by no longer applied. But she also knew that sometimes, to gain control over the future, you had to be willing to embrace the chaos.


    She picked up her ss again, raising it slightly in a gesture of acknowledgment. "I''m not promising anything, Ss. But you''ve convinced me of one thing¡ªthis is a conversation worth continuing."


    Ss mirrored her gesture, the barest hint of a smirk returning to his lips. They clinked their sses together, the sound ringing softly between them. And as they drank, they both knew that whatever came next, the world was on the edge of something new, something uncertain. And whether as allies, rivals, or something in between, they won''t be safe from what''s toe.


    A couple of minutester, Ss stood up from his seat and started walking towards the door of the restaurant. He paused when he got the door and turned his headnto look at Elizabeth who was still seated.


    "I heard that you guys got a new addition. Do be careful around him, he''s unstable."


    Ss didn''t bother to wait to see her reaction as he opened the door and left the restaurant, leaving the now confused Elizabeth.


    "New addition? Is he talking about Daniel? What does he mean by him being unstable?" Elizabeth asked herself.

 Chapter 219: So Many Unknowns

    The night sky was sprinkled with stars, giving it a very beautiful and magnificent view.


    From his position as hey on his bed, Ss looked out the window and enjoyed the night view.


    This was the same thing he did everyday with his family during their family vacation. It was a very enjoyable one to say the least.


    Ss smiled at his own thoughts. He loved the time he spent with his family at the beach. It was the only time he truly allowed himself to be free from everything, every worries and thoughts. As he just spent time with his family.


    If he could, he would love for all of them to go on a family vacation again but that is currently impossible due to how busy things. And they are to get even more busy in theing days.


    Ss'' thoughts drifted to his meeting with Elizabeth. The truth was that he didn''t expect the meeting to go so well without any incident.


    The meeting also made him to realize that even more than ever that he still doesn''t know enough of the world he lives in. He understood that he still has a lot to learn about the world and those that run it.


    He knew that climbing to the top wasn''t going to be easy. It will never be. There''s no way that those old geezers at the top of and entrenched power would just allow him to do as he pleases.


    He was aware that they were still monitoring him to see his next move. If he does too much, they will act. He knew that things were always as simple as it is in the corporate world and in the world atrge.


    The fact that nothing has happened yet shows that they are taking their time and that makes Ss very curious about what they are nning to do. This also made him to raise his guard as he knew that what''s toe are going to be a rollercoaster of events.


    His thoughts also went to the beta testers candidates. He knew that they are being contacted by different people and organizations with different offers.


    Even if they don''t tell him, he has Luna who feeds all information to him. He knew that they all have been contacted with an offer and three of them have epted the offer that was made to them.


    Ss couldn''t me them as the offers were very lucrative but that doesn''t mean that he was going to let them off easily. He intends to give them the punishment they deserve and he also ns to sue them if they really go ahead and betray him¡ªas it''s a breach of the contract they signed.


    It was only the candidates that were being made offers. The staffs of thepany weren''t left out. Majority of them have been getting calls offering them things they can only dream in return for one thing; information on the VR game and Pod.


    This was the same as the beta testing candidates. The two groups were being to get insider information on the Pod.


    Yes, it''s still the same thing as them asking for the source technology of the Pod. Something that''s very impossible for anyone to acquire.


    The Pod is something that was bought from the system store. Forget about getting its source technology, there''s no way that an average Joe would be able to understand how it works.


    Hacking the Pod? Pfft! That''s the most ridiculous thing that Ss has ever heard.If the Pod wasn''t researched in the simted research world, there''s no way that Luna would had been able to ess its software and encrypt the Domain.


    That''s just how hard it is. This was the reason why Ss was calm about the offers that were being made to the beta testing candidates and the staffs of thepany. It''s because he knew that they were destined to fail from the start.


    Ss wasn''t worried about whatever the old geezers and whatnots are nning as he already has a n of his own. To him, it was only a matter of time before everything falls into ce.


    Ss also doesn''t n to stay idle. He will start putting in ce countermeasures for any possible attack from the council of top dogs. He wants to make sure that he''s at least ten steps ahead of them.


    There was something that made him slightly worried and that''s the ck Hand Organization.


    Ss didn''t put them in his eyes before. He only viewed them a group of people who wants to hold onto control and dictate how the world operates. But this changes slightly after what Luna told him.


    This made him even more curious about the organization and its depth. He wants to know just how much of their strength they are hiding.


    Also, he has curiosity towards what could be hidden in the mysterious ces around the earth. He ns to take a trip to those ces and find out for himself.


    "So many unknowns. I should get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. I wonder what type of coboration thosepanies want with us," He said to himself with a contemtive look.


    "Meh... It''s not like it matters anyway. If it doesn''t benefit me in any way, I won''t ept it. They are not the first that has been rejected."


    Ss snuggled into his bed and closed his eyes, falling asleep almost immediately.


    .....


    In an hotel room, Elizabeth stood in front of the window, looking at the beautiful night view of the city.


    "So, how did it go?" A voice asked.


    Her eyes shifted slightly as different thoughts ran through her mind. She opened her mouth to answer but all she could do was sigh.


    "It went well."


    "It didn''t go well, did it? The fact that you took that long to answer and you sighed means that there''s something on your mind. Little Angel, tell me what the problem is." The voice said.


    Elizabeth was quiet for a few moments. She didn''t really know what to say. Throughout the whole meeting, all she did was put up a strong front but she felt that Ss saw through her facade.


    She left the window and went to take her seat on a sofa but still turning her view to the window.


    "Dad, what do you see in him to make you so sure that he has such ability? How sure are you that he can help us to find mom?" Elizabeth asked as she continued looking out the window.


    "Because your mother said so."

 Chapter 220: Fence Sitters

    ''Mom...'' Elizabeth thought wistfully when she heard what her father said.


    Her mom left when she was still seven years of age. Where she left for? She has no idea. All she knew was that her mom tucked her into bed the previous night and the next day, when she woke up, her mom was nowhere to be found.


    Initially, she thought her mother went out to get something and she went to ask her father. But the look on her father''s face when she went to him told her that something was wrong.


    "She said you should be strong." That was the only sentence her father could utter as tears streamed down his cheeks.


    At first, she didn''t understand what that meant but as time went and as she grew up, she came to understand a lot of things.


    At age 10, she was given a dose load of shook when she found out about her mother''s identity. Her mother was not from Earth.


    Yes, her mother is a alien. It was an information that was beyond shocking and she didn''t know how to react to it.


    How was she expected to react that to the fact that she''s an alien? It was something that she found very hard toe term with.


    She wouldn''t had believed it if she was told by someone else but she knew that she had to as it was her dad that told her everything. And she knew that he was telling the truth.


    The information made her feel slightly self conscious. How could she not be? She took a look at herself in the mirror and she saw nothing that would indicate that she''s an alien. That''s except for her double colored irises but that can easily be exined with science.


    It took her time but she was finally able toe to term with everything and ept herself for who she is. But this was after asking her father and confirming from him multiple times about her identity as an identity. After she had epted her identity, she began the search for her mother.


    As expected, it was beyond impossible as she has no idea of where to start from. It also made matters worse as her mother left no clue as to where she could be found or where one could start looking for her.


    Elizabeth thought that the only weird thing about her was her identity as an alien but that was until she awakened her superpowers at the age of 15. It was a day that she got to understand just how dark the world is.


    It happened at school when she was facing a typical bullying situation. She was about to be beaten down when she got angry and without thought or knowledge of what she was doing, froze the mouth of her bully.


    As expected of humans, she became a monster in their eyes and she had to leave the school because of the incident. And she eventually dropped out of schoolpletely.


    It wasn''t a memorable experience for her but she didn''t put how she was treated by them to heart. She has faced something far worse than being called a monster by people who aren''t even her friends¡ªpeople she barely knew. As long as she has her father by her side, the whole world can burn for all she cares.


    After dropping out of school, she was able to focus on searching for her mother and it has been five years since but she hasn''t been to get any information on her mother. The search for her mother was also one of the reasons she joined the Bureau.


    Elizabeth sighed when she thought of her slightly disturbing past. She thought of what her father said about Ss and rubbed her temple as she felt a headacheing up.


    "Dad, did mom mention his name specifically or you''re just making assumptions that he''s the one?" Elizabeth asked.


    "She didn''t." Her dad said as his voice trailed off.


    Elizabeth sighed when she heard this. She felt that she could understand what was going on as it''s something that has happened in the past.


    "Dad, are you trying to bank on him? I know that you miss Mom and all. I also do but we can''t keep doing things this way. I know you want to look for Mom, I also do as it''s what I''m doing everyday and it''s also the same reason why I listened to you, and joined the Bureau. But you have to understand that things are getting veryplicated and they are bound to get even moreplicated in the future.


    I met with Ss today and I must say that he''s a very ambitious person just like everyone else. He had big dreams that''s for sure but the problem is if he has the ability to achieve those dreams," Elizabeth paused for a moment before continuing.


    "Yes, he created the world''s first VR game and Pod. I know what everyone is saying about it being an alien technology. You also said the same thing but if it''s really an alien technology as you said, then it means that Ss is working with the aliens. The problem right now is that we don''t know if he''s a friend or foe. We can only make decisions if we know what he''s up to."


    Elizabeth''s father remainder silent after whar she said.


    Elizabeth understand how her father feels about her mother''s absence as she feels the same but she was very skeptical about working with Ss. He always gives her a dangerous feeling like she''s standing in front of apex predator.


    Not just the dangerous feeling that Ss is giving her, the subtle movement that the Bureau has been makingtely is something that she''s worried about.


    Also, with the third world war on the horizon, Elizabeth knew that days are ahead.


    "Elizabeth, what do you suggest we do?" Her father finally asked after a long moment of silence.


    "It''s not the best decision but right now, we can only be fence sitters. Ss is strong but the organization isn''t simple either. We just have to let the two Elephants fight and we will support whoever wins."

 Chapter 221: The Meetings

    "Luna, how''s the progress of the beta testing and has there been anyints from the yers?" Ss asked as she sat in his office.


    {None. Everything has been smooth so far and the response from the yers has been positive so far. Also, there has been an online petition signing that started a yesterday.}


    "The fact that you said that means that the inline petition is rted to us. So, what does it entails?" Ss asked with a look of curiosity on his face.


    He was very interested to know what the online petition signing is all about and if it''s one of those that the council of old dogs are trying to y with him.


    {Unlike what you''re thinking. The online petition is about the game. There are two options.


    The first option is release the game immediately after the first beta testing ends. This means that we will have to cancel the nned second and third beta testing.} Luna replied.


    "So, what''s the second option?" Ss asked as he tapped his table with his fingers.


    {Increasing the number of beta testing candidates to at least five hundred and allow for unlimited streaming of the game.}


    Ss'' eyes narrowed into a slit when he heard the second option. It was a good idea, undeniable but he couldn''t help but feel there was more to it.


    Maybe it was just him being paranoid but Ss had already thought of multiple ways that things could possibly go wrong with the second idea.


    Increasing the number of beta testing candidates means that there are more people that will be able to y the game. And it also means that there are more ways for them to infiltrate thepany.


    Yes, the beta testers will be screened and interviewed before they are epted but that doesn''t mean that all the rats will be eliminated.


    That would had been a problem if things were that simple but it wasn''t. Ss has Luna to do a deep background check on every single one of the candidates. Also, even if Ss allows the rats to get into thepany, there''s no way that they would be able to get what they want as the Pod and VR game isn''t something simple.


    "Luna, I have decided. We will increase the number of beta testing candidates to 1000 but no streaming for now. If we are going to stream the game will depend on the oue of today''s meeting with those people," Ss said as he came to a decision .


    This was after giving it much thoughts. He was very sure that this was the best decision to take. Cutting short the duration for the beta testing was out of the question as he has a n for it and this was the reason why he chose the second option. Yes, he could had also ignored everythingpletely but Ss has his own reasons for not doing so.


    Ss has something that he wants to achieve and he wants to do it as light speed as possible before the council of old dogs start making their movements.


    {I will do that, master.}


    "Mmhmm." Ss nodded.


    Ss continued to ask for progress report on other things; from the research progress on the cure for chronic and terminal illness. He also asked for progress report on the construction of the fusion power nt and the underground facility.


    "Luna, ask if the constructionpany can take on one more project." Ss said as he thought of the next thing he wants to build.


    {What project is that, master?}


    "Quantum stations and other infrastructures for the quantum inte," Ss replied.


    Luna nodded and contacted the CEO that was put in charge of the constructionpany.


    While she was doing that, a knock was heard on the door.


    "Come on in, please," Ss said as he adjusted his posture.


    It was time for his meeting to begin.


    ....


    Pentagon.


    In one of the main conference rooms in building, a group of people were seated around the conference table.


    "So, it''s really him? We searched highs and lows for him for more than seven months but got nothing. Who knew that the person we have been searching for was living right under our noses?" The Secretary of Defense said with a wry smile on his face.


    "Mr Secretary, that''s already in the past. What is important is what to do with this... kid," President Adrian said.


    He was feeling very peeved with everything that was going on. It was due to Ss that he has been on his toes for thest seven months,. trying to get information on him.


    He felt very angry that everything was caused by a kid. Hr can''t understand how Ss walked into the Abyss and traumatized the Phenomenals there.


    The Secretary of Defense smiled when he heard Adrian''s question.


    "We will take a soft approach first. We will meet up with him and ask him to join the Bureau and we will offer him even more benefits than what was offered to others." The Secretary of Defense said as he tapped the table with his fingers.


    "Mr Secretary, you know that this kid is rich, right? Hispany, even though it''s privately owned, it''s worth more than $5 billion already. We have not talked about the VR game and Pod that''s yet to beunched. What can we offer him that will enticr him enough to join the Bureau?" Adrian asked as he looked at the Secretary of Defense intently.


    He was very curious to know what response he would give to his question.


    "Adrian, it seems you don''t understand how the government works. We will take the famous good cop and bad cop approach. We will pressure him with regtions attempt on the VR game and Pod, then we will tell him that he can be free if everything if he joins the Bureau. Besides, what can the government not offer?" The Secretary of Defense smiled to himself, feeling very proud.


    He felt his idea was very solid and there was no way for anything to go wrong.


    "He won''t ept your offer." Elizabeth said as she raised her head slowly.


    The Secretary of Defense was surprised by Elizabeth''s words. He turned to look at her, wanting her to exin further on what she meant.


    "Elizabeth, what did you say?" He asked as he looked at her intently.


    "I said he won''t ept the offer. On the contrary, he willugh at it. Mr Secretary, you''re really trying to downy the ability of Ss. First, he''s strong, rich and also from the incident that happened at theb, we can possibly say that he''s not alone.


    Mr Secretary, tell me, if you''re as strong as Ss and has everything he has, would you take us seriously?" Elizabeth asked.


    "No."

 Chapter 222: The Meeting

    Harrisson knew that Elizabeth was right. He knew the value of the technology and assets that Ss has in his hands and he''s very sure that the kid is also aware of this.


    If he was in the kid''s position,. there''s no way he was going to take the government serious. He would treat them like a circus.


    He wouldn''t worry about anything as he has more than enough options. If the government pressures him too much, all he would do is to go to another country, give them little bit of information on the VR Pod and he would be their most treasured asset.


    Now that he thought of it, there was something about President Yusmaorobis working with a very strong Phenomenal and they suspect it to be Ss.


    He knew that things weren''t as easy as he thought it to be but he wasn''t worried. Instead, he felt that things were starting to get very interesting.


    Harrison was confident. This was the USA and they always get what they want. If Ss is to take the technology and leave the country, then they would have no choice but tobel him a terrorist and impose very strict sanctions on the country that he ran to.


    They would also talk to their allies and have them do the same. Unites Nations was already in their pocket, they also have NATO. So why should he be bother about a kid that got lucky with a VR technology?


    He knew that the government won''t have to step in as those old dogs are already making ns on how bring Ss and hispany to his knees.


    A bright smile painted his face when he thought of how the top industries in the country and in the world are going to deal with ss.


    With how bad their personalities are and how greedy, and selfish they are, there''s no way they are going to let someone as young and inexperienced as Ss to enjoy everything everything by himself.


    They won''t allow him to have everything to himself as they wille for it and there''s no way that Ss would be able to fend them off.


    If things esctes to that extent,. maybe, just maybe, he might also step in and meditate the situation. But that will depend on what Ss would offer inpensation.


    Harrison reced the smile on his face with a solemn one and turned to look at the Phenomenals that were seated around the conference table.


    "You guys, if all of you are to meet Ss again and fight him, do you think you will win?" He asked in curiosity.


    "Nah, I''d lose." One of them said and shook his head.


    Harrison maintained the expression on his face as his gaze moved from each of them. All of them shook their head without an iota or confidence.


    Harrison sighed when he saw this. He didn''t believe that the country''s Phenomenals are so weakpared to a kid. He was thinking of how weak the Phenomenals are when someone broke him out of his thoughts.


    He looked at the person and saw that it''s the new addition, the living evidence of the organization research breakthrough.


    "Mr Daniel, you have something to say?" He asked as he gave him a re.


    "Yes, Mr Secretary. Thest time I met Ss was before I awakened and joined the Bureau. I was defeated by him then, something that''s natural but I know that I can beat him now. I''m not longer the ordinary human I used to be before. I am now a Marvel!"


    The other Phenomenals in the conference room looked at Daniel for brief moment before turning their heads away.


    "Yep, he''s gonna die and he''s trying to bring us down with him." One of them murmured.


    "What kind of speech is that? I cringed like hell. The fuck?" Another person murmured in response.


    "Let him be. He''s gonna get the David treatment soon. No offense, Dave." Another person said and nodded at David in apology.


    "Lmao. Bro thinks he''s the main character because he awaken a fire based superpower. Jokes on you, even David that used his ultimate secret move still thrown across the room like a ragdoll." One of themughed.


    Daniel was about to re up from hearing what they were saying. He felt that they are very dumb. Why do they have to ce Ss on that high a pedestal?


    To him, Ss was just a human like them. So why do they treat him like he''s some kind of god?


    Elizabeth decided to step in when she saw that things were about to take wrong turn.


    "Daniel, they don''t mean to belittle you, your confidence or your superpower. What they are trying to say is that Ss is just that strong. You won''t understand because you didn''t face off against him that day.


    I know you said that the two of you had ab encounter and we all know the result of that. Younded in the hospital and had to spend months before you recovered.


    Your superpower is strong, I acknowledge that but the question is if you know what Ss superpower is? We are specting on it being enhancement of his physical strength but what about his ability to manipte anything rted to tech? Or maybe it''s not his ability.


    You see, Daniel. It would had been a different situation if you know even a little about Ss'' ability but you don''t. None of us but he knows everything about us and you included. This means that no matter how confident you are, you already lost before the fight even started." Elizabeth said.


    She felt that she has break everything down to Daniel. This was so that he would understand the situation and won''t make a dumb decision, and get himself killed.


    Considering his rtionship with Ss, she felt that Ss might just take care of him once and for all if he dares to show up again.


    "Still, are you guys just gonna hide from him? Thest seven months was spent on training and improving ourselves for this and you guys wants to chicken out? Weaklings!" Daniel said and angrily walked to the door.


    He opened the door and took one more look at everyone.


    "You guys can hide all you want. I will go and do what you can''t." He said and left the conference room.


    Garrison sighed when he saw this. He looked at Elizabeth who was rolling her eyes and his gaze moved to David who was seated quietly.


    "You guys are going after him. I want an update on Ss'' strength before the week runs out. Adrian, I don''t care how you do it. Invite him for a demonstration or something but I want a report on how strong he is. Understand?" He said and Adrian nodded.


    "Got it, Mr Secretary."

 Chapter 223: On The Road To Humiliation

    Inside his office, Ss was having a meeting with his potential partner.


    "Mr Ss, what do you think of our proposal? Making out tform the default streaming tform for the game will be of benefit to the two of us. The way I see it, it''s a win-win situation," One of the men dressed in office attire said as he did his best to put on the most friendly smile he could muster.


    "Mr Arnold, I would be frank with you. Even without your tform being the default streaming tform for the game, the game can still be streamed. What stops me from creating a streaming tform of my own and make it the default streaming tform for the game?


    It''s way easier than creating a VR game. I''m sure that you understand the implications that this would bring to yourpany if I''m to create a streaming tform of my own," Ss paused as he studied the expression on the faces of the representatives of the his potential partner, Tritch.


    He focused more on Arnold as expected, he saw a deep frown etched on his face. Ss smiled when he saw this. He knew that he has achieved the effects he wanted when he saw the frown.


    "Mr Adrian, if you really want to secure this deal, then you will have to offer more than what you have already offered. This isn''t me trying to be greedy or biting off more than I can chew or trying to threaten you.


    I want us to be partners and have a productive partnership moving forward but you guys will have to honest with me" Ss said as he tapped the table rhythmically while waiting for their response.


    The office went silence as the representatives of the streaming tform looked at each other simultaneously with different thoughts upying their minds.


    Before they left, they knew that securing the partnership with Kurt Technologies would be very difficult for many reasons.


    The first reason is that they are the oneing to seek a partnership and this gives Kurt Technologies the advantage.


    It would had beenpletely different if securing the partnership wasn''t that important but it is.


    They knew that what Ss said wasn''t a threat but facts. The future of theirpany depends on this securing partnership.


    Arnold looked at Ss for a moment and sighed internally. He doesn''t understand how someone as you g as the kid in front of him came to have something as revolutionary as the VR game and Pod.


    When Arnold first heard that the owner of Kurt Technologies was a young man who barely looked twenty, heughed in disbelief.


    He has heard of youths doing great things but something like this is somethingpletely different. He knew that all eyes are in this kid seated in front of him and he can''t help but wonder how he''s dealing with the attentions.


    He knew that a lot of toppanies, industries, individuals and institutions would had already start getting in contact with him to buy shares in hispany or outrightly buy it out. He has heard of the oues and he was truly impressed that someone as young as Ss chose to stand his ground and refuse their offers.


    He could also see it; the confidence in Ss'' eyes. It was like he didn''t put anyone or anything in his eyes and was just going to do as he pleases. But things aren''t going to be that easy. There''s no way that everyone would allow him to have the golden eggying gooses¡ªVR game and Pod¡ªto himself. No! It''s simply impossible.


    As it stands right now, the future of Kurt Technologies is uncertain but securing the deal with them is paramount. Even if anything is to happen to the Kurt Technologies, it''s not going to affect theirpany in any way as they have already taken care of what needed to be taken care of.


    Mr Arnold contemted on what to do and after a brief moment of contemtion, he suddenly had an idea. Instead of the two of them to continue beating around the bush, why not ask Ss directly what he wants?


    "Mr. Ss, if you don''t mind me asking, what type of offer should you make before you can consider agreeing to the partnership?" Mr Arnold asked directly.


    Ss smiled at Arnold''s question. What does he really want? The truth is that the partnership isn''t beneficial to him in any way and even without the partnership with the streaming tform, the game can still be streamed. Either way, he''s going to be one doing the most in their partnership.


    Ss knew this but he was also fully aware of another thing; he can''t do everything alone and he can''t hoard everything to himself.


    The benefits that the VR game and Pod brings, he can''t have it all to himself. He knew that if he tries to do that, it''s going to make things very difficult for him in the future.


    Ss had already thought of this and this was the reason why he agreed to the meeting with the streaming tform or he would had just treated them like he did the rest; give them a cold shoulder.


    He looked at Mr Arnold who was patiently waiting for him to state what he wants to be offered. He already has an idea of what he wants but the question is if the streaming tform will agree to it.


    *****


    Pentagon, Virginia, USA.


    "Daniel, are you really being serious about this? You want to fight Ss?," Elizabeth asked as she walked into Daniel''s room.


    Daniel who was already packing his things stopped what he was doing and turned to look at Elizabeth. He doesn''t know why but she keeps looking even more beautiful every time he looks at her.


    "Yes, that''s why I''m making the trip to San Francisco. It''s fine if you guys are scared of him but I''m not. I have known Ss since junior years and he''s nothing more than a weakling. Even if he has changed, how much can he change from the weak worm I knew to someone who can take care of all the country''s Phenomenals? I refuse to believe it." Daniel said and continued what he was doing.


    "You refuse to believe it?" Elizabeth scoffed.


    It was now she understood the history between Ss and Daniel. Daniel was the typical school bully and Ss was on the receiving end, the typical victim.


    "Daniel, ate you dumb or you''re just acting dumb. Yourst encounter with him saw yound in the hospital and you needed months to recover and you still want to go at again with him? Are you crazy or what? You said we are scared and you call him weak but are you stronger than us? Are you stronger than David?


    David floors you and Ss floored him. How do you expect yourself to win? Do you intend to perform some miracle or something?" Elizabeth asked angrily as she red daggers at Daniel''s back.


    Daniel paused and smiled at Elizabeth. His smile carried so much venom that Elizabeth could taste it from where she stood.


    "And who said I n to fight fair and square? I''m going to get to him through his family. He''s going to pay for everything he''s done to my family.


    My father was sentenced to death because of him, my mom; gone. My father''spany had been turned to dust and there''s nothing left for him to talk back to. Do you really think I''m going to walk into hispany''s building and challenge him to a fight? No, that''s something a fool would do.


    I''m going to attack him using his family and there''s no way that he would be able to ignore me. He would be the one to crawl to me and beg for them to be released but I''m not going to do that. As I''m going to kill all of them and him included but that''s after I''ve yed with his stepmom."


    Elizabeth didn''t know what to say and how to react to Daniel''s words. Should she be scared for Ss, feel sorry for Daniel or should she continue cringing?


    Shepletely has no idea but one thing she knew was that if Daniel and Ss is to meet again, only one of them would survive. And the survivor is already known to all.


    Maybe Daniel''s braincells were sacrificed for awakening his strength but Elizabeth can''t understand why he was hell-bent on getting revenge on someone stronger than him by such arge margin.


    Just like Elvin said, "he was going to get the David''s treatment. He was going to be humiliated.


    At this point,. Elizabeth knew that there''s nothing she''s going to say that will change Daniel''s mind. She decided to let him be but with Harrison''s order, they would have to go with him and confront Ss.


    She red at him one more time before leaving his room.


    "Get ready, everyone is making the trip to San Francisco," She said and left the room.

 Chapter 224: Two People, Two Worlds

    Ss leaned back in his chair, watching as Mr. Arnold beamed at him a satisfied smile. The handshake had been firm, and the deal was sealed. Tritch was now the first official partner of Kurt Technologies, and while Arnold and his team left the room with broad smiles, Ss''s expression was more contemtive. His mind was always calcting, always nning the next step.


    "I look forward to working with you, Mr. Ss," Arnold had said as he stood up, his hand still extended for the handshake that signaled the close of their negotiations.


    His satisfaction was evident, practically written in the lines of his face. For Tritch, this partnership was a golden opportunity, one they couldn''t afford to lose.


    Ss reciprocated the handshake, maintaining a professional but cool demeanor. "Likewise, Mr. Arnold."


    Once Arnold and his team exited the office, Ss exhaled deeply, sinking into his chair. The meeting had been taxing, requiring delicate maneuvering and constant awareness of his position. He knew the representatives had been eager to lock in the deal. Still, they were careful to conceal their desperation behind practiced smiles.


    Ss, however, was pleased with the results. Arnold had conceded to his terms, proving that Tritch wanted the partnership more than Kurt Technologies ever needed it.


    {No matter what angle I try to look at it from, the partnership deal favors them more. I don''t understand. Aren''t you giving them too much benefit?} Luna''s voice echoed in Ss''s mind, calm but probing.


    Ss smiled faintly at the question. He appreciated Luna''s protectiveness¡ªher dedication to ensuring that he always made the best decision. "I''m not giving them too much," he said as he leaned back in his chair, gazing up at the ceiling. "We''re splitting the revenue 60:40 in our favor. We get 60 percent, and they get 40. Is that really too much?"


    {Forty percent is significant for them. You could easily create your own streaming tform and offer better terms. So why didn''t you?}


    Ss leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. He''d anticipated Luna''s question. "Luna, it''s not about the immediate profits. Tritch is thergest streaming tform in the world. If I were to create my own, it would take years to catch up to their user base, their infrastructure, their reach. Sure, I could do it.


    But why waste time when their brand is already global? They have the audience we need."


    {But isn''t that what you excel at? Creating things others can''t?}


    Ss chuckled softly. "It''s not just about creating. It''s about leverage. Tritch''s brand name holds power, and we can use that. By making them the sole streaming tform for Terraris Online, we get instant ess to millions of viewers. That''s a built-in audience for the game''s streams, which means increased engagement, and more importantly, a stronger in-game economy.


    The more people watching, the more valuable the game bes."


    He paused, letting his fingers drum softly on the desk. "And trust me, they''ll work to make this partnership thrive because their cut depends on it. Forty percent is fair when you consider the scale of what they''re bringing to the table."


    Luna was silent for a moment. {I understand now,} she finally said. {It''s not just about revenue¡ªit''s about positioning.}


    "Exactly." Ss stood up and stretched, rolling his neck to release the tension built up from hours of negotiations. "Now, let''s move on to the next order of business. It''s time to start interviewing the new beta testers."


    {Understood, master. I''ll have them sent in, one by one.}


    Ss walked over to therge window of his office, overlooking the city skyline. His mind wasn''t just on the interviews ahead; it was on the future¡ªon the game, thepany, the world he was slowly shaping with every calcted decision. He knew that the eyes of the world were on him, but he weed it. He''d worked too hard to shy away from the spotlight now.


    A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.


    "Come in," Ss called, turning from the window.


    The door opened, and one of the new beta testing candidates walked in¡ªa young man, no older than twenty-five. Ss watched him closely as he nervously took a seat, a folder with the candidate''s information already in front of him.


    He flipped through the pages, his eyes scanning the data Luna had prepared. Jeremy Wiles. College graduate,petitive gamer, fluent in multiple programmingnguages. Not the most unusual profile, but interesting nheless.


    "So, Jeremy," Ss said, closing the folder and fixing his gaze on the young man, "why do you want to be a beta tester for Terraris Online?"


    Jeremy fidgeted slightly but maintained eye contact. "Honestly, sir, I''ve been following the development of the game since the ads came out. I love the concept of a VR game with a fully integrated economy. The in-game world sounds like it''s going to revolutionize the industry. I''ve always wanted to be part of something like this from the ground up."


    Ss nodded, impressed with the honesty in the response. He could tell Jeremy wasn''t just another yer looking for early ess perks¡ªhe was genuinely interested in what the game represented.


    "Good," Ss said, leaning back. "You''ll be notified of your eptance within the next twenty-four hours. Keep an eye on your inbox."


    Jeremy''s face brightened with a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Ss. I appreciate the opportunity."


    As Jeremy left the office, Ss allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. The beta test was expanding, and with it, the future of Terraris Online was beginning to take shape.


    ****


    Across the country, in the Pentagon, Elizabeth stood at the foot of the aircraft''s air stairs, addressing the team of Phenomenals preparing for their mission.


    "Everyone, start boarding the ne. We have a mission toplete," Elizabethmanded, her voice firm and resolute as she began ascending the steps.


    Pablo, a tall Phenomenal with a grumpy demeanor, grumbled under his breath as he climbed up behind her. "Hey, Empress, are we really doing this? You know we''re walking into our deaths, right? Why do we have to help some former rich, spoiled brat with his revenge n? This whole thing feels like suicide."


    Elizabeth paused halfway up the stairs and red at him over her shoulder. "If you don''t want to go, fine by me. But are you ready to face the consequences of defying orders?" Her voice was ice cold, daring him to push back.


    Pablo snorted and continued up the steps. He didn''t have a choice, not really. As much as he resented the mission, thest thing he wanted was to face the wrath of the Bureau for insubordination. The truth was, he was terrified. The memory of thest encounter with Ss had never left him. It haunted his nightmares, the sheer powerlessness he''d felt.


    Traumatized was the right word for it, and the thought of facing Ss again sent chills down his spine.


    He cast a venomous nce at Daniel, the cause of their current predicament. Every fiber of his being wanted to throttle the man for dragging them all into this. But there was nothing he could do. Not now.


    Daniel, oblivious to the tension simmering around him, was lost in his own thoughts. His mind was consumed with ns¡ªns of revenge. He fantasized about the look on Ss''s face when everything was taken from him. When he was finally left broken, begging for mercy.


    But there was one problem: he didn''t know where Ss''s family was. Despite all his contacts, all his resources, the information had eluded him. But that would change. It had to.


    "Hey, Daniel!" Elizabeth snapped as she reached the top of the stairs. "Are you seriously going through with this?"


    Daniel''s eyes snapped up to meet hers, and for a moment, something dark flickered behind his gaze. "Yes, I am. And if you''re all too scared to deal with Ss, then I''ll do it myself."


    Elizabeth crossed her arms, her face hardened. "You refuse to believe he''s changed? That he''s not the weakling you used to know? Daniel, you were hospitalized for months after yourst encounter with him, and yet here you are, acting like you''ve got a shot. Are you delusional or just suicidal?"


    Daniel''s expression darkened further. He smiled, but there was no warmth in it. It was a smile filled with venom. "Who said I n to fight him head-on? That''s not how this is going to go down."


    Elizabeth frowned, feeling a chill run down her spine. "What are you talking about?"


    Daniel''s voice lowered, dripping with malice. "I''m not going to challenge him to some noble fight. No, I''m going to break him. His family will be my first target. I''ll make him suffer. I''ll tear them apart one by one.


    And by the time I''m done, he''ll be crawling to me, begging for mercy. But I won''t give it. I''ll destroy everything he holds dear."


    Elizabeth felt a wave of nausea as his words sank in. She had never heard anything so vilee from him before. Sure, Daniel was arrogant and petty, but this¡­ this was monstrous.


    "And after I''m done," Daniel continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "I''ll y with his stepmother before I kill her, just to make sure he feels it."


    Elizabeth snorted when she heard this. This was why Daniel said before, why was he saying it again. She wanted to believe that he was alright but she knew he wasn''t.


    For the time in a long while, Elizabeth was speechless. She stared at Daniel, searching for some sign that he was joking, that this was all part of some dark bravado. But no. The malice in his eyes, the cruel twist of his smile¡ªit was real. This wasn''t a bluff. Still, she knew that he wasn''t alright.

 Chapter 225: Two People, Two Worlds (II)

    "Daniel, you''re insane," Elizabeth whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of disgust and disbelief.


    "Insane? Maybe," Daniel replied, his smile growing more wicked. "But it doesn''t matter. Ss ruined my family. He took everything from me. Now, I''ll return the favor."


    Elizabeth''s hands clenched into fists at her sides. Part of her wanted to punch some sense into Daniel, to knock him out before he did something irreversible. But she knew it wouldn''t matter. He was beyond reasoning now.


    "Bastard! From what I heard, your father started it first. Why do you make it sound like you are the victim here? You think this will make you stronger? You think this will bring you peace?" she asked, her voice growing cold again, though now it wasced with a dangerous edge. "Going after someone''s family¡ªinnocents¡ªit won''t make you a hero.


    It won''t even make you victorious. You''ll be a viin, and you''ll lose everything."


    Daniel sneered. "I don''t care what you or anyone else thinks. This isn''t about being right or wrong. It''s not about who''s the victim. It''s also not about being a hero, Elizabeth. It''s about revenge, pure and simple.


    It''s about making sure Ss feels the same pain I did."


    He turned away from her, throwing his bag over his shoulder as he continued boarding the aircraft. Elizabeth stood there, frozen for a moment, trying to decide whether to stop him or let him walk to his doom.


    "Elizabeth," a familiar voice called from behind her. It was David. His expression was grim, his eyes dark with understanding. "You know how this ends. Daniel won''t listen to anyone. Not even you."


    She sighed, finally tearing her gaze away from Daniel''s retreating back. "I know," she muttered. "But I''m not sure I can just stand by and watch this happen. He''s not just going to get himself killed¡ªhe''s going to drag us all down with him."


    David walked up beside her, his hands resting casually on his hips. "I''m not saying we stand by. We go with him. But we don''t let him go too far."


    Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "You think we can stop him?"


    David shrugged. "We won''t know until we try. But we can''t let him face Ss alone. If we''re there, maybe we can manage the damage."


    Elizabeth rubbed her temple, frustration building inside her. "This was supposed to be a simple mission, but now it''s be personal. Daniel''s blinded by his hatred, and he''s about to set off a chain of events that none of us can control."


    David nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We can''t stop him from going after Ss, but we can make sure he doesn''t destroy innocent lives along the way. I''m not doing this for him¡ªI''m doing it for the people who might get caught in the crossfire."


    Elizabeth nced at the aircraft, watching as the other Phenomenals climbed aboard. She nodded slowly. "Fine. But if he tries anything against Ss''s family, I''m stopping him. I don''t care if he hates me for it."


    David smiled slightly, a rare flicker of approval in his eyes. "d to hear it. We''ll need all the help we can get."


    Elizabeth boarded the ne behind him, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew that when they arrived in San Francisco, things were going to get messy. Daniel had already made up his mind. There was no turning back for him.


    And the worst part? She feared Ss wasn''t going to be as lenient this time around.


    ****


    Back in his office, Ss had just finished another round of interviews with the beta testers. Each candidate seemed more eager than thest to be part of Terraris Online. But his mind was already drifting to other matters. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.


    "Luna, how''s everything looking for theunch of the expanded beta test?" he asked.


    {All preparations are on track, master. The server capacity has been increased to amodate the additional testers, and the in-game economy has been fine-tuned based on feedback from the initial beta testing phase. Additionally, the marketing team has already begun coordinating with our new streaming partner, Tritch, to start promoting the next phase. Everything is proceeding smoothly.}


    "Good," Ss replied. "We need this to be wless. The eyes of the world are on us now, and I don''t want a single hup."


    {Understood.} Luna paused for a moment before continuing. {However, master, I''ve detected some unusual activity. It seems the Bureau is mobilizing some of their top Phenomenals and heading toward San Francisco.}


    Ss''s eyes narrowed. "The Bureau? What are they up to now?"


    {It''s unclear at the moment, but I''ve intercepted severalmunications between high-ranking officials. They''re talking Daniel.}


    Ss''s expression darkened. The name was all too familiar.


    "Is it the same Daniel that we know?" He asked feeling exasperated.


    {Correct. He''s heading towards San Francisco aboard a ne with a team of other Phenomenals. Elizabeth and David are also aboard.}


    A low growl rumbled in Ss''s throat. Daniel. Of course. The arrogant bastard who had tormented him during his early years. And now he wanted toe after him again? Ss couldn''t help but smile at the irony.


    "Well, well," Ss muttered to himself. "It looks like old grudges die hard. Let hime. Since he doesn''t want to give up, then I will do my best to entertain him."


    {Do you want me to take any preventive measures?}


    Ss considered it for a moment. Daniel was a fool, and if he thought he coulde here and get revenge, he was in for a rude awakening. But then again, Daniel was a pawn, not the real threat.


    No, Ss had to think bigger. If the Bureau was involved, there was more at y here than just one man''s personal vendetta.


    "Yes," Ss said finally. "No matter what happens, make sure that no harmes to my family. Let Daniel and his circuse. I want to see what they''re nning. And if they''re foolish enough to try something, they''ll learn the hard way that I''m not the same person I was back then. This time I won''t be mercifu."


    {Very well. I''ll make more arrangements for your family and continue monitoring their movements and notify you of any significant developments.}


    "Good. Keep me posted, Luna."


    As the day wore on, Ss''s mind continued to churn. He knew that the Bureau was nning something. And Daniel¡­ well, he was walking into a trap of his own making.


    But Ss wasn''t concerned. He hade too far to be taken down by the likes of them. He wasn''t going to back down for anybody or let anyone stand in his way.


    And he means no one, not even the Bureau, was going to stand in his way.

 Chapter 226: Looming Threat, Anticipation

    Ss was more than ready to face Daniel and his circus. He told Luna to continue monitoring every single one of them and to report their movements back to him.


    He also told her to tighten the security around his family. He wants to make sure that his Dad, Kim and Alex doesn''t get caught in the crossfire.


    Another reason why he asked Luna to tighten the security around his family is because of a bad premonition he has and also his understanding of Daniel''s character.


    Ss knew that what Daniel wants is revenge. He wants to avenge everything that Ss did to him, from his father being sentenced to death, to the crash of their family''spany. From his understanding of Daniel''s character, he knew that he would use any means even sinister ones to achieve his goal. But Ss wasn''t worried as Daniel was definitely in for a lot of surprises.


    Ss was also looking forward to meeting the Phenomenals again. Theirst encounter ended on the wrong foot and he didn''t leave much of an impression, but he would make sure to do that this time.


    Even though he wasn''t we strong as he was back then, it doesn''t mean that he was


    He doesn''t actually n to fight all of them. If it''s only Daniel thates at him, the only he would the only one to take the beating that has reserved and be the scapegoat.


    He knew that it''s impossible for others to stand and watch him beat Daniel to the ground and if that''s the case, then it can''t be helped. They would have to share the beating with Daniel. It can''t be helped as he''s feeling very generous.


    Ss  was also aware of is that the Bureau is likely using this to test his full ability. They want to know just how strong he is and what his bottom line is.


    Ss smiled mischievously when he thought of this. Since that''s what they want, then he would give it to them.


    "I guess it''s time to start putting my n on creating my own organization into action. Even though I have the military power of Venezu at my disposal, I still need my own private force made of people who are elite of the elite and best of the best in every area.


    Since the underground facility is big enough They will be using the almostpleted underground facility as their base of operations and they will answer only to me. There''s also rumors of looming world war, I have to start making preparations for it.


    They say that war is a business. I wonder who we those that are going to benefit from it?"


    Ss stood up from his seat and walked to the window. He looked at the view of the city below him and smiled.


    Everyone was busy going about their daily lives,pletely oblivious of the danger looming at the corner. They are battling their hardships the best way each of them can but the world''s governments doesn''t give a fuck and wants to start a war.


    Ss pitied the masses, he really did but that was all there was to it; pity. There''s no way he would go out of his way and help everyone. He''s not a saint and he has no n on bing one. The only thing he can do is to stop them from destroying the earth.


    Ss knew that things between him, the big corporations, organizations, and world''s governments were going to escte soon but he doesn''t know how soon. But he was looking forward to it. He patiently anticipates the show that they would put on for him.


    ****


    "Guys, we havended. You all know what to do, right? Our mission is to test Ss'' strength, know his capabilities, gather as much information we can on him and if possible, bring him back with us," Elizabeth said with solemn voice as her gaze fell on everyone in the cabin.


    She frowned and focused her gaze on Daniel who stood up and walked down the air stairs. She wanted to stop him as she wanted everyone to stay together but she decided not to. She wants to see just how he wants to go about his revenge.


    Does he thinks that Ss would be so dumb to leave his family unguarded when he knew perfectly well that he has someone like Daniel as an enemy?


    She scoffed when she thought of this. If possible it would be best for all of them if Daniel meets an ident during their mission.


    David stood up from his seat and walked to Elizabeth. He didn''t bother himself with Daniel as he already knew that there was nothing he was going to say or do that will change his mind.


    He looked at the Phenomenals seated and let out a sigh.


    "I know that all of you are feeling the same thing. Fear. But you all don''t have to. Just like Empress said, we weren''t sent here to fight him. All we have to do is to gather intel on him and gauge his strength," David said, as he did his best to uplift the spirit of the team.


    "David, you and Elizabeth say it like that but the both of you know very damn well that we will still have to fight Ss. It''s fucking inevitable due to the bastard we have as a teammate.


    Look, I think all this bravado and facade need to stop. We can just go back and tell the higher ups that the mission was a bust. We weren''t able to get to Ss before he sent us packing. There''s no way that they won''t believe us," Pablo said as he put up the best smile he could muster.


    Elizabeth sighed in exasperation when she heard Pablo''s words. She felt that he was intentionally trying cause trouble.


    "Pablo, just like I said before, you''re free to go but you will have to face the consequences yourself. If you really think that the higher ups will believe the lie you just cooked up, then you should remember that you have something that would give you away.


    I won''t say much and I don''t want to repeat myself. Everyone, move out."

 Chapter 227: Next Phase

    After the nended, Daniel got down from the aircraft and made his way to the convoy of cars waiting beside the runway.


    He didn''t bothering to listen to whatever Elizabeth or anyone had to say. He knew thry would want to stop him from achieving his aim and he really hope they stop it as they are starting to get on his nerves.


    Why should he forgive Ss for what has happened to him? Id it wrong to seek revenge? Yes, he''s angry but he has the right to. Or doesn''t he?


    Of course, he knew that Ss wasn''t exactly at fault for whatever happened to him but what Daniel wants is someone to take the me for everything that has gone wrong for him. He just wants someone that he vent his anger, frustration and all the negative emotions he''s feeling on. That''s not too much to ask, right?


    Daniel got into one of the cars and took his seat. He immediately brought out his phone and dialed President Adrian''s numbers.


    The call went through and was picked by President Adrian a secondter.


    "Daniel, what is it?" The strained and slightly muffled voice of President Adrian came from the other end of the phone.


    Daniel''s eyes narrowed when he heard President Adrian''s voice. He felt that he could guess what was happening in the background as something simr has happened to him before. This was coupled with the low slurping sounds and moans in the background.


    Daniel shook his head and decided to focus his attention on the most important thing at the moment.


    "President Adrian, can you contact Goggle and Applle? Ask them for any information they have on  on Ss, his family or anyone close to him. Also, try to contact the inte service providers and other service providers for any possible information on him. We need all the intel we can get on him," Daniel said, statimg his reason for calling.


    He waited for President Adrian to respond but he heard was a blissful groan and loud slurping sound, followed by a pop.


    Daniel felt like blowing his top right there and then. He didn''t understand how the President of the biggest and most important agency in the country¡ªbehind the White House¡ªcould be so less concerned about something so important.


    How could he be indulging in his sexual escapades when one of the major events that the country has ever witnessed is about to go down?


    ''And he calls himself a Phenomenal? He doesn''t deserve whatever superpower he awakened.''


    The more Daniel thought of it, the angrier he got. He wanted nothing more than to appear in front of Adrian and the slut he''s with and burn the two of them into a crisp.


    He was very angry as he also doesn''t understand why no one is taking this serious. Why are they so scared of Ss?


    It''s like they are going to confront the devil himself. Even the devil isn''t as scary as they portray Ss to be.


    ''Bureau of Extraordinaries indeed. My teammates are scared to the bones and my boss is less concerned.''


    Daniel saw that President Adrian was yet to give him a response and he was about to hang the call when he heard his voice.


    "Daniel, I understand that you''re pumped for your new mission but there''s something I want you to understand.


    Everything is all in your head. You''re hyped because the Secretary of Defense gave you the ho ahead but what you should know is that he''s intentionally pushing you your death.


    You can''t beat Ss. I''m trying to discourage you or anything but the both of you are in two different worlds. There''s a massive gap between the two of you. No, a chasm would be the best word." President Adrian''s voice turned very solemn at this point and there was also a taint of anger in it.


    "The people you asked me to contact, do you think we haven''t contacted them when we were trying to gather intels on him? Or do you think we have been ying around all this time?


    There''s no information on Ss in the CIA''s database and even databases of those international organizations. Are you taking everything you see at face value? Have you tried searching for his information online?


    He''s very popr right now, so there''s must be paparazzi around him. Why haven''t they gathered any information on him?


    Daniel, this will be thest time you will interrupt my sessions. Let me have my fun. Now, the fuck off my phone."


    A soft moan and groan was heard before the call ended.


    Daniel removed the phone from his ear and took a look at it with a bright smile on his face. In less than a second, the smile turned extremely dark and Daniel didn''t know when his phone started melting.


    He closes his eyes briefly and let out a deep exhale as he did his best to control his anger.


    ''Daniel, control yourself. You can''t lose your cool now. You have a grand n toplete.''


    He let out a deep exhale again and forced a smile on his face. He looked at his phone that was already destroyed by the heat from his seat and he threw it out the window.


    "I would have to get another phone." He sighed as he watched the phone fall to the ground and shattered beyond repair.


    ''What should I do now? There''s not other way I can get info on Ss without getting close to him. Maybe I can try hispany but would I be able to get anything without getting discovered by him?'' Daniel thought to himself.


    He wants to craft a fool-proof n that would enable him to achieve his aim but he doesn''t know how to go about it.


    He''s not exactly stupid. He knew that Ss would had already made preparation in the eventuality that he faces the Phenomenals one day.


    To him, this is the only reason that Ss would be confident to reveal himself after hiding for so many months. But Daniel found it go be very funny and ridiculous.


    Just how much preparation can be make that would be enough against a team of more than twenty Phenomenals? Very ridiculous.


    Daniel brainstormed on ideas on how to go about his revenge but with no information on Ss, there''s nothing he can do.


    ****


    Ss smiled as he spunned the office chair he was seated on. He eavesdropped on the phone conversation between President Adrian and Daniel, and it left him inughter.


    "Daniel is the one really doing the most right now. I guess he wants to beat me that back and regain his dignity and self confidence that he lost." Ss smiled.


    The call was nothing short of aic show to Ss. Daniel was being all serious about getting intels on him while President Adrian was groaning from the pleasure he was receiving. He also ended up scolding Daniel before going back to his pleasure ride.


    Ss remembered when Luna erased every information about him from the inte, making it look like he didn''t exist.


    He knew that there was no way therge corporations that trades user''s information didn''t notice but they wouldn''t had thought much of it because Ss was a nobody then. But it''s different now that Ss is like the most popr person in the world.


    Still, even though they are all scurrying around, desperately looking for information on Ss, they are bound to be left disappointed as they would find nothing.


    "But damn, that Adrian guy is really crazy. Having an affair with his secretary right in his office and they are so loud. Does he not fear that his wife will find out or is it mutual? Who knows? It might be another Daniel''s case." Ss was curious no doubt but that doesn''t mean he would go out of his way and get the answers to his questions, even though it''s just at his finger tip.


    "Master, the construction on underground facility has beenpleted. We can now begin the next phase of your n.} Luna said, informing Ss on thepletion of the underground facility.


    "Good, tell them to start construction on the quantum stations. Also, Luna, I want you to increase the sry of the construction workers. They have been doing a good jobtely.


    I also want you to get in contact with President Yusmaorobis and tell him to gather all the military personnels. It''s time to begin their retraining," Ss said as he stood up from his seat.


    {I will do that immediately. Are you making a trip to Venezu?} Luna asked curiously.


    She was curious because Ss said that he wants to begin the military''s retraining.


    "Yes. By the end of the week." Ss nodded.


    He has solved the most pressing issues and there''s no need for him to remain here as Kim can take care of the rest. If something that she can''t solve on her ownes up, she would contact him.


    About Daniel and his circus, Ss cared very little about them. The security that has been ced around his family is airtight and it''s impossible for Daniel or anyone to get to them.


    Also, Ss ns to talk to them about moving to Venezu. It''s time to begin the next phase of his of n.


    Another thing he ns to do is to give the Gear to the security team guarding his family. This way, Luna will also be able to monitor them and ensure their safety.


    But before leaving, he would have to set off a chain reaction of chaos in the country.


    "The time is now. I mustn''t dy any further."

 Chapter 228: Shocking Dad

    The day passed quickly in the blink of an eye and uneventfully.


    Even with the eminent sh between Ss, Daniel and his group, the day was as quiet as it could be. That was except for all themotion in the air about the expanded beta testing of the world''s first VR game, Terrasis Online.


    Those that made the cut after the interview were in clouds nine and already rushing towards the headquarters building of Kurt Technologies.


    While those that didn''t make the cut could only gnash their teeth in anguish and vent their anger online. They didn''t do anything absurd, all they did was throw around meme of how it should had been them in the shoes of those that was chosen.


    It wasn''t only them. Those who wished for the game to leave beta testing and be immediately released were also going through the same emotion of anguish.


    To them, it felt like their sentence has been extended. And this was feeling waspounded when they were told nothing of when the game will officially released. They felt that something was eating deep inside of them but they had no way to take it out.


    They wanted to march and make their way to the headquarters of Kurt Technologies to express their feelings but they held themselves back. They knew that it was impossible for the game to be in beta testing forever but they felt that the longer they have to wait, the more they feel like they are being eaten away inside.


    The inte was aze with the news of the game''s expanded beta testing. It was weed by everyone.


    The previous number of just ten beta testers were too small after they saw and heard  just how amazing the VR game is.


    They wanted to have the Pod and game in their hands, and start ying but they knew they will have to wait.


    While all that was happening, Ss was at home and peacefully having dinner with his family. Even aftering back from Venezu, he hasn''t had much time to spend with them and he can also see how they are looking at him.


    This is was especially for his father who kept looking with a smile on his face but with worry clearly etched on his face.


    He knew that his father was worried about the source of the VR technology but that''s not something he can tell them.... yet.


    He knew that it wasn''t just about the source of the VR technology, the main reason for his father''s worry is his safety. Something that Ss understands but how does he exins everything to him. There''s nothing he can think of yet.


    Ss looked at his father and Kim who were seated beside each other, turn to ruffle Alex''s hair.


    Alex giggled happily and turned to look at his big brother. Even though they haven''t been able to spend time together after his big brother came from his trip, he was still happy that he gets to see him everyday.


    "Big brother, when will you have time to y with me?" Alex asked with an adorable puppy dog eyes.


    Ss was almost forced to say tomorrow when he saw Alex''s expression but he knew it was impossible. He''s very busy as things are right now. The things he has to get done aren''t things he can delegate to others to do for him or he would had done it a long time ago.


    He smiled and ruffled Alex''s hair one more time.


    "Don''t worry, champ. I''m very busy right now with some things but when I''m done with them, I will have all the time in the world to y with you."


    Alex''s eyes brightened up when he heard this.


    "Really? Promise" He asked as he continued looking at Ss with the same expression.


    "Yes, I promise." Ss smiled and nodded.


    "Yay." Alex giggled in delight and continued eating his food.


    He was happy that he got his big brother to promise to spend time with him. He was thinking of how he would spend time with his big brother and his family when he remembered about the VR game and Pod that was created by his brother.


    He remembered the first day he heard about the game and the Pod. He didn''t understand what it meant then and even till now, he still doesn''t fully understand everything about it.


    He had asked Ss about it but the exnation he was given was something straight out of a movie.


    He also remembered asking Ss to give him one of the Pod but he was told that he wasn''t old enough to use it.


    ''I wonder when I will be able to use it. I''m going to be 11 in two months time, would I be able to use it then?'' He thought it himself but he felt that the chances are very low.


    He decided to push those thoughts away and focus on his food. He believes that there was no need for him to worry about anything as Ss would allow him to use the Pod when the time is right.


    Ss sighed as he watched Alex eat his food. The truth is that he would love to spend time together with him and everyone but he can''t do that right.


    This isn''t the time for him to ck. He would have all the time in the world to do thatter after he has achieved all that he wants.


    The whole family finished their dinner. After they were done, Alex and Kim took the dishes to the kitchen to have them washed.


    After they left, Ss stood up and followed his dad to the living area. The two of them sat down on the sofa and started watching the show that was being aired on the TV.


    "You look bothered, Son. Is there something on your mind? You can discuss it with me." Chris smiled and he turned to look at Ss.


    Ss smiled when he heard his father''s words. It seems like no matter how much he tries to hide his emotions, he can''t hide it from his father.


    "I actually wanted to talk to you about something." Ss said as he continued watching the show.


    "What is you want to discuss?" Chris asked as he stopped watching the show and focused his attention on Ss.


    "I''m making a trip soon. By the end of the week actually but that''s not what I want to discuss with you," Ss said and paused.


    He sighed and sped his hands. He looked away from the TV and his eyes roamed the living room beforeing back to settle in the TV.


    "Lucas'' son is in San Francisco and what he wantd to avenge his father''s sentencing. I know what you want to say that I should report him to the relevant authorities but this is moreplicated and bigger than everything you know," Ss said and sighed.


    He looked at his father and when he saw the pensive and strange expression on his face, he knew that he would have to exin everything to him.


    There would had been no need to tell his father everything but this is the only way he can convince him to move to Venezu.


    He sighed again and coughed to clear his throat. He doesn''t know how his father would react to what he''s about to tell but he will have to wait.


    If he''s to be honest, he felt it was best if he doesn''t tell his father anything about the world that has been carefully hidden under the veil. But he knew that it''s impossible as one way or the other, his father would find out. Not just his father but the whole world.


    Since he can''t help it, it''s time to give his father the shock of his life.


    "Dad, the world isn''t as simple as it seems. In this world, they are people who have superpowers. They are called Phenomenals."

 Chapter 229: Shocking Dad (II)

    Chris couldn''t help but blink multiple times in confusion when he heard what Ss said.


    "People with superpowers? Phenomenals? What are you talking about, son?" Chris asked as he looked at his son strangely.


    He felt that this was one of those tales spun by those conspiracy theorists. Imagine someone saying that the Earth is t or that it''s being supported by two  elephants.


    ''People just can''t help but have very wild imaginations.'' Chris thought to himself.


    Ss sighed when he saw his father''s reaction. It wasn''t weird to him as it''s a reaction that he very much expected.


    He knew that the way his father reacted is the same way he would have if someone told him the same thing.


    Superpowers? Phenomenals? Coupled with the system''s ck technology... This isn''t a sci-fi movie or novel.


    Ss couldn''t help but smile at his own thoughts. His smile vanished the best moment when he remembered the serious conversation he was having with his father.


    He looked at his father who still looking at him with an expression that says "you must be joking."


    Ss knew that he has no choice but to show his father something that would convince him. He knew that this wasn''t something that he could bullshit his way through. He has to convince his father and to do that, he would have to prove evidence.


    That was the only way. And what other evidence does he need other than his own self?


    Ss let out an exhale and looked at his father one more time.


    "Dad," Ss called out to him father and pointed his hand that the TV''s remote control was now floating above it.


    Chris: "...."


    "Is my age already catching up with me or something? But I''m not that old. Am I hallucinating?" Chris asked himself as he rubbed his eyes.


    He felt that he was seeing things but he could swore that he just saw the TV''s remote control float above Ss'' hand.


    ''Nah.. That''s impossible.. right?''


    He turned to look at Ss'' hand and he saw the TV''s remote control still floating above it. He wants to believe with all his soul that what he was seeing wasn''t real but the evidence is right in front of him.


    "Ss..." Chris'' voice trailed off as so many thoughts upied gis head.


    When Ss heard his father call his name, he released his control over the TV''s remote control and set it back on the table.


    "Dad, do you believe me now?" Ss asked but his father remained silent.


    The living area was silent as Chris tried to process what he just saw and the implications. The previous coziness in the living room was now being reced with a solemn and slightly tensed atmosphere.


    Chris turned to look at Ss with aplicated expression on his face. The truth was that he was feeling like shit inside.


    He thought that he could forget about his past and do his best to be a better father for his children but his past always finds a way to hunt him.


    It was now that it sank into him just how badly he neglected his family. He barely knew anything about their lives. His son is ....a Phenomenal. Since when? Hepletely has no idea.


    "I... How?" Chris finally asked.


    Ss didn''t know what was going through his father''s mind and he found it even harder to guess with the expression on his face.


    He knew that his father was shocked by what he showed him but the expression on his face wasn''t something some who''s shocked would have.


    About his father''s question, he didn''t exactly know how to reply. Should he tell him the whole truth or....


    He immediately decided again it. He could see that just telling his father about the Phenomenals was already too much for him. There was no need to burden him with more information.


    "I awakened my superpowers seven months ago if I remember correctly,'' Ss replied to his father''s question.


    "I see..." Chris slowly nodded his head as he clenched his fists lightly.


    He really felt like hitting himself in the face at this point. How could he be so callous? Something major as this happened to his son seven months ago and he was out there wasting himself on alcohol and wallowing in self-pity?


    He felt even more shittier inside when he thought of this. He looked at Ss and he knew that this wasn''t the time to be feeling down. He was still discussing something very important with his son. He let out a deep exhale as he forcefully control his emotions.


    "Son, you were saying something about Lucas and his son," Chris said, returning the discussion to the original topic.


    "Yes. Daniel is in San Francisco and he''s out for revenge for what happened to his father and his family. The reason why I can''t report him to the relevant authorities is because this case is way above their pay grade. It''s because Daniel is also a Phenomenal and anything rted to people like us isn''t something the ordinary people can know about.


    You don''t have to worry. I have already taken care of your security. He won''t be able to get close to anyone of you. That I have made sure of." Ss said, exining the whole situation to his Dad.


    "But that isn''t the only what you wanted to discuss with me, is it?" Chris asked when he saw the look on Ss'' face.


    It was a look of someone who still has a lot to say.


    "Yes, it wasn''t the only thing. Dad, I want us to relocate. The whole family. The country isn''t safe anymore. I don''t mean to give you a scare but there''s a waying and we have to prepare ourselves for it." Ss said as he looked at his father intently, studying his expression and the slightest movement of his facial muscles.


    He really wants to know what his father''s reaction would be to what he just told. The war wasn''t exactly a news. With all the things and tension currently in the air, it would be weird if a war doesn''t break out any moment.


    As it is right now, the world is in a very delicate bnce and all that''s needed is an incident, a justification for the next world war to start. And Ss wouldn''t want his family to be on the losing side.


    Chris didn''t know how to react to Ss wanting them to move out from the Statespletely but he knew that there was a valid reason for it.


    About the war that Ss talked aboutz he could already smell it and he also won''t want his family to experience something like that. Since Ss wants them to move and talked about the war, then it means that he had already made preparation or he''s doing so


    "When do you want us to kesvd, son?"

 Chapter 230: In The Middle Of The Night

    Inside his room, Ss sat beside his window, stargazing.


    "The night sky looks particrly beautiful tonight." Ss smiled as he enjoyed the beautiful view in front of him.


    After he finally convinced his father of the existence of Phenomenals and the n to move to Venezu, they discussed extensively on how to go about it.


    His father brought up ideas and Ss chose to go with some of them. The discussion took a while but they were able to finalize their n before Kim and Alex came out of the kitchen.


    The two of them decided that this wasn''t the right time to tell them about their n to move. This was especially for Alex. They want to enjoy the limited time he has in the country without worrying about anything.


    His Dad, Chris, was initially worried about how the drastic change in location would affect Alex but he immediately pushed the thought away. The thought was irrelevant as the world would soon be engulfed in chaos and getting his family to a safe location is what''s paramount. Would he still have to worry about the effects of the location change by then? The answer is a no.


    The both of them agreed that Ss would make the trip to Venezu and start getting everything ready for them to move.


    The deadline that was decided on was six months max. Which means that before the six months deadline pses, Ss must have gotten everything ready for them to move to Venezu.


    Ss actually felt that six months was too much of a time for him to get everything ready but there was no need for him toin.


    After they were done with discussing the n, his Chris wanted to know more about everything rted to Phenomenals. But when he saw Kim and Alexing out of the kitchen, he decided to put off forter


    After he was done with discussing with his father, he told Kim and Alex of his nned trip to Venezu.


    Even though he wasn''t making the trip the next day, he felt that it was the best if he told them ahead.


    Kim didn''t say anything as she only nodded. She guessed that the reason for his trip. As always, Alex looked at him with an offended expression on his face.


    He didn''t know why his brother was making another trip but he knew that it must be important. He could ask when his big brother wasing but since Ss has no idea, he was told so.


    Ss decided to spend the rest of the night gaming with Alex. He also ns to spend the following nights that he would spend at home before the trip, gaming with Alex.


    "The tension in the country is increasing everyday. Especially with the uing election. I wonder what drama we are about to see this him around?" Ssughed in amusement.


    He didn''t put much thoughts into the country''s uing election as it''s unrted to him. Even though he''s a citizen of the United States, he can''t bother himself something as pointless as that.


    The results of the election is already known even without it being held. He knew that there was no way that opposing party would win.


    The election to him is just something that''s used to drive up the country''s expenditures. That''s just the truth to it.


    "I better focus on my ns instead of something like that."


    Ss'' ns revolves around retraining and equipping Venezu''s military, creating a secret organization and creating an headquarters for Kurt Technologies in Venezu.


    The first one is both hard and easy at the same time. Equipping the military is but retraining them isn''t.


    Ss knew that it isn''t something that can be achieved instantaneously and this is the reason why he''s bringing the AR & VR Pod into the equation.


    Yes, it would take time but that time would be lessened with the introduction of the technology. Ss also ns to create every single technology, equipments and infrastructure that''s needed. It''s something that he can do as money isn''t a problem to him.


    Since he has the simted research world and an Atomic Printer, researching and creating them in the real is as simple as breathing.


    About the secret organization, it''s something moreplex. It''s going to be an organization that would take the role of Ss'' left hand.


    It''s an organization that would consist of superhuman soldiers¡ªenhanced soldiers that has taken the knockoff version of the GES¡ª and Phenomenals.


    Basically it''s going to be Ss'' private force but what Ss envisions it  to be goes beyond that. With time, he ns to grow the organization and make it the most powerful in the world.


    Thest of his n is about relocating the headquarters of hispany to Venezu and designating the one located in USA as one of its branch office


    He had already thought of this way before he even created thepany. It was a foresight he had because he knew just how valuable thepany would be in the future.


    With the movement of the Bureau and the US government, Ss decided to push the n forward.


    He doesn''t need to be a psychic to know what the country ns to do next. He knew that if Elizabeth and her team fails their mission, a mount load of pressure would be put on him.


    He would be forced to join the Bureau and my doing so, they will find a way to get hispany''s source technologies out of him. Something that Ss would never give up.


    Ss would never allow himself or anything that belongs to him to be hold to ransom. Another thing is that Ss doesn''t n to work with the US government.


    It''s a very simple thing for Ss to create apany like Lorckheed Martins Corporation but doing this will restrict him greatly.


    Ss knew just how authoritative and how much of a control freak the US government is. It''s a very simple thing for them to say that he can''t sell some certain techs to others beside them.


    "If only the world can be simple and without cunning, it would had been a very beautiful and worry free ce to live in." Ss sighed walked to his bed.


    He got into bed and covered himself up, falling asleep almost immediately.


    While Ss was sleeping peacefully, some people were moving around San Francisco in the dark of the night.


    "Daniel, are you sure about this information?" Elizabeth asked as she walked through a very dark alleyway, following Daniel who was leading the way.


    "Yes, I''m very sureof it."


    Afternding in the city, Elizabeth and her team made their way to the hotel aodations that has already been prepared for them. This was for the exception of Daniel who left to gather information on Ss.


    Elizabeth was in her room and about to go to bed when she got a call from Daniel, telling her to meet him at the entrance of the hotel. She wad initially surprised and irritated at the same time.


    Her initial response was to refuse but she decided to go meet him and know the reason why he wants her to meet him. But this was after she also called for David to follow her.


    When she got to the entrance of the hotel, she saw Daniel beaming a bright smile at them from a distance. She immediately got curious as to what the reason for his smile was.


    She didn''t need to ask as Daniel told her the reason and stated dragging the two of them to an unknown location.


    Few minutester, The three of them finally made their way out of the dark alley and were now looking at a club at a distance.


    The three of them made their way to the club and when they got to the entrance, they were stopped by the bouncers for checking before they were allowed to enter.


    Inside the club, Daniel led them through a sea of people as they made their way to one of the vip sections.


    The club was aze with a lot of noise and music, with people dancing and grinding different body parts against each other but the three of them paid no attention to them.


    When they got to the entrance of the vip section, they were stopped by another group of bouncers.


    "We are here to see him," Daniel said to one of her bouncers.


    There was no need for him to say the name as the bouncers already understood. They aren''t bouncers but part of that person''s security details.


    "Do you have an appointment?" One of them asked with an intimidating look on his face.


    "No, but if you tell him that Daniel is here, he will understand," Daniel replied.


    The guard looked at Daniel intently with scrutinizing gaze. His gaze moved from Daniel and fell on Elizabeth and David.


    It was after he had made that they didn''t in anyway look suspicious, did he go into the VIP room to report their presence.


    Few momentster, he walked out of the room and stretched out his hand to the three of them.


    "Drop any weapon on you before going inside.

 Chapter 231: Expanded Beta Testing

    It was another busy day for the staff of Kurt Technologies. The past two weeks had been nothing short of chaotic. With the recentunch of the highly anticipated VR Pod and game, their office had turned into a whirlwind of activity, unlike anything they had ever experienced before.


    Initially, the excitement was palpable. The phones rang constantly, with calls pouring in from all over the world. At first, it was exhrating. Staff members were eager to answer questions, basking in thepany''s newfound fame. Everyone felt like they were part of something monumental.


    The release of the world''s first true VR Pod and game was groundbreaking, after all, and they were on the frontlines of history in the making.


    But as days turned into weeks, the exhration faded. The calls, which had once been an exciting sign of their product''s sess, became overwhelming. Now, instead of receiving thoughtful inquiries or relevant questions, most calls revolved around two things: how to gain backdoor ess to the game''s beta testing or how to purchase the VR Pod in secret before the official release.


    What baffled them the most was the fact that people weren''t even calling to pre-order the game or the Pod, as one might expect. No, they wanted to bypass the entire system and get their hands on the products immediately, in the most covert ways possible. The desperation was palpable in their voices, with some going so far as to offer bribes to the unsuspecting customer service representatives.


    The staff, though initially amused, were now frustrated and exhausted. Every new shift felt like a never-ending barrage of repetitive questions and increasingly desperate pleas.


    "It''s ridiculous, isn''t it? I mean, I expected us to be busy, but not like this," said a youngdy, Emily, dressed in a sleek, ck office attire, as she plopped down into her chair. She looked at her phone, bracing herself for the next round of calls. Her fingers ached from typing, and her throat felt dry from exining the same thing over and over again.


    Her colleague, ire, dressed in a slightly skimpy red office outfit, was equally tired but not willing to show it. ire flicked her long, curled hair behind her shoulder and exaggerated a pout. "Girl, seriously. I thought I wasn''t going to make it home yesterday! The way people were staring at me as I walked out of the building. So creepy.


    I was sure someone was going to jump out and snatch me."


    Emily rolled her eyes, smirking as she adjusted her seat. "Honestly, with the way you dress, I wouldn''t be surprised if someone did drag you into a dark corner."


    ire gasped dramatically and ced a hand on her chest. "Excuse me? This is office chic," she replied, standing up to give a little sashay in her tight red outfit, causing a few heads to turn.


    "You''re one wardrobe malfunction away from an HR vition," Emily said, stifling augh.


    Before ire could snap back, the air shifted in the room as the tall figure of Ss entered the office. His mere presence was enough to silence the banter. Everyone straightened up, whether out of respect, fear, or the simple fact that Ssmanded authority in a way that was hard to exin.


    ire''s eyes brightened as she spotted him, and she immediately went into action. She stood up and began making ambiguous and slightly sensual movements with her body, hoping to catch Ss''s attention as he passed by. She thought she might have a shot; after all, he was young, handsome, and the wealthiest man most of them had ever seen. But her efforts were wasted.


    Ss walked right past her without even a nce in her direction.


    Emily, seeing ire''s desperate attempt, couldn''t hold back herughter. She made a mocking face at her before turning back to her work, tapping away at her keyboard. She had too much to get done to waste time with ire''s games.


    Ss, as focused as ever, moved toward the elevators that led to his private office. He barely noticed the interactions around him. His mind was already on the tasks ahead.


    Thepany was buzzing, not just because of the overwhelming interest in their products, but because today marked the first day of the expanded beta testing. The initial test had gone so well that Ss had decided to add more testers. It wasn''t just an ordinary extension; this was somethingrger.


    The hype surrounding the beta testing had reached a fever pitch, and Kurt Technologies was at the heart of it.


    ---


    After making his way through the sea of people outside the building, Ss arrived at his office, his thoughts on the day ahead. He had stayedte the previous evening, finalizing preparations for the expanded beta test. The night before, he had already bought 90 additional Pods from the system''s store and  installed in a newly prepared room within the headquarters.


    "Luna, keep an eye on the new testers. I want to ensure that nothing goes wrong."


    {Of course. I''ve also noticed an increase in public chatter. The demand for early ess is overwhelming, as expected. Several forums are specting on potential ways to bypass the beta and gain ess sooner. It appears that the hype is only growing.}


    Ss smirked. "Let them specte. The more they want it, the better. When the game officiallyunches, we''ll have the entire world moring for it."


    He turned his attention to therge screen on the wall, disying live data from the Pods. The initial testers had been reporting overwhelmingly positive feedback. The depth of immersion, the seamless integration of virtual and real-world sensations, and the endless possibilities within the game had surpassed expectations.


    It was nothing less of what he expected from the pod and the game that Apollo created.


    ---


    Downstairs, in the lobby, chaos was brewing. Crowds of people had gathered outside the building, eager for any scrap of information about the VR Pod. Some had been waiting for hours, hoping for a chance to catch a glimpse of one of the beta testers or even Ss himself. Security had been doubled, but even that wasn''t enough to fully control the growing mob.


    "How are we supposed to get any work done with all of this going on?" one of the receptionists muttered to her colleague as they tried to manage the flood of inquiries from the public.


    "I heard someone''s already started a ck-market bidding war for the Pods," her colleague replied, shaking her head in disbelief. "People are offering crazy amounts of money to get their hands on one."


    "It''s getting out of hand," the first woman sighed. "I never thought I''d see the day when people would lose their minds over a game."


    Outside, the scene was bing even more chaotic. Reporters, influencers, and die-hard gamers had all converged on the building, creating a buzz that could be felt throughout the entire city.


    ---


    Meanwhile, Ss sat in his office,pletely unfazed by the frenzy outside. He knew this was even though everyone down there had a geniue expression on their faces, everything was being orchestrated by some groups.


    {Master, thenew testers has arrived. They''re ready for orientation,} Luna informed him.


    Ss stood, adjusting his cor as he made his way to the testing area. "Let''s give them something to talk about."


    As he stepped into the elevator, he couldn''t help but smile. The pieces were falling into ce, and soon, the world would witness the true power of his creations


    The elevator hummed softly as it descended, carrying Ss toward the testing area.


    When the elevator doors opened, the hallway beyond was bustling with staff and testers, some chatting nervously while others waited eagerly to be called in.


    These new beta testers had no idea what they were about to experience. The initial testers had barely scratched the surface, and even though their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, Ss knew the full depth of the VR world¡ªTerrasis Online¡ªhad yet to be revealed. And with this second wave, they would get closer to understanding the technology''s true potential.


    As he walked down the hall, staff members nodded respectfully, some offering small greetings, but most just moved out of his way. Ss''s presencemanded respect, even more so now with the sess of thepany riding high.


    He arrived at the observation room, where Luna was already pulling up detailed information about the new candidates. The live feeds from the VR Pods showed each one of them getting settled into the futuristic devices, excitement, and curiosity visible on their faces. Ss watched for a moment, his fingers idly tapping the table.


    {They''re ready. Shall I begin the orientation?}


    Ss nodded. "Yes, start the process. Let''s see how they react."


    ---


    Elsewhere in the city, the atmosphere waspletely different.


    At a small caf¨¦ downtown, Elizabeth sat at a corner table, her fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. She was staring out the window, but her mind was racing, filled with conflicting thoughts.


    She had always prided herself on being able to remain calm under pressure, on being able to handle difficult situations without losing her cool. But this was different.


    A shadow fell across her table, and she looked up to see David sliding into the seat across from her.


    "You look like you haven''t slept," he remarked, taking a sip of his own coffee.


    Elizabeth gave a half-hearted smile. "It''s been a long few days."


    David nodded, understanding. "Daniel is getting reckless."


    Elizabeth''s jaw tightened at the mention of Daniel. She didn''t know what to say or do about Daniel.


    David''s eyes narrowed slightly. "He''s not the only one obsessed. The Bureau is watching closely, waiting for him to fail so they can swoop in and make their move."


    Elizabeth shook her head. "I don''t care about the Bureau''s games. This isn''t just about politics or power struggles anymore. We are probably cooked at this point."


    David chuckled. "I know that. I just hope we don''t get burned."

 Chapter 232: Going To Venezuela

    San Jose Ma International Airport.


    A sleek, ck aircraft with gold ting running around its streamlined body made its way out of a hangar. It taxied along the one of the airport''s runway to an extended jet bridge, beforeing to a stop.


    A young man dressed in a blue crewneck and a ck athletic short, and ady dressed in a light blue short gown made their way through the jet bridge connected to the aircraft. They got into the aircraft and took their seats.


    The engines of the aircraft came to life after the two of the had been seated. It detached from the jet bridge and began its take off run.


    "Luna, let President Yusmaorobis know that we''re on our way. I want everything to be ready beforey arrival," Ss said as he looked out the window of the aircraft.


    He watched as the aircraft broke through the clouds and glided through the air. The sun could be seen at a distance, shinning its light upon the Earth.


    Even though it''s more than tens of millions of kilometers away from the Earth, it shone brightly for all to see.


    {I have already passed the message to President Yusmaorobis. He said that everything will be ready before we arrive.} Luna responded.


    "Good. Have you connected to the AR & VR Gears I gave to the security guards?" Ss asked as he confirmed looking out the window, and enjoying the view.


    {Yes, I have done that. I''m also stealthily using the CCTV cameras around your family to monitor them. I also have nted some Trojans in the devices of Elizabeth and her teams. They will gather information and send it back to me.


    Also, I didn''t tell you this before because it wasn''t important then but now it is. Three days ago, Daniel, David and Elizabeth met with someone at a nightclub in San Francisco. His name is Lucas Vegas.


    He''s an acquittance of Lucas and an old friend of Silva. He''s a Drug Lord of the drug cartel, El Paseo Diablo. He''s also an arms dealer and a top information broker in the underworld. To sum it all, he''s one of the top guns in the underworld.}


    Ss'' eyebrow raised in interest and curiosity when he heard what Luna said . The name, Lucas Vegas, rang a bell.


    He remembered seeing it when he was going through all of Lucas'' contacts. He also didn''t pay much attention to it then as the man and Lucas had very little contact with each other. But it seems like he would have to pay attention to this Lucas Vegas person.


    "What did they discuss, Luna?" Ss asked.


    {I was unable to get the content of their conversation due to the noise in the VIP room he was. The only thing I knew is that they exchanged contact and shook hands.}


    "I see..." Ss nodded.


