[3rd POV]
In Gotham City, Wayne Enterprises is unquestionably the number one company in terms of overall strength.
If someone gets a job there, they can start dreaming about having a great life in Gotham because it's the best place to get a raise, a promotion, a significant job, marry a rich and beautiful person, and have the best life ever.
Therefore, Tony turned to the system.
'I think this moment marks the beginning of my successful life.'
[Scan complete.]
[The basic requirements for a position in Wayne Enterprises' Technology Department include proficiency in intermediate mechanical skills, intermediate programming skills, and intermediate physics skills.]
[However, the user does not possess the necessary professional skills or qualifications for this position. If the user forcibly takes the job, the user will not be able to earn Asset Points through it.]
Then, Tony looked at Lucius.
"Sorry, I can't do it. I gotta go."
It was kind of funny because Tony only had less than 500 asset points right now.
In addition to the modified wheelchair and Advanced Wheelchair Driving Proficiency at the beginning, Tony also spent points again on Beginner Car Driving Proficiency and Beginner Firearms Proficiency.
Those two skills alone cost 500 and 1,500 Asset Points respectively, spending $2,000 worth of assets.
To fully qualify for a job in the Department of Technology, Tony would need to save up for at least a few more months.
There was no way around it.
This was Gotham City.
If he didn't know how to drive or use a gun, Tony couldn't take care of himself every day.
Even though Tony drove his super-fast wheelchair to work every day, a bunch of tough thugs with guns chased him on the street in the evening and even stole his wheelchair.
Hearing Tony's response, Lucius didn't show much reaction. He simply smiled and asked, "You're turning down the offer without even asking about the job?"
"I know my own situation."
Tony sighed, "If you don't have the right skills, you can't do the job. I'm afraid I won't be able to handle the job. I'll just stick with being a waiter for now. As for compensation... I'm not sure what to ask for. Is money okay?"
"Of course. I'll personally send you fifty hundred thousand dollars to your account as payment. You'll receive it shortly."
Wayne Enterprises really was rich and fifty grand just for selling a few tea sachets.
Unfortunately, since this wasn't considered normal earned income, it didn't convert into any Asset Points in the system.
"Goodbye, Mr. Smith. If you find any more leads on this tea sachet, please come find me anytime."
"I will next time."
He waved casually, "Goodbye, Lucius."
...
"Alright, alright. I don't really know how you got all that money, but anyway, you want to buy a car, right?"
"I already said it was a normal transaction."
Tony corrected him.
"Can you not use that kind of tone that makes it sound suspicious? I swear, I might just be the most law-abiding citizen in all of Gotham. I deserve a Good Citizen reward."
"So the real cost of owning a car in Gotham... is finding a safe place to park it?"
Tony added.
Drake shot him a sideways glance.
"What kind of nonsense is that? You think East End has safe parking spots? Even the Falcone family doesn't have the guts to run that kind of business."
"What if my car gets stolen?"
"A junky used car should last at least a year. Even if it gets stolen after six months, will you really be that upset?"
"Well... it did cost over two thousand dollars, so yeah, I'd feel a bit bad."
...
"Hey, Drake, looking to buy a car?"
"Yeah, you got anything reliable? Something around two grand would do."
Tony raised an eyebrow, noticing how familiar Drake seemed with the car dealer.
"You even have connections with the car dealers?"
Drake shrugged.
"I drove to Gotham when I first came here. Who do you think I sold my old car to?"
Tony nodded in understanding.
Taking advantage of the dealer turning to lead the way, Tony quietly asked Drake, "Is this guy trustworthy?"
Drake gave him a weird look.
"What nonsense are you talking about? There's no such thing as a trustworthy car dealer in East End."
"So what did you do then?"
"Of course, I got ripped off, but I quickly took damage control measures."
"You pulled a gun on him or something?"
"No. From that day on, I took on a side gig as a car salesman, and my job was to bring people here to buy and sell cars. I bring in customers, and I and the dealer split the money fifty-fifty."
"You're really something else."
"Well, everyone gets screwed over by car dealers in East End. If I'm the one screwing them, maybe they'll lose a little less."
"So if I buy a car here…"
"Haha."
Drake smiled confidently, "You don't have to worry, man. He'll rip you off a little less since you're with me."
"That still means I'm getting ripped off!"
Just then, the car dealer walked over with a big smile and brought them to a car.
"This is one of our newest arrivals, but there's a minor scratches on the exterior. It drives smoothly, and it's tough and durable. Since you're with Drake, I'll only charge you two thousand two hundred dollars. Deal?"
Before Tony could answer, Drake spoke up, "What's the catch?"
"Hey, what do you take me for?"
The dealer's face suddenly darkened.
"You think I'd rip off your friend with the kind of relationship we have? I can let him take it for a test drive. If anything's wrong, I'll swap it for another one right away!"
Hearing this, Tony took the keys, slid into the driver's seat, and smoothly started the engine and shifted gears to drive it around.
...
After testing the driving feel and checking the interior, Tony confirmed that everything was fine with the engine, brakes, steering wheel, and even the seat, aside from worn tires.
He couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled.
As the car dealer watched Tony test the car, he quietly let out a small sigh of relief and then loudly patted his chest, "See? I told you! This car's got no problems—"
"Psshhhhh"
Suddenly, Drake went to the car and turned on the air conditioner, but a red mist came out of the vents, and it smelled kind of like… blood.
"..."
The dealer's mouth snapped shut instantly.
"Johnny."
Drake said with a sharp look, "What's really going on with this car?"
"Cough cough, this car… had a bit of an accident before."
"How many times has this been sold already?"
"...Fifth time."
...
150 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter
250 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter
450 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter
1000 Power Stones = 2 Extra Chapters
2000 Power Stones = 3 Extra Chapters