The morning air in Sakura Town was dry and dull, but something about today felt different. Lucien woke up early—not because he wanted to, but because the system wouldn't shut up.
[Reminder: Job interview at 10:00 AM. Location: Apex Sky Tower, Floor 49.]
[Warning: If late, opportunity will be lost. This job is tied to your Tycoon Path.]
He barely slept last night. His brain kept circling around the screen he had seen. A system? A chance to change everything? Was it real?
He took a quick cold shower, wore the least-wrinkled shirt he owned, and left with exactly ₹120 in his wallet—₹100 for transport, ₹20 for survival.
No breakfast. Just hope.
---
The Apex Sky Tower stood like a god among ants—glass walls, gold logo, private security. Lucien had never even dreamed of walking into a place like this. As he stepped through the massive entrance, the receptionist looked up and blinked.
"Name?"
"Lucien Blackthorn. I have an appointment on the 49th floor."
She scanned him head-to-toe. Old clothes, dusty shoes. Probably another dreamer.
But the moment she typed his name into the system, her eyes widened.
"Yes, sir. Please proceed. The elevator is unlocked for you."
Her tone completely changed.
Lucien stepped into the private elevator. Inside, there were no buttons—just a single light scanning him.
[Identity Confirmed. System-Linked Candidate. Access Granted.]
When the door opened, it was like entering another world. A massive office with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a quiet fountain, designer furniture, and a woman standing by the window.
She turned.
Tall. Sharp eyes. Red lipstick. Dressed in a black suit. Probably late 20s. Dangerous and beautiful.
"You're earlier than expected," she said. "I like that."
Lucien was confused. "Uh… are you the interviewer?"
"No," she smirked. "I'm your first test."
Before he could react, she tossed a folder on the table.
"Inside is a company on the verge of bankruptcy. You have 24 hours to turn its value from trash to gold. Succeed, and the system will reward you. Fail, and you'll be locked out for seven days."
Lucien opened the folder. A printing company. In debt. Bad location. Old machines.
He looked up. "And if I need help?"
She smiled slightly. "Then use that smart mouth and poor-man brain of yours. Let's see if heartbreak made you stronger… or just bitter."
He didn't know who she was. An agent? System rep? Tester?
But her presence was intimidating. And exciting.
[Mission Activated: Save "Silver Ink Prints" in 24 hours.]
[Bonus Task: Make a profit of ₹50,000 within deadline.]
[Reward: Passive Skill – Negotiation Instincts LV1 + ₹1,00,000 cash injection.]
Lucien took a deep breath. "Challenge accepted."
---
Meanwhile, in a café downtown, his ex-girlfriend was scrolling her phone. Her new boyfriend Ethan had just sent her a pic with a new watch worth ₹5 lakh.
But her eyes stopped on a headline flashing on her screen.
> "A mysterious candidate just entered the Apex Sky Tower for a private offer. Rumors say the person has links to hidden shareholders."
> "Name: Lucien Blackthorn."
Her smile faded.
---
Back in the elevator, Lucien clenched the folder and looked into the mirror wall.
He smirked faintly.
"You wanted a monster, world? Fine. I'll build one. Out of heartbreak, poverty, and raw will."
This wasn't just about success anymore.
It was about making the entire damn city watch him rise.