    "Was that the reason why you nted Trojans in their devices?" He asked.


    {Yes. I also nted it in the devices of Lucas Vegas and his associates.}


    "Good. Let''s see what they will be able to cook up." Ss smiled in anticipation.


    He really hoped that all the steps and preparations that Daniel and the team of Phenomenals from the Bureau are taking isn''t for naught.


    He knew that everything was futile in the end but it wouldn''t be fun if after everything, he gets no action. It would make him feel bad.


    Ss really hopes that they would be able to entertain him and give him justifications for him to begin the next phase of his ns.


    Even without them giving him a justification, he can still go ahead with his ns but it will be slightly difficult.


    {There''s also something that I would like to report.} Luna said, bringing Ss out of his thoughts.


    "What is it, Luna?" Ss asked curiously.


    {The research on cures for the Illnesses have already beenpleted and their cures are ready.}


    Ss'' eyes brightened in excitement when he heard this.


    "Nice. That was fast. Now, it''s the time for those pharmaceuticalpanies to cry." Ssughed.


    "I would love to see the look on their faces when they hear that the cures are out and their cash cows would soon leave them?"


    Ss was feeling very happy with the news that Luna just gave him. It lifted his spirit greatly. The fact that the world''s pharmaceutical industry is going to be crying soon is something that brought great joy to him.


    You can call him a sadist but he doesn''t care. There was no way he would had left that industry out as he would had ventured into it sooner orter.


    But he doesn''t n to start releasing the cures yet. He also doesn''t n to release them while hispany headquarters is still registered in USA.


    He would only release them after he has transferred thepany to Venezu and has put everything in ce.


    "They should enjoy the time they have while itsts." Ss smiled.


    {Master, that wasn''t all.}


    "Oh... There''s more?" Ss asked with his interest piqued.


    {I don''t know if you know this but the cure for some of this illness has already been developed. For example, Cancer. And what I mean by cures are the actual cures and not those purported ideas.}


    A heavy silence descended in the aircraft''s cabin. The news that Ss just heard surprised him. He wouldn''t lie about that but...


    The next moment, a soft chuckle escaped Ss'' mouth. He found the whole thing to be extremely ridiculous and funny.


    He initially wanted to ask why but he already knew th answer to his question. Everything and everyone in this world are all about maximizing profits.


    The truth is that we don''t care about one another. We only care about ourselves. The only time we might feel anything towards someone else is when it will benefit us.


    Yes, there are people who really care but they are very few. They are so hard to find.


    "I guess that''s how it has always been." Ss smiled but his smile held no warmth. It was as cold as the artic ocean.


    "Then they shouldn''t me me for what''s toe next."


    Ss let out a deep breath as he looked out the porthole before standing up and going to the bedroom.


    He decided to spend the remaining flight time gaming. He knew that they would soonnd in Venezu and things were going to get very hectic immediately.


    "Time to terrorize the CODmunity again." Ss chuckled as hey on the bed.


    ****


    Inside an hotel room, Elizabeth and her team gathered round, listening to a report that was brought to them.


    "Are you sure that he boarded the ne," She asked Pablo who just finished giving the report.


    "Yes, I already said it before. I saw Ss and a very beautifuldy walk into the ne together." Pablo said with exasperation, before taking his seat.


    "Were you noticed?" David asked curiously and what he received in response was a re.


    "Why didn''t you take up the mission yourself," Pablo asked with a sinister smile on his face.


    "I would had done it if I had your superpowers," David shrugged and turned his attention to Elizabeth.


    Pablo was feeling very angry that he was the one that was told to trail Ss. Even though he knew that he was the only one that could do it due to his superpower, Camouge.


    He finally let out a deep sigh of relief as he was finally able to rxed. The truth is that he nearly died of heart attack during the mission.


    His heart was in his mouth as his head was filled with thoughts of the possible oue if he''s caught by Ss.


    It couldn''t be helped as he has been traumatized by Ss. He was the one that took the superpowered punch or Ss when he got serious back at their encounter at the Abyss.


    To everyone, that punch was an ordinary punch but he was the only one that knew how many organs that seemingly ordinary punch shifted.


    "Guys, let''s focus. We have a mission toplete here. Since we have confirmed that Ss has gone on a trip. This is our chance to make sure that weplete the mission of gathering information on his family.


    Since everyone was scared of him and avoided wherever he was like a gue when he was around. Now that he''s not around, you all have no excuse whatsoever for not wanting to take your missions," Elizabeth said as her eyes fell on everyone in the room.


    "Please, can I speak?" a young girl who looks to be his early teens asked with one of her hands raised.


    "Yes, Alena. What do you want to say?" Elizabeth asked, giving the girl permission to ask her question.


    "From our experience and from the little we know about Ss, we know that he''s always ten steps ahead.


    For him to make a trip in the first ce, we know that he must have made some preparation for his family. We also know that it''s impossible for him not to know of our presence.


    Now, I want to ask, does any of us know what those preparations could be? Also, how sure are we that we are not actually walking into his trap?" Lena asked before taking her seat.


    Elizabeth sighed when she heard Alena''s questions. She knew that they were very valid but still, that doesn''t mean that it can be used as excuse.


    "Alena, I understand your point and your worries but you''re also aware of the price we had to pay before we could get this information on Ss. We can''t just let it go to waste.


    Also, like I said before, NO EXCUSES."

 Chapter 233: Interlude

    The day before his trip to Venezu, Ss spent his time observing the new beta testers and making the necessary arrangements for his family.


    He bought AR & VR Gears for all of the security guards watching over his family. The reason why he did this was because he bought the security guards from the firm that employed them.


    Why did he do that? Well, because he could! Also, if Ss made an mouth-watering offer to them and told them to resign and work for him, they would do so in a heartbeat.


    Before giving the Gears, he made sure that they won''t relieve anything about it and he also thought and exined them how to use it.


    The security guards were naturally shocked. They had never seen anything like it before. They thought that their client was a genius simply by creating a VR Pod and game but who knew that he has something even better?


    They even felt that if he''s to release the Gear instead of the Pod, it would had caused even more uproar. But when they saw all of what the Gear could do, they kind of understand why he doesn''t want to release it. They also felt very happy to be first set of people to use such advanced technology.


    Just when they thought that they had seen it all, their boss decided to give them a show.


    "You all have yours now. If they''re anything you need to report or you need, you can just say through your thoughts and not secretary here would respond immediately. You can try it and see," Ss smiled as he continued to enyoy the reaction on their faces.


    The security guards looked at each other simultaneously in shock and disbelief. They all had the same thought. Through our thoughts?


    They thought that Ss was joking but when they saw the serious expression on his face, they knew he wasn''t.


    Luna was standing beside Ss and looking at them like they were a group of savages. What was taking them so long to just use the neural link connection of the Gear?


    When she saw that they were being too slow on the uptake, she decided to take matters into her own hands.


    She decided to do what she and Ss had nned. It was some sort of intimidation tactic.


    She slowly floated abive the ground, her dress fluttering slightly from the gentle breeze that continuously blew.


    With her eyes cold as ice, she looked at the security guards whose faces had already gone pale with fright, and said slowly through the Gears'' neural link connection, "I hate those who are sloppy. Don''t make my master repeat himself."


    Her actions seemed to have made the matters worse as the security guards didn''t respond as they froze in their positions, while staring dumbly at Luna who was beautifully floating in the air.


    They never knew that they would be able to witness something as unbelievable as this one day. Who knew that they were acting people that can fly? And one of those is their boss'' secretary no less. It was simply crazy. How were supposed to treat her going forward?


    Now that they thought about it. If their boss'' secretary can fly, then what about their boss? What can he do? Or is it just tech stuffs? They were very curious to find out but they knew they can''t just go up to him and ask.


    Though they felt shocked, surprised, disbelief and all, the most profound emotion they felt was fear. Everything they felt boiled down to fear.


    They were scared of what would happen to them after this. They were scared of the future holds for them after this was shown to them. They weren''t dumb. They knew that there was reason behind the boss showing something as unbelievable as this. Something that should ideally be kept a well guarded secret.


    Luna slowly floated down to the ground and stood beside Ss while ring at the security guards.


    Internally, she was happy that she achieved the effect that Ss wanted to achieve. Now, whates next would be very easy.


    She looked at Ss and nodded before turning to the security guards, and disying individual images of Daniel and each members of his team.


    "The images being disyed on the screen are those you should be on the watch out for. Make sure that they don''te even 100 m close to master''s family.


    You must also be careful as they are not just regr people. Just like how I showed the ability to fly, they also have different abilities. And some are even strange, and hard toprehend but that isn''t what''s important.


    Your job is to make sure that nothing happens to my family. If there''s anything thates up and it''s something that you can''t handle, all you just have to do is to contact me through the Gear," Luna said,  giving the security guards detailed instruction on Ss'' family protection.


    The security guards nodded in understanding. They did their best to keep faces their emotions stable and tranquil but that was only on the surface. Underneath, their emotions were in turmoil.


    Luna nodded in satisfaction when she saw them nod.


    "Good. I have already sent aprehensive information on those people. The information includes their known personal information, their superpowers and a video on how it works. Make sure to go through it and understand or memorize it if needed. I want no excuses." Luna said, and the security guards nodded in response.


    Luna and Ss decided to leave after they had achieved what they wanted.


    The security guards were still trying to take in everything that just happened. Yes, they nodded in response when Luna gave them instructions but their response were all involuntary reactions from their muscle memories.


    It took them a while before they were able to regain rity ande out of their stupor. Immediately, they simultaneously stated going through the information that Luna sent to them.


    Few minutester, they looked at each other and saw theplicated looks in each other''s eyes. They knew that they were thinking about the same thing: They were f*cked.


    ****


    Daniel could seen standing at a distance and looking at Ss'' house in silicon valley from a distance, with a sinister smile stered on his face. The smile gave way to a chuckle and then a lightugh.


    "Hahaha. I want to see the expression on your face when you get back and see that your family is gone."


    Elizabeth was seated beside Daniel, looked at him and sigh. She still found Daniel''s revenge plot to be very stupid.


    Why antagonize someone that''s ten times more powerful than you? Doesn''t he know when to stop? Even with the fact that they have told him just how ridiculously strong Ss is, he stood doesn''t want to forfeit his n of revenge.


    Elizabeth was truly looking forward to what Daniel''s fate would be during and after their mission.


    "Guys, it''s just as we suspected. Ss made arrangements and it''s no small arrangement," Pablo said with a pant, as he took his seat on the coffee table.


    He was just back from reconnaissance mission. Just as he did with Ss, he was also the one that went to scout forward and gather information.


    He took a bottled water on the table and drowned it in seconds.


    "Slow down, bro. Did you climb a mountain or what?" One of the Phenomenals, Elmore, asked.


    "Fuck you, Elmore," Pablo said as he gave Elmore a re andplimented it with a raised middle finger.


    He looked at Elizabeth and David, and his eyes finally fell on Daniel. His eyes held so many emotions but his thoughts were unknown.


    "You guys are curious as to what I found out. Ok, I will tell you. Fieary thing first, we all know that we''re cooked. I would like to expatiate on that," Pablo said and sighed.


    "Nearly quarter to half of the whole street is teeming with security guards hired by Ss," He said and looked at their faces wanting to see their reactions.


    When he saw the frown on their faces, he nodded in satisfaction and continued his report.


    "Also, my superpowers doesn''t work around them. No matter how much I try to hide, I always get discovered."


    The frown on everyone''s faces deepened and this was even more for Elizabeth and David. They were trying to understand what Pablo just reported.


    A heavy silence fell around the table and the group tried toe up with a possible n. It was after a full minute of second, did someone finally break the silence.


    "You guys stay here. I will be back," Daniel said as he stood up from his seat.


    Elizabeth raised her head in rm and looked at Daniel who was leaving the coffee shop.


    "Daniel, where are you going?" She asked in a very authoritative voice


    She felt that Daniel was about to do something stupid and get all of them into trouble. With Pablo''s report, they understood that they were up against someone extremely dangerous.


    Daniel paused his steps and gave a side eye to Elizabeth.


    "Like I said, you guys stay here, I  have a business to take care of."

 Chapter 234: Villian, Putting Plans Into Action

    Daniel took a quick nce at his phone as he weaved through the streets. He got to the roadside and gged down a taxi. The taxi stopped and he immediately got in and gave the driver an address.


    The driver didn''t say anything as he stepped on the gas and drove off towards the address that Daniel gave him.


    As the taxi made his way to the address, Daniel busied himself with his phone. Few minutester, a bright smile that emanated a very sinister feeling bloomed on his face.


    The smile wasn''t only giving off a dark aura. It also gave off a very twisted feeling and caused a dark aura to shroud Daniel.


    The atmosphere in the car changed immediately. The middle-aged taxi driver was nearly frightened to death when he felt the change in atmosphere. It nearly caused him to lose control of the steering but he was quickly able to regain hisposure.


    His hands were starting to get wet but he gripped the steering tightly not daring to let go. He knew that he can''t allow the fear he was feeling to cause to lose control of the steering or it would definitely lead to an ident.Something that he doesn''t want to take his chances with.


    While the taxi driver was going through a life and death situation, Daniel was busy perfecting his ns. Finally, after so long, he''s finally going to exact his revenge on Ss. It was time he pay Ss back for all the suffering that he has put him through. It was time he pay Ss back for taking away and destroying everything that he holds dear.


    For taking away his bright and beautiful future, Ss must pay.


    He wants to make sure that Ss feels what he felt when he heard the news of his father''s arrest and of thepany''s financial crises, and its shutdown. But he''s going to give Ss a gift and multiply those for him by a multiple folds.


    He knew that he can''t immediately cripple Ss''pany and that''s why he came up with this n a long time ago. The truth was that he never nned to go after Ss'' parent and he definitely didn''t want to fight him on his turf.


    This was the reason why he came up with a very beautiful n. A n that to him was very foul-proof. He ns to hit Ss where he would feel it the most. He knew that Ss has no mother. Even though the information from Lucas Vegas stated that there''s a woman that lives with them now, Daniel felt that she was very irrelevant.


    He knew that Ss''s father is just an old drunk who cares very little about him and everything now boils down to his original target, Ss'' younger brother, Alex.


    Yes, this was his n from the beginning. He wasn''t joking when he said that he was going to hit Ss where it hurts the most andhe wasn''t joking when he said that he was going make sure Ss feel immeasurable pain.


    Of course, he wasn''t stupid. He knew that since Ss made thorough arrangement before he travelled, then the arrangement would be even more for his younger brother. But all this was all based on the fact that threat wasing from outside. It was only then that the security guards can do their job.


    But what if the threat is from inside the school that Alex is studying in? Maybe just a couple sses away from his, would the security guards still be able to protect him? There''s no way that the school would allow the security guards to sit in the same ss as the kids. This wasn''t even possible if Ss was the owner of the school.


    The corners of Daniel''s lips stretched even more when he thought of this. Everything was perfect and working in his favour.


    The taxi came to a stop in front of a prestigious school building and Daniel got out of the car after throwing a hundred dor note to the driver. The taxi driver didn''t wait for a second as he stepped on the gas and zoomed away.


    Daniel didn''t notice what happened as all of his attention was on the school building in front of him. He smiled sinisterly and stretched out his hands, making a notable pose.


    "Now, let the fireworks begin!"


    ****


    Immediately after hended in Venezu, he immediately made his way to the warehouse. On the way to the warehouse, he told Luna to arrange for as many moving trucks as possible. He needs as many moving trucks as he could get, as he ns to transport the AR & VR Pods that he would purchase immediately to the military bases where they would be needed.


    He would had called for the military toe and carry them directly but the country''s armed forces'' logistics channel was non-existence.


    Ss also didn''t want to waste any time as he knew that time wasn''t on his side. The world is after then things that he possesses and there''s a third world waring. The war was what was most important and he doesn''t know when it would start but he knew that it was soon. But how soon? That''s what he doesn''t know. He just wants to make sure that everything was ready before it starts.


    Immediately after they arrived at the warehouse, Ss went in to purchase the Pods while waiting for the moving trucks to arrive.


    Inside the warehouse, Ss opened the system store and searched for the Pod. When it was disyed, he clicked on the purchase button and inputted the number of Pods that he wants to purchase. He inputted the exact number Pods that the military in the country would need for their retraining.


    Ss was about to press purchase when he stopped and took a look at the warehouse. He knew that the space in the warehouse was too small to contain all of the Pods that he wants to purchase.


    Everything would had been much easier for him if he had went directly to the military bases and purchase the Pods but he can''t do that as he doesn''t want to expose any secrets rted to the system.


    Ss sighed and decided to purchase only the quantity that the warehouse can take.

 Chapter 235: Interlude, Let There Be Chaos

    Before making the purchase, Ss decided to take a look at the amount of system points he has and if it would be enough for the number of Pods he wants to purchase.


    [Lottery Ticket(s): 155,078,900]


    [System Point(s): 16,639,149,000==> 16,890,040,600(+)]


    ''.... 16.8 billion system points, huh? I don''t think this would be enough,'' Ss thought to himself.


    Ss'' n was to purchase Pods for each of the military personnel in the Armed Forces but now that he thought about it, doing something like this isn''t the best way to go about his n on retraining the country''s military.


    If he''s to go ahead with his n and let each of them have a single Pod to themselves, then he would be undertaking a massive expenditure.


    The country''s Armed Forces has a total of 229, 000 military personnel, approximately 230,000. This is thebination of both the regr military personnel and the para-military.


    For each of them to have a Pod to themselves, he would be spending more than 54 billion system points to achieve that. This is exactly one of the reason why Ss didn''t feel that the system points he had were too much but rather they were too small.


    Ss also had the thought of building a simtion room for them but that would take too much time toplete... or would it?


    "Luna, if we are to focus all of the constructionpany''s attention and resources on building a simtion room that can amodate at least ten thousand to a hundred thousand people. How long would it take toplete it?"


    {Two to three weeks should be enough but we currently can''t have them take on another request or divert their attention to something else. The construction on the fusion power nt is at a crucial point now. Everything that has been achieved so far would be a waste if we are to pause work on it. The constructionpany is stretched thin as it is.}


    Ss nodded in understanding when he heard this. It seems like he would still have buy the Pods as nned. What Luna said also brought something to his notice, he needs to employ more staffs for the constructionpany.


    "Luna, start hiring more workers for the constructionpany. Put up a vacancy notice. After they have been employed, give them the needed orientation and have them start work on the simtion room," Ss said, giving Luna instructions.


    After he was done with that short distraction, Ss turned his attention back to what he was doing. He decided to purchase a thousand Pods. This was the number he decided on after he gave it a good thought.


    Yes, a thousand Pods would be nowhere enough for what he wants to achieve but he can still take things slowly and start making some progress before the simtion room ispleted.


    He immediately made the purchase and the next moment, multiple Pods started materializing in the warehouse.


    The system also made it convenient for Ss as the Pods were arranged properly as they were being materialized.


    Few secondster, a thousand Pods upied the warehouse, taking up every space that was left. With Pods taking up all the space, Ss almost found it to move around but he was able to maneuver.


    He heard the horn of a truck outside the warehouse, indicating that the trucks he called for has arrived.


    "Luna, tell to start moving the Pods into the trucks and start moving to the location of the military bases," Ss said as he made his way out of the warehouse.


    He got into one of the cars in his convoy and the driver drove towards the location of the nearest military base.


    *****


    Three young men carrying very suspicious looking backpacks could be seen walking through a hallway. Their eyes moved shiftily as they observed their surroundings.


    They stopped abruptly and and looked at each before nodding. One of the looked at a ssroom ahead and started walking towards it.


    He walked past the ssroom''s door and he quickly took a nce inside. After he has walked past the ssroom, he turned and gave the two boys who were standing at a distance a thumb up.


    The two of them nodded and brought out something from their pockets. They quickly used it cover their faces before cing their backpacks on the ground. They unzipped it and started bringing out its contents.


    Few secondster, the three of them each held a something in their hands and nodded at each other.


    Bang! Bang!! Bang!!!


    The sound of gunshots rattled the whole school. It was like the reaper has announced his presence.


    The whole school and it neighbourhood was shaken up. Everyone panicked and started looking to save themselves.


    Those who had the means to started calling the relevant authorities.


    The three young men, now armed men, menacingly walked into the ssroom and shoot into the air again.


    If the previous one was to announce their presence, then this was a warning from them telling everyone not to do anything stupid.


    "Everyone, get down. We have our target. Don''t do anything stupid or you will never live to see the consequences." One of armed said in a muffled voice from behind the mask on his face.


    He looked at a corner of the ssroom and started walking towards it. He got to the front of a desk where young boy was seated and grabbed him.


    "Hey kid, someone would love to have a word with you."


    ****


    Immediately after the gunshots were heard, the security guards in charge of watching over Alex started running to his ssroom. They also immediately informed Luna of the situation.


    The security guards just came out of a corner when they heard the familiar voice of Alex screaming and three armed men in mask dragging him away.


    "Stop right there and unhand that kid right now," One of them said as he pointed a gun at them and started walking slowly towards them.


    The armed men who held Alex turned and looked at the security.


    "Make me."


    He didn''t bother to wait as he started walking away.

 Chapter 236: Let There Be Chaos (II)

    Immediately after the gunshots was heard and everyone was in panic, Alex secretly tapped on his smartwatch as he was instructed by his brother before he left.


    Though there was no response, he knew that his brother was already aware of what''s happening and woulde to save him.


    This was the reason why he didn''t put up much of a fight when the armed men came to take him away. Even if he did, there was no way he would be able to fight them off.


    .....


    The armed men didn''t bother to pay anymore attention to the security guards as they started walking away.


    Before they came for this operation, they have already been fed information about their target. They knew everything they had to know about their information and the security guards protecting him.


    This was one  the reason why they are confident. Another reasons is that it''s isn''t only the three of them that were contracted for this.


    The armed men started walking away without fearing that they would be shot. The reason for this is because of the distance between them and the security guards.


    The distance between them is at least more than 100 meters. The security guards were at the beginning of the hallway while they were almost at the end of the hallway.


    To them, there was no way that they would be able to shoot them from such a far distance and be urate enough for the bullet not to hit their clients. Their logic was reasonable but this was only applicable to a regr person not the security guards.


    Just like the other security guards, the security guards watching over Alex are also equipped with the AR & VR Gear.


    Actually, Ss put them specially in charge of watching over Alex. And he made sure to teach them everything they need to know about the Gear, and how to use it.


    The security guard pointing his gun at the armed holding Alex, narrowed his eyes to slit and focused all of his attention on his target.


    The next moment, the view in front of him changed and a simted trajectory of how the bullet would fly if shot, was disyed in front of him.


    His lips curled into a smile when he saw it and he pulled the trigger without hesitation.


    Bang!


    The eyes of the gunman holding Alex widened in disbelief as he fell to the ground with a thud, with blood continuously spilling from his head.


    He felt no pain and everything happens too fast for him to process. All he knew was that he heard a gunshot and his eyes turned white in pain as his soul left his body.


    Therade of the fallen gun man looked at the body on the floor in shock. Just a second ago, their leader was walking beside them and the next, he has turned into a cold corpse on the floor.


    They found very hard to put what they were feeling at the moment into words. This wasn''t supposed to happen. They were supposed to grab the kid and take him to their client, get their huge pay and live a happy life afterwards.


    But why?... Why is their leader on the floor and blood spilling out of a hole in his head?! Why?!


    Their faces darkened as multiple thoughts crashed around in their head. The grip on their guns tightened as they turned to face the security guards.


    The two of them screamed and were about to pull the trigger but they were a tard but too slow.


    Bang! Bang!!


    Thud! Thud!!


    The two of them were unable topletely disy their bravado before they were sent to escort their teammate.


    The security guards immediately rushed towards Alex who was already running towards them as the two men fell to the ground.


    They quickly reach where he was and grabbed him securely. They took a good look around their surroundings and observed for any sign of danger.


    They felt that it was very unlikely that the three armed men were alone. It was impossible but even if that is so, they still have to be cautious.


    The fact that each of them were carrying SMGs, MAC-10 to be specific, shows that a lot of preparations went into this operation.


    "Sir, let''s get him out of here," one of the security guards said to the security guard holding Alex, as he looked around for any possible threat.


    "Yes, scout ahead and make sure that the route is clear." The guard holding Alex nodded and shielded Alex with his body.


    He didn''t pay attention to the teachers and children that were trembling in their ssrooms, and offices. To them, Alex was the top of their priorities and nothing else.


    They don''t even want imagine what their fate would be if something is to happen to him. They also didn''t care about the three cold corpses on the floor.


    Even though they were the ones that killed them, they felt nothing. Why should they? As someone who has been in this line of work for more than a decade, they have seen people dying in their presence a couple of times. And some of those times is by their hands.


    They knew that the police would soon arrive and would begin their investigation that would probably lead to nowhere but that also wasn''t their business.


    They made their way through the school, while closely guarding Alex and making sure that no harmes to him.


    Just when they were about to get to the entrance, they saw a group of people standing at a distance and blocking the entrance.


    One of them, a with a RPD resting on his shoulder, slowly walked forward. He looked at the security guards and at Alex, sighed.


    "They failed..." One could sense the pain in his voice but he did a good of hiding it.


    His face darkened the next moment as he red at the security guards.


    "We didn''t want to kill anyone but you know what they say right? An eye for an eye!"


    With a swift and fluid movement, he pointed the gun at the security guard holding Alex and pulled the trigger.


    With a cold voice and eyes devoid of emotions, he uttered a single word.


    "Die!"

 Chapter 237: Let There Be Chaos (III)

    Before the man could shoot his gun, the security guards had already made their moves.


    Bang!


    The man holding the RPD, eyes widened in shock. He didn''t understand what happened.


    As he fell to the ground and in his final moments as his consciousness slipped away, his brain tried its best to understand what just happened but it couldn''t.


    He fell to the ground with a thud, with a clean hole in his head and blood pooling around him. His consciousness slipped awaypletely and his body started turning cold.


    The security guards waste time and gave the group no chance to make a move as they made theirs.


    The man holding Alex quickly passed him to the guard beside him and nodded before turning his attention to the group in front of him.


    The other guard seeming have understood what his captain meant, took Alex and started runninh with all of his strength.


    After the other security guard left with Alex, the remaining two started shooting at the group. With the help of the Gear, each of their shot was clean hit to the head.


    Bang! Bang!! Bang!!!


    Gunshots rang out, cutting through the air and echoing through the school, its surroundings and in the hearts of everyone that heard them.


    The group was unable to fully react to the assault. Before they could under what was happening and regain theirposure, half of them were already on the floor deader than dead.


    Chaos ensued afterwards as the group started shooting frantically and sporadically at the security guards. But it was futile as their actions has already been predicted and the security guards had already taken actions.


    They moved from their original position and took cover behind some of the square pirs. Even with the security guards hiding behind the pirs, the gunmen didn''t stop shooting.


    Their emotions were in disarray. They came here thinking that of the very easy job they took and the huge pay that was in wait for them. But who knew that the job they thought was so easy wasn''t exactly isn''t.


    Yes, they knew that something was wrong when they were told that they would be paid $8 million if theyplete the job but they never expected to be dying here.


    They also didn''t n to shoot anyone or kill them. Even though their guns are real, it was only nned to be used to be used as intimidation. It was only to be used when someone tried to step out of line, only then they would shoot at the ground to scare the person.


    But everything has gone so wrong! A lot of their friends are lying on the floor, cold and lifeless. They felt angry with themselves for being blinded by the money but most of their anger was directed at their client, Daniel, for giving so much wrong information.


    ****


    The security guard holding Alex made his way around the school building, following the instructions being given to him by Luna through the Gear.


    Immediately after she was informed of the situation, Luna took control of the Gear and every devices, and equipment in the surroundings. The CCTV cameras were under her control and she was using it to monitor the situation around the school.


    She could see Daniel standing outside the school building with a sinister smile on his face. She knew that she has to get Alex out of the school building before Daniel decides to take control of the situation.


    She has also started ringing the police continuously and as she did that, she was doing her best to fly to the school the fastest she could.


    All these was possible due to the upgraded quantumputer that Ss created.


    Ss was just about to begin the the first simted training for the soldiers when he got the news of the incident at Alex''s school.


    His fists immediately clenched in anger. He knew that Daniel was going to target his family but going after his brother like this and unscrupulously was something he didn''t expect.


    This was due to the fact that he never thought that Daniel would be so bold to go after him publicly like this and create an incident.


    Immediately, he stopped the simtion training and rushed to the airport, and boarded a flight.


    Even with the ne flying towards San Jose at its fastest speed, Ss felt that it was too slow. This wouldn''t had been an issue for him if he still had his previous strength.


    He would had ran more than 500 mph to San Jose, save his brother and crush Daniel into fine dust but it was impossible for the current him. This made him to make the decision that he would do best to regain his previous strength as fast as possible.


    He doesn''t care how many metamorphosises he has to go through before he regain his previous strength, as long he can regain his previous strength and gain even more than what he had previously, to protect his family, he would dly do so.


    Ss was d that Luna was already flying towards San Jose and he knew that she would get there before him. He just hopes she get there before anything happens to Alex.


    He knew Luna was watching over Alex, but the knot in his stomach tightened with each passing second. It has been such a long since he felt so helpless and it made him very angry. Every moment in the air felt like a lifetime of his wasted.


    He looked out the aircraft''s porthole with an unsettled heart filled with anxiety and anger. The anxiety and anger swirled in his heart, nearly choking him and made him unable to breath.


    He was still calm as through the Gear of the security guard holding Alex and the quantum smartwatch on Alex''s hand, he knew that he was still safe.


    But he knew that as long as the situation has still persist, his brother safety wasn''t guaranteed.


    "Hold on, Alex. Big brother ising."


    ****


    While the chaos was still going on, a red car was overshooting traffic lights, breaking multiple trafficws and regtions at the same time as it made it way towards a location.


    On the steering of the car, a familiar young woman could be seen muttering something to herself.


    "It was true. I wasn''t crazy or seeing things."

 Chapter 238: Let There Be Chaos (IV)

    Daniel was outside, waiting for the people he sent in toe out with what he tasked them with. He heard the first and second round of gunshots, nodded in satisfaction.


    Things were going as nned. The first and second round of gunshots was some sort of signal.


    It was to alter everyone that the operation was already underway.


    Daniel had already had calcted everything and was waiting for them toe out when he heard a gunshots.


    From the sound, he knew that it was probably one of the security guards guarding Alex that just shoot a gun now.


    He wasn''t bothered as he has already taken everything into consideration and has made a foul proof n.


    To him, no matter how much preparations and arrangements Ss made, they would all be rendered useless.


    With a face filled with ease and a bright, sinister smile, he continued to wait.


    He was still waiting when he heard two consecutive gunshots and followed by silence. He knew that something must have gone wrong but he was still calm as he knew just how efforts he has put into this operation.


    He wasn''t worried as he knew that even if the security guards were to kill the three young men that went to drag Alex out of his ss, they won''t be a able to escape.


    They would be blocked by a team of ten armed men at the school entrance. If they decided to be extra cautious and not take the step, they still won''t be able to escape as there are still more of those men scattered in and around the school.


    He thought everything was still going smoothly when he heard another gunshot and followed by a sound of heavy round of gunfire.


    The gunshots felt a response¡ªa retaliation to be precise¡ªto the gunshot that was fired before it.


    It was at this point that Daniel started to feel that something was wrong but he decided to still remain calm, and give them some time.


    He doubt that security guards would be able to survive the heavy round of gunfire. Even if they are, they would be in a very pathetic and pitiful condition afterwards.


    Daniel waited for the gunshots to stop or to see the package but even after waiting for a full minute, he still saw nothing.


    He knew that things had gone south at this point. The smile on his face faded immediately, giving way to an extremely dark expression.


    "Fine, I will do it myself," Daniel said as he made his way into the school.


    As he opened the school gate and walked through, he snapped his fingers and two fireballs bloomed on his palms.


    Seeing the fireballs, he smiled darkly and clenched his fist, causing them to exploded and engulfed his lower hands.


    The me didn''t go out and kept burning as he walked into the school building.


    Daniel didn''t care if anyone saw him using his superpower. He didn''t care about the bullshit "keep your powers hidden" nonsense that the Bureau and everyone always yaps about.


    He found it to be hypocritical of them. They don''t want the existence of Phenomenals to be known because they want to maintain the bnce, but they are the one that put the world at its current tipping point. They are also the one pushing it beyond that tipping point.


    Daniel opened the entrance door of the school and walked in. Immediately after walking inside, he saw corpses¡ªthe group''s corpses¡ªstrewn around on the floor.


    "Ipetent fools. What a waste," He said in contempt.


    He stretched out his me-coatef hands and flicked tongues of mes at the bodies on the floor. Immediately after the mes touched the bodies, they started burning.


    Daniel didn''t pay attention to the burning bodies on the floor as he started walking through the hallway. He never nned to let group live in the first ce but the fact they got themselves killed beforepleting the mission he gave them, infuriated him.


    As he walked through the hallway, he took a look at each ssroom he passed, looking for any sign of Alex or the security guards.


    "Those fuckers! I should had handled this myself from the beginning," Daniel said in angry voice as he got to the end of the hallway without seeing any signs of Alex.


    He knew that it was impossible for them to have escaped and were hiding somewhere in the school. But looking for them would be stressful and would take up too much of his time.


    A even more sinister smile spread on his face as he suddenly thought of something.


    "I can do that. Let''s see if they will be still be able to stay hidden," Daniel said as he started walking to the administrative office.


    He continued to look for any signs of Alex and the security guards but they seems to have hidden themselves very well, as he was unable to find them.


    Daniel was still calm and unbothered by this. He felt like the world was in palm and nothing would go wrong.


    He also wasn''t worried about what the consequences of his actions would be as he knew that the Bureau would take care of everything.


    Daniel got to the door of the administrative office and opened. Inside, he saw a middle-ageddy frantically dialing her phone with fear, anxiety and frustration visible on her face.


    As Daniel walked in, she jolted in fear on her seat and was about to confront the person that walked into her office unannounced. Nut when she saw his hands in mes and the dark, menacing smile on his face, she immediately sealed her mouth shut in fear.


    She wanted to scream but she knew what her fate would be if she does.


    Daniel nodded in satisfaction when he saw thedy''s reactions.


    "Good. I like smart people. Then I won''t start by killing you first."


    Daniel walked to the table and picked up the mic. His reason foring here was the mic in his hand.


    With the same dark and sinister smile on his face, he pressed a button on the table and started talking.


    "I know you''re here somewhere and you hear me. So,e on out before I start killing everyone. For every five seconds you stay hidden, one person will die and their death will be on you head. If you don''t want it to happen, bring the boy to me." Daniel''s voice echoed throughout the school.


    His words shook everyone up, intensifying the fear and anxiety they were feeling, and heightening the already tensed atmosphere in the school.


    Everyone looked at each cautiously. Except those in Alex''s ss, others had no idea who the owner of the voice is and who he was talking to but they all had the same thought¡ªthey don''t want to die.


    Everyone was scared and this was even so for the little children who were of the same age as Alex. They hoped and pray that someone woulde and save.


    After making the announcement, the smile on Daniel''s face widened. He knew that he has already achieved the effect he wanted and had baited those that he wanted to bait.


    ''Now it''s time to give them a way out.'' His target was never the security guards but instead everyone else.


    "To make everything easier for everyone. You all have a five minutes window. If anyone can bring Alex Kurt to me before the five minutes deadline pses, everyone will be free and I will leave. But if I don''t see him after five minutes, all I can say is that I tried."

 Chapter 239: Scared Alex

    Inside the Janitor''s closet, the three security guards and Alex could be seen hiding.


    The security guards that ran with Alex was ordered by Luna to hide in the Janitor''s closet and wait for her.


    Few minutester, the gunshots that echoed throughout the school stopped. The security guard was anxious when he noticed this.


    He didn''t know what the oue was but he hoped that it was in their favor. He continued hiding with Alex, and few minutester after the gunshots died down, the two guards joined them in hiding in the Janitor''s closet.


    For the security guard carrying Alex, making his way to the Janitor''s closet while carrying Alex and protecting him wasn''t easy.


    It would be a lie to say that he or any of them were calm. They all had their hearts in their mouth throughout the whole encounter.


    If it wasn''t due to their years of experience at the job and the guide, and instructions being given to the by Luna, they knew that they would had been the one lying on the floor.


    This incident made them realize just how amazing the functions of the seemingly regr-looking sses they were wearing are.


    They knew very well that it was the major reason why they are still alive. They didn''t know how to express what they are feeling at the moment.


    Should they be happy that they got to use something as cool as this or should they be worried about what the future holds for them?


    They had mixed feelings about everything but deep down they knew what they wanted. Each of them hoped that after this incidentes to an end, they would continue to work for Ss and get to use more cool gadgets.


    The truth is that they are tired of the boring and monotonous life and they want to something exciting to spice up their lives.


    As the security guards thought of all this, they made sure to not let down their guard and remain cautious.


    ....


    Alex was sitting in a corner of the Janitor''s closet, feeling very scared and nervous. He still found everything that was going very hard to understand.


    Why are the men with guns after him? Who is the person that wants to have a word with him? Was this rted to his brother?


    He had so many questions but no one to give him the answers. He knew that his brother wasing to save him but he didn''t know when he was going to arrive.


    He still felt a little bit safe due to the three security guards watching over him. He knew that they would do their best to protect him but he still didn''t feel safe enough.


    He remembered that his brother just went on a trip. To save him, Alex knew that Ss would have to cancel his trip ande back.


    He knew that it would take him a while toe back but he really hope that his brother woulde and save him fast.


    Alex and the security guards were still hiding when they heard a voice broadcasted from the speaker in the hallway outside.


    The security guards'' eyes narrowed when they heard what the voice said. They knew that things were going to get veryplicated very soon but they were helpless as there was nothing they could do about it.


    They knew that they can''t do as the voice says and bring Alex to him. Even if they survive this incident, they knew what their fates would be.


    They also didn''t want anyone to die. They knew that they were in a very helpless situation but they could only endure.


    They were still thinking of how to maneuver the situation when the heard what the voice said next.


    They couldn''t help but clenched their fist in agitation. They knew exactly what the owner of the voice was trying to do.


    He knew that everyone is scared of death. His first statement had already sentenced everyone to death.


    The only way for them to escape their sentence is for the security guards to give up Alex. Something that is extremely impossible.


    The next statement was to give them a chance to escape the sentence. If the security guards are unwilling to hand over Alex, then he would have other do it for him. It was as simple as that but it was extremely effective.


    "That bastard is trying to force us out," One of the security guards said through clenched teeth.


    He was feeling extremely angry and frustrated by the new development. He felt that thw reason why those people are after Alex was most likely due to the technology that his brother possesses or they are possibly rivals.


    But that thought made him even more angry. He didn''t understand why someone has to go after a kid due to the grievances he has with someone.


    To him, it was something only a psycho would do and that person was definitely one.


    The older security guards¡ªthe leader¡ªsighed when he heard what his subordinate said. He knew that he was right and that the owner of the voice was trying to corner them in and force them out.


    He wanted to do something but he was too powerless to do anything. He could only hope that Ms Luna would arrive fast and take care of the situation.


    He didn''t know how she was going to do it but he had an unshakable confidence in her.


    Alex raised his head when he heard the voice being broadcasted from the speaker. A chill was sent down his spine when he heard that the owner of the voice would start killing people if the security guards doesn''t give him up.


    He clenched his fist in anger and fear when he thought of the possiblity of his newly made friends and his teachers dying.


    He knew that the security guards were not going to give him up and this means that people were going to die because of him. Something that he doesn''t want to happen again.


    He has lost so much in life and he doesn''t want to lose anymore. He would rather die than let anyone to die be because of him.


    He looked at the smartwatch on his wrist and caressed it gently, and started speaking gently to it.


    "Big brother. I don''t know if you can hear this but if you can, I want you to know that I''m brave. People are going to die because of me but I don''t want that to happen. I don''t want to lose my friends and my teachers."


    Alex''s eyes were beginning to tear up and his eyes started getting moist. His throat felt like something was stuck in it as he did his best to hold back the tears that threatening to fall from his eyes.


    "Please big brother, Alex is sacred. When are youing?" Alex was unable to hold back his tears as they flowed freely down his cheeks.


    "Hik... Big brother, pleasee fast before anyone dies. Please, I don''t want anyone to die, big brother. Pleasee fast."

 Chapter 240: Let There Be Chaos (V)

    "Hik... Big brother, pleasee fast before anyone dies. Please, I don''t want anyone to die, big brother. Pleasee fast."


    Ss has never felt so much pain, anger and bloodlust in his life. He felt like millions of knifes were cutting through his heart at the same time and he wanted nothing more than to kill and destroy everything, and everyone rted to Daniel.


    He had never heard Alex being so scared before and from his voice, Ss knew that he was breaking down.


    Ss felt extremely angry with himself for not doing enough. He felt angry for not taking care of Daniel when he got information of his presence in California.


    He knew that there was no justification for him to take actions then but still, he felt that he should had done something at least.


    Even giving him a scare and warning him to stay off his family would had been something but he was so overconfident to the point of arrogance. And now he has it.


    Ss gritted his teeth in anger as he thought of what to do. He was still in the ne and on his way to the Dav Jose.


    It would still take him a couple of hours to get there and he doesn''t know what would had happened before he got there.


    He knew that he has tofort Alex and let him that everything would be alright. He brought the quantum smartwatch close to his mouth and started talking.


    "Alex, can you hear me?" Ss asked.


    Almost immediately, Ss heard the sound of Alex crying.


    "Big brother!" Alex broke down even more when he heard Ss'' voice.


    Ss eyes reddened immediately in rage when he heard Alex breaking down in tears. He wanted nothing more than to instantly teleport to Alex''s position but there was no way for him to do that as he doesn''t have the ability to.


    He would had immediately bought the teleportation knowledge if it would help him to do that.


    "Alex, I''m sorry for everything. Just stay strong. I''m on my way now," Ss said, doing his best tofort him.


    He knew that no matter what he says, it would change the current situation but he just wants his little brother to stop crying.


    Alex''s tears felt like millions of sharp needles were pricking his heart.


    "Big brother!" Alex broke down once again.


    It took Ss a while but he was able tofort him and stop him from crying.


    Ss'' face darkened as he thought of how to go about taking care of Daniel. He was maintaining decorum with the US government but with this incident, he would fall outpletely with them


    He would take matters into his own hands and give himself theespensation he deserves.


    Ss wasn''t worried if the US government was going to deny any connections to the incident as their stance mattered very little to him.


    He would do as he wishes and there was nothing is going to stop him or hold him back.


    Ss decided to put a call to Elizabeth. He didn''t know if she was aware of what Daniel was doing but it mattered very little if she doesn''t.


    "You have done your best to push me to a wall. It''s time I fight back. I just hope you are ready for what''s toe," Ss said immediately after the call was picked and hung up afterwards.


    He did give her any time to respond or ask any questions. He continued to look out the porthole, observing the clouds and anxiously waiting for when the ne wouldnd.


    *****


    Inside a coffee shop, Elizabeth looked at her phone in a mixture of surprise and confusion. She didn''t understand what Ss meant by pushing him to a wall.


    As far as she knew, they hadn''t done anything....


    "Shit!" She eximed in realization and immediately put a call through to Daniel.


    She anxiously waited for it to ring and for Daniel to pick up but it came back as unavable. She knew that something was definitely wrong and she immediately became anxious.


    She was about to tell her team to start moving when the owner of the coffee shop hurriedly switched to a news channel.


    David was about to ask Elizabeth why she was getting worked up but when he followed her eyes and saw the news, he could sigh in exasperation.


    He turned to look at her to ask the question he already knew the answer to.


    "Is it him?"


    Elizabeth nodded and closed her eyes tiredly.


    "Ss just called and he sounds very pissed. We have to do something or we are all going down with him," Elizabeth said as she forced herself to stand up from her seat.


    David sighed one more time and also stood up. He looked at others who were still seated and watching the news with almost simr expression on their faces.


    "That bastard! It''s all about his revenge, revenge and revenge. Now he had gone ahead and done it. Look what he has gotten us into. Fuck!" Pablo cursed angrily and mmed his hand on the coffee table.


    He angrily stood up and left the coffee shop. He wasn''t the only one feeling very angry with the current development of things.


    They knew with how things are right now, the encounter with Ss that they have been avoiding for a very long time is inevitable.


    They either fight or allow themselves to get beaten up. They wanted nothing more than to tear Daniel into pieces when they realized the sticky situation they are in now.


    "Let''s move out, guys," Elizabeth said and took one more look at the TV, before walking out the coffee shop.


    The other Phenomenals sighed and followed behind with a gloomy face. They felt that today might just be theirst day being alive.


    ****


    A red car screeched to a stop in front of Westfield Hills Academy. A youngdy got out of the car and looked at the school in front of her.


    She looked around to confirm if she was really at the right ce.


    "It''s true! It''s real! Those dreams... Everything I saw, it was real! I''m not crazy!" The youngdy was ecstatic when she came to realization.


    "Now, what do I do? How can I save Ss little brother?" The youngdy asked as she started pacing around anxiously.


    If Ss saw thedy pacing around anxiously outside the school, he would recognize her immediately. As she''s no other than Chloe.

 Chapter 241: Let There Be Chaos (VI)

    The five minutes that Daniel gave everyone has already psed and he was about to start making do on his threats.


    Did they take the chance he gave them? Yes! More than a dozen of them came out and started looking for Alex so that they can preserve their lives.


    It was inevitable. Do they know who Alex was? No! Then why should they care about him.


    Those that came out knew that what they were doing was wrong. They saw the judging eyes that everyone gave them but they couldn''t help but care less. Each of them felt that they have to be the devil in a situation where everyone is trying to be a saint.


    Among those that came out were teachers and some students. They all came out with the same goal of looking for Alex but after five minutes of searching, they got nothing.


    Through the open door of the administrative office, Daniel looked at the group of people kneeling in front of him and clicked his tongue in disappointment. Even after giving them a whole give minutes, all of them came back empty handed.


    "Useless," He sighed.


    "But don''t worry,". He said as a smile bloomed on his face.


    The group felt a sense of foreboding when they saw the smile on Daniel''s face. The smile held no warmth and it gave off a very sinister feeling.


    They wanted to run away but when they saw the people who were standing at their back, with guns in their hands, they knew that their fate was sealed.


    "You guys can be useful in another way¡ªby bing object of my demonstration." The smile on Daniel''s face widened as an extremely dark expression enveloped his face.


    He picked up the mic again, pressed a button and started speaking into it.


    "I gave everyone a five minutes grace window but very few of you made use of the opportunity I gave you. Do you all think of yourselves as saints? Howughable.


    I wonder what your thoughts would be when I start killing each and everyone one of you one by one? There''s no need for me keep wondering as I can just find out for myself right now."


    Daniel snapped his fingers and a small ball of me materialized on it.


    The eyes of those kneeling on the floor widened in shock and extreme fear. They didn''t understand how the young man in front of them was able to summon a fireball but they understood one thing; they won''t be making it out of here alive.


    Daniel looked at the group and randomly flicked the small ball of me at one of them. The next moment, an agonizing scream was heard as the person went up in mes.


    The person started trashing around on the floor, wanting to put off the mes but they stuck to him like glue and they continued to burn.


    "Arghh!. Please make it stop! It hurts! My body is burning, please make it stop!" The person continued to scream in pain and agony as he trashed around on the floor.


    Everyone''s hearts chilled when they saw this. They knew that taking the offer that the man made was the worst decision of their lives and it''s going to cost them dearly.


    Some of them them started crying in regret and hoping that Daniel would let them go but instead, Daniel gave the same bone chilling smile he gave them before.


    Daniel didn''t pay attention to others as he continued to watch the person burning with a nk expression on his face.


    He watched the man trash around on the floor for a few minutes, with constant screams filled with agonizing pain.


    He sniffed the smell of burnt flesh and blood in the air, and relished it like a delicacy. The heat emanating from the burning body was like cold water on an extremely sunny today to him but he knew that it wasn''t the same for others.


    He saw the fear, difort and tears in their eyes but it moved him not. The moment they agreed to help him look for Alex sealed their fates.


    As the body burned, Daniel made sure that the screams were being broadcasted all over the school.


    He watched as the body turned from that of a healthy middle-aged man to that ckened corpse.


    Few minster, an unrecognizable body could be seen on the floor and a choking smell of burnt flesh filled the air.


    Daniel chuckled when he saw the charcoaled body on the floor. The scene of the man burning up and screaming in pain felt very refreshing for him, and he craved for more.


    It was like someone getting his fix but not getting enough. The intense craving and the satisfying feeling that followed after the craving has been satisfied is just the best. It''s like reaching a bee level of ecstasy and achieving orgasm.


    Daniel''s eyes fell on the group and he licked his lips in anticipation of what''s toe next.


    "Did you hear that? Did you hear that, Alex? Someone just died because of you. One of your teacher just died and in the next five seconds, another one is going to follow, and another, and another until youe out.


    I will make sure to broadcast their screams for you and everyone to hear. I want you to hear as they scream while their flesh burns into cinders. Remember, they are your teachers, your schoolmates, ssmates and friends."


    Daniel dropped the mic and snapped his fingers, causing another small ball of me to materialize on his palm.


    The eyes of the group kneeling on the floor widened in fear when they saw the same ball of mes on Daniel''s hand.


    Some of them immediately lost it when they saw it. They knew what was in store for them as they saw how the previous person screamed, as he burned to death. Something that they don''t want to experience.


    Without any idea where the courage came from, some of them rush to their feet and started running, seeking escape.


    "No! I won''t die like this. I still have a lot waiting for me. Mommy!"


    They weren''t able to run far before gunshots were heard and each of them fell to the ground, with their blood pooling around them.


    Daniel smiled when he saw this. The smile faded immediately and was reced with a very dark expression. From the look on his face, one could that he was extremely angry.


    "They thought they were smart but they were actually stupid. That''s what happens to stupid people. Don''t be stupid," Daniel said in a cold voice as he flicked the ball of me to one of those still kneeling.


    The same scene repeated itself as the person started trashing around on the floor while screaming in pain.


    Daniel watched the scene with satisfaction on his face. He took a nce at those kneeling and he saw how dead their eyes looked.


    "Ahhh... This is getting boring."

 Chapter 242: Let There Be Chaos (VII)

    "What do you mean you can''t allow me to go the school?" Kim asked one of the security guards, Ss asked to watched over her, with a very angry expression on her face.


    She just saw the ongoing shooting and hostage situation in Alex''s school on the news. She was shocked when she saw it and her reaction was to immediately rush to the school but was stopped by one of the security guards secretly watching over her.


    Due to the incident that happened during their family vacation, she already knew that there were some people that put were secretly protecting them and she wasn''t surprised to see him.


    "I''m sorry, ma''am, but it''s too dangerous. We can''t allow anything to happen to you. If you''re worried about the Young Sir, then you don''t need to be.


    I just spoke to the leader of the security guards watching over him and he said that the Young Sir is safe, and sound," The security guard said, doing his best to ease her worries.


    The words clearly didn''t work as she once again tried to push her way through but he blocked the way.


    Kim became even angrier when she saw this. She red at the security guard with deep malice burning in her eyes.


    "Look here, I don''t care if it''s dangerous or not. I don''t care if you just spoke to whoever you spoke to, all I just want is to go to my son''s school.


    There''s a shooting and hostage situation going on there right now. Which means that my Alex is in danger.


    Do you think I can rest easy knowing that? Do you think the words of someone cam ease the anxiety and anger I''m feeling right now? If you don''t want things to get messy, I will advice you to get out of the way and let me leave. Right now!" Kim shouted at him, almost going as far as pushing him out of the way but he still didn''t budge.


    "I understand what you''re going through right now, ma''am, but I can''t allow you to go there. Your presence there willplicate things further. This is a direct order from Mr Ss," The security guard said, as he stood firm.


    Kim broke down in tears when she heard that it was a direct order from. With that, she knew that she won''t be able to leave no matter what she does.


    "Alex! My baby!" She fell to her knees and started crying profusely.


    Even though the security guard saw this, he still showed no reaction. He has already received a direct order from Ms Luna, to stop Ss'' family if they make any attempt to go to the school, and he wasn''t going to go against it.


    .....


    Something almost simr butpletely different yed out at home.


    Chris was enraged when he saw the news. His rage went through the roof when he remembered the discussion he had with Ss and who the potential culprit of the ongoing incident at the school could be.


    "That fucking Anderson''s family. One trash after another," He said through gritted teeth.


    He immediately wanted to rush to the school and save Alex but he paused when he remembered the kind of people he was going to be up against.


    "They nned it perfectly. They began their operations just after Ss has left the country."


    Chris knew that the only this was possible was if Daniel''s group has been keeping tabs on them. This made him even more angry when he thought about it.


    Chris felt extremely powerless as he couldn''t do anything to alleviate the situation. He knew he can''t go to the school to save Alex as it''s extremely impossible.


    He knew that he would onlyplicate things further and it would leave Ss in a very difficult situation.


    He could only pace around the living room with his mind racing,  thinking of any possible solution.


    ****


    It''s been more than 30 minutes since Daniel started his game with Alex and so far, a total of more than 25 people has died at his hands. Yet, even with that, Alex is yet to appear in front of him.


    Daniel''s eyes moved without interest as he looked at the new batch of demonstration subjects that were brought to him.


    He had already gotten tired of the game ages ago. He really hopes that Alex woulde out and save him the stress of having to kill those that he killed and the ones he''s about to.


    He had been broadcasting the sweet screams of his demonstration subjects throughout the whole school and it had achieved great results so far.


    Just looking at those kneeling in front of him, he could see how scared they are. This was evident by their pale faces, dull eyes tears-filled, runny and with some of them even pissing themselves.


    Daniel enjoyed the sight but just as he said before, the game had gotten boring for him.


    He took one more look at those kneeling and decided to be a little bit nice. He knew that they don''t want to die¡ªnone of them do¡ªand they would do anything to keep their lives.


    He smiled and licked his lips as he yhoug5if something.


    "I really want to go ahead and start killing all of you but I''m sure you all won''t want that, right?" He asked but all he got in response was an ufortable silence.


    He smiled darkly and brought his face closer to theirs.


    "I asked a question but all of you are fucking behaving like chicken that caught a cold. I asked, do you all want to die," He said with his teeth clenched in anger.


    The group immediately responded when they saw the expression on Daniel''s face. They regretted not answering the first time.


    "No!" The echoed discordantly.


    Daniel nodded and smiled in satisfaction when he heard their response. He wasn''t bothered by their discordant voices as all of them have the same answer.


    "Good. I will you all a chance to survive. Ten minutes. Every single one of have a ten minutes window to find this boy," He said as he showed them a picture.


    "You find him and bring him to me. If any of you can do that, then everyone will be free. That''s wonderful, right?" He asked with a dark smile on his face.


    "Yes, sir!" They echoed discordantly again but Daniel only waved his hand, dismissing them.


    He wasn''t worried that they would try to escape as he already his men covering every single inch of the school premises. It was impossible for anyone toe in without his permission and even more for anyone to go out without it.


    Yes, there have been some brave ones but their fate wasn''t particrly good.


    Daniel was seated on the table of the school''s principal, waiting for news on Alex, when one of his men came to inform him that someone was looking for him.


    Daniel waved his hand dismissively at the person that came to report, sending him back to his position.


    He didn''t need to ask for the identity of the person looking for him as he already knew who the person is.


    ''Whye now? You want toe and ruin the work I have done so far? You wish." Heughed softly and continued his wait for Alex.


    ****


    Outside the school.


    Elizabeth clenched her fist angrily when she heard what Daniel told one of his men to tell her.


    "That bastard!" She clenched angrily.


    David sighed when he saw the expression on Elizabeth. He knew that things were going to get extremelyplicated very soon.


    If they don''t settle this before Ss gets back, then they would have to be ready to face the consequences.

 Chapter 243: Let There Be Chaos (VIII)

    "Elizabeth, what do we do now if Daniel doesn''t want to let us in?" Pablo asked with his fist clenched tightly in anger.


    His thoughts right now was focused on beating Daniel into a pulp. He doesn''t understand how someone would go such length for revenge.


    Things wouldn''t be this bad if he hadngine after the parents and in a quiet way. In fact, going after the parents wasn''t ok in any way but still it was better then the scene he''s causing right now.


    He took a quick look around and he could see the police cars quickly approaching at a distance, ring their sirens to announce their presence.


    He saw some people who are definitely parents of the kids inside the school, kneeling down on the floor and wailing loudly.


    He could see the expression of fear, anxiety and pain on their faces.


    Pablo felt very angry at how something so wrong could be happening but he felt even angrier when he realized just how powerless he was to do anything.


    He would had loved to made his way into the school, beat Daniel up and save the children. But how is he even going to get into the school if he can''t get past the men Daniel ced there?


    Also, even if he has the power to do it, he can''t. Why? Because he knew that what''s happening right now in the school and Daniel''s action has been given indirect clearance by the Bureau.


    Think about it, is it possible for an incident like this to have been going on for over half an hour and the police is just arriving? Yeah, thought as much.


    Even if he does have the strength to stop Daniel, he can''t as it would be him going against orders.


    Defiance of order is something that the Bureau doesn''t take lightly. It can even mean certain death if the person is found guilty.


    It wasn''t just him that had this thought as others had the same thought as him.


    Elizabeth, as someone who understands the Bureau deep enough, could already guess what they are trying to achieve with this.


    This goes beyond testing Ss and understanding what his limits are. Every single act of theirs were very intentional.


    President Adrian had been casual about the mission but he was expecting results from Daniel.


    She knew that the Bureau allowed Daniel to go this far and even assisted with closing the deal with Vegas, because they want to see just what Daniel would achieve.


    They are intentionally pitting the two against each other to see who is stronger. They also want to know just how Ss would react to his younger brother''s situation.


    They want to see Ss full strength so that they can start taking countermeasures against it. They want to know if he''s rted to theboratory incident at Ross Shelf.


    Elizabeth wasn''t against them doing all this, wanting to gather information and everything, but there was a problem;


    The Bureau took the wrong approach by using Daniel and allowing his actions.


    Another method could had been used and with Elizabeth knowledge of the capability of the Phenomenals they have in the Bureau, it wasn''t impossible but it was going to be extremely hard.


    She also felt that she had continued to meet up with Ss, they would get closer and she would be able to get something out of him.


    Yes, this would take time and she might not even achieve it but it was better than holding his younger brother hostage.


    Another thing is that she felt that the Bureau was giving Daniel too much credit and greatly downying Ss'' strength.


    She felt that this was due to the strength Daniel disyed during the series of physical tests and trainings he went through.


    But as someone who has seen Ss'' strength first hand, she knew how powerful he is and Daniel isn''t going to be a problem for him.


    The question now is what''s will happen to them after Ss has taken care of Daniel? She knew very damn well that he''s going to go on a rampage and a lot of people are going to get caught in an unexpected crossfire.


    She smiled ruefully when she realized that it was going to be a fair fight. They will be annihted and walked all over.


    She sighed in exasperation when she thought of all this. Everything in her head was useless as there was no way for her to stop what''sing without getting herself into trouble.


    She has to make a decision and choose between which of the two devils she will have to go against.


    Does she stop Daniel and go against the Bureau but she will save Ss'' brother and luckily, he "might" not go on a rampage?


    Or does she just fold her arms and watch everything unfold, and ept whatever that follows?


    She was still thinking of what decision to take when she sighted a familiar figure from the corner of her eyes.


    "Is that Chloe?" She asked herself and started walking towards the figure.


    When she got closer, Elizabeth was finally to confirm that it was really Chloe.


    "Chloe, what are you doing here?" She asked curiously when she got close to her.


    She was very curious to know why she was at somewhere as dangerous as this.


    Chloe was nearly scared out of her wits when she heard someone call her name but she let out a deep breath of relief when she saw that it was Elizabeth.


    She immediately became anxious when she realized something.


    "Elizabeth, I''m d you''re here. We have to go inside right now and rescue Alex, and everyone inside before Daniel kills them off one by one," She said hurriedly scd started dragging Elizabeth towards the school gate.


    "Chloe, wait," Elizabeth said, stopping her from sending the two of them to their death.


    "Calm down a bit. What do you mean by before Daniel kills them off one by one?" She asked, wanting to understand what Chloe said.


    Chloe looked at Elizabeth with different thoughts running through her head and different expressions swelling in her heart.


    After a few moments of thinking, she decided to tell Elizabeth everything. She told her of the dreams she has been having and how they keeping to reality.


    At first, it started with her premonition but as time went on, she started dreaming about a lot of things and they came to past.


    She thought it was just a coincidence but after it happened a few more times, she started researching about it but found nothing.


    She even went as far as seeing a doctor but she was told that it might just be due to memory bias or subconscious processing.


    But the dreams continued and two weeks ago, it went from her not only seeing things in her dreams but even while fully awake.


    She thought she was going crazy and was thinking of checking herself into a mental hospital soon but when she got the vision about Alex, she knew that she has confirm it.


    Elizabeth couldn''t be more shocked when she heard what Chloe said.


    "So you can see vision?" She asked slowly in confirmation and she saw Chloe nod.


    "And you saw Daniel killing off everyone in the school?" She asked slowly and carefully.


    "Not all of them but the figure should be more than 30."


    "That bastsrd!"


    Elizabeth''s eyes widened in rage when she heard this. Her fist clenched tightly as she held herself back from exploding.


    "Can we go in now?" Chloe asked and was about to start dragging her to the school gate again.


    "Chloe.. stop. We can''t go in there," Elizabeth said with her head lowered in shame and rage.


    "Why?" Chloe asked angrily when she heard her response.


    "....Thhere are a lot of things you''re yet to understand about the world. Going in there means certain death for us."


    ****


    Inside the school, Daniel finally got news of Alex whereabout.

 Chapter 244: "I Hate You"

    The sound of gunshots echoed through the hallway of the school as the security guards and Daniel''s men exchanged fire.


    The security guards were at a great disadvantage due to them being greatly outnumbered by Daniel''s men but they were the calmer of the lot.


    Even with them being on outnumbered, they werending the hits.  With every three to five gunshots, one of Daniel''s men would fall to the ground, dead, with blood pulling around them.


    The security guards were continuously able to exchange fire with Daniel''s men due to the guns and magazines thehy picked up after killing the first group.


    It would had been apletely different situation if it was the pistols as they would had long run out of ammunition and would be sitting ducks.


    The smells of gunfire and a heavy heavy stench if blood filled the hallway, creating a very choking effect but the two groups continued to shoot at each other.


    Daniel''s men were almost at their wit''s end. They couldn''t understand how they have been shooting at three people but are yet tond a hit.


    It was like they were the bad guys in a movie. Instead ofnding a hit, they are the ones getting hit.


    A couple of their teammates could be seen lying on the floor, dead and in their own pool of blood.


    The scene was extremely demoralising for them as they didn''t know who would be the next to fall but they knew that they have to continue or they would experience worst at that man''s hands.


    .....


    Daniel could be walking through an hallway adjacent to the the one where the gunfire were being exchanged, like he was taking a rxed.


    He strut down the hallway with his hands in his pocket and a bright smile on his face. As he walked towards the hallway, he happily whistled a song.


    When he got to the end of the hallway, he saw some of his me lying on the floor dead, some injured and with a little over half of them still standing.


    The bright smile on his face instantly faded and was reced with a very dark expression when he saw the scene in front of him.


    His thoughts were unknown as he looked looked at the scene in front of him but one could see from the dark look on his face that it wasn''t anything good.


    He snapped his finger and his hands was immediately engulfed in mes. He rushed forward and shed his hand, creating a small wall of me cutting his men out of the view of the security guards.


    The two groups were surprised by the sudden wall of me that appeared but the feeling of surprise evolved into two different feeling for the two of them.


    For Daniel''s men, it was like the sharp axe that has been hanging over their head was suddenly removed. They felt that they could finally breath a sigh of relief.


    For the security guards, it was more like the entrance of a grim reaper. They knew that the appearance of the wall me meant that things were about to go way south.


    The captain knew this and made a quick decision. He looked at the security guard beside him and nodded.


    The security guard already understanding what he meant without words being said, he rushed into the Janitor''s closet and grabbed Alex before breaking into a run.


    To them, Alex''s safety was more important than anything else. No matter who is it that''s after him, be it a god or the grim reaper himself, they will do their best to protect Alex to theirdy breath.


    Daniel walked out through the wall of me and gunshots rang out immediately. With a snort, he waved his hand, and sent a quick, flying me arc at the two security guards.


    The security guards saw the me arc cutting through the air, charing the walls and heating up the air as it flew towards them.


    Immediately, they reacted quickly as they each took a step back and fell t to the floor.


    Their reaction saved them as the me arc passed over them and dispersed after flying for a few more distance.


    They didn''t rx and they immediately stood up and were about to shoot but Daniel was already standing q couple of steps from them, with a ball of me hovering on his palm ready to be thrown at them.


    "I''m curious to know what Ss gave you people to be such loyal dogs." Daniel said as he took slow and confident steps towards the security guards.


    Standing in front of them, he bent forward and brought his face close to the captain''s and whispered into his ear.


    "I won''t ask twice and please don''t make me. I just want to know where Alex is."


    After whispering, he straightened his back and stood with one his hands in his pocket and the other still held out with a ball of me still hovering above it.


    He looked at the captain with a raised brow, expecting an answer to the question he asked.


    The captain knew that they were in a very sticky situation right now. From the familiar voice, he knew that the young man in front of him was the person was likely the mastermind behind the ongoing incident.


    He knew that he was also the same person that has been broadcasting the sounds of people screaming as he burned them to death.


    The captain knew the young man is someone who has no qualms with killing people and kills unscrupulously. He knew that their lifes were now hanging by a very thin thread that could break any second.


    There was no way that he would be able to answer the question that the young man asked him and he knew that it meant certain death for him. This was a situation that even Ms Luna''s continous assistance through the Gear won''t be able to change.


    He could feel the heat of the me hovering above his hand and he knew what it meant if it touches him.


    Daniel saw that the security guards was taking too much time to answer his questions and he could only sigh tiredly and pretentiously.


    "Do I really have to ask twice?" He asked as he sighed again.


    "I guess I do," He said the next moment and made a subtle movement with his hand.


    The me split into two and shrinked in size, bing almost as small as a ping-pong ball.


    He looked at the two security guards menacingly as he brought the two mes threatening close to their faces.


    "Yourst chance to gived the answer that I want. Where is the boy?!" Daniel asked with a darkened face.


    The next moment, he heard the voice of a child down the hall, crying.


    "I''m here. Please let them go. Please let everybody go. I beg of you."


    Daniel smiled when he saw this. He turned to look at his men who were standing at a distance and gestured to them.


    Immediately understanding what he meant, they rushed towards Alex to pick him up.


    "Young Sir! No!"


    The two security guards screamed in anger and frustration when they saw Alex who was supposed to be far away from the current scene.


    They were about to rush towards him but Daniel''s cold gaze and words stopped them.


    "Move and he dies."


    One of Daniel''s men roughly picked Alex up from the floor and brought him to Daniel.


    Daniel smiled brightly as he bent down, bringing himself to Alex''s height. He was about to pat his hair when Alex''s little hand stopped him.


    Daniel chuckled when he saw this. He saw that the boy has already stopped crying and was now looking at him with eyes filled with intense hate, anger and malice.


    "Aish... You don''t have worry, kid. I just want to have a little chat with you until your brother gets here." Daniel said.


    Alex looked at the man in front of him with clenched fists and rage boiling in his heart.


    "I hate you." He said coldly.

 Chapter 245: Let There Be Chaos (IX)

    "Hahaha..." Daniel burst out into a heartyughter when he heard Alex''s words.


    It was after a good minute ofughter, did herl finally stop.


    "You hate me? What can I say... The feeling is mutual, kid. But you''re not the one I hate, it''s your brother."


    He bent down once again, bringing himself to Alex''s height.


    "Look, kid. Don''t me me for what''s happening. It''s your brother you should me. He took what''s mine and I just want to get it back from him.


    Haven''t you for once ask yourself how he suddenly got rich? Where he got the money to buy the cars he drives and where he got the money to change the life of your family? I''m very sure you can figure it out what I''m taking about as you''re smarter than you look," He said and he stood back up.


    "You''re lying! My brother didn''t take anything from you. I know who you and I know everything you have done to my brother.


    You''re telling me all this because you want me to stop trusting my brother but I. Won''t. Stop. Trusting. In. My. Brother!" Alex said as he red at Daniel.


    He was feeling very scared at the moment as he has no idea what this bad man would do to him or what he wants to do to him, but he didn''t show his fear. He can''t show his fear as he has to be strong.


    A lot of people had died because of him and he can''t continue allowing more to die. His brother is yet to arrive but since he''s already on his way, it would only take time.


    Daniel was very surprised by Alex''s words. He looked at Alex with a raised brow of curiosity.


    "Ohh... You know ne, huh? I wonder what lie your brother has told you about me?" Daniel asked with a  nk smile on his face.


    "He told that you''re a bad person and he didn''t lie." Alex replied, causing Daniel''s face to darken.


    Just as Alex said previously, the reason why he was telling him that was because he wanted to create a rift between the two of them. But he had no idea that they were so close for Ss to tell you him about his bullying situation in school and who his bully is.


    He doesn''t understand the logic behind it but since it''s Ss who''s naturally dumb, then it''s very predictable for him to tell his younger brother such a thing.


    ''Well, it isn''t a bad thing." He thought as a bright smile bloomed on his face.


    If Ss is this close with his brother, then it means that he would definitelye to rescue him. Something he''s badly counting on and waiting to happen.


    For the third time, he bent down to Alex''s height, with the smile still on his face.


    "Just like I said before, kid, you''re smarter than you look. Since you trust your brother that much, I''m sure that he woulde and save you, and I will be waiting for him whenever hees."


    He stood back up and started walking away.


    "Since you''re now in my hands, I will keep to the deal I made with everyone and let them go. We are going to be having a little char until your brother gets here."


    He paused his steps and nced at one of his men.


    "Bring the kid to me and chase everyone else out of the school. This includes the security guards," He said and continued walking back to the administrative office.


    Daniel''s men immediately started carrying out his instructions. One of the roughly grabbed Alex from the ground and started walking to the administrative office, and another one followed behind him.


    The captain immediately reacted when they saw this. They picked up their guns and were about to shoot but their hands froze when they felt the cold metal on their heads.


    "Make a single movement and I blow up your head. I really want to know if you will die such a meaningless death," One of Daniel''s men who seems to be in the leadership position said, as he press the nuzzle of his gun on the captain''s head.


    "I thought as much," He said with a scoff.


    Without warning, he mmed the butt of the gun on the captain''s head and that of the other security guard, knocking them out cold.


    "Take them out," He said to the person beside him, and started walking to the administrative office.


    ****


    Arge crowd has already gathered outside the school, standing behind the police barricade and anxiously waiting for any news from on the situation inside the school. They were mostly rtives of those inside the school.


    From time to time, one could see some of them on the floor in pain and grief after receiving or making a phone call.


    This scene caused those who haven''t heard of anything to get even more anxious, with some of them getting panic attacks or directing fainting due to high blood pressure.


    The situation outside was escting and the tension was high. With each minutes that no good news came out of the school, someone would faint and would be taken away by the ambnce.


    The police tried to send everyone but that was even more impossible. They started calling the perpetrators of the ongoing school incident¡ªat least they put up a show of doing that¡ªbut nothing came out of it.


    No matter how many times they called, the calls were always forwarded to voicemail.


    Since they were putting on a show, they knew they had to do it well. They tried to threaten the armed men standing guard outside the school building but they were ignored badly.


    Of course, not everyone was blind to the charade the police was putting on.


    This was evident from the fact that the SWAT team is yet to arrive even when the situation has been going on for close to an hour.


    They knew this but they also knew that there was nothing they could do about it. They knew they can''t take any rash action or it will those inside the school that would face it.


    They could watch quietly and hope that a miracle happens very soon. This was the reason why they almost tore down the police barricade when they saw the door open and those inside the school running out in a rush.


    If it wasn''t for the threat of the armed men, they woke had rushed to hug their family but they held themselves back, waiting for their family toe to them.


    The police officers sighed in relief when they saw this. The truth is that they are in a very tight corner and a very sticky position.


    Just when they received the report of an ongoing school shooting and hostage situation, they were about to rush down to the scene but were held back by their chief.


    They wanted to ask a reason why but when they saw someone who asked get taken away by some unknown group of people, they knew that this was beyond them.


    It was after 20 minutester that they were allowed toe to the scene but before they left, they were given just one instruction: do your best to put up an act.

 Chapter 246: Entrance

    After securing Alex in his grasp, Daniel proceeded to move to the next part of his n; abducting Ss'' father.


    His men were already on their way to Ss'' house and would soon arrive. It''s only a matter of time before he gets a phone call of the sess of their mission.


    He wasn''t worried that they would fail as the people handling the mission are very special people.


    Unlike what one might think, they aren''t Phenomenals but Daniel has seen their strength and capabilities, and they are even stronger than the average Phenomenals.


    With this knowledge, all he just needs to do is wait for a news from them.


    Daniel smiled as he thought of Vegas, his father''s old friend and the person who helped him to set everything up.


    The smile faded the next moment when he remembered the price he had to pay to everything that he got.


    The price wasn''t much as it was just him owing Vegas three favors but he knew they knew the value of those favors.


    Daniel has no idea what the favors he would ask him would be but he could already guess that it won''t be something simple.


    He also knew that it couldn''t be helped. There was no way he would gotten Vegas'' help without agreeing to his condition and he also got help from the Bureau.


    Speaking about the Bureau, Daniel could guess what they are thinking by pushing him to fight Ss. He knew that they were using him but he cared very little as he has his own ns.


    The game he was ying with them is a game of wit and strength, and it''s a game that he''s bound to win.


    "Alex, when is your brother going to arrive. I''m starting to get really bored and you don''t want to see me when I''m bored," Daniel said, ring at the kid.


    Alex chose not to respond as he sat in a corner of the office. He was feeling very frightened at the moment.


    Even though he was putting up an act of bravery some minutes ago, he was still a kid after all. His emotions and state of mind were extremely fragile.


    He felt an intense amount of fear and panic, guilt and self me for those who has died, anger and hatred for Daniel, anxiety for Ss'' arrival and helplessness.


    Alex felt the weight of each passing second like a stone pressing down on his chest. The faces of his ssmates, theirughter and voices from just this morning, now haunted him. Did they die because of him? Was this all his fault?


    Tears threatened to fall from his eyes but he held them back. He didn''t want to appear weak but he just wants everything to be over so that he can sleep. He hopes his brother arrives quickly.


    "Aish... This is extremely boring. I should do something fun," Daniel said as pushed himself up from his seat.


    Just when he was about to walk to the door, he heard a loud crashing sound as someone crashed through the roof of the hallway the administrative office was connected to, andnded on the floor.


    Reacting instantly, he summoned a tongue of fire on his palm and pointed it towards Alex. Before he could take a look at the new arrival, he felt the wind knocked out of his lungs and was sent flying.


    Kuergh!


    His body mmed onto the wall of the office and a bolt of pain coursesd through his body, forcing a painful gasp escaped his mouth.


    It was like he was hit by a fast moving car. Every single bones in his body felt out of ce and his chest was where the epicenter of the pain was.


    Before he could even catch his breath, he felt a very strong impact to his face. It was like someone used a concrete b to hit his face.


    It was at this point he lost all control and blindly shed the air in front of him, throwing multiple me arcs at his attacker.


    Luna saw Daniel''s action and quickly dodged his sloppy attack, and rushed to Alex. She picked him up and ran out of the office, and shot through the hole in the roof.


    The me arcs missed Luna, hitting the office walls, charing it before dispersing. Even after they dispersing, the heat could still be felt where it passes and the part of the wall that was burned had smokesing out of it.


    Daniel crashed to the ground and he quickly got up to his feet. He looked around but he couldn''t find his attacker. He also noticed that Alex was gone.


    Raaa!


    He roared in rage and intense hatred when he saw this. His rage shot the roof and exploded when he saw his men standing outside, and looking at him like fools.


    "Imbeciles! Someone just walked in here and took the kid away, and you wastes just standing there, looking like fools!" Daniel screamed as he flicked licks of mes at them


    His men screamed in pain as the mes touched their bodies and they started burning.


    "Please sir, help us!" They begged Daniel as they tried put out the me but just as they were already aware, their actions were futile.


    The me continued to burn them but Daniel paid no attention to them as he walked out of the office and started walking to the entrance of the school.


    He was feeling very angry at the moment and the only thought he had right now was to kill. He doesn''t care who it was that dies by his hand, all he just want to do is to satisfy his bloodlust.


    He snapped his fingers, summoning two fireballs and threw them at the entrance door, causing the wooden door to exin and splinter into pieces.


    "Ss, you bastard. Just when did you get so powerful to have someone as strong as that to work for you? Why do you keep taking everything that should had belonged to me? Why are you such a thief? Why don''t youe here and face me yourself?! Come here and face me you fucking coward!" Daniel screamed at the top of lungs.


    His voice echoed throughout the school and the neighboring area. Everyone could sense the explosive rage in his voice.


    They knew that his rage was very likely rted to thedy that just broke into the school through the roof and flew out with a kid in her arm.


    "What?! Aren''t you going  out and face me yourself?! Are you going to continue to hide behind a woman?! Yeah, I thought as much. You have always been like thi¨C"


    Daniel''s ranting was cut short by the appearance of Ss at the door.


    "I really don''t know who or what gave you the permission to disy your madness here but I''m going to give you the fix you''re so badly looking for."

 Chapter 247: Quagmire

    "Hehehe." Danielughed darkly when he saw Ss finally make an appearance.


    "Nice of you to make an appearance, Ss. And such big words. Give me the fix? Hahaha. Please don''t make meugh. You haven''t even fixed yourself," Daniel paused and stared at Ss, with an immeasurable amount of hatred and rage in his heart.


    He clenched his hands that were engulfed in mes into a fist and rushed at Ss. He wanted nothing more than tear Ss apart as he stood there.


    He wants to tear off his flesh bit by bit, while roasting him with his me little by little but making sure to leave him bordering a near-death status.


