The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale light over the city as Eric stared out the hospital window. The sterile scent of antiseptic still lingered in the air, but his mind was far from this place. He was mapping out a future that would transform him from a broken man into a force of nature.
He didn't just want revenge. Revenge was fleeting. What he sought was something greater—a purpose, a legacy. The old Eric Thorn had tried to fight back as an ordinary man and failed. That wouldn't happen again.
This time, he would build himself into something extraordinary.
The first step was clear: money. Power in the modern world required resources, and resources required wealth. Eric's memories told him the original Eric Thorn had been left with some small savings, a modest apartment, and a beat-up car. Nothing spectacular, but it was a start.
[You analyse your financial situation. Current assets include a savings account with $12,482, a car valued at $2,000, and a one-bedroom apartment valued at $85,000. Total net worth: $99,482. New skill acquired: Accounting (Mastery).]
It wasn't much, but it was enough to light the spark. His incredible understanding flared to life, calculations forming in his mind like pieces of a puzzle snapping into place and filling the proficiency of the skills to Mastery (Skills are divided into 4 categories Basic, Intermediary, Advanced, and