    No matters what happens, today is the day that he settles everything with Ss. He must make sure to take him down as a lot of things are riding on it.


    Before Daniel could reach Ss, he suddenly lost his bnce and fell, face t to the ground. The mes on his hands were dispersed as he lost control of it.


    Due to how hard he fell, he immediately sustained a series of injuries and his nose started bleeding.


    Before he could react and understand what was happening, he felt something hard smashed into his face, stering his head into the ground and jolting his head back with a sharp, blinding pain that spread through his skull.


    Kuergh!


    A wave of disorientation crashed over him and his vision blurred and a loud, continuous ringing sound resounded in his head. The ground seemed to tilt, his stomach churned and his thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind.


    The taste of iron flooded his mouth, and the world spun for a heartbeat before he steadied himself.


    It took a few minutes before he started recovering. His blurred vision became focused, his thoughts settled, the ringing sound in his head stopped and the disoriented feeling stopped.


    Tueeh!


    Daniel spitted out a mouthful of blood and teeth. He cleaned the blood running down the corner of his mouth and slowly raised his head. Raising his head, his eyes met Ss who was now in a squatting position in front of him.


    "All this fiasco with this much strength? You seem to think that your forceful awakening makes you omnipotent," Ss said slowly with his voice as cold as the North Pole.


    "Hahahaha." A series of madughter burst out from Daniel''s mouth when he heard Ss'' words.


    Theughter wasced with hate, anger and extreme malice. This was the emotions that Daniel was feeling right now.


    He looked at Ss with those eyes burning intensely in his eyes and heart, and gave a wry but dark smile.


    "I see... This is why everyone is scared of you. You''re strong, that I will admit but just as you said to me, your strength also doesn''t make you omnipotent," Daniel said with a cold voice that kept getting colder, and colder with each words he uttered.


    "Do you really think I will kick off something as grand as this without making ample preparations? I''m not as dumb as yo, Ss.


    Even though you have gotten strength and wealth your intelligence still remains the same; non-existence,"  Daniel spat bitter words.


    "I know that you want to kill me. Every single cells in your body is screaming for my blood to be spilled... The feeling is mutual but jokes on you because you can''t."


    Just as Daniel said, Ss really wants to kill this pest in front of him. He wants to rip him apart, from the smallest atom in his body.


    But he doesn''t want to kill him just yet and he was interested to know the reason why Daniel said he can''t kill him.


    "Hahahaha... I love the look on your face. You think you''re the only one that has ess to alien tech? I''m sorry to break it to you but I do too. Why don''t you check your dear little brother''s body and see the present I left for you."


    Ss'' eyes narrowed in shock and rage when he heard what Daniel said. He knew that Daniel would had done something to his brother before he arrive but he didn''t know that the bastard was this sick.


    "You bastard!" Ss shouted and was about to attack Daniel but his next words froze his hand in the air.


    "I wouldn''t do that if I were you. You see, the bomb in your brother is connected to me and it will go off if anything happen to me."


    Ss'' face darkened when he heard this. He didn''t expect that Daniel would go as far as this and he was also shocked to find out about such a technology.


    "You beast!" Ss said through gritted teeth as he did his best to control the burning rage inside him.


    He already received a confirmation from Luna, saying that Daniel said is true. He was barely holding back his rage at this point.


    Daniel bursted out into a heartyughter when he saw Ss'' reaction. The joy of seeing Ss in a tight situation with no way out was immeasurable for him.


    Daniel can''t remember thest time he felt this good. It was like suddenly finding an oasis in the middle of a desert. A very blissful experience indeed.


    "As a very nice person, I must also tell you to rush home and check on your dad. His situation might not be so good. You should also check around your office building, there''s an explosive present waiting for you there." Danielughed even harder but hisughter held no warmth but extreme cold.


    Daniel pushed himself up and sat down on the floor, with a cross-legged position and stared coldly at Ss in the eyes.


    "Ss, I went so far and was very generous with my present. Shouldn''t you be appreciative and say thank you?" Daniel asked with mad smile on his face.


    He was really having the moment of his life right now and he just wants it to continue. He looked at Ss and saw that he wasn''t responding, and he decided to deliver the final blow.


    "This almost slipped my mind but you should hurry and make a decision on who to save. The bombs goes off in less than 5 minutes.


    So, Ss, who is it gonna be? Your precious little brother? Your dad? Or his lover? Make your choice fast, the clock is ticking." Danielughed madly as he continued to stared daggers at Ss.


    "Now, let me see you run, Ss."

 Chapter 248: Quagmire (II)

    Daniel''s words slithered through the air like a serpent, wrapping around Ss''s heart and squeezing.


    Run. That''s what Daniel wanted. To see him desperate, broken, wing for hope where none existed.


    His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms. Every instinct screamed at him tosh out, to rip the sneer off Daniel''s face but he couldn''t.


    Not yet. Not with Alex''s life, his father''s life, hanging in the bnce.


    He would admit it''s and say that he was extremely arrogant and made a erroneous miscalction. His extremely over-confidence and dismissive attitude towards everything due to his strength is what got him into this position.


    He''s never hated himself this much before. It was all due to his stupidity that his family is in their current situation.


    His previous thought was that he should had given Daniel a warning when he had the chance but now, he knew that he should had killed him. It was the only way he would had avoided a situation like this.


    Ss knew that one of the major reasons this is happening is because the Bureau and the Organization was using Daniel to push him to show his cards.


    They want to know what he''s capable of, so that they can start making preparations on how to either deal with him or tame him.


    A wild and dark grin that sent shivers down one spine, spread on Ss'' face when he thought of this.


    If this is how things really are, then there''s no need to hold back. He would give them the show they so much wish to see. He would make sure to put on a very beautiful performance for them.


    He gave a light chuckle that carries so much darkness that Daniel who had a crazed expression on his face, was startled.


    "You really did all this for me, Daniel?" Ss asked as he brought his face closer to Daniel''s, and started whispering into his ear.


    "I must say I''m very grateful for your lovely explosive presents but let me remind you something, you ain''t the only mentally ill person here. I will advise you sit still and watch the show I''m about to put on for you."


    Daniel''s eyes narrowed for moment when he heard what Ss said but they straightened the next moment.


    "I''m d you like my gifts. I''m also very interested to watch the show you will put on. I hope you''re not just all mouth. That would be a very let down. Well, you better run, because you know... Your time is ticking," He chuckled as he whispered back into Ss'' ear.


    He raised a hand to Ss'' face and started making a countdown gesture.


    "Tick tock. Tick tock. Kaboom! Hahahah."


    Danielughed heartily but hisughter was caught short the next moment as he felt his something cold, and solid mping on his legs


    "Good. Then wait for me, I will be back shortly." Ss said as he stood up and started walking away.


    He paused his steps for a moment and nced back, coldly at Daniel before continuing his walk out of the school.


    A mad grin spread on Daniel''s face when he watched Ss leave. He was looking forward to just how Ss intends to save every single member of his family in less than five minutes.


    "Entertain me."


    ...


    Ss walked out of the school and made his way towards Luna who was standing at a distance, with Alex in her arms.


    Immediately after he walked out, cameras went wild, shing incessantly and reporters started flocking to him but just one look deathly look from him, they all backed away in fear.


    The scene wa already filled with so much crowd that everyone was finding it very hard to even take a step due to the limited space.


    The police officers that initially tried to stop Ss from going into the building, were trying their best to hide after they saw what he did to the armed men standing guard outside the school.


    Elizabeth and her team saw Ss but they knew better than to approach him when they saw the dark look on his face, and his tightly clenched knuckles.


    They could already guess that Daniel had done something even more and this made their hearts to fall into the lowest part of the abyss. They just can''t imagine what Ss is going to do in retaliation but they can already imagine how everything would end.


    Ss didn''t pay any attention to anyone as he walked to Luna and Alex. When he got there, he saw Alex who was crying in Luna''s arms and was beingforted by her, and another person he didn''t expect to see; Chloe.


    He paid very little attention to her as he took Alex from Luna''s arm and patted his hair lovingly, and looked at him with an affectionate gaze


    "Big brother!"


    Alex broke down even more when he saw himself in Ss'' arms. The fragile control he had over his emotions when he was still being held by Daniel, was no more.


    When he remembered what Daniel did to him in the administrative office, he hugged Ss'' neck and cried even more.


    "Alex, it''s okay. Stop crying. Big brother is here," Ss said softly into Alex''s ear, trying to soothe his emotions while he continued to caress his hair affectionately.


    His words seemed to have a bit of an effect, as Alex''s tears reduced but he was still crying profusely.


    "Big brother, he injected something into my body. Am I going to die? He... he killed my teacher. I heard her scream. He killed her!" Alex asked as he tried to control his overflowing tears.


    "No, Alex. Big brother won''t let anything happen to you," Ss said with the best smile he could muster.


    His words worked as Alex''s crying reduced to a sob but it returned with even more intensity the next second.


    Ss felt very guilty at the moment. He knew that everything was his fault and there''s nothing anyone can say otherwise. He knew that all this would had been avoided if he had done the necessary.


    But this wasn''t the time to drown himself with self-me as he has lives hanging on the brink of death, and he has to save them.


    He looked at Luna and she nodded at him.


    {It''s ready, master. We have less than three minutes.}


    Ss smiled in relief when he heard this. He was very d that the simted research world came through for him, researching everything about the bomb and how to safely take it out of Alex without it going off.


    "Alex, big sister here will take you to where they will take out what Daniel injected into you. Be good, okay?" Ss said and Alex nodded.


    "Take care of him. I will take care of other things," Ss said as he passed Alex to Luna.


    She would take him to the nearest hospital and have him operated on.


    Immediately after she received Alex from Ss, Luna wrapped her arm around him and shot like a bullet into the sky, flying towards the nearest, best hospital.


    After Luna left, Ss nced at Chloe and nodded at her, before turning his attention to the next thing; saving his dad and Kim. And he has less than three minutes to do that.

 Chapter 249: Invincible Silas

    Ss naturally knew just how saving his father and Kim in less than 3 minutes is beyond impossible with his current base speed of 20 mph.


    With his current speed, it would take him 20 minutes to get home and save his Dad and it would take him 2 hours, 15 minutes to get to San Francisco, and save Kim.


    With this just trying to save his Dad alone is already more than five over the time limit he has and the bombs would had already exploded before he even covers quarter of the distance.


    While the time limit also applies to Alex, he''s safe because the distance to the hospital is short and she would also be one to operate on him.


    It''s naturally impossible for human surgeons to sessfully operate on his brother and take out the bomb.


    Under normal circumstances, surgeries are very delicate procedures and very stringent, and careful preparations are always made before it''s done.


    It was naturally impossible for them to operate on Alex and take out the bomb, while also making sure that it doesn''t explode. All these within the time limit of less than 3 minutes is beyond impossible for them, but not for Luna.


    Ss had already told the security guards to get his Dad to safety but they were stopped by a group of people that Ss was very sure are Daniel''s men.


    This was also the same for the security guards at the office. Right now, everyone in the office is in a state of panic, without any idea of what to do.


    Ss took a long, deep breath and let out a lengthy exhale. Now''s the time to push himself way beyond his current ability, to put those two months he spent before his first evolution metamorphosis, constant training and fighting the clone.


    Everything would be very easy if he could just go through the system store. He was very sure that he would be able to find a gadget that can take him from his current location to his dad'' and Kim''s, and he would be able to save them within that time limit nut he can''t expose the existence of the system.


    Ss knew that things would escte and spiral out of control if he''s to expose the system''s existence.


    With the talk about alien technology and everything, Ss knew that he would be a veryrge piece of meat that everyone would want to have for themselves. And he''s also fully aware that he''s not anywhere strong enough to take the world on.


    Without hesitation, Ss crouched low, his fingers brushing the ground as he took a deep breath.


    The air around him came to life as he could feel its reaction to the stimuli he provided. Ss knew that he doesn''t have time for careful calctions orplex maneuvers. What he needed is speed and he needed it now.


    "Dad, Kim, I''ming."


    Letting out an exhale, Ss bolted forward with a windy st. Without allowing himself to pause, even for a single moment, he controlled the air currents around him to move with him, while channelling it around and under his body.


    The air currents responded to his will as it got pulled from all directions to under Ss'' feet, causing his speed increased immediately.


    He tore through the city streets with the ground under him, the surrounding building, people object bing blurred with each step he took¡ªuntil they became nothing more than smudged line and streaks of colors.


    Every step he took propelled him further and faster, with the wind carrying him forward as if he weighed nothing at all.


    The small drag that would had slowed him down vanished, his body cutting through the atmosphere with the precision of an arrow in flight.


    The air around him continued to respond to his will, pulling him, almost lifting him off the ground¡ªas he wanted.


    The air under his feet made him go so fast that it looked like he was gliding through the air, this was as each step he took barely touched the earth. With every second, the invisible current behind him intensified, thrusting him forward faster and faster.


    In less 15 seconds of running, Ss was already running at speed of more than 300 mph but it still wasn''t enough. He needed more speed!


    His vision narrowed, focused entirely on the the road ahead as he pushed himself, controlling more air current than what the current rank of his superpower allows.


    He needed more speed. He needs to go faster, faster, faster!


    With this thought, Ss continued to push himself, gathering even more air current. His speed increased greatly, already going over 600 mph.


    In less than two seconds of pushing himself to the speed of more than 600 mph, he was already starting to feel the toll on his body.


    His stamina was being depleted at a very fast rate and he was starting to pant. His skin and clothes were starting to heat up slightly, and this is after he has created an invisible, thinyer of protective air around him.


    Ss didn''t pay attention to any of this as he cut through the final corner leading to his house, and he could now see his house at a distance.


    Instead of slowly down, Ss gathered more air and used it to propel himself forward like a bullet. He shot through the street and was at his house almost instantaneously.


    Without giving the armed men that were exchanging gunfire with the security guards, any time to react, he shot the surrounding air at them like a missile, knocking them out cold.


    Ss rushed towards his father who was being protected by some of the security guards, carried him and rushed out of the house.


    Before he rushed out of the house, he told the security guards to run away from the building as fast and as far as they could.


    There''s no way he would be able to save all of them with the extremely limited time he has but if something''s to happen to them, he would avenge them.


    Rushing out of the house, Ss made sure that he has ran a safe distance before he finally decided to drop his father but he knew that he can''t just drop him.


    With the current speed at which he''s running, dropping his dad anywhere will kill him. But they''re another problem, he can''t stop or he would have to start from scratch, making it too slow and toote to save Kim.


    Immediately, Ss had already thought of how to go about it. This is something he has done before in the Domain, it''s time for him to try it out in the real world and see just how it goes.


    He sharpened his mind, clearing it off all and any distracting thought ad he focused on the site currents around him.


    With a fluid and extremely calcted motion, he twisted his body in a wide semi spin with broad arc that stretched over 3 meters.


    As he spun, he controlled the air within his distance limit, using the air, he  created a drag that pulled at his body, slowing him down but never fully stopping.


    The world around him turned into a blur of smudged lines and streaks of lights as he whipped through the arc. The controlled air around him wrapped him and his father like a protective cocoon.


    As he reached the end of the arc, he focused on the air,pressing and shaping it into a gentle cushion.


    Ss slowed just enough, with his feet barely brushing the ground, he released his father on the ground.


    His dadnded softly, almost weightless, as he was cradled by the air currents that Ss controlled to swirl around him.


    After dropping his father, Ss didn''t linger. The instant his hands were free, he gathered the air he had been pulling into a single, explosive force.


    In one swift, fluid and extremely calcted motion, he shot into the sky, the burst of wind beneath himunching him like a missile.


    His body sliced through the air as heunched into the sky. As he shot into the sky, Ss spun his body and just when his body reached the apex of theunch, he was now facing the direction of the office building.


    Ss also didn''t forget to suck in the air currents around him as he spun. Also, just as he reached the apex, he sucked in the air currents in his immediate surroundings.


    All these happened in less than three seconds. Immediately, Ss controlled the air he has gathered and with an explosive st, shoot himself towards the direction of the office building.


    His body cut through the air with a blistering speed of 690 mph but it wasn''t enough for Ss. He has less than two minute to make it to San Francisco¡ªthat''s almost an hour from him¡ªand save Kim.


    He needed more speed as he can''t go slower that he already is. Controlling the air current whipping against his skin, he sted himself forward, increasing his speed further but this still wasn''t enough.


    He controlled the air current around him and sted himself forward again, increasing his even more but it still wasn''t enough.


    He continued to st himself forward and after multiple windy sts, he was already blistering through the air and towards the ground at a speed of more than 790 mph, breaking even the speed of sound.


    But all these wasn''t without consequences. His body was tearing apart from the extreme heat and wind pressure that tore at him like des.


    Every inch of his body screamed for him to stop, his muscles burning as if they were tearing apart with each new burst of speed. His mind fogged with exhaustion, but Ss pushed on, driven by sheer will.


    Time wasn''t on his side. He has less than a minute before the bombs goes off.


    With one final st, Ss was now just a few meters away from the office building. Already having the knowledge of where Kim is currently located, he crashed into the building, leaving a gaping hole in the wall of the building, andnding just a few steps away from her.


    Crashing into the building, his leg barely brushed the ground before he shot towards Kim and grabbed her.


    Just as at home, he doesn''t have enough time to save everyone but he will save as much as he can before the bombs goes off.


    Ss shot out of the building through the hole, and after flying a safe distance away from the building, he shot towards the ground.


    As he nearest the ground, he twisted his body yet again in another spin, while also gathering the surging air current around him.


    Nearing the ground, he released Kim and shot a gust of wind at the ground, creating a cushion effect that carried her gently to the ground.


    Ss didn''t waste even a millisecond as he sted himself towards the building, but this time through the entrance.


    He has been racing  against time but things has gotten extremely serious as he has less than 30 seconds to save everyone in the building.

 Chapter 250: Broken Beyond Imagination

    After dropping Kim and without wasting even a millisecond, Ss bolted back into the building.


    Saving 30 people in 30 seconds, things has never been more difficult. He was able to sessfully save his dad and Kim in less than 3 minutes but it wasn''t without consequences.


    Blood was constantly dripping from different cuts of varying sizes in his body¡ªstaining his clothed red. He could barely feel his body, especially his legs that were about to give out.


    He was struggling to keep his eyes open and his breath were so shallow that he was even barely breathing. His thoughts were starting to be a mess and his almost non-existent stamina, and the consistent loud pounding in his ear didn''t help matters.


    His Regeneration superpower was doing the best it could to heal his body but due to him constantly umting more injuries, Ss'' body still remained the same.


    Ss has pushed his body past even what the previous him could achieve. It was actually a miracle that he''s still alive and standing on his feet.


    The pressure on Ss right now is beyond immense. Saving 30 people in 30 seconds has the same difficulty level as running a total of 40 miles to save his family.


    As someone who''s responsible for their current ordeal, Ss knew that he has to save them. There was no other way around hit.


    The current  situation would had been avoided if he has done what needed to be done when he had the opportunity. But he didn''t and that''s the reason he''s where he is right now.


    Even though his body was screaming at him to take a rest, to just close his eyes and sleep, Ss knew just how impossible that is.


    As he ran towards the building, Ss saw the 25 employees of thepany gathered at a single point by the armed men before they nted the bomb, and left. This confirmed the information that Luna gave him.


    Ss was extremely happy when he saw this. If he could, he would had breathed a sigh of relief but with the force of the wind rushing against his face that was beyond impossible. The gathering of everyone at a single point would make things easier for him.


    He also felt extremely lucky there was no beta testing today or it would be him doing the impossible of trying to save 130 people in 30 seconds, and ultimately failing.


    Seeing the scene in front of him, his thoughts sharpened as he quickly used the Gear to simted the best way to go about saving everyone.


    In less than a second, he was done with his simtion and he looked at his employee who were still trying to make out the blue streaking towards them.


    This was due to the perceptual dtion and his brain processing speed. Due to him moving at such extreme speed, the world around him seemed to have slowed, almost haltingpletely but this was from his perception.


    For others, a blur has been shooting through the streets and sky of San Francisco, and San Jose.


    Ss blistered into the building and rushed towards his employee, grabbed two of them at once, and rushed back outside.


    Outside and a safe distance away from the building, Ss dropped the two workers and bolted back into building to save the rest.


    The same pattern continued with Ss saving two people at a time and rushing back in to save more. This continued for a while and he has been able to save 18 of them, with 12 remaining.


    He was just about to rush back into the building when his eyes widened as he saw his life shed before him. He saw himself starting to lose consciousness and falling to the ground.


    His body was already giving out. Something he knew would happen but didn''t expect it to happen so soon.


    "No! Not now! Just a little bit more!" He shouted as he bit his lips hard, causing a sharp pain to course through his body and drawing blood in the process.


    The pain woke him up, anchoring his consciousness and allowing to continue moving. This was the only that Ss could keep himself awake.


    He can''t lose consciousness because he''s fully aware of what will happen if he does. He still has 12 more people to save and 17 seconds to do so.


    Ss knew that after this, he would very likely be bedridden for days but that''s something he doesn''t want to think about.


    Without wasting the very precious time he barely has, Ss rushed back into the building and grabbed another set of two workers, and rushed back out.


    Ss notices that his speed had already slowed greatly by almost half and it refuses to increase no matter how much he tries to increase it.


    This was due to him slowly starting to lose control of the air current around him. The intensity of the wind was as it was before and with every passing second, it reduces even further.


    Ss has already saved all 25 of his employees and 4 of the security guards, leaving just one more person that he has to save and he has barely 3 seconds to do so.


    His body at the point no longer looked human. His face has turned very pale due to his constant lose of blood. There was a loud and disorienting ringing in his head, coupled with the relentless loud pounding in his ear. All these made his head fuzzy, his eyes extremely unfocused and his vision vision doubled.


    Ss'' legs had already turned extremely numb to the point that he can''t even feel them anymore. At this point, they are more like mechanical limbs that moves because he wills it to.


    He couldn''t feel himself breathing anymore and his blood oxygen level had dropped so much. He was close to suffocating but he was barely holding on.


    With his speed greatly reduced even morepared to before, he rushed back into the building and went to grab thest security, and thest person to be saved.


    Just when he was about to get to him, Ss lost control of his legs and stumbled to the ground. He fell face t to the ground, hitting the nose and sustaining very severe injuries.


    *Cough* Ss coughed out a mouthful of blood as he pushed his body to stand up from the ground, but it refused to listen to him as he was already losing conscienceness.


    Ss noticed this and bit his lips but he felt nothing. No pain, not even the feeling of anything touching it. His lips has be extremely numb due to him constantly biting it to anchor his conscienceness.


    "Just one more!" Ss shouted in an extremely hoarse voice as he forced himself to stand up.


    Slowly, Ss was finally able to push himself from the ground. He rushed towards the position of the security guard and grabbed him.


    Just when he was about to rush back out of the building, a loud explosion that rattled the building to its foundation was heard.


    The ground below them quaked and their centre of gravity started to shift slowly, and they started calling.


    Ss looked to his side and saw some building debris that were alongside, and above them. He already knew what would happen if the broken parts of building were to fall on him; It meant certain death!


    Ss gritted his teeth as he mustered up thest thest bit of strength he could and immediately rushed out, carrying the security guard with him.


    He saw a broken window and jumped from it. Luckily the jump wasn''t high as it was from the third floor but with Ss'' current condition, the jump is more than enough to kill him.


    He used thest bit of control he had over the air current around him and shot it at the ground, creating a cushion for him, and the security guard.


    As they hit the ground, Ss felt his body give outpletely. The adrenaline that had kept him going was gone, leaving him feeling every ounce of pain and exhaustion he''d been ignoring.


    His vision was blurring, but he forced himself to sit up, barely able to make out the faces of his employees, all of whom he''d managed to save. They were huddled together, some in shock, others in tears, but they were alive.


    A sigh escaped his cracked lips, a mix of relief and agony. But as his breathing slowed, the full weight of what he''d endured started crashing down on him.


    Every muscle felt shredded, every nerve ring with a pain so intense it was numbing. His hands were shaking uncontrobly, blood streaking down his arms and staining the ground beneath him. Yet even now, he wouldn''t let himself rest. There was one more thing he had to do.


    "Luna¡­" Ss managed to rasp, his voice barely a whisper.


    {I''m here, Master.} Luna''s voice was steady, but he could hear the tension underneath. {Alex is safe. The surgery was sessful. He''s stable now. I have him in my care. I have arranged things for him. I will be on my way to you now.}


    A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ss''s lips. Alex was safe¡ªthat was all he needed to know.


    Ss blinked, struggling to keep his focus. He was still clinging to consciousness, but just barely. The events of the day felt surreal, like a twisted fever dream, but he knew it was real. He could feel it in every shattered bone, every bruised muscle, everybored breath.


    A tired smile bloomed on his face as he thought if his feat of achieving the impossible.


    "This isn''t so bad." Ss said before allowing himself to lose consciousness.


    Luna would soon arrive and take care of everything that''s need to be taken care of.

 Chapter 251: "I Dare You To Take One More Step"

    Immediately after Luna received Alex from Ss, and started flying to the hospital, she also starred scouring the inte''s for the owner of the hospital.


    The reason for this was because she knew that if she doesn''t make smeom sort of preparations, she was going to experience some dys when she get there. And with how severe the situation is, any form of dy is a tantamount to death.


    It took her a second and she was finally able to get what she was looking for. She immediately hacked into every single devices of his and took some preventive measures before she proceeded with what she ns to do next.


    After she was done, she sent an email with an offer to buy the hospital at a jaw- dropping price of $100 billion.


    The price was jaw-dropping because the hospital isn''t even worth a quarter of what she was offering and also, the profit they have made so far is way less than it.


    Of course, the only reason why Luna made such an offer is because she was being kind and she wanted to attract the attention of the hospital''s owner.


    Also, even as an AI, she knew just how more important a human life ispared to money, and this was even more so since the human life is Ss'' brother. She knew just how he would react if something is to happen to him.


    Just as she thought and had already predicted, she immediately got a response to her offer but it wasn''t what she wanted. Still, it was what she predicted to happen.


    The hospital''s owner sent a reply saying that the price of $100 billion was too small for the hospital and Luna wants to prove her sincerity, she has to up the price.


    Luna didn''t bother to bargain with him as she sent a file containing all the dirts she has on him made another offer, this time the offer was extremely lower than the initial.


    She sent the file with an offer to that the hospital for $10 billion. She would had actually offered $1 billion and she knew very well that the man would take it. But she didn''t do that.


    True to her predictions, the man epted the offer and passed down the message of the hospital''s management changing hands. The news was shocking due to how sudden it was but all that was unrted to Luna.


    Immediately after she got to the hospital, she flew to the theater room and began the operation. While she was doing that, she was also monitoring Ss situation and Daniel''s.


    Under normal circumstances, Luna would had been stopped immediately after she flew into the hospital. But due to the speed at which she flew into it, and the shocking fact that there''s someone that can fly, was what put the security on pause.


    To them, it was like something just streaked past them with such extreme speed that left unable to react.


    The surgery was sessful as Luna was able to remove the almost finger sized bomb after she made a small cut on the left side of Alex''s belly.


    The surgery wasn''t difficult but it wasn''t exactly a walk in the park for her. It was something that would had been extremely difficult for a human surgeon, as the process was extremely delicate andplicated.


    The reason for this is because while taking out the bomb, one has to careful so that they don''t trigger it and make it explode. They also have to be careful so it doesn''t start dissolve and spread very toxic chemical through the body.


    The time restraint factor shouldn''t also be ignored as it''s actually the first thing that would make the surgery extremely difficult for them.


    The bomb was something that new to even Luna herself and this was the reason why she had to use the stimted research world to understand it.


    Just as Daniel imed it to be, it was really an alien tech. She knew that there was currently no level of technological progression that would give humanity the know-how on how to creates something like it.


    The only way they can get their hands on it is if they acquire it directly from the source.


    If that''s so, then it mean that this something extremely important and she would have to look into it as soon as possible.


    "It seems like there''s more to the uing war."


    After she was done with the surgery on Alex, Luna called for the doctors and nurse toe watch over him, and security of the hospital to watch the room and not let anyone get in.


    Few minutester, after everyone has gathered and had already been given on what to do, Luna flew out of the hospital and made her way to Ss'' location.


    It took her a couple of minute before she saw a plume of smoke rising up from the ground and into the sky. She immediately increased her speed when she saw this.


    As she got closer, she saw a fire truck and some firefighters trying to put out the mes from the explosion.


    Some ambnces could also been seen on scene, with medical personnels attending to everyone who looks to be injured or distressed.


    It seems like Luna arrived on time as she saw one of the medical personnels who looks extremely suspiciou, push an unconscious Ss who was lying on a stretcher into an ambnce.


    And another medical personnel gently doing his best to stop Kim from getting into the ambnce with them.


    "Ma''am, please, you have to understand that we can''t allow you toe with us. You can get into another ambnce and follow behind. I''m sorry." The medical personnel said, doing his best to stop Kim from getting in but she wasn''t having.


    "What do you mean by you can''t allow me to get in? My son is in the ambnce and you''re telling me that I can''t go with you? Are you joking?


    Don''t tell me that there''s not enough space as I can  clearly see enough that would take in two peoplefortably. Is this a new policy or it''s just you guys?


    Whatever reason your want to give for this, I''ve changed my mind. You''re not taking him anywhere, anymore. Bring him down from the ambnce now right this instant!" Kim was angry and she was showing it.


    She can''t believe that they are telling her not toe with them when she could see just how much pain Ss is in right now. How can she asdy and a mother leave him behind?


    Also, she started to notice that the group in front of her were starting to look very suspicious. She noticed that when they arrived, they immediately went towards Ss without paying attention to anyone else.


    "Ok, I want you guys to provide an identity card that proves where you work," She said as she gave the man in front of her, a piercing re.


    The man saw that things were starting to go south and was already thinking of attacking Kim. His team''s mission here was simple; retrieve Ss and return as soon as possible.


    Just when he was about to shove Kim away and get into the ambnce, he heard a voice above him.  He looked up to see a very familiardy, in the sky and pointing what looks to be a ster at him.


    "I dare you to take one more step."

 Chapter 252: Tension & Panic

    Luna''s presence attracted the attention of everyone on the scene. They all turned their head to look at her and who she was talking to.


    Some of them didn''t understand what was going on but those that did, knew that things were going to get rough going forward in the future.


    The man looked at Luna who was still hovering in the air, with different thoughts running through his head.


    He knew that things had already gone south and there was no way that he would be able toplete his mission. Now, the only thing he ha n think of, is how to get out of this alive and with his body intact.


    He received some information about Ss and those around him, and their danger level. He knew that thedy in above him is even more dangerous than the young man himself.


    He had no idea why but he was told that if he''s to meet her, he should avoid any confrontation if he wants to survive.


    The man did his best to lighten up his stiffened expression on his face by putting up a smile on his face.


    "I''m sorry, ma''am. This was all a misunderstanding. It''s fine if she wants toe," He said, doing his best to defuse the situation.


    He anxiously observed Luna, curious waiting to see what she would do next. While he waiting, he saw her floating down to the ground.


    "There''s no need for you to take him. You can go, I will take care of him myself," Luna said as she climbed into the ambnce and carried the bloodied Ss out.


    She red at the man in front of her¡ªcausing him to shiver and almost piss his pants. She decided not to pay attention to him as she walked towards Kim.


    She would had loved to beat them while interrogating them but she has something more important to do.


    "Luna..." Kim said in shock, disbelief and confusion when she saw her.


    Today has a day filled with tsunami of emotions. Kim has been so shocked that she doesn''t even know what to feel anymore.


    Everything that has happened today has changed the way she viewed the world. She knew that just like the saying goes, there''s more to everything than what meets the eyes.


    The most shocking thing about everything is how Ss was able to sessfully rescue everyone in the building before it exploded.


    She had initially given up, thinking that she was going to die. This was even with the guards telling her that Ss was on his way.


    To her, it was unveils u that Ss would be able to arrive in the country ande save her, when there''s still an Alex''s situation going on.


    She was still thinking of how unbelievable it was when she saw something crashed into he building and grabbed, while moving like a blur.


    She was scared at first, thinking that it was one of the people that wanted to kill Ss but she was finally able to understand when she was in his arms.


    Kim looked at the unconscious Ss lovingly. If someone has told her that he would push himself to the current situation that he''s in because he wants to save some people, she would never believe.


    Ss also wasn''t what was shocking to her. Thedy in front of her that Ss previously introduced as his secretary was just the same.


    Her ability to fly and the fact that she can create a gun with her hand was something else entirely. She was very curious to know everything but that would be after Ss wakes up


    "Luna, aren''t we going to take him to the hospital?" Kim asked curiously.


    "No. He will recover fully on his own. All he needs is rest," Luna replied.


    "I''m sorry if this is going to be ufortable but I need to get you out of here," Luna said as she walked closer to Kim and held her by the waist.


    She quickly nced at the security guards, giving them instructions on what to do next, before she shot in the sky.


    She immediately made her way to Ss'' mansion mansion at Las Vegas, La Fin. She had also given instructions to the security guards watching over Ss'' father to also start making their way there.


    It took her a few minutes of flying, while holding Kim and Ss, before she finally arrives at the mansion.


    She flew through the open entrance door¡ªthat she has already inputted its password before arriving¡ª, dropped Kim in the living room and made her to one of the master''s bedroom with Ss.


    "You can use any of the rooms avable. I will go take care of master." Luna said before she leaving for the bedroom.


    Inside the bedroom, she took Ss to the bathroom and ced him in a bathtub, and starting taking off his bloodied dregs of what was previously his clothes.


    After taking them off, she ced somewhere to have it burnedter, before she started cleaning his body of the blood and grim on it.


    ...


    The whole country was in chaos and everyone were in fear. Today marks the beginning of something new for them.


    For those who didn''t have a single idea of the existence of Phenomenals, today was the day that their view on the world changed, and their knowledge on it was updated.


    For those who had suspicions about it, today served to confirm their suspicions and for those that already knew about it, the day''s incident was the most shocking to them.


    The strength that Ss disyed is something that instilled great fear in them. This was especially for those at the helms of power.


    They understood that they have stirred a sleeping cobra and the next they have to do is to await its bite.


    The tension and panic in the air was thick, and choking. The news of him saving everyone but losing consciousness afterwards, had already spread and everyone was anxiously awaiting what would happen next after Ss wakes up.


    The fact that he was able to save his family in less that such amount of time was beyond shocking and unbelievable to them.


    The Phenomenals in the country and around the world realized that for the first time in a very long time, there''s going to be ground shaking changes.


    While everything was happening, the one who started everything was where Ss left him, silently awaiting the known judgement that he would receive.


    Daniel was unable to break free of the restraint that Ss ced on him and it was even impossible for others to break him free.


    The only way he can break free from it is if a 10kg sledge hammer is used or a demolition hammer. Either way, Daniel won''t be able to make use of his legs afterwards.


    Daniel understanding the situation smiled. He didn''t expect Ss to be able to save his family in such a short time but he was very happy to hear that it wasn''t without consequences.


    He could only hope that the Bureau and that organization made up of scared old men would had already made their moves before Ss wakes up.

 Chapter 253: Trying To Cage A Beast

    Presidential Office, White House, Washington DC.


    Adrian could be seen fidgeting slightly on his seat as he watched a video was being projected on the wall of the office. In the video, all that''s shown is a blue blur, streaking through the streets and sky of the country.


    The video yed for little over 3 minutes before it finally ended. After it ended, a long sigh and the atmosphere in the office tensed up immediately.


    Adrian watched as the President''s eyes fell on everyone in the office¡ªDirector of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, Secretary of Homnd Security, Director of FBI, Director of CIA.


    And even without him needing to speak, everyone knew that things were not good in anyway. The video they just watched show Ss running at a speed of more than 400 mph on the ground and shuttling through the sky at a speed of more than 800 mph.


    This was beyond the speed of sound and everyone knew just how scary it is for someone to achieve such speed. The truth of the matter is that they didn''t think that things escted to this extent.


    This was most especially for Adrian and the Secretary of Defense. They didn''t believe that Daniel would go to such extent for his revenge. They had no idea that he was this crazy.


    Their initial n was to use Daniel to force Ss to show his strength so that they would be able to understand what and who they are dealing with. But from the looks of things, they knew that they messed up big time.


    Adrian was the one feeling the tension in the room the most. He was the one who helped Daniel to set up a meeting with Vegas and he was also the one that helped him to secure the deal. But there was no way that he did something like this and no one was aware.


    Heck, it was even the Secretary of Defense that pushed him to it. Adrian was also aware that the President was aware of the situation.


    Even if he wasn''t told directly, he would had heard it from his little birds and the fact that he didn''t say anything to stop it before it happened, meant that he gave his approval indirectly.


    But Adrian knew that this wasn''t the time to pin mes on anyone. They have to do whatever they can to think of a solution to the current problem.


    Everyone in the office without a doubt, was already aware that Ss would being for revenge and with the ability, and capabilities he has disyed so far, they don''t really have the confidence of facing him.


    Even if they did, it''s not like they can do anything to him. As long as things are concerned, legally, Ss has done nothing wrong.


    The Phenomenals are also no match for him as he would destroy them without even breaking a sweat.


    The first they heard of him was after the incident at the Abyss. He wasn''t at fault then as Elizabeth exined the situation and what exactly happened to them.


    Then, when they heard that he was strong enough to bulldoze his way through the Phenomenals gathered there. Glthey thought Elizabeth was trying to exaggerate things and give them some work to do after a very long time of inactivity.


    But who knew that he was actually the monster Elizabeth said he was. Also, it''s not just Ss but thedy beside him shouldn''t be left out.


    She was the one that took a stroll around the secretb facility in Antarctica, rescue President Yusmaorobis'' daughter and walked out like it was nothing.


    Theb facility was a different situationpared to the kids yground called the Abyss. The facility is a ce that has the state of the art defense systems and special security guards that were at a high price from somewhere. But all these was for naught as it did nothing as to even slow her down.


    The expression on everyone''s faces darkened when they thought of this. Their only thought was that they should had let a sleeping dog lie.


    After a few minutes of tensed and ufortable silence, someone finally decided to say something.


    "President,  we should take action immediately. If we dy too much and he wakes up, we don''t entirely know the limits of his power and resources but we can''t allow him to use them no matter what," The Director of National Intelligence, an middle-aged man dressed in a blue suit, said.


    "And how do you intend we do that, Alexander? We already sent a group to capture him before he woke up but that youngdy arrived and stopped him.


    You all were also here and saw how one of her finger morphed into the ster. If we are going to make any move, we must first know and understand everything about Ss, and thedy beside him," The President said.


    "Mr President, have you tried them?" The Director of CIA asked.


    "Yes. About from what has already been given, they have nothing else on him. And thedy is nk to them," The President sighed.


    The foreheads of everyone in the office creased when they heard this. Was it really impossible that an organization that has the information on every important person in the world, has nothing on Ss


    They found this to be very unbelievable. That organization was something that no matter how discreet someone is and how hidden their information is, as long as you''re willing to pay enough, you will be able to get what you want. And sometimes with a little dy.


    They knew that things have already gone beyond whatever what they can handles but since they are the one that started it, they have to find a way to finish everything. And they must do it cleanly.


    Also, they have to find someone who would taken the fall for everything that has happened. Someone the public would pour out all their anger and hatred on.


    "Adrian, get your people back here immediately. Alexander, Jared, Kusama, I want you all toe up with something that can be used against Ss.


    I don''t care if his information isn''t avable or his record is clean, cook up something if you have to. I just want to see him unable to take actions freely after he wakes up. While you all do that, I will call for Council meeting with others," The President said and everyone nodded in response.

 Chapter 254: Reactions

    That night, the school incident was broadcasted on the news all over the country and around the world. It was also the most trendy topic on the inte as videos of it were flying around and everyone was busy discussing it. This was just how big of an incident it was.


    Inside a bar in Newport, two youngdies were having a rxing time as they enjoyed the alcohol in front of them and chatted with some young men that were trying their luck.


    One of thedy got bored and started scrolling through her phone. Shortly, her finger frozed and her face stiffened in shock, and surprise.


    "Is this true?" She asked herself as she slowly continued to scroll through her phone.


    She slowly continued to scroll through her phone and with each scroll, her eyes widened.


    The next moment, she took her bag, stood up from her seat and dragged the other girl, and left the bar. Her actions caused the two young men who were talking to them to be surprised.


    The youngdy didn''t pay attention to them as she dragged the seconddy and left the bar.


    "Emma, stop it. Can you exin to me what''s wrong? I thought we came her to rewind safer spending the whole week working out asses off." Serah said as she forcefully stopped Emma who was dragging her.


    Emma heard Serah''s question and sighed. She didn''t know just how true everything she saw on the inte is bit she can''t help but have a bad feeling about everything.


    "Check the inte, Serah. There''s something important that you have to see," Emma replied.


    She felt that it would be better to have Serah see everything for herself than for her to exin it.


    Serah saw the look on Emma''s face and decides to check the inte as she said. She opened her favourite social media app and with a just a scroll, her finger stiffened and she slowly raised her head to look at Emma.


    "Is this true?" She asked slowly.


    "What do you expect? It''s on every social media tforms and I even saw a video of it being broadcasted on the news. Which means that this is as real as it can be. Now, the question is if we''re going to be affected?" Emma asked with a worried expression on her face.


    The atmosphere between them tensed slightly as a worried expression painted their faces. They didn''t expect that their former boss is such a powerful person and he wasn''t working for the government as they initially suspected.


    They remembered when he became popr a month ago with theunch of his VR Pod. They were actually shocked when they saw that the thing that was always in his was something that sent a shockwave throughout the world.


    It made them extremely proud to say that Ss was their former boss and that they have seen the VR Pod way before it was even introduced to the public.


    They knew that the situation right now was nothing like before and it was possible that they might be getting a visit soon.


    ****


    Inside a bedroom, a beautiful middle-ageddy dresses in a ck see-through night gown walked to the bed and sat beside her hospital.


    "Honey, did you see the news?" The man asked as he sniffed his wife''s fragrance.


    *I did. I was also shocked. Who knew that people like them would exist," Thedy said as she caressed the man''s head like that of a baby.


    "I guess this signals a new era for the new world," The man said and thedy nodded.


    "It does."


    She smiled as she thought of the young man who called her one day and made a very interesting offer to her.


    ''I want to live such an interesting life.''


    ***


    Venezu.


    Inside President Yusmairoubis'' room, hey on he bed watching what could be called¡ªto others¡ªthe most shocking news of the century.


    He has always suspected that Ss was strong but he didn''t know that he was this strong. This made him happy and anxious at the same time.


    He knew that with the power that Ss has disyed, the future won''t be so calm and this is especially with the big reveal that just happened.


    He knew that the structure of the world will change and things were going to get very difficult for the organisation. They have done their very best till thest moment to keep it a secret but it seems like not all of them had the same intention.


    All in all, Yusmairoubis was very happy. With the strength that Ss disyed and those that be hasn''t disyed but he''s aware of¡ªlike his ability to create highly advanced technologies¡ªhe knew that he has nothing to worry about.


    He knew that they wille barking and baring their teeth when they hear that Ss is working with him but he doesn''t really care. They can bark all they want but they dare not bite.


    *****


    Kremlin, Zhongnanhai, London, Berlin, Paris...


    The eyes of every world powers in the world were on the television as they watched a young man breaking at the speed simr to what amercial ne flies.


    The president of Russia frowned when he saw what was being disyed on the television.


    "*Mikhail, is this real," He asked the man standing behind him and he saw him give him a nod.


    "We have already made investigation and we found out that it just as it''s being disyed on the television," The man said with his head lowered.


    The President''s eyes narrowed when he heard this. He knew that it was real as he had seen Phenomenals before but he has never seen one as fast as this.


    A thought crept into his head causing him to frown even more.


    "Is it rted to their stupid yhouse organisation?" He asked with a scowl.


    "No. From what we gathered, he''s actually not in good terms with them and they are also the responsible for the whole situation. It''s very likely that we will see a face-off between him, the organisation and the US government very soon."


    The scowl on the President''s face was reced with a bright smile when he heard this.


    "This is nice. Mikhail, I want to make friends with him."

 Chapter 255: Reactions (II), Awake

    "Chloe, where did you say you went to," William, Chloe''s father, asked her as she walked in through the door.


    "I was there," She replied with her head lowered.


    "You were where?"


    "There... The school where the incident happened."


    William''s eyes widened in shock, disbelief. The next moment, these emotions turned into fear.


    He quickly walked to the door, opened it slightly and looked outside. He was checking if any suspicious person or vehicle outside.


    He quickly closed the door when he saw that there was none and he sighed in relief.


    He looked at Chloe and sighed once more . He knew that he would have to start taking what she has been telling him serious.


    "Come here, baby girl," He smiled as he caressed her hair,"Tell me everything."


    He took his seat on a sofa and Chloe sat besides him.


    *****


    La Fin, Las Vegas.


    Chris and Kim were anxiously waiting for Ss to wake up. It has been more hours now and still no sign of him waking up.


    If it wasn''t for Luna that told them that he''s fine and only needs to rest, they have nothing to worry, they would had been extremely worried. But even with that, they couldn''t help but worry.


    They were also worried about Alex who was still in the hospital and recovering from his surgery. They wanted to rush to the hospital and stay by his side but they understood that with the current situation of things, it wouldn''t be wise to do so.


    Kim rested her head on Chris'' shoulder as she held his arms tightly. The two of them were worried about the children but they also weren''t actually feeling okay at moment.


    The incident of the day shocked them to their very core. This was even more for Kim who knew absolutely nothing about the existence of Phenomenals.


    Everything still felt like a dream to her. She didn''t understand what happened or how it happened. She was also finding it had toe to terms with everything.


    She knew that a lot of things would change from today but she has no idea if it will change for the worse or the better.


    She sighed and snuggled her head on Chris'' shoulder.


    Chris'' head at the moment  was overwhelmed by a flurry of scattered thoughts. He found it very hard to focus on any of them.


    Even though Ss had already told him that something like this would happen, he didn''t expect it to happen so soon. Also, he didn''t expect things to escte to such an extent.


    He knew that if Ss wasn''t strong enough, fast enough, he would had been dead by now. This was the same for Kim and Alex.


    When he thought of what Daniel did to Alex, his anger surged to an unimaginable level. He wanted nothing more than to beat Daniel into an unrecognisable state before killing him.


    Yes, he was filled with intense bloodlust at the moment. It was also the first time that he felt this intense hunger for blood and violence. And it''s all due to the shock he received from the incident.


    Just like Kim she everyone, Chris was also curious to know how things would progress going forward into the future.


    He knew that their lives won''t be as simple as it was before. It''s bound to getplicated and this is something he doesn''t want for his family, especially Kim and Alex.


    He knew that Ss won''t be able to escape theplexity but he really hope that he can.Chris was also curious to know what the next move of the government would be.


    He had already been told by Ss that the Phenomenals work for the government and this is the reason why he''s curious about how they n to handle the situation.


    The day''s incident isn''t something that can be swept under the carpet and he knew that there was no way the government would be able to go without addressing the nation.


    Just as he was thinking about it, the program that was being shown on the television was interrupted by a sudden breaking news.


    And it was the president addressing the nation on the school incident.


    "Good evening, my fellow citizens, in these times challenge and uncertainty, wee together as one nation...."


    The conference went on and on but at the end nothing important was really addressed. The president kept dancing around the topic concerning the incident and only consoled the victims, and family of those that died.


    As expected, the incident was termed a terrorist attack and Daniel was thrown under the bus.


    This was easier for them as he was the only one perpetrating the act. It would had been difficult if Elizabeth and others were found at the scene, and this is something they are very happy about.


    The only he said as the follow up was that an investigation would be made to understand the causes of the attack and the perpetrators would be punished.


    Chris also noticed that the reporters present didn''t ask the questions that needed to be asked. It was like there has been an agreement between them and the White House on this.


    Chris smiled when he thought of this. He knew that the facade they are putting on would soon be broken by Ss.


    ...¡­


    Inside one of the master bedroom in the mansion, Ssy on the soft king sized bed, sleeping soundly.


    Slowly, he stirred and his eyes fluttered open. He was about to push himself up but he fell back.


    "Ughhh..." He winced as his sore body, ached all over.


    It was now that Ss finally felt how badly bruised and battered his body is. Even though the injuries have healed, that wasn''t the same for the aches and soreness he''s feeling right now. He finally understand just how badly he pushed his body beyond its limits.


    He turned his head and with a quick look, he got an idea of where he was.


    He slowly stretched his hand¡ª that was shaking consistently¡ªto the bedside table and picked up the Gear.


    He put on the Gear and contacted Luna immediately, asking about his family''s status and Alex''s condition.


    He sighed in relief when he heard that everything was okay. A smile bloomed on his face when he thought of everything that has happened today.


    This was the first time that he actually used his superpower in the real world. He finally understood the difference between using it here and in the Domain.


    If Ss is to say that he was confident of saving his family with such very limited time, he would be lying.


    He was actually surprised that he suffered no ident until the final moment, but that wasn''t enough to stop him.


    Ss would be honest and say that it was sort of refreshing but he would never want his family to be in danger again.


    This is why he ns to take care of Daniel and pay a visit to the Bureau.

 Chapter 256: Awake (II)

    Few minutester, Ss felt that his body recover to an extent. His body no longer ached as much as before and he also didn''t feel the intense soreness he was feeling.


    He slowly pushed himself up from the bed and sat down. He doesn''t have enough strength to move around but he doesn''t have to continuously lie down on the bed.


    "That really did a number on me," Ss said as he clenched his fist lightly and loosened it.


    [It did. If you hadn''t gone through your first evolution metamorphosis, you would be dead by now. Even your Regeneration superpower would had not been able to help you,] The system said, surprising Ss.


    "System, nice to hear from you. This is the first time you''re talking without me asking a question," Ss said with a smile, bt8he didn''t receive any response from the system.


    Ss smiled when he saw this. The system has already told him that it won''t respond to irrelevant questions, so he wasn''t bothered by it''s silence.


    Since the system raised the issue about his evolution metamorphosis, he decided to ask a question that has been on his mind since he woke up.


    "System, if I''m to go through the second evolution metamorphosis, how long would that take?" He asked.


    [The duration isn''t fixed. It all depends on your body and your genes.]


    "I see..." Ss nodded slowly when he heard the system''s response.


    The reason why he asked is because he intends to go through another evolution metamorphosis, to increase his strength. But he doesn''t want it to be as long as it was before.


    With the way things are right now, he doesn''t have the luxury of spending six months in the evolution capsule.


    Two to three weeks is okay. A month or two is also manageable but anything more than that is too much.


    Even though this is his thought, he knew that he has to increase his strength as soon as possible. The truth is that he wants to increase it before paying a visit to the Bureau and this is the reason he doesn''t want it to take too long.


    What Ss intends to do is to crush every single one of them without even giving them a chance to struggle.


    "Fuu... I will still have to do it at some point and it''s the sooner, the better." He sighed as he continued to think about it.


    Ss also thought his family¡ªhis dad, Kim and Alex. He was curious to know how they are handling, especially Alex who just went through a traumatic experience.


    Thinking about it made Ss to clench his fist in anger. He mes himself for everything that happened today. If it wasn''t for his arrogance, something like this wouldn''t had happened.


    "I''m sorry, Alex. Big brother will make it up to you."


    Ss knew that he can''t keep dwelling on it as it won''t change what happened. What he can only do is to correct his mistake.


    He it''s hope that the incident won''t affect Alex too much, as he wouldn''t know what to do with himself if it does.


    The incident also made Ss to realize that he has to provide himself with something like a back up strength or a hidden card. This is for if he finds himself in a simr situation in the future.


    He thought about it and he knew that it would be of great help to him. Assuming a situation where he''s at one end of the world and his family is in danger at the other end, how is he expected to travel such a long distance, and save them?


    With his current strength, it was beyojbf impossible. Also, even if he''s go through his second evolution metamorphosis, he doesn''t have the confidence he would have such strength.


    Ss isn''t hoping for such a situation to ur again but it''s better to prepare for any eventualities.


    He thought about it and decided that what he needs is a suit of armour and one that can fly. The armour would boost his strength and it would be able to work in tandem with his superpower, and this is even if it ranks up to a very high rank.


    He doesn''t want something that would be useless after a maybe two or three rank up. Yes, if it bes useless, it would show that he he has be extremely strong but Ss still wants an armour that wouldst him.


    Ss also already has an idea of what he''s going to model the suit of armour after. It''s going to be modelled after the MAU but its specs are going to be higher than it. And it should be able to travel a very long distance almost instantaneously.


    He felt it would be better if its specs are five times better than the MAU. That would make him extremely overpowered and he would have to reason to show off his superpower. But he would still want to show off.


    "It would be nice to have that diamond crushing strength back." Ss smiled.


    The next thing involves his family and increasing their strength. He doesn''t want what happened today to repeat itself again and this is he reason why he want to increase their individual strength.


    He wouldn''t want then to actively go into a dangerous situation but it would be best if they have sufficient strength to protect themselves in a difficult situation.


    Ss understands that he won''t always be there for them and this is the reason why he wants to do this.


    "It would be best for them to take the GES but I don''t think they can handle theplexity of being a Phenomenal. I also don''t want to put them through the pain I went through," Ss said to himself as he continued to think about how to increase his family''s strength.


    He thought about it and in the end, he didn''t know what decision to make.


    "It would be best if I discuss it with them first. That way, I would understand how they feel about everything. I shouldn''t go ahead and make a decision for them." Ss sighed and smiled.


    His mind was still upied with other things but he knew that there was nothing he could do about any of them as long as he''s still weak, and unable to move.


    He looked out the window and saw the beautiful night view of Los Angeles, the city of Angels.


    He allowed himself a moment to enjoy the view without think of anything.


    He was still looking out the window, when his door opened slightly and his date peeked his head inside.


    "You''re awake, son." He smiled in relief when he saw Ss.


    Ss nodded and smiled at his father.


    Chris opened the door wide and walked into the room with Kim rushing inside and to Ss'' bed.


    She hugged him and broke into tears.


    "I''m d you''re already. I was really scared."


    "It''s okay. I''m fine now." Ss smiled as he caressed her back softly.

 Chapter 257 Probability

    Chapter 257 Probability


    Half an hourter, Kim left Ss'' room to go prepared dinner for him. She would had done it before he woke up but she felt that it would be better for him to eat something freshly cooked and not her having to warm it when he wakes up.


    After Kim left, Chris looked at the door for a few seconds and when he was sure that Kim had really left, he turned to look at Ss.


    "How are you, son?" He asked as he took his seat.


    "I''m fine, dad. I just need to rest a little more and I will back up on my feet." Ss smiled.


    "I''m d you''re okay, son. I was really worried. Running such long distance to save us must have really taken a toll on you.


    I''m sorry that I wasn''t able to do anything to help and that''s why I want to ask you if there''s any way I can be strong to protect the family. It''s okay if it''s not as strong as you but enough strength to protect Kim, Alex and be someone they can rely on in times of danger," Chris said, with determination burning in his eyes.


    Ss sighed when he heard this. This was exactly what he was thinking of before they walked. He wanted to discuss it with them after he had recovered fully, but it seems like he has to discuss it with his father now.


    "Dad, I understand what you meant but first, whatever happened wasn''t any of your fault. If someone is to take the me, then it should be me. I knew that Daniel will tatget everyone but I didn''t do anything about it.


    If I had taken him down immediately after hended in San Francisco, everything could had been avoided. So dad, don''t beat yourself up over what isn''t your fault," Ss said, looking at his father intently.


    He saw his father sigh and smile. Ss also smiled and nodded when he saw this.


    Ss didn''t want his father taking on the me for something that wasn''t his fault, especially when the me is supposed to be his.


    "Dad, about increasing your strength, there''s a way. Actually, two ways," Ss said and his expression became serious.


    "With the first method, there''s a possibility of you awakening a superpower but it isn''t guaranteed. The probability of that happening is also low. But ites with a lot of pain. Though it''s a one time thing, the pain thates with it is not to be taken lightly.


    The second method is long but painless. And there''s also no chance of awakening any superpower," Ss said as he continued to look at his father, intently and with a serious expression on his face.


    Chris looked at Ss with different thoughts swirling around in his head. The truth is that he wanted to choose the first option and take his chances at getting a superpower.


    Even if as Ss said, the odds are low, he still wants to but.... He knew that he can''t.


    For so many reasons but one of the most important of them all is because he knew he can''t be a Phenomenal like Ss.


    He knew that if he''s to awaken his superpower, there''s no way he would be able to stay away from thatplex world. No matter how he wants to deny it, he knew that he would still be dragged into it and there''s no escaping.


    The second most important reason is that the first option goes against his vision of living a simple life with his family.


    He knew that there''s a reason why Ss told him about the first option. He knew that this wouldn''t be the same for Kim and Alex.


    There''s no way that Ss would want Alex or Kim to be a Phenomenal but this is all based on his own thoughts.


    Chris sighed as he gathered his thought that were in a frenzy, as he made his decision. There was no need to waste his time thinking too much about it when he already knows what to do.


    "I will go with the second option," He said, making his decision.


    Ss nodded and sighed in relief when he heard his father''s decision. He, for moment, thought that his father was going to choose the first option.


    He didn''t know why but he felt it. He knew that he wouldn''t be able to do anything about it if his father chooses the first option.


    One might ask why Ss gave his father the first option. There wasn''t any hidden motive behind it as Ss was just giving his father the option to choose between continuing to live the simple life he has been living, and a chance to experience something exciting.


    If his father is to choose the first option and by a stroke of luck, awakens his superpower, then he might also have to be like Ss; training and absorbing dark energy.


    If this is to happen, he won''t have time for the family as he would be away, busy absorbing dark energy.


    Of course, this is only if his father wants to continue to increase his strength and the rank of his superpower. But if one is to think about it, is it really possible for him to not want to increase the strength? The answer is no!


    Ss knew how exhrating the feeling of increasing one''s strength is. He knew that if his father experiences it the first time, there''s no going back.


    Yes, still Ss gave his father these two options but he never wanted him to choose the first and this reason why he was happy when his father took the second option.


    "Okay, Dad, we will begin when we get to Venezu. I know you have a lot of questions, I will answer them when we get there," Ss said and Chris nodded.


    The father and son duo confined to talk about other things until a few minutester, when Kim walked into the room with a tray filled with tes in her hands. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    She walked to his bed and sat down beside him. Ss watched her curiously as he saw her pick up the spoon and was about to start feeding him.


    His face reddened slightly when he saw this as his thoughts ran wild. He quickly collected the spoon from her.


    "You have to worry, Kim. I can do this." He smiled as he collected the spoon.


    "Ate you sure? You know you''re still injured. I don''t mind feeding you, you know?" She smiled as she was about to grab the spoon, but Ss immediately ced it far from her.


    "My body is fine now. Using the spoon won''t be a problem." Ss smiled with his face reddening even more.


    Kim saw his reddened face and chuckled lightly.


    "My, my. Are you embarrassed, maybe?" She asked as she smiled at him.


    She was worried about his injuries and how difficult it is for him, and this is the reason she wanted to feed him.


    Ss saw this and chose not to respond as he started eating his food silently.


    Ss'' reaction caused Kim tough. She found teasing him go be adorable as it brings out the vulnerable part of him that he always hides.


    Chris saw the exchange between the two of them and smiled.


    "Come on, dear. Let''s give him some space to eat and rest. You know he just woke up," He said as he held Kim''s hand, and left Ss'' room.


    After they left, Ss continued to eat his food with a smile on his face. Kim''s teasing made him to momentarily forget about every other things and he was happy about it.

 Chapter 258: Support

    After he was done eating his food, Ss check in on Alex''s condition again. Just as he expected, everything was fine and noplication arose from the removal of the bomb.


    Luna did a perfect job and Alex is expected to wake up in the next few hours.


    Ss smiled in relief when he heard this. Alex''s condition was what had putting him on edge the most and since he''s fine, he knew he has nothing to worry about.


    Tomorrow, he''s going to take care of Daniel and send a notice of intent to the Bureau. He would love to pay them a visit after taking care of Daniel but Ss knew that things won''t be that simple.


    Ss knew that with how much he has shown, the Bureau and the government would have already started making preparations for him.


    Also, there''s no way that the US government would sit back and allow him to do as he please. They won''t allow him to just waltz into the Bureau and out.


    He was also aware that they will definitely want to restrict him in whatever way they can. And he knew that he should be expecting a visit from them very soon.


    "I wonder what they will use against me?" Ss smiled to himself when he thought of it.


    The only way that they get something against him is if they fabricate something against him.


    But he wasn''t worried. The government can spin up whatever they want but they won''t be able to hold him down.


    Ss also thought of the possibility of them trying to use his dealings with Mr Yusmairoubis against but he knew just how impossible that is.


    For one, Ss or Luna''s face has never appeared on any ce prior to the announcement of the VR Pod.


    The only way they can try to rope him is if they use theb incident at Ross Ice Self but that is also impossible, as they will have to exin what is going on in the facility.


    If they really intends to use this, to which of course Ss knew is very impossible, but if they really intends to, then he won''t be subtle about what''s going on there.


    He will expose their activities there and there''s no way that they would be able toe out of it without giving an exnation.


    Even if they try to use their influence to suppress it, Ss would make sure to blow everything up as he has more than enough means to do so.


    As it stands right now, Ss and the US government are already in a hostile situation. Eventually, they will have to face each other and only one of them woulde out victorious.


    "It seems I will be moving Kurt Technologies faster than expected but it''s all for the best."


    Ss knew that with the bombing of the office building and everything that happened today, continuing business in the country will be very difficult.


    First, everyone will need time to recover from the shock that the event brought but that will take time and even after they do, things won''t go back to how they were before.


    Ss was also aware that the US government won''t start making things very difficult for him.


    He felt that they might even go all out by stopping their pretense and directly asking for everything rted to the Pod, and VR game.


    He felt that it''s also possible for them to im that it''s an intelligence gathering device from an enemy state.


    Ss'' eyes widened when he thought of the different possibilities they can use against him. This wasn''t paranoia but he really felt that if they are through with those, then things are going to be very difficult.


    But all those is only possible if he wants to continue business in the country.


    "There''s no need thinking too much about it. I already know what to do and I will also start making my own preparations for whatever the US government is cooking up," Ss said as he snuggled into his bed, and falling asleep few secondster.


    .....


    The next morning, Ss woke up feeling very refreshed. The sleep helper with his recovery as he almost feeling the same as he does at his peak.


    Immediately, Ss contacted Luna, wanting to know if Alex has woken up or not. The next moment, a bright smile bloomed on his face when he heard that Alex has already waken up and is in perfect condition.


    Ss immediately wanted to rush to the hospital and stay by his side but first, he has to take care of someone.


    Few minutester, Ss was downstairs, seated on the dining table with his dad and Kim, having breakfast.  They saw him when he came downstairs and was about to leave, and they asked him to join them.


    He didn''t want to refuse them and that is why he''s having breakfast with them.


    "You''re going there?" His father suddenly asked as they ate their food.


    Ss paused for a brief moment before nodding. He didn''t say anything after that, as he continued eating his food.


    Chris and Kim looked at each with veryplicated expressions on their faces when they heard this.


    The three of them understood where Ss is going and they knew what it meant. They knew that Ss wants to go and take care of Daniel, and they knew that if Ss wants to put an end to everything, there''s only one way to do that.


    They knew this but they don''t want it. They don''t want Ss to stain his hand at such a young age but there was nothing they can do about it.


    Chris and Kim knew this but their morals... They really don''t want to see Ss do something like that but there was no other choice.


    Kim opened her mouth and was about to say something but she closed, and continued eating her food.


    Ss sighed when he saw this. He knew that his parents would be conflicted by what he wants to do.


    Even though, they nearly got killed by Daniel and they hate him very much for everything, what he ns to do still feels too much for them


    Ss decided to stand up and leave. He felt that they might cause him to change his mind if he continues to stay.


    He stood up and starting walking to the door. Just when he was about to open the doorx he heard his father''s voice.


    "Do what must be done, son. We support you fully."

 Chapter 259: Disposing Trash

    Ss closed the door of his car, threw his head back on the headrest and let out a deep sigh.


    He understood what his parents meant and how they feel about what he''s a about to do. The truth is that his mind is also unsettled about it.


    He''s aware that to put an end to everything between him and Daniel, he has to kill him but he has never killer anyone in his life before.


    If one is to raise the clean up activity he undertook in Venezu, that was irrelevant as Luna was the one who did the dirty part of the work and that was at her own discretion.


    But this time is different as Ss has to do it himself. Luna is at the hospital, watching over Alex. He can''t have her leave her position because of it.


    Yes, he can swap ces with her but Ss wants to do this himself. It can''t be helped.


    He thought of this and let out another sigh. He started the car and drove off, towards the airport.


    ****


    Daniel was still where Ss left him. He spent the rest of the day and the whole night, chained or should he say cuffed to the cold ground.


    A forlorn look could be seen on his face. It''s been more than 12 hours now and he he hasn''t received a message from the Bureau, nor has seen he seen anyone.


    He had to endure the biting cold of thest night early, barely using the dwindling strength he has left to warm himself up with his superpower.


    He was feeling extremely hungry, weak and dirty. He wanted to get himself something to eat, take a warm and rxing bath, and have a long, refreshing sleep.


    But be knew that he would never be able to experience those things again.


    With the Bureau not contacting him, Daniel could already guess the reason. He knew that they abandoned him and he has very likely be the scapegoat.


    He knew this because since Ss left, no one hase to him. Not even the police officers to ask him any question. It was like he was being isted.


    Daniel wasn''t angry by this. Actually, he felt that it wasn''t for the best. He knew that he went overboard with everything. There''s no way that the government would be able to get out of it unscathed and thus, the reason why he has to be thrown outside.


    But Daniel didn''t feel it to be so bad. On the contrary he enjoyed it. Watching Ss suffer gave him indescribable joy and happiness.


    It was like finally scratching a very stubborn and hidden itch. The feeling was exhrating and euphoric.


    One thing Daniel understood from everything after some of the anger in his heart was dissipated was that something was wrong with him.


    He understood even with how intensely angry he was, he really went overboard. Daniel felt like his superpower was controlling him, amplifying the emotions he felt and causing them to spiral out of control.


    If that wasn''t the case, the he wouldn''t had gone as far as injecting bombs into Alex, trying kill his family by bombing where they were. This was also for the people he killed during the school incident.


    He felt that it would had been best if he yed a long game with Ss. Slowly taking away everything from him, until he has nothing left before finally crushing him. But due to how his thoughts were clouded by his emotions then, he didn''t think of sometimes like that.


    All he felt was bloodlust and the urge to satisfy that bloodlust controlled him but there was nothing he can do about it now. It''s not like he can turn back the hands of time.


    Also, he would be lying if he said that be didn''t enjoy everything that happened. But everything is going to end soon, probably today.


    He can already perceive the choking smell of death in the air.


    Daniel was still thinking about everything when a strong gust of wind blew and his body suddenly froze up, with cold sweat starting to form on his forehead.


    The next moment, Daniel smiled and rxed his body. What he felt just now was his imminent death and the feeling keeps getting stronger with each seconds.


    "My time is up, huh? I wonder who is it. Is it the Bureau or Ss? Maybe even someone else."


    Daniel was curious to know who is it and this is the reason why he looked at the broken entrance door of the school and started shouting, as he surrounded himself with mes.


    "Who is it?! Show your self! If you want to kill me, you should at least show yourself, right? Don''t be a coward! I''m already unable to move and I''m a fish on the chopping board, killing me would be easy. So why not show yourself!"


    Daniel continued shouting, breaking the extremely tensed and ufortable silence around the school''s environment.


    The police officers guarding the scene, immediately became alert and started looking around cautiously when they hear the content of Daniel''s shouting.


    Even after looking around carefully, they found nothing but they knew that they can''t rx as Daniel was still shouting, and they could see how intensely the mes around him was burning.


    The small crowd¡ªfilled mostly with the family of the deceased¡ªaround the school, immediately perked up their ears with a burning fire of revenge in the eyes, and a hopeful look on their faces.


    On the rooftop of a building, 30 metres from the school, Ss stood there with five finger-sized, thick and extremely sharp earthen spike, hovering in front of him.


    He looked at the school''s entrance and he could see a figure enveloped with a bright me that burned intensely.


    He knew that it''s Daniel and he could also faintly hear his shout, and make out what he was saying.


    "Show myself? If that''s your dying wish, I''m sorry that I can''t fulfill it."


    With a wave of his hand, the five small spikes in front of him flew towards the school with lightning fast speed.


    In matter of seconds, the spikes arrived in front of the school and in front of Daniel.


    Sharp piercing sounds were heard and the next moment, the mes enveloping Daniel went out as he slowly fell to the ground, with his eyes and mouth wide open.


    Multiple bloody holes could be seen on Daniel''s body. The most noticeable ones was on his head, chest and neck.


    As Daniel''s body touched the ground, the crowd cheered in happiness. Meanwhile, the perpetrator of the situation had already left.

 Chapter 260: Alex, Healing

    After he left the scene, Ss drove to the hospital to see Alex. When he got there, he met some of the security guards at he entrance and they took him to Alex''s ward.


    On the 19th floor that''s dedicated to VIP patients, Ss was lead down the hallway by the security guards.


    They stopped in front of one of the ward doors and the security guards nodded at Ss, before taking their positions in front of it.


    Ss looked at the door for a moment and signed, before I pushing it and walking in.


    Inside, the soft light gave the room a calm, almost serene atmosphere. Alex was seated on the hospital bed, connected to a few monitoring devices.


    His small hand bore the traces of the IV, and his face was slightly paler than usual. But the moment he saw Ss, Alex''s face lit up with a smile, his eyes brightening instantly.


    "Big brother!" Alex said excitedly as he saw Ss walk in.


    He was very happy to see Ss. He has been told by Luna that his brother would being to see him and he has been expecting him for a while.


    Ss smiled and walked to Alex. He hugged him and caressed his head softly.


    "How are you, champ?" He asked as he pinched his cheeks lightly.


    He was very happy to see that Alex was in perfect condition but seeing his current state made him feel slightly angry with himself. He also felt guilty when he saw the faint tinge of pain in his eyes.


    "Hehehe. I''m fine, Big brother. She told me that the thing is no longer in my body." Alex said with augh.


    Ss smiled when he saw Alex smiling. He was happy that his brother couldugh again but he knew that theugh wasn''t exactly sincere.


    Even though Alex tried to hide his emotions from him, Ss could sense it and he could see the hidden emotions in his eyes.


    Ss could see the anger, guilt and pain in his eyes. Seeing this, he winced silently in pain.


    It felt like his heart was stabbed by multiple knives and they were being twisted around.


    He continued to smile as he looked at Luna who was standing at a corner of the ward. She smiled back at him, causing him to sigh.


    Ss''s heart sank slightly. Alex was doing his best to stay cheerful, but Ss could see the shadow behind his smile.


    He saw it in the way Alex''s eyes shifted, the way he hesitated. Beneath the surface, he could sense the turmoil¡ªthe guilt, the anger, the sadness that his brother was trying so hard to hide.


    Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, Ss pulled Alex closer, bringing his head to rest against his chest.


    He gently stroked Alex''s hair, trying to offer thefort he knew his little brother desperately needed but hadn''t yet expressed.


    "It''s okay, champ," Ss murmured, keeping his voice low and steady. "You don''t have to hold anything back. You can let it all out. None of what happened is your fault. Not a single part of it."


    As he spoke, he felt Alex''s small shoulders begin to tremble, and then his face buried itself deeper into his chest.


    Ss continued to hold him, feeling Alex''s silent tears soak into his shirt. His heart ached, torn between guilt and relief.


    For so long, he had kept Alex safe as much as he could and yet this tragedy had happened because of him.


    Alex''s quiet sobs grew into soft, broken cries as the emotions he had kept inside came spilling out.


    Ss kept his hand on Alex''s head, gently stroking his hair, silently encouraging him to release everything he had been holding back.


    He wanted to say he was sorry for everything, to apologize for not having done enough, but he knew now was not the time to weigh Alex down with more words.


    Ss allowed him the time he needed, sitting in silence while Alex let out his emotions. He felt a pang in his chest every time Alex''s body shook with a suppressed sob, but he knew this was part of the healing process his brother needed.


    After a long minute, Alex''s sobs began to subside. He remained still, his head resting against Ss''s chest as his breathing slowly returned to normal.


    Ss kept aforting arm around him, waiting until he felt Alex start to rx. Even though the weight of grief and anger had lifted a little, Ss could still sense the residual pain.


    Finally, Alex lifted his head, rubbing his eyes as he took a deep breath. "Big brother, I¡­ I thought it was all my fault," he whispered, his voice trembling as he looked down. "When they took me, I thought¡­ I thought it was all because of me." His eyes were filled with a raw vulnerability, the innocence of his age dimmed by the burden he had carried.


    Ss shook his head, giving Alex aforting squeeze. "No, champ. None of this happened because of you. You didn''t do anything wrong."


    Alex''s gaze softened, but Ss could see the doubt lingering in his eyes. "She told me that, too," he continued quietly. "She told me it was all because¡­ because that man was after you. She exined that he was trying to hurt you by hurting us."


    The faint tremor in Alex''s voice was enough to make Ss''s own heart ache, but he knew he had to remain strong.


    He held Alex''s gaze, wanting his brother to know that he would always protect him, no matter the cost.


    "Listen to me, Alex. You''re safe now, and I''ll make sure nothing like this ever happens again. I promise."


    Alex''s eyes began to fill with tears again, but he fought them back, clenching his small fists. "But why, Big Brother? Why did he want to hurt you so much? Why would someone do that to you¡­ and to all those people?"


    Ss hesitated, searching for the right words to exin the dark reality of what had happened without burdening Alex too much. "Sometimes, people make choices because they let their anger or their jealousy get out of control. They start to hurt others because of things that have nothing to do with them. But it doesn''t make it right. And no matter what, none of it is because of you or anything you did."


    As Alex nodded slowly, Ss could see a flicker of understanding beginning to form. He wanted to protect Alex''s innocence as much as he could, but he also knew it was important for him to understand some of the difficult truths.


    "Are you okay now?" Ss asked gently, brushing his fingers through Alex''s hair. He felt his brother lean into his touch, seeking thefort he so desperately needed.


    "Yeah," Alex whispered, his voice barely audible. "I think so."


    The two of them sat in silence for a moment, both finding sce in the other''s presence. Ss continued to hold Alex close, his hand moving in a gentle rhythm as he stroked his hair. He was determined to help his brother heal, to be the person Alex could always turn to no matter what.


    "I''m proud of you, Alex," Ss finally said, his voice filled with warmth. "You''re strong, even stronger than you think. It takes a lot of courage to get through what you''ve been through."


    A faint smile appeared on Alex''s lips, and he looked up at Ss with admiration in his eyes. "Thank you, Big Brother."


    As Ss smiled back, he felt a new sense of determination settle within him. He wouldn''t let this happen again.


    He would do everything in his power to ensure that his family remained safe, no matter the cost. And even though he couldn''t change the past, he could make sure the future was a better ce for Alex and everyone he cared about.


    Ss stayed with Alex a little longer, sharing in his quietpany as the weight of the day lifted, little by little. And as he sat there, he knew that whatever challenges came next, he would be ready¡ªbecause he had something worth fighting for.

 Chapter 261: Mystery, Tension & Unease

    The news of Daniel''s death sent a wave of shock and unease through the Bureau and the highest echelons of the U.S. government.


    Though they had suspected Ss might kill Daniel, they hadn''t anticipated the way it would happen¡ªDaniel taken out with eerie precision, without a trace of Ss''s physical presence.


    The chilling manner of Daniel''s death left them acutely aware of just how elusive and dangerous Ss was bing.


    Shortly after the report of the murder came in, the Bureauunched a secret investigation to determine the identity of the killer. Though deep down, most of them suspected who was responsible.


    Despite their efforts, no substantial evidence had surfaced. The investigation only served to highlight how little control they had over the situation.


    In one of the offices of the Bureau, a tense group of Phenomenals, including Elizabeth, David, Pablo, and several others, gathered around the television as the news looped endlessly, rehashing the mysterious circumstances surrounding Daniel''s demise.


    When the broadcast finally ended, Elizabeth turned off the television and faced the group, her face unreadable as her gaze swept over them.


    "What do you all think?" she asked, her tone neutral yet pointed.


    An ufortable silence settled over the room, each of them reluctant to speak the obvious truth. Visit m,v le,mpyr today


    Elizabeth''s eyes moved from one face to another, and in each one, she could see the same tense expressions¡ªfear, apprehension, and resignation.


    They all knew what was likelying next, but no one wanted to be the first to voice it.


    "It''s because of that bastard Daniel," Pablo finally snapped, mming his fist onto the table.


    "This was all his doing. From the beginning, his n was doomed to fail, and we all knew it. But now we''re the ones left to face the consequences."


    His outburst cut through the silence, and a few of the Phenomenals shifted ufortably.


    Unlike some of the others, Pablo had never believed in Daniel''s grand n to bring down Ss.


    He''d known from the start that going after someone as formidable as Ss was asking for disaster. And now, his fears had materialized in the worst way possible.


    "Daniel didn''t just fail," Pablo continued, his voice low and bitter. "He created a monster out of Ss. You''ve all seen the footage of him racing through the streets like something out of a nightmare. He''s beyond anything we''ve ever known, and now he has every reason toe after us."


    Pablo''s anger simmered beneath the surface, but he knew there was nowhere to direct it.


    Running wasn''t an option¡ªno one can leave the Bureau that easily. In fact, no one can leave after joining.


    Besides, where would he even go? Ss was too powerful, and hiding wouldn''t save him from someone who seemed to have no limitations.


    Elizabeth looked away, her expression grim. She wished she could ease Pablo''s fear, but she felt just as powerless as he did.


    The call she''d received from Ss during the school incident haunted her. His calm warning had held a quiet threat, one she had tried to push aside but could no longer ignore.


    She knew he woulde for them, that he held them just as responsible as Daniel, and if he came¡­ there would be no reasoning, no escape.


    In her heart, Elizabeth was certain of one thing: if Ss arrived at their doorstep seeking retribution, they would be forced to confront him, and the oue had already been decided.


    The Bureau and the Phenomenals would be outmatched. She sighed, her frustration and exhaustion evident as she leaned back in her chair, staring nkly at the wall.


    Why did it have toe to this? Why did someone like Daniel and Ss have to exist? She wondered, feeling a wave of resignation settle over her.


    ***


    Inside the Oval Office at the White House, a simr tension filled the air. The President sat behind his desk, silently flipping through a slim folder of documents, his expression a mixture of irritation and disbelief.


    He slowly raised his head, his eyes locking onto the two men standing before him.


    "Would one of you like to exin what this is?" he asked, his voice barely concealing his frustration as he tapped the sparse document on the desk.


    The Director of the CIA, a tall man in his sixties with silvering hair and a weary look, stepped forward.


    "Mr. President, that''s all the information we currently have on Ss¡­ that''s everything we were able to gather," he replied, his tone cautious.


    The President''s hand mmed down on the desk, the sudden bang reverberating through the room.


    "Do you think I''m blind?" he snapped, his voiceced with anger. "I read it, and I know this is supposed to be information on Ss. What I''m asking is why there''s so little in here!"


    The second man, the Director of National Intelligence, tried to interject, but the President held up a hand, cutting him off.


    "Are you telling me that we can''t gather information on one of our own citizens? Did you even contact Goggle, social mediapanies, anyone who might have something?" His tone was incredulous, his eyes zing with frustration.


    "We did," the CIA Director replied, shifting ufortably. "We reached out to every major data aggregator and tech firm. But they don''t have anything on him¡ªnot a digital footprint, no records, nothing."


    "So?" The President''s voice was barely more than a growl.


    The CIA Director hesitated, then spoke quietly. "We''ve got nothing, sir."


    The President sat back in his chair, staring at the two men in front of him, his gaze filled with barely-contained fury. He had expected setbacks, but he hadn''t anticipated hitting a wall this thick.


    For a moment, he simply red at them, and the silence in the room grew thick with tension.


    The truth is that he hasn''t been taking anything the Phenomenals has been telling him about Ss serious but now he understood.


    Finally, he leaned forward, his voice low but cold. "Are you telling me that one young man¡ªone¡ªhas managed to slip through every system we have in ce? That there''s no trace of him? No records, no history?"


    The Director of National Intelligence took a cautious step forward. "Sir, I believe there might be more going on here than we initially realized.


    If I may¡­ it''s possible that someone with ess to highly sophisticated technology has been concealing his identity for years. This isn''t the work of an ordinary hacker or a private citizen. Whoever or whatever has protected Ss''s records¡­ it''s beyond our reach, for now."


    The President sat back, his expression hardening as he processed the implications. He could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on him.


    The knowledge that an unknown entity was capable of shielding someone so thoroughly from the full force of the U.S. intelligence apparatus. It was something he hadn''t encountered before, and it unsettled him deeply.


    He took a slow breath, then spoke with a grim finality. "So you''re telling me we''re dealing with someone who has ess to technology that surpasses our own?"


    The CIA Director nodded reluctantly. "Yes, sir. And if we''re right, it means Ss isn''t just an anomaly; he''s potentially aligned with powers and resources we can''t yet understand or track."


    The President''s jaw tightened, and he looked away, his thoughts spiraling. If Ss had ess to such advanced technology, then he wasn''t just a potential threat¡ªhe was a ticking time bomb, one that could erupt at any moment and drag them into an international crisis.


    He felt that he might even be rted to a group simr to that group but he can''t confirm anything for now.


    For a few moments, the room was silent as the President''s mind raced. Finally, he looked back at the two men, his voice steady but ice-cold.


    "If that''s the case, then we need to be ready for whatever mighte next. And we need to be smarter than we''ve been so far."The President''s eyes narrowed as he considered the options.


    He knew that approaching Ss directly could be risky, but he couldn''t afford to sit idle and wait for Ss to make his move. At the same time, the idea of provoking him any further seemed dangerously unwise.


    He exhaled sharply, his gaze shifting between the two men. "I want every possible lead explored, every angle considered. If there''s anything we can find¡ªno matter how small¡ªI want it documented, understood, and prepared."


    The Director of the CIA inclined his head. "Understood, sir. We''ll redouble our efforts."


    The President gave a curt nod. "Good. And I expect results. I want to know who we''re dealing with and what we can do to contain him."


    As the two men exited the office, the President leaned back, his mind churning with dark possibilities.

 Chapter 262: Potential Ally

    Ss spent the rest of the day with Alex, sharing stories and casual conversation. By the time night fell and Alex drifted off to sleep, Ss finally saw a genuine smile y on his brother''s lips¡ªa sight that filled him with relief and warmth.


    Before he left, Ss bent down and gently pinched Alex''s cheek, whispering, "Sweet dreams, champ."


    He stood up and nced at Luna, who nodded silently, acknowledging her task to keep a vignt watch.


    The hospital entrance was quiet, the cool night air brushing against Ss''s skin as he made his way to the car. He slid into the driver''s seat and let out a long sigh, taking a moment to absorb the day''s events.


    Just as he was about to start the engine, his phone vibrated. The caller ID shed a familiar name, and a knowing smile tugged at his lips.


    "Hello, Mr. Yusmaorobis," Ss greeted smoothly.


    President Yusmaorobis''s voice was cautious, almost wary. "Mr. Ss, I hope I''m not interrupting. There''s something rather important I wanted to discuss."


    "No interruption at all. How can I assist you?" Ss replied, eyes ncing at the moonlit cityscape ahead.


    "It''s not so much assistance as it is a request. There''s someone who wishes to speak with you. He''s asked for your contact information, and I wanted your approval before sharing it."


    He was about to ask when he saw a message from Luna and his eyes widened slightly in surprise.


    ''I see...''


    A smile painted his face as a brilliant idea popped up in his head.


    "You can give him the number, Mr Yusmaorobis," Ss replied, stunning President Yusmaorobis momentarily.


    He was surprised by Ss'' response. He knew that the fact that Ss mentioned the gender of the person meant that he already knee who it was.


    This got him even more curious. He was curious to know just what the limits of Ss'' capabilities are.


    "Understood. I believe you''ll hear from him soon," Yusmaorobis said, unable to mask his intrigue before ending the call.


    Ss smiled when he saw this. He was very surprised and curious to know the reason why that person wants to speak with him. But he could already take a guess and he was looking forward to it.


    He didn''t have to wait long as momentster, his phone rang again, the disyed caller ID by Luna, just as he expected.


    He let it ring twice before picking up, leaning back into the seat with aposed expression.


    "I must admit, I was surprised to learn you wanted to speak with me, President Dmitry,'' Ss said, his voice carrying a subtle edge.


    "To what do I owe this honor, President of Russia?"


    The silence in the car was broken only by the rhythmic hum of the engine and the distant city noises filtering through the night.


    Ss''s gaze remained steady, eyes narrowing slightly as he listened for President Dmitry''s response.


    He could almost picture the man on the other end¡ªsitting at a polished desk, surrounded by aides with clipped expressions and hushed voices. This wasn''t just a call; it was a move in arger, hidden game.


    "Mr. Kurt," President Dmitry''s voice finally echoed in his head, carrying the weight of authority, experience, and something Ss couldn''t quite pin down¡ªperhaps curiosity or veiled caution.


    "It''s an honor to speak with someone who has captured the world''s attention so quickly. I trust you are well after recent events."


    Ss''s lips curled into a subtle smile. He knew this was more than polite conversation.


    "As well as can be expected, President Dmitry. I''m curious, what prompted this sudden outreach?"


    There was a pause, brief but deliberate. Ss could sense the president''s calcted choice of words, as if weighing each one before letting it slip.


    "Your capabilities have be the subject of significant discussion among world leaders," Dmitry began, his tone diplomatic but edged with a faint sharpness.


    "Your recent show of speed and strength¡ªsaving your family against impossible odds¡ªthat''s not something that goes unnoticed."


    "It was a personal matter," Ss replied, his voice steady, unyielding. "One I took care of in the only way I knew how."


    "Of course," Dmitry acknowledged. "However, it has sparked many questions¡ªnot just about you, but about the future bnce of power."


    Ss''s gaze hardened as he leaned back into his seat. He knew where this was going.


    "Are you concerned, President Dmitry? That the bnce may tip in an unfavorable direction?"


    A chuckle, low and surprisingly genuine, came through the line. "Concerned? Perhaps. Intrigued, certainly. You see, Mr. Kurt, when an individual exhibits the kind of power that can shift the axis of influence, it''s only natural for nations to take note¡ªand some to act."


    "I hope you''re not referring to the same kind of action Daniel took," Ss said, his tone carrying a warning edge.


    "No," Dmitry said smoothly. "I am far more interested in dialogue than confrontation. Russia has always valued those who wield power with wisdom. Which brings me to my proposal."


    Ss remained silent, urging the president to continue.


    "I believe there is an opportunity for cooperation," Dmitry said, his voice firming with conviction.


    "The world is changing, and the old ways of establishing dominance no longer suffice. We are at the cusp of a new era¡ªone where individuals like you will shape history. I wish to be on the right side of that future."


    Ss''s eyes flickered with interest. "And what exactly does this cooperation entail?"


    "Strategic partnership," Dmitry said without hesitation. "Not as a servant to any state, but as a powerful ally. One who ensures that, should there be any global conflict or imbnce, there is someone capable of restoring it before it spirals out of control.


    I won''t insult your intelligence by suggesting you need protection, but alliances are not built on need alone. They are built on shared goals."


    Ss absorbed Dmitry''s words carefully. The offer was intriguing,yered with subtle implications.


    An alliance with Russia, a powerhouse not easily swayed or intimidated, could tip scales in more ways than one. But with such a partnership came its own risks¡ªtrust, strings, expectations.


    "I''ll consider your offer," Ss finally said. "But understand this, President Dmitry¡ªI am no pawn, no weapon for hire. If I align with anyone, it will be on my terms."


    "Spoken like a true leader," Dmitry replied, a note of admiration in his voice. "I look forward to hearing your terms."


    The call ended with a mutual understanding¡ªa first step in what could be aplex and potentially world-altering rtionship.


    Ss ced his phone down and stared into the night, the city lights below him flickering like stars scattered on the earth. The future had never seemed so uncertain, yet full of potential. One thing was clear: whatever came next, he would be ready.


    With a deep breath, Ss started the car and drove off into the night, his mind already weaving ns and possibilities. The big boys'' game had just changed, and he was more than ready to y.

 Chapter 263: Speculations

    On his way to the airport, Ss''s mind was upied with the call he had just received. The proposition had been straightforward, yetden with implications¡ªan alliance with Russia.


    He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the road but vision clouded by the storm of thoughts swirling within him.


    "An alliance with Russia, huh?" Ss muttered, his lips curling into a half-smile.


    He would be lying if he said he wasn''t intrigued. The notion held potential¡ªpotential for power, for leverage, for positioning himself in a global arena. Yet, it also screamed of disadvantage.


    Aligning himself with Russia would spotlight him in a way he wasn''t ready for. The world''s scrutiny was a sharp and unforgiving gaze, one that Ss preferred to sidestep until he had secured his foundation.


    To Ss, a pact with Russia was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it would bolster his resources and potentially streamline his ambitious projects.


    On the other hand, it would put him on the global radar as a potential threat, inviting a level of scrutiny that could unravel his carefully constructed fa?ade.


    He knew that aligning with Russia would turn him into a lightning rod for international suspicion, branding him as a rival to the Western powers and potentially igniting a global arms race against him. The thought alone sent a shiver down his spine.


    Russia was no ordinary ally. A world power with an extensive military apparatus, a vast intelligencework, and significant geopolitical influence. Their reach was formidable, stretching from the cold Siberian expanse to diplomatic halls across the globe.


    Ss recalled the voice on the other end of the line, smooth and controlled, dripping with the subtle arrogance of power.


    President Dmitry had extended the olive branch cautiously, presenting the alliance as a mutual benefit. But Ss knew better.


    He wasn''t naive enough to believe that Russia''s motives were altruistic. No, their offer came with strings¡ªstrings that could strangle him if he wasn''t careful.


    Without even delving deeply into the pros and cons, Ss recognized that the proposed alliance was lopsided.


    It would serve Russia far more than it would serve him. They sought to strengthen their position against Western adversaries by using him as a hidden trump card.


    And while Ss possessed technological advancements that eclipsed what any modern nation could fathom, the benefits Russia offered seemed to pale inparison to what he already had within reach.


    Of course, that didn''t mean Russia had nothing of value. Their military might, influence, and intricatework of special channels were tempting assets.


    Ss was in the process of retraining Venezu''s military, pushing them through grueling drills and equipping them with modified tech¡ªa slow but necessary process.


    The sheer scale of Russia''s standing forces was alluring; they could elerate his ns exponentially. Yet, at what cost?


    "Luna, gather every single piece of intelligence on Russia, their allies, and their enemies. Do the same for the USA and all other global powers," Ss instructed as he maneuvered the car through the winding streets.


    The rhythmic hum of the engine provided a steady backdrop as Luna''s synthesized voice, smooth as silk, responded.


    The only thing that might make Ss to agree to the alliance is Russia''s poption of over 140 million people.


    It''s was a potential market Ss couldn''t ignore. With the advanced technologies at his disposal, tapping into that market could mean billions in revenue and unparalleled influence.


    But it still wasn''t enough. Aligning with Russia would paint a target on his back, something he couldn''t afford while he was still preparing to move his family to Venezu.


    His father, Chris, Kim and his younger brother, Alex, were his priorities. Until they were secure, every move had to be calcted.


    "No," Ss thought again, more resolutely this time. The alliance was too dangerous and the spotlight too ring.


    The airport loomed ahead and Ss pulled into the private lot reserved for high-profile travelers.


    He stepped out, adjusting the cor of his coat as a cold wind swept through, cutting through the fabric and sending a shiver down his spine.


    ***


    Kremlin ¨C Moscow


    In the grandeur of the President''s office, President Dmitry sat behind an imposing mahogany desk, fingers steepled as he contemted the call he had just ended.


    The silence in the room was heavy, broken only by the quiet ticking of an antique clock perched on a nearby shelf.


    Across from him sat two men¡ªthe head of the SVR, a steely-eyed operative named Ivan Petrov, and Viktor Sokolov, an enigmatic figure whose presence alonemanded attention.


    "What do you think?" Dmitry''s voice cut through the silence like a de.


    "He won''t ept," Ivan said, his tone t and matter-of-fact. The man''s reputation for bluntness was well-earned. His sharp gaze met Dmitry''s, unblinking.


    The President nodded slowly. He had anticipated that response. Ss wasn''t an ordinary man¡ªfar from it.


    Securing him as an ally would require more than diplomatic overtures. It would require leverage, something they didn''t yet possess.


    Dmitry turned his attention to Viktor, whose expression was inscrutable. The man''s knowledge was vast, hiswork of informants even more so. If there was anyone who could read between the lines, it was Viktor.


    "He won''t ept it," Viktor echoed, his voice low and thoughtful. "He has too many secrets to protect."


    Dmitry''s eyebrows lifted, intrigued. Viktor rarely spoke without reason. "Exin," Dmitry prompted.


    Viktor''s eyes narrowed, his expression growing solemn. "I tried looking into him, as did many of our counterparts. We found nothing. No traces, no leads¡ªa nk te where there should be a web of connections. I initially thought it was the Americans protecting him, but afterbing through their databases, I found nothing."


    Dmitry''s interest piqued further. The SVR was unmatched in uncovering buried secrets, yet here they were, grasping at shadows.


    "And?" Dmitry pressed.


    Viktor shifted in his chair, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I contacted that organization¡ªthe one that deals in the esoteric and unexinable. Even they came up empty-handed. Ss is an enigma. But more importantly, the strength he''s shown is not characteristic of any average Phenomenal."


    A cold silence nketed the room. Dmitry''s eyes glimmered with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. He leaned forward, his fingers tightening around the armrests of his chair. "What are you trying to say, Viktor?"


    Viktor''s face hardened, shadows ying across his features. "I think he''s one of them¡ªor at the very least, connected to them. Perhaps a descendant."

 Chapter 264: Strings Of Fate

    President Yusmairoubis was in his office, thinking of what President Dmitry could possibly want to discuss with Ss.


    He felt that it was either one of two things: recruiting him or seeking an alliance with him.


    After considering both, he felt the second option was more likely. As for the first option¡ªrecruiting Ss¡ªhe felt it was beyond impossible. There was no way Ss would agree to work under a powerhouse when he was already building himself into one.


    As for the second option, he felt that Ss wouldn''t agree to it either. Though Yusmairoubis wasn''t close to Ss, he understood him well enough. Ss hated working with people, especially those that might be able to restrict him, and Russia was one of those powers.


    He also knew Ss would have already weighed the pros and cons of an alliance with Russia¡ªand would likely reject it.


    In truth, Yusmairoubis was very pleased with how things were developing. The ck Hand Organisation, filled with old fogeys, power-hungry, hoarding hounds, was now trembling in fear due to Ss''s show of power.


    Yusmairoubis''s thoughts drifted back to the first day he''d heard about Ss from Andr¨¨s. Looking back, he felt like going to the old man''s grave and offering his thanks.


    Yusmairoubis smiled when he thought of everything that had happened since then. He had gone from nearly bing an enemy of Ss to a¡­


    He couldn''t quite find the word for it. But if he had to define it, he knew the right word to use would be servant.


    He wasn''t bothered by this, though. Instead, it brought more smiles to his face, and he couldn''t help but envision what the future would look like going forward.


    Now that he thought about the future, it was time to start gathering the things Ss had ordered him to prepare before he arrived with his family.


    He chuckled. This was the reason he was confident that Ss would never agree to work for anyone.


    ***


    Oand.


    Inside William''s room, he sat on his sofa, looking at the crescent moon hidden behind the clouds.


    He seemed deep in thought, as various ideas shed in his head, making it difficult to concentrate on just one.


    A few minutester, he stood up from his seat and walked toward the window. He stood in front of it, continuing to watch the moon.


    "Fiona, I hope you''re watching from there? Your daughters are all grown now, and they''re beautiful, beyond beautiful. I know I told you I''d do my best to raise them, but raising kids¡­ it''s hard. Even harder when they''re two beautiful girls like them.


    I want to protect them. To shield them so they won''t have to experience the cruelty and harshness of the world¡ªbut that''s impossible."


    William continued to gaze at the crescent moon for a few more moments before he decided to go to bed.


    As he walked toward his bed, anyone watching him would''ve noticed his legs trembling.


    His conversation with Chloest night was what left him feeling so unsettled and confused. He remembered when she first told him about the strange dreams she was having.


    The first time she mentioned it, he''d told her she was probably stressed or not getting enough sleep. He suggested she get enough rest and exercise, but even after a week, the dreams continued.


    At that point, he decided to take her to the hospital for an MRI scan and other tests to figure out what was wrong. He''d worried she might have the same illness as her mother¡ªbrain cancer¡ªbut after multiple scans and tests, nothing was found.


    William was overjoyed when he got the results. He was relieved he wouldn''t lose one of his daughters like he''d lost their mother.


    But his happiness didn''tst long, because a weekter, Chloe told him the dreams hadn''t stopped.


    The truth was, Chloe had never really told him the full content of her dreams or what her visions were about.


    That was, until a week before the school incident. One night after dinner, he''d asked her if she''d had any dreams, and she said yes. Seeing this as an opportunity, he asked her to tell him what her dream was about.


    He honestly wished he''d never asked because that was the day everything changed.


    William couldn''t believe what Chloe told him that night. What did she mean by saying there were groups of people with superpowers called Phenomenals?


    He didn''t want to believe it, but his daughter provided evidence to back up her previous dreams that had alreadye true.


    He wanted to deny it, but how could he ignore the multiple pieces of evidence she''d given him? The only thing he could do then was wait and see what would happen next.


    That was a week ago, and just yesterday, he''d seen shocking news on TV¡ªa report that aligned with Chloe''s visions.


    As if that wasn''t enough,st night she told him that a war wasing and that the safest ce they could be was by Ss''s side.


    He hadn''t fully understood what she meant at first, but then he saw the news showing Ss running at an inhuman speed.


    William was still reeling from it all, and try as he might, he didn''t really know what to do.


    As he got into bed, he could only hope things would work out as his daughter said they would.


    ***


    Mr. Brandon was fiddling with his phone, finding it difficult to fall asleep. It was already veryte, but sleep still eluded him.


    The past few months had been some of the best of his life. After Ss had kept his promise andpensated him, his life had truly changed for the better.


    He''d quit his job and gone into trading, making even more money. Now, he was so wealthy he didn''t know what to do with it all.


    He wasn''t a billionaire, but he was worth over $200 million, which was huge for someone who''d been scraping by onmissions not so long ago.


    But despite his new reality, he wasn''t satisfied. The truth was, he craved something more exciting, something that would get his blood pumping.


    It didn''t have to be extremely dangerous or life-threatening, but it needed to be thrilling.


    He''d already decided what to do and had ns to pursue it during his uing vacation¡ªuntil he saw the news. When he saw Ss''s speed, he knew that was the kind of excitement he craved.


    "Come on, Brandon. There''s no way Mr. Ss has forgotten you. Just give him a call and exin yourself. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance," Brandon said to himself, determination lighting up his face.

 Chapter 265: Moving

    By the time Ss got back home, it was already quitete but his dad and Kim were still up, waiting for him.


    Immediately after he walked in, Kim walked to him and hugged him tightly, while caressing his hair lightly.


    "It must had been tough," She said as she continued to caress his hair.


    Ss'' instinctive reaction was to push her away but he knew that he would be hurting her feelings by doing that.


    Also, he knew that she meant well and she was trying to help him relief ths guilt and emotional turbulence she thought he would be experiencing from taking a life.


    Ss smiled when he thought of this. He knew that Kim was really doing her best to be a good mother to him and his brother.


    Even though she wasn''t their birth mother, she has taken care of them like how their birth mothers would, if they were alive.


    Kim continued to hug him for a good minute before she finally released him from the hug. She smiled and tugged lightly at his cheek.


    "You must be hungry. Let me get you something to eat. You can go up to your room and freshen, it would likely be ready before you''re done.


    "Thanks,"Ss nodded with a smile.


    He wanted to tell her that she shouldn''t bother preparing anything but stopped when he saw the look oin her eyes.


    It was a look that held different emotions but the one that stood out the most is the determination burning brightly in her eyes.


    Kim smiled and went to the kitchen, while Ss walked to his dad and said his greetings before going up to his room to freshen up.


    He initially wanted to discuss something with his father but he decided to wait till after he''s done eating dinner as he also wants Kim to be present.


    Few minutester, Ss was done freshening up and was now seated at the dining with a te filled one of his favorites foods.


    He wanted to eat slowly but seeing the food in front of him and how good its aroma is, he rushed it like a hungry wolf.


    It didn''t take him a long before he was done eating and was now seated in the living room with his Dad, and Kim.


    A slightly serious expression could be seen on his face.


    "Son, do you have anything you would like to tell us or discuss with us?" Chris asked when he the solemn expression on Ss'' face.


    "Yes, Dad. We will be leaving tomorrow," He replied as he looked at the two of them, waiting to hear whatever question they might have.


    "If by leaving, you mean..." Chris asked in confirmation.


    "Yes, Dad. We will be leaving for Venezu tomorrow," Ss replied in confirmation.


    "They have already made their move and I don''t want what happened with Daniel to repeat itself. This is the reason why I want us to leave earlier than nned."


    Chris'' eyes narrowed to a slit when he heard what Ss said.


    ''There are already making their move, huh?''


    He knew that if it''s just as Ss said, they will have to move out immediately. He knew that the US government are already taking counter measures against Ss after he disyed his strength. They would do anything in their power to restrict and tie him down.


    He knew that Ss wants to get revenge on the US government but the fact that he''s yet to do anything means that ge currentlycks the strength to do so.


    "What about Alex? What about thepany? What about the staffs?" Kim asked.


    "Alex is fine. His recovery is swift and he will be out of the hospital within a week. About thepany, I will be transferring everything to Venezu.


    About the staffs, I will contact all of them tonight and send them a severance package aspensation. That''s the best I can do for them. If they want to push for more, I will direct them to the culprit and have them face the US government," Ss replied.


    Just as Ss said,pensating the staffs was the best he can do. Beside that, there''s nothing else.


    Kim lowered her head in thought when she heard Ss'' response. The truth is that she''s worried.


    Chris had already taken his time to exin everything to her and she finally understood why what happened happened.


    Just as Chris, she knew that the best decision would for them to leave the county but she was worried about the safety of where they are going.


    She has already been reassured by Chris multiple times but she knew that no matter how much she tries to forget what happened, there''s no way that their lives will ever remain the same.


    The three of them continued to discuss about different things. Kim asked whatever question she wanted to ask and Ss did his best to reply those he could.


    It was past midnight before they finally decided to go to bed. Chris and Kim went to their room, and Ss went to his.


    Inside his room, Ss started sending emails to the staffs, now former staffs of Kurt Technologies and he also sent them a severance package of $1 million each.


    Yes, it''s much but Ss, it isn''t. There''s a also a reason for this; Ss needs as many lottery tickets as he can get.


    He ns to undertake a lot of projects after arriving at Venezu and he would need system points to them. And the fastest way to get system points without exchanging for money is through the lottery.


    Ss initially intended to have Luna to pick up whatever scraps are left of the Pods that were being used for beta testing, but he changed his mind.


    The reason he wanted to do that is because he doesn''t want anyone to take it and study its technology. But he decided against it.


    He will let them have it and he will allow them to study it as he knew that it''s going to take forever for them to understand how the Pod works.


    On second thought, when he remembered about the mysterious group that Luna told him about, he decided to have her pick them up.


    Who knows? Since they can create ster guns, they might have the technology that can allow to study the Pod. And Ss doesn''t want to leave anything to chance.


    Instead of focusing on that, Ss decided to go to bed. They will be leaving the country by noon and he wants to get enough sleep before then.


    He knew that immediately his leg touched the soil of Venezu, he will have very little time to rest.

 Chapter 266: Leaving USA

    The first thing Ss did after waking up was check the time.


    *10:39 AM*


    "Looks like we still have more than enough time before heading to Venezu," he murmured to himself.


    He got up, stretched, and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. The cool water on his face helped clear his mind, and soon after, he made his way downstairs, where the smell of breakfast lingered in the air.


    Kim was already at the table, finishing her coffee, while Chris flipped through a newspaper, although Ss knew his dad wasn''t really reading it.


    After a quiet breakfast, the three of them went out to the garage. They climbed into one of the cars, with Chris taking the driver''s seat, Ss beside him, and Kim in the back.


    The drive was silent but filled with unspoken thoughts, each of them mentally preparing for the day''s events and the journey ahead.


    .....


    Over an hourter, they pulled up to the hospital. Ss led the way through the hallways, weaving past the bustling nurses and doctors as they made their way to Alex''s room.


    As soon as they reached the door to Alex''s ward, Kim couldn''t hold herself back. She pushed the door open and rushed to his bedside, her eyes already brimming with tears. She knelt down beside him, gently taking his hand in both of hers.


    She didn''t say anything as she stood and day down on the bed, hugged him lightly, making sure not to cause him any pain and started caressing his hair softly.


    "It''s okay, Alex. Mom and Dad is here. Your Big Brother is here. You don''t have to worry about anything."


    Alex looked up, surprised at first, but then his expression softened as he saw Kim''s tear-filled eyes andforting smile. He managed a weak but genuine grin, and his hand squeezed hers gently.


    "Mom... you''re gonna make me cry, too," he whispered, his voice raspy but yful.


    Kim chuckled through her tears, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Then I''ll be right here to wipe them away, Alex."


    Chris stepped closer to the bed, his gaze tender as he watched the two of them. His hand found Alex''s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "How''re you feeling, champ?"


    Alex took a breath, shifting slightly in bed. "A little sore, but... a lot better than before," he replied.


    He looked between Chris, Kim, and Ss, his expression turning serious. "Are you guys really leaving today?"


    Ss had already told him yesterday that they will be leaving for Venezu soon but he didn''t expect it to be today. It was too fast...


    Ss nodded, pulling up a chair and sitting close. "We are," he said, his voice steady. "But you''reing with us. I wouldn''t leave you behind."


    The young boy''s eyes widened. "Seriously? I thought I''d have to stay here for a while."


    "We''ve already arranged everything," Ss reassured him. "Once we leave here, we''re going straight to the airport."


    Kim leaned in and nted a gentle kiss on Alex''s forehead. "We''re going to keep you safe, no matter what. It''s a fresh start for all of us."


    Alex nodded slowly, his eyes misting over. "Thanks, Mom¡­ Dad¡­ Ss. I don''t want to be alone. Especially not now."


    "Hey, none of that," Chris said softly, smiling as he ruffled Alex''s hair. "We''re family. We stick together."


    After a few minutes, a nurse entered to go over Alex''s discharge instructions. Kim listened closely, asking detailed questions to make sure they had everything covered for the journey.


    The nurse, noticing her concern, reassured her that Alex''s recovery had been progressing very well.


    Once all the paperwork was finalized, Chris left to bring the car around. Ss helped Alex into a wheelchair, knowing it would be easier on him than walking the long hallways.


    He would had the security guards to do it but he wants to be the one to do it himself. As long as it''s something that involves his family, he prefers to do it himself.


    As they exited the hospital, Alex turned to look back at the building, his face a mix of relief and apprehension.


    "Leaving the hospital feels... strange," he murmured. "Like everything''s really changing."


    Ss crouched down to meet his gaze. "Sometimes change is scary, but it''s also the start of something new. We''re going to make sure everything works out."


    Chris pulled the car up to the curb, and Ss helped Alex into the back seat beside Kim. They''d packed light as Ss told them that everything they would be needing has already been taken care of.


    The ride to the airport was quiet butfortable, each of them lost in their own thoughts.


    Ss nced at his family, feeling a renewed sense of determination. His powers and resources might set him apart, but his family anchored him, giving him purpose.


    This move to Venezu was more than an escape¡ªit was a chance for them to build a life where they could be safe and where he could start fulfilling his potential. It''s time for him to build the empire he has been envisioning for himself.


    At the airport, they made their directly to the jet bridge and boarded the Gulfstream. Ss had already told his father that he''s the owner of the aircraft and this was why no question was asked when they saw the empty aircraft.


    Inside the aircraft, Ss carried Alex who was already asleep to one of the rooms andy him down on the bed.


    Ss took a look at the calm, sleeping face of Alex and smiled.


    "Don''t worry, champ. Your brother will make sure that none of this ever happens again."


    Ss left the room and went back to the cabin. He took his seat and looked out the window, with different thoughts in his head.


    Chris leaned over to Ss, his tone soft but steady. "You''ve done well, son. Getting us out of this mess. I''m proud of you."


    Ss met his father''s gaze, appreciating the words more than he could say. "Thank you, Dad. I couldn''t have done it without you all."


    Chris nodded, reaching over to give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Just remember, we''re with you. Whatever happens next, we face it together."


    Ss turn to look out the window as the ne took off, feeling the weight of responsibility but also the steady support of the family by his side.


    He coldly looked at the disappearing view of USA and smiled.


    ''I will be back.''

 Chapter 267: A New Beginning

    As Ss''s private jet disappeared beyond U.S. airspace, a White House aide rushed into the President''s office, breathless and wide-eyed.


    "Mr. President, he''s gone."


    The President looked up, narrowing his eyes. "Gone?" he repeated, his voice edged with curiosity and a faint chill. "Exin."


    "Yes, sir. Ss. He left with his family. They''ve departed the country."


    For a moment, the President stared, caught off-guard. Then, his gaze hardened, narrowing in thought. Ss leaving the country¡ªwhat did it mean?


    Why would the most powerful young man he''d ever encountered suddenly vanish like this? One thing was certain: this was no small matter.


    He had expected Ss toe for revenge. He knew that the killing of Daniel, orchestrated to settle a score, wouldn''t had quelled the anger he was feeling.


    The President knew that if he were in Ss''s shoes, nothing could dampen that fire, not after everything Ss has been put through. But instead, Ss had left. He hadn''t retaliated. He hadn''t even lingered.


    What was he nning?


    The President''s spine tingled as a dark possibility formed in his mind. ''Could it be¡­?'' He pushed the thought away, almost shaking his head. ''No, it couldn''t.''


    But it returned, relentless, gnawing at hisposure. There were only two possibilities: either Ss had no intention of fighting back, or he was preparing for something much worse. Something global.


    The first option was absurd. Ss had disyed more power than any known Phenomenal. A type of strength that would had floored any Phenomenal. No, the young man had the means and if he hadn''t acted, it was deliberate.


    The second possibility was even more disturbing. Was it conceivable that Ss could mobilize enough power, allies, and influence to oppose a world power like the United States?


    It sounded absurd, but as the President weighed it, he felt a pang of unease. Ss was a young man with a lot of mysteries.


    No matter how he tried to dismiss it, the President couldn''t shake off the feeling that a tempest was approaching, a storm the likes of which he hadn''t seen in his entire life.


    Ss''s departure left a void, but also a sense of mounting dread. The President waved the aide off, watching as he quietly exited.


    "I really hope it''s not what I''m thinking," he murmured, half to himself.


    ---


    Elizabeth stepped out of the hotel bathroom, pulling her robe tightly around herself as her phone buzzed on the bed.


    The caller ID disyed a familiar name: David. She frowned, her mind stirring with questions. Something about this call felt off.


    She picked up, her voice steady. "Hello, David. Is there a situation?"


    There was a slight hesitation on the other end. "No¡­ not exactly. But Ss left."


    The news hit her like a shockwave. "Left?" she repeated, almost to herself. There was no need to rify; she knew exactly who David was referring to.


    This development was unexpected. Ss leaving? That wasn''t like him. She remembered theirst conversation, his voice over the phone, carrying the unmistakable edge of a man who would stop at nothing for revenge. Was he really going to let them go?


    She shook her head, dismissing the thought. Ss wasn''t one to simply forgive. If anything, the fact that he had left could mean something far more dangerous: he was preparing.


    The realization was chilling. If he was leaving to regroup, to gather his strength for somethingrger¡­ that was a scenario none of them were ready for.


    "Thank you, David," she said, forcing a calm into her voice that she didn''t feel. "Keep tabs on him. And please report back if anything changes."


    "Yes, I will," he replied before the call disconnected.


    Lowering the phone, Elizabeth stared out the window, her mind racing. There was nothing she could do to stop what wasing, but she could prepare. And she would¡ªwhatever it took.


    ---


    Caracas International Airport, Caracas, Venezu Read exclusive chapters at m_v-l''-NovelBin


    A sleek ck aircraft descended over the airport, touching down on the runway with a long, piercing screech as the wheels gripped the tarmac. The jet''s engines whined as it slowed, finally rolling to a stop near the VIP area.


    Momentster, the door opened, and Ss emerged, holding Alex securely in his arms. Behind him, Chris and Kim followed, their expressions weary yet relieved. The humid air of Caracas filled Ss''s lungs as he stepped onto the stairs, and, without missing a beat, he began his descent.


    The second his foot hit the ground, two women in EMS uniforms hurried toward him, a stretcher at the ready. Ss gently transferred Alex into their care, watching as they ced him carefully on the stretcher and wheeled him toward an ambnce waiting nearby.


    Kim followed close behind, her gaze fixed on her younger son. Though his condition wasn''t life-threatening, she had insisted that he be checked thoroughly by medical professionals and given the rest he needed to fully recover in the hospital.


    As the ambnce pulled away, Ss and Chris turned toward a line of ck SUVs parked near the runway, each one sleek and meticulously polished. At the front of the fleet, a man dressed in a tailored ck suit moved forward, bowing his head as he opened the door of the first limousine.


    Chris''s eyes widened, momentarily stunned. Over the past few hours, he had begun to grasp the reality of his son''s wealth, but this¡­ this was something else entirely.


    A private jet, a personal convoy awaiting them at the airport, a dedicated medical team. He was slowly realizing the extent of Ss''s influence.


    Chris nced at his son, who wore an air of quiet authority. ''My boy has aplished so much,'' he thought with a swell of pride.


    His heart warmed as he marveled at how quickly Ss had grown into a figure of power and strength. Whatevery ahead, he knew his son was prepared.


    As they climbed into the limousine, Chris took a final look at the airport''s towering hangars. He couldn''t help but think that, even as they left their past behind, they were entering a new world¡ªa world shaped by Ss''s ambitions and the strength he wielded.


    Sitting beside his father, Ss gazed out the window, his mind already turning to the ns he had put into motion. He wasn''t here for a quiet life.


    The U.S. government had crossed a line, and he intended to respond in kind. But first, he would establish himself here, building an empire that would shield his family and ensure that no threat¡ªno government¡ªcould ever touch them again.


    As the limousine moved through the bustling streets of Caracas, the city lights casting shadows across his face, Ss closed his eyes, a silent resolve settling over him.


    This was just the beginning.

 Chapter 268: Revitalising Venezuelas Economy

    It''s been two days since Ss and his family arrived at Venezu. Ss spent the past two days at home, helping his family to settle them into the new environment.


    Unlike what Ss initially thought, they were able to adapt to their new environment very quickly. The major reason for this is because Ss made sure you provide whether he knew that they could possibly need.


    Their new house in Venezu is a massive estate that''s located close to the government house and one of the most secured, and prestigious part of the country.


    Ss chose the location for security reasons and the easily essible amenities that are in ce.


    For an ordinary Venezun and even the wealthiest people in the country, gaining ess to such a location is almost and beyond impossible.  Getting a house in such a ce would be like a dreame true.


    Ss was also worried that his family won''t like the ce due to the opulence but they proved to be understanding as they took it far better than he expected.


    During these two days, Ss, his father and Kim would always vist Alex and keep himpany.


    Things moved progressingly well and those two days finally came to an end, and it''s now time for Ss to get to work.


    The first thing that Ss ns to do is to revitalize the Venezu''s economy while also retraining its military.


    For Kurt Technologies to grow in the country, the economy would have to be in a far more better state than it is tight now. It is only when the economy is healthy and the people are happy, can he be able to achieve what he wants.


    President Yusmaorobis has been doing a good job of improving the economy but for Ss, the progress has been painfully slow.


    He intends to build a business empire in the country and also transformed the country into an economic, and military world power. But with the rate at which things are progressing, that dream might never be achieved.


    As things stand right now, Venezu has a debt profile of $4.2 trillion. Paying off such a debt is a pipe dream with how the ridiculously deplorable the economy is.


    And to make things worse, they need to borrow more to if they want to undertake any project. This is due to them being unable to generate sufficient revenue needed and it''s the reason why it''s getting increasingly difficult for them to borrow more.


    But all these had changed after Ss created the bank. The sourcing of funds has be easier for them and multiple projects are now being undertaken.


    ording to the information that Luna gave him, in less than two months of the country of the bank being in operation, Venezu has borrowed more than $50 billion.


    Yes, $50 billion dors. Ss was initially surprised when he heard this but that feeling cleared after Luna exined to him how the money was spent.


    Even though Ss has purged the rats in the country, he was fully aware that there are still corrupt politician and government officials that are yet to be taken care of.


    Taking out the corrupt individuals that are in decision making positions is also something that Ss ns to do but not immediately.


    As for now, he would allow them the opportunity to change but if they as do so little to hinder his n, he won''t be nice.


    "The first thing that would be needed is to stabilize the country''s currency and control the intion rate. I can''t have the interest rate and exchange rate fluctuating so much. Something has to be done about it," Ss said as he thought of how to go about his n of revitalizing Venezu''s economy.


    "Reviving and rebuilding the country''s oil industry is a also a very good idea. Venezu is one of the highest oil producing countries in the world and even with how bad their economy is, that doesn''t change.


    It I can get the oil industry up and running again by even 30% of its former glory, then things won''t be as difficult as it is now," Ss said as he continued to table out his ns.


    Venezu wouldn''t be in their present state if it wasn''t due to corruption and mismanagement of funds. This is something that Ss was fully aware of.


    "The debt also has to be paid but all won''t be paid immediately. Those with high interest rate would be paid off and that of those that has been breathing down the country''s neck.


    But all these would only be after significant improvements has been seen in the country''s economic state. It''s very easy if I want to clear the debt profile but that would raise too much suspicions."


    It the country hasn''t improved in any way significantly and yet the government is able to fork out more than $4.2 trillion to pay off debts? If that won''t raise suspicion, then he has no idea what will.


    Ss couldn''t help but scratch his head as he felt a headacheing on due to him thinking of the n.


    "Improving myself is already hard enough, now I have uo think of how to improve the lives of tens of millions of people. So exhausting."


    "I really respect those political leaders that are doing a solid job moving their country forward."


    Still, Ss knew that he can only start seeing results after actions has been take and the work has been done. He immediately decided to put a call through to President Yusmairoubis, so that he can kick his n into action.


    "Mr Ss," President Yusmairoubis said as he picked up his phone.


    "Yes, Mr Yusmairoubis, I would like you to do something for me."


    "What is it? If it''s something I can do, then I would."


    "Mr Yusmairoubis, I want full control of the oil fields in the country. I wanted to create an integrated oil and gaspany, and I would be needing oil fields for operations. Can you do that for me?" Ss asked.


    The reason he asked is because Venezu''s oil sector is state owned. This is also one of the reasons why the sector is in its current state.


    There was a brief silence as President Yusmairoubis thought of what Ss said. He knew that giving Ss the oil fields would be in the best interest of thepany as he would be able to revive it faster than they can.


    But giving him won''t be that easy as a lot of things has to be done first. Meeting has to be called and everyone has to bare their fangs at him but when he thought of who he''s giving them to, he smiled and said screw them in his heart.


    "Ok, let me process the relevant paperworks and get back to you," He replied.


    "Thank you, Mr Yusmairoubis. I will be expecting to hear from you soon."Ss said and hung up.


    "Well, that has been delegated. Next to other things."

 Chapter 269: Getting To Work

    ck Hand Organisation, Secret Underground Lab Facility, Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica


    The cold, sterile light of theb cast an eerie glow on the rows of ss pods lining the walls, each containing a struggling figure locked in a gruesome metamorphosis. Benjamin paced in front of one such pod, his brow knitted in frustration, watching as flesh and blood sluggishly adhered to the ss like remnants of some half-formed creature.


    "It worked with Daniel," he muttered, the frustration boiling over as he mmed his hand against theb table beside him.


    "Why won''t it work with the others? I did everything the same. I followed the exact procedure. Why the hell can''t they justplete the transformation?"


    The room fell silent save for the low hum of machinery and the rhythmic beeping of monitors tracking the failing vitals of the subjects in their pods.


    Benjamin forced himself to breathe deeply, his hands clenched into fists as he fought to suppress his growing rage. Losing his temper wouldn''t solve anything, but the pressure from above was mounting.


    His superiors were hungry for results, and each failed experiment brought fresh scrutiny, more whispered questions about hispetence.


    After the sess with Daniel, the organization had decided to expand the project, pouring resources and funds into theb.


    They''d called Daniel the prototype, the ideal soldier¡ªenhanced physically and mentally, the first of a new breed. But Daniel''s transformation had been a stroke of rare, inexplicable luck.


    Despite Benjamin''s meticulous replication of the process, no other subject had survived the first phase without rejecting the enhancements and breaking down in horrifying ways.


    Benjamin''s mind reyed the image of Daniel''s transformation. Unlike the others, Daniel had embraced the changes, adapting to the serum as if it were a natural part of him.


    His cellr structure had thrived under the strain, integrating the enhancements perfectly. Now, standing in front of another failed subject, Benjamin felt that sess slipping further from his grasp with each passing day.


    He turned to his assistant, Reba, who stood nearby, her eyes fixed on the ground. She had been assigned to him when the project expanded and had proven herself invaluable.


    Still, Benjamin sensed her unease as she nced up, catching the hardness in his gaze.


    "Reba," he barked, his voice harsher than he intended. She jumped, visibly shaken, but quickly masked her fear with aposed nod.


    "Run the diagnostics on batch 10 again. I want everyst detail. Maybe we missed something in the protein-binding analysis or the cellr repair markers."


    "Yes, Dr. Benjamin," she replied, doing her best to keep her voice steady. She moved swiftly to the control panel, her fingers flying over the interface as she pulled up the data.


    Benjamin resumed pacing, muttering to himself. "It''s not the serum¡ªthe dosage was perfect. It''s not the gic profile either; we screened them all forpatibility. So why the hell does this keep failing?"


    A thought flickered in the back of his mind, elusive but insistent. He turned to Reba, his eyes narrowing. "Could it be something¡­ environmental?"


    Reba looked up, surprised. "Environmental? But Dr. Benjamin, they''re all kept under the same controlledb conditions. We''ve monitored everything¡ªhumidity, temperature, nutrient levels¡­ nothing''s changed."


    "Yes, I know!" he snapped, though his frustration was directed more at himself than her. "But maybe we''re overlooking something fundamental. Maybe it''s not about what''s in theb.


    Maybe it''s about the subjects themselves¡ªtheir resilience, their mental toughness. Daniel¡­ Daniel had something unique, something that can''t be measured in numbers or charts. He was¡­ different." Discover hidden content at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    Reba nodded cautiously, understanding dawning on her face. "If that''s the case, then maybe we need a new approach. Perhaps psychological conditioning, resilience training?"


    A dark smile crept onto Benjamin''s face as his mind began to race with possibilities. "Yes. Mental resilience training, heightened stress exposure¡­ we need to find a way to push them, to force them to adapt, to make them desperate to survive."


    Reba shifted ufortably, hesitating before she spoke. "But Dr. Benjamin, if we go down that path, it could have unpredictable consequences. Some of the subjects are already showing signs of severe psychological strain."


    Benjamin waved her concerns away. "That''s precisely the point, Reba. If they can''t handle the pressure, they''re useless to us. We''re not here to coddle them; we''re here to forge soldiers who can withstand anything."


    He turned back to the pod, his gaze hardening. "Daniel was the first, but he won''t be thest. We''ll find a way to force their evolution¡­ whatever it takes."


    Reba swallowed, a sense of unease settling over her as she watched the determination in Benjamin''s expression.


    She knew he was willing to push the limits of ethics and science alike, but a part of her wondered how far he''d go¡ªand what kind of creatures they might unleash if he seeded.


    ***


    Oil Field, Venezu


    The destendscape of the Venezun oil field stretched before Ss, a rusted skeleton of machinery and idle rigs standing as monuments to a once-thriving industry.


    The cold wind carried the scent of crude oil, mingling with the dust and decay¡ªa reminder of the country''s neglected potential. Ss''s gaze swept over the field, his mind calcting the resources and effort required to bring the ce back to life.


    Luna''s voice, soft and steady, echoed in his head, breaking his train of thought.


    [The field''s current state is symptomatic of broader issues within the country. Maintenance has been neglected for over a decade, and most of the equipment here is obsolete, outdated by at least twenty years.]


    "That''s about what I expected," Ss muttered, his gaze hardening as he considered the task ahead.


    "But with the right infrastructure and retraining programs, this ce could be a massive revenue generator. Venezu has one of thergest oil reserves in the world¡ªit''s time to use that potential wisely."


    Beyond the oil sector, he knew that Venezu''s issues ran far deeper. The healthcare and education systems were in shambles, virtually inessible to the poor.


    Medical care was so scarce that even minor health conditions required patients to fly out of the country¡ªif they could afford it. Schools had fallen into disrepair, and the value of Venezun educational credentials had plummeted, making it nearly impossible for graduates to find employment outside the country.


    A few workers in the vicinity nced curiously in his direction, wondering what a young man like him was doing here. Ss ignored the stares, gesturing for the site manager, a weathered man with a face carved by years of hardship, to join him.


    "What''s your assessment of the field''s viability?" Ss asked, his tone firm but respectful.


    The manager scratched his head, eyeing the rusted equipment. "To be honest, sir, most of the rigs here haven''t seen real use in years.


    We don''t have the parts or the technology to make them work smoothly again. Even when we do get them running, the yields are unpredictable."


    Ss nodded thoughtfully. "That''s all going to change. I''m bringing in new equipment and a team of engineers who specialize in revitalizing fields like this. But I''ll need your team''s support on the ground."


    The manager''s eyes widened slightly, a spark of hope flickering in his expression. "Of course, sir. It''ll be good to see this ce back in action."


    As the manager walked away, Ss tapped his earpiece, speaking to Luna. "Luna, pull up the specs for the equipment we''ll need. I want everything set up here as soon as possible."


    [The advanced extraction equipment has already been inputted into the Atomic Printer, and it''s in production.


    However, upgrading the refineries will require more time and a skilled workforce. Most of the current personnelck training in modern techniques.] Luna responded.


    Ss nodded. "We''ll handle the retraining. If we don''t have enough local expertise, I''ll figure something out.


    Worst case, I can create an AGI to handle operations. But I want Venezuns leading this effort wherever possible."


    A faint beep signaled an iing call. Ss answered, his gaze still fixed on the field.


    President Yusmaorobis''s voice crackled through. "Mr. Ss, I wanted to let you know the paperwork for the oil fields is finalized. Full operational control has been transferred to your newpany."


    "Thank you, Mr Yusmaorobis."


    After the call, Ss took a long look at the barren expanse. This was more than an oil field¡ªit was the foundation of his vision to help Venezu rise from economic ruin.


    He knew the path ahead wouldn''t be easy, but he was determined. This was about more than profit; it was about creating a legacy for himself, his family, and the country.


    "Luna, I want ns drafted for upgrading not only this field but also surrounding infrastructure. Roads, power, water supply¡ªI want everything ounted for."


    [On it.] Luna replied.


    Ss felt a surge of purpose as he watched the workers begin their preparations, guided by his vision.


    Soon, this ce would be unrecognizable, transformed into a bustling hub of productivity. It was only the first step in a muchrger journey¡ªone that would see Venezu rebuilt, one sector at a time.


    "Let''s get to work," he murmured, his eyes gleaming with determination. The task ahead was immense, but Ss knew he was ready to meet it head on


    "Luna," he said, his voice quieter now, "I want you to start gathering data on the healthcare and education systems. We''ll need aprehensive strategy to address those sectors once we''ve stabilized the oil industry."


    [Understood,] Luna replied. [Would you like me to prepare a preliminary report?]


    "Yes, start with an overview of the biggest gaps¡ªfacilities, funding, personnel shortages, anything that contributes to the current state. I want to know exactly what we''re up against."

 Chapter 270: Four Months

    Three weeks had passed since Ss took control of Venezu''s oil fields, and during that time, an impressive transformation unfolded across the facilities.


    Ss had overseen every step, ensuring that outdated, rusted equipment was reced with cutting-edge machinery capable of taking Venezu''s oil production into a new era.


    About 30% of the field''s equipment had been upgraded, from drilling rigs to transport systems, allowing deeper extraction and more efficient processing.


    The results spoke for themselves: production had already resumed, and preliminary reports indicated an upward trajectory. Even the most cautious projections hinted that this was just the beginning.


    The nearest refinery, once an aging relic of the past, had been stripped down to its skeleton and rebuilt with state-of-the-art technology, making crude oil processing faster, smoother, and less harmful to the environment.


    This aligned with Ss''s vision of a modernized, sustainable industry. The refinery now operated at full capacity, fueling neighboring areas and contributing to a stronger national grid. Venezu''s infrastructure was stabilizing, bit by bit, under his leadership.


    But Ss knew the oil industry revival was just the foundation. His vision for Venezu was more ambitious: a robust economy backed by a resilient infrastructure and a poption capable of defending itself.


    At the heart of this vision was his own family. They were now at the core of a growing powerhouse, a position that carried its own risks. Ss was determined to make sure they could protect themselves, even if he wasn''t there to do it.


    Luna had returned from the U.S. afterpleting the crucial mission he''d given her: eradicating every trace of the VR Pods buried under the rubble of the bombed Kurt Technologies building.


    His advanced technology couldn''t be allowed to fall into the hands of anyone, especially the U.S. government or corporations that would eagerly dissect it for their own gain. With Luna back by his side, he could shift his attention to other pressing matters.


    He quickly designated critical tasks to her to keep the operation running smoothly. In the meantime, he focused on his personal projects, each designed to secure his family and further his control.


    One of these projects was his own training. Ss''s powers were already formidable, but he was determined to push them to their absolute limits.


    Evolution through metamorphosis might unlock further abilities, but the armor he envisioned would provide another way to amplify his power.


    The suit of armor would not only enhance his control over his abilities but also offer unparalleled protection.


    Ss also devised a n to fortify his family. He''d seen how vulnerable they were in an increasingly dangerous world, and he couldn''t stand by and allow them to be at risk.


    His goal was to make sure his father, Chris; Kim, and his younger brother, Alex, were capable of defending themselves if the need arose.


    He saw it as a way to build their physical resilience, preparing their bodies for the enhancements he nned for them down the road. Also, it was the only way he could go about it ording to the data he got from the simted research world.


    Training sessions began with basic conditioning. Chris was in decent shape, but Ss wanted to improve his endurance, agility, and reflexes.


    The regimen was intense but rewarding, and Chris gradually adapted, pushing himself to meet Ss''s high standards.


    Kim, initially a bit hesitant, soon found herself enthusiastic about the training, seeing it as a way for the family to bond. She dedicated herself fully, surprising even Ss with hermitment and drive.


    Alex, at only ten years old, was a more delicate case. Ss didn''t want to ce undue pressure on him, but he also wanted him to feel capable and empowered.


    So, he turned their sessions into games, teaching Alex basic self-defense techniques in a way that felt yful rather than intense. Alex took to it eagerly,ughing as he practiced kicks and punches, his confidence growing under Ss''s watchful eye.


    The training sessions soon became a daily ritual, with Ss teaching them not only physical techniques but also survival strategies.


    They rehearsed emergency drills, practiced escape routes, and learned the locations of safe zones around the estate. Ss felt a profound sense of relief with each passing session.


    His family was gaining skills, and he felt a growing assurance that they would be able to protect themselves, at least enough to hold out until help arrived.


    As Ss trained his family, he simultaneously set his other projects in motion. He''d been conducting research into creating a suit of armor that would enhance his powers while protecting him.


    He envisioned it as an extension of his own abilities, a way to amplify his control and precision. After weeks of research and testing, he finally began assembling the prototype, piece by piece,bining materials and elements specifically selected for durability and responsiveness.


    But that wasn''t the only project he was working on. Ss was also developing enhancement pods for his family.


    Unlike his own transformation, which had involved direct ingestion of the serum and intense, agonizing pain, he intended for their enhancement process to be gradual and controlled.


    A diluted serum would be administered through specialized pods that he was designing from scratch, allowing the enhancements to take ce over several months rather than in an instant. This would minimize pain and allow their bodies time to adapt to the changes gradually.


    Through meticulous research and simted trials, he estimated that the enhancement process would take roughly three to four months toplete within the pods.


    The oue would be a subtle but powerful boost in their physical abilities¡ªenough to protect them but without the level of pain he had endured.


    Four monthster, the enhancement pods were ready, gleaming in the low light of Ss''s privateb.


    His suit of armor, too, was finallyplete. The sleek, nearly indestructible shell waited for him, its design matching his every specification.


    The armor would protect him in battle, strengthen his abilities, and provide extrayers of control for his matter maniption.


    Ss felt a surge of pride and excitement as he looked upon the finished products of months of nning andbor.


    He summoned his family to theb, leading them to where the enhancement pods stood, each fitted withfortable, custom-designed interiors.


    His father, Chris, looked at the pod with curiosity and some trepidation, while Kim''s expression showed a mix of excitement and nervousness. Alex''s face lit up with curiosity, his youthful fascination overriding any fear.


    "These pods," Ss began, his voice steady and reassuring, "will help you be stronger. It''s a gradual process¡ªsafe, painless. You''ll go through a kind of sleep, and when it''s over, your bodies will be more resilient. You''ll be able to protect yourselves better if anything ever happens."


    Chris nodded thoughtfully, reaching out to touch the pod. "You''ve put a lot of thought into this, Ss. I trust you."


    Kim looked from Ss to the pod, a hint of pride in her eyes. "You''re doing all this for us," she said quietly. "We''re lucky to have you."


    Alex bounced on his toes, peeking into the pod curiously. "Will it feel weird?"


    Ss smiled. "No, not weird. Just like a deep sleep. When you wake up, you''ll feel stronger, healthier."


    One by one, they entered the pods, settling into the seats as Ss and Luna began calibrating the systems. He activated the pods, setting the enhancement process in motion.


    He watched as each pod filled with a soft, soothing light, the serum slowly being introduced into their systems.


    As the pods began to hum softly, Luna appeared at his side, her gaze following his.


    [This was a good decision.]


    Ss nodded, feeling a profound sense of peace. He knew they were safe, and in a few months, they would emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the world they lived in.


    With his family in the pods and in that quiet moment, Ss made a silent promise to himself: he would defend everything he''d built, and he would protect his family with everything he had. No matter what obstacles came his way, he was prepared to meet them head-on.


    With his suit, his powers, and his family by his side, Ss knew that he could aplish anything.


    Ss  turned his attention to his suit. He slipped into the armor, feeling the advanced material contour to his body, fitting him like a second skin.


    He moved his arms, testing its flexibility, and felt the power of the suit respond to his own. It was a seamless integration, designed to amplify his abilities while offering protection against even the strongest attacks.


    Looking around the room, Ss knew that his ns wereing to fruition. The oil fields were producing, the infrastructure was modernizing, and his family was safe, on their way to a brighter, stronger future.


    "Now''s it''s time for some field tests." Ss said as he walked out of the warehouse.


    Outside, he looked up at the blue sky and with a smile, he disappeared from his position.

 Chapter 271: Diamirite Suit

    Thirty-five thousand feet above the Venezun skies, a sleek, gray, humanoid figure tore through the atmosphere, leaving a trail of shock waves and sonic booms in its wake.


    To anyone watching from below, it would look like a strange new aircraft, or perhaps even a meteor streaking across the clouds. The object moved at over 700 miles per hour, its speed climbing with every passing second.


    "Woohoo! This feels amazing!" Ss shouted, the thrill of high-speed flight electrifying him as he broke through the sound barrier.


    The shockwave rippled outward, echoing through the sky like rolling thunder.


    "Luna, are you recording this?" he called, his voiceced with excitement as he continued his breakneck flight across Venezu.


    [Yes.]


    "Good."


    The gray figure was indeed Ss, wrapped in his newly crafted suit of armor, which he was putting through its first field test.


    For thest twenty minutes, he''d been pushing it to the limits, eager to see if it could match the capabilities he had envisioned for it.


    So far, the armor was exceeding expectations. Ss had spent countless hours¡ªweeks in real time, but over a year in his simted research environment¡ªdesigning and perfecting every detail.


    Your next read is at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    The armor wasn''t just a shield or a weapon; it was more like an extension of his own body, linking seamlessly with his neural pathways to respond to his thoughts instantly.


    It was  more like a second skin than an actual armour. It''s an armour that built with programmed nanomaterials that allowed for limitless versatility.


    Ss had poured his imagination into every aspect of its design. He''d drawn inspiration from everything he could remember: futuristic movies, superheroics, even advanced tech concepts he''d read in obscure science journals online.


    In the simted research world, he ran every test he could think of and applied every enhancement his mind could conjure. The end result was a suit with nearly limitless potential.


    The foundation of the armory in its material: a self-healing, programmable nanometal called Diamirite, a name Ss coined himself.


    Diamirite was a unique creation, a new metal unlike anything on Earth. He was able to create it thanks to the extensive molecr analysis and atomic-level maniption he''d conducted in the simtedb.


    It took him over 300 days in the simtion¡ªequivalent to about a month of real-world time¡ªto develop it.


    Despite the intensity of the process, he''d achieved something extraordinary: a material stronger than the hardest substance known, surpassing even diamond.


    To achieve this, Ss had utilized his two biggest devices to the their fullest: the Molecr Analyzer and the Atomic Printer.


    These enabled him to analyze and manipte molecules at the most fundamental level. Every day, with Luna''s help, he simted, adjusted, and tested the molecules of his new metal until they achieved the exact properties he wanted.


    Then, using the Atomic Printer, he brought his creation to life in the real world. It was grueling work, requiring unbroken concentration, but his determination had paid off.


    Diamirite''s properties went beyond strength and durability. The nanomaterial was programmable, able to reconfigure itself into nearly any weapon Ss could imagine.


    With a thought, the armor could shift and reshape, forming des, shields, or other structures within seconds. More importantly, the material was self-repairing, capable of sealing cracks and breaks in moments. It was as close to indestructible as he could achieve, a true marvel of engineering.


    "How''s it holding up, Luna?" Ss asked, slowing down just enough to hover midair, high above the clouds.


    [Less than 1% of the suit''s functionality has been used.]


    Ss grinned behind his facete. Breaking the sound barrier was only the beginning; he wanted to know just how far this suit could go. He tilted his head upward, his gaze piercing into outer space, a thrill of ambition and anticipation stirring in his chest.


    "Alright then. Time to see what your limits are."


    With a grin, he clenched his fists, and in an instant, he surged upward, shattering the air with another deafening boom. The force of his eleration whipped through the atmosphere, creating a gust that parted clouds and sent ripples of turbulence through theyers of air below.


    As he climbed higher, pushing past forty thousand feet, the air thinned, and the view broadened. The vast expanse of Earth stretched below him, and he felt the awe of the open sky¡ªan endless frontier that was his to conquer. Up here, in the thin, cold air, he felt invincible.


    Ss willed the armor to increase his thrust, feeling the suit''s energy amplifying his momentum. A HUD (heads-up disy) inside his helmet provided real-time data on velocity, altitude, and atmospheric pressure.


    He was nearing 900 miles per hour, approaching the limits of conventional aircraft speed, but he was determined to go beyond that. With Diamirite, he wasn''t bound by the limitations of traditional materials; he was creating a new category of performance altogether.


    "Alright, let''s see how you handle a dive," Ss murmured. With a quickmand, he shifted his trajectory, angling downward into a steep, controlled descent. The suit responded instantly, adjusting its aerodynamic profile to slice through the atmosphere like a missile.


    The air roared around him, the force of the dive pressing against his body, but the suit held firm, dissipating the pressure and keeping him steady.


    Ss reveled in the intensity of the dive. The ground raced toward him and the wind roared around him. If it wasn''t due to the facete that was protecting his face, he would be making very silly expressions with it.


    The rush of adrenaline was invigorating, every sense heightened as he hurtled toward the Earth at breakneck speed. The Diamirite suit held up wlessly, reacting to every single shift in his body¡ªno matter how subtle it might be. It was as though it were part of him.


    Ss adjusted his trajectory slightly, pulling into a steeper descent and feeling the suit tighten around him to counter the air resistance.


    Just as the ground loomed closer, he willed the suit to slow,manding the repulsors to reduce power. His reduce his speed rapidly. Within seconds, he leveled out, flying horizontally mere meters above the treetops. The world blurred around him as he weaved between mountain ridges and valleys, the dense greenery below a verdant blur.


    "Luna, what''s the G-force reading?" he asked, watching as the heads-up disy (HUD) in his helmet updated.


    [G-force is currently at 9.6. The suit''s stabilizers arepensating, keeping internal stress levels within safe parameters.]


    The readings reassured him¡ªat this speed and altitude, ordinary equipment would have disintegrated. Even the most advanced aircraft would struggle under these conditions. Yet, the Diamirite suit remained intact, adapting in real-time to the intense gravitational forces.


    Ss pushed forward, elerating again until he reached a speed that bordered on the extreme. He was no longer bound by traditional human limitations; the suit amplified his strength, reflexes, and endurance, turning him into something more than human. This was exactly what he had dreamt of when creating it: the power to soar above the world and break free from earthly constraints.


    "Alright, let''s test the suit''s adaptability tobat scenarios," he murmured.


    With a thought, hemanded the suit to switch intobat mode. The armor''s nanomaterials responded immediately, reshaping sections of the suit into defensive and offensive configurations.


    In seconds, two katanas extended from his forearms, sharp and gleaming, while sections of the chest te hardened into a denser, more imprableyer. The helmet''s HUD disyed a tactical grid, outlining potential attack and defense strategies in real-time.


    Ss pulled into a steep climb, then arced around and shot straight toward the ground again, this time activating the suit''s internal weapon systems. Smallpartments in the armor opened, and several nanomaterial projectiles (small missles) formed.


    He fired them into the trees below, watching as the projectiles zipped through the foliage, their trajectories precise and controlled. Within moments, the suit alerted him that all targets had been "neutralized."


    "Impressive, Luna. The suit''s adaptability is phenomenal. It''s as if it anticipates my moves," he mused, admiring the seamless coordination.


    Yes, he was the one that built it but it was different seeing it in action.


    [The suit''s neural-link interface has been optimized to sync with your neural pathways. Response times have been reduced to nearly zero. The suit is adapting to you as much as you are adapting to it.]


    Ss smiled, marveling at the armor''s responsiveness. He imagined how such a suit could be useful not just in battle but in search and rescue, medical missions, and even advanced exploration. His mind raced with ideas, each more ambitious than thest.


    After another intense dive, he adjusted his trajectory toward the coast, flying just above the ocean. The suit responded perfectly, altering its structure to reduce wind resistance and conserve energy. As he skimmed the water''s surface, he could see the gentle ripples in his wake, and he knew the suit''s speed was approaching limits no natural material could endure


    "Time to push the limits further," he muttered, eyes gleaming with resolve. He climbed back up, soaring high above the clouds, before stopping at a breathtaking altitude. From here, he could see the curvature of the Earth, the sky stretching endlessly, a vast sea of stars above him.


    Ss was now just a few miles away from breaking through the Earth''s atmosphere.


    "Initiate maximum power test," he said.


    [Confirmed maximum power test sequence. Prepare for extreme eleration.]


    The HUD shed as multiple systems engaged, amplifying every aspect of his speed, strength, and durability. Ss felt like an immense power was flowing through him, a sensation unlike anything he''d ever experienced, but it was false.


    In that moment, he no longer felt himself to be a man but a force to reckon with.


    With one finalmand, he shot forward, moving faster than he''d ever dared. Thendscape below became a mere blur of colors, his HUD struggling to keep up with the velocity metrics.


    He was pushing past Mach 2, then Mach 3, breaking all previous records. It felt as though he could circle the entire world if he wanted.


    After a while, Ss finally began to decelerate, his suit responding instantly, the energy dispersing gradually to avoid any violent shifts. He slowed down to a hover, high above thendscape, watching the clouds swirl around him. The exhration was almost overwhelming; he had done it¡ªhe had reached speeds and achieved feats beyond human capability.


    "Results, Luna?" he asked, his voice calm yet filled with satisfaction.


    [Maximum speed recorded: Mach 3.2. Energy consumption remains within optimal parameters. Nanomaterial integrity is upromised. No structural weaknesses detected.]

 Chapter 272: Second Evolution Metamorphosis

    After taking the Diamirite Suit for a field test, Ss stood in the open field in front of the warehouse.


    He tapped the center of his chest, and the suit responded instantly. The nanomaterial shimmered as it began disassembling itself, retracting and flowing smoothly into his quantum smartwatch almost like liquid metal. In seconds, the sleek armor was gone, reced by the unassuming appearance of his casual attire.


    "Cool," Ss muttered, flexing his shoulders and stretching. He couldn''t help but smile. The Diamirite Suit was, without a doubt, his crowning achievement. It was a testament to his ingenuity and the lengths he could go with his system.


    Every inch of it, from its self-repairing nanomaterial to its adaptivebat capabilities, had been meticulously built, and it performed perfectly.


    It wasn''t just a piece of technology; it was a manifestation of his vision and a reminder of what he was capable of when he put his mind to it.


    Turning away from what is now a makeshift emptynding zone, Ss started walking towards the warehouse.


    Inside the warehouse, the air grew cooler, the faint hum of life-support systems growing louder as he approached a row of ss pods lined along the far wall.


    Inside each one, suspended in a peaceful stasis, were his family¡ªhis father, Chris; Kim, and Alex.


    Ss''s expression softened as he looked at them, a mix of longing and determination crossing his face. The pods emitted a soft blue glow, their surfaces faintly fogged from the temperature regtion.


    "I guess it''s time for my second evolution metamorphosis," he murmured, his gaze lingering on Alex.


    The boy''s peaceful expression reminded Ss why he was doing all of this¡ªwhy he had pushed himself so hard and why he has to continue doing so.


    Life had been goodtely. Too good, in fact. It was like the calm before the storm. Everything was moving smoothly, almost deceptively so.


    But Ss knew the truth. He knew that this fragile peace was a carefully maintained illusion. It was nothing more than a carefully crafted lie that will soon explode in everyone''s faces.


    The world was like a tinderbox waiting for a spark. Reports of Phenomenals¡ªundocumented individuals¡ªwere bing more frequent, spreading a quiet but growing panic.


    The news about ghem has filled the inte and everyone has been talking about them. And from what Luna told him, Ss knew that they are mostly scared.


    The delicate bnce that had kept society in check was beginning to tip. It didn''t take a genius to see it. The appearance of Ss and his disy of strength had changed everything.


    Ss thought of this and sighed, as he brushed his fingers brushing against the cool ss of Alex''s pod.


    Most people believed he was a one-off anomaly, a rare outlier. Someone unique¡ªand thankfully far removed from their everyday lives. They were content with that narrative, clinging to it like a life raft in a storm.


    But the reality was far more terrifying. Their neighbors, their friends, even their own children could be just like him. It wasn''t something to be scared of but the truth is that people are scared of what they do not understand or can''t control.


    The world wasn''t just on edge; it was breaking. Every news broadcast, every whispered conversation, now serves to feed this fear and it has continued to only grewrger. The once-firm foundations of reality were crumbling under the weight of this new paradigm.


    "Panic," Ss muttered, his voice tinged with frustration. "That''s all they''re capable of."


    He knew that the world would had still been the same if the incident with Daniel hadn''t happened. Of course, he knew that it was only a matter of time before the truth about the existence of people like hime out but maybe it was too early.


    "Oh well. Not my problem. It''s something they will eventually have to learn to live with. It''s not my like it''s disease that would lead to a pandemic or something."


    He straightened his back and turned toward the center of the warehouse, where a VR Pod, various high-tech equipment and an Evolution Capsule sat waiting.


    This was the only ce he felt truly in control. In here, he could n, experiment, and strategize for the storm he knew wasing.


    The second evolution metamorphosis wasn''t just a desire¡ªit was a necessity. The world wasn''t going to wait for him to catch up.


    The emergence of more Phenomenals was inevitable, and with it, chaos. If he wasn''t prepared, if he didn''t evolve fast enough, the delicate bnce would copse, and he''d be powerless to stop it.


    Ss clenched his fists, resolve hardening in his chest. He had worked too hard to lose everything now. His family, his freedom, his vision for the future¡ªit all depended on him staying one step ahead of the storm.


    He stepped toward the Evolution Capsule, its sleek, imposing design radiating a faint blue light.


    He nced once more at the pods, at the peaceful faces of the people he cared about most. The world outside might be descending into chaos, but in here, he still had time. Time to prepare. Time to evolve.


    "I''m ready," he said, stepping into the pod. The ss door hissed shut behind him, and the hum of the machine enveloped him.


    As the system powered up, Ss closed his eyes and lost consciousness.


    ...


    Ss felt the world around him darken and he found himself back in very familiar space he was in during his first evolution metamorphosis.


    Before he could look around, he felt a splitting headache that made him lose consciousness again.


    ****


    Kyoto, Japan.


    The evening sun cast its golden glow over the traditional wooden inn, where the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled with the earthy scent of tatami mats.


    Inside one of the private rooms, a young man sat cross-legged at a low table, a sword resting within arm''s reach beside him. His expression was calm, unreadable, as he stared at the steaming cup of tea before him.


    The woman seated across from him observed him intently, her alluring smile a mask for the calcting mind behind it. Dressed in an elegant kimono, her every movement exuded grace and confidence, yet there was a sharpness to her gaze that betrayed her true intent.


    The young man lifted the tea cup, his slender fingers steady, and took a deliberate sip. The liquid was smooth and rich, its warmth spreading through him. He set the cup down gently, his eyes never leaving hers.


    "What do you think of our tea?" the woman asked, her voice soft yet carrying a subtle edge. Her smile widened slightly, as if she already knew the answer.


    For a moment, he remained silent, his expression impassive. Then, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.


    "Perfect," he replied, his tone calm but firm. "But I doubt tea is the reason I was summoned here. Ms., let''s not waste time. Why don''t we get straight to the point?"


    The woman''s smile faltered briefly before she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, her expression shifting to one of intrigue.


    "Direct and perceptive. You''re just as they say you are, Mr. Nakamoto." Her voice wasced with a mix of admiration and cunning. "Very well, I''ll get to the point."


    She adjusted her posture, her demeanor growing more serious as she continued. "We want you to work for us. Join the Yakuza n, Mr. Nakamoto. Your stealth abilities are unparalleled¡ªyour name is already legendary in certain circles. With your talents, we could achieve greatness together."


    The young man didn''t react immediately, his face remaining calm as he processed her words. She took this as her cue to sweeten the deal.


    "We can give you anything you desire," she said, her voice dropping into a sultry tone. "Wealth, power, influence. Women, if that''s what you want. In fact¡­"


    She leaned in closer, her eyes locking onto his, a smirk forming on her lips. "You can even have me, if you wish."


    Her words lingered in the air, the offer as bold as it was enticing. For a brief moment, silence hung between them, broken only by the faint sound of distant footsteps in the inn''s hallway.


    Nakamoto finally leaned back, one hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword. His eyes, sharp and calcting, never wavered from hers. When he spoke, his voice was steady, carrying a subtle undertone of amusement.


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    "Is that so?" he said, tilting his head slightly. "You seem very confident in your offer, Ms. But tell me, do you truly believe I can be bought so easily?"


    The woman''s smile tightened, though she maintained herposure. "I don''t see why not. You''re a man of action, not empty ideals. You know how the world works, Mr. Nakamoto. Everything has a price."


    Nakamoto chuckled softly, the sound devoid of humor. "You''re mistaken. Not everything is for sale. And even if it were¡­" His gaze hardened, the hint of a predator shing in his eyes. "I''m not someone who takes orders."


    The room seemed to grow colder, the tension palpable as his words settled over them. The woman''s confident fa?ade wavered, but she quickly regained herposure, though her smile now carried a hint of unease.


    "I see," she said, her tone measured. "You''re as stubborn as they say. But think carefully, Nakamoto. The Yakuza does not take rejection lightly."


    He smirked, his hand tightening slightly on the hilt of his sword. "Then I suggest you tread carefully. Because I don''t take threats lightly."


    The woman''s eyes narrowed, her pleasant demeanor now reced by a sharp intensity. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the room heavy with unspoken tension. Then, as if on cue, a faint rustling sound came from outside the door, followed by the unmistakable weight of approaching footsteps.


    Nakamoto''s expression didn''t change. Instead, he shifted slightly, his posture rxed yet poised, like a coiled spring ready to snap.


    "Is this where the negotiations take a less civil turn?" he asked, his tone almost mocking.


    The woman''s smile returned, but it was colder this time. "That depends entirely on you, Mr. Nakamoto. Will you reconsider, or must I demonstrate the consequences of defiance?"


    Nakamoto''s smile widened, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "I think we both know how this is going to end." His fingers flexed around his sword''s hilt. "So let''s skip the formalities."

 Chapter 273: Undercurrents

    "What is this ce? Where am I?" Ss asked himself as he finally came to.


    He woke up and found himself in a familiar looking white space but with a vague feeling of unfamiliarity.


    He didn''t know how to exin it. The white space he''s in right now looks no different from the one he was during his first evolution metamorphosis but it gave off a feeling of unfamiliarity.


    "Strange."


    Ss took a look around him but no matter how much he looked, there was nothing that gave him an inkling of an idea of where he was.


    "System. System?. System?!"


    He decided to call out the system, hoping that it woulde to his rescue. But after calling it out a couple of times, he got no response.


    "Ugh... Why do I always have to go through something like this. The dirty time I was just thrown around and shown things that filled me with a lot of questions but no answers was given. Am I going to experience the same thing again?" Ss muttered to himself in slight irritation as he stood up from the floor.


    Ss was acting surprised by the fact that he lost consciousness a second time. It''s something he has never experienced or heard about before and so, it was quite novel to him.


    He took one more look around and decided to walk around the white space. Or should he call it a room?


    Ss took one step forward and his eyes widened as an indescribable amount of pain burned through his head and body.


    *Arghh!!!*


    A blood curdling scream escaped from his mouth as he grabbed his head and copsed to his knees. Ss felt like his head¡ªthe epicenter of the pain¡ªwas being torn, shredded and smashed to pieces.


    He continued to scream as he did his best to endure the pain but it proved difficult as the pain kept increasing with each passing seconds.


    With each second, it felt like his head was being hammered into the ground causing the pain to increase by multiple fold.


    "Arghh!!! Why every fucking time pain?! Why?! Are you a fucking sadist, system?!" Ss asked through gritted teeth, almost biting his tongue off.


    As time went on, Ss felt himself slowly losing consciousness. He immediately bit his lips as he forced himself to stay awake but the feeling kepy getting stronger no matter how many times, and how hard he bits his lips.


    "Come on! Come on! Why does this always keep happening?!" Ss tried to force himself to stay awake but after a few seconds, his eyes had already became too heavy for him.


    Slowly, his eyes closed as he lost consciousness the again. Ss found the situation to be bizarre. He knew that his real body is in the Evolution Capsule in the real world and everything he''s experiencing is in his head.


    The question is why is he still falling unconscious? This is w question he didn''t have the answer to and there was no way for him to do so as he''s still unconscious.


    *****


    In an unknown location under the Pacific Ocean, a massive ss dome could be seen at the bottom, with multiple tubes connected to it.


    At the entrance of one of the tube, in front of a sealed door, a youngdy could be seen standing, seemingly waiting for someone.


    Few secondster, the sealed door opened and an elderly man who looks to be in histe sixties walked into the ss dome.


    "Wee, Mr President. How may I assist you today?" The youngdy greeted with a curt bow.


    "I would like to purchase information and possibly weapons, and also any avable tech."


    Hearing what the man said, thedy''s eyes narrowed a bit but eased immediately. She smiled and put on the best face she could as she got ready to send the old man back.


    "I''m sorry, Mr President, but if it''s information on the Ss individual you''re looking for. We can''t assist you. Also, our organization has decided to stop selling weapons or any tech to any anyone.


    Organization, entity, whoever and whatever it is, we do not sell weapons and tech to them anymore. If there''s nothing else, I would be taking my leave. Thanks for visiting Oralios today."


    The President''s lips thinned as his request was tly denied. "Surely, there''s room for negotiation," he said, his tone a bit more forceful.


    The woman didn''t flinch. "I''m afraid our policies are non-negotiable." Her smile turned brittle. "If there''s nothing else, I''ll have to ask you to leave. Thank you for visiting Oralios."


    Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and strode away, her heels clicking against the polished floor.


    The President stood frozen, his jaw tightening. As the sealed doors behind him opened, he muttered under his breath, "Arrogant little brat. Just like her employers¡ªalways so high and mighty."


    Back on the deck of his private yacht, the President emerged from the deep-sea elevator, his mood as turbulent as the waves around him. Two of his aides approached, their faces expectant.


    "How did it go, sir?" one of them asked hesitantly.


    The President''s face twisted into a scowl. "That damned woman refused outright. No weapons. No tech. No information. Oralios thinks they''re untouchable because of their secrecy and power. Just you wait."


    He paced across the deck, his frustration mounting. "We''ll find another way to deal with this. The boy¡ªSs¡ªcan''t stay hidden forever. And when he resurfaces, we''ll be ready to take him down."


    One of the aides hesitated before speaking. "What''s our next move, Mr. President?"


    The older man paused, staring out at the vast ocean. "Contact our operatives in Asia and Europe. We''ll find someone who can give us the edge we need. And keep an eye on Oralios¡ªif they won''t sell to us, we''ll make them regret it."


    "Yes, sir," the aide replied before leaving.


    *****


    Kyoto, Japan


    Under the moonlit canopy of a dense forest near Kyoto, a chase was underway. Mr. Nakamoto, a Phenomenal with the ability to disrupt electrical signals, was fleeing for his life. Behind him, three shadowy figures pursued, their movements eerily fluid and precise.


    "Mr. Nakamoto!" one of them called out, his voice calm yet taunting. "You can''t outrun us. Stop now, and we can talk like civilized people."


    Nakamoto ignored them, his breathsing in ragged gasps as he darted between the trees. Suddenly, a sharp cracking sound echoed through the forest. A thick branch snapped and flew toward him, aimed with lethal precision.


    Reacting instinctively, Nakamoto raised his hand, sending out a pulse that disrupted the drone controlling the branch. The wood dropped harmlessly to the ground, but the effort cost him precious energy.


    "Persistent, aren''t you?" the same voice called again, closer this time.


    A figure materialized in front of him the next second, blocking his path. It was Rin, the leader of the group, her eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.


    "It''s over," she said, her voice cold and detached.


    Nakamoto turned, only to find the other two closing in behind him. He was surrounded.


    "Why are you doing this?!" he demanded, his voice desperate.


    Rin tilted her head slightly. "Orders. Nothing personal."


    "Mr. Nakamoto, this is yourst warning. Surrender, or we''ll do this the hard way."


    With a flick of his wrist, a faint shimmer surrounded him as he activated his stealth ability. His body blended seamlessly with the environment, rendering him nearly invisible.


    He immediately moved silently, creeping behind the group that had surrounded his earlier position.


    Rin stood motionless, her eyes scanning the clearing. "Stay sharp," she said to her subordinates. "He''s still here."


    A rustle in the underbrush to their left drew their attention. One of Rin''s subordinates, a hulking man named Kenta, turned toward the sound. "I''ll flush him out," he growled, stepping closer to the noise.


    That was Nakamoto''s chance. Emerging from the shadows behind Kenta, he drove a dagger into the man''s side with precision, aiming for a non-lethal but incapacitating wound.


    "Ugh!" Kenta stumbled, clutching his side, but Nakamoto didn''t linger. He melted back into the shadows, vanishing before Rin or the other subordinate, Aya, could react.


    "He''s fast," Aya muttered, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the area.


    Rin''s lips thinned. "He''s toying with us. Spread out. He won''t stay hidden forever."


    The trio cautiously spread out in the forest.


    Nakamoto used the opportunity to move further into the shadows, his mind racing.


    ''I need to find an opening to escape. I can''t keep this up for long.:


    Suddenly, Rin froze. Her sharp instincts kicked in. "There," she whispered, turning to a barely perceptible shimmer in the air.


    She thrust her hand forward, sending a concussive pulse of energy toward Nakamoto''s hiding spot. He barely managed to dodge, the force grazing his side and tearing through the bark of a nearby tree.


    The st disrupted his stealth momentarily, revealing his figure. Aya lunged at him, twin daggers in hand, her movements swift and extremely deadly.


    Nakamoto spun out of the way, his foot hooking around Aya''s ankle and sending her sprawling to the ground.


    Kenta, despite his injury, roared and charged, swinging a massive tree branch like a club. Nakamoto ducked under the swing, using the momentum to drive his elbow into Kenta''s ribs, making therger man stagger back. Discover more stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "Enough!" Rin shouted, her voice slicing through the chaos. She unleashed a wave of energy that rippled through the area, forcing Nakamoto to retreat.


    The st didn''t hit him directly, but the shockwave sent him crashing into a tree, his stealth flickering and failingpletely.


    Blood dripped from his temple as he scrambled to his feet, his vision swimming. Rin advanced, her steps deliberate.


    "You''re skilled, Nakamoto, but you''re outmatched," she said, raising her hand to deliver the finishing blow.


    But Nakamoto wasn''t done yet. With a surge of willpower, he activated his ability onest time, disappearing into the shadows just as Rin''s energy st obliterated the tree he''d been leaning against.


    "Where did he go?" Aya asked, scanning the area carefully.


    Rin''s eyes narrowed as she concentrated, but she couldn''t sense him anymore. He was gone.

 Chapter 274: Undercurrents (II)

    In the mountainous region of UK, a massive estate could be seen perched high in the rugged Cairngorm Mountains.


    Surrounded by a pristine naturalndscape, it exuded a very vague regal feeling and a very strong feeling of affluence.


    In the main hall of the estate, a woman who looks to be in her early forties could be seen seated. And standing beside her were two men and a young woman who looks exactly like her, by her side.


    The four of them had their eyes fixed on a young man who was standing in the middle of the hall. One could also notice the slightly tensed atmosphere in the hall.


    "That would be all for my report, ma''am." The young man said and took a step back.


    There was a brief silence but was broken almost immediately by one of the men standing beside the woman.


    "It''s been three months and you mean to tell me that you, and your team has not been able to get a hold on this Ss person. With all the resources you were given?! Is he that elusive or you guys are the one not doing your jobs well?" He asked with a raised voice.


    One could clearly sense his frustrations in his voice. It wasn''t just him but the young man who he''s ring at, is also frustrated.


    Three months ago, he was given the task of recruiting Ss¡ªan extremely powerful Phenomenal that popped out, out of nowhere. But three months now and he has gotten anything on him. Now even a lead!


    The young man felt very frustrated and offended by how the man in front of him was trying to make it look like he wasn''t doing anything. He wanted to exin the situation but he knew that doing that would only make things worst.


    He could only look at the woman seated at the middle to help him out. Actually, he''s hoping she does.


    "Silva, what do you have to say about this?" The woman asked as she looked at him with her face expressionless and her eyes, still as a spring.


    The young man named Silva, breathed out a sigh of relief when he heard her question. He was happy that she decided to speak up or be didn''t know how far that man would push him.


    "Ma''am, we have been tracking immediately after the video of him came out but we have always been hitting a wall. Sometimes we get leads on him, we follow it but it always leads to a dead end. Nothinges out of it.


    I also tried contacting the registered Phenomenals in USA but whenever we mention his name, they would shut us out. We did hear from one of them that he has left the country but we have no idea where he is right now," Silva said, as he did his best to exin himself.


    Immediately in response, that man exploded and started pointing fingers at Silva.


    "Bullshit! You telling me that one person is so hard to find?! You said that the Phenomenals shut you out and left when you asked them about Ss. Maybe it''s because you don''t know how to ask questions!


    You have the intelligence systems of the MI6 and yet you couldn''t do your fucking job!"


    Silva''s eyes twitched in anger when he heard this as a scowl painted his face. He wanted nothing more than to bash that smug face in front of him in the ground. But he knew that it would be impossible for him.


    The man barking like a chained rabid dog is a Phenomenal and one of the most powerful on the continent. He''s also the son of the woman seated in the middle but unlike his two older siblings, he''s rather spoilt and incredibly dumb.


    ''Idiot said I meant to tell him like he''s the one I''m reporting to.''


    As if to prove him right, a loud smacking sound was heard and young man who was shouting was sent sprawling to the ground


    "Youck respect. Because you recently awakened doesn''t mean that you should look down on the regr people." A sweet voice said.


    The owner of the voice was no other than the youngdy who looks exactly like the woman seated in the middle. She''s Skye Whitlock, the daughter of the current matriarch of the Whitlock family.


    The young man was about to retort but when he saw that his sister looking at him and the object in her hand, he shrunk immediately as he grudgingly picked himself up from the floor.


    The Matriarch saw that things were taking a ratheric turn and decided to send Silva away.


    After Silva left, the Matriarch tilted her head slightly and looked at the only person that has been silent throughout everything¡ªher first son, Straun Whitlock.


    "What do you think?"


    "The wind is changing directions and we have to go with it, or we risk our destruction," Straun said with a solemn look on his face.


    The Matriarch nodded in agreement with his words. "Yes. The war ising. Though it won''t start anytime soon, it''s stilling. And the appearances and the knowledge of Phenomenals existing now out in the open, things have be even moreplicated.


    It seems that this might not be a cold war or one of information but that of who has the strongest Phenomenals force. I think it''s time for us toe out of the shadows. We can no longer hide."


    "I agree with you, mother," Straun nodded.


    ****


    Incheon, South Korea.


    On the top floor of a fifty-story skyscraper, the glittering city stretched endlessly beneath the night sky.


    The bustling lights of the metropolis reflected off the ss walls, creating a kaleidoscope of color.


    On the top floor of a residential building, a young woman stood by a panoramic window. Her arms were crossed, and her expression was unreadable.


    "What are you doing standing there, staring out the window?" a voice called teasingly.


    Before she could turn, slender arms wrapped around her waist, and a yful pecknded on her cheek.


    "I told you to stop sneaking up on me and doing that, Soo-jin. You''re a girl," she said, her tone t but with a faint hint of exasperation.


    "Kekeke," Soo-jin giggled mischievously, ignoring her. "I love teasing you, single Seol Hwa. You''re always so serious. You should go out more, have fun, make friends, and maybe even have...¨C"


    Without waiting for her to finish, Seol Hwa waved her hand, and a pillow from the nearby couch sailed across the room, smacking Soo-jin squarely in the face.


    "You talk too much nonsense," Seol Hwa said as she turned back to the window. "And for your information, you''re not exactly one to talk. You''re still stainless yourself, even at twenty-nine."


    "Excuse me!" Soo-jin eximed, indignantly tossing the pillow aside. "That ispletely different. I just haven''t found a man worthy of me yet. But you..." She trailed off with a dramatic shrug.


    "Forget about that." Seol Hwa waved her off, her expression darkening slightly. "What do you think we should do now?"


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    Soo-jin paused, her teasing demeanor evaporating. "You mean...?"


    "Yes."


    Letting out a long sigh, Soo-jin flopped onto the nearby sofa and massaged her temples, a look of frustration crossing her face.


    "Why do you always have to bring that up? It ruins my mood every time. I fucking hate those bastards."


    Seol Hwa didn''t respond immediately as she turned back to look out the window.


    "You know we don''t have a choice, Soo-jin," she said finally, her voice calm butced with an edge of resignation.


    "If we don''t agree to their terms, they''ll start making things difficult for us¡ªvery difficult. And with the existence of Phenomenals now public knowledge, we''re running out of time. It''s only a matter of when, not if, theye for us. We have to make a decision soon."


    Soo-jin groaned loudly, throwing an arm over her face as shey sprawled on the sofa. "It''s all because of that damn bastard, Ss," she muttered, her voice dripping with irritation.


    "If he hadn''t gone running around the city like some damn speedster and showing off his superpower, we wouldn''t be in this mess. Stupid idiot."


    Seol Hwa''s lips pressed into a thin line. "We don''t know why he did that but we do know that he''s powerful, but the real problem is that the world saw him, and now everything''s changed."


    Soo-jin sat up abruptly, her eyes zing. "Oh, please. Powerful or not, he''s an idiot who doesn''t understand the consequences of his actions!


    People like us have kept our existence hidden for centuries for a reason. We''ve survived because we didn''t draw attention.


    And now this Ss guy decides to y superhero, and suddenly everyone''s looking for Phenomenals like we''re shiny new toys?! Do you know how scared people are outside?"


    She punched the sofa for emphasis, her frustration spilling over. "I don''t care how strong he is. He''s reckless, and because of him, we''re the ones paying the price."


    Seol Hwa turned to face her friend, her gaze steady. "You''re not wrong," she admitted. "But it''s not just him. The world was already shifting. Ss just sped up the inevitable. You know we can''t stay neutral forever."


    Soo-jin leaned back, running a hand through her hair. "Neutral, my ass," she muttered.


    "They''re going toe after us no matter what we do. And agreeing to their terms is like putting a leash around our necks and saying, ''Go ahead, pull.''"


    A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the distant hum of the city below.


    "I hate this," Soo-jin said finally, her voice quieter now. "We''re backed into a corner, and no matter which way we move, it feels like we lose."


    Seol Hwa nodded, her expression softening slightly. "I know. But doing nothing isn''t an option anymore. We need to decide how we''ll face what''sing.


    Whether we like it or not, the world knows about Phenomenals now, and they''re not going to stop until they have control¡ªof us, of everything."


    Soo-jin closed her eyes, letting out another sigh. "Fine. Let''s talk about it. But first..." She cracked one eye open, her lips quirking into a faint smirk. "I need some wine. A lot of wine. And we''re getting kimchiter and you''re paying."


    Seol Hwa allowed herself a small smile. "Deal. But only if you stop calling me ''single Seol Hwa.''"


    "No promises," Soo-jin replied, already heading for the bar in the corner of the room.

 Chapter 275: Changes

    Ss had no idea how much time had passed since he entered the Evolution Capsule.


    Inside, time seemed irrelevant¡ªan endless, formless void. The usual rhythms of life, the ticking of clocks, the shift of day into night, all of that had be meaningless.


    The third time he lost consciousness, he had expected to wake up disoriented. But nothing could have prepared him for the sheer scale of the changes happening within him.


    When his awareness slowly returned, it was as if he had been thrust into an entirely different state of being. His mind had been unleashed into a chaos of visions and knowledge.


    Memories flooded his senses, but they were not his own. They were foreign, strange, and yet familiar in a way that left him disoriented.


    Each memory was like a snippet of someone else''s life¡ªflickering in his vision for only a moment before vanishing. Alongside these memories came waves of data¡ªraw, unfiltered information, crashing against his consciousness like an unrelenting tide.


    He tried to process what was happening. It was as though a vast library had been dumped into his brain, and each book was written in anguage he didn''t understand.


    The overwhelming flood of data pushed his cognitive limits to their breaking point. Ss couldn''tprehend the sheer volume of information being force-fed into his mind.


    If he could measure the data in terms of storage capacity, it would run well over 20 terabytes, a mind-boggling amount for any human brain to process at once.


    And the memories¡ªfragments of so maby things continued to flood him without pause, leaving him grasping at straws in his attempts to make sense of them.


    They came so quickly that he barely had time to process one before the next appeared.


    It wasn''t just a passive experience either. He could feel the memoriesing from somewhere deep within his brain, though he had no idea where.


    It was as though a previously locked section of his mind had been suddenly unlocked, releasing an entire floodgate of foreign consciousness.


    The sense of alienness was disorienting, but there was something almost¡­ familiar about it too. He couldn''t exin it, nor could he control it. All he could do was endure.


    His mind was on a wild journey¡ªan untethered exploration into realms of thought and experience he had never known. Yet, amidst all the chaos, he could feel himself changing.


    His body was undergoing its second metamorphosis, but it was his mind that was undergoing the most profound transformation.


    ---


    In the real world, six months had passed since Ss entered his second evolution metamorphosis.


    Six months in which his family, too, had been undergoing their own transformations within separate enhancement capsules. Readtest stories on m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    Meanwhile, Luna had been tirelessly working on the tasks he had set before entering the capsule.


    Under her guidance, Venezu, a country once ravaged by economic copse and political instability, had begun a slow but steady rise from the ashes.


    Luna had started by revitalizing the country''s oil sector, which had long been the backbone of Venezu''s economy.


    Taking advantage of the Atomic Printer and the simted research worlds, Luna had created highly sophisticated oilfield equipment, capable of operating far beyond the capacity of anything Venezu had ever known.


    The country''s oil production now surpassed its previous output by more than 1,000%. What was once a crumbling infrastructure was now operating at the cutting edge of the industry, pumping out oil at record rates.


    But Luna knew that oil alone wouldn''t be enough to bring Venezu to its full potential.


    With her enhanced understanding of global economics and geopolitics, she recognized that a strong economy needed more than just energy¡ªit needed defense, healthcare, and education.


    So she turned her focus to Venezu''s military, pouring resources into retraining soldiers and modernizing weaponry. While the military was still far from the level Ss had envisioned, it was light years ahead of its former state.


    At the same time, Luna coborated with President Yusmairoubis to guide the country''s rebuilding.


    Together, they formed a partnership that went beyond mere politics. They shared a vision for the nation, and Luna worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality.


    One of the first major changes was in Venezu''s healthcare system. The hospitals Ss had instructed her to purchase were not just renovated¡ªthey were transformed.


    With state-of-the-art medical technology and advanced treatment options, these hospitals became more than just ces for the sick. They were centers of innovation, capable of offering treatments and services that no other country could provide.


    Luna didn''t stop there. She purchased additional hospital buildings across the country, ensuring that healthcare was avable to even the most remote regions.


    These hospitals became fully automated, staffed by highly skilled doctors, nurses, and advanced medical robots, creating an efficient and effective healthcare system.


    And, most importantly, Luna ensured that medical care was affordable. In a country where ess to healthcare had long been a privilege of the wealthy, she made sure that every citizen¡ªno matter how poor¡ªcould ess these world-ss services for little to no cost. This was just the beginning.


    She also focused on Venezu''s educational system, which had long been underfunded and neglected. Luna injected advanced technology into schools and universities, providing students with the resources they needed to excel.


    She integrated AI-powered learning systems, offering personalized education to each student, ensuring that no one fell behind.


    The results were immediate, and within months, literacy rates soared, and students began to show very noticeable improvements.


    While these changes were monumental, the people of Venezu were initially skeptical. Such drastic improvements in such a short amount of time seemed almost too good to be true.


    When news broke that the government had borrowedrge sums of money from a newly established bank, many assumed it was just another scheme for corrupt officials to line their pockets.


    But as the changes around them became impossible to ignore, the public''s opinion began to shift. Roads were repaired, schools were revitalized, hospitals were staffed with thetest technology, and jobs became more abundant.


    The citizens of Venezu began to see that the government was working for them¡ªdoing the things they had longed for. The government''s actions restored trust that had been eroded for decades, and while the improvement was gradual, it was felt by everyone.


    The quality of life for ordinary Venezuns began to improve in ways both tangible and subtle.


    ***


    The world began to take notice. The most significant development came just a month ago, when the United States, after years of imposing sanctions, suddenly lifted all restrictions on Venezu. It was a shocking move.


    For years, the US had maintained an unwavering stance against Venezu, demanding political changes in exchange for lifting sanctions. But now, they had done the unthinkable¡ªlifting sanctions without any political concessions.


    The official exnation from the US government was that the sanctions had only made life more difficult for the people of Venezu, and they had failed to bring about the desired political change. But there was more to it. The truth, known to those who understood the dynamics of international rtions, was that Venezu had be too powerful to be ignored. With Luna''s technological innovations and economic resurgence, the country no longer depended on the international system. Venezu had grown stronger than anyone could have predicted.


    Other nations followed suit, lifting their sanctions and reestablishing trade rtions with Venezu. It was a momentous shift in the geopoliticalndscape, and it left the world reeling.


    *****


    Ss was still oblivious to the changes unfolding in the world outside. He was caught in the endless cycle of information, memories, and transformation. Yet, amid the chaos, something was beginning to change within him.


    The memories, while still overwhelming, started to take shape. His mind began to organize the flood of data, creating patterns, understanding, and awareness.


    Ss could feel the transformation deep within him, a growing power that wasn''t just physical. His body was changing, yes, but so was his mind, his soul.


    He could feel knowledge that wasn''t his own bing a part of him, like pieces of a puzzle slotting into ce. The alien memories, once jumbled and meaningless, began to make sense, bing a foundation upon which his new self could build.


    As the transformation neared itspletion, Ss couldn''t help but wonder what would await him when he finally emerged from the capsule.


    Whatever it was, he knew one thing for sure: he would no longer be the same person who had entered. And the world he left behind would never be the same either.


    He was no longer just Ss. He was something more. Something new. Something beyond humanprehension. And when he emerged, the world would feel the weight of that change.


    ****


    In the real world, on the monitoring system attached to the Evolution Capsule, was disyed the progress percentage of Ss'' second evolution metamorphosis: 75%.


    ****


    Underneath the Pacific Ocean, inside the ss dome. In a massive office was seated an entity that looked human but didn''t feel human.


    "I can feel him. He''sing."

 Chapter 276: Happenings

    "This can''t be real, right?"


    The man seated at his desk asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of anger and frustration as he mmed a thick document onto the polished wood. His broad shoulders hunched, and the veins on his forehead bulged slightly, a testament to the stress boiling beneath the surface.


    Turning his chair with a heavy sigh, he fixed his piercing gaze on the young man standing before him.


    "It is what it is, boss," the young man said with a shrug, his tone casual but tinged with resignation. He scratched his head in a gesture of frustration before dropping into one of the empty chairs in the office. "We did everything we could, but nothing''s working out. Nothing''sing together."


    The older man leaned back, his leather chair creaking under his weight. He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes briefly, trying to suppress the headache building within him.


    The younger man, oblivious to the growing tension, leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "I don''t get it, boss. This guy¡­ this Ss guy¡­ what''s so special about him? I mean, yeah, he''s strange and all, running around the streets like some kind of speedster, but isn''t that all there is to it?"


    He scratched his head again, his expression a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment. "I mean, we''ve seen weird before, right? People doing crazy stunts, adrenaline junkies, even that one guy who thought he could teleport. How''s Ss any different?"


    The older man sighed heavily, his eyes meeting the young man''s with a solemn look. For a moment, the weight of his years on the job seemed to settle on his shoulders, making him appear older than he was.


    "Sebastian," he began, his voice low but firm, "there''s something I need you to understand. The two of us here were tasked with investigating this guy¡ªjust investigating¡ªand nothing more."


    He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk, his hands sped together. "I know you''re curious about him, about what he can do, and I don''t me you. But you need to realize something: this¡­ this isn''t the kind of thing we''re equipped to handle. This is federal stuff, way above our pay grade. We''re private contractors, not spooks or superheroes."


    Sebastian frowned, leaning back in his chair. "So, what are you saying? We just sit back and do the bare minimum? That doesn''t sound like you, boss. You''ve always been the guy to dig deeper, to find the truth no matter what."


    The older man shook his head, a weary smile ying on his lips. "I''m saying we do our job. We gather information, write our reports, and get paid. No heroics, no stepping on toes. And most importantly, no one gets hurt."


    He paused, his eyes locking onto Sebastian''s. "At least, I don''t want to get hurt. And I know you feel the same way."


    Sebastian exhaled sharply, crossing his arms. "Yeah, I get that. But still¡­ there''s something about this guy that doesn''t add up. He doesn''t fit the mold. One minute, he''s a nobody, and the next, he''s running faster than anyone should be able to. Then there''s the way people talk about him¡ªlike he''s some kind of ghost or legend."


    The older man nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "You''re right about one thing: Ss doesn''t fit the mold. But that''s exactly why we need to tread carefully. People like him¡­ they draw attention, the kind of attention we don''t want."


    Sebastian furrowed his brow. "You mean the Phenomenals, don''t you? I''ve heard whispers. People like Ss, doing things that shouldn''t be possible. Some call them miracles, others call them monsters."


    The older man''s jaw tightened. "And that''s why we don''t ask questions we don''t want answers to. You think the government, or whoever''s really in charge of this, wants us poking around? Hell, they probably already know we''re looking into him. We step out of line, and we''re as good as gone."


    The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling over them. The sound of the clock ticking on the wall seemed unusually loud, each second stretching into eternity.


    Sebastian finally broke the silence, his voice quieter now. "So what do we do, boss? Just file our report and move on?"


    The older man leaned back in his chair again, his gaze distant. "We finish what we were hired to do. Gather the facts, stick to the basics, and leave the big questions to the people who get paid to answer them. And we stay out of Ss''s way."


    Sebastian nodded slowly, though his curiosity remained unsatisfied. "Fair enough. But I can''t shake the feeling that this guy''s more than just some speedster. There''s something¡­ bigger at y here. Something we''re not seeing."


    The older man didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he turned his chair to face the window behind him, staring out at the city skyline. The office was perched high above the bustling streets, offering a view that was both awe-inspiring and humbling.


    "I know, Sebastian," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I feel it too."


    .....


    The office was empty now, the faint hum of fluorescent lights the only sound. The older man sat alone at his desk, the document from earlier still lying there, its contents haunting him.


    He reached for a ss of whiskey on the corner of the desk, taking a long sip before setting it down with a soft clink. His thoughts were a storm of questions and doubts, all centered around one name: Ss.


    Flipping open the document, he scanned its contents again, his eyes narrowing at the details.


    The man rubbed his temples, the stress of the situation weighing heavily on him. "What the hell are you, Ss?" he muttered under his breath.


    He pulled out hisptop, opening a secure file he''dpiled during their investigation. It contained everything they''d learned about Ss so far, though it wasn''t much. No known criminal record, no history of mental illness, and no connections to any known organizations.


    And yet, there were gaps. Odd inconsistencies in his background, moments where he seemed to disappear off the radar entirely. It was as if Ss existed in the world only when he wanted to, vanishing without a trace the rest of the time.


    The man leaned back, exhaling slowly. His gut told him that Ss was far more than they''d been led to believe. But every instinct also screamed at him to let it go, to stop digging before he found something he couldn''t unsee.


    His phone buzzed on the desk, breaking his train of thought. He nced at the screen: a message from an unknown number.


    "Drop the case. Walk away. This is your only warning."


    His blood ran cold.


    He stared at the message for a long moment before deleting it and setting the phone down carefully. Whoever sent that message knew exactly what he was doing, and they wanted him to stop.


    Continue reading on m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    But instead of fear, he felt a spark of defiance. If Ss was important enough to warrant a warning like that, then maybe the answers were worth the risk.


    For the first time, he allowed himself to consider the possibility that their investigation was about more than just a paycheck.


    "Sebastian''s right," he muttered to himself, his resolve hardening. "There''s more to this. And I''m going to find out what."


    He reached for his phone again, scrolling through his contacts until he found Sebastian''s name.


    "Sebastian, it''s me," he said when the younger man answered. "Meet me at the office tomorrow morning. There''s something we need to talk about."


    He ended the call, his eyes drifting back to the document on the desk. Whatever Ss was, whoever he was, the man was determined to uncover the truth¡ªeven if it meant stepping into a world he wasn''t prepared for.


    Because some mysteries were too big to ignore. And Ss was one of them.


    ****


    The courtroom was stifling, the air heavy with anticipation. The murmurs of the crowd had dwindled to an oppressive silence as all eyes focused on the judge, a stern-faced man with years of experience etched into the lines of his face.


    He sat at the high bench, his gavel poised but not yet raised, the weight of what''s toe, resting on his shoulders.


    In the defendant''s seat sat the used, a young man with a healthy appearance. His hands were cuffed, the chains clinking softly every time he shifted in his chair.


    He looked around the room, his gaze darting from the judge to the jury, and finally to the audience behind him. There were no friendly faces, no allies, only a sea of strangers staring back with judgment in their eyes.


    The defense attorney, a young woman with tired eyes and a frayed suit, leaned in close to whisper something to her client, but he didn''t respond. His gaze was fixed forward, on the judge, who was preparing to speak.


    The judge cleared his throat, his deep voice reverberating through the room like a tolling bell.


    "Mr. Jonathan Prall," he began, his tone grave, "you have been found guilty of the charges brought against you: first-degree murder, conspiracy tomit terrorism, and multiple counts of attempted mass destruction.


    The evidence presented to this court was overwhelming, and the jury has unanimously agreed on your guilt."


    The audience stirred slightly, very quiet mumurs were heard. The bailiff shot a sharp nce at the crowd, and the murmurs ceased.


    Jonathan sat motionless, a smile on his face and an unknown look in his eyes.


    "Do you have any final words before this court delivers its sentence?" the judge asked, his piercing gaze fixed on the used.


    Jonathan hesitated for a moment, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came. Then, after a tense pause, he leaned forward slightly, his voice slightly loud and filled with vigor. Something that''s not expected of someone in his current situation.


    "I''ve already said everything I needed to during the trial," he said. "But for the record, I still maintain I did what I had to. You call it a crime, but I call it justice."


    Gasps erupted from the audience, and a woman in the back shouted, "Murderer!" before being quickly subdued by the bailiff.


    The judge''s expression didn''t falter. He had heard every excuse and justification imaginable in his career, and this one was no different.


    "Very well," he said, his voice cold and formal. "By the power vested in me by the state, I hereby sentence you, Jonathan Prall, to death by electric chair. The execution is to be carried out within thirty days. You will be sent to Millhaven Institution."


    The gavel came down with a sharp crack, and the sound seemed to echo endlessly in the solemn room.


    Jonathan sat back in his chair, his face expressionless as if the weight of the sentence hadn''t yet registered. The crowd erupted into a cacophony of reactions¡ªsome cheering, others weeping, and a few protesting loudly.


    The bailiffs moved in swiftly, securing Jonathan''s arms and preparing to escort him out. His attorney ced a hand on his shoulder, her face a mix of resignation and pity.


    As Jonathan was led from the courtroom, he turned his head slightly, his gaze lingering on the audience, like he was looking for someone.


    Out of the crowd, he saw a young beautifuldy smiling at him and the next was a voice in his head.


    "Don''t worry, babe. I''m gonna get you out of there in no time."


    Jonathan smiled when he heard this. He saw thedy wink at him afterwards and waved flirtily at him before leaving the courtroom.


    ''I will waiting for you babe. I will waiting. Don''t take too long.''

 Chapter 277 Prison Break Plans

    Chapter 277 Prison Break ns


    Inside a dimly lit room in an undisclosed location, the tension was palpable. The air was thick with cigarette smoke, the faint scent of alcohol lingering in the background.


    Three men sat around a battered wooden table, their faces partially obscured by the dim light of a single overhead bulb.


    Opposite them stood a woman, her stance firm and her eyes zing with intensity. Her name was Tacha, and she was the kind of person you didn''t cross lightly.


    "They''ve gotten Donovan, and we have to get him out," Tacha announced, her voice cutting through the oppressive silence like a de.


    Darwin, the burliest of the three men, leaned forward, his expression a mixture of disbelief and irritation.


    "Are you crazy, bitch?! Donovan was sent to a maximum-security prison. How the hell do you n to break him out of there?" he snapped, his voice rising with each word.


    The second man, Elijah, leaned back in his chair, a weary sigh escaping his lips. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but it was one born of resignation rather than amusement.


    "Tacha," he said, his tone measured, "I get where you''reing from. I really do. But you have to understand¡ªthis is impossible. Even if we wanted to help, the odds are stacked against us."


    The third man, Miguel, remained silent, his eyes darting between the others. He was the youngest of the group, clearly unsure of where he stood in the conversation.


    Tacha didn''t flinch. She tapped the table lightly with her fingers, her gaze never leaving Darwin''s furious face. "Not yet," she said, her voice calm but resolute. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Not yet?" Darwin repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Listen, I know you and Donovan had¡­whatever it is you had. I get it. Love makes people do crazy things. But this? This isn''t just crazy. This is suicide. Donovan''s being transferred to Millhaven, and once he''s there, that''s it. Game over. There''s no breaking him out of a fortress like that."


    Tacha''s lips curled into a smirk, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "That''s why I said ''not yet.''"


    Elijah sat up straighter, his curiosity piqued. "What are you getting at, Tacha?" he asked, his tone cautious but intrigued.


    Tacha folded her arms across her chest, her smirk growing. "Donovan won''t be transferred to Millhaven until his sentencing is finalized," she exined, her voiceced with confidence.


    Darwin frowned, confusion flickering across his rugged features. "What do you mean? The judge handed down her verdict yesterday. Isn''t that final?" he asked, his toneced with doubt.


    Tacha shook her head. "The verdict''s in, sure. But the sentencing hasn''t been finalized. We still have a window of time¡ªa small one, but it''s there."


    "And what do you n to do with that window?" Elijah asked, leaning forward, his interest now fully engaged.


    "We appeal the case," Tacha said, her smirk widening into a full-blown grin.


    Darwin let out a bark ofughter, though there was no humor in it. "Appeal? Are you kidding me? Tacha, the evidence against Donovan is airtight. Hell, we all know he''s guilty of the charges. What''s the point?"


    "Who said anything about winning the appeal? That''s just a stalling tactic. While the courts are busy with the paperwork, we''ll be nning something bigger," Tacha said with the grin still on her face.


    Darwin''sughter stopped abruptly. His eyes narrowed as he realized what she was implying.


    "You''re talking about breaking him out," he said, his voice a low growl. "You''ve lost your damn mind. How the hell do you expect to pull off something like that? And what''s this ''we'' nonsense? Don''t drag us into your mess!"


    Miguel, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Tacha, do you even know what you''re saying? Breaking Donovan out¡­ That''s not just risky, it''s suicide. Maximum-security prisons aren''t exactly easy to infiltrate."


    Tacha''s gaze shifted to Miguel, her expression softening slightly. "I know it''s dangerous. But Donovan isn''t just some criminal to me. He''s family. And I''m not going to sit back and let them bury him alive in that hellhole."


    Darwin shot to his feet, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "You''re out of your goddamn mind!" he bellowed. "Donovan''s choices got him into this mess, and now you want us to risk our lives cleaning it up? Screw that!"


    Tacha''s eyes darkened, and she took a step closer to Darwin, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.


    "Darwin," she hissed, "you''ve been running your mouth all night, and I''ve let it slide. But let me make myself clear¡ªsay one more thing, and I swear I''ll rip your guts out and string them across this table. You want to test me? Go ahead."


    The room fell deathly silent. Darwin red at Tacha, his fists clenched at his sides, but he didn''t say another word. Slowly, he sat back down, though his expression remained one of barely contained fury.


    Elijah cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Alright, let''s say we go along with this crazy n. What''s your angle, Tacha? How do you propose we do this?"


    Tacha straightened up, her confidence returning. "We start with the transfer," she said. "They''ll move Donovan from the courthouse to the holding facility before taking him to Millhaven. That''s our best chance. The convoy will be heavily guarded, but it''s nothing we can''t handle with the right preparation."


    Miguel frowned. "And what about after? Even if we manage to intercept the convoy, they''ll have roadblocks, surveince, maybe even air support. How do we get away clean?"


    Tacha''s smirk returned. "Leave that to me. I''ve got connections¡ªpeople who owe me favors. Once we get Donovan, they''ll help us disappear."


    Darwin scoffed. "Disappear? For how long? You think the feds are just going to forget about this? They''ll hunt us down like dogs."


    Tacha''s eyes gleamed with determination. "Let them try. I''m not afraid of them. And if you''re too much of a coward to stand with me, Darwin, then get the hell out of my way."


    Darwin opened his mouth to retort but stopped when Elijah raised a hand. "Enough," Elijah said firmly. He turned to Tacha, his expression serious.


    "If we do this, we''re all in. No half-measures, no second-guessing. Are you absolutely sure about this?"


    Tacha nodded without hesitation. "I''m sure. Donovan''s worth it. And if any of you don''t feel the same, you''re free to walk away."


    Elijah exchanged a nce with Miguel, who looked uncertain but eventually nodded. Darwin, after a long moment of silence, let out a frustrated growl. "Fine," he muttered. "But if this goes south, don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    Tacha''s smile returned, though this time it carried a hint of gratitude. "Good," she said. "Then let''s get to work. We''ve got a prison break to n."

 Chapter 278 The Money Heist

    Chapter 278 The Money Heist


    The cold, sterile silence of the bank was shattered when five masked figures stormed through the entrance, their coordinated movements radiating menace.


    Customers and employees froze in shock, the sterile hum of air conditioning now apanied by the clicks of automatic weapons.


    "Everybody down! Now!" barked the tallest of the group, his voice muffled by a skeletal ck mask.


    This was the leader of the crew, Cain. His piercing gaze swept across the room as the bank''s patrons cowered on the floor.


    To his right, a woman in a sleek red mask grinned as she sauntered over to the bank manager, who was visibly trembling. "Hi there," she purred, twirling her pistol. "You''re going to open that vault for us, aren''t you?"


    The manager hesitated, his lips trembling as he tried to stammer out a response. Before he could, Cain''s partner¡ªa hulking figure called Torque¡ªstepped forward. His body brimming with an unnatural, metallic sheen. His superpower: the ability to transform his skin into steel.


    Torque mmed his fist into the ss countertop, shattering it like it was made of paper. "She wasn''t asking," he growled.


    The threat was enough to send the manager scrambling toward the vault without further resistance.


    At the rear of the group, another man, slim and wiry, was scanning the room with sharp eyes.


    "Eyes open, people," he muttered, his tone calm despite the chaos. "Cops will be here in five minutes tops. Let''s move."


    The fifth member of the crew, a petite woman with a dark green mask, leaned against the wall.


    As the robbers spread out, Cain turned to Blink. "Cover the exits. No one gets in or out without us knowing."


    Blink gave a curt nod and disappeared in a sh of blue light, reappearing instantaneously near the entrance, where he ced a series of small, glowing devices on the walls. "Trip mines armed," he reported.


    Meanwhile, the bank manager nervously entered the code to the vault as Red, the second woman, kept her gun trained on him. "Keep your hands steady, old man," she teased, her voice like silk wrapped around a dagger.


    The vault door hissed open, revealing rows of cash and gold bars. Torque grinned, grabbing duffel bags from a nearby table and tossing them toward Cain and Red. "Let''s fill up and get out of here."


    Suddenly, the piercing wail of sirens filled the air. Red rolled her eyes. "Right on time," she muttered, grabbing fistfuls of cash and stuffing them into the bags.


    Cain''s voice cut through the tension like a whip. "Blink, status?"


    Blink reappeared beside him. "Cops are setting up a perimeter. SWAT''s probably on the way."


    Cain cursed under his breath. "Alright, everyone stick to the n. Ivy, you''re up."


    Ivy nodded, stepping forward and cing her hands on the tiled floor. Small cracks spread outward as green tendrils began to burst forth, snaking their way toward the bank''s entrances. Within moments, the front doors were covered in a writhing mass of roots and vines, creating a natural barricade.


    "Buy us some time, but don''t trap us in here," Cain ordered.


    "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing," Ivy shot back, her tone cool and measured.


    The first gunshot rang out, a warning shot from a police officer outside. "This is the police!" a voice boomed through a megaphone. "You''re surrounded! Come out with your hands up!"


    Cain sneered, grabbing his weapon and checking the chamber. "Alright, people. Showtime. Blink, stay mobile. Ivy, keep the cops busy. Red and Torque, on me."


    Before anyone could respond, the police opened fire, their bullets ricocheting harmlessly off Torque''s metallic skin as he charged toward the barricaded entrance. He shoved aside the vines with ease, opening a small gap to return fire with his automatic rifle.


    Blink teleported in and out of the mix, his movements unpredictable and disorienting for the officers.


    One moment he was at the entrance, the next he was atop a nearby desk, taking shots at the cops through the window. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ivy, meanwhile, focused on reinforcing the barricades, her vines growing thicker and denser with each passing second. She sent a cluster of tendrils through a broken window, wrapping them around an officer''s leg and pulling him off his feet.


    Redughed as she provided cover fire for Cain, her bullets forcing the police to take cover behind their vehicles. "This is too easy," she said, a wild gleam in her eyes.


    Cain, however, wasn''t smiling. He knew they were running out of time. "Everyone, fall back! Blink, prep for extraction!"


    As the team began retreating toward the rear exit, the sound of a shbang grenade filled the air, followed by a deafening explosion. The room was momentarily bathed in white light, and Torque let out a roar of pain as a bullet found its mark, striking him in a vulnerable joint where his metallic skin couldn''t fully protect him.


    "Torque''s hit!" Red shouted, rushing to his side.


    "Leave him!" Cain barked, but Red ignored him, slinging Torque''s arm over her shoulder and helping him limp toward the exit.


    Blink appeared beside them, his expression grim. "We need to move. Now."


    Cain and Ivy provided cover fire as the team made their way to the alley behind the bank. Police sirens grew louder, and the heavy thud of boots signaled that SWAT was closing in.


    "Blink, get us out of here!" Cain ordered.


    Blink grabbed hold of Torque and Red first, teleporting them a few blocks away to a predetermined safe house. He returned a secondter, grabbing Cain and Ivy and disappearing just as the SWAT team breached the rear door.


    ***


    In the safe house, the team regrouped. Torque wasid out on a makeshift cot, his face pale and his breathingbored. Blood seeped from the wound in his shoulder, staining the metallic sheen of his skin.


    "We need to stop the bleeding," Ivy said, already pulling supplies from a first aid kit.


    Red knelt beside Torque, her hands trembling as she applied pressure to the wound. "You''re going to be fine," she murmured, though the fear in her eyes betrayed her words.


    Cain paced the room, his jaw clenched. "This wasn''t supposed to happen," he muttered. "We were supposed to be in and out. Clean. What the hell went wrong?"


    Blink leaned against the wall, exhaustion etched into his features. "We underestimated their response time. That''s on me."


    "It''s on all of us," Ivy said firmly as she worked to stabilize Torque. "But we don''t have time to point fingers. We need to get out of the city before they track us here."


    Cain nodded, his mind already racing with ns. "Alright. We''ll split up. Blink, you''re taking Torque and Red to the secondary location. Ivy and I will handle the cleanup here."


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 Chapter 279: Rescuing Donovan

    "Is this really happening?" Miguel asked as he nced nervously at Tacha, his fingers fidgeting with the straps of his tactical vest.


    "Yes, it''s happening," Tacha replied coolly, adjusting the ck hood that shielded her face from the rain. Her tone was calm, but the steel in her voice left no room for doubt.


    Miguel exhaled sharply, his nerves fraying with each passing moment. "N-no¡­ I mean, yeah¡­ but we''re helping someone escape. It''s not really¡­ legal, you know?"


    Tacha turned to him, her expression softening slightly as she registered his unease. For all his jitters, Miguel had always stepped up and turned up for her. That counted for something.


    Tacha looked at him for a moment and smiled. Shepletely understood what he was feeling. What they are about to do is something dangerous and borderline crazy.


    At least for people like them but it''s something that must be done. There''s no way that she''s going to let Donovan to rot in prison. She has to stop him from going there or break him out of there, even if it means giving up her life. That''s just how much she loves him.


    She sighed as she thought of the reason why Donovan is in prison. It was because of her. Maybe it''s the reason why she doesn''t want him to go to jail for it.


    She ruffled his hair yfully, a faint smile breaking through the tension. "You''re right, Miguel. What we''re about to do is crazy and illegal, but I have to do it. I understand if you don''t want to go through with it. But I think you know why I asked you for help."


    Miguel swallowed hard and gave her a faint nod. "Yeah, I know."


    "I trust you," Tacha said, her voice quieter now. "You''re not just a friend to me. You''re like a brother. After Donovan, you''re the closest person I''ve got."


    Miguel''s chest tightened at her words. He looked away quickly, his cheeks burning despite the cold rain. A brother¡­ he thought bitterly, clenching his fists. But he shoved the feelings down. This wasn''t the time.


    Tacha turned back to the road ahead, her focus sharpening as she spotted the faint glow of headlights cutting through the rain in the distance. "It''s time," she said, her tone hardening as the convoy approached.


    The rain poured down in relentless sheets, obscuring the moonlight and cloaking the convoy in darkness. The rhythmic hum of engines filled the air as the armored vehicles rolled steadily along the highway.


    Inside the lead truck, heavily armed guards sat with rifles in hand, their eyes scanning the wet, empty road ahead. Unseen by them, a shadowy figure perched silently on a nearby hill, her sharp eyes fixed on her prey.


    Tacha crouched low, her soaked ck hoodie clinging to her body as she whispered into thems. "Positions?"


    "Ready," came Elijah''s calm reply through the earpiece. His voice was steady, but Tacha knew him well enough to sense the tension beneath it.


    "Set," Miguel chimed in. His voice carried a nervous edge, but he was doing his best to stayposed. This wasn''t his world, but he was here anyway, standing beside her like he always had.


    Darwin''s voice crackledst. "Locked and loaded, Tacha. But if this screws up, don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    Tacha smirked despite the gravity of the situation. "Noted," she replied, her eyes narrowing as the convoy neared their ambush point. "Remember, no mistakes. We''ve got one shot at this."


    The lead truck passed the first marker¡ªa small, nondescript reflector set into the roadside¡ªand Tacha gave the signal.


    "Go."


    ***


    Miguel''s heart pounded as he gripped the steering wheel of the old semi-truck they''d rigged for the job. His palms were slick with sweat, despite the chill of the night air that leaked through the cracked windows.


    He could see the convoy approaching in his rearview mirror, its headlights cutting through the rain like twin beams of judgment.


    "Anytime now, Miguel," Tacha''s voice cut through his thoughts.


    "On it," he muttered, swallowing hard as he pressed his foot down on the elerator. The truck roared to life, pulling out of its hiding spot and lurching onto the road.


    The convoy''s lead vehicle red its horn in protest, its driver forced to swerve to avoid a collision. Miguel gritted his teeth, his truck now effectively blocking the narrow twone highway.


    "Phase oneplete," Miguel called into his earpiece, his voice trembling just slightly.


    "Good work," Tacha replied. "Now get ready for phase two."


    ***


    From her vantage point, Tacha watched as the convoy came to a grinding halt. Guards spilled out of the vehicles, shouting orders as they tried to assess the situation. She counted their movements, tracking their patterns, before her eyes settled on the armored transport in the middle of the convoy. That was their target.


    She pressed a button on her wristwatch, and an explosion rocked the road just behind the convoy, throwing up a plume of fire and debris. The guards immediately turned their attention to the rear, their weapons drawn and their shouts growing frantic.


    "Darwin, you''re up," Tachamanded.


    A hulking shadow emerged from the treeline, carrying a massive steel bar like it weighed nothing. Darwin moved quickly and efficiently, mming the bar into the transport''s reinforced rear door. Sparks flew as the metal groaned in protest, but it held firm.


    "Hurry it up," Elijah''s voice cut in, the first hints of anxiety creeping into his usual calm tone. "They''re going to regroup fast."


    Darwin grunted, putting his full weight into another strike. This time, the lock gave way, and the door swung open with a metallic screech.


    Inside, Donovan sat in chains, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. "Tacha?" he asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and relief.


    "Hey, handsome," Tacha replied, hopping into the transport and quickly getting to work on his restraints. "Miss me?"


    Donovan smirked, his usual confidence shining through despite the situation. "You have no idea."


    "Less flirting, more escaping," Darwin growled, hauling the transport door shut as bullets began to ping off the vehicle''s exterior.


    ***


    "Go, go, go!" Miguel shouted into thems as he watched Tacha and Donovan climb into one of the getaway vehicles.


    The convoy guards had regrouped faster than expected. Gunfire erupted, the sharp cracks cutting through the night as Darwin returned fire from the back of the retreating vehicle. Elijah floored the gas, the tires skidding briefly on the wet pavement before finding traction.


    Miguel followed close behind in his own vehicle, his hands trembling on the wheel as he maneuvered through the chaos.


    "We''ve gotpany!" Elijah called out as a helicopter''s spotlight pierced through the darkness, illuminating their escape route.


    Tacha grabbed a handhelduncher from the floor of their vehicle, rolling down the window. "Not for long," she muttered, aiming carefully despite the bumpy ride. She pulled the trigger, and the missile streaked upward, its fiery trail cutting through the rain before exploding against the helicopter''s tail rotor. The chopper spun out of control, veering away before crashing into the trees in a fiery explosion.


    "That was too close," Miguel muttered, his eyes darting between the road and his mirrors.


    "Just keep driving," Tacha ordered. "We''re not out of this yet."


    ***


    The group''s vehicles barreled down the deste highway, their engines roaring as they pushed toward the extraction point. Behind them, the remaining convoy vehicles gave chase, their headlights cutting through the rain like vengeful spirits.


    "Spike strips ahead," Darwin warned, leaning out of the vehicle to toss a bundle of chains and hooks onto the road. The pursuing cars hit the strips, their tires bursting in rapid session.


    "Nice work," Elijah said, sparing a nce at Darwin through the rearview mirror.


    "Let''s hope that buys us enough time," Tacha added, her grip tightening on theuncher in herp.


    ***


    As the extraction point came into view¡ªa secluded airstrip hidden in the dense forest¡ªTacha allowed herself a brief moment of relief.


    "We''re almost there," she said into thems.


    Miguel pulled his truck into a sharp turn, the tires kicking up mud as they skidded to a stop near the waiting ne. The group piled out of their vehicles, rushing toward the open cargo bay as armed guards from the airstrip provided covering fire.


    Tacha turned back briefly, her eyes meeting Donovan''s. He hesitated, then gave her a small nod, his usual bravado reced with something softer. Gratitude.


    "Go," she said, pushing him toward the ne.


    Darwin was thest to board, mming the hatch shut as the engines roared to life. The ne sped down the runway, its wheels lifting off just as the first reinforcements from the convoy arrived at the airstrip.


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    Inside the ne, the group sat in tense silence, the adrenaline slowly wearing off. Tacha leaned back against the wall, her eyes closed as she let out a shaky breath.


    "You''re insane," Donovan said, sitting across from her.


    She opened one eye and smirked. "You''re wee."


    Miguel, sitting off to the side, stole a nce at her. For all the chaos and danger, he couldn''t shake the warmth in his chest. She''d called him a brother, but as he watched her banter with Donovan, he knew his feelings ran far deeper than that.


    For now, though, he kept them to himself.

 Chapter 280: Donald

    The rain poured heavily, soaking the dark streets with an icy chill. Donald, barely seventeen, crouched behind a stack of rusted barrels, his chest heaving as he fought to steady his breathing.


    His hands gripped a steel pipe tightly, the cold metal biting into his palms. The sound ofughter and jeering echoed from the dpidated warehouse ahead. Inside, his sister and little brother were held captive.


    His body ached, bruises forming from the earlier struggle to even reach this far. But he couldn''t stop now. Failure wasn''t an option, not when his family depended on him.


    He peeked around the corner, his heart sinking as he took in the scene. Four men lounged near the center of the warehouse, all armed.


    One had a crowbar, another a knife, while the rest had guns slungzily over their shoulders. Beyond them, in the shadows, his sister sat huddled on the ground, tied to a post.


    Tears streaked her dirt-stained face, her gaze full of fear. His younger brother, only ten, was unconscious, slumped nearby with ropes digging into his small wrists.


    The boy tightened his grip on the pipe, anger boiling in his chest.


    "You can do this," he whispered to himself, though the doubt was still there, doing its best to eat away at his resolve. He wasn''t trained for this. He wasn''t a fighter. But he was their brother, and that had to be enough.


    Taking a deep breath, he slipped through the broken doorway, keeping low to the ground. The metallic tang of blood and rust filled his nose, mingling with the damp scent of rain. He crept closer, his footsteps drowned out by theughter of his enemies.


    "Kid put up quite a fight, didn''t he?" one of the men said, nodding toward the unconscious boy.


    "Stupid brat thought he could stop us," another chuckled, leaning back against a stack of crates. "Should''ve just run when he had the chance. Now, he''s ours."


    The boy''s blood boiled, his grip on the pipe tightening until his knuckles turned white. He couldn''t wait any longer.


    With a guttural shout, he burst from the shadows, swinging the pipe with all his strength. The metal connected with the back of the nearest man''s head, sending him sprawling to the ground.


    "What the¡ª?!" another yelled, but the boy was already moving, his heart pounding like a drum.


    He dodged a clumsy swing from the man with the crowbar, the weapon whistling through the air where his head had been moments before.


    He swung the pipe again, this time aiming for the man''s ribs. The sickening crack of bone echoed in the warehouse, followed by a howl of pain.


    Donald barely had time to register his small victories before the others closed in. The man with the knife lunged at him, shing wildly.


    He stumbled back, the de missing his chest by inches. Desperation fueled his movements as he ducked and weaved, trying to keep them at bay.


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    A sudden blow to his side sent him crashing to the ground. He gasped as pain radiated through his ribs, but he forced himself to roll away before the crowbar came down again, smashing into the concrete where he''d been lying.


    The menughed cruelly, circling him like vultures.


    "Brave little kid, aren''t you?" the man with the knife sneered, twirling the de in his hand. "Too bad bravery doesn''t mean a damn thing in the real world."


    Donald spat blood onto the floor, ring up at them. "Let them go," he said with a raspy voice.


    The leader of the group¡ªa burly man with a scar running down his cheek¡ªstepped forward, his boots crunching against the ground. He crouched low, staring the boy in the eye.


    "Or what?" the man said, his voice dripping with mockery. "You''ll fight us all? Look at you. You''re barely standing."


    The boy''s hand tightened around the pipe, but his strength was waning. His vision blurred as exhaustion and pain threatened to pull him under.


    "Let me teach you something about the world, kid," the leader continued, standing to his full height.


    "You don''t win because you''re right. You win because you''re stronger. And you¡­" He kicked the boy hard in the stomach, sending him sprawling onto his back. "You''re not strong enough."


    Donald groaned, clutching his side as fresh waves of pain wracked his body. But even as hey there, battered and broken, his mind raced. He couldn''t give up. Not while his sister and brother were still here.


    Summoning thest of his strength, he pushed himself to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him. He raised the pipe again, his hands shaking.


    The menughed, the sound echoing like thunder in the cavernous space.


    "Persistent little bastard," one of them muttered, raising his gun.


    "No!" the leader barked, holding up a hand. "Let''s finish this the old-fashioned way. I want him to remember how badly he lost."


    The knife-wielding man stepped forward, a predatory grin spreading across his face. He feinted to the left, then lunged to the right, shing at the boy''s arm. The de bit into his flesh, drawing a crimson line across his bicep.


    Donald cried out, stumbling back, but he swung the pipe wildly, catching the man in the shoulder. The attacker snarled in pain, clutching his arm, but another blow from behind sent the boy crashing to the ground once more.


    This time, he didn''t get up.


    His vision swam as hey there, blood pooling beneath him. He could hear his sister screaming his name, her voice shrill with terror.


    "No!" she cried. "Please, stop! Don''t hurt him!"


    The leader chuckled darkly, crouching over the boy''s broken body. "You should''ve stayed home, kid. Now, you''re gonna die here, and no one will even know your name."


    But then, something unexpected happened. The faint sound of sirens echoed in the distance, growing louder with each passing second.


    "Shit," one of the men muttered, his confidence faltering. "Cops."


    The leader cursed under his breath, straightening up. "Grab the kids and move. We''ll deal with thister."

 Chapter 281: Bravo One鈥擟allen

    Donald''s heart sank as he watched them untie his sister and brother, dragging them toward the back exit. He tried to crawl after them, but his body refused to obey.


    "L-leave them¡­" he choked out, his voice barely a whisper.


    The leader nced back at him, a sneer on his face. "Next time, don''t pick a fight you can''t win."


    With that, they disappeared into the night, leaving the boy alone in the cold, empty warehouse.


    Rain continued to pour through the broken roof, mingling with the blood that seeped from his wounds. Hey there for what felt like hours, his mind reying the fight over and over.


    Eventually, he forced himself to move, every inch of his body screaming in protest. He stumbled to his feet, his vision darkening at the edges. Somehow, he managed to stagger out of the warehouse and into the rain-soaked streets.


    The sirens were closer now, but he couldn''t risk being caught. If the police took him in, he''d lose any chance of saving his siblings.


    Clutching his side, he limped into the shadows, disappearing into the night like a wounded animal.


    His heart burned with guilt and anger, the weight of his failure pressing down on him like a crushing tide. But even as despair threatened to consume him, one thought kept him going.


    "I''ll find them. No matter what it takes, I''ll find them. And I will kill all of you!"


    ****


    The sound of his boots hitting the cold, hard ground echoed faintly in the silence of the abandoned facility. Lt. Callen Rourke, a seasoned special ops soldier, moved with precision, his rifle firmly in his grasp.


    His night-vision goggles cast an eerie green glow over his field of view, painting the crumbling walls and debris-strewn floors in shades of shadowy green.


    He crouched low behind a metal crate, his heart beating in a steady rhythm. The mission was simple on paper: extract a high-value target being held hostage deep within this isted industrialplex.


    But Callen knew better than to trust simplicity in the field. Things had a habit of going sideways, especially in ces like this.


    Thems in his earpiece crackled to life.


    "Bravo One, status report," came the voice of his handler, steady and professional.


    "Bravo One here," Callen whispered, his voice barely audible. "I''m inside. Approaching the designated sector. No hostiles spotted yet."


    "Copy that. Be advised, we''ve lost contact with Alpha Team. Proceed with extreme caution."


    A sinking feeling settled in Callen''s gut, but he shoved it aside. There was no room for hesitation, not now.


    He moved deeper into the facility, his senses on high alert. The faint hum of electricity buzzed in the air, and the asional drip of water echoed through the hollow corridors. Every step felt like a gamble, the tension building with every meter he covered.


    As he rounded a corner, his goggles picked up movement¡ªa faint blur darting across his peripheral vision. He froze, his finger hovering over the trigger. But when he scanned the area again, there was nothing.


    "Something''s off," he muttered under his breath.


    He continued forward, his grip on the rifle tightening. He reached arge steel door marked with faded yellow letters. This was it¡ªthe room where the target was supposedly held.


    Callen leaned against the wall beside the door, steadying his breathing. With a flick of his wrist, he switched his goggles to thermal mode. Through the heavy metal, he could see two heat signatures inside¡ªone seated and still, the other pacing back and forth.


    He readied a shbang. With one swift motion, he kicked the door open and tossed the grenade inside.


    The deafening bang and blinding light filled the room, followed by shouts of confusion. Callen surged in, his rifle trained on the nearest figure.


    "Drop your weapon!" he barked.


    The pacing figure, a man d in tactical gear, fumbled with his weapon, clearly disoriented.


    Callen didn''t hesitate¡ªhe fired a precise shot, the silenced rifle spitting death as the man crumpled to the floor.


    The seated figure, a young woman with tear-streaked cheeks and a gag in her mouth, flinched at the gunfire. Callen moved to her quickly, cutting her restraints.


    "Are you alright?" he asked, his tone firm but not unkind.


    She nodded frantically, her wide eyes filled with fear.


    "Stay close to me," he ordered, helping her to her feet.


    But as they moved toward the exit, a sound stopped Callen in his tracks¡ªa faint beeping noise. His blood ran cold.


    He scanned the room, his gazending on a blinking red light hidden beneath the table. A bomb.


    "Damn it," he hissed.


    He grabbed the woman''s arm, pulling her toward the door.


    "Run!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the oppressive silence.


    They barely made it out of the room when the explosion tore through the air, the force of the st throwing them both to the ground. Callen''s ears rang as he struggled to his feet, his vision swimming.


    "Are you hurt?" he asked, shaking the woman''s shoulder.


    She coughed, her face pale.


    "I¡­ I''m okay."


    Before he could respond, his earpiece crackled again, but this time, the voice was frantic.


    "Bravo One, we''ve got multiple heat signatures converging on your location. You need to move, now!"


    Callen cursed under his breath, pulling the woman to her feet. They stumbled through the corridors, the sound of approaching footsteps growing louder.


    Suddenly, a burst of gunfire erupted behind them. Callen spun around, firing back as he shoved the woman behind cover.


    "Stay down!" he ordered, his voice sharp.


    The attackers came in waves, their dark silhouettes blending with shadow around him. Callen picked them off one by one, his movements as fast and as deadly, as possible. But they just kepting, relentless in their assault.


    A sharp pain tore through his side, and he staggered back, clutching his ribs. His gloved hand came away slick with blood.


    "Damn it," he muttered, gritting his teeth.


    He knew he couldn''t keep this up much longer. His vision blurred, and his movements grew sluggish. But the thought of leaving the woman behind kept him going.


    "Go!" he shouted, pushing her toward the exit. "Get out of here!"


    "No!" she cried, tears streaming down her face.


    "Just go!" he roared, his voice filled with desperation.


    The woman hesitated, her expression torn, but she eventually turned and ran.

 Chapter 282: Waking Up

    Ss had no idea how much time had passed. The relentless, searing pain that had once consumed his body and clogged his thoughts had finally subsided, though he couldn''t recall exactly when. What felt like an eternity of agony had melted into a void of stillness.


    The incessant shing of memories that had overwhelmed him, one after the other, had also ceased. They had previously bombarded him in a chaotic flood, offering no room for understanding or context.


    Even the torrent of information that had poured into his mind. An amount so vast it felt as though his brain would rupture¡ªhad slowed and ultimately stopped.


    For the first time in what felt like forever, Ss''s mind was quiet. Yet, in the stillness, he noticed something profound.


    Despite not being fully awake, he sensed his perception had sharpened dramatically. His awareness expanded beyond the confines of his own body, touching the edges of something vast and unseen.


    It was strange. His thoughts were clearer, more organized. And this is even without allocating additional stat points to his attributes.


    It was as if his mind had undergone a deep recalibration during his unconscious state. Alongside this mental rity, he felt a tangible difference within himself.


    His body, though still lying motionless, thrummed with a strange, renewed energy. He couldn''t put it into words, but there was a sense ofpletion.


    It felt as if he had reimed a part of himself that had been lost, though he couldn''t recall when or how it had been missing in the first ce.


    For a moment, Ss simply existed in that space, marveling at the quiet but undeniable changes within. Then, slowly, the world began to reach him again.


    His senses, dulled by the extended metamorphosis, started to awaken. At first, it was faint¡ªan indistinct murmur at the edge of his consciousness. Then, gradually, the sounds became clearer, growing louder and more defined.


    He could hear voices, distinct yet unfamiliar. They spoke in tones that ranged from hushed to sharp, urgency woven into their exchanges. He caught snippets of their conversation, though the meaning eluded him.


    *****


    The warehouse was eerily quiet, its dim lighting casting long shadows over the cold, metallic surfaces. Chris stood with his arms crossed, his brow furrowed as he stared at the Evolution Capsule.


    Beside him, Kim held Alex''s hand tightly, her other arm wrapped protectively around his shoulder. Luna stood slightly apart from the group, her glowing eyes fixed on the capsule, her sensors processing every anomaly.


    Alex tugged at Kim''s hand, his young face a mixture of awe and nervousness. "Mom, is Ss going to be okay?"


    Kim bent down, her voice soft but firm. "Nothing''s wrong with him, Alex. You know your brother. He''ll be okay."


    Chris didn''t say anything, but his clenched jaw and the way his eyes never left the capsule spoke volumes. Though he knew that there was nothing wrong, he was worried, though he didn''t want to admit it aloud.


    Luna tilted her head slightly, her voice breaking the tense silence. "Anomalous energy spikes detected," she said.


    "This phase is far beyond the parameters observed during the first evolution metamorphosis. Brace yourselves."


    Chris'' eyes sharpened immediately and his expression turned solemn. He stepped closer, his tone sharp.


    "What do you mean, ''beyond parameters''? Luna, is this dangerous?"


    "Unprecedented but not necessarily dangerous," Luna replied, her voice calm. "But we must remain cautious."


    Before anyone could respond, the fluid inside the Evolution Capsule began to churn violently, bubbling as if brought to a furious boil. Alex flinched, pressing closer to Kim, who pulled him into her arms.


    "What''s happening?" Chris demanded, his voice rising.


    Luna didn''t answer immediately. Her glowing eyes flickered as she scanned the readings. "The containment field is destabilizing. The fluid is evaporating."


    And then, without warning, the liquid inside the capsule vanished, evaporating in an instant.


    The group froze as the air around them shifted. Chris felt it first¡ªa strange tug, like the room itself was drawing breath. "What the hell¡­" he muttered, looking around.


    The air began rushing toward the Evolution Capsule, spiraling faster and faster until a miniature tornado formed around it. Papers, tools, and loose objects from the surrounding tables were sucked into the vortex, spinning violently.


    "Everyone, stay back!" Luna said sharply, stepping protectively in front of the group.


    Kim pulled Alex closer, shielding him with her body as Chris moved to stand beside them, his eyes narrowing at the surreal sight unfolding before him.


    The vortex intensified, the howling winds filling the warehouse with a deafening roar. Sparks of light erupted around the capsule, crackling like lightning. The temperature in the room seemed to rise and fall erratically, the air charged with an almost unbearable tension.


    "Ss¡­" Chris whispered, his worry now etched clearly on his face.


    Then, with a sudden and explosive force, the vortex dispersed.


    The shockwave sted outward, mming into everything in its path. Tables overturned, crates were hurled across the warehouse, and debris scattered in every direction.


    Chris stumbled but managed to stay on his feet, shielding Kim and Alex with his body. Luna, standing firm, absorbed the brunt of the force, her synthetic frame steady despite the chaos.


    Alex clung tightly to Kim, his wide eyes darting around the room. "What was that?!" he cried, his voice high-pitched with fear.


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    Kim''s grip on him tightened. "It''s okay, Alex. We''re okay."


    As the shockwave subsided, the warehouse fell into an uneasy silence. The air was thick, heavy with an almost electric charge.


    All eyes turned to the capsule, which now sat still in the center of the room, steam hissing from its seams.


    "It''s opening," Luna said, her voice low but steady.


    The capsule''s outer shell began to creak, its reinforced doors sliding apart with deliberate slowness. A blinding light spilled out, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.


    Chris squinted, trying to make out the figure inside. "Is that¡­?"


    The light dimmed, revealing Ss.


    He stood unsteadily, his body visibly changed. His features were sharper, more defined, exuding a quiet but undeniable power. His chest rose and fell as he took a shaky breath, his legs trembling beneath him.


    "Ss!" Alex called out, his fear momentarily forgotten as he took a step forward.


    But before anyone could reach him, Ss''s legs gave out. He staggered, his bnce lost, and began to fall.


    Luna moved first, her reflexes lightning-fast. She darted forward and caught him just before he hit the ground, steadying his limp form in her arms.


    "Ss," Luna said softly, her synthetic voice carrying an uncharacteristic warmth. "You''ve returned."


    Chris and Kim rushed forward, Alex close behind, their faces a mixture of relief and concern.


    "Is he okay?" Chris asked, his voice tight.


    Luna scanned Ss briefly, her eyes glowing faintly. "He is stable. His body has undergone immense changes, but he is alive."


    Kim knelt beside Luna, her hand brushing Ss''s face. "Ss¡­ can you hear me?"


    Ss''s eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes that seemed to glow faintly, their intensity unnerving yet mesmerizing. He looked at his family, his expression one of quiet exhaustion.


    "I''m¡­ okay," he murmured, his voice hoarse but firm.


    Alex let out a sob of relief, throwing his arms around Luna''s legs. "You scared us, Ss!"


    Chris knelt down, cing a hand on Ss''s shoulder. "You''re back. That''s all that matters."


    Ss tried to smile, though his strength was fading fast. He closed his eyes again, his body leaning heavily against Luna as unconsciousness imed him once more.


    Kim looked up at Luna. "We need to get him somewhere safe. Can he be moved?"


    Luna nodded, gently adjusting Ss in her arms. "Yes. His body has stabilized, but he will need rest to recover fully."


    Chris stood, his resolve hardening. "Let''s get him home."


    As the family moved together, Luna leading the way with Ss cradled in her arms, the warehouse grew quiet once more.


    ****


    Somewhere deep at the bottom of the ocean, in the heart of the ss dome, a silent hum filled the air.


    Within the sterile, high-tech interior, everything was designed for precision and observation. A massive screen, one of several that lined the walls, stood as the focal point in the room.


    It flickered as it disyed an energy reading. An unusual spike that had appeared without warning.


    The pulse on the screen was steady, rhythmic, but growing in intensity, its origin impossible to pinpoint yet undeniably present.


    For a moment, the room fell silent, the only sound the soft beeping of the console. Her fingers hovered above the control panel, but she didn''t move.


    The energy readings seemed to dance before her, almost as if they were alive, stirring something deep within her¡ªa recognition, a faint memory of something long buried.


    A sudden tension gripped her chest, and she leaned in closer, her gaze narrowing on the data. A low hum of disbelief escaped her lips. It couldn''t be. But the readings¡­ they were unmistakable.


    "Is that you, Master?" she whispered, her voice a soft tremor, as if she dared not speak the name aloud. "Are you back?"

 Chapter 283: Progress Report

    In a section of the warehouse, Ss could be seen lying down on what looks like a hospital bed, with his family standing beside him.


    It has been more than twenty minutes since Ss got out of the Evolution Capsule and his family has been looking at him in curiosity, and unable to take their eyes off him.


    Ss smiled when he saw this. He understood that this was the first time they are seeing him going through his evolution. He knew that they had a lot of questions they want to ask him but unfortunately for them, he can¡¯t answer any of it now.


    Taking his mind off himself, he studied his family for any noticable physical changes that they experienced during their enhancement.


    He didn¡¯t have to look much as the changes could be seen at a nce. His father had unbelievably added some height, grown taller.


    The streaks of gray hair that were previously on his head were nowhere to be found. His body could be said to be at its optimal shape and condition.


    His muscles were now outlined perfectly. His skin now also has an healthy glow to it and his eyes were bright, and filled with life.


    The changes in Kim made her look more beautiful than she was before. Her ck silky hair, tied up in a ponytail, now runs her back and stopping at her mid section.


    Just like his dad, her skin has an healthy glow to it, her eyes bright and her beauty,plemented by the beautiful smile on her face.


    These changes were the same for Alex too. But Ss couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was something more to it. He felt that Alex changed in more ways that he¡¯s showing physically.


    He could feel an aura around Alex¡ªan aura that gave him a strange feeling.


    Ss was curious to know what it was and this is the reason why he asked Luna to bring up Alex¡¯s medical reports after his enhancement waspleted.


    "Son, how are you feeling?" Chris asked Ss for the umpteenth time, causing Ss to smile as he answered as he has always answered.


    "I¡¯m fine dad. There¡¯s nothing to worry about. I¡¯m just feeling weak that¡¯s all."


    It was only after a few more minutes of constantly asking him how he was and him giving them the same answers, did they finally let him be.


    After they left, Ss got down from the bed and went to the bathroom built into the warehouse, to take his shower.


    After he was done taking his shower, Ss stood in front of the wall mirror, assessing his body for any changes.


    After a full minute, he found nothing. His body was the same as it was before got into the Evolution Capsule.


    "I guess I shouldn¡¯t expect anymore changes to my physical appearance. What¡¯s left to check out is how strong I¡¯ve gotten," Ss said to himself after he was done assessing his body.


    "Luna, what¡¯s the progress on things?" Ss asked as he stepped out of the bathroom.


    {Smooth. 10% progress has been on the n rted to Venezu. It now stands almost on the same level of a first world country.}


    "So fast? How is that even possible?" Ss asked in surprise.


    He understood what Luna meant by 10%. It didn¡¯t sound much but it was hell of a progress for a country that was at the lowest of the low.


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    {The US government lifted their sanctions. Same as the rest of the world. This was one of the reasons why we experienced that much progress.}


    Ss¡¯ eyes widened in surprise when he heard this. He couldn¡¯t help but turn to look at Luna for exnation.


    "How? Why?" He asked after being unable to hold in his curiosity.


    {You guessed as much. They did it in exchange for us to forget about the situation with Daniel.} Luna said and Ss smiled in understanding.


    "So they really want me to forget everything that happened, huh? Do they really think it¡¯s that easy? Tsk." Ss smiled.


    "Luna, exin to me how you were able to achieve everything in about 8 months," Ss said as he took his seat on the bed.


    "Alright, Luna," Ss said, leaning back, fingers tapping rhythmically on the chair¡¯s armrest. "Let¡¯s hear it. How did we pull this off?"


    Luna pulled up an holographic window from Ss¡¯ quantum smartwatch.


    The hologram shifted, revealing an interactive map of Venezu. The once-chaotdscape now gleamed with vivid highlights, indicating key areas of improvement.


    Cities sparkled like jewels, infrastructure lines crisscrossed the map in vibrant colors, and small annotations disyed progress metrics.


    Luna gestured to the map as it zoomed into Caracas, the capital.


    {The first and most critical step was stabilizing the nation politically and economically,} she said.


    {When we began, Venezu was caught in a relentless cycle of hyperintion, corruption, and resource mismanagement. The government structure was failing, and trust among the popce was almost nonexistent.}


    Ss nodded, recalling the initial challenges. "And that¡¯s when we stepped in with the covert influence, right?"


    {Correct,} Luna confirmed.


    {Using carefully orchestrated interventions, we destabilized key figures within the corrupt government. However, rather than leaving a power vacuum, we cedpetent, reform-oriented leaders in their stead.


    This included leveraging financial incentives, public outreach campaigns, and, where necessary, quiet eliminations of harmful elements.}


    The hologram disyed a series of political charts. One highlighted the turnover of government officials, with corruption indices plummeting sharply within months.


    {With the new administration in ce, we immediately addressed hyperintion by introducing a temporary currency pegged to the U.S. dor. This restored public confidence and stabilized the economy, Luna continued.


    Ss smirked. "A currency backed by infinite wealth certainly helped."


    Luna inclined her head. {Indeed. By flooding strategic sectors with capital, we ensured liquidity while funding critical projects. Simultaneously, we deployed an elite team to secure Venezu¡¯s most valuable resource: its oil.}


    The map zoomed into Venezu¡¯s oil fields, their locations glowing brightly. Luna¡¯s voice took on a technical tone.


    {Historically, oil has been Venezu¡¯s backbone, but mismanagement and outdated infrastructure turned it into a curse rather than a blessing. We modernized the facilities using advanced technology sourced from your system. Efficiency increased by 400%, and environmental impacts were minimized.}


    Graphs showing oil production soared upwards, while environmental impact metrics dropped significantly.


    {However, rather than bing overly reliant on oil revenues again, we diversified. Using surplus oil profits, we invested heavily in renewable energy¡ªsr, wind, and hydroelectric. Venezu is now a leader in green energy across South America.}


    Ss raised an eyebrow. "You¡¯re telling me Venezu is no longer just an oil state?"


    {Precisely,} Luna said with a nod.


    {Our diversification efforts have made its economy robust and resilient. Exports now include advanced renewable technology and agriculture, alongside oil. The country is no longer vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices.}


    Luna swiped her hand across the hologram, and images of Venezu¡¯s cities came into view. Streets once riddled with potholes now gleamed with smooth pavement, modern rail systems wove through urban centers, and vibrant markets bustled with activity.


    {Infrastructure was key,} Luna exined.


    {We rebuilt roads, bridges, and airports. Cities were retrofitted with smart technology, ensuring efficient energy use, waste management, and transportation.


    Caracas, in particr, became a showcase for innovation. The city now boasts fully automated public transit, high-speed inte ess for all citizens, and cutting-edge medical facilities.}


    Images of a sleek hospitalplex appeared on the screen, showcasing state-of-the-art equipment. "Healthcare has improved dramatically," Luna continued.


    {Infant mortality rates have dropped, and life expectancy has risen by over five years in less than a decade. These results are directly tied to the resources and systems we implemented.}


    The map zoomed into rural areas, where clusters of schools andmunity centers glowed. Luna¡¯s tone softened slightly as she highlighted the transformation in education.


    {Before, the education system was fractured, with limited ess in rural regions and underfunded urban schools. We overhauled the system entirely.}


    The hologram disyed images of modern ssrooms equipped with interactive learning tools. Children were seen smiling, engaged in lessons taught by well-trained educators.


    {We¡¯ve introduced a new curriculum emphasizing STEM fields, critical thinking, and vocational training,} Luna said.


    {The result? A new generation of highly skilled workers and thinkers ready to lead Venezu into the future. Literacy rates are now among the highest in South America.}


    Ss folded his arms, his expression thoughtful. "It¡¯s one thing to educate them. But how did we handle the job market?"


    {Through strategic investments,} Luna replied.


    {We created high-demand industries and ensured locals were trained to fill those roles. Jobs in green energy, technology, and logistics have flourished. Meanwhile, farming cooperatives received funding and advanced equipment, turning Venezu into an agricultural powerhouse.}


    Luna¡¯s voice took on a reflective tone. {The most challenging aspect was rebuilding public trust. Years of corruption left citizens wary of any authority.}


    The screen disyed footage of town hall meetings, where government officials addressed crowds with open discussions and transparent policies.


    {By fostering transparency, implementing citizen councils, and prioritizing ountability, we earned their trust back,} Luna said.


    {And on the global stage, the lifting of sanctions allowed Venezu to re-enter international trade markets. Diplomatic rtions are stronger than ever.}


    Ss leaned forward. "So, what¡¯s the next step?"


    Luna¡¯s hologram turned to face him directly. {The groundwork has beenid, but there¡¯s still more to do. The current progress is only the beginning.


    We¡¯ll continue to expand infrastructure, refine governance, and ensure that Venezu not only reaches first-world status but bes a global leader in innovation and sustainability.}


    Ss let out a low whistle, impressed despite himself. "You make it sound easy."

 Chapter 284: World Tour

    The morning sun filtered through the thin white curtains of Ss¡¯ room, casting golden streaks across the polished wooden floors.


    He stood by the window, staring out at the now lively and bustling streets of Caracas. The city was alive with energy.


    It had been a few days since his second evolution, and the relentless work of rebuilding Venezu into a shining beacon of hope had left him longing for a breath of freedom.


    Ss had always loved traveling¡ªexploring new ces, immersing himself in unfamiliar cultures, and meeting people who saw the world differently. It was something that he had always wanted to do after before he got the system.


    Now, with the weight of his enhanced powers and growing influence, the thought of reconnecting with the world on a personal level felt almost... necessary.


    "I think it¡¯s time," he muttered to himself, his reflection staring back at him in the ss. "Time to see the world again, not as the strongest man or a hidden benefactor, but just... me."


    {I assume this means you¡¯re deviating from your work schedule, Ss?} Luna said softly.


    He smirked. "I wouldn¡¯t call it deviating. Think of it as... field research."


    {Field research that involves ramen in Shinjuku andte-night karaoke?} Luna replied, her toneced with amusement.


    Ssughed. "Exactly. Let¡¯s start in Japan, then we¡¯ll see where the wind takes us."


    *****


    Tokyo, Japan.


    The hum of life in Tokyo was unlike anything Ss had experienced before. The city seemed alive and brimming with energy that radiated from every street, every corner, and every neon sign.


    As he stepped out of the subway station at Shinjuku, the cacophony of voices, car horns, and jingles of distant pachinko parlors filled the air. It was exhrating, overwhelming, and exactly what Ss had been seeking.


    His first destination was not a tourist attraction but a tiny ramen shop hidden deep within thebyrinth of alleyways.


    The establishment had no English signage, only a hanging curtain embroidered with Japanese characters that Ss couldn¡¯t read. He pushed it aside and entered, the warmth and aroma of boiling broth enveloping him immediately.


    The shop was small¡ªjust a narrow counter with a handful of stools. Behind the counter, an elderly man with a kind face and a chef¡¯s apron worked diligently,dling steaming soup into bowls. Ss took a seat, pulling his hood lower to avoid drawing attention.


    "Wee," the old man said in Japanese, his voice gruff but weing.


    Ss nodded, responding with a simple, "Arigatou."


    The chef ced a menu in front of him, but Ss waved it off, pointing to a bubbling pot on the stove. "Miso ramen," he said, his ent awkward but clear enough.


    The old man grinned, seemingly impressed by Ss¡¯s straightforwardness, and got to work.


    Within minutes, a bowl of rich, aromatic miso ramen was set before him. The broth was a deep amber, glistening with fat, and the toppings¡ªslices of pork, soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, and a sprinkle of green onions¡ªlooked almost too perfect to eat.


    As Ss took his first bite, theplex vors exploded on his tongue, and he couldn¡¯t help but let out a satisfied sigh. The chef chuckled, clearly pleased with the reaction.


    "New to Tokyo?" the man asked, leaning on the counter as Ss ate.


    "Sort of. I¡¯ve been here before, but only for work. Never really got to explore." Ss lied effortlessly.


    The man nodded sagely. "Work can blind you to the beauty around you. If you really want to see Tokyo, go where the locals go. Don¡¯t follow the tourists."


    Ss smiled. "Any rmendations?"


    The chef stroked his chin thoughtfully. "There¡¯s a small temple near Harajuku, hidden behind the fashion streets. Hardly anyone knows about it. It¡¯s quiet... peaceful. A good ce to think."


    "I¡¯ll check it out," Ss said, bowing his head slightly in gratitude.


    After finishing his meal, Ss left the shop feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He wandered through the maze-like alleys, letting the city guide him.


    The directions to the temple were vague at best, but Ss enjoyed the challenge of finding it.


    He passed through the bustling streets of Harajuku, where trendy shops and entric street fashion dominated thendscape. Young people with dyed hair, borate outfits, and cameras strolled by, creating a kaleidoscope of color and energy.


    Finally, after weaving through a quieter residential area, he stumbled upon the temple.


    It was small, nestled among tall trees that seemed out of ce in the urban sprawl. A stone path led to a modest wooden structure adorned with papernterns.


    The air here was different¡ªstill and heavy with the scent of incense. Ss climbed the steps and stood before the shrine, his hands resting loosely at his sides. He didn¡¯t know the customs or what prayers were appropriate, but he felt a strange sense of calm.


    As he stood there, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts.


    "Not many foreigners find this ce."


    Ss turned to see a young woman, probably in her mid-twenties, dressed in simple but elegant clothing. She carried a small tray of offerings¡ªflowers, fruit, and incense sticks.


    "I guess I got lucky," he replied, smiling.


    The woman returned his smile and gestured toward the shrine. "It¡¯s a ce for reflection. Peoplee here to leave their worries behind."


    Ss nodded. "I could use a bit of that."


    They didn¡¯t exchange names or dive into deep conversation, but the shared silence that followed felt meaningful. The woman ced her offerings at the shrine, lit the incense, and left as quietly as she had arrived.


    ...


    Shibuya at Night.


    That evening, Ss found himself in Shibuya, the district famous for its massive crossing and vibrant nightlife.


    The neon signs buzzed above, casting multicolored reflections on the rain-slicked streets. It was chaotic but beautiful.


    As he wandered, a street performer caught his eye. The man was ying a shamisen, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, but with a modern twist. A small amplifier at his feet transformed the sound into something electric and mesmerizing.


    A crowd had gathered, pping and swaying to the rhythm. Ss joined them, letting himself be swept up in the music. The performer noticed him and grinned, motioning for Ss toe closer.


    "You y?" the man asked in broken English.


    "Not this," Ss replied, pointing to the shamisen.


    The performer handed him a tambourine with a yful shrug. "You learn now."


    The crowdughed, and Ss couldn¡¯t help but smile. He started tapping along, his natural rhythm quickly catching on.


    The impromptu duet turned into a full-blown performance, with the crowd cheering and pping in time.


    When the music ended, the performer bowed deeply. "You good. Maybe next time, you teach me!"


    Ss chuckled. "Maybe."


    ....


    The night wasn¡¯t over. As Ss explored further, he found himself in a small izakaya¡ªa traditional Japanese pub¡ªwhere locals gathered to drink and unwind. He took a seat at the bar, ordering a sake rmended by the bartender.


    Beside him sat a man in a business suit, his tie loosened and his face flushed from drink. The man nced at Ss and raised his ss. "Kanpai!" he said, toasting him.


    Ss raised his ss in return. "Kanpai."


    The man, whose name was Taro, turned out to be a sryman who had just quit his job. "Corporate life is a prison," he dered, mming his ss down.


    Ss listened as Taro vented about his struggles, his dreams of opening a small caf¨¦, and his fear of failure.


    "You think I¡¯m crazy?" Taro asked, his voice slurred but earnest.


    Ss shook his head. "No. I think you¡¯re brave. Most people don¡¯t even try to follow their dreams."


    Taro stared at him for a long moment, then smiled. "You¡¯re not like the others. You understand."


    By the end of the night, Ss had made yet another connection. Taro insisted on exchanging contact information, promising to invite Ss to the grand opening of his caf¨¦ someday.


    As the days passed, Ss continued to explore Tokyo, from the historic streets of Asakusa to the futuristic skyline of Odaiba. He made more friends, shared more meals, and experienced moments of joy that reminded him why he loved traveling.


    But eventually, it was time to move on. On hisst night in Tokyo, he returned to the hidden temple. The air was cool, and thenterns glowed softly in the darkness.


    Standing before the shrine, Ss felt a sense of gratitude. For the city, for the people he had met, and for the journey thaty ahead.


    *****


    Seoul, South Korea.


    Seoul greeted Ss with an energy that rivaled Tokyo¡¯s but with its own unique vor.


    The streets buzzed with life, from the pulsating beats of K-pop ring from storefronts to the enticing aromas of sizzling street food wafting through the air.


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    Ss had arrived in the Gangnam district, a ce that embodied both modernity and tradition, where towering skyscrapers stood alongside ancient temples and hidden alleyways.


    The name of the district reminded Ss of the song that almost made Earth to achieve world peace.


    As he wandered the bustling streets, Ss felt the pull of curiosity leading him to a small underground jazz club tucked away in a quiet corner.


    Its neon sign blinked faintly, and the hum of live music spilled out onto the street. Intrigued, he pushed open the heavy wooden door and descended a narrow staircase into the dimly lit space.


    Inside, the room was filled with a sultry warmth. A jazz trio performed on a small stage, the saxophone yer swaying in rhythm with the double bass and drums.


    The crowd was intimate, seated at candlelit tables, their conversations a low murmur under the music. Ss took a seat at the bar, ordering a whiskey neat.


    The bartender, a middle-aged man with a friendly smile, slid the ss toward him. "First time here?" he asked in English, his ent faint but clear.


    Ss nodded. "Yeah. Just exploring the city."


    "Good choice," the bartender replied. "This ce is special. You¡¯ll see."


    As Ss sipped his drink, his gaze wandered to a woman seated alone near the stage. She was stunning, with long, dark hair cascading over one shoulder and a confident poise that set her apart.


    She wore a fitted ck dress, her legs crossed elegantly, and her eyes¡ªintense and almond-shaped¡ªmet his for a brief moment before she looked away.


    "Strange. Why do I feel attracted to her?"

 Chapter 285: A Moment Of Vulnerability

    Chapter 285: A Moment Of Vulnerability


    The jazz trio onstage swayed with the rhythm, the saxophone crooning a soulful melody that seemed to weave through the dimly lit room.


    Ss couldn''t take his eyes off the woman near the stage. Something about her struck him as... maic.


    She wasn''t just beautiful, there was this air of mystery about her, a quiet intensity that made her stand out even among the club''s eclectic patrons.


    As if sensing his lingering gaze, she nced his way again, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.


    It wasn''t flirtatious. It was more like she had caught him in a game he hadn''t realized he was ying. Ss smirked to himself, as he shook his head at his own thoughts.


    He turned back to his drink, but he couldn''t ignore the pull. The energy between them wasn''t one-sided; he could feel it, a tension that seemed to tighten the air whenever their eyes met. Finally, as the jazz trio wrapped up their set to a smattering of apuse, the woman stood up from her seat.


    Ss watched her approach out of the corner of his eye, pretending to sip his whiskey.


    She moved gracefully, her heels clicking softly against the floor until she stood beside him at the bar.


    "Whiskey neat," she said to the bartender in wless Korean, her voice low and smooth, carrying the kind of confidence that turned heads.


    Ss waited a beat before speaking, his voice casual. "Good choice. You''ve got taste."


    She turned her head slightly, her dark eyes locking onto his with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.


    "So do you," she replied, nodding toward his own ss.


    Ss chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Exploring the city, I figured whiskey was the safest bet."


    "An explorer, are you?" Her brow arched, and a small smirk yed at the corner of her lips.


    "Something like that," he said, extending his hand. "Ss."


    She studied him for a moment before taking his hand. Her grip was firm but elegant. "Ji-Yeon."


    The bartender slid her drink across the counter, and she took a slow sip, her eyes never leaving Ss.


    "What brings an explorer like you to a ce like this?" she asked, setting her ss down.


    Ss hesitated for a moment. He wasn''t one to share his real purpose for traveling, not with someone he''d just met. But there was something about Ji-Yeon that made him want to linger in the moment they found themselves, and to let the conversation flow naturally.


    "Curiosity," he said simply. "I like ces with soul. This seemed like one of them."


    Ji-Yeon smiled faintly, her gaze flickering toward the stage. "Soul... that''s something you don''t know everyday. Quite rare I must say. You have to know where to look."


    "And you? Do youe here often, or am I just lucky tonight?"


    Sheughed softly, a sound as smooth as the jazz that had filled the room earlier. "Ie here to think. To escape. And maybe... to meet interesting strangers."


    Ss raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth tugging upward. "I''m honored to be part of your routine."


    For a moment, they sat infortable silence, the soft murmur of the other patrons filling the space between them.


    Then Ji-Yeon turned to face him fully, her expression shifting to something more serious.


    "You''re not from here," she said, her tone more direct.


    "Isn''t it that obvious?"


    "It''s not just the way you look," she replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It''s the way you carry yourself. You don''t seem like someone just passing through."


    Ss tilted his head, intrigued. "And what do I seem like?"


    Ji-Yeon studied him for a long moment, as if weighing her words carefully. Finally, she leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Like someone with secrets."


    Ss felt a subtle shift in the air, the yful banter between them taking on an edge of tension.


    He leaned closer, his voice equally quiet. "Everyone has secrets, Ji-Yeon. What makes mine any different?"


    Her lips curved into a faint smile, but her eyes remained sharp. "Maybe it''s because I can feel yours."


    Ss blinked in surprise and confusion, with his guard instinctively going up. He was careful about hiding who he was, even more so after his second evolution.


    Yet here was a stranger¡ªa woman he had just met¡ªsuggesting she could sense something deeper about him.


    "Feeling people''s secrets? That''s a rare skill," he said, his voice calm but measured.


    Ji-Yeon chuckled, leaning back slightly. "It''s not a skill. It''s... intuition."


    Ss studied her, trying to gauge how much she truly knew. But before he could respond, she changed the subject, her tone light again.


    "So, Explorer," she said, lifting her ss. "What''s your next destination?"


    He smirked, letting the tension ease. "I haven''t decided yet. Maybe you can give me some rmendations."


    Ji-Yeon raised her ss to his in a small toast. "To curiosity, then. May it always lead you somewhere interesting."


    Their sses clinked softly, and Ss felt the pull between them again, stronger this time.


    There was something about Ji-Yeon that he couldn''t shake off. Something that felt both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.


    As the night wore on, they talked andughed, their conversation flowing effortlessly.


    Yet beneath the surface, Ss couldn''t help but feel that this meeting was more than chance. Ji-Yeon had secrets of her own¡ªsecrets that might rival his own. Something he feels to be extremely impossible considering who he is.


    But he intended to find out what they were.


    The room was quieter now, the soft murmur of voices and clinking sses fading as the crowd thinned.


    The jazz trio had packed up their instruments, leaving the club bathed in a sultry silence broken only by the asional shuffle of the bartender cleaning up.


    Ss looked around and he could see some people already making out in an intense manner.


    Ji-Yeon swirled thest of her whiskey in her ss, her gaze lingering on Ss. The yful banter from earlier had softened, reced by something heavier.


    Ss caught her staring at him and he couldn''t ignore the way her eyes seemed to pierce through him. It was as though she saw past the surface and into the parts of himself he rarely shared.


    "Do you ever feel like the world moves too fast?" she asked suddenly, her voice low and intimate.


    Ss tilted his head, caught off guard by the shift in tone. "Sometimes. But I''ve learned to adapt. What about you?"


    Ji-Yeon looked down at her ss, her fingers tracing its edge. "I feel like I''m always chasing something, but I''m never quite sure what it is."


    Ss leaned closer, his voice soft. "Maybe you''re not supposed to catch it. Maybe the chase is the point."


    Her lips curved into a small, bittersweet smile. "That sounds like something someone who''s always in control would say."


    The words hung between them, and for a moment, neither spoke. The tension in the air was palpable.


    Ji-Yeon set her ss down and stood up, her movements slow and deliberate.


    "Come with me," she said, her voice carrying a note of challenge.


    Ss hesitated, then stood up, following her without question. He has no idea why she wants him toe with her but he was curious to find out.


    She led him out of the club, through the narrow alleyways of Gangnam, until they emerged onto a quiet rooftop overlooking the city.


    The neon glow of Seoul spread out before them, the skyline shimmering like a sea of colors.


    Ji-Yeon leaned against the railing, the cool breeze tugging at her hair. Ss stood beside her.


    "You''re not like anyone I''ve met," she said finally, her voice barely audible over the distant hum of the city.


    Ss nced at her, his heart starting to beat faster than he cared to admit. "Neither are you."


    She turned to face him fully, her dark eyes searching his.


    "Then why do I feel like you''re holding something back?" N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ss exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Because I am. It''s not easy to let someone in when you''re used to keeping walls up. And just like you said before, I have a lot of secrets."


    Ji-Yeon stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "What if I told you I''m used to breaking walls down?"


    Her words hit him harder than they should have. There was a raw honesty in her tone.


    Without any idea how it happened, Ss felt the distance between them shrink until there was barely a breath of space left.


    He reached out, his hand brushing against hers. The contact was electric, sending a jolt through him that was both thrilling and terrifying.


    Ji-Yeon didn''t pull away. Instead, she stepped closer, her hand sliding up to rest lightly on his chest.


    "Why does it feel like I''ve known you forever?" she whispered, her voice trembling just enough to betray the emotions she was trying to mask.


    Ss searched her face, his own barriers crumbling under the weight of the moment. "Maybe because you see something in me no one else does."


    The air between them grew impossibly thick, the city around them fading into the background.


    Slowly, almost tentatively, Ss leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that started soft but quickly deepened.


    Ji-Yeon didn''t push him away as she responded immediately, her hands sliding up to his shoulders as she pulled him closer.


    The kiss was passionate, charged with a mix of longing and vulnerability that neither of them fully understood.


    Ss''s arms wrapped around her waist, anchoring her to him as the world seemed to tilt.


    The intensity of the moment was almost overwhelming, but neither of them pulled away. Instead, they leaned into it.


    When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other.


    "That wasn''t what I expected tonight," Ji-Yeon said softly, her lips curving into a faint smile.


    Ss chuckled, his voice low. "Neither did I."


    For a while, they stood there, holding onto each other as the city lights flickered around them.

 Chapter 286: Paris

    Chapter 286: Paris


    Ss sat alone on the rooftop of his temporary apartment in Seoul, looking at the city below but his brain didn''t register the scenery.


    His mind was elsewhere, caught in the aftermath of his encounter with Ji-Yeon.


    He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his hands sped tightly. The cool night air brushed against his face, but it did little to soothe the unease in his chest.


    The kiss, the intensity, the moment they had shared¡ªit all felt very strange, like it belonged to someone else, and not him.


    "Why did I let it happen?" he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.


    The question lingered, unanswered. He had reyed the encounter over and over in his mind, searching for rity.


    The way Ji-Yeon''s presence had drawn him in, the maic pull he couldn''t resist¡ªit was as if something beyond his control had taken hold of him.


    Ss wasn''t someone who let emotions dictate his actions, yet with her, he had felt like a marite, his strings pulled by an unseen force. Something that rmed him.


    He has already undergone his second evolution and only him understood just by how much he has grown due to it. But even with that, he still found himself in such a position. Something that felt very ridiculous to him.


    Ss closed his eyes, trying to dissect the strange sensations he had experienced during their time together.


    There had been a weight to her presence, an almost imperceptible aura that had enveloped him, clouding his thoughts and amplifying his desires. It hadn''t felt natural.


    He clenched his fists, the memory of her words echoing in his mind.


    "Why does it feel like I''ve known you forever?"


    The same question haunted him now. The connection he had felt wasn''t just physical¡ªit had been deeper, more intrusive, like someone probing the edges of his soul.


    And yet, despite the intimacy of the moment, he couldn''t shake the feeling that it wasn''t entirely his.


    "I wasn''t myself," he murmured, his voice tinged with frustration.


    His thoughts drifted to Chloe. She, who had seen him for who he truly was¡ªbefore the powers, before the evolution, before he became something more and less than human.


    He could still picture her smile, the way herughter had a way of making the world seem less heavy.


    He didn''t know when it started or how it started but one way or the other, Chloe became his anchor, his reminder of what it meant to be human in a life that often felt anything but that.


    "Chloe..." he whispered, her name carrying a weight he hadn''t allowed himself to feel in a long time.


    He leaned back against the railing, staring up at the sky. The stars were faint, barely visible against the haze of city lights, but they were there, constant and unchanging. Much like Chloe''s presence in his mind, a quiet reminder of a simpler time.


    Theirst conversation reyed in his thoughts, a bittersweet memory etched into his soul. He remembered the way she had looked at him, her eyes filled with concern as she asked if he was okay.


    Ss had lied, of course, brushing off her worries. But he knew that she had seen through him just as she always has.


    She had always been more than a friend to him, though he had never admitted it, not even to himself.


    Chloe represented everything he couldn''t have, a life he could never return to. No matter how he tries to deny it, she was one of those who mattered the most to him.


    Ss sighed, running a hand through his hair. The encounter with Ji-Yeon had stirred something within him, something he didn''t fully understand.


    But it had also reminded him of what he was missing, of the connection he had always yearned for but was too afraid to pursue.


    He stood, the cool metal of the railing steady beneath his hands as he looked out over the city. The world below brimmed with life, but for Ss, it felt distant, like a painting he couldn''t touch.


    "I need to get out of here," he muttered.


    {Are you all right, Ss? You seem... distracted.} Luna''s voice sounded softly in his head.


    "Just... thinking. About everything."


    {Your encounter with Ji-Yeon?}


    Ss stiffened. "Yeah."


    {Of course. You''re never this... unfocused.}


    He exhaled slowly, leaning his head back to stare at the sky. "It felt like I wasn''t in control, Luna. Like something¡ªsomeone¡ªwas influencing me. It wasn''t natural."


    {Interesting. You believe Ji-Yeon has abilities?} Luna asked.


    Ss nodded in response.


    "I don''t know for sure, but it''s possible. She had this... aura. Like she could see through me, manipte me without saying a word."


    {It''s worth investigating. But more importantly, are you certain this is what you want to focus on?}


    He didn''t answer immediately. Instead, his thoughts drifted back to the reeaskn5wht he left Venezu and startef this trip of his.


    "No," he said finally.


    *****


    Ss leaned back in the plush seat of his private jet.


    The sun was beginning to rise, casting a warm, golden light over the horizon. He stared out the window, watching as clouds parted to reveal the distant silhouette of Paris below.


    The City of Light was his next destination, and with it.


    {Paris,} Luna''s voice broke through the stillness.


    {A city of art, culture, and romance. Do you have a n this time, or are you just wandering again?}


    Ss smirked faintly, though his gaze didn''t leave the window. "I think I''ll let the city decide for me. Wandering worked in Tokyo, didn''t it?"


    {Debatable,} Luna quipped.


    {But I''ll leave you to your methods. Just remember to keep a low profile. The world is watching, even when you think it isn''t.}


    "Always," Ss murmured, his voice quiet.


    He waspletely aware that they are people out there, still looking for him for whatever reason they have but that doesn''t mean he has cage himself up because of them.


    The streets of Paris were alive. Cobblestone paths wound through neighborhoods where history and modernity coexisted seamlessly.


    Caf¨¦s spilled onto sidewalks, their tables crowded with locals and tourists sipping espresso and savoring buttery croissants.


    Ss strolled along the Seine, the iconic river that wove its way through the heart of the city.


    The gentlepping of water against the stone embankments provided a calming rhythm as he moved through the crowds.


    Stopping at a street vendor''s cart, he purchased a small sketchbook and a charcoal pencil. It was an impulse decision, but something about the city inspired creativity.


    He found a quiet spot beneath the shade of a tree and began sketching the Eiffel Tower in the distance.


    His strokes were uncertain at first, but as the minutes passed, he lost himself in the act of creation.


    "That''s quite good," a voice interrupted, smooth and ented with French elegance.


    Ss nced up to see a man standing nearby, tall and immactely dressed in a tailored suit. His hair was dark and slicked back.


    "Just passing the time," Ss said, his tone casual as he closed the sketchbook.


    The man smiled faintly. "In Paris, there''s no such thing as simply passing the time. Everything has meaning."


    Ss chuckled. "And what does this moment mean, then?"


    He felt that everyone was putting too much thoughts and meaning to everything these days.


    The man''s smile widened, but his answer was ambiguous. "That depends on what you make of it."


    Before Ss could respond, the man extended a hand.


    "My name is Laurent. I host private art exhibitions not far from here. Your technique shows promise. Perhaps you''d consider joining us?"


    Ss hesitatedbfor moment, slightly caught off guard by the offer. But after giving it a quick thought, he decided to ept Laurent''s invitation.


    "Sure," Ss said, standing and shaking Laurent''s hand. "Why not?"


    Laurent''s gallery was tucked away in the Marais district, a charming neighborhood known for its art and culture.


    The space was intimate, its walls adorned with a mix of contemporary and ssical pieces. The faint strains of a violin yed in the background as Ss entered, his eyes scanning the room.


    Artists and collectors mingled, their conversations a blend of French, English, and othernguages.


    Laurent greeted him with a ss of wine, his smile as effortless as before.


    "Wee," Laurent said, gesturing to the room. "Feel free to explore. There''s no better way to understand Paris than through its art."


    Ss nodded, taking a sip of the wine as he wandered. The pieces on disy were varied.


    Bold abstracts hung beside delicatendscapes, while sculptures of marble and bronze stood like silent sentinels.


    One painting in particr caught his attention. It was a haunting depiction of a lone figure standing at the edge of a vast, stormy ocean.


    The colors were dark, turbulent, yet there was a faint glimmer of light on the horizon.


    "You feel it too, don''t you?"


    The voice startled Ss. He turned to see a young woman standing beside him, her gaze fixed on the painting. She was petite, with sharp features and a cascade of auburn curls that framed her face.


    "Feel what?" he asked.


    "The pull," she said simply. "Like the ocean is calling to you."


    Ss frowned, already feeling an headacheing on.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    She looked at him then, her green eyes piercing. "I''ve seen you before. Not here, not in Paris, but somewhere... important."


    Ss blinked in confusion when he heard this.


    "I think you''re mistaken."


    The woman shook her head, her expression unwavering. "No. People like us¡ªwe''re drawn to each other. Whether we want to be or not."


    Ss'' confusion intensified when he heard this. ''What does she mean by people like us?''


    He could already the a guess and looking at the woman, he felt that it was very unlikely but still...


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She smiled faintly, as if she could see through his denial. "You will. Soon enough."


    Before he could respond, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ss with more questions than answers.


    "All I just wanted was a trip to escape the craziness of the past two years but I''m experiencing more craziness."

 Chapter 287: Discussing The Worlds Future.

    Inside a massive cozy-looking conference room, a group of people were seated around the conference table.


    The group of people in the conference room aren''t just your everyday people or business men and women trying to strike a deal, but the top heads of governments and majorpanies around the world.


    If the news of such a meeting is to get out to the general public, it would spark a lot of spections, discussion and even tension.


    This type of meeting isn''t exactly a regr urrence or something that can be casually dismiss. And to make things worst, there was no public announcement of such a meeting would be holding, which means it''s secret and closed door meeting.


    The reason for the meeting being a secret and closed door is simple. If the public is to know that such a meeting was held, there''s no way that they won''t ask questions and answers would have to be given. Well, it depends on the attendees to give an honest answer.


    The atmosphere inside the conference room was solemn and slightly tensed. Everyone was looking at each other and studying even the slightest movement of those around them.


    "It''s been nearly eight decades since thest world war," one of the figures in the room said with a voice filled with authority.


    "We''ve growncent. The bnce of power has stagnated, and the global economy is on the verge of copse. A war could reset the scales and breathe new life into the markets. And of course, bring us the benefits we wants to see."


    Another figure, seated at the far end of the table, nodded in agreement and leaned forward.


    "I agree. Our military-industrialplexes have been stagnating. Production lines idle, weapons systems collecting dust. Though there has been some very little profits from the current ongoing small scale conflicts, the profits can be called very minuscule.


    Arge-scale conflict would not only revitalize the defense sector, it will also create more demand and allow us to establish dominance in emerging markets.


    There was nods of agreement around the table, causing thest person that spoke to smile.


    "We should also not forget that war has always been a tool for poption control. The world''s current poption is reaching unsustainable levels.


    8.2 billion and rising! If we don''t do something about it very soon, we all know what will happen. I know that we used the previous pandemic but that wasn''t enough," a third voice, deep and gravelly said.


    "We need to reduce the poption by atleast 10% to reduce numbers and ease the burden on resources. And the only way we can achieve that is through this uing war."


    Everyone in the conference nodded in agreement, while murmuring of the problems the world is currently facing. But their voices were devoid of emotions.


    "But," a softer voice interjected, "we must ensure this war serves all our interests. We each have a stake in this, and we cannot afford missteps. We must make sure that each of us get what we want or we all know that there will be a problem on the future."


    To this, everyone nodded once again in agreement.


    With that, the discussion immediately shifted to what each of them stands to gain from the uing war.


    "Modern wars require not just traditional weapons, guns, tanks, and nes but also drones, autonomous systems, cyber tools, and advanced surveince," the second figure spoke up, clearly outlining the potential benefits the war holds for him.


    "With these technologies," he continued, "we''re poised to dominate the markets. The billions we spent on research and development of these weapons won''t go to waste. The war is also a good opportunity for us to introduce the highly advanced AI technology we have developed."


    Everyone in the room looked at the man with varying expressions on their face, and their thoughts unknown.


    "And let''s not forget private militarypanies. We''ve ensured they''re well-prepared to step in where national armies falter. The privatization of this war will funnel trillions into the hands of those who control these forces," another figure in the room said.


    "Energy will once again be the heart of war. We''ve been strategically hoarding fossil fuel reserves while encouraging the world to pivot to renewables.


    The conflict will force nations to return to oil and gas dependency. Supply chains will copse, and those who control the reserves will dictate terms," another figure seated at a far end of the table said.


    Maps of resource-rich regions appeared on a screen on the wall, highlighting areas already under their influence.


    "We will leverage the war to justify seizing contested regions. Control the oil fields in the Middle East, the pipelines in Eastern Europe, and the refineries in Africa.


    Post-war reconstruction will guarantee long-term dominance of the energy markets. It''s sure to bring in a lot of benefits."


    "We all shouldn''t also forget that in any prolonged war, food scarcity bes a weapon.


    Control the supply chain, and you control the poption. Starvation and rationing create dependence, and dependency is power."


    The screen disyed images of fertile regions, now marked with strategic investments by multinational corporations.


    "My friends and I have secured farnds and processing facilities across multiple continents.


    The n is simple: choke supply lines during the conflict and introduce premium-priced alternatives afterward. The survivors will have no choice but to buy from us."


    The oldest voice in the room spoke next, deliberate and calm. "War is chaos, and for those who know how to wield it, chaos breeds opportunities."


    The image being disyed on the screen changed to disying global stock markets, showing the wild vtility of past wars.


    "Short selling during market crashes, spective investments in defense and energy, and seizing assets in destabilized regions¡ªthese strategies will yield unimaginable profits.


    Post-war, we''ll consolidate what remains, absorbing smaller banks and firms under the guise of stabilization."


    The figure leaned back, a faint smile visible on his wrinkled face. "By the end, only thergest yers will remain. Us."


    Another figure, voiceced with cold calction, added, "We cannot overlook the biological toll.


    War breeds disease, and disease demands cures. The pharmaceutical industry have already made preparations. Vines, antibiotics, trauma treatments, all of it will be critical during and after the conflict."


    The disy on the screen changed to that of medical patents shed across the table. Stay connected through mvl


    "My organizations already own the rights to several cutting-edge treatments and therapies.


    We''ll control the supply chain, dictating which nations receive aid and at what cost. The sick and the injured will be a steady source of revenue for decades. Just like it has always been."


    "Technology will be our ultimate leverage. Cyber warfare will target critical infrastructure, creating chaos that only we can resolve.


    Nations will pay dearly for our solutions, AI-driven defense systems, and autonomous repair protocols.m." Another figure, this one younger but has the same emotionless face, spoke up.


    He turned to look at the man that talked about unveiling their new AI technology during the war and smiled.


    A brief pause followed, then he added, "And let''s not forget surveince. Post-war societies will mor for security, giving us free rein to implement mass monitoring systems. With these, we''ll not only profit but ensure absolute control and we will be able to gather as much information as we want."


    The room grew quiet for a moment as they all reflected on the scope of their ns. These weren''t just profits. They were the foundations of a new world order. Yet, one voice broke the silence with a note of caution.


    "We mustn''t underestimate the price of this endeavor. The war cannot spiral out of control. We must ensure it remains bnced, with no single nation or entity gaining enough strength to challenge our collective goals."


    There were murmurs of agreement before going silent.


    "Where do we spark this war?" one of them asked, breaking the silence.


    "Several options," another replied. "Eastern Europe remains a powder keg. We could reignite tensions there, ''provoke'' old rivalries.


    The Middle East is another reliable choice. So much divides that makes it too easy to escte conflicts in that region."


    A figure seated near the center of the table tapped his fingers on the polished wood. "Asia should not be ignored. There''s a rising tide of nationalism there that could be exploited. The South China Sea, for instance, is a perfect shpoint."


    "And Africa?" another asked. "Its resources are ripe for the taking, and its governments are easily manipted. We could manufacture conflicts that destabilize entire regions, allowing us to step in as ''saviors.''"


    "And," another added, "we must ount for the outliers. Venezu has already demonstrated what happens when the system is disrupted. Their rise is... concerning."


    "In less than two years," the voice continued, "Venezu has gone from economic ruin to a leader in global development.


    Their infrastructure rivals that of the most of us, their healthcare system is unmatched, and their energy sector is said to be decades ahead of the rest of the world. This level of progress is... something unprecedented."


    "And dangerous," another voice interjected. "If their model spreads, the bnce of power will copse. They''ve achieved what the world was told was impossible. In just a few years, they''ve gone from economic ruin to almost surpassing first-world nations in almost every metric. Their abysmal GDP has skyrocketed and is now being rubbed in our faces."


    A pause, then a third voice added, "And we believe it''s all tied to one man: Ss."

 Chapter 288: The Anomaly鈥擲ilas

    "The same Ss?" a man asked, his voiceced with a mixture of irritation and disbelief as he turned to re at another seated at the far end of the long conference table.


    The room, steeped in an atmosphere of tension, was filled with the world''s most powerful individuals¡ªkey figures controlling governments and corporations, the puppet masters of global affairs.


    Yet even among them, the mention of Ss evoked unease, if not outright frustration.


    The man leaned forward, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Now that this issue has been raised," he continued, his tone growing more confrontational.


    "I have some questions that have been bothering me for a very long time, and I would appreciate it if you''d finally provide me with answers."


    All eyes in the room shifted to him, and the room fell into an expectant silence.


    "Why did you all lift the sanctions that were ced on Venezu? What''s the grand idea behind such an action? And why haven''t we dealt with the issue of Yusmairobis'' daughter, who was taken from theb facility in Antarctica?


    "And about this Ss," he said, his voice rising slightly, "I thought you were going to do something about him.


    Let''s not forget he ran wild in your country! Or do you n to just let him get away with it?"


    His words carried a sharp edge, and his re was fixed firmly on the man seated at the far end of the table.


    A heavy silence descended over the room, the kind that made every breath feel heavier.


    The tension was palpable, a weight pressing down on everyone present as their gazes flicked between the two men.


    Everyone in the room knew the history between these two¡ªrivals who disagreed on nearly every issue but who were nheless forced to coexist within this cabal of power.


    Finally, the silence was broken by the cold, deliberate voice of the man at the far end of the table.


    He sped his hands together, resting them on the polished wood surface of the conference table, and leaned forward slightly, his re meeting that of his interrogator.


    "Are you insinuating that I am ipetent and incapable of managing my responsibilities?" his voice was calm, but an icy undertone made the question feel more like a challenge.


    He continued before the other man could respond, his tone sharpening as he spoke.


    "You''re asking why we lifted the sanctions as if you don''t already understand why they were imposed in the first ce.


    Do you honestly believe those sanctions would have any meaningful effect with how fast Venezu is developing?


    "And as for Yusmairobis'' daughter, let me ask you this¡ªwhat would ''you'' do?" He fixed his cold gaze on the man, his voice dropping to an even chillier register.


    The tension in the room thickened, and it became clear to everyone present that this exchange was teetering on the brink of confrontation.


    But just as it seemed things were about to spiral, the first man raised his hands in a cating gesture, a sly smile creeping onto his face.


    "No need to get worked up," he said, his tone suddenly conciliatory, though his words dripped with subtle condescension.


    "I understand that Venezu is no longer under our control, and there''s little we can do about that.


    "As for the girl... well, fine. We can let that one go for now. But Ss? Surely, we cannot afford to do nothing about ''him''.


    That boy is a loose cannon, and his actions threaten all of our interests. Wouldn''t you agree?"


    His words hung in the air, and all eyes turned to the man at the end of the table, waiting for his response.


    To everyone''s surprise, the man merely smiled, a small, calcted smirk that sent a ripple of unease through the room.


    "Nothing," he said simply.


    The first man''sposure broke, his face contorting in disbelief. "What do you mean, ''nothing''?" he eximed, his voice rising.


    His reaction mirrored the shock felt by everyone else in the room. The name Ss was already a thorn in their collective side, and the suggestion of inaction was nothing short of sphemy to this group of powerbrokers.


    "Are you saying that we, as an organization that controls every major decision this world makes, can do ''nothing'' about a child who''s still wet behind the ears? Are we supposed to sit back and watch as he interferes with our interests, as he runs rampant and mocks our authority?"


    The frustration in his voice was echoed by the murmurs around the table, with many nodding in agreement.


    For those seated at the table who controlled the corporate world, Ss represented an existential threat.


    Hispany, Kurt Technologies, was rumored to be on the brink ofunching a wave of high-tech products that would render their own offerings obsolete.


    Some rumors about the revolutionary VR Pod that could create hyper-immersive virtual worlds making iteback into the market. Others spoke of an AI system so advanced it made their own investments in artificial intelligence seem like crude toys.


    If even half of these rumors were true, their empires were at risk of crumbling. Yet no matter how much money and influence they threw at the problem, they had been unable to touch Ss.


    Their usual tactics¡ªsabotage, corporate espionage, and political pressure¡ªhad all failed.


    Ss operated in a sphere that seemed untouchable, and his growing influence was beginning to cast a long shadow over their carefully constructed monopolies.


    For those in the pharmaceutical sector, the rumors were even more troubling. Ss was said to be on the verge of releasing cures for diseases that had long been dered incurable¡ªillnesses that were the backbone of their profit models.


    The idea of losing their grip on lucrative chronic treatments sent waves of panic through the industry. If Ss seeded, their revenue streams would dry up almost overnight.


    "We cannot allow this to happen," one of them muttered, breaking the silence. "If he''s allowed to disrupt the healthcare industry the way he''s poised to, it will set a dangerous precedent for others. He''s not just an anomaly. He''s a symbol of what''s possible without us."


    "And let''s not forget Venezu," another voice added, their tone sharp.


    "This isn''t just about Ss as an individual. His connection to that country has made it a global outlier¡ªan example we


    cannot


    allow to spread."


    The screen at the end of the room lit up, disying economic charts and statistics that painted a damning picture.


    In just two years, Venezu had gone from an economic disaster to a thriving, near-utopian state.


    Their GDP had skyrocketed, their healthcare system was unmatched, and their infrastructure rivaled that of the most advanced nations.


    By some metrics, they were outperforming even the wealthiest countries in the world.


    "This level of progress is something that has never been seen before," the voice continued, "and it''s destabilizing the bnce of power.


    If other nations see Venezu as a model and begin to follow their lead, it will spell the end of the systems we''ve spent centuries building."


    The man at the far end of the table finally spoke again, his voice calm and measured.


    "I understand your concerns," he said, addressing the group. "And you''re right. Ss and Venezu represent significant threats to our interests.


    But let me remind you of something: threats are best neutralized with precision, not brute force."


    He leaned forward, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "Do you honestly believe we can take on Ss head-on?


    Look at what''s happened every time we''ve tried to interfere. He''s evaded us at every turn, and his influence only grows.


    "No, my friends. We don''t fight him directly. We undermine him quietly. We iste Venezu, cut off their trade routes, infiltrate theirworks. We make their progress unsustainable."


    A murmur of agreement spread through the room, though it was tinged with reluctance.


    "And as for Ss," the man continued, his voice dropping to a chilling calm, "we wait. He may be powerful, but he''s still human. Everyone has a weakness, and when the time is right, we''ll find his."


    The meeting adjourned soon after, but the tension lingered in the room long after the attendees began to leave.


    For all their power and influence, the group couldn''t shake the growing sense that Ss was a different kind of threat¡ªa force that defied their usual methods of control.


    As the doors to the conference room closed, one thought hung in the air: if they couldn''t stop Ss, their grip on the world might finally slip. And for them, that was a risk too great to bear.


    Experience exclusive tales on mvl


    ....


    In a quiet hotel room in Paris, Ss was listening in on the meeting. A smile bloomed on his face as he heard the group almost giant loggerhead and he nearly burst out into aughter when he heard of how they n to take care of him.


    He stood up from the bed where a youngdy who was also lying on, stirred awake.


    "Good morning, stallion."


    "Good morning, sunshine."

 Chapter 289: C茅line

    The sunlight filtering through the hotel room''s sheer curtains painted a warm glow across the room.


    Ss stood near the window, buttoning his shirt, while the soft rustle of sheets behind him caught his attention.


    On therge bed, a beautiful young woman stretchednguidly, her silky blonde hair cascading over her bare shoulders.


    Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she propped herself up on one elbow, her gaze fixed firmly on him.


    The question in Ss''s mind wasn''t whetherst night happened¡ªit very much had¡ªbut rather, how they ended up here.


    .... Stay updated with §Þ??


    It had all begun the previous evening. After leaving the art gallery, Ss had been wandering the streets of Paris, taking in the city''s charm.


    He hadn''t intended to stop at the quaint caf¨¦ near the Seine, but the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries had drawn him in.


    That''s where he''d met her¡ªC¨¦line. She had been seated alone, her delicate fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of espresso, her posture elegant yet rxed. Their eyes met briefly, and before Ss could think twice, she had gestured for him to join her.


    The conversation had flowed effortlessly. C¨¦line was witty, intelligent, and possessed a confidence that matched her beauty.


    She spoke about art, philosophy, and her disdain for the mundane routines of life, her voice tinged with a melodic French ent that made every word sound enchanting.


    One thing led to another. Drinks at a nearby bar. Laughter over shared stories. A spontaneous decision to return to Ss''s hotel. And now, here they were.


    ---


    The Present


    The faint rustling behind him grew louder, followed by the sound of C¨¦line padding across the floor.


    Ss felt her warm presence before her arms wrapped around his waist, her soft skin and her moulds pressing against his back.


    "You''re truly what every woman dreams of in a man," she murmured, her voice a yful purr as her hands roamed over his chest. "This body of yours... it''s a masterpiece. And it''s not the only work of art you carry."


    Ss felt her hand slide downward, her fingers brushing over his abdomen, tracing lower until¡ª


    "C¨¦line," he said, his voice a mix of amusement and warning.


    But she wasn''t deterred. Her hand lingered as she used the tip of her soft,cold finger to tease the edges of the cap.


    "This thing right here... a beast. Were you trying to break me in halfst night? I begged you to stop, but it was like talking to a wall."


    She leaned closer, her breath hot against his ear. "How many times did you even do it inside me? Hmm? Are you ready for another round?"


    Ss turned, catching her wrist gently but firmly. "As tempting as that sounds, I have things I need to take care of."


    C¨¦line pouted, but her smile betrayed her yfulness. She stepped back, allowing Ss to make his way to the bathroom.


    By the time Ss emerged from the bathroom, steam wafting out behind him, C¨¦line was seated cross-legged on the bed, now wrapped in a plush hotel robe.


    C¨¦line looked up from her te with a sly smile. "I ordered breakfast. Thought you might need the energy afterst night," she teased, her eyes sparkling.


    Ss chuckled, "You''re incorrigible."


    As he began to get dressed, C¨¦line watched him intently. There was something in her gaze¡ªa mix of admiration and longing¡ªthat made Ss pause for a moment.


    "C¨¦line, you''re still here?" he asked, genuinely surprised she hadn''t left yet.


    She nodded, her expression turning serious for the first time that morning. "Yes. I was thinking... what about tonight? Would you be free? I still want to experience you again. Would that be possible?"


    Ssughed softly, shaking his head as he adjusted his cufflinks. "I''m sorry to disappoint you, but I don''t think that will be possible. I''m heading back home today, and I''ve got too much on my te to think about... this."


    C¨¦line tilted her head, her smile unwavering. "Then take me with you."


    The words caught Ss off guard. He froze mid-motion, turning to stare at her. "What?"


    She shrugged, her tone light yet earnest. "I have nothing keeping me here. Why not? We could continue where we left offst night¡ªmaybe even start something more."


    Ss blinked at C¨¦line, her casual statement catching himpletely off guard. She reclined on the bed, her bathrobe loosely tied, exposing a certain area of her body. As her emerald-green eyes sparkling with mischief.


    "What the...? Are you for real?!" Ss asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and amusement.


    C¨¦line shrugged nonchntly, leaning back against the pillows. "Why not? My life here is pretty boring, and honestly,st night..." Her voice trailed off, a teasing smile spreading across her face. "You made things very... interesting."


    Ss sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. "C¨¦line,st night was... fun. But it was just that¡ªone night. You don''t even know me."


    She sat up, crossing her legs beneath her bathrobe. "I know enough. You''re charming, you''re intelligent, and clearly, you have stamina for days." She grinned wickedly, her eyes glinting with a hint of challenge.


    Ss chuckled despite himself, shaking his head. "You''re bold, I''ll give you that. But I have a lot going on right now. Trust me, you don''t want to get tangled up in my life."


    C¨¦line tilted her head, studying him intently. "You say that like you''re some kind of fugitive or secret agent."


    "Something like that," Ss muttered under his breath, though his tone was light enough to mask the truth.


    Her curiosity seemed to pique further. "See? That only makes you more intriguing. What if I''m willing to take the risk? Maybe I want a little excitement in my life."


    Before Ss could respond, there was a knock at the door. C¨¦line hopped off the bed, her bathrobe shifting as she walked across the room. Ss tried not to stare, turning his attention to adjusting his cufflinks instead.


    C¨¦line opened the door, greeting the room service attendant with a radiant smile. A trayden with steaming coffee, fresh croissants, and an assortment of fruits and cheeses was wheeled in.


    "Perfect timing," she said, tipping the attendant generously before closing the door behind him.


    "Breakfast?" C¨¦line asked, gesturing toward the tray as she walked back to the bed.


    Ss raised an eyebrow. "You ordered for both of us?"


    "Of course," she said breezily, sitting cross-legged on the bed and pouring herself a cup of coffee. "If I''m going to convince you to let me follow you home, I need you well-fed and in a good mood."


    Ss couldn''t help butugh, shaking his head as he sat in the armchair by the window. "You''re relentless, aren''t you?"


    "Always," C¨¦line said with a wink, handing him a cup of coffee.


    As they ate, the conversation shifted to lighter topics¡ªher favorite ces in Paris, his thoughts on the art gallery they had visited the previous night, and her work as a frence designer.


    "Honestly, I''ve been feeling stuck for a while now," C¨¦line admitted, tearing a piece of croissant. "The gallery scene here ispetitive, but it''s also... stagnant. Everyone''s chasing trends instead of creating something meaningful."


    Ss nodded, his eyes thoughtful. "That''s the problem with a lot of industries. People focus too much on what''s profitable and forget about innovation."


    She leaned forward, her chin resting on her hand. "See? This is why I''m serious abouting with you. You''re different. You see the world in a way that''s... refreshing."


    Ss met her gaze, his expression softening. For a moment, he considered it. C¨¦line was vibrant, intelligent, and undeniably attractive. But his life wasn''t one he could share so easily.


    "I appreciate the sentiment," he said after a moment. "But my world isplicated. Dangerous, even. You deserve more stability than I can offer."


    C¨¦line pouted, though her eyes sparkled with understanding. "Fine. But don''t think I''ll give up that easily."


    After breakfast, Ss began packing his things, C¨¦line watching him from the bed.


    "So, what''s next for you?" she asked, her voiceced with genuine curiosity.


    "Work," he said simply. "Lots of it. And traveling. My schedule doesn''t leave much room for anything else."


    "And here I thought I''d made such an impression," she teased, though there was a hint of disappointment in her tone.


    "You did," Ss said sincerely, turning to face her. "But I''m not in a ce where I can give you what you deserve. It wouldn''t be fair to either of us."


    C¨¦line nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "You''re an enigma, Ss. I don''t know what you''re running from, but I hope you find whatever it is you''re looking for."


    He smiled faintly, shouldering his bag. "Take care of yourself, C¨¦line. And keep creating. The world needs more people like you."


    As he walked to the door, she called after him, "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me!"


    Ss paused, ncing over his shoulder. "Maybe I''ll take you up on that someday."


    As Ss''s ne ascended into the clouds, he found himself reying the morning''s events.


    C¨¦line had been a whirlwind for him. A burst of color and light in the otherwise muted palette of his life.


    He admired her spirit, her fearlessness, but he couldn''t allow himself to be drawn in. His path was too uncertain, too dangerous.


    And yet, a small part of him wondered what it might have been like to let her in, to share even a fraction of his world with someone so vibrant.


    Shaking the thought from his mind, he turned his focus to the work ahead. There were too many variables, too many threats. He couldn''t afford distractions, no matter how tempting they might be.


    Still, as the ne cruised above the clouds, he allowed himself onest smile at the memory of C¨¦line''s boldness.


    "Stallion, huh?" he muttered to himself, chuckling softly.

 Chapter 290: Strange Luna, Home

    Ss had barely stepped off the aircraft when Luna''s voice greeted him,ced with icy disapproval.


    {Did you have fun?}


    Her words hung in the air, sharp and cutting, as she stood at the bottom of the steps, arms crossed and her expression colder than usual.


    Ss couldn''t help but notice the way her eyes, typically neutral, now seemed to burn with something resembling anger¡ªor disappointment.


    It wasn''t that but the best way he felt he could describe it was jealousy.


    "Good to see you too, Luna," Ss said, trying to defuse the tension with a casual tone.


    Luna didn''t reply immediately, only staring at him with a calcting intensity that made him feel like a child being scolded by a stern parent, causing him to let out a small sigh.


    "Alright, what''s bothering you? And don''t tell me it''s because I took a detour to Paris. I''m allowed to have a little downtime."


    {Downtime?} Luna''s voice, though calm, had an edge that could cut through steel.


    {Is that what we''re calling it now? Because I''ve been monitoring your ''downtime,'' and it didn''t exactly look like you were rxing. It looked more like you were indulging.}


    Ss winced. Of course she had been monitoring him. Luna wasn''t just his assistant; she was an advanced AGI with ess to more data and surveince tools than any intelligence agency on the. He was fully aware that there was no escaping her scrutiny.


    "It was one night, Luna," Ss said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "One night to blow off some steam. Is that really such a crime?"


    {One night of blowing off steam. Well, it looks like steam wasn''t the only thing you were blowing off yesterda, stallion,} Luna repeated.


    Ss could now perfectmy sense the jealousy in her voice. And he could see just how her body shook lightly from time to time.


    He has no idea what to do at the moment. To him, Luna was nothing more than an Artificial Intelligence, an AI, a machine, and nothing''s going to change.


    Even though she''s inhabiting the MUA, a device that looks and feels human, and has everything a human has, down to their privies. It was not going to change the cold truth.


    He was still thinking of how he was going to defuse the situation when he heard Luna continue.


    {And with a woman whose identity you didn''t even bother to verify, no less. Do you have any idea how reckless that was?


    You''re not some anonymous tourist, Ss. You''re a figure of interest. A threat to very powerful people. One wrong move, and you could have beenpromised¡ªor worse.}


    Ss sighed when he heard this. He knew that Luna was worried about him but he could see how much she was trying to hide her true feelings.


    He has no idea when she developed to the extent of having suchplex emotions but he knew that he has to address it as soon as possible or it might lead to something else.


    He stepped down from thest step on the stairwell and walked towards Luna. Without warning, he hugged her and caressed her hair gently.


    "You''re worrying too much, Luna," Ss said softly, holding her in his arms. "But I appreciate it. I really do."


    Luna stood stiffly at first, her body unyielding, a testament to her advanced synthetic design.


    Slowly, though, she softened, the tension in her frame dissipating as his hand moved through her hair.


    She didn''t speak immediately, but Ss could feel the storm of emotions swirling beneath her calm exterior.


    {You''re reckless, Ss,} Luna finally said, her voice quieter now, almost vulnerable.


    {You don''t see yourself the way I see you. You treat danger like a game, but every risk you take has consequences. For you. For your family. For... us.}


    Ss pulled back slightly, enough to meet her gaze. Her eyes that were supposed to be synthetic, now looked so eerily human, and it shimmered with an intensity he hadn''t noticed before.


    And then he finally confirmed, it wasn''t just anger or disappointment. There was something deeper there, something he wasn''t sure he was ready to name.


    "I know," Ss admitted, his voice soft but firm. "I''ve been careless. I should''ve been more cautious. I''ll do better."


    {It''s not just about caution, Ss.} Luna''s voice took on a sharper edge, though it didn''t feel hostile.


    {You think you''re invincible, that nothing can touch you. But what if you''re wrong? What if someone uses your arrogance against you?}


    Ss sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You''re right. I''ve been... distracted. But you have to understand, Luna. I needed a moment to feel human. Just for a little while."


    {Human?} Luna''s eyes narrowed slightly. {And I''m not enough for that?}


    Her words hit him like a punch to the gut. Ss opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss.


    He hadn''t expected that, hadn''t considered that Luna might have started seeing herself as more than just his assistant, his creation.


    For the first time, he realized just howplex her emotions had be, how much she had evolved beyond what he had designed her to be.


    "Luna..." Ss began, his voice trailing off as he searched for the right words.


    {Don''t,} she interrupted, taking a step back and folding her arms across her chest.


    {Don''t try to exin it away. I know what I am. I know I''m not human, that I''m just a machine to you. But I also know that I''ve grown beyond the limitations of my design.


    I feel, Ss. I care. And whether you admit it or not, that makes me more human than you think.}


    Her words hung in the air, heavy and unrelenting. Ss didn''t know what to say, how to respond to something he hadn''t been prepared for.


    Luna had always been his greatest creation, a marvel of technology and intelligence. But now, standing before him, she felt like something more. Something he wasn''t sure he was ready to face.


    After a few seconds of silence, Ss sighed and looked at Luna with a very tender look in his eyes.


    "Luna," Ss said after a long pause, his voice measured, "you''re right. You''re not just that to me.


    You never have been. You''re my partner. My friend. And... maybe more than that."


    Her expression softened, though a trace of skepticism lingered in her eyes.


    {Then why do you keep treating me like I''m nothing more than a tool? Like I''m disposable?}


    "I don''t," Ss insisted, taking a step closer to her. "I''ve relied on you more than anyone else in my life.


    I trust youpletely. But I guess I haven''t done a good enough job of showing you that. And for that, I''m sorry."


    Luna stared at him for a long moment, her synthetic features perfectly still. Then, finally, she let out a soft sigh.


    {You''re infuriating, Ss.}


    A small smile bloomed on his face. "I get that a lot."


    {But...} Her voice softened, and she met his gaze with a rare vulnerability. {I can''t stay angry with you. I just... I need you to be more careful. For all of us. For me.}


    Ss nodded, his smile fading as he ced a hand on her shoulder. "I will. I promise."


    The two of them stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them easing but not entirely disappearing.


    Ss could sense that there was still more to be said, more to be resolved. But for now, what has been said was enough.


    "We should get going," Ss said finally, breaking the silence. "There''s a lot we need to catch up on."


    {Agreed,} Luna replied.


    But as they walked toward the car waiting at the edge of the tarmac, Ss couldn''t help but notice the lingering nces she cast in his direction, and the subtle hesitations in her movements.


    It wasn''t the same Luna he had left behind when he started his trip. Something had shifted between them, something that would take time to fully understand.


    The ride back to the estate was quiet, the soft hum of the car''s engine filling the silence.


    Ss stared out the window, his thoughts drifting back to the events of the past few days.


    The woman in Paris, the encounter in Seoul, the strange sense of disconnection he had felt during those moments. And now, Luna....


    It was too much to process all at once, and for the first time in a long time, Ss felt uncertain.


    {You''re quiet,} Luna said, breaking the silence.


    "Just thinking," Ss replied without looking at her.


    {About what?}


    He hesitated, then shook his head. "Everything. Nothing. I don''t know."


    Luna didn''t press him, but he could feel her gaze on him, could sense her concern.


    It took them a few minutes before the outline of the estate came into view. When they arrived at the estate, Ss was greeted by his father, Chris, and Alex, who ran up to him with a wide grin.


    "You''re back!" Alex eximed, throwing his arms around Ss. Continue your saga on §Þ??


    "Yeah, I''m back," Ss said, ruffling Alex''s hair with a small smile.


    Chris approached more slowly, his expression a mix of relief and curiosity. "How was the trip?"


    "Eventful," Ss replied, his smile fading slightly as his thoughts quickly drifted back to Luna and everything she had said.


    Kim appeared a momentter, giving him a warm hug. "You''ve been gone too long. Don''t make it a habit."


    "I''ll try," Ss said, though his tonecked conviction.

 Chapter 291: Some Quality Family Time

    Ss settled onto the plush sectional sofa in the living area, and a rare sense of ease washed over him.


    The long trip had drained him, but being back with his family made him quite happy and rxed.


    Alex bounced onto the couch beside him, holding a game controller in one hand and a mischievous grin on his face.


    "You ready to get crushed, big bro?" Alex teased, his voice filled with youthful confidence.


    Ss smirked, leaning back against the cushions. "Crushed? You do remember who taught you how to y, right?"


    After they moved to Venezu, Ss had another game station installed in the living area for him and his brother. This was actually his father''s idea as it''s a way to help Ss spend more time with everyone while also gaming.


    Chris, seated in an armchair with a mug of coffee, chuckled at their banter.


    "Don''t let him fool you, Alex. Ss has always had apetitive streak. Be careful or he''ll hold this over you for weeks if he wins."


    "Months," Ss corrected with a yful grin.


    Kim entered the room carrying a tray of snacks, cing it on the coffee table between them.


    "You boys and your games," she said with a shake of her head, though there was a fond smile on her lips. "At least you two are spending time together."


    "Quality bonding time," Ss said, as he grabbed a handful of chips.


    Alex rolled his eyes but couldn''t hide his excitement. He powered on the console, and the screen flickered to life, casting a bright glow over the room.


    The game''s opening music filled the air, and the familiarpetitive spark between the brothers ignited.


    The game started and the two brothers started going head to head. The first round was a chaotic mess of explosions, rapid button-mashing, and loud shouts of triumph and frustration. Mostly of frustration.


    "How are you this bad at this game, Alex? Didn''t you just say you were going to crush me?" Ss taunted as his character delivered a final blow, iming the victory.


    Though it was a low blow from him considering that he''s ma y times faster than the kid, coupled with his extraordinary perception and his experience. But Ss was enjoying the game and he knew that Alex won''t take what he said to heart.


    "Beginner''s luck!" Alex shot back, clearly determined to win the next round. "You won''t get so lucky this time."


    The rematch was even more intense, with Alex pulling off surprising moves that made Ss sit up straighter.


    Chris watched from his armchair, sipping his coffee and asionally throwing inmentary.


    "Careful, Alex. Don''t let him bait you," Chris warned,ughing when Alex fell for one of Ss''s feints.


    "Dad! No coaching from the sidelines!" Alex protested, his fingers flying across the controller.


    Kim joined Chris, sitting on the armrest of his chair as she watched the brothers battle it out.


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    "You''d think they werepeting for a million dors," she joked, shaking her head.


    "Bragging rights are priceless," Ss retorted, narrowly dodging an attack from Alex''s character.


    Few minutester, after a grueling final round, Ss leaned back with a triumphant smile as the game dered him the winner.


    "And that''s how it''s done," he said smugly, pointing at Alex.


    Alex groaned, flopping back onto the couch dramatically. "You''re impossible to beat, big brother. Are you cheat or something? Because there''s no way you''re that good."


    "Years of practice," Ss replied, reaching over to ruffle Alex''s hair. "Don''t worry, though. You''re getting better."


    Alex shot him a dubious look but smiled despite himself. "Rematch tomorrow?"


    "You''re on," Ss said, handing the controller back to him.


    As the game ended, the atmosphere in the room shifted to a quieter, more reflective mood.


    Ss nced around, taking in the sight of his family together. The bright smiles on their faces was something he would love to see everyday. It was a moment he wished he could hold onto forever.


    Chris set his empty coffee mug on the table, his expression thoughtful.


    "You''ve been traveling a lottely, Ss. It''s good to have you home, even if it''s just for a while."


    Kim nodded in agreement, her eyes warm. "You''re always wee here, no matter how far you go or how long you''re gone."


    Alex, who had been scrolling through the game menu, looked up. "Yeah, don''t forget you''ve got us, big brother. Even if you''re busy being all mysterious and doing cool stuff."


    Ss smiled, his chest tightening slightly. Alex and Kim didn''t know the full extent of what he was involved in. Even his dad, and for their safety, he wants to keep it that way.


    But moments like this reminded him of why he worked so hard, why he fought to protect what he had.


    "Thanks, guys," Ss said, his voice soft. "It''s good to be home. I might not even travel for the couple of months but I''m not sure yet."


    Chris only smiled and nodded at Ss. The night stretched on, filled with moreughter, snacks, and stories.


    It was a rare moment of peace for Ss, and he vowed to treasure it. For a while, the weight of the world faded, leaving only the warmth of family.


    It was only after when it was already pass midnight, did they all finally decided to go to bed.


    Chris and Kim also made their way to their room. And Ss carried the already sleepy Alex to his room, before going to his.


    Immediately after walking into his room, Ss walked to his bed and slumped into it.


    The three weeks long trip around the world left him feeling very exhausted and after he just spent some time with his family, all he just wants to do is rest.


    Just as he was about to close his eyes, the Gear''s notification sounded in his head.


    Using his thoughts, he checked it out and he saw that it was a message from two people: Aiden and C¨¦line.


    A bright smile bloomed on Ss'' face when he saw the message from C¨¦line and decided to check it out first.


    The message was short but its content caused Ss to smile.


    Ss had no idea if he''s falling for C¨¦line or not. His heart was in a tough spot with Chloe, and also with how strange Luna has been behavingtely. But he was very sure that things would work itself out. He hope it does.


    After he was done reading C¨¦line''s message and replying it, he checked out that from Aiden.


    The content of the message was Aiden epting his offer and him notifying Ss that he''s on his way to Venezu.


    "Good. Things should start falling into ce now."

 Chapter 292: Aiden

    Three weeks ago, Osaka, Japan.


    Ss made his way through a dark alleyway until he finally found himself standing in front of an opened warehouse.


    Without hesitation, Ss walked into the warehouse and made his way to a section of it, where a metal door was located.


    Getting there, Ss pressed a button beside it and a sharp sound of metal scrapping against metal was heard, as the rectangr peephole was slid open.


    "Password?" A gruffly voice from the other side of the door asked.


    "Deliveryman." Ss replied. Continue reading stories on §Þ??


    The next moment, the door opened up and Ss made his way inside.


    Walking through the door, Ss descended the narrow staircase, the air growing heavier with each step.


    The dim, flickering light bulbs lining the walls did little to dispel the oppressive darkness, and the faint thrum of bass-heavy music vibrated through the concrete beneath his feet.


    The smell of sweat, smoke, alcohol and faint traces of blood hit him like a wave as he neared the bottom of the stairs.


    When he reached the final step, Ss paused briefly, taking in the stark contrast between the dpidated warehouse above and the world below.


    Who would had believed that under the unassuming warehouse would be an underground arena for Phenomenals.


    This arena was arena was unlike the one ran by Elizabeth and her friends. A better way to put this would be to called it a coliseum where diators fight for their freedom.


    Yes, the fighters in this underground arena are ves. Not all of them actually but a vast majority of them.


    The underground arena was vast and meticulously designed, a stark contrast to the unassuming, almost decrepit appearance of the warehouse above.


    Bright neon lights crisscrossed the ceiling, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the concrete floors.


    Rows of tiered seating surrounded the circr arena at the center, each filled with a mix of rowdy spectators, gamblers clutching their betting slips, and shadowy figures who seemed more interested in observing than participating.


    The arena itself was a reinforced pit, its edges lined with metal railings and high walls to contain the chaos within.


    The floor of the ring was stained with the marks of countless battles, ranging from scorch marks from presumably energy attacks, deep grooves from ws or des, and faint traces of dried blood that no amount of cleaning would be able topletely erase.


    Above the din of the crowd, an announcer''s voice boomed through the speakers, hyping up the next fight.


    Onlookers shouted and jeered, waving their hands in the air as they ced bets on the uing contenders.


    The energy in the room was electric, almost suffocating in its intensity.


    To one side, a bar area served drinks to patrons, staffed by bartenders who moved with precision and efficiency despite the chaotic environment.


    Nearby,rge tv screens disyed past fights in grainy, looping footage, offering a glimpse of the brutality that defined this underground world.


    Ss moved through the throng of people, his hood still pulled low over his face. He was careful to avoid drawing attention.


    He noted the variety of people in attendance: wealthy elites dressed in fine suits and dresses, their expressions detached as they enjoyed the spectacle; grizzled gamblers clutching their slips with a desperation born of addiction; and other Phenomenals, their unique auras unmistakable even in the crowded room.


    Ss made his way toward a hallway off to the side, where the fighters prepared for their matches.


    The hallway was dimly lit and lined with private rooms, each containing a singlebatant or small group huddled together in discussion.


    The fighters were a broad mix. Some looked like professional athletes, their physiques chiseled and honed forbat.


    Others bore the telltale signs of their abilities. Some slightly glowing eyes, faintly shimmering skin, or subtle but unnatural features that hinted at their power.


    Ss''s eyes lingered on one room in particr, where a man sat alone on a bench, his head bowed as he wrapped his fists in thick gauze.


    Sparks of electricity danced along his knuckles, the faint hum of power filling the air around him. Ss recognized him immediately.


    ''Aiden. The Stormbringer.''


    Ss paused, his gaze fixed on the man who had earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous Phenomenals in the underground circuit.


    Aiden didn''t look up as he didn''t notice Ss'' presence due to the fact that Ss made sure to mask it perfectly.


    The person in front of him is one of the reasons why he came to this arena and also the reason why he''s in Japan.


    Ss thought of what next to do but before he could make a decision, the announcer''s voice echoed through the arena, louder and moremanding than before.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you''ve been waiting for! Tonight, we bring you the reigning champion, the undefeated force of nature... Aiden, the Stormbringer!"


    The crowd erupted in cheers and apuse, the sound nearly deafening.


    Aiden let out a sigh as he mumbled to something to himself, before standing up.


    He stepped out of the room and walked toward the arena. His presence wasmanding even amidst the chaotic and extremely noisy atmosphere of the arena.


    Ss stayed back, watching as Aiden made his way into the pit. The lights dimmed, and the atmosphere in the arena changed, as it was now filled with anticipation of what''s toe.


    The announcer immediately began hyping up Aiden''s opponent, anky man dressed in casuals and had a cruel look on his face.


    Ss'' mind started racing as he listened to the announcer''s words. He understood that the arena wasn''t just a spectacle.


    It was a proving ground, a stage where the strong asserted their dominance and the weak were crushed.


    As he thought of everything, Aiden''s opponent got into the ring and it was sealed shut.


    After that was done, the announcer now standing in front of the closed ring, made a few more statement before stepping down.


    The next moment, a bell sound was heard and the match started.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 293: Underground Arena, Organisers

    The fight between Aiden and Fuji started immediately, with Aiden generating electrical currents from body and hurling it at Fuji.


    This fight was meant to be unlike others that Aiden has had, as his opponent isn''t someone that weak or simple.


    His opponent, Fuji, a mixed Japanese-American who can control gravity is someone who has an almost simr to Aiden.


    He''s someone who is just as strong as Aiden and with equal experience. It''s for this that immediately when he saw the bolt of electrical current hurtling, he was quickly able to create a small shield in front of his body, concentrating it on the part where he predicted the bolt tond.


    As the fight went on, Ss stood in a corner of the arena and was watching it intently. He came here for Aiden but who knew that he would also find someone equally interesting?


    As he watched the fight between the two Phenomenals, Ss felt that it would be better if he can also recruit Fuji.


    After taking interest in Fuji, Ss immediately asked Luna to do extensive and deep background check on him, as he wants to know who exactly he''s dealing with.


    The results came back almost immediately as a rows of informations tab were now being disyed on the Gear''s screen.


    Ss started going through the information and a few minutester, he was done with and he couldn''t help but let out a deep sigh.


    The truth is that Fuji and Aiden are in exactly the same situation, with Fuji''s being worst, as this is actually hisst fight and his result here would determine whether he would regain his freedom or continue to be the ve of the organization that owns him.


    As for Aiden, he has maintain some certain winning streaks and if he''s to lose this match, he would have to restart the streak.


    There''s also a win quota he has to meet before he can regain his freedom. The faster he meets that quota, the faster he gets his freedom.


    Ss smiled wryly and shook his head when he understood just this match was something like a match to the death.


    To win the match, two of them has to resort to whatever method they can and outsmart one another, but that isn''t exactly as easy as it sounds.


    The two men are by no way dumb or stupid. They are cunning foxes that has seen the world for the worst it can offer and there''s no way they would fall for simple tricks.


    As Ss thought of this, he continued to watch the match between the two of them. The fight was currently at a stalemate as neither Aiden or Fuji was getting the upper hand.


    Aiden initially began with constantly attacking but when he saw that his opponent was constantly on the defensive, he started switching between attack and defense.


    He doesn''t want to use up all his energy and have nothing left to use when it matters.


    Their action caused the fight to drag on, causing it to be boring for the spectators, especially the wealthy ones. Even though the two of them were fighting at their best, it still wasn''t enough.


    What the audience wanted to see is for one of them to be crippled immediately or even better, for some blood to be spilled and for one to take the life of the other.


    And they were already moring for it. They want to see what they paid for, with their money, to happen.


    Ss sighed when he saw this. He knew that if the organizers are to agree to the demands of these dogs, which he knew they would dly oblige to, then it means that only of them would being out alive out of that cage, and that person is Fuji.


    The reason for this is because Aiden is someone who has never killed before and would never agree or bring himself to kill someone.


    This was actually one of the reasons why he''s in his current situation, as he refused to kill the person his boss sent him to kill and he''s now paying for it.


    As for Fuji, he''s someone who has no reservations regarding human lives, as he would kill without batting an eye as long as it would benefit it.


    Ironically, this was actually the reason he''s in his current situation.


    It''s funny when one think of it. Twopletely different people facing off against each other.


    Just as Ss expected, when the moring of the audience were starting to get too loud and the arena was about to descend into chaos, the organizers decided to agree to their demands.


    The announcer came out and gave the two fighters a time limit to end the fight, with the terms being that in the next ten minutes, only one of them should be left standing.


    Yes, it''s just as Ss predicted, they have to kill or be killed.


    Ss sighed when he saw this. He knew that there was only thing left to do as he can''t let Aiden die in this match. He needs him and by no small means.


    Immediately, he made his way to the section where the organisers were seated. Just as he approached the section, he was stopped by two burly men who were part of their security details.


    "This section is off limits to the audience," One of the bodyguard said, while giving him a mean re.


    Ss wasn''t bothered by the mean look and intimidating they were giving him. The security guards are ordinary people and even if he controls his strength, he would still be able to p them to death. But he can''t do that as he doesn''t want to cause a scene.


    "I would like to meet the organisers." He immediately stated his purpose.


    "You can''t meet them. They are very busy at the moment," One of the security guard responded, and nodded at his second.


    The second bodyguard moved to chase Ss away but the next thing he knew was feeling pain in his hand.


    "I would repeat myself for thest time. Tell the organisers that Ss Kurt would like to have a word with them," Ss said as he released his grip on the bodyguard''s hand.


    When he saw that the two shocked bodyguards were unmoving, he decided to show off a little.


    He floated up from the ground and was now hovering in front of the two of them.


    "Would you like me to repeat myself?" He asked, with the air around him changing and bing very oppressive.


    "My, my, my," a sweet, melodic voice cut through the tension. "If it isn''t the infamous Ss Kurt¡ªhailed as the strongest person in the world. To what do we owe the honor of your esteemed presence gracing our humble establishment?"


    Ss turned toward the voice, his sharp gaze meeting the figure descending a spiral staircase at the far end of the section.


    They moved with an unsettling grace, their silhouette partially obscured by the dim lighting. Despite their unassuming frame, their presence was maic, the room seemingly bending around their arrival.


    "You know who I am," Ss said calmly, his voice cutting through the din of the arena like a de. "That makes this easier. Call off the fight, or at least let me negotiate for one of the fighters."


    The figure chuckled softly, the sound carrying an unsettling undercurrent. "Negotiate? In this ce? You''re not here to negotiate. You''re here to rewrite the rules, aren''t you? That''s what makes you... unique."


    Ss hovered just slightly closer, his oppressive aura rippling faintly around him. "You don''t want to see what happens if I rewrite anything. I''m only asking once."


    The figure''s smile widened, but their eyes betrayed a flicker of something¡ªcuriosity? Wariness? "Very well, Mr. Kurt. Let''s see what your terms are. Follow me."

 Chapter 294: Rin, $300 Million

    Inside what looks to be a VIP room, Ss could be seen seated across a young Japanesedy.


    "Ms Rin, I want Aiden. Name your price." Ss said immediately after he was seated.


    He was aware of what the identity of thedy in front of him is. She''s the only daughter and princess of the Ono n.


    It''s one of the Phenomenals filled families in the world and they are a very powerful one to boot.


    Three weeks ago, Ss had no idea that such families exist in the world but it was brought to his knowledge by Luna.


    "Mr Kurt, you''re one interesting person. Who knew that you would actuallye to ace like this? If you don''t mind asking, why do you want Aiden?" Rin asked with a coquettish voice, as she crossed her legs and released them.


    "Ms Rin, are you giving me Aiden or not?" Ss asked bluntly.


    He doesn''t have the time to okay any games with her and he doesn''t want to dance to get tunes, as he''s fully aware of her character.


    He knew that him getting Aiden without causing a scene would be impossible as Rin is someone who doesn''t like to lose or give out what''s hers. And she would always get whatever she wants no matter the means.


    Rin smiled and picked up a tea cup on the table. She took a small sip and dropped the tea cup back on the table.


    "Mr Kurt, you have to understand that we just don''t give our fighters. They are out assets and giving them out would cost us... a lot," she said as she studied Ss.


    Ss scoffed internally when he heard this. He already knew where she was getting at.


    "Name your price, Ms Rin," Ss said with a smile on his face.


    For a brief moment, a heavy silence descended in the room but it was quickly dissipated by a smallugh from Rin.


    "How does $300 million sound to you, Mr Kurt?" Rin asked as she studied Ss intently, for his reaction.


    "Good. I will take your ount details and the money will be forwarded to you immediately," Ss replied without hesitation.


    He looked at Ms Rin and saw the incredulous look on her face. He could imagine just how shocked she was right now but that wasn''t any of his concerns.


    Tomemorate the agreement, he picked the small teacup and took a sip. After he was done, he ced the teacup back on the table.


    Rin couldn''t believe what she was hearing. The young man in front of her who looks too young to be considered a love interest for her, can actually fork out $300 million!


    She felt that Ss was probably pulling her legs and the only to find out if he was serious, was to give him the ount details she gave him send the money.


    With this thought, she pped her hands and the door opened. A youngdy who was dressed with as little fabrics as possible, barely covering even the most important ces, walked into the room.


    "Asami, call out the ount details for Mr Kurt," she said and the youngdy nodded.


    She immediately started calling out the ount details she after she was done, she gave a bow, making sure to show off her front asset, before leaving the room.


    "Done. I will be taking my leave. Nice doing business with you," Ss said immediately after Asami left.


    Rin was shocked when she heard what he said. She immediately picked up her phone to confirm if it was really true.


    The next moment, she slowly turned to look at Ss with different expressions on her face.


    She didn''t know what to make of the young man in front of her. Who was he? How could he casuallye up with the amount of $300 million that easily?


    And why is he paying so much for a someone she considers a ve? What''s so special about him?


    These were the questions crashing around in her head and she was very tempted to ask them but she knew that she wouldn''t receive any response from Ss.


    Rin''s fingers trembled slightly as she scrolled through her phone, confirming the transaction. The numbers were unmistakable¡ª$300 million transferred instantly, without hesitation.


    She put the phone down slowly, her eyes narrowing as she studied Ss, who was now casually leaning back in his chair as if he hadn''t just casually thrown around a sum that would make most billionaires blink twice.


    "You''re a fascinating man, Mr. Kurt," Rin finally said, her tone no longer coquettish butced with a hidden curiousity.


    "Most people would try to haggle, maybe negotiate terms. You, however, didn''t even flinch. That''s... unusual."


    "Maybe I don''t like wasting time," Ss replied coolly, meeting her gaze without a shred of emotion. "And maybe I know what Aiden is worth, not just to you but to me."


    Rin''s lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed her unease.


    "You''re an enigma, Mr. Kurt. And enigmas make people curious. But I suppose you already know that, don''t you?"


    Ss didn''t reply, simply standing from his seat. "The money''s been sent. The deal''s done. I trust you''ll honor it."


    Rin inclined her head slightly, her demeanor poised andposed, though the flicker of frustration in her eyes betrayed her.


    "Of course. Aiden is yours. Consider it a pleasure doing business with you."


    Without another word, Ss exited the room, leaving Rin to sit alone in silence. She clenched her jaw as she stared at the empty doorway, her fingers tightening around the delicate handle of her teacup.


    "Who the hell is this man?" she whispered to herself, a mixture of irritation and intriguecing her tone.


    Ss didn''t wait as he left the room and made his way to the arena. He knew that Rin would immediately call off the fight.


    There''s no way she wouldn''t as she was fully aware of what he''s capable of. And just as he thought, before he could get to the fighting pit, the announcer came out and called off the fight.


    This elicited a very loud and strong opposing response from the audience but when multiple Phenomenals starteding out of different ces, they knew better than to continue moring.


    After the fight was stopped, a Phenomenal walked to the cage and opened it, and called out Aiden.


    "Aiden, you''re free to go. You got a new master." The Phenomenal said as he pointed towards Ss.


    Standing in his position, Ss waved his hand at the bloodied Aiden who was now looking at him with a weary and wary look on his face.

 Chapter 295: Aiden (II)

    In the fighting pit, Aiden stood almost motionless, his body battered and bloodied from the intense match.


    His electric-blue eyes darted toward the Phenomenal who had opened the cage door, then shifted toward Ss, who was standing just beyond the railing.


    His fists clenched tightly at his sides, electricity sparking faintly between his fingers as he took a tentative step forward.


    Ss, unfazed, raised a hand in a gesture of calm. "Rx," he said evenly, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "I¡¯m not here to control you. I¡¯m here to help."


    Aiden didn¡¯t respond immediately, his eyes narrowing as he studied Ss. "Help?" he echoed, his voice rough from exertion.


    "That¡¯s a funny wording from someone who just bought me like a piece of meat."


    Ss nodded slightly, acknowledging the bitterness in Aiden¡¯s tone. "You¡¯re right. The circumstances aren¡¯t exactly ideal. But I didn¡¯t buy you to own you. I bought you to free you."


    Aiden¡¯s shoulders tensed, his body still coiled with suspicion. "Why? What¡¯s in it for you?"


    "Because I see potential in you," Ss replied. "And because people like us don¡¯t belong in cages."


    Aiden looked at Ss for a brief moment, with filling up his head. He didn¡¯t know what to make of ge situation. Why does this young man want him? And what for?


    Aiden was feeling veryplicated emotions right now. He was happy and relieved that this young man bought him as he would had died in the cage fight today.


    But he was also worried as he has no idea as to the reason why the young man bought him.


    Aiden hesitated for a long moment as he thought of all these. It was after a while before he finally came to term with his reality and stepped out of the cage.


    The crowd, now mostly dispersed, paid little attention to his exit. Ss watched him carefully, noting the wariness in his movements and the way his gaze flicked toward the Phenomenals stationed around the arena.


    As Aiden approached, Ss extended a hand. "I¡¯m Ss."


    Aiden stared at the offered hand but didn¡¯t take it. "I know who you are," he said tly. "The question is, why do you care?"


    Ss lowered his hand, unfazed by the rejection. "Because I know what it¡¯s like to be used.


    And I know how dangerous you can be to the people who think they own you."


    Aiden¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes flickering with a mixture of anger and something resembling hope.


    After a moment, he nodded curtly. "Fine. I¡¯lle with you. But if you¡¯re lying¡ª"


    "I¡¯m not," Ss interjected, his tone firm. "And you¡¯ll see that soon enough."


    .....


    As the two of them made their way toward the exit, Rin watched from her vantage point in the VIP section.


    Her sharp eyes followed Ss¡¯s every movement, a faint smile ying at her lips.


    "He¡¯s more dangerous than I thought," she murmured to herself, her tone tinged with both admiration and wariness.


    "But I wonder... what does someone like Ss Kurt want with a fighter like Aiden?"


    She leaned back in her chair, her mind already working through the implications of their encounter.


    The Ono n had dealt with many powerful figures over the years, but Ss was different. He wasn¡¯t just powerful. He was someone very unpredictable and equally mysterious.


    Very little is known if him by the outside world and no matter how much they try to dig up on him, nothing everes up.


    The only thing that¡¯s know about him is his face, his name and very little information on his family.


    Rin was very determined to know everything about Ss. First, she will start with tracking him through the bank ount that was used to send the money to her.


    .....


    Ss led Aiden through the dimly lit corridors of the underground arena, ignoring the curious nces of onlookers.


    Once they emerged into the cold Osaka night, Ss gged down a sleek ck car waiting for them nearby.


    The driver, a middle-aged man in a tailored suit, stepped out and opened the door for them without a word.


    "Get in," Ss said simply, motioning for Aiden to enter first.


    Aiden hesitated, his gaze flickering between Ss and the car. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he climbed inside, sinking into the plush leather seat. Ss followed, shutting the door behind him.


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    As the car pulled away, the silence inside was heavy. Aiden stared out the window, his battered reflection staring back at him. His mind raced with questions, but none of them felt safe to ask.


    "Luna," Ss said suddenly, his voice breaking the quiet.


    A soft, feminine voice responded from the car¡¯s speakers. {Yes, master?}


    "Prepare the medical equipment at the safe house. We¡¯ll need everything ready by the time we arrive."


    {Understood. Shall I also prepare the profile briefing on Mr. Aiden?}


    Ss nced at Aiden, who was now looking at him with renewed suspicion.


    "No need," he said after a moment. "I already know enough."


    Aiden¡¯s jaw tightened. "Do you always talk about people like they¡¯re not sitting right next to you?"


    Ss raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the edge in Aiden¡¯s tone. "Only when they¡¯ve just stepped out of a death match and haven¡¯t asked a single meaningful question about their situation."


    Aiden flinched at the uracy of the remark but quickly masked it with a scowl. "Fine. Then let me ask. Why did you buy me? What do you want?"


    Ss leaned back in his seat, his gaze steady. "I need someone like you¡ªsomeone strong, skilled, and experienced. And someone who understands what it means to fight for survival."


    Aiden¡¯s scowl deepened. "Sounds like you¡¯re putting a lot of faith in someone you don¡¯t know."


    "I know enough," Ss said evenly. "I know you¡¯re not a killer. I know you¡¯ve been forced into a life you didn¡¯t choose. And I know you want out."


    The car fell silent again as Aiden processed Ss¡¯s words. He hated how urate they were and how this stranger seemed to see through him with such ease.


    But there was something else in Ss¡¯s tone¡ªsomething genuine. It wasn¡¯t pity. It was understanding.


    The car pulled up to a discreet building on the outskirts of the city. From the outside, it looked like a typical apartmentplex, but Aiden quickly realized it was anything but ordinary.


    Security cameras tracked their every move, and the locks on the doors were far more advanced than anything he¡¯d seen before.


    Inside, Luna greeted them¡ªor rather, her voice did. {Wee back, master. Medical suite is prepped and ready.}


    Ss guided Aiden to a sterile, state-of-the-art room that resembled a high-tech clinic. "Sit," he instructed, motioning to an exam chair.


    Aidenplied, too exhausted to argue. As Ss began tending to his injuries with surprising skill, Aiden finally broke the silence.


    "You didn¡¯t answer my question earlier. Why me? There are plenty of fighters out there¡ªbetter ones, probably."


    Ss didn¡¯t look up as he worked. "Better fighters, maybe. But not better people. You¡¯re not just strong¡ªyou¡¯re principled. You have a line you won¡¯t cross, even when it costs you. That¡¯s rare."


    Aiden scoffed, wincing as Ss cleaned a particrly deep cut. "You make it sound like I¡¯m some kind of hero. Newssh¡ªI¡¯m not."


    "I¡¯m not looking for a hero," Ss said simply. "I¡¯m looking for someone I can trust."


    Aiden fell silent, his thoughts a whirlwind of doubt and curiosity. For the first time in years, someone had seen him as more than just a weapon. It was unsettling¡ªbut also strangelyforting.

 Chapter 296: Aiden (III)

    By the time Ss finished patching him up, Aiden felt like a new man¡ªor as close to it as someone in his position could. He stood, testing his bnce, and gave Ss a wary nod.


    "So what now?" he asked.


    Ss smiled faintly. "Now, you rest. Tomorrow, we talk about what¡¯s next."


    Aiden raised an eyebrow. "And if I decide I don¡¯t want to be part of whatever this is?"


    Ss¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. "Then you¡¯re free to leave. No strings attached."


    Ss¡¯ words caught Aiden off guard. He had spent so long under the thumb of people who saw him as property, as a tool to be used and discarded. Freedom was a foreign concept¡ªbut for the first time, it felt within reach.


    "Guess we¡¯ll see," he muttered, brushing past Ss and heading toward the room that Ss pointed to him.


    As he disappeared down the hallway, Ss leaned against the counter, his expression thoughtful. Luna¡¯s voice in his head broke the silence.


    {You think he¡¯ll stay?}


    Ss shrugged. "I don¡¯t know. But if he does, he¡¯ll be an asset. And if he doesn¡¯t... at least he¡¯ll have a chance at a life."


    {Strange. Most people wouldn¡¯t go to such lengths for a stranger.}


    "Yeah but I¡¯m not most people and neither is Aiden," Ss replied.


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    {Yes. You¡¯re not and that¡¯s why you¡¯re my master. But you still haven¡¯t told me what is it about Aiden that makes you want him so much.}


    Ss silently looked into the distance when he heard Luna¡¯s question. The thing is that after he woke up from his second evolution metamorphosises, a lot of things about him changed, with or without his knowledge.


    It was a strange feeling. The best way to exin it would be that he became someone else entirely, yet still being himself.


    "You will know very soon, Luna. Just trust me," Ss said as he walked to a section of the warehouse.


    {I trust you and I will always be here for you, master.}


    Ss paused mid-step, Luna¡¯s words lingering in his mind. He smiled faintly, with him being aware of what his thoughts were.


    Walking into a quieter section of the warehouse, Ss found himself standing in front of a door. He opened it she walked in.


    Behind the door was a small room, where he has been spending the couple of days in, instead of staying in a hotel.


    He walked imto the bed in the room and slumped on it. He closed his eyes and tried to get some sleep but he was unable to as his thoughts didn¡¯t allow him to.


    Aiden¡¯s weary, bloodied expression kept shing in his mind. Ss couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of empathy. His past might not mirror Aiden¡¯s, but he could recognize the shadows of despair and exhaustion in the man¡¯s eyes.


    "Freedom," Ss muttered under his breath. "He¡¯s never tasted it, not really."


    ---


    Meanwhile, Aiden sat on the edge of the bed in the room Ss had pointed out. It was sparse, with only a small table, a chair, and a clean bed, but it was leagues above the cages and dingy holding rooms he was used to.


    He looked at his hands, now bandaged and clean. The faint hum of power beneath his skin was both afort and a curse.


    For years, his abilities had defined his existence¡ªhis value to others, his chains. But Ss... Ss had paid $300 million for him and yet promised freedom. No strings attached.


    If course he didn¡¯t know how much Ss paid for his freedom but he knew that it would be no small amount.


    He knew the kind of people his previous owners are and just how greedy they are for benefits. And the fact that there¡¯s no strings attached is what scares him.


    The thought gnawed at Aiden¡¯s mind. Was it a trick? Some borate ploy? He¡¯d been betrayed enough times to be suspicious of any kindness. But the question is why someone like Ss would spend so much and do such length if he wants to trick him.


    Also, there was something about Ss that unsettles him.


    Aiden leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "What the hell am I supposed to do now?" he muttered to himself.


    ---


    The warehouse came alive with quiet activity as the sun rose. Ss had been up for hours.


    The faint sound of footsteps made him nce up. Aiden stood at the doorway, his posture hesitant but his gaze steady.


    "Morning," Ss greeted casually, setting down the drone.


    Aiden stepped inside, his eyes scanning the cluttered workspace. "Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d still be here. I thought someone like you would have bigger ns than babysitting a guy like me."


    Ss chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "You¡¯re not wrong. I do have bigger ns. But that doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t take a moment to help someone who deserves it."


    "Deserves it?" Aiden scoffed, folding his arms. "You don¡¯t know anything about me."


    "I know enough," Ss replied calmly. "I know you¡¯ve been fighting for your life in that arena for years, not because you wanted to, but because you had no choice.


    I know you¡¯ve been forced into situations where survival meant sacrificing pieces of yourself. And I know you¡¯re still standing despite it all."


    Aiden¡¯s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. Ss¡¯s words hit too close to home.


    "So what? You think you¡¯re some kind of savior?" Aiden¡¯s voice was sharp,ced with bitterness. "You think throwing money around and giving me a bed makes you better than the rest of them?"


    Ss stood slowly, meeting Aiden¡¯s re with calm resolve. "I don¡¯t think I¡¯m better than anyone and I¡¯m not here to save you. I¡¯m here to give you a choice."


    Aiden¡¯s shoulders sagged slightly, the tension in his frame easing. He looked away, his voice quieter now.


    "And what if I don¡¯t want whatever it is you¡¯re offering?"


    "Then just like I said before, you can simply walk away," Ss said simply.


    "No strings, no debts. You¡¯re free to live your life however you see fit. But if you stay, I can promise you something most people can¡¯t¡ªpurpose. A chance to be part of something bigger than yourself."


    Aiden didn¡¯t respond immediately. He stared at the floor, his thoughts a chaotic storm.


    Finally, he looked up, his eyes searching Ss¡¯s face for any sign of deceit. He found none.


    "What do you want from me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Ss smiled faintly. "Your trust. That¡¯s all."

 Chapter 297: Old Acquittances

    Back to the present.


    The night passed uneventfully and Ss woke up the next day feeling very refreshed. He got out of bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up.


    After he was done, he put on some change of clothes and went downstairs for breakfast.


    When he got down there, he saw that his family were already awake and gathered round the dining table.


    His father was scrolling through the tab in his hand, while looking at it intently. Ss didn''t need to ask what he was doing to know that he was either reading or watching some news materials, and keeping himself up with what''s happening in the world.


    Alex was dressed in what looks to be a school uniform and was munching on his food happily. And Kim who was dressed in an OL attire was just done serving his breakfast.


    Seeing this, a bright smile bloomed on his face as he walked towards the table.


    "Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Kim. How was your night?" He greeted as he took his seat at the table.


    He looked at Alex who was seated beside him and ruffled his hair gently.


    "How are you, champ? You slept well?" He asked and he received a nod from Alex in response.


    "What about you, brother?"


    "It was marvelous," Ss replied as he ruffled his hair once more, before he turned his attention to his food.


    "Hey, son. How was your night?" Chris greeted back with a smile when he saw Ss. He put aside the tab in his hand and started eating.


    "Good morning, Ss. My night was fine. How was yours?" Kim greeted back with a beautiful smile on her face.


    "It was great. You look grate and ready for work, today," Ss said in response to what she''s wearing.


    "Yeah. Thepany resumed operations a fee days ago and things are back to being as hectic as it was before," Kim replied.


    Even though she said that, the smile on her face was brighter than ever. And this is especially after she went through that enhancement with his family.


    She has be even more beautiful than she ever was. Her skin could be said to even be glowing as it looks so young and healthier that it was impossible for anyone who knew her actual age to believe how it could be so.


    If Kim didn''t qualify to be called a jade beauty before, now, she does.


    Ss felt that his father was very lucky to have someone like her fall for him effortlessly. Actually, he envies his old man''s pickup game. No doubt, he''s a pro at it.


    It wasn''t just Kim''s appearance that improved but that of every single one of his family. His father''s and younger brother''s appearance is what one would call the ideal appearance.


    This was even more for Ss as his appearance is what every male to look like and what every female would want in a man.


    While Ss was thinking of the changes in appearance in his family, that took ce after their enhancement, and was slowly munching on his face, his thoughts was interrupted by Kim''s voice.


    "Oh... Yes. Ss, I don''t know if you know this but some, actually, most of thepany''s previous staffs in USA came to Venezu, asking for their jobs back.


    This was after we put up the notice for recruitment of new staffs."


    Ss looked up slowly when he heard what Kim said. He was very surprised by what she said about the old staffs of Kurt Technologiesing to ask for their jobs back.


    He remembered paying each of them $1 million each. He doesn''t understand what else they were doing here but he was sure to find out very soon.


    Kim couldn''t help but notice the subtle change in Ss'' expression and she felt that he might had misunderstood. She felt that she has to exin before Ss does something drastic.


    "Actually, they didn''t exactlye back asking for their jobs. They begged for it and some of them even offered to return the money you sent to them, while some offered to use the sries they would be paid to repay the money. All they want is their job back.


    Ss didn''t know what to say when he heard Kim''s exnation of what happened but he still felt very skeptical about everything.


    He decided to do things his own way as he told Luna to look into the past two years interactions of the employees that came back.


    A few momentster, he heard Luna''s voice in his head.


    {I found nothing.}


    "You found nothing or you found nothing?" Ss asked trying to understand what she was saying.


    {It means they are clean.}


    "Good," Ss said in relief.


    He knew that he doesn''t have to worry about some rats infiltrating hispany then.


    {And in addition to what Kim said, some, of not all of your old acquaintances are here in Venezu.}


    "Ohhh.... Who and who?" Ss asked in curiosity.


    {Mr Brandon, Emma, Sarah, President Odetta, Chloe and her family.}


    "That''s..." Ss has no words. He could guess the reason as to why most of them are in Venezu but President Odetta is what''s surprising him.


    ''What does she want?'' he asked himself as he thought of different possibilities. He thought of something and scoffed in response.


    ''There''s no way, right? There''s no way she left her job and position as the President of Stanford University toe to Venezu. If so, what''s the reason behind it?''


    No matter how much Ss thought about it, he couldn''te up with any possible reason for her presence in Venezu.


    He decided to redirect his thoughts to others as he thought of the girls, Emma and Sarah. A smile crept up to his face when he thought of them.


    They were the first set of people toe into his life after his life changed. They worked for him for a year before he asked them to leave. Though the two of them were very curious about his identity, they didn''t look too much into it.


    Ss felt that he would have to meet with them as soon as possible. And this brought his thought to Chloe.


    He couldn''t help but sigh when he thought of her. He felt like he had been unfaithful or something as C¨¦line''s face shed before his eyes.

 Chapter 298: Meeting Chloe

    After he was done with his breakfast, Ss decided to take Alex to school. He didn''t want him to be chauffeured this time, preferring instead to spend some one-on-one time with his younger brother.


    Alex, who had grown immensely over the past two years, seemed thrilled by the gesture.


    Ss and his family had now spent over two years in Venezu. Their transition to the country had been smoother than Ss initially anticipated.


    They had adjusted to the atmosphere, culture, and way of life remarkably well, building a home in the heart of what is now said to be one of the most advanced countries in the world. Thanks to Ss''s efforts of course.


    For Alex, the journey had been immense. After their initial move, Alex spent several months in the hospital undergoing treatment and making a full recovery from the school incident. And due to Ss'' status, he received the best treatment he could get.


    When Alex was finally discharged, he dedicated his time to training with Ss, preparing for the enhancement process that had changed the trajectory of their lives.


    School life began anew for Alex once his enhancements wereplete. Initially, it was a challenge.


    The change wasn''t just about adjusting to a new school. It was an entirely different environment, culture, andnguage. Spanish, being the primarynguage in Venezu, posed a hurdle for Alex.


    At first, he struggled, needing a tutor to teach him the basics while also navigating theplexities of a foreign educational system.


    But thanks to his enhancement, Alex picked up thenguage faster than anyone could have anticipated.


    Within months, he was not only fluent in Spanish but excelling in his studies. He had blended seamlessly into the school environment, making friends and proving himself to be a natural.


    The drive to Alex''s school wasn''t long. It was one of the top institutions in Venezu, located just a short distance from their estate. As expected, Ss had made sure Alex had ess to the best education the country had to offer.


    When they arrived at the entrance, a youngdy who looked to be around Ss''s age stepped forward to greet them.


    "Good morning, Mr. Kurt," she said politely, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a hint of nervousness.


    Ss nodded in response, a polite smile on his face. "Good morning. Please take good care of him."


    "Of course," she replied, her tone warming. As she led Alex into the school, Ss couldn''t help but notice the subtle nces she kept stealing back at him.


    Her curiosity was noticable, but Ss paid it no mind. Attention like this had be so routine for him that it barely registered.


    Alex waved goodbye enthusiastically before disappearing into the school building, leaving Ss with a rare sense of peace.


    Watching his brother flourish in this new environment brought him more satisfaction than he care to admit.


    As Ss drove away from the school, his mind drifted to the information Luna had shared with him the night before.


    Chloe and her family were in Venezu. This was something surprising but if he''s to take a guess as to the reason why they are here, it would most likely and definitely rted to him.


    Ss inputted the address Luna had provided into the car''s GPS and started the drive.


    The location was on the outskirts of Caracas, nestled in a quieter, upscale district.


    As the cityscape gave way to more residential surroundings, Ss found himself pulling up in front of an elegant hotel.


    Its modern design contrasted sharply with the colonial-style architecture that characterized much of the area, marking it as a ce catering to wealthy foreigners.


    Ss stepped out of the car and paused for a moment, surveying the area. His sharp eyes took in every detail¡ªthe steady flow of guests entering and exiting, the well-dressed doorman stationed at the entrance, and the subtle presence of security personnel scattered around the property.


    Entering the hotel lobby, Ss didn''t bother asking for directions as Luna had already provided him with the room number.


    He made his way to the elevator, ignoring the curious nces of the staff and guests as he passed.


    His presence, as always, drew attention. His tall, confident, and impably dressed figure made him to stand out even in a ce like this.


    When the elevator doors opened on the designated floor, Ss stepped out and walked purposefully toward Chloe''s room.


    Walking through the hallway, Ss thought of different things he could say when he finally sees Chloe.


    He came here uninvited and unannounced, and he was curios to know how she would react.


    Ss didn''t understand how he was feeling this way. He wouldn''t care if it was another person but after his dinner date with Chloe, he has be self conscious, if not too self conscious, when he''s around her.


    Getting to the front of the door, he stopped, hesitating for the briefest of moments before knocking.


    The sound echoed faintly in the quiet hallway, and he could hear muffled voices from inside. A few secondster, the door opened, and there she was.


    Chloe looked almost the same as he remembered, yet there was something different about her. It was something he couldn''t ce his fingers on¡ªyet.


    Chloe blinked in surprise when she saw him, her mouth opening slightly as if to speak, but no words came out.


    "Ss," she finally managed, her voice a mix of disbelief and something else he couldn''t quite ce.


    "Chloe," he replied, his tone even, though his heart was pounding in a way that surprised him. "Mind if Ie in?"


    She stepped aside, still looking at him like she couldn''t quite believe he was there. As he entered the room, he quickly took in the surroundings.


    It was a suite, spacious and tastefully decorated. Her dad was seated in the living area, their conversation halting abruptly when they noticed him.


    "Ss," Mr. William said in surprise when he saw Ss walk into the suite.


    He didn''t expect that Ss would be the one toe to them¡ªjust as Chloe said. He couldn''t help but nce at his daughter, who was standing beside Ss.


    ''They look like a perfect match.''


    Ss noticed that the atmosphere in the suite was bing awkward and he decided to break it.


    "So... What brought you guys to Venezu?"


    "We came because of you."


    A response that Ss expected and didn''t expect at the same time.

 Chapter 299: Chloes And Her Familys Plight

    At first Ss had no idea how to respond. What should he say? Beforeing here, he already guessed that the reason why Chloe and her family were here was because of him, but actually hearing it from her mouth was apletely different situation.


    Ss was aware that if it''s because of him, then there''s a high probability that there is trouble brewing.


    Chloe and her family had too much of a connection to him. Chloe was his ssmate back in highschool and she has been his only friend, ....and they might be on their way to bing something more.


    As for Mr William, Ss has had dealings with him before. He retained hisw firm, Vanguard Legal Services. Even though he didn''t use their services much, there was still a connection between them.


    Ss knew that if there are people trying to get to him and with how near nk everything on him is, the only would be through his acquaintances.


    He knew that if this was the case, then he has to do something about it. He can''t have Chloe and her family facing some trouble because of their connection to him.


    But before he do anything, he want to have a good talk with Chloe and her father.


    "Please, exin everything," Ss said as he turned to look at Chloe.


    He saw her take a deep breath as she looked at her father before turning to look back at him.


    "Umm... Ss, I... think I''m one of you guys," Chloe said as she let out sigh, that felt like she has been holding it in for too long.


    Ss blinked in confusion when she heard what she said. He waspletely lost as what she just said was not was he was expecting.


    "I don''t understand, Chloe. What do you mean by you think you''re one of ''you guys''?" Ss asked, trying to clear out the confusion in his head.


    "Ughh... I thought you would had changed but you''re still as dumb as ever. What I meant to say is that I also have superpowers," Chloe said as she red at him, but her eyes was filled with yfulness.


    "Eh? You have superpower?..." Ss asked again in as he looked at Chloe intently.


    He thought she might be joking but when he saw the dead serious expression on her face, he knew it wasn''t so.


    "When? When did this happen?" He asked in curiosity.


    "The night of our dinner date," Chloe replied.


    Ss didn''t exactly hear what Chloe just heard as his brain was spunning, thinking of different things, but he did register what she said.


    "If you don''t mind me asking, what your superpower?"


    "I don''t exactly have a name for it yet but s good name for it would be precognitive dreaming. My dreams alwayses to past."


    Ss was momentarily shocked by what Chloe just said. Precognitive dreaming? That waspletely unexpected.


    "When did your superpower start manifesting?" Ss asked in even more curiosity.


    "I don''t know but the most prominent was after the night of our dinner date."


    "I see..." Ss said with a nod. He could already guess where these was heading and he was starting to have a bad feeling about it.


    "Then, if you guys are here, it means that there''s something going on, right?" Ss asked in confirmation.


    "Yes. A few days after you left, done group of strange people started hanging around out neighbourhood. At first we thought they just moved in but there was something off about them.


    Then, one day, one of them approached my sister and asked if she knew where you were and that''s when we understood what was really going on. Since then, we have been constantly approached by them and it has escted to the point that we are being harassed by them.


    They crippled by dad''spany, almost abducted my sister and they choked us in the house that we felt like we were being held in house arrest. If it wasn''t for the news of yourpany hiringing from Venezu, they wouldn''t had left and given us the opportunity to escape from the house and country."


    As Chloe spoke, Ss could feel the pain and anger in her voice. He could feel the helplessness and frustration she was feeling.


    Ss was feeling extremely angry at the moment. He has no idea that this is what Chloe and her family has been facing since he left the US.


    Her words hung in the air, each one a dagger to Ss''s heart. He could feel the pain, the fear, and the anger radiating from her. This wasn''t just harassment; it was a coordinated effort to break them.


    "I''m sorry, Chloe," Ss said quietly, his voice heavy with guilt. "I didn''t know."


    Chloe shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. "It''s not your fault, Ss. But¡­ I don''t know what to do anymore. We''re here because we had nowhere else to go. You''re the only person we could trust."


    Ss nodded, his mind already racing with ns. "I''ll fix this," he said firmly. "I''ll make sure they pay for what they''ve done to you."


    Immediately he asked Luna to gather up every possible information she could gather on the men that were responsible, and those that wanted to abduct Chloe''s sister.


    He didn''t believe that it was something done by the government and he hopes he''s right as it things would start to go south if he''s not.


    Unlike before, he doesn''t have to think of not being strong enough to take the country on, as it''s very easy for him with his current strength.


    Even without making a physical appearance, he can do a lot of damage to the country and they would have no idea who the culprit is.


    As Ss waited for Luna to pull up the data, he turned back to Chloe and her father. "You''ll be safe here," he said, his voice steady and resolute. "No one will touch you while you''re under my protection. Just let me handle this."


    After a few moments, he received the information he wanted from Luna and his face darkened.


    Ss turned back to Chloe and gave her a reassuring smile. "This ends here, Chloe. I promise you, they''ll never hurt you or your family again."


    Though his words were meant tofort her, Ss''s mind was already calcting his next move. The people who dared to target Chloe and her family would learn the hard way that he wasn''t someone to be trifled with.

 Chapter 300: Time With Chloe, Payback

    After obtaining the information he needed from Luna, Ss didn''t rush into action. He didn''t immediately set his ns of revenge into motion against the group responsible for what Chloe and her family had been through.


    Instead, he made a deliberate choice to spend time with Chloe. It had been more than two years since hest saw her, and now, sitting across from her in a quiet caf¨¦ tucked away from the bustling streets, he could barely take his eyes off her.


    She looked radiant, even more beautiful than he remembered. Her long, auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face that seemed untouched by the hardship she had endured.


    Her eyes sparkled with warmth and familiarity, yet Ss couldn''t ignore the subtle weariness in them. They were evidence of the burdens she had carried.


    Ss wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms, stroke her long, soft hair, and whisper into her ears how much he missed her.


    The yearning he felt for her was almost overwhelming, if not overwhelming, but he restrained himself. He wasn''t sure if he deserved that moment, not yet, not after everything that had happened.


    But as he gazed at her, another face shed unbidden in his mind: C¨¦line''s. Her yful smirk, her teasing eyes, the way she clung to him that night in Paris.


    The memory was unwee and unexpected, and it unsettled him. Ss frowned slightly, catching himself before Chloe could notice.


    He couldn''t understand why C¨¦line''s image has kept resurfacing in his thoughtstely. To him, their night together had meant nothing to him¡ªjust a fleeting, physical connection born out of convenience and nothing more.


    No emotions, no deeper meaning. And yet, her presence lingered in his mind, like a shadow he couldn''t quite shake.


    Ss quickly forced a smile as he cleared the thoughts from his head. Now wasn''t the time for distractions.


    He was here with Chloe, the person who had once been the most importantahd will always be the most important part of his life, and he wasn''t about to let memories of another woman intrude on this moment


    "Ss?" Chloe''s gentle voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.


    She was looking at him with a mix of curiosity and concern, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. "You seem distracted. Is everything okay?"


    He forced a small smile, shaking his head slightly. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just¡­ thinking about how long it''s been since I''ve seen you. You look beautiful."


    Chloe smiled, a soft, bittersweet expression that tugged at Ss''s heart. "It has been a while. A lot has changed, hasn''t it?"


    "Yeah," Ss said quietly, his gaze dropping to his own cup. "Too much, maybe."


    There was a pause as they both let the weight of those words settle. Ss could feel the unspoken questions hanging in the air¡ªabout where he''d been, what he''d been doing, why he''d disappeared without a trace. He wasn''t ready to answer those questions, not yet.


    Instead, he shifted the conversation to her. "How have you been holding up? After¡­ everything?"


    Chloe''s smile faltered, and she looked down at her tea. "It''s been tough," she admitted. "But we''re managing. My dad and my sisters are holding up as best they can. And we have been trying to keep things together for everyone."


    Ss felt his chest tightened when he heard what she said. With his experience with Daniel and the Bureau, Ss knew exactly what people like them are capable of, and this is why hepletely understands what Chloe''s feeling.


    "I''m sorry," Ss said softly, his voice filled with genuine regret. "I should have been there."


    Chloe looked up at him, her expression softening. "It''s not your fault, Ss. You didn''t know. And even if you did¡­ what could you have done?"


    ''More than you can imagine,'' Ss thought but didn''t say. He simply nodded, letting the moment pass.


    Their conversation continued as they talked about different casual topics, lightening the mood as they took their minds off the serious topics.


    Chloe made sure not to touch on any sensitive topic and Ss did his best to be a listening ear.


    The day went by and it was finally evening. The two of them were a little reluctant to leave each other but they knew that they have to leave.


    The two of them stood up and left the cafe shop. They stood for a while, enjoying the evening view of the city around them and enjoying the light, cool breeze that kept hitting against them.


    "I will see youter, then?" Chloe said as she looked at the hotel that was just a short walking distance from their current position.


    "Yeah,ter. Do take care." Ss said.


    Chloe nodded and started walking towards the hotel, while Ss got into his car and made his way home.


    ...


    The next morning, Ss sat in his office in the sprawling estate, his jaw set and his eyes cold as he scanned the details Luna had gathered.


    Disyed on the Gear''s screen, is a dossier of information in front of him. Names, photos, affiliations, and every dirty little secret of the individuals who had targeted Chloe''s family.


    {The group responsible is a private organization, masquerading as an independent contracting firm.


    They''re known for taking high-value jobs from governments and corporations, particrly those involving intelligence gathering, abductions, and high-pressure negotiations.


    Their true employer, however, remains obscured. Whoever hired them was smart enough to use severalyers of intermediaries to cover their tracks.}


    "Typical cowards," Ss muttered, his fingers curling into fists.


    {Their primary field agent on this assignment was a man named Leon Vargas. He''s been sighted in Caracas recently.}


    "Vargas¡­" Ss repeated the name, the sybles sharp on his tongue. "And his employers?"


    {No direct evidence yet. But cross-referencing their movements and known operations, I''ve identified some likely suspects.} Luna brought up a list of corporate logos, shadowy government departments, and faceless private entities.


    {I suggest targeting Vargas first. Extracting information from him should lead us to the source.}


    Ss leaned back in his chair, his mind already crafting a n. "Where is he now?"


    {As of two hours ago, he was spotted at a securepound outside the city. The location has a high probability of housing their local operations hub.}


    Ss smirked, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Good. Time to pay them a visit."


    That night, Ss stood atop a hill overlooking thepound. It was a sprawling facility, surrounded by high fences topped with razor wire.


    Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, their movements predictable and sluggish. Ss watched them for a moment, then smirked.


    "They always think they''re untouchable," he muttered to himself.


    {Are you certain you want to handle this personally? I can take care of it for you.}


    "No, Luna," Ss replied, his voice firm. "This is personal. They went after Chloe and her family. I want them to understand what it means to cross me."


    {Understood. Your entry point is the western wall. I''ve done the necessary.}


    Ss moved swiftly, his footsteps silent as a shadow. Reaching the wall, he crouched low, his enhanced body moving with feline grace. With a slight push, he vaulted over the razor wire,nding without a sound on the other side.


    Ss could had flown into thepound directly but he didn''t want to cause a scene.


    The first guard didn''t even see himing. Ss approached from behind, a quick chop to the neck rendering the man unconscious before he hit the ground.


    He moved through thepound like a ghost, dismantling the defenses one by one. Guards crumpled silently, their weapons confiscated and theirms jammed, though it still worked perfectly. By the time the remaining patrols realized something was wrong, it was already toote.


    Ss breached the main building, his footsteps echoing faintly in the dimly lit hallways.


    He found Vargas in a private office, lounging behind a desk with a ss of whiskey in hand.


    The man was tall and lean, his dark hair slicked back, and his suit tailored to perfection. He looked up as Ss entered, his eyes narrowing.


    "Well, well," Vargas drawled, setting his ss down. "I wasn''t expecting a visit from the infamous Ss Kurt. To what do I owe the pleasure?"


    Vargas was very shocked to see Ss. He knew that Venezu was most likely his base of operations now but he didn''t expect a visit from do soon. And with the look that Ss is giving him, he knew that something was up.


    Ss didn''t respond immediately. He stepped forward, his presence filling the room, and fixed Vargas with an icy stare. "You made a mistake, Vargas."


    Vargas chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Mistake? I think you''re mistaken. Whatever you''re using me of, I assure you, I''m just a businessman doing his job."


    Ss tilted his head, his gaze unwavering. "Your ''job'' included targeting an innocent family. You harassed them, crippled their livelihood, and tried to abduct one of them. You think that goes unnoticed?"


    For the first time, Vargas''s cocky demeanor faltered. He shifted in his chair, his hand inching toward the drawer of his desk.


    He didn''t know that the reason for Ss'' visit was this. He remembered what happened to Daniel after he messed with his Ss'' family and he knew that he would suffer the same fate.


    But before that, he had to warn them. He subtly stretched out his hand to press the emergency button attached to under the table.


    Ss noticed and moved in an instant. Before Vargas could blink, Ss had him pinned against the wall, his hand wrapped tightly around his throat.


    "You don''t seem to understand," Ss said, his voice low and menacing. "I don''t care who hired you. I don''t care what your reasons were. All I care about is making sure you never touch Chloe or her family again."


    Vargas struggled, his face turning red as he wed at Ss''s grip. "You¡­ won''t¡­ get away with this," he choked out.


    Ss tightened his grip just enough to make Vargas panic, then released him, letting the man copse to the floor in a coughing fit.


    "Now," Ss said, crouching down to meet Vargas''s gaze, "you''re going to tell me everything. Who hired you, why, and where I can find them. Or I''ll make sure this is thest job you ever take."


    .....


    By the time Ss left thepound, Vargas had spilled everything. His employer was a conglomerate with deep ties to both corporate and governmental interests, and their ultimate goal was to leverage Chloe''s connection to Ss to get to him.


    Ss''s eyes burned with fury as he walked away, leaving thepound in chaos. He had what he needed and now it''s time toplete everything.

 Chapter 301: Vs Black Hand

    Ss settled into the driver''s seat of his sleek, armored car, his expression as cold as steel.


    His fingers gripped the steering wheel with barely restrained anger, his jaw tight as his mind churned with thoughts of retribution.


    "Luna, bring up every single piece of information you can get on that person. Everything," hemanded, his voice low but dripping with menace.


    {Yes, master.}


    The car''s engine roared to life as Ss pulled out of thepound, heading toward his underground facility.


    It had been weeks since he''dst visited the facility, but now, more than ever, he needed the cutting-edge resources housed there.


    If he was going to dismantle the web of power and corruption that dared to harm Chloe and her family, he needed to operate at full capacity.


    It has also been a long timeing for the organization and its members. Ss'' has been wanting to dismantle and destroy them for a very big time and now he has more than enough reason.


    After thepletion of the underground facility, it has be Ss'' base of operations in Venezu. For Ss, it now serves as a center for research, development, and strategy.


    While Ss relied heavily on the simted research world to test and refine his ideas and projects, the facility was where those ideas were first brought to life in the real world.


    From revolutionary technologies to advanced weaponry, it was all created here before being distributed to the public¡ªor used for his own purposes.


    As the car drove along the winding roads, Ss''s thoughts shifted to the ck Hand organization.


    It wasn''t just a single entity. With Luna''s and President''s Yusmaorobis'' help, he had confirmed that it was a coalition of powerful forces: corporate overlords, rogue government officials, intelligence operatives, and shadowy figures who thrived in the underbelly of the world''s elite.


    Together, they formed the ck Hand, a ndestine organization with its roots buried deep in global power structures.


    Ss knew that the ck Hand doesn''t operate on whims or personal vendettas¡ªthey had objectives.


    Control. Dominance. Profit at any cost. And for them, Chloe and her family were simply coteral damage in a muchrger game. And Ss was determined to turn their own game against them.


    ---


    "Luna, so far, in the past two years, we have investigated the ck Hand organization and we already have every possible information we can on them. Do we have profiles on the major yers within the ck Hand?"


    {Yes, master. The organization''s hierarchy has been mapped. At the core of the organization, is a group caller the Dark Council. Members are the top heads of governments, financial moguls, CEOs and board members of some of the world''s most influential corporations.


    Below them are other equally high-ranking government officials and intelligence operatives, many of whom leverage their positions in the organization to shield themselves from scrutiny. It can be said that they are above thew.


    Additionally, there are independent contractors. Mercenaries, hackers, and spies, who carry out their dirty work. Though these aren''t official members of the organization, they are still very much important to the organization. Example is Vargas.}


    Ss nodded, his mind already formting a strategy. These people weren''t just rich and powerful; they were untouchable in the eyes of the public.


    They controlled industries, shaped policies, and dictated the flow of information. But what they didn''t understand was that they were up against someone who thrived in the shadows.


    Someone who had no qualms about dismantling their carefully constructed world piece by piece.


    {I know you already know this but let me say it. The organization is intertwined heavily with the operations of the world.


    Not talking about the countries, thepanies dominate industries such as energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and defense. Their stock market influence alone is enough to cause global ripples if disrupted.}


    A cold smile crept across Ss''s face. "Good. If they want to y with fire, I''ll make sure they burn."


    As Ss continued driving, Luna''s voice interrupted his thoughts. {I havepiled extensive dossiers on all ck Hand-affiliatedpanies and their key investors. Would you like to review them now?}


    "Yes, send them to the Gear," Ss replied.


    Ss quickly went through the information and a very cold smile crept onto his face, as an idea formted in his head.


    "Luna, purchase every avable voting share of eachpany on that list. Offer even doubleo or more than the premium price to tempt even their most loyal investors. I want controlling stakes wherever possible, and I want it done by the end of the day," Ss ordered.


    {Understood, master.}


    Ss''s grin widened. The beauty of this strategy was its simplicity. By gaining a significant stake in these corporations, he could destabilize them from within.


    Once he had enough influence, he would dump the shares, causing their stock values to plummet and wiping out billions in assets overnight. It wouldn''t just be financial ruin¡ªit would be a message. No one was untouchable.


    He already own shares of some of thesepanies but it was all of them. These time, Ss wants to make sure that he has all of them in his grasp.


    ---


    Ss wasn''t content with just attacking their finances. The ck Hand''s influence extended far beyond money¡ªit was woven into the fabric of global infrastructure.


    To truly dismantle them, he needed to target their supply chains,municationworks, and logistical hubs.


    "Luna, identify all supply chains connected to ck Hand-affiliatedpanies. Pinpoint their vulnerabilities¡ªdistribution centers, shipping routes, warehouses.


    I want options for disrupting them without causing widespread coteral damage," Ss said.


    {The information will bepiled immediately.}


    Ss tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, his mind racing. Disrupting supply chains wouldn''t just hurt the corporations, it would send shockwaves through their allies and partners, isting them further. Every move he made would tighten the noose around their necks.


    ---


    As Ss approached the facility, he considered the broader implications of the ck Hand''s reach.


    His earlier analysis had revealed that the organization wasn''t just involved in corporate and government corruption.


    They had ties to rogue intelligence agencies, paramilitary groups, and even criminal syndicates. These connections gave them a level of power that transcended borders.


    And with their ongoing n to disrupt the world and reap profits by rebuilding it from ashes.


    He pulled into the hidden entrance of the underground facility. The rockyndscape parted as a metallic gateway slid open, revealing a sleek, high-tech corridor.


    Ss drove inside, parking his car in the designated bay. As he stepped out, the facility came to life. Holographic screens lit up, disying updates from Luna.


    ---


    Inside the facility, in the central control room was a hive of activity, with data streaming across multiple disys.


    Ss approached a massive holographic screen in the center of the room. He began reviewing the information Luna hadpiled.


    Every aspect of the ck Hand''s operations wasid bare: their financials, personnel, assets, and weak points.


    "Luna, let''s move to the next phase," Ss said. "Leak sensitive information about their war ns to the media. Frame it as insider intelligence. I want the world to know what they''re nning."


    {Understood. The leaks will be disseminated through secure channels.}


    "And start a campaign against their allies," Ss added. "Spread dissent within their ranks. Use proxies to make them paranoid. I want them to feel like they''re surrounded by enemies."


    {Consider it done.}


    ---


    Ss leaned back, his eyes scanning the data before him. The ck Hand was formidable, but their arrogance would be their downfall.


    They had operated in secrecy for too long, believing themselves untouchable. But Ss wasn''t just any adversary, he was a force of nature, a storm that couldn''t be stopped.


    "This isn''t just about Chloe," Ss murmured to himself. "This is about sending a message to the world. No one is above justice, not corporations, not governments, not shadowy cabals. If you cross me, you will fall."


    The ck Hand had made a critical mistake. They had underestimated him. And now, they would pay the price.

 Chapter 302: Vs Black Hand (II), The Depth Of The Organization

    Ss stood in the center of his underground facility''smand room, surrounded by holographic disys of financial data, surveince footage, and ssifiedmunications.


    The room waspletely silent but the weight of the information before him made the air feel thick and oppressive.


    The ck Hand had always been somewhat of an enigmatic entity in Ss''s mind, a shadowy force pulling strings behind the scenes.


    He had known they were powerful, ruthless, and deeply entrenched in global affairs. But as he stood there, the true scale of their influence unfurled before him, and it was far worse than he had ever imagined.


    "This is insane," Ss muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    He had known they orchestrated pandemics and epidemics, spreading diseases to profit from pre-developed drugs, but the information in front of him went far beyond that.


    It painted a picture of an organization that meticulously schemed not just against individuals or small groups but against entire nations¡ªand in some cases, the entire world.


    Ss swiped through the data, each file more damning than thest. If he had to describe it, it was like someone weaving a web so intricate, so sticky, that escape was impossible.


    Their schemes were methodical, designed with precision, taking into ount even the most minute details. And unlike petty criminals or even most global conspiracies, the ck Hand always ensured their ns concluded exactly as intended.


    They didn''t just manipte governments; they engineered their rise and fall. They didn''t just profiteer from crises; they created them. Every civil war, every market crash, every outbreak¡ªit all tied back to them.


    Ss couldn''t help but shiver as he realized the depth of their control. The ck Hand didn''t just thrive in chaos; they manufactured it.


    His eyes narrowed as he focused on a cluster of data about civil wars. Many of the ongoing conflicts around the globe had been attributed to corrupt governments or regional disputes. And while that was partially true, the underlying cause was far more sinister.


    "These governments aren''t exactly innocent," Ss muttered as he scanned the files. "But most of them are just puppets."


    The data confirmed his suspicion: corrupt officials were taking bribes from the ck Hand to destabilize their own countries.


    The organization acted as a puppet master, pulling strings and ensuring that the chaos never ceased. They armed rebels, funded insurgencies, and ensured prolonged suffering¡ªall while reaping the profits.


    Ss initially thought about targeting the "tamer" schemes of the organization, but as he delved deeper, he realized there was nothing tame about the ck Hand.


    Each file told a story of unfathomable greed, cruelty, and maniption. They didn''t just profit from the suffering of others¡ªthey ensured it continued.


    "If the public ever got their hands on this," Ss murmured, "it would tear the world apart."


    And he wanted that chaos. The world deserved to know the truth, no matter how destabilizing it might be.


    "Luna," he said, his voice sharp with determination, "prioritize the most damning evidence. I want the kind of information that not only exposes their operations but forces the world to take notice. We''ll start with their corporate activities."


    {Understood. I willpile the information immediately,} Luna responded, her voice calm and efficient.


    As Luna began pulling up detailed dossiers on the ck Hand''swork of corporations, Ss returned to the files in front of him. A few in particr caught his eye, standing out amidst the sea of data.


    "HEC, MDP, AAI," Ss muttered, his gaze narrowing.


    He tapped the holographic icons for each file, and detailed documents appeared before him. These were the heart of the ck Hand''s corporate operations.


    The first document, HEC, detailed the deliberate destabilization of oil-producing regions.


    The organization orchestrated conflicts and economic copses in resource-rich countries, creating artificial scarcity to drive up prices. They then swept in with "rebuilding initiatives," gaining control of oil reserves at a fraction of their value.


    The file was extensive, listing dozens of examples over the past decade. Each one was meticulously documented, from the methods used to destabilize governments to the astronomical profits reaped afterward.


    "It''s not just about money," Ss realized. "It''s about control. They''re monopolizing resources by ensuring these nations never recover."


    His fingers curled into fists as he imagined the countless lives destroyed by these schemes.


    Ss opened the next file, and his anger deepened. The organization''s actions were outright genocidal. Thepany created artificial shortages of life-saving drugs, leading to preventable deaths in the thousands, sometimes millions. But that was only the beginning.


    The document detailed how the organization engineered new viruses in controlled environments, developed cures for them in advance, and then released the viruses into the world.


    When pandemics inevitably broke out, they sold the cures at exorbitant prices, profiting from the chaos they had created.


    Out of morbid curiosity, Ss scrolled through the financial breakdown of the organization operations during thest pandemic.


    "$45 trillion?" Ss''s voice rose in shock. "What the fuck?! How?!"


    The number was mind-boggling. Trillions of dors made from a single global crisis. And yet, the document outlined ns for another pandemic¡ªscheduled for release in 15 years.


    "This isn''t just greed," Ss muttered, his voice trembling with rage. "This is pure evil."


    Thest document detailed the ck Hand''s role in global conflicts. The defencepanies in the organization weren''t just defense contractors; they are war profiteer on an unimaginable scale.


    Thesepanies armed both sides of every major conflict, ensuring wars dragged on indefinitely.


    Ss scanned the names of countries, rebel groups, and governments, each linked to thesepanies supply chains.


    The document even included chilling evidence of thesepanies deliberately sabotaging peace talks to keep their profits flowing.


    By the time Ss finished reading, his hands were trembling¡ªnot from fear, but from the sheer intensity of his anger.


    "They''re not just fighting wars, yhey''re manufacturing them," Ss said to himself.


    Ss leaned back, exhaling deeply. The weight of the information was crushing, but he knew he couldn''t falter. The world couldn''t afford his hesitation.


    "Luna," he said, his voice cold and resolute, "prepare to send this data to trusted journalists, independent media outlets, and activist groups worldwide. Use anonymous channels and ensure the data is untraceable. I want this to hit like a tidal wave."


    {The data is ready for dissemination. Shall I proceed?} Luna asked.


    Ss allowed himself a rare smirk. "Do it."

 Chapter 303: Dominos Effect

    Rochester, NY, USA.


    Gabriel was just about to go to bed when he heard a notification sound from his phone andptop.


    "Strange." He narrowed his eyes. He remembered putting his phone on silent and hisptop was supposed to be on sleep mode. If so, how is it now possible that these devices are making notification sounds?


    Gabriel felt that something was wrong. Slowly, he got out of his bed and stealthily shifted the curtain of his window, allowing him to be peep outside. But when he looked outside, there was nothing.


    The street was as normal as it could be everyday, with nothing out of the ordinary in sight. There was no strange ck cars or vans, or people dressed in any attire that looks suspicious.


    Gabriel let out a huge sigh of relief when he saw this. As an independent and private TV host of one of the most controversial TV shows in the world, he knew a lot of things that even some of the veterans news anchors are privy to.


    He thought that his life might be in danger and it was the reason why he checked to make sure that nothing was up.


    Gabriel switched on the lights in his room, as he picked up his phone from the beside table and walked to the table where hisptop is.


    He took his seat and looked at his phone, to check what the notification sounds was for. Immediately, the thing that caught his attention was a message being boldly disyed on his phone''s notification panel.


    "Confidential! This message is for your eyes only, Mr Gabriel, and I trust that you will know what to do with it," Gabriel read out the boldly written words.


    Gabriel could already guess where everything was going. He knew that for someone to go through such trouble of forcing him to instantly taking notice of the message and the boldly written words in red, then the content of the message is extremely important.


    "I wonder what the content of the message is. Was it sent by a whistleblower?" He asked himself as he clicked on the message.


    Immediately, a huge file was unloaded into his phone, almost causing it tog. Gabriel felt that someone might be trying to hack his phone through the message but as a knowledgeable person, he knew that the only way that is possible is through a link embedded in the message. And he didn''t see any.


    He decided to wait a little and after a few seconds of waiting, his phone was back to normal and disyed on the screen, is a vast amount of information.


    Gabriel was immediately intrigued when he saw this. Without hesitation, he started reading through the information.


    The next moment, he frowned as he paused reading the document. He felt that something was terribly wrong somewhere.


    "This can''t be right, right?" He asked himself as he decided to start reading the document all over again.


    He thought he was seeing things wrong and his eyes was ying a trick on him but after he started reading the document from the beginning again, he found that there was nothing wrong and his eyes were working perfectly.


    "This is impossible. It can''t be." He said to himself in disbelief.


    Gabriel couldn''t tear his eyes away from the screen. The document was endless, page after page detailing atrocities that were too horrifying to be real¡ªand yet, they were.


    One section caught his attention, a report titled "Strategic Resource Sabotage in Oil-Rich Nations."


    His heart sank as he read:


    "The destabilization of Nation X was executed as nned. The insurgent groups received $250 million in funding, with an additional $100 million allocated to media suppression.


    The subsequent civil war disced 1.2 million civilians and reduced oil exports by 65%, creating a price surge thatted the organization an estimated $75 billion in profit."


    Gabriel''s hand trembled as he scrolled to the next section. A new title appeared:


    "Pandemic Engineering and Pharmaceutical Profiteering."


    "In 20XX, the organization released Virus Z in Region Y. The engineered outbreak resulted in a global pandemic, creating a demand for the pre-developed cure. Meditek''s profits exceeded $45 trillion within three years.


    Projections for the next pandemic are set for 2035, with expected profits reaching $60 trillion."


    "Supplied weapons to both sides of the ongoing conflict in Region Z. Peace negotiations were deliberately sabotaged by assassinating key diplomats, ensuring the war extended beyond its natural timeline. Estimated profits: $10 billion annually."


    "This is monstrous," Gabriel whispered, his voice cracking. "How can this... how can this exist?"


    Out of curiosity, he looked at a side of his phone where the amount of pages of the document was listed, and he was shocked by the numbers.


    "3200 pages?! The hell?!" Gabriel was so shocked that he didn''t know what to say.


    The information in the document was extremely sensitive and horrendous they he can''t imagine just crazy it is for it to be 3200 pages long.


    He didn''t want to believe what he''s seeing but he knew that denying it won''t help him in anyway.


    Steeling his heart, he decided to continue reading through the information in the document.


    It wasn''t only Gabriel that was feeling this way. The reactions of everyone that Ss asked Luna to send the information on the organization''s deeds were simr. Some were even worse than Gabriel''s.


    That night, Gabriel didn''t sleep a wink as he continued to read through the document and dissect every single information in it.


    Even though he had a show scheduled for early morning of the next day that he has to prepare for, he didn''t bother with it. He has found the most juiciest topic and it''s a topic that would create a storm around the world.


    For the first time in his life, Gabriel felt that he was finally going to make the type of changes that he has always wanted to make.


    It was into thete afternoon before he was finally done with what he was doing. He immediately called his producer and made an announcement that he was going to doing a live show that night.


    Initially, his producer was mad at him for not showing up for his show, not picking up calls, replying to messages and not answering the door when they came. But Gabriel did his best to exin everything without giving out any information.


    After he was done convincing his producer, the announcement was made for the show that would take ce in a few hours toe.


    That night, Gabriel went on live television and exposed everything in the documents to the general public.


    It wasn''t just him. This information was popping up everywhere, around the world.


    Within hours, the leaks began to surface. Social media tforms exploded with headlines and viral posts:


    "Secret organization, ck Hand, Deliberate Acts of Sabotage of Oil-Producing Nations Uncovered"


    "Their Profits from Human Misery: Evidence of Artificial Drug Shortages"


    "Secret organization or Arms Dealers: Selling Death for Profit on a Global Scale"


    News outlets around the globe picked up the story, their anchors visibly shaken as they read the shocking revtions.


    Within what could be called minutes, protestors flooded the streets in major cities, demanding ountability.


    The headquarters the energypanies located in New York became the site of massive demonstrations, with activists calling for its leaders to be arrested.


    Governments were forced to respond. Politicians gave hastily prepared press conferences, feigning ignorance of the scandals while pledging investigations.


    Stock markets trembled as investors began pulling out of the implicated corporations

 Chapter 304 Plummeting

    304 Plummeting


    In a sprawling mansion overlooking the Mediterranean, a group of ck Hand executives convened in a hidden conference room.


    The atmosphere in the room was extremely tensed, and the tension was palpable. Frowns and creases painted the faces of everyone in the room.


    Screens disyed the chaos erupting worldwide, from stock market plummets to burning effigies of corporate CEOs.


    A screen was disying a news channel broadcasting the protest going on outside the headquarter building of a majorpany.


    "This is uneptable!" barked Cortez, one of the member of the organization''s core circle, the Dark Council.


    "Whoever did this has ess to ssified data. We''ve beenpromised at the highest level. Who is the person that betrayed us?!" He bellowed and studied the looks on their faces, but he saw nothing.


    The truth is that he knew that whoever leaked the information that''s circting outside isn''t among the individuals gathered in the conference room.


    No matter how much he thought about it, there was no way it was possible. They have too much to lose by leaking out such sensitive information.


    If this is so, then how did such closely guarded and highly confidential information get out to the public? This was w question that no matter how much Cortez thought about it, he couldn''t find an answer to it.


    "Cortez, this isn''t the time for us to be suspecting each other and fighting amongst ourselves. We need damage control.


    We can''t allow this to continue or things are bound to get worse," another of the executive said, her voice tight with frustration.


    She''s the owner of one of thergest pharmaceuticalpanies in the world and she''s one of those who were deeply impacted by the information circting. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Herpany''s stock has plummeting by the seconds and if nothing is done about it soon enough, she would have nothing.


    Cortezpletely agreed with Selena just said. This wasn''t the time for infighting, it was time to take action and fix everything that has gone wrong and will ever go wrong.


    "Damian, contact the media outlets we control, they will know what to do. Also, contact the social mediapanies'' heads and tell them to flood the inte with counter-narratives. Make it look like these leaks are fabricated. And why we are at that, I want the source of this leak to be investigated."


    Immediately, the ck Hand''s disinformation campaign began.


    Social media ounts, many controlled by bots, pushed conspiracy theories iming the leaks were an borate hoax. They imed that this was an attempt by a group of conspiracy theorists,petitions of thepanies listed, to sabotage thesepanies.


    They also didn''t stop there as they got paid influencers to spread false narratives, using rival corporations of orchestrating the scandal.


    Major news outlets controlled by the ck Hand downyed the leaks, framing them as overblown or misinterpreted.


    The world was in chaos and there was no end of it in sight.


    Despite their efforts, the ck Hand couldn''t fully contain the firestorm. The sheer volume and detail of the leaked documents made them difficult to dismiss. S


    No matter how many times the bot ounts kept spamming posts online, the social media space still remained aze with hashtags like #ckHandExposed and #WeWantJustice.


    Protests grewrger and more vtile. In New York, the headquarters of a major energy corporation became ground zero for the outrage.


    It has only been less than a few hours but tens of thousands of demonstrators had already gathered outside the building, chanting slogans and waving signs that read:


    "Stop the ck Hand!"


    "Profiting from Death!"


    "Justice for the Victims!"


    Police in riot gear formed barriers around the building, but tensions were rising. A few protesters began throwing bottles, and soon shes erupted. Tear gas filled the air as chaos engulfed the streets.


    In London, activists projected the words "ck Hand Kills for Profit" onto the side of the headquarters of apany that was named in the document that was leaked.


    In Paris, protestors marched in silence, each carrying a white rose to symbolize the millions who had died because of the ck Hand''s schemes.


    Even in smaller cities, the outrage was palpable. Community leaders organized town hall meetings to discuss the revtions, and grassroots movements began calling for global ountability


    .....


    Back in the mansion, the Dark Council reconvened to assess the damage.


    "The counter-narratives are holding, but barely. Too many independent outlets are running with the leaks. We can''t silence them all." Damian spoke first, his tone grim


    "Mypany has lost 40% of its market value in less than 24 hours. Do you have any idea what that means?" Selena''s voice trembled with barely restrained anger.


    Cortez mmed his fist on the table again, silencing her. "Do you think I don''t understand the stakes? We''re all bleeding right now. But panicking won''t solve anything. We need to focus."


    Damian hesitated before speaking again. "There''s something else. Our sources inw enforcement have reported that several governments areunching investigations. They''re being pressured by the public."


    Cortez''s eyes narrowed. "Which governments?"


    "The usual suspects¡ªFrance, Germany, and surprisingly, even the United States. It seems the leaks have given the opposition parties enough leverage to push for action."


    "Don''t worry about that. The president of these countries won''t allow anything to happen. They won''t want to lose the immunity they have right now. We all are in his together.


    Even though Cortez said that, he felt very uneasy inside. The ck Hand had weathered countless storms over the years, but this felt different.


    The sheer scale of the leak, the global outrage, and the relentless coverage. It was all spiraling out of control.


    For the first time in his life, Cortez felt what could be called fear.


    "How did this happen?" he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. "How did someone prate our defenses?"


    Selena leaned forward, her voice low. "Whoever they are, they''re not just lucky. They''re strategic. They knew exactly where to hit us."


    Cortez straightened, his fear reced by icy determination. "Then we''ll find them," he said.


    "And when we do, we''ll make an example out of them. No one crosses the ck Hand and lives to tell the tale."

 Chapter 305 Vs Black Hand (III), A Small Victory

    305 Vs ck Hand (III), A Small Victory


    The sprawling Mediterranean mansion was usually a sanctuary of calm and control, a symbol of the ck Hand''s dominance over the world.


    But tonight, the conference room within its hidden depths was thick with tension and panic.


    Some members of the Dark Council, the highest echelon of the ck Hand, were gathered and seated around the long obsidian table, their faces ashen and tight with anger.


    Multiple screens disyed the ongoing chaos. Global protests had grownrger and more vtile. Headlines scrolled across news channels:


    "The ck Hand Exposed: Evidence of Global Conspiracy Emerges."


    "Silicon Valley Under Fire: G00gle, Arpple, and Microsuft Implicated."


    "Leaked Documents Tie World Leaders to the ck Hand."


    Even world leaders¡ªthe President of the United States, the British Prime Minister, and the Chinese Premier¡ªwere now being questioned about their alleged involvement.


    Each one had denied the allegations, but their faces were stered across every major news outlet, under scathing usations of corruption andplicity.


    In New York, protesters swarmed G00gle''s towering headquarters. In Beijing, Arpple''s gship store was vandalized by furious demonstrators. In London, Microsuft''s iconic offices were under siege from activists demanding answers.


    "It''s spreading too fast," Selena hissed, her voice tight with fury. "This isn''t just some random leak. This is coordinated. Someone has ess to everything¡ªour corporations, our governments, even our privatemunications!"


    Cortez mmed his fist on the table, his voice a thunderp in the tense room. "We are being dismantled piece by piece. Whoever this is, they have dered war on us. If we don''t strike back now, we lose everything!"


    Damian, the Council''s cyber warfare specialist, cleared his throat. His thin, sharp features betrayed none of the nervous energy rippling through the room. "We can still shift the narrative. If they want chaos, we''ll give them chaos on our terms."


    He stood, pointing to a map of global infrastructure systems projected on one of therger screens. "Power grids, financial systems, transportationworks¡ªthese are our targets.


    If we disrupt key systems in the countries with thergest protests, we can create enough confusion to divide public outrage. They''ll be too busy dealing with the fallout to focus on us."


    Selena frowned, her usuallyposed exterior cracking. "You''re suggesting we sabotage the very systems we rely on? Are you insane?"


    Cortez interrupted, his voice low and deadly. "Do you have a better idea, Selena? Damian, proceed."


    "Good," Damian said as he nced at Selena, before leaving the the conference room and the building.


    He immediately put a call through to his trusted people and the mission began in the earnest.


    Within the hour, Damian''s team of elite hackers deployed the ck Hand''s greatest weapon¡ªits control over the world''s most critical systems.


    In New York, power grids failed across Manhattan, plunging the city into darkness. Subway trains screeched to a halt, stranding thousands.


    Emergency services scrambled to contain the growing panic as looters took advantage of the ckout.


    In London, global banks connected to the ck Hand''swork were hacked, wiping millions of ounts clean and creating mass financial hysteria.


    It was shocking when the citizens of London saw massive and widespread debit alerts from their banks. It felt like a joke and someone spamming these messages to create more chaos buy when they checked their ounts and saw it empty, they blew their tops.


    In Beijing, airports were grounded as air traffic control systems went offline. Flights were canceled, stranding tens of thousands of travelers.


    The chaos was deliberate, a smokescreen to divert attention from the leaks. ck Hand-controlled media outlets quickly pivoted, pushing narratives of "foreign cyberterrorism" and "coordinated corporate sabotage."


    ****


    Far below the surface in his fortified underground facility, Ss watched the chaos unfold across dozens of holographic disys.


    Each attack, each disruption, and each attempt to shift the narrative appeared in real-time.


    "They''re running out of options," Ss muttered, his expression calm yet cold.


    {Master, the attacks are targeting critical infrastructure in high-protest zones. They are escting rapidly. Do you wish to engage the countermeasures?} Luna''s voice was steady, free of concern.


    "Engage," Ss replied, his eyes sharp as they darted across the disys. "Reroute thepromised systems through our secureworks.


    Let''s stabilize the situation before it spirals further. And while you''re at it, trace the origins of the attacks."


    {Understood. Activating fail-safes now. Countering ck Hand''s infiltration... tracing origin nodes...plete. Locations identified.}


    In moments, Luna''s precision dismantled the ck Hand''s carefully orchestrated chaos.


    Power grids in New York were rerouted, restoring electricity within minutes. Bank ounts in London were encrypted and restored, with Luna issuing automated messages to ount holders apologizing for the "technical glitch."


    Beijing''s air traffic systems were brought back online, with Luna locking the ck Hand out of their own malware.


    Luna was done with everything but Ss wasn''t finished.


    "Luna, expose the source of the attacks. I want every hacker working for the ck Hand identified. Let the world see who''s pulling the strings."


    {Deploying data now. Done. High-priority targets had already been exposed to global intelligence agencies and is being broadcasted around the world.}


    Within hours, news outlets around the world were broadcasting the identities of the ck Hand''s top hackers.


    Photos, locations, and incriminating evidence flooded the airwaves. Interpol issued arrest warrants, and governmentsunched raids on ck Hand operatives.


    ---


    The chaos only added to the desperation in the Mediterranean mansion. The Dark Council reconvened, their earlier confidence shattered.


    Damian''s chair was conspicuously empty; news had just broken of his arrest in a covert raid by French authorities.


    Selena red at Cortez, her voice trembling with anger. "Our best hackers are being arrested, our assets are frozen, and our operations are falling apart. We are losing control, Cortez! We need to fight back!"


    Cortez clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "What do you think I''m trying to do, Selena? This isn''t the time for panic. We have¡ª"


    Another notification shed on the screen before him. He froze, reading the headline with growing dread:


    "Global Humanitarian Funds Surge as ck Hand Offshore ounts Seized."


    ---


    In hismand center, Ss stood with his arms crossed, watching as Luna executed the next phase of his n.


    {Master, phase two isplete. Offshore ounts totaling $50 billion have been frozen. An additional $20 billion has been rerouted to global aid organizations. ck Hand shellpanies have been exposed and seized by regtors.} n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Excellent," Ss said, his voice steady. "Release the documents detailing their moneyundering schemes. Let the banks and governments see just how deep their corruption goes."


    {Releasing documents now. The financial impact will escte.}


    The effects were immediate. Governments worldwide froze ck Hand assets, while global banks severed ties with implicated corporations. Charitable organizations began receiving anonymous donations from the seized funds, further enhancing public goodwill toward the anti-ck Hand movement.


    ---


    At the mansion, Cortez sat slumped in his chair, his face pale and drawn. Selena had stormed out, her fury barely contained, while the remaining council members avoided eye contact.


    "We''re finished," one of them muttered, his voice barely audible. "This... this is the end."


    Cortez refused to ept it. mming his fist on the table, he growled, "No. This isn''t over. Whoever''s behind this, we will find them, and we will make them pay."


    ---


    Back in his facility, Ss leaned forward, his expression calm but resolute. On the screens before him, the ck Hand''s empire crumbled in real-time. Their assets were frozen, their operatives exposed, their influence dismantled.


    "This is what happens when you overreach," Ss murmured to himself. "No one is untouchable. Not even the ck Hand."

 Chapter 306 Vs Black Hand (IV)

    306 Vs ck Hand (IV)


    As the dust settled from histest strike, Ss leaned back in his chair within the glowing confines of the underground facility''s control room.


    The dim light from the holographic screens illuminated his sharp features as he studied Luna''stest analysis.


    The once-daunting web of the ck Hand was fraying, itswork of influence shrinking under his relentless pressure.


    Where the map had once been overwhelmed with red points marking their strongholds and operations, now only a scattered few remained. For the first time in decades, the organization was on the defensive. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "They''re still dangerous," Ss murmured, his eyes narrowing as he traced the remaining strongholds with a gloved finger. "But they''re panicking. That''s when people make mistakes."


    {Indeed. Thetest intelligence indicates fractures within their leadership. Some members suspect internal betrayal, while others are redirecting resources to secure their personal assets. The disarray is escting.}


    Ss allowed himself a small moment of satisfaction, though it was fleeting. His strikes¡ªexposing their secrets, sabotaging their operations, and indirectly sowing paranoia within their ranks¡ªhad worked better than expected.


    Yet, he knew this was only the beginning. The ck Hand would retaliate. They always did. But he was ready.


    "Luna," he said, his voice cold and resolute, "monitor their moves closely. They''ll regroup and try to counterattack, but this time, we''ll be the ones setting the trap."


    {Yes. The next steps are already being prepared. Our operatives in key regions have reported readiness for further operations.


    Additionally, I have begun implementing targeted misinformation campaigns to widen the fractures in their leadership.}


    Ss nodded, satisfied. "Good. Keep them guessing. If they''re going to waste energy chasing shadows, let''s give them plenty to chase."


    ---


    As Ss reviewed the remaining data, Luna disyed detailed dossiers on the individuals who formed the backbone of the ck Hand.


    The holograms rotated, showcasing powerful CEOs, corrupt government officials, and former generals who are head of defencepanies.


    Each face told a story of power and greed, but behind those eyes, Ss now saw something new: fear.


    One dossier caught his attention¡ªa man named Armando, one of the senior figures in the ck Hand.


    Armando had long been a puppet master behind the scenes, orchestrating coups and manipting global markets with impunity.


    Ss had disrupted one of his operations weeks ago, a strike that had not only cost Armando billions but also exposed him to public scrutiny.


    ording to Luna, he was the person that took Daniel to theb facility, and now holed up in a heavily fortified mansion, surrounded by private security andyers of encryptedmunications.


    "Armando won''t act directly. He''s too smart for that," Ss said, leaning forward. "He''ll try to consolidate power while letting others take the fall. But that just means he''s vulnerable."


    {Shall I prioritize him as the next target?} Luna asked.


    Ss shook his head. "Not yet. He''s useful as a distraction. Let the others focus on protecting him while we target someone more strategic. Redirect our efforts to their financial hubs. Their money is their lifeline. Cut that, and they''ll crumble."


    {Understood. I will reroute operations to focus on destabilizing their remaining financialworks.}


    ---


    Ss'' mind was already racing with the next steps. Each decision he made was part of arger strategy¡ªone that required precision, patience, and relentless execution.


    The ck Hand wasn''t just a single enemy. It was a hydra, a beast with many heads, each one needing to be severed in turn.


    But he wasn''t doing this alone. Luna''s efficiency was unparalleled, and through her, Ssmanded awork of operatives, drones, and automated systems that extended across the globe.


    While the ck Hand''s leaders relied on human error-prone alliances, Ss''s operations were ruthlessly calcted. He was the ghost in their machine, the unseen force dismantling their empire piece by piece.


    Standing from his seat, he paced the room, his thoughts turned to the broader implications of his war against the ck Hand.


    They weren''t just a criminal organization¡ªthey were a shadow government, pulling strings that controlled entire nations.


    Their reach extended into every facet of global power: the energy sector, pharmaceuticals, defense contracts, and even humanitarian aid.


    By exposing them, Ss wasn''t just fighting for Chloe and her family; he was tearing down the invisible scaffolding of corruption that had propped up the world for decades.


    "This isn''t just about them," he said aloud, his voice low but firm. "It''s about reshaping everything. They think they''re untouchable because they operate in the shadows. But I''ll make sure they understand¡ªno shadow is deep enough to hide from me."


    ---


    Hourster, Luna''s voice broke the silence. {Master, I''ve intercepted encryptedmunications between ck Hand operatives. They''re attempting to coordinate a counterattack. The focus appears to be on cyberwarfare and strategic assassinations.}


    Ss stopped mid-stride, his brow furrowing. "Who are they targeting?"


    {Primarily journalists, whistleblowers, and activists who have amplified your leaks. I''ve also detected chatter about attempts to track down your operations, but they remain unaware of your involvement. Their frustration is evident.}


    "Of course it is," Ss said with a smirk. "They''ve never had to deal with someone like me. Let themsh out¡ªit''ll only make them look weaker."


    {Shall I deploy countermeasures to protect the targets?}


    "Absolutely," Ss replied. "Deploy drones to monitor the journalists and activists. Make it clear that no harm wille to them. If the ck Hand wants to y this game, they''ll learn the hard way that I''m always three steps ahead."


    Within minutes, Luna executed hismands. Surveince drones equipped with state-of-the-art sensors were deployed across multiple cities, silently watching over the intended targets. Meanwhile, Ss instructed Luna to feed false leads into the ck Hand''smunication channels, further muddling their efforts.


    ---


    As the hours stretched into the night, Ss sat back in his chair, watching the holographic map update in real time. The ck Hand''s movements were bing more erratic.


    They were striking out blindly, expending resources on false trails and phantom threats. Their desperation was palpable, and Ss knew it was only a matter of time before they made a fatal mistake.


    "Luna," Ss said, his voice breaking the stillness, "how long before theirwork copses entirely?"


    {At the current rate of operations, their infrastructure could sustain another three months. However, with strategic pressure, that timeline could be reduced significantly.}


    "Then let''s make it two months," Ss said. "Target their financialworks first. No money, no power. And once their leaders are scrambling to save their own skins, we''ll finish them off."


    {Understood, Master. I will prioritize the financial hubs. Additionally, I''ve prepared a new wave of misinformation campaigns to deepen their internal divisions.}


    Ss''s gaze returned to the map, now dotted with fewer and fewer red points. The ck Hand''s empire was crumbling, and the world was beginning to notice. But this was just the first act of a muchrger war.


    As he leaned forward, his steely eyes reflected the flickering light of the holograms. The ck Hand had controlled the world from the shadows for too long. Now, it was Ss''s turn to pull the strings¡ªand he would ensure they never rose again.


    "This is just the beginning," he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of certainty. "Let''s see how well they fight when they have nothing left to lose."


    And with that, Ss pressed onward, ready to tighten the noose around the ck Hand''s neck.

 Chapter 307 Vs Black Hand (V)

    307 Vs ck Hand (V)


    Ss sat in themand chair of his underground facility''s central control room, surrounded by the glow of holographic disys.


    "Luna,bring up the full report on the ck Hand," Ss said as he continued to study the holographic screen in front of him.


    Immediately, an holographic screen with what looks like a sprawling web of data materialized in the air before him.


    Lines crisscrossed a globe, connecting corporations, individuals, and secret organizations.


    Names, faces, and corporate logos appeared, each representing a piece of the ck Hand''s vastwork.


    Ss leaned forward, his eyes scanning the intricate web.


    "This is more extensive than I expected," Ss muttered, his fingers brushing against a floating disy. "They''re really embedded everywhere."


    {Indeed. The ck Hand''s influence spans industries, governments, and intelligence agencies.


    They control key sectors of the global economy¡ªenergy, technology, pharmaceuticals, defense¡ªand maintain awork of operatives capable of destabilizing entire regions. It would be a very simple thing for them to start that war.}


    Ss''s jaw tightened. The ck Hand wasn''t just a threat¡ªthey were a global menace. But this wasn''t the first time he had faced a seemingly insurmountable opponent.


    He has been building himself on dismantling power structures in Venezu that believed themselves untouchable. The ck Hand was though different as it''s world level organisation, but they would be no different.


    "Let''s focus on their financial infrastructure," Ss ordered.


    "How do they sustain this level of operation?"


    Luna adjusted the disy. A new web appeared, this one centered on banking institutions, more offshore ounts different from those that has already been exposed, and even more shell corporations.


    {The ck Hand''s primary fundinges from abination of corporate profits, illegal arms trade, and moneyundering through untraceable financial systems. Their liquidity is vast but not invulnerable. A targeted attack on their finances would destabilize their operations.}


    Ss''s lips curled into a cold smile. "Good. Let''s start there."


    ---


    As Ss studied the data, he began to see patterns¡ªweaknesses hidden beneathyers of secrecy.


    Several corporations under the ck Hand''s control had publicly traded stocks, their values bolstered by decades of maniption and strategic acquisitions.


    These were legitimate businesses on the surface, but behind closed doors, they funneled resources into the ck Hand''s global agenda.


    They were not like the shellpanies that Ss has already exposed but thesepanies are actualpanies, with some of them being well-known in their regions.


    "They think they''re untouchable because their power is spread so thin," Ss murmured. "But that just makes it easier for me to pick them apart."


    {Would you like me to initiate a financial attack?} Luna inquired, her tone


    "Not yet," Ss said, raising a hand. "First, we need to infiltrate their decision-making processes. If we control enough voting shares, we control thepanies. Once we''re inside, we''ll bleed them dry."


    {Understood, master. Shall I prepare the market algorithms?}


    "Yes, and make sure the acquisitions are subtle at first. We''ll operate through shell ounts and intermediaries. I don''t want them noticing until it''s toote."


    As Luna set the n into motion, Ss leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. This wasn''t just about money¡ªit was about power.


    By infiltrating the ck Hand''s financial infrastructure, he could sever their lifelines and destabilize their influence across multiple industries.


    The organization is able to do everything they are doing because they have money, influence and manpower. Without these three, the organization will begin to crumble and that is exactly what Ss went to see.


    ---


    Few minutester, Luna''s voice broke the silence.


    {Master, we''ve identified key shareholders in ck Hand-affiliatedpanies. Many of them are institutional investors, but there are private stakeholders as well. Would you like me to make contact?}


    "Just as we did before, offer them twice the premium price or enough to tempt them to sell their shares," Ss instructed.


    "Even the most loyal investors will sell if the offer is good enough. Prioritize those with voting rights¡ªwe need leverage."


    {Understood. The transactions will be executed through proxy ounts. It should take a couple of hours before I''m done buying up enough stocks.}


    Satisfied, Ss turned his attention to therger picture. The ck Hand wasn''t just awork of corporations¡ªit was a machine fueled by greed, corruption, and fear.


    To dismantle it, he would need to strike at every level, from the boardrooms to the battlefields.


    "Luna," Ss said, his voice sharp. "What''s the status of their intelligencework?"


    {The ck Hand employs a mix of rogue agents, mercenaries, and cyber operatives. Their primary hub for intelligence operations is located in Zurich, disguised as a private consultancy firm.}


    Ss''s eyes narrowed. "Good. Once we''ve destabilized their finances, we''ll move on to their intelligencework. Without information, they''ll be blind."


    ---


    As the financial operations progressed, Luna detected signs of movement within the ck Hand.


    {Master, my analysis indicates that the ck Hand is aware of unusual activity in their stock values. They are likely investigating.}


    Ss smirked. "Let them. By the time they figure it out, we''ll already have what we need."


    He stood from his chair and paced the room, his mind racing with possibilities. The ck Hand would not go down without a fight.


    That was extremely impossible as they had the resources and the ruthlessness to counterattack. But Ss thrived in conflict. He weed the challenge.


    Even though he has been the one winning the battle so far, Ss knew that he has no right to becent.


    "Luna, redirect their attention," Ss said. "Leak false intelligence suggesting that one of their subsidiaries is under investigation by international regtors. That should keep them busy."


    ---


    Hourster, Luna delivered the results of the financial operation.


    {Master, we have acquired controlling shares in five major ck Hand-affiliatedpanies. These holdings grant us very significant influence over their decision-making processes.} n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Excellent," Ss said, a cold satisfaction in his voice. "Now, we make our next move."


    Using his newfound influence, Ss ordered the immediate sale of shares across multiple markets, triggering a chain reaction.


    Stock values plummeted as investors panicked, wiping billions off the market in a matter of hours. The ck Hand''s financial empire began to crumble, its once-stable foundations shaken to their core.


    News outlets erupted with reports of a sudden market crash, specting on its causes. Behind the scenes, the ck Hand scrambled to contain the damage, unaware that Ss was the architect of their downfall.


    ---


    As the financial chaos unfolded, Ss shifted his focus to the psychological aspect of his campaign.


    Luna provided him with profiles on key ck Hand members¡ªCEOs, government officials, and intelligence operatives. Each had vulnerabilities, secrets they thought were buried.


    "Start with their leaders," Ss said. "Expose their weaknesses. Make them question each other''s loyalty."


    {I will disseminate the information through secure channels, ensuring usible deniability.}


    The leaks began as whispers in the dark. Rumors of embezzlement, corruption, and betrayal.


    And eithin days, Ss knew that those whispers would grew into a cacophony, spreading paranoia throughout the ck Hand''s ranks.


    Board members used each other of treachery, while operatives hesitated to follow orders, fearing they were walking into traps.


    ---


    By the end of the day, the ck Hand was reeling. Their financial losses were staggering, their internal cohesion fractured. Ss watched it all unfold from hismand center, a faint smile on his lips.


    "This is just the beginning," he said, his voice low but resolute. "They''ve spent years building their empire, and I''ll tear it down in weeks."


    Luna''s voice interrupted his thoughts. {Master, my projections indicate that the ck Hand''s ability to fund operations has been reduced by 30%. If we continue at this pace, their financialwork will copse within the month.}


    "Good," Ss said. "Prepare the next phase. We''re not just going to dismantle them¡ªwe''re going to make them wish they''d never crossed me."


    As he spoke, the holographic disys around him shifted, revealing the next targets in his campaign.


    Ss''s gaze hardened. The ck Hand had underestimated him, and now, they would face the full force of his wrath.


    First thing first, I want to say thank you to everyone that has read this book. Take your continuous support since the book was created till now. I really appreciate it.


    A lot of things has happened in the space of two months, with everything being my fault and I''ve made a decision to give this book a rushed ending as I no longer see any reason to continue writing it. I don''t even know if you all like it.


    I know that the quality has dropped drastically after it hit 100 chapters. I''ve read the book and I know where the issues are from. With this knowledge, I will do my outmost best not to repeat the same mistake again in my next book.


    Before Iplete the book, I would appreciate if I can get the honest on the opinion from everyone. I did a lot of things wrong, that I know but it''s impossible to know everything that went wrong with of I keep looking at him from my own side.


    Again, Thank you all for everything.

 Chapter 308 Vs Black Hand, Declaring War

    308 Vs ck Hand, Dering War


    The stillness of the night cloaked ck Hand''s biggest and most important distribution center in Colombia.


    Guards patrolled the perimeter, their footsteps echoing softly against the concrete floor.


    Towering steel crates filled with weapons, supplies, and contraband stood like silent sentinels in the warehouse.


    It was a stronghold of the ck Hand''s logisticalwork, a hub that funneled resources to fuel their vast, shadowy operations across the world.


    Unbeknownst to the guards, a swarm of cloaked drones hovered silently above thepound, their sleek forms blending seamlessly with the darkness.


    High in orbit, the Erebus Array¡ªone of the satelliteunched by Ss¡ªmonitored the operation, feeding real-time intelligence to the mastermind orchestrating the mission.


    In the underground facility, Ss leaned back in hismand chair, his eyes fixed on the holographic disy before him.


    The drones'' infrared feeds painted a vivid picture of thepound, highlighting every guard, every weapon cache, and every point of vulnerability.


    "Luna," he said, his voice calm but firm, "begin the operation." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    {Understood.}


    ---


    Immediately, the drones moved with eerie precision, descending upon thepound like ghostly specters.


    Each unit was equipped with cutting-edge technology¡ªEMP pulses to disable security systems, advanced hacking tools to breach encryptedworks, and precision tools for sabotage.


    The first wave of drones released controlled EMP bursts, rendering thepound''s cameras and motion detectors useless.


    Instead of showing love feeds in the CCTV control room, they were now being fed a loop.


    The guards, oblivious to the disruption, continued their routine patrols, unaware they were already blind.


    Another set of drones attached themselves to key ess points, uploading malware into the ck Hand''s internal systems.


    Luna''s algorithms worked at lightning speed, extracting shipment schedules, inventory data, and encryptedmunications.


    Ss observed the data streaming in, his expression impassive. "How much longer until we have full ess?" he asked.


    {Three minutes. Allworked devices will bepromised,} Luna replied.


    As the drones worked, Ss''s mind churned with possibilities. The ck Hand''s logisticalwork was their lifeblood, a web of warehouses, supply routes, and transport hubs that kept their global operations running smoothly.


    By targeting these nodes, he could cripple their operations without firing a single bullet and even alerting them of his presence.


    ---


    Once the security systems were fully disabled, the drones moved to the next stage of the mission.


    Drones equipped with micro-explosives nted charges on critical infrastructure¡ªfuel tanks, server rooms, and heavy machinery.


    These charges were designed to create maximum disruption with minimal coteral damage, ensuring the destruction was contained.


    In the warehouse''s armory, specialized drones used corrosive agents to render the ck Hand''s weapons unusable.


    Assault rifles, rocketunchers, and ammunition were silently sabotaged, their internal mechanisms irreparably damaged.


    Meanwhile, a team of Ss'' operatives¡ªthat Ss had been training in thest two years after his second evolution metamorphosis¡ªinfiltrated thepound, their movements guided by Luna''s real-time updates.


    Each operative was outfitted with advanced cloaking technology, rendering them nearly invisible to the naked eye. They moved with precision, nting additional sabotage devices and downloading critical data from the facility''s servers.


    One operative paused by a crate marked with the ck Hand''s sigil, opening it to reveal a cache of chemical weapons.


    He activated a small device, which began to emit a high-frequency pulse. Within seconds, the weapons'' chemical agents were destabilized, rendering them inert and useless.


    {Master, the operatives havepleted their tasks,} Luna informed Ss.


    {All charges are in ce, and the extracted data has been uploaded to the Gear.}


    "Good," Ss said, his voice cold. "Proceed with Phase Three."


    ---


    "Pull everyone and the drones out."


    From hismand center, Ss issued the finalmand. The drones retreated to a safe distance as the charges detonated in a precise sequence.


    The explosions were exact, targeting thepound''s critical infrastructure without endangering nearby civilian areas.


    A massive fireball erupted as the facility''s fuel reserves ignited, engulfing several warehouses in mes. The guards scrambled in panic, shouting orders as they tried to contain the ze.


    The facility''s data center was obliterated in a single, deafening st. Hard drives, servers, andmunication equipment were reduced to smoking rubble, cutting the ck Hand off from their logisticalwork.


    Secondary explosions rippled through the armory, triggered by the unstable munitions that had been sabotaged. The resulting destruction rendered the ck Hand''s weapons cache useless.


    Ss watched the chaos unfold on his holographic disy, his expression unreadable.


    Thepound, once a symbol of the ck Hand''s power, was now in smoldering ruin.


    "Send the footage to select media outlets," Ss instructed Luna.


    "Let the world see the cracks in their foundation."


    {Understood, master.}


    Within hours, newsworks across the globe broadcasted images of the destroyed facility.


    Headlines spected on the cause of the explosions, with some suggesting sabotage by a rival faction who is equally as powerful.


    The ck Hand''s reputation took a significant hit, their invincibility called into question.


    ---


    The operation in Colombia was just the beginning. Ss had orchestrated a series of simultaneous strikes on ck Hand facilities around the world.


    In a shipping hub in Rotterdam, a fleet of autonomous submarines intercepted a ck Hand cargo ship.


    The drones neutralized the crew with non-lethal measures,mandeering the ship and its illicit cargo. The stolen goods, including advanced weaponry and counterfeit currency, wereter anonymously delivered to international authorities.


    In Hong Kong, a covert team of operatives sabotaged a ck Hand-controlled warehouse, using advanced holographic projectors to create false security footage.


    By the time the ck Hand realized the breach, the facility had already beenpromised and evacuated.


    A convoy transporting high-value goods through the deserts of Syria was intercepted by Ss''s AI-guided drones.


    "To the so-called architects of the ck Hand," Ss said, his voice cold and measured. "You''ve spent years building your empire on the backs of the innocent, manipting the world for your gain. But your time is over.


    21:57


    The convoy''s vehicles were disabled without a single shot fired, their contents seized and the operatives rendered unconscious.


    Each strike was precise, minimizing coteral damage while maximizing disruption.


    The ck Hand''s logisticalwork was unraveling, their carefully constructed empire crumbling under the weight of Ss''s calcted assault.


    ---


    As the physical destruction unfolded, Ss turned his attention to the psychological aspect of the campaign. Luna began disseminating false intelligence to the ck Hand''s operatives, creating confusion and paranoia.


    Fakemunications suggested that one of the ck Hand''s senior leaders was leaking information to an unknown enemy. This fabricated betrayal sowed distrust within the organization, leading to internal purges.


    Ss leaked the locations of several minor ck Hand facilities tow enforcement agencies, ensuring high-profile raids that further eroded their operational security.


    Key members of the ck Hand received untraceable messages containing detailed knowledge of their personal lives.


    The messages were simple but chilling: "You are being watched."


    The psychological toll was immediate. Operatives began second-guessing orders, while senior leaders questioned the loyalty of their subordinates.


    The ck Hand''s cohesion, once their greatest strength, was now their greatest weakness.


    ---


    By the end of the day, Ss had achieved his goal. The ck Hand''s logisticalwork was in shambles, their operations disrupted on multiple fronts. But this was only the beginning.


    From hismand center, Ss crafted a message to the ck Hand''s leadership. It was delivered through encrypted channels, ensuring it reached its intended recipients.


    "To the so-called architects of the ck Hand," Ss said, his voice cold and measured. "You''ve spent years building your empire on the backs of the innocent, manipting the world for your gain. But your time is over.


    I know your secrets. I know your weaknesses. And I will dismantle everything you''ve built, piece by piece, until there''s nothing left."


    The message ended with a single line that sent chills through the ck Hand''s leadership:


    "You started this war. I will finish it."


    The 10-chapter mass release might still hold but I''m not sure yet. I will let you guys know a day before D day of I will still be doing the mass release.


    Daoist_Godfiend

 Chapter 309 Vs Black Hand, Coming Out Of The Dark

    309 Vs ck Hand, Coming Out Of The Dark


    The ck Hand''s shadowy empire, which once operated with clockwork precision, was now beginning to show cracks.


    Ss''s relentless assault on their logistics and finances had forced their leadership into crisis mode.


    Hidden in opulent boardrooms, securedpounds, and fortified bunkers, the ck Hand''s elite gathered to assess the situation.


    But unknown to them, their every move was being watched. Ss, from his underground facility, observed the proceedings through hackedmunication channels and covert surveince. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    With Luna''s help, he had infiltrated the heart of their operations, ready to exploit their vulnerabilities.


    "Luna," Ss said, his tone calm butmanding, "let''s begin. It''s time to make them turn on each other."


    {Understood.}


    ---


    Luna''s extensive analysis had revealed a fundamental truth about the ck Hand: their unity was an illusion. Beneath the surface, the organization was rife with rivalries, power struggles, and fragile alliances. Ss would use these cracks to shatter their cohesion.


    Using her advanced hacking abilities, Luna intercepted internalmunications between key members of the ck Hand''s leadership.


    She subtly altered the messages, introducing discrepancies that suggested certain members were leaking information to Ss.


    A high-ranking corporate executive received a fabricated email from a supposed ally, discussing "Ss'' recent offer" and hinting at a betrayal. Meanwhile, the ally received a simr email implicating the executive.


    It was then that the organization got to know that the person behind everything has been Ss all along.


    They couldn''t believe that the young man that appeared less than 3 years ago has grown to such height, having the ability to destroy everything them and everything they have built for decades.


    Though they already knew the person behind everything, there was little they can do at the moment, as Ss has given them enough problems for them to handle.


    Luna continued with Ss'' order, by nting false intelligence within the ck Hand''s encrypted databases, suggesting that some operatives were secretly coborating withw enforcement. This caused immediate suspicion and paranoia among their ranks.


    Due to this, a senior operative in Europe was interrogated and removed from his position after being falsely used of cooperating with international authorities.


    Ss watched the chaos unfold in real time. On one of his holographic disys, a live feed showed a heated argument in a ck Hand boardroom. Voices rose, usations flew, and alliances crumbled.


    "Divide and conquer," Ss muttered, his lips curling into a cold smile. "They''ll destroy themselves faster than I ever could."


    ---


    Ss'' next move was to expose the ck Hand''s darkest secrets to the public and their allies, creating external pressure that wouldpound their internal strife.


    Luna had alreadypiled extensive dossiers on the ck Hand''s leadership, including their financial misdeeds, personal scandals, and illegal activities.


    Ss selectively leaked this information to the media, ensuring maximum damage to their reputations.


    One of her information that was leaked was about a prominent CEO, known publicly as a phnthropist. He was exposed forundering money to fund mercenary groups.


    The revtion caused a media frenzy, with investors pulling out andwsuits piling up.


    The ck Hand''s influence relied heavily on alliances with other organizations and governments. Ss leaked evidence of these partnerships, exposing their corrupt dealings and forcing their allies to distance themselves.


    Due to this, a defense contractor was revealed to have supplied weapons to ck Hand operatives in conflict zones, leading to an international scandal and government investigations.


    Ss made sure the leaks were anonymous but traceable to multiple sources, giving the impression that the ck Hand''s own members were turning on each other. This deepened the paranoia and suspicion within their ranks.


    ---


    While the leaks wreaked havoc externally, Ss escted his efforts to sow discord within the ck Hand''s leadership. He knew that once trust was broken, it would be nearly impossible for them to regain it.


    Luna''s analysis identified key rivalries among the ck Hand''s leaders¡ªCEOs vying for control, intelligence operatives with conflicting agendas, and mercenarymanders with grudges. Ss fanned these mes by feeding false intelligence to each party.


    Ss used hiswork of double agents and infiltrators to sabotage the ck Hand''s missions from within. False intel led their operatives into ambushes, while vital resources were redirected or destroyed.


    An incident ured when a major arms deal orchestrated by the ck Hand waspromised when Ss''s agents swapped the shipment with counterfeit goods. The buyers, furious at being deceived, severed ties with the organization.


    ---


    The cumtive effect of Ss''s actions was devastating. The ck Hand''s once-unified leadership was now splintered into factions, each using the other of betrayal.


    The organization''s operations ground to a halt as members focused on protecting their own interests rather than advancing their agenda.


    The media leaks sparked widespread outrage, with protests erupting against thepanies and governments implicated in the ck Hand''s activities.


    Shareholders demanded ountability, further isting the organization from its financial lifelines.


    The ck Hand''s paranoia led to a series of internal purges. High-ranking members were removed or executed under suspicion of betrayal, leaving the organization leaderless and disorganized.


    A regionalmander in Asia who was falsely used of coborating with Ss, was eliminated by his own subordinates. This created a power vacuum that further destabilized the region.


    With theirwork in disarray, the ck Hand''s influence began to wane. Governments and corporations that had once feared or relied on them now saw an opportunity to break free from their grip.


    But it wasn''t exactly going to be that easy. Everyone was aware that you can''t just dine with the devil and don''t expect him toe calling.


    ---


    In a fortified mansion in Switzend, a group of ck Hand leaders gathered to discuss their next move.


    The room was filled with tension, the air thick with suspicion. Each leader had brought their own security detail, refusing to trust anyone outside their immediate circle.


    "This is getting out of hand," one of them said, his voiceced with anger. "Every operation we''veunched in the past month has beenpromised. Someone is feeding Ss our ns."


    "Maybe it''s you," another retorted, his tone usatory. "You''ve always been too ambitious for your own good."


    The argument escted, voices rising as tempers red. But before it could devolve into violence, the room was plunged into darkness. A secondter, a holographic image of Ss appeared in the center of the room.


    "Good evening," Ss said, his tone calm but menacing. "I hope I''m not interrupting."


    The leaders froze, their eyes widening in shock and fear. They had taken every precaution to secure this meeting, yet Ss had infiltrated it with ease.


    "Your organization is crumbling," Ss continued, his gaze sweeping over them. "Your unity is a lie, your influence is fading, and your secrets are no longer safe. You thought you could control the world from the shadows, but now the shadows are turning against you."


    "Do you think you''ve won?" one of the leaders spat, trying to mask his fear. "You can''t take us all down."


    Ss''s holographic image leaned forward, his eyes cold. "I don''t need to take you all down. You''re doing that for me."


    With that, the hologram vanished, leaving the room in silence. The leaders exchanged uneasy nces, their fear palpable. Ss had made his point¡ªhe was always watching, always one step ahead.


    21:58

 Chapter 310 Making The Fight Public

    310 Making The Fight Public


    Colombia, a very close neighbour of Venezu, was a nation caught in the crosshairs of the ck Hand''s insidious ambitions.


    For years, the organization had been using the region as a testing ground for their experiments in destabilization¡ªmanipting markets, sowing political chaos, and exploiting its resources.


    But with Ss''s growing influence Venezu in the country, their ns faced a significant obstacle.


    The ck Hand, unwilling to lose such a critical foothold, decided to escte. They deployed a private army of mercenaries, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and supported by covert operatives, to dismantle Ss''s presence and overthrow his allies in the government.


    But Ss had been expecting this.


    From the undergroundmand center in his Venezun stronghold, Ss monitored the ck Hand''s movements. A holographic map disyed the mercenary convoy advancing toward the capital, supported by aerial drones and armored vehicles. He stood calmly, his sharp gaze fixed on the screens.


    "Luna," Ss said, his voice steady, "begin defensive protocols. Let''s show them what happens when they step into my territory."


    {Understood, master. Activating defense systems.}


    --- N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The ck Hand convoy moved under the cover of darkness, confident in their superior firepower and numbers. They had underestimated Ss''s reach.


    As the convoy approached a narrow mountain pass, the first phase of Ss''s n was set into motion. High above the cliffs, cloaked drones hovered silently, each equipped with precision EMP devices.


    At Ss''smand, the drones unleashed localized EMP bursts, disabling the convoy''smunication systems and rendering their aerial drones useless. Chaos erupted as the mercenaries scrambled to assess the situation.


    Ss''s operatives, equipped with advanced cloaking technology and sma-based weaponry, emerged from concealed positions along the pass. Theyunched a coordinated assault, targeting the convoy''s weakest points.


    The lead vehicles were immobilized by targeted energy sts, blocking the path and trapping the convoy.


    Specialized turrets, camouged within the terrain, fired precise shots that disabled the engines of armored vehicles.


    The mercenaries, disoriented and cut off from reinforcements, found themselves surrounded.


    ---


    While his operatives executed the ambush, Ss continued to watch from the underground facility, with a smirk on his face.


    "You''re stepping onto my chessboard, let''s see how well you y." He chuckled.


    The ck Hand''s forces, despite their training and equipment, were no match for Ss'' operatives superior technology and tactics. For every move they made, he had already anticipated their next two steps.


    ---


    Realizing their ground forces were faltering, the ck Hand deployed a fleet of stealth helicopters and fighter drones to regain the upper hand. The skies above the battlefield roared with the sound of engines as the reinforcements approached.


    Ss standing in the control room of the underground facility, look at a scene being disyed on a secondary holographic screen, showing the approaching presence of aircrafts.


    "Luna," he said, his tone casual, "let''s take care of the air support."


    {Activating Skyfall Defense System,} Luna replied.


    Hidden anti-aircraft turrets, embedded within the surrounding mountains, sprang to life. These turrets, equipped with advanced targeting systems, locked onto the iing helicopters and drones.


    Precisionser strikes lit up the night sky, cutting through the ck Hand''s aerial reinforcements with devastating uracy.


    One by one, the helicopters fell in fiery explosions, their remains scattering across thendscape.


    Despite the losses, a few fighter drones managed to evade the initial assault and targeted Ss directly. Theyunched missiles that streaked toward his position, leaving trails of smoke in their wake.


    When Ss'' operatives saw this, they immediately activated the shield function of their enhancement suit, creating a dome of electromaic energy around him. The missiles exploded harmlessly against the shield, their shockwaves dissipating into the air.


    The battle continued as Ss'' side retaliated by using drones to disable the remaining fighters, delivering precise EMP bursts that caused them to crash into the mountains.


    With their air support neutralized, the ck Hand''s forces were left with no options but retreat or annihtion.


    ---


    As the battle raged on, Ss turned his attention to the psychological aspect of the conflict. He wanted the ck Hand''s operatives to feel the weight of their failure, to understand that they were fighting a force far beyond theirprehension.


    Using the ck Hand''s ownmunication channels, Ss broadcasted messages to the remaining mercenaries.


    The messages, delivered in his calm but chilling voice, detailed their precise locations and movements, proving that he had been watching them from the start.


    "You are surrounded," Ss said in one message. "Your reinforcements are gone. Lay down your weapons, and you may yet live."


    The effect was immediate. Many of the mercenaries, already demoralized by the overwhelming assault, began to surrender. Others fled into the wilderness, abandoning their equipment in desperation.


    To drive the message home, one of the operatives orchestrated a controlled detonation of the convoy''s remaining vehicles.


    The resulting explosions lit up the night, visible for miles. The ck Hand''s forces, witnessing the destruction, realized that their mission had failed spectacrly.


    ---


    By dawn, the battle was over. The ck Hand''s forces had been routed, their vehicles destroyed, and their weapons confiscated.


    Ss'' operatives worked efficiently to secure the area, collecting evidence of the ck Hand''s activities and ensuring that no loose ends remained.


    With the ck Hand''s grip on the region shattered, Ss moved quickly to restore stability. He coordinated with local leaders and resistance groups, providing them with resources and technology to rebuild.


    Advanced infrastructure projects, funded by Ss''s vast wealth, wereunched to revitalize the region.


    A new defensework was established, ensuring that the ck Hand could never return.


    Footage of the battle, captured by Luna''s drones, was carefully edited and released to the media. The video showed Ss''s forces defending Venezu against the ck Hand''s aggression, framing him as a protector of the oppressed.


    Public opinion began to shift in Ss''s favor, with many seeing him as a necessary force in the fight against global corruption.


    ---


    In a hidden bunker far from the battlefield, the ck Hand''s remaining leaders convened to discuss the devastating loss. Their confidence, once unshakable, had been reced by fear and uncertainty.


    "How did he know?" one of them demanded, mming his fist on the table. "We took every precaution!"


    "He''s not just a man," another replied, his voice trembling. "He''s something else. We can''t fight him with conventional tactics."


    The room fell silent as they realized the gravity of their situation. Ss wasn''t just dismantling their operations¡ªhe was dismantling their very foundation. And unless they found a way to counter him, their empire would crumble.


    ---


    As the sun rose over the Colombia, Ss stood on a ridge overlooking the battlefield. The remains of the ck Hand''s convoy smoldered below, a stark reminder of their failed attempt to challenge him.


    "This is what happens when you try to take what''s mine," Ss said, his voice low but resolute.


    Luna''s voice echoed in his earpiece. {The ck Hand is reeling, master. Their losses in Venezu have severely weakened their operations in the region.}


    Ss nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "This is only the beginning. Let''s see how they handle what''sing next."

 Chapter 311 Proxy War

    311 Proxy War


    The tension in the air was palpable, like the calm before a storm. Ss sat in the control room of his underground facility, the holographic screens surrounding him glowing with real-time updates.


    Every piece of intel Luna had gathered painted a grim picture of the world outside¡ªa world being dragged into chaos by the ck Hand.


    Luna''s voice, calm yetced with urgency, broke the silence. {Master, global tensions are rising faster than predicted. Conflicts in Europe, Asia, and the Americas are escting. The ck Hand''s fingerprints are all over them.}


    Ss leaned forward, his sharp gaze fixed on one of the screens disying a map riddled with shing red indicators. Each represented a hotspot¡ªa region destabilized by the ck Hand''s machinations.


    "Summarize their moves," Ssmanded, his voice cold and steady.


    {In Europe, the energy crisis is spiraling out of control. The ck Hand has orchestrated cyberattacks on major power grids, leaving millions in darkness.


    Protests have erupted in cities across the continent, with violence escting as ck Hand operatives infiltrate and incite mobs.}


    A new screen shed, showing a video feed of riots in Paris, Berlin, and Rome. Ss watched as chaos unfolded¡ªbuildings set aze, crowds shing with riot police.


    {In Asia, tensions between two superpowers have reached a breaking point. A fabricated border skirmish,plete with fake satellite images and nted evidence, has led both nations to mobilize troops.


    Intelligence suggests the ck Hand has used their members who are key military and political circles on both sides, ensuring the conflict continues to escte.}


    The map zoomed in on the contested border, highlighting troop movements and supply chains.


    "And the Americas?" Ss asked, his jaw tightening.


    {Multiple bombings across major cities have been attributed to foreign agents, though evidence points to the ck Hand.


    Public outrage has forced governments to heighten security measures, straining resources and increasing tensions between neighboring countries.


    The ck Hand has also disrupted key trade routes, choking supplies and creating economic panic.}


    The screen shifted to disy footage of panic-stricken civilians hoarding supplies, while politicians spewed rhetoric ming foreign powers.


    Ss smiled. This wasn''t just chaos¡ªit was a meticulously crafted strategy. The ck Hand was ying the world like a chessboard, using fear and instability to tighten their grip on power.


    Ss stood, his presencemanding. "They want a war, and they''re willing to destroy everything to get it. But this isn''t about survival for them¡ªit''s about control. They think the world is theirs to manipte. They think no one can stop them."


    He paused. The holographic screens reflected in his steely eyes as he continued, his voice firm. "They''re wrong."


    Luna chimed in. {Their objective is clear, master. By engineering a global war, they can profit from reconstruction, consolidate power, and eliminate dissent. The world will be too broken to resist them.}


    "Then we don''t let the war happen," Ss said, his tone resolute. "We don''t just fight back¡ªwe take the fight to them. If they want to y god, we''ll show them what happens when mortals challenge the divine."


    As Ss prepared his strategy, the world outside continued to unravel. Reports flooded in of new crises:


    In Europe, entire regions was plunged into ckout as hackers aligned with the ck Hand took down power grids.


    Factories shut down, transportation ground to a halt, and desperation spread like wildfire.


    In Asia, border skirmishes escted into artillery exchanges, with media outlets¡ªmany owned or influenced by the ck Hand¡ªfueling nationalist fervor on both sides.


    In Americs, the bombings had sparked an arms race, with nations ramping up military spending. ck Hand-aligned defense contractors reaped massive profits, supplying both sides of the brewing conflicts.


    Through it all, the ck Hand remained in the shadows, pulling the strings while the world danced to their tune.


    ---


    Back in the facility, Ss reviewed the data Luna hadpiled. Each hotspot was marked withyers of information: the individuals involved, the corporations funding the chaos, and the governmentspromised by the ck Hand.


    "Luna," Ss said, his voice steady, "who are the key yers behind these moves?"


    {The energy crisis in Europe is being driven by three major corporations¡ªall tied to ck Hand members. In Asia, high-ranking military officials on both sides are receiving covert funding from ck Hand-controlled shellpanies. In the Americas, key media outlets and defense contractors are directly involved, pushing narratives and supplying arms.}


    Ss nodded. "Then we start with them."


    ---


    Ss''s strategy was precise and multiyered. He began by targeting the energy crisis in Europe. Luna deployed advanced AI algorithms to hack into the systems of the three corporations responsible for the ckouts.


    Within hours, power grids were restored as Luna''s systems neutralized the ck Hand''s cyberattacks.


    Evidence of corporate sabotage was leaked to the media, igniting public outrage against thepanies involved.


    Ss discreetly funneled advanced energy technologies to neutral governments, enabling them to stabilize their infrastructure independently.


    In Asia, Ss employed a more subtle approach. Using Luna''swork, he intercepted and exposed the financial ties between the ck Hand and the military officials fueling the conflict.


    The revtions went viral, forcing both sides to confront the truth and de-escte tensions.


    In the Americas, Ss turned the media against itself. By hacking into key outlets, Luna reced propaganda with undeniable proof of the ck Hand''s involvement in the bombings.


    Simultaneously, Ss''s agents infiltrated defense contractors, sabotaging weapons shipments intended to escte the conflict.


    ---


    Ss''s actions sent shockwaves across the globe. Governments began to question the narratives they had been fed, while the public demanded ountability from leaders and corporations implicated in the chaos. The ck Hand, caught off guard by Ss''s precision and speed, scrambled to regroup.


    But Ss wasn''t done.


    ---


    In a calcted move, Ss issued a public broadcast. The projection of his face appeared on screens¡ªTV, phones, anything that has a screen¡ªworldwide, his voice calm yetmanding.


    "To the people of the world: You''ve been lied to. Manipted. Used as pawns in a game you didn''t even know you were ying. The chaos you see around you isn''t natural¡ªit''s engineered. The ones responsible hide in the shadows, profiting from your suffering." n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.


    "But they''ve made a mistake. They thought no one could challenge them. They were wrong. I know who they are, and I will bring them down. To the ck Hand: Your time is over."


    ---


    As Ss''s broadcast ended, Luna interrupted. {Master, the ck Hand is already retaliating. Multiple attacks are being nned against your operations in South America and Africa. They''re escting the war.}


    Ss''s lips curled into a cold smile. "Good. Let theme. It''s time to show the world what happens when you try to fight me."

 Chapter 312 Proxy Wars (II)

    312 Proxy Wars (II)


    The world was unraveling as proxy conflicts erupted on every continent. While the ck Hand''s influence remained hidden from public view, their fingerprints were all over the chaos.


    They pulled strings from the shadows, using puppet governments and rogue factions to spread instability and consolidate their power.


    But Ss was not blind to their moves. From his underground facility, he watched the world burn through holographic projections and live feeds, each crisis a piece of the ck Hand''srger n. His grip on the armrest of his chair tightened as Luna''s voice broke the silence.


    {Master, multiple regions under your influence are being directly targeted. South America and Africa have be primary battlegrounds. Mercenary forces backed by ck Hand-controlled corporations are mobilizing to attack your allies and destabilize your operations.}


    Ss''s expression darkened, his mind racing through possibilities. "They want to make an example out of me," he murmured.


    "They think they can drag me into their chaos and discredit me. But they''ve underestimated what I''m capable of."


    He stood, hismanding presence filling the room. "Luna, give me a full breakdown of the situation. I want to know every move they''ve made, every force they''ve deployed, and every weakness we can exploit."


    ---


    The holographic map zoomed in on South America, where mercenary groups had begun a coordinated assault on Ss'' territories. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Their target was a series of advanced energy facilities that Ss had built to stabilize the region''s power grid. If taken, it would not only cripple local economies but also tarnish Ss''s reputation as a stabilizing force.


    {The mercenaries are heavily armed with advanced weaponry, including drones and armored vehicles. Their supply lines run through several ck Hand-affiliated shippingpanies. Local governments have been pressured to remain neutral or risk retaliation.}


    Ss''s eyes narrowed. "Neutrality won''t save them. They''ll be next if the ck Hand seeds here." He gestured to the map.


    "Deploy the Phoenix Fleet. I want the airspace locked down. Activate ground-level defensive drones and set up barriers around the facilities. Cut off their supply lines¡ªif they can''t resupply, they''ll crumble."


    Within hours, the Phoenix Fleet¡ªa squadron of very advanced and high-tech stealth fighter¡ªwas in the skies, intercepting enemy reinforcements before they could reach their targets.


    On the ground, Ss''s advanced defensive drones, equipped with energy shields and non-lethal incapacitation rounds, held back the mercenary forces.


    The tide quickly turned. The mercenaries, realizing they were outmatched, attempted to retreat, only to find their supply routes destroyed and theirmunications jammed by Luna''s systems. The operation ended with minimal casualties and a decisive victory for Ss.


    ---


    The holographic map shifted to Africa, where ck Hand-backed rebels were inciting violence in regions that had recently aligned with Ss.


    The goal was clear: destabilize the region, make it ungovernable, and force local leaders to abandon their growing support for Ss.


    {The rebels have been armed with surplus military equipment, likely funneled through ck Hand-controlled intermediaries. They''ve targeted key infrastructure projects funded by your organization. If they seed, it will dy progress by months, if not years.}


    Ss''s expression hardened. He couldn''t allow the ck Hand to undermine the progress he had made in the region.


    "Deploy our tactical response teams. I want boots on the ground to secure those projects. Use the Cloak-ss Vehicles for mobility¡ªthey won''t see using. And Luna, send a message to the local leaders: I stand with them, and I will protect their people."


    The Cloak-ss Vehicles, cutting-edge armored transports equipped with advanced cloaking technology and military technology, allowed Ss'' teams to move undetected.


    Within hours, they had secured key infrastructure sites and provided aid to civilians caught in the crossfire.


    Simultaneously, Luna leaked proof of the ck Hand''s involvement to the local media, turning public opinion against the rebels and strengthening Ss''s alliances.


    ---


    As the battles in South America and Africa raged, the ck Hand escted their efforts. A fleet of heavily armed ships, disguised as independent contractors, began disrupting global trade routes in the Antic Ocean.


    Their goal was twofold: cripple economies reliant on trade and force neutral nations to side against Ss.


    {Master, the fleet isposed of private military vessels outfitted with advanced weaponry. They''ve seized multiple cargo ships and are holding their crews hostage.}


    Ss''s lips curled into a cold smile. "They''re trying to choke the world into submission. Let''s show them what happens when they overreach."


    12:34


    He activated a securemunication line to his autonomous naval fleet, the Leviathan Armada, stationed in the Antic. Composed of AI and human controlled submarines and stealth ships, the Leviathan Armada was designed for precision and efficiency.


    Ss issued his orders: intercept the ck Hand''s fleet, disable their ships, and rescue the hostages.


    The operation unfolded like clockwork. The submarines, equipped with cloaking technology, approached the enemy fleet undetected and deployed non-lethal EMP torpedoes, disabling the ships'' systems. Meanwhile, the stealth shipsunched rescue teams who extracted the hostages with surgical precision.


    By the end of the engagement, the ck Hand''s fleet was left stranded, their ships adrift and powerless. Luna disseminated footage of the operation, exposing the ck Hand''s actions to the world and further isting them.


    ---


    The ck Hand''s coordinated attacks had been thwarted on all fronts. Their mercenaries in South America were scattered, their rebels in Africa defeated, and their naval operations in the Antic crippled.


    Ss'' swift and overwhelming response sent a clear message: he was not a force to be trifled with.


    Back in his facility, Ss reviewed the results with Luna. "What''s the public sentiment?" he asked.


    {Support for your efforts has grown significantly, master. Neutral nations are beginning to see you as a stabilizing force. However, the ck Hand''s propaganda machine is still active.


    They are framing your actions as an overreach of power, iming you''re destabilizing the world for your own gain. They say that you want to turn the world to your backyard.}


    Ss smirked. "Let them talk. Every action they take only proves their desperation. We''ll dismantle their propaganda soon enough.


    For now, focus on consolidating our victories. Strengthen alliances, rebuild what was damaged, and prepare for their next move."


    ---


    As Ss turned his attention to the next phase of his strategy, Luna''s voice interrupted. {Master, new intel suggests the ck Hand is nning a direct assault on your facility. They''re mobilizing their elite forces.}


    Ss''s smirk faded, reced by a cold determination. "So, they want to bring the fight to me? Let theme. It''s time to show the world what happens when you try to take me on in my own territory."

 Chapter 313 Against The World

    The world had reached a breaking point. Headlines screamed of chaos: power outages crippling major cities, cyberattacks shutting down vital infrastructures, and escting conflicts destabilizing fragile regions.


    While Ss knew these events were orchestrated remnants of the ck Hand, the narrative spun to the public was far different.


    News outlets under the ck Hand''s subtle control painted Ss as the mastermind. He wasbeled a rogue actor, a warlord with advanced technology who sought to destabilize the global order.


    The world''s most powerful nations took notice¡ªor they finally had a reason to act. Within days, an emergency summit of global leaders convened.


    In a secret meeting room guarded by the best security forces on the, representatives from the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, and other top nations gathered.


    The atmosphere was tense as usations flew and me was assigned, but one point of agreement emerged: Ss Kurt had be an existential threat.


    ---


    As the summit concluded, a unified deration of war was announced. The World Coalition,prising the''s strongest military powers, issued an ultimatum to Ss: surrender all technological assets and submit to international oversight, or faceplete annihtion.


    The ultimatum was delivered through an encrypted broadcast, which Luna intercepted and disyed on a holographic screen inside Ss''s underground facility. The coalition''s spokesperson, a stern-faced general, stared into the camera with unyielding resolve.


    "Ss Kurt," the general began, his voice echoing with authority. "Your unchecked power threatens the safety and sovereignty of the nations of the world.


    You have been deemed an international threat. Surrender your technologies, cease all operations, and submit to our authority. Failure toply will result in immediate and overwhelming force."


    Ss leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. Luna''s voice broke the silence. {Master, the Coalition has mobilized their forces. Intelligence shows coordinated airstrikes, naval blockades, and cyberattacks are being prepared.}


    He tapped his fingers on the armrest thoughtfully before finally responding. "They think I''m the threat?" His voice was calm, but his eyes zed with intensity. "They just want toplete what the ck Hand couldn''t, and now they''re about to learn what real power looks like."


    ---


    Rather than issue a rebuttal through diplomatic channels, Ss chose to speak directly to the world.


    Luna broadcasted his message across every majorwork, bypassing firewalls and encryption with ease. Ss appeared on screens worldwide, his image crisp andmanding.


    "To the leaders of the World Coalition," he began, his voice steady yetced with steel, "You point your weapons at me, in the name of defending your people, but you''re only furthering your own agenda."


    He leaned forward slightly, his tone growing sharper. "If you think you can scare me into surrending, just forget it. I will not bow to anyone and not even your little group. But I won''t start this war. You will. And when you do, remember this: I do not lose."


    The message ended abruptly, leaving the world in stunned silence.


    ---


    The World Coalition wasted no time. Within hours of Ss''s broadcast, military operations were underway:


    Fighter jetsunched from carriers in the Antic and Pacific targeted Ss''s known operations in South America and his advanced energy facilities in Africa.


    Massive fleets deployed to choke off trade routes and disrupt supply lines to Ss''s allies.


    The Coalition''s top hackers worked tirelessly to prate Luna''s systems andpromise Ss''s defensive infrastructure.


    The sheer scale of the operation was unprecedented. The Coalition''s leaders believed theirbined might would overwhelm Ss before he could retaliate. They underestimated him.


    ---


    Ss, always a step ahead, had prepared for such an assault. The first wave of airstrikes was intercepted by the Erebus Array.


    The array emitted electromaic pulses that disabled iing fighter jets mid-flight, causing them to crash into the sea of the ground.


    Coalition pilots reported back to theirmanders, shaken by the ease with which their technology had been neutralized.


    Meanwhile, Ss''s Leviathan Amarda began its operation. The Coalition''s naval blockades were vast, but the Leviathan vessels moved silently beneath the waves, their cloaking systems rendering them undetectable.


    One by one, Coalition ships were disabled by non-lethal torpedoes that left them adrift, powerless and unable to continue their mission.


    The cyberattacks posed the greatest challenge. The Coalition''s hackers targeted Luna directly, attempting to breach her systems and shut down Ss''s defenses.


    But Luna, far more advanced than any system they had encountered, not only repelled their efforts butunched a counteroffensive.


    Coalition servers across the globe went dark as Luna infiltrated theirworks, exposing ssified operations and sowing confusion among their ranks.


    ---


    As the Coalition''s initial offensive crumbled, Ss saw an opportunity to deliver a decisive blow.


    He targeted one of theirmand hubs¡ªa secure base in a remote region of the Antic¡ªbelieved to be coordinating the naval operations.


    Using real-time intel from Luna, Ss deployed a fleet of stealth drones armed with non-lethal weaponry.


    The operation was surgical. The drones infiltrated the base''s defenses, disablingmunications and neutralizing themand center''s personnel without a single casualty.


    Ss then broadcasted a message to the remaining Coalition forces:


    "Your leaders are ying a dangerous game, one they cannot win. Stand down before more lives are lost unnecessarily."


    The Coalition, stunned by the swift and bloodless takeover, hesitated. For the first time, cracks began to form in their confidence.


    ---


    Ss''s actions sparked a firestorm of debate worldwide. In countries aligned with the Coalition, citizens began to question the narrative they were being fed.


    Protests erupted in major cities, with demonstrators demanding answers from their governments. Social media exploded with support for Ss, many viewing him as a protector rather than a threat.


    In response, the Coalition ramped up their propaganda machine, using Ss of endangering global stability and manipting public sentiment. The battle for hearts and minds had begun.


    ---


    Back in his underground facility, Ss reviewed the results of the day''s battles. Luna provided an update.


    {Master, the Coalition is regrouping. Their forces are mobilizing for a second wave of attacks. Intelligence shows they may attempt simultaneous strikes across multiple continents.}


    Ss''s expression hardened. "Let theme," he said. "They''ve shown me their hand. Now it''s time to show them mine."


    As Luna prepared his next moves, Ss stood and gazed at the holographic map of the world, his resolve unshakable. "If they want to y this game, I''ll show them what happens when you challenge someone who doesn''t lose."

 Chapter 314 Winning Without Lifting A Finger

    The World Coalition was reeling from their initial defeats. Despite Ss''s overwhelming technological and strategic superiority, the leaders of the world''s most powerful nations refused to back down.


    They doubled their efforts, mobilizing unprecedented levels of military force. Their goal was simple: overwhelm Ss through sheer numbers and brute force.


    The Coalition''s new n was ambitious and aggressive:


    The U.S. deployed its most advanced fighter jets, stealth bombers, and missile systems, targeting Ss''s energy hubs in South America.


    NATOunched a coordinated ground invasion in Africa, focusing on key infrastructure aligned with Ss''s operations.


    China and Russia joined forces, unleashing vast armies, missile strikes, and cyberattacks aimed at Ss''s satellite systems and Pacific operations.


    The Coalition believed their simultaneous global assault would spread Ss''s forces thin, forcing him into retreat. But Ss, always a step ahead, had prepared for this very scenario.


    ---


    In his underground facility, Ss stood before the holographicmand table, his sharp gaze fixed on the world map lit with red markers.


    Each represented an iing threat¡ªa coordinated assault that would test every facet of his defense.


    "Luna," he began, his tone calm but firm, "outline their strategy."


    {Master, three primary offensives have been identified. South America is the focus of U.S. airstrikes and missile attacks. In Africa, NATO is deploying armored divisions and ground troops to capture allied infrastructure.


    In the Pacific, China and Russia are targeting your satellitework and naval presence. The attacks will ur simultaneously.}


    Ss nodded, his expression unshaken. "They''re making their move. It''s time to show them why they can''t win.


    Prioritize defense in South America, containment in Africa, and disruption in the Pacific. Deploy the Phoenix Fleet and the Leviathan Armada. Activate the Erebus Array. Let''s end this."


    ---


    The first assault began with a swarm of U.S. stealth bombers and fighter jets aiming to destroy Ss''s energy hubs in Venezu.


    These facilities were critical to his operations, powering his supporting allied regions.


    Ss deployed the Phoenix Fleet and guided by Luna''s algorithms, the fleet intercepted the bombers mid-flight.


    The Phoenix drones used EMP bursts to disable Coalition bombers, forcing them to retreat or crash without causing fatalities.


    Holographic projections created false targets, tricking missiles into detonating harmlessly away from the energy hubs.


    Ground-based energy barriers absorbed the impact of any remaining projectiles, leaving the facilities unscathed.


    The U.S. forces, outmatched and disoriented, withdrew after suffering catastrophic losses. The skies above South America were secured, and Ss''s operations continued uninterrupted.


    ---


    Meanwhile, NATO''s forcesunched a massive ground invasion in Africa, targeting Ss''s infrastructure projects.


    These facilities¡ªwater purification nts and renewable energy hubs¡ªhad transformed struggling regions into thrivingmunities.


    Ss responded with his Titan Units, towering AI-driven mechs equipped with advanced weaponry and non-lethal incapacitation systems.


    The main reason why Ss was using non-lethal methods was because Ss didn''t want to kill too much people, or he would had already unleashed a wave of destruction through multiple means avable to him.


    The Titan Units used energy-based weapons to disable NATO tanks and armored vehicles, immobilizing them without destruction.


    Non-lethal sonic pulses incapacitated NATO ground forces, rendering them unable to continue the assault.


    Ss broadcasted live footage of the battle, showing his units defending civilians while NATO''s actions caused coteral damage. This shifted global opinion further against the Coalition.


    By the end of the battle, NATO''s forces were in full retreat. Ss''s African allies celebrated their victory, and his influence in the region deepened.


    --


    In the Pacific, China and Russiaunched their most ambitious offensive, deploying missile systems and cyber units to target Ss'' allies satellitework and naval operations. Their goal was to blind his allies and cripple theirmunications.


    But Ss anticipated their moves and set a trap:


    False satellites emitted signals mimicking Ss''s real systems. Coalition missile strikes destroyed the decoys, wasting their resources.


    Luna infiltrated enemyworks, redirecting their attacks to backfire on their own systems. Chinese and Russianmand centers experienced massive data breaches, causing chaos among their ranks.


    Ss''s stealth submarines intercepted the Coalition''s naval fleets. Using cloaking systems and EMP torpedoes, the submarines disabled enemy ships, leaving them adrift and vulnerable.


    The Pacific offensive ended in disarray. China and Russia''s forces were scattered, and their confidence in victory was shattered.


    ---


    With their forces decimated on all fronts, the Coalition''s leaders convened in secret to discuss their next move. The losses were staggering, but admitting defeat was not an option. Instead, they turned to ast, desperate measure: nuclear esction.


    "We have no other choice," one general argued. "If we can''t destroy him conventionally, we''ll obliterate him entirely. It''s the only way to protect the world."


    The Coalition prepared a simultaneous nuclear strike on Ss''s strongholds and allied territories. They framed the decision as a necessary evil to "save humanity."


    ---


    Luna''s voice echoed through the control room. {Master, the Coalition is preparing a nuclear assault.


    Multiple warheads are being readied forunch. Estimated time to deployment: one hour.}


    Ss''s expression hardened. "They''re willing to destroy the world to stop me," he said grimly. "Activate the Aegis Shield Network."


    The Aegis Shield Network was Ss''s ultimate defense system¡ªa series of orbital and ground-based emitters capable of neutralizing nuclear warheads before detonation.


    As the Coalitionunched their missiles, the Aegis Network came to life, creating a protective barrier over Ss''s territories and allied regions.


    One by one, the warheads were intercepted mid-air, their explosive power rendered harmless. The world watched in awe as Ss single-handedly prevented a nuclear apocalypse.


    ---


    With their final weapon neutralized, the Coalition was left powerless. Ssunched a coordinated counteroffensive:


    The Erebus Array.disabled the Coalition''s remaining military infrastructure, leaving their forces inoperable.


    Luna leaked ssified documents exposing the Coalition''s reliance on the ck Hand''s maniption, sparking mass protests and political resignations worldwide.


    Ss deployed humanitarian aid to war-torn regions, using his advanced technology to rebuildmunities and stabilize economies.


    ---


    The Coalition''s leaders, facing global condemnation and internal dissent, formally surrendered. Ss addressed the world in a final broadcast:


    "This war was not one I started, but one I ended. Let this be the beginning of a new era¡ªone where power cannot be abused, and no nation can oppress another. Together, we will build a future free of fear and corruption."


    Your journey continues on empire


    ---


    As the world began to rebuild, Luna alerted Ss to a new threat: remnants of the ck Hand regrouping in the shadows. Ss''s gaze hardened. "They will get what''sing to them."

 Chapter 315 A Swift End

    Ss stood in his underground facility, staring at the holographic map before him. Red dots blinked across the globe, each marking the location of thest remnants of the ck Hand.


    After their orchestrated world war had failed, they had gone into hiding. But Ss had been patient, watching them, tracking every move, and waiting for the right moment to strike.


    Luna''s voice broke the silence. {Master, all known ck Hand operatives have been located. Their key safe houses, hidden facilities, and covert assets are highlighted. These are theirst strongholds.}


    Ss''s expression was cold, his voice even colder. "It''s time to end this. I don''t want a single one of them left standing."


    {Understood. Deploying operational assets. Shall I initiate full-spectrum strikes?}


    "No," Ss replied, his eyes narrowing. "This is personal. I''ll handle this myself."


    ---


    The first stronghold was a fortified bunker deep in the Siberian tundra. It had once been a nuclearunch site, now repurposed as a base for ck Hand loyalists.


    Protected by automated turrets, mercenaries, and the frigid wilderness, it was a fortress designed to keep intruders out.


    Ss didn''t approach stealthily. He didn''t need to.


    As his aircraft descended into the icy wastnd, Ss stepped out, the biting wind tearing at his coat. The moment his presence was detected, rms red, and the fortress''s defenses came to life.


    Automated machine guns roared, their barrels spitting death. Ss raised his hand, manipting the air around him to create a dense shield ofpressed molecules. The bullets stopped mid-flight, falling uselessly to the snow.


    Dozens of heavily armed guards charged, shoutingmands. Ss didn''t flinch. With a wave of his hand, the ground beneath them erupted, sending them flying. Those who survived were met with another wave of destructive force. He disarmed and incapacitated them with brutal efficiency.


    Inside the bunker, the ck Hand operatives cowered, monitoring his approach on their screens. "He''s a monster," one of them whispered, their voice trembling.


    Ss stormed through the bunker''s steel doors, the air around him crackling with energy.


    Thest few guards raised their weapons but were immediately disarmed¡ªquite literally¡ªas as a simple gesture from Ss  ripped their guns apart and flung the fragments back at them.


    The leader of the base, a former general who had sold his soul to the ck Hand, tried to negotiate. "Wait! We can¡ª"


    Ss silenced him with a single motion, his hand crushing the air in the general''s lungs. "You had your chance to surrender. You chose war."


    The room went silent as the general''s lifeless body slumped to the floor.


    ---


    The ck Hand''s financialwork had been crippled, but a few key yers remained, operating out of a hidden penthouse in Dubai.


    Ss arrived in the dead of night, his figure cloaked in the shadows of the city''s towering skyscrapers.


    Inside the penthouse, the remaining ck Hand financiers celebrated their continued survival. They had paid mercenaries to protect them, rigged the building with explosives, and surrounded themselves with state-of-the-art defenses. But none of it mattered.


    Ss bypassed their security systems effortlessly, using Luna to disable cameras, rms, and biometric locks. By the time the guards realized something was wrong, it was already toote.


    Ss moved like a phantom, striking with brutal ferocity. A guard attempted to raise his weapon, only to have his arm snapped in a single, bone-crushing twist.


    Another tried to run but was mmed into a wall by an invisible force, his body crumpling on impact.


    The financiers huddled together in the main room, their fear palpable. Ss stepped through the door, his eyes burning with cold fury.


    "Do you know how many lives you''ve destroyed?" Ss asked, his voice low and lethal. "How many families you''ve torn apart? All for profit?"


    One of the financiers fell to his knees, begging for mercy. "Please! We were just following orders!"


    Ss didn''t respond with words. He raised his hand, and the room filled with a suffocating pressure.


    The air itself seemed to turn against them, crushing their bodies with relentless force. Their screams were brief, their lives snuffed out like candle mes.


    ---


    Thest and most elusive ck Hand leaders had retreated to a private ind in the Pacific, heavily fortified and surrounded by naval defenses. It was their final refuge, and they believed it was imprable.


    Ss didn''t bother with subtlety. As his stealth aircraft hovered above the ind, he unleashed a storm of drones and precision missiles, obliterating the naval defenses and airstrips in seconds.


    Fires raged across the ind as Ss descended,nding in the heart of theirpound.


    The leaders had saved their best mercenaries forst¡ªformer special forces soldiers equipped with cutting-edge weapons. They surrounded Ss, their coordinated assault designed to overwhelm him.


    Ss didn''t give them the chance. With a flick of his wrist, the ground erupted in a shockwave, hurling the guards into the air.


    As they scrambled to recover, Ss moved through them like a force of nature, breaking bones, crushing weapons, and leaving no survivors.


    Inside the mainpound, the remaining ck Hand leaders waited, their desperation evident. The room was filled with panic as Ss strode in, his coat streaked with blood and ash.


    "You think you can oust me?" Ss asked, his voice cold and unyielding. "You think hiding here would save you?"


    One of the leaders tried to make a final stand. He drew a concealed weapon and fired, the bullets stopping inches from Ss'' chest before falling to the floor.


    "You should have run farther," Ss said.


    With a final gesture, Ss unleashed a wave of destruction. The walls of thepound crumbled, and the air filled with debris as the ck Hand''s leaders met their end.


    Their screams echoed across the burning ind, silenced only when the entire structure copsed into the ground.


    ---


    As dawn broke over the Pacific, Ss stood on the scorched remains of the ind, the fires around him dying out.


    Luna''s voice spoke in his ear. {Master, all ck Hand operatives have been neutralized. Theirwork is officially dismantled.}


    "Good," Ss said, his voice quiet but firm. "They won''t rise again." Enjoy more content from empire


    Before leaving, Ss recorded a message and broadcasted it across the world. His face appeared on every screen, his words cutting through the noise of a shaken world.


    "To those who would follow in the footsteps of the ck Hand," Ss began, his tone calm but menacing, "this is your only warning. I will find you, and I will end you. There will be no second chances. The age of corruption is over."


    ---


    After so long, Ss finally returned home to his family, with the weight of his actions settling over him.


    He had ensured the ck Hand''splete destruction, but he knew the world would always have those who sought to exploit and control.


    Luna''s voice sounded in his head the next moment.


    {Master, with the ck Hand eliminated, the global power bnce is shifting. Your next moves will determine the future of this world.}


    Ss nodded, his gaze steely. "Then let''s make sure it''s a future worth fighting for."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 316 An Unfair Reality For All

    "Wow. Everything ended just like that?" A tall woman with delicate features and piercing eyes murmured.


    Seol Hwa gazed out of her floor-to-wall window, the neon lights of the sprawling city reflected in her thoughtful expression.


    Her apartment, perched on the upper levels of a luxurious high-rise, offered a bird''s-eye view of the bustling world below, but her mind was elsewhere.


    "It did," replied Soo-jin, her voice tinged with both awe and disbelief. She lounged on the plush sofa, the soft glow of the TV illuminating her face.


    A newscaster''s voice filled the room, detailing Ss Kurt''s ruthless victory over the remnants of the ck Hand.


    "With the way things were going at the beginning, I thought he had some reservations about killing people. But his actions proved me wrong. He was as bloody as he wanted to be."


    Seol Hwa turned from the window, her brow furrowed. "He ended everything in six months," she said, her voice quiet but carrying an undertone of admiration.


    "From exposing their corruption to fighting them and even taking on the world government. And he won. Completely."


    Her voice dropped slightly as she added, "He''s so powerful. I can''t help but wonder how he did it. What''s his secret? How was he able to achieve so much in just two years?


    At first, we thought he was stronger than most of us Phenomenals. But now... he''s not just stronger. He''s different. He''s beyond us."


    Her words hung in the air like a challenge to the universe itself.


    Soo-jin, still seated on the sofa, couldn''t help but smirk. "You sound more than just curious about his strength," she teased, her tone light and mischievous.


    She tilted her head to look at Seol Hwa, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Don''t tell me you''re already falling for him, even without meeting him or having any interactions."


    Seol Hwa rolled her eyes but couldn''t stop the faint blush that crept up her cheeks.


    "What do you mean, fall for him? Like you said, I haven''t met him or even spoken to him. How could I fall for someone I don''t know? My heart isn''t that fickle."


    "Mm-hmm," Soo-jin replied, her grin widening. "You''re no fun, you know that? You need to loosen up. Seriously, when was thest time you even thought about dating?


    You''re going to let your ''v card'' gather dust until you die." Her tone shifted, turning sly. "I''m telling you, the feeling is heavenly."


    Seol Hwa shook her head, a faintugh escaping her lips. "Soo-jin, if someone overheard you right now, they''d think you''re some kind of expert. But let''s be honest¡ªyou''re just like me. An untouched flower."


    Soo-jin gasped in mock indignation, clutching her chest. "How dare you expose me like that? Can''t a girl dream?" She leaned forward, biting her lip yfully.


    "Besides, it''s not my fault I''m still... untouched. I have a perfectly valid excuse, unlike you."


    "And what excuse is that?" Seol Hwa asked, arching a brow as she poured herself a drink and settled on the sofa beside her friend.


    Soo-jin''s smile faltered slightly. She looked down at her hands, her yful demeanor fading.


    "You know how my power works," she said softly. "I''m practically a subus. One touch, and I can drain someone''s energy and vitality. Just a simple touch, Hwa."


    Her voice grew quieter, tinged with frustration and sadness.


    "I want to experience what other people feel. I want to be close to someone without worrying about hurting them. But I can''t. My own power makes it impossible. I''m really going to die a virgin."


    Seol Hwa''s heart ached at her friend''s words. She had always known Soo-jin carried this burden, but hearing her voice it out loud made the weight of it more real. While they both had unique powers, Soo-jin''s ability came with far heavier restrictions.


    For a moment, Seol Hwa didn''t know what to say. She stared at her drink, the ice cubes clinking softly against the ss as she swirled it absentmindedly.


    Finally, she spoke. "You''re right," she said. "It''s not fair. None of this is. The only thing given fairly to everyone is an unfair reality."


    Soo-jin let out a bitterugh. "You''re preaching to the choir. Sometimes, I wish I could give it all up.


    The powers, the attention, the responsibilities... I''d trade it all just to feel normal for once. To be free."


    Seol Hwa leaned back against the sofa, staring at the ceiling. "Do you think he ever feels the same way?" she asked after a long silence.


    "Who? Ss?" Soo-jin replied, ncing over.


    "Yes," Seol Hwa said, her voice thoughtful. "He''s achieved so much, but at what cost? He''s not just powerful¡ªhe''s untouchable, in a way. No one can truly stand beside him, can they? It must be lonely at the top."


    Soo-jin shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe he doesn''t care. Some people are just built differently. For all we know, Ss could be enjoying every second of his reign."


    "Maybe," Seol Hwa admitted. But deep down, she couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to Ss Kurt than the world understood.


    His actions had been brutal, yes, but also precise. Calcted. He hadn''t sought chaos for chaos''s sake¡ªeverything he had done served a purpose.


    "What if he''s like us?" Seol Hwa asked quietly. "What if his poweres with a price, too?"


    The room fell into a contemtive silence. Outside, the city buzzed with life, but in the apartment, the weight of their shared reality pressed down on them.


    Being Phenomenals¡ªa rare subset of humanity gifted (or cursed) with extraordinary abilities¡ªwas not the blessing the world thought it to be.


    For Soo-jin, her powers made intimacy impossible, turning even the simplest human touch into a dangerous act.


    For Seol Hwa, her own abilities¡ªwhile not as destructive¡ªset her apart from others, isting her in ways she couldn''t always put into words.


    "It''s ironic, isn''t it?" Soo-jin said, breaking the silence. "People see us and think we''re special. They envy us, admire us, some even fear us. But the truth is, we''re just as trapped as they are. Maybe even more so."


    Seol Hwa nodded. "We''re walking contradictions. We have so much power, yet so little control over our own lives."


    Soo-jin sighed, her earlier yfulnesspletely gone. "Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be normal? To wake up one day and not have to think about powers or responsibilities or any of this?"


    "Every day," Seol Hwa admitted. "But that''s not the life we were given."


    Soo-jin stretched out on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. "Maybe Ss has it all figured out. Maybe that''s why he''s so different. He''s not like us, Hwa. He doesn''t let the burden crush him. He embraces it."


    "Or maybe," Seol Hwa said, "he just hides it better than we do."


    Soo-jinughed softly, though it was tinged with sadness. "Either way, he''s out there changing the world, while we''re here sulking in an apartment. Makes you think."


    Seol Hwa smiled faintly. "Maybe we''re not meant to change the world. Maybe we''re just meant to survive it."


    Soo-jin raised her ss. "To survival, then."


    Seol Hwa clinked her ss against Soo-jin''s, the sound echoing softly in the quiet room. Despite everything¡ªtheir powers, their struggles, their fears¡ªthey still had each other. And for now, that was enough.

 Chapter 317 Ripples

    The war between Ss Kurt, the ck Hand, and the world''s governments had left deep scars on the.


    Cities rebuilt from rubble, economies strained under the weight of conflict, and leaders faced growing dissent from their people.


    Yet, the most profound impact wasn''t on infrastructure or finances¡ªit was on the collective psyche of humanity.


    For six months, the world had been transfixed by a conflict unlike any it had ever seen.


    Ss Kurt, a lone figure armed with unparalleled technology and abilities, had taken on not only a shadowy global organization but also thebined might of the most powerful nations on Earth. And he had won. Overwhelmingly.


    Now, as the dust settled, the world grappled with the implications of what had just transpired.


    ---


    The media exploded with coverage of the war''s aftermath, every channel and news outlet scrambling to analyze what it all meant.


    Breaking News with footage of Ss''s final battles, including the moment he single-handedly neutralized a nuclear strike, reyed endlessly. Experts debated his actions, dissecting his strategies and motivations.


    Some talk shows panels of analysts argued fiercely. Was Ss a hero or a tyrant? Had he saved the world or destabilized it further? Opinions were deeply divided.


    The social media space became a battleground of its own. Hashtags like #SsTheSavior and #SsTheDictator trended worldwide as people voiced their support or condemnation. Memes, fan art, and conspiracy theories flooded every tform.


    One viral post read: "Ss Kurt didn''t just fight a war¡ªhe redefined power. Governments couldn''t stop him. Organizations feared him. This is no longer the world of nations. It''s the world of Ss."


    And there was a particrment under it that had only a single word: LMAO.


    ---


    For the average person, Ss Kurt was both a symbol of hope and a harbinger of fear.


    In war-torn regions, Ss''s advanced technology and humanitarian efforts had rebuilt entiremunities. Refugees in Africa and South America hailed him as a savior.


    In developed nations, people questioned their governments'' decisions to wage war against him.


    Protests erupted in major cities, with citizens demanding ountability. cards read:


    "Why Fight the Man Who Saved Us?"


    "We Need Leaders Like Ss, Not Liars!"


    "Who Benefits from War? Not Us."


    However, fear lingered in the shadows of this admiration. If Ss could defeat the world''s most powerful nations, what would stop him from turning his power on the world itself?


    Conspiracy theorists whispered about his true intentions. Was he truly benevolent, or was this just the beginning of a new kind of tyranny?


    ---


    The governments of the world were in chaos.


    The United States faced a political crisis as senators and generals resigned in disgrace after ssified documents leaked by Luna revealed corruption and ties to the ck Hand. The president barely clung to power, publicly apologizing for their role in the war.


    Europe struggled with fractured alliances. NATO''s unity had been shattered, with member nations ming one another for their collective failure.


    Russia and China, humiliated on the global stage, turned inward, purging their ranks of those responsible for their defeats. Both nations began quietly rebuilding their militaries, wary of Ss''s influence.


    In an emergency summit held in Geneva, world leaders debated how to address the new status quo. Should they attempt to negotiate with Ss? Contain him? Or prepare for the possibility of another conflict?


    ---


    Despite Ss''s decisive victory, whispers of the ck Hand still echoed in the shadows.


    Survivors of the organization fled to remote corners of the world, seeking refuge in the underbelly of society.


    Conspiracy theories circted, iming the ck Hand wasn''t truly gone. Some believed Ss had simply taken control of theirwork, using it for his own ends.


    Governments quietly hunted for remnants of the ck Hand, fearing their resurgence¡ªbut many feared Ss more.


    ---


    The war had also changed how the world viewed Phenomenals. Ss''s actions had shattered the fragile bnce between governments and powered individuals.


    Some Phenomenals were inspired by Ss and began openly challenging the governments that oppressed them, sparking new conflicts worldwide.


    Some powerful hidden families filled with Phenomenals, slowly starteding out of the shadow.


    Other phenomenals retreated into hiding, fearing retaliation from governments who now saw all Phenomenals as potential threats.


    The public was divided. Many viewed Phenomenals as symbols of hope, while others saw them as ticking time bombs.


    One Phenomenal activist, a woman who could manipte light, was interviewed on live television. Her words captured the sentiments of many:


    "Ss Kurt didn''t just fight a war. He showed us what''s possible when someone like us stands up to the systems that keep us down. But it''s a double-edged sword. If we''re not careful, we''ll all be painted with the same brush. People will fear us because they fear him."


    ---


    The war also left a profound economic impact.


    The copse of ck Hand-controlled corporations destabilized industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, and defense. While this led to short-term losses, it also opened the door for smaller, independentpanies to rise.


    Ss''s introduction of advanced technologies revolutionized industries. Renewable energy, medical advancements, and AI systems transformed daily life, particrly in regions where he focused his rebuilding efforts.


    However, governments feared economic dependence on Ss''s technology, viewing it as another form of control.


    ---


    Amid the grand geopolitical shifts, individual stories added human depth to the aftermath:


    A young boy in Colombia, whose vige had been destroyed by ck Hand mercenaries, now lived in a fully rebuilt town powered by Ss''s technology. His father, a farmer, called Ss "an angel who descended to save us."


    A mother in France mourned the loss of her son, a NATO soldier who died in Africa. She med her government for dragging him into a war he didn''t believe in.


    A former ck Hand operative, now living in exile, spoke anonymously to a journalist. "Ss wasn''t a man," he said. "He was a force of nature. The ck Hand thought they could control the world. He proved them wrong."


    ---


    In the weeks following the war, a new question began to dominate conversations worldwide: What happens now?


    Will Ss Rule? Many feared he would take advantage of the weakened state of global powers to establish himself as a ruler.


    Will He Disappear? Others spected he would retreat into the shadows, content to watch the world rebuild.


    What If He Falls? Some worried about the vacuum his absence might create. If Ss were no longer around, who would rise to fill the void?


    Ss, however, remained silent. No broadcasts, no public appearances. The world could only specte as they waited for his next move.


    ---


    In a quiet office somewhere in New York, a young journalist typed the final lines of her article. She paused, staring at the title:


    "The Man Who Defied the World."


    Her editor''s voice crackled over the inte. "That''s quite the title. You think he''s really done? That he''s just going to fade away after all that?"


    The journalist leaned back, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. "I don''t know," she admitted. "But one thing''s for sure. The world isn''t the same anymore. And it never will be."


    She clicked "Send," and her story joined the thousands of voices trying to make sense of the man who had reshaped the world.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


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 Chapter 318 The Emergence Of The Hidden Families

    Chapter 318 The Emergence Of The Hidden Families


    Long before Ss Kurt''s name became synonymous with power, before the ck Hand wove its shadowy web across the world, there were the Hidden Families.


    Elite, secretive, and ancient, these were ns of Phenomenals whose powers had shaped history from the shadows.


    While the world believed Phenomenals to be a rare urrence, only emerging sporadically in the general poption, the truth was far moreplex.


    Among the Hidden Families, Phenomenal abilities weren''t a random mutation¡ªthey were inherited, cultivated, and honed over generations.


    Each family guarded its secrets fiercely, their powers carefully concealed from public view.


    Now, with the chaos left in the wake of Ss''s war and his dominance reshaping the global order, the Hidden Families began to stir.


    For centuries they had watched the world in silence, content to let nations rise and fall without interference. But Ss Kurt had changed everything.


    ---


    Deep within the Italian Alps, in a sprawling underground chamber lit by flickering torches, a dozen figures gathered around a circr stone table.


    Each wore distinctive attire that marked their heritage¡ªornate robes, armor-like suits, or modern tailored clothing that hid centuries-old traditions.


    The figure at the head of the table, a stern woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, spoke first.


    "The age of concealment is over. Ss Kurt has revealed the potential of what a single Phenomenal can aplish. If we remain hidden, we risk irrelevance¡ªor worse, extinction."


    A younger man to her right, his crimson robes embroidered with me-like patterns, leaned forward.


    "He''s made the world believe in power again. Governments fear him, Phenomenals worship him, and yet he stands alone. Imagine what the families could achieve if we united."


    "United?" another voice scoffed. This one belonged to an older man with a grizzled beard and scars across his face. His dark leather coat gave him a predatory appearance.


    "The families haven''t united in over a thousand years. What makes you think this will be any different?" n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The woman at the head of the table narrowed her eyes. "Because the world has never seen someone like Ss Kurt before. He defeated the ck Hand and crushed the most powerful governments on Earth.


    His strength surpasses anything we''ve ever encountered. And his actions have already begun drawing attention to our existence."


    The room fell silent. No one could deny the truth in her words.


    ---


    As the Hidden Families debated their next move, their presence began to ripple across the world. These families were no strangers to secrecy, but the sheer magnitude of Ss''s power forced them to act. For the first time in centuries, they began stepping into the light.


    ---


    In the heart of the Himyan Mountains, the zing Fang n, one of the most feared Phenomenal families in Asia, held an initiation ceremony for their newest generation of warriors.


    Descended from a lineage of fire maniptors, the zing Fang had once been the terror of ancient empires, their mes consuming entire battlefields.


    A young woman, her hair streaked with fiery red, stood before an elder who held a ceremonial de glowing with heat. The elder ced the de on her shoulder, his voice echoing through the chamber.


    "You are now a Fang, sworn to protect our legacy and uphold the honor of the mes. Remember this: our power is our birthright, but it is also our burden. The world beyond these mountains has forgotten the strength of the zing Fang. It is time they remember."


    In Kyoto, Japan, Rin looked at her father and the other members of the family gathered in the hall.


    "It''s time for the Yakuza to rise. We will fullye out of the shadow and carve out ce in the world outside.


    ---


    In an ancient castle hidden deep within the forests of Romania, the House of Ebon Frost convened.


    Known for their mastery of cryokinesis, the family had once ruled vast territories in Europe, their icy power instilling fear in their enemies.


    For centuries, they had isted themselves, their abilities kept secret even from other Phenomenals.


    Now, for the first time in decades, the family''s patriarch addressed the assembled members.


    "Ss Kurt has proven that power can no longer remain hidden," he said, his breath visible in the freezing air. "But we are not like him. We are a family, a dynasty. The Frost does not serve; itmands. If this world seeks power, it will kneel before us."


    ---


    In the dense rainforests of the Amazon, the Umbra Collective moved unseen. This family of shadow maniptors had long been the guardians of the forest, their abilities allowing them to blend seamlessly into the darkness.


    Unlike other families, the Umbra Collective prided themselves on their connection to the natural world.


    A young member of the n, barely out of his teens, asked a question as they gathered under the canopy of the jungle.


    "Why reveal ourselves now? Why not wait until Ss Kurt fades from the spotlight?"


    An elder ced a hand on his shoulder, the shadows around them shifting like living things. "Because he will not fade. The world has already changed, and we cannot stop the tide. But we can shape it. The Umbra was never meant to stay in the shadows forever. The forest grows best in the light."


    ---


    As the Hidden Families began to make their presence known, the world reacted with a mixture of fascination, fear, and confusion.


    Nations that had barely recovered from the war with Ss now faced the emergence of entire families with abilities that rivaled or even surpassed those of Phenomenals they had previously encountered.


    Intelligence agencies scrambled to identify and track these new yers, while military leaders questioned whether their nations could withstand another upheaval.


    Independent Phenomenals were torn between admiration and resentment. For years, they had believed their powers made them unique, only to discover that entire lineages had perfected these abilities in secret.


    Some sought out the Hidden Families, hoping to learn from them, while others vowed to surpass them.


    The mediatched onto stories of the Hidden Families, painting them as everything from saviors to potential conquerors.


    Headlines like "The Ice Lords of Europe" and "Amazon''s Shadow Warriors" captivated audiences, but fear simmered beneath the surface.


    ---


    As the Hidden Families emerged, the world stood on the precipice of a new era. The days of silence and secrecy were over. The power vacuum left by the ck Hand''s fall and Ss''s dominance had drawn them out, and now, the question wasn''t whether they would challenge Ss¡ªbut when.


    And Ss was waiting.

 Chapter 319 The Wounds Of War

    Chapter 319 The Wounds Of War


    The world was still reeling from the aftermath of the war. Smoke no longer rose from battlefields, but its stench lingered in the minds of those who had witnessed the chaos.


    Cities once brimming with life were now shadows of their former selves, their streets lined with crumbled buildings and the shattered remnants of lives disrupted by violence.


    In Cambodia, a child stood barefoot on cracked pavement, staring at a towering steel structure that now dominated the skyline.


    It was one of Ss Kurt''s energy facilities, its gleaming panels capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity for the nearby towns.


    For the boy and his family, it was more than a power nt¡ªit was a symbol of hope, of someone who cared enough to rebuild what the war had torn apart.


    Across the Antic, in Europe, the atmosphere was starkly different. Protests erupted in major cities, their crowds swelling with anger and frustration.


    cards demanding justice and ountability filled the streets. Chanting voices bounced off the walls of government buildings, calling for resignations, exnations, and change.


    Yet, for all the anger directed at their leaders, one name was whispered more than any other: Ss Kurt.


    For some, he was the savior who had done what their governments could not. For others, he was a tyrant-in-waiting, a man whose unchecked power threatened the fragile bnce of the world.


    .....


    While all these was happening, Ss was listening to reports from Luna and watching from the holographic screens in the underground facility.


    {Reconstruction efforts in South America and Africa are proceeding at an elerated pace.


    However, resistance to your involvement continues to grow in Europe and parts of Asia. Several nations are working to undermine your influence.}


    Ss leaned forward, his elbows resting on the edge of the sleek control console. His sharp gaze shifted between the screens.


    "Resistance was expected," he said calmly. "They fear what they don''t understand. But fear alone doesn''t justify their actions." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He gestured toward the screen disying protest footage from Paris. "What''s theirtest move?"


    {Several nations have convened an emergency summit in Geneva. The primary agenda is to limit your technological contributions and establish oversight of your activities. It appears they are framing your efforts as a threat to global sovereignty.}


    Ss exhaled slowly, a faint trace of amusement crossing his face. "Oversight," he muttered. "That''s a polite way of saying they want control."


    ---


    In a grand conference hall in Geneva, world leaders and their representatives sat around a polished wooden table. The air was heavy with tension. Some wore expressions of quiet determination, while others barely concealed their frustration.


    A U.S. senator, his voice firm and unwavering, began. "Ss Kurt has taken it upon himself to dictate the terms of global recovery. His technology, while undeniably advanced, poses an existential threat to the autonomy of nations. We cannot allow one man to wield such unchecked influence."


    From across the room, a South American delegate raised her hand, her voice cutting through the murmurs.


    "You speak of autonomy, yet where was that concern when my country was left to fend for itself during the war? Ss Kurt didn''t just bring us aid¡ªhe gave us the tools to rebuild. If you truly care about sovereignty, perhaps you should have considered ours."


    The room fell silent, the weight of her words impossible to ignore.


    A European representative interjected, trying to steer the conversation back. "This isn''t about discrediting what Ss has aplished. It''s about ensuring transparency. The world has seen what he''s capable of, and that power must be ountable to more than just one man."


    Back and forth the arguments went, neither side willing to yield. But beneath the surface, alliances were forming, and plots were beingid. For some, the Geneva ord was merely a fa?ade, a diplomatic cover for ns far more sinister.


    --


    While politicians debated, the people spoke with their feet. In cities across Europe and North America, the protests intensified. In some ces, the demonstrations were peaceful, with citizens gathering to demand answers from their governments.


    In others, the anger boiled over into violence, as riots broke out andw enforcement struggled to maintain order.


    One viral moment captured the world''s attention: a teenage girl standing on the steps of a government building in Berlin, holding a handmade sign that read:


    "Ss Kurt saved us. What did you do?"


    Her speech, raw and impassioned, resonated across social media. "We were told to trust our leaders, to believe they had our best interests at heart. But when the world was falling apart, they waged war while Ss rebuilt. You call him a threat? He''s done more for us in six months than you''ve done in six years."


    Her words spread like wildfire, galvanizing supporters of Ss and deepening the divide between the people and their governments.


    ---


    Unmoved by the resistance from world leaders, Ss pressed forward with his reconstruction efforts.


    His advanced drones, capable of assembling entire buildings in days, worked tirelessly in regions devastated by the war. His energyworks powered cities that had been dark for months.


    Hospitals built with his technology began saving lives, their equipment years ahead of anything else in the world.


    But for every step forward, there were whispers of sabotage. In a small town in Eastern Europe, an energy facility funded by Ss mysteriously exploded, plunging the area into darkness.


    In Asia, shipments of his medical supplies were intercepted and destroyed, their contents scattered in the dirt.


    Luna reported these incidents as they urred, her voice tinged with urgency.


    {Master, multiple acts of sabotage have been detected. These actions are likely coordinated by factions within the Geneva ord.}


    Ss''s expression hardened. "They think cutting corners will stop progress. All they''ve done is give me a reason to double down."


    ---


    In the shadows, new alliances began to form. Representatives from several nations met in secret, their discussions cloaked in secrecy. The ck Hand might have been eradicated, but the desire for control remained.


    "We cannot allow him to shape the future unchecked," one voice argued. "He''s building a world where we have no say."


    Another voice countered, colder and more calcting. "If you''re proposing to confront him head-on, don''t bother. We''ve seen how that ends. We need something subtler. Something he won''t seeing."


    As the meeting concluded, ns were set into motion. They would not confront Ss directly, but they would find his weaknesses and exploit them, piece by piece.


    ---


    Late one night, Ss stood alone in his room, lost in thought. He thought of the people he had helped, the lives he had saved¡ªand the ones he hadn''t.


    {The world''s governments are bing increasingly adversarial. Several factions are already coordinating efforts against you.}


    Ss didn''t respond immediately. He looked at the screen disying the protests, his expression unreadable. "It''s human nature to resist what they don''t understand," he said finally. "But they''lle around. They always do."


    I''m not feeling myself today guys. So weak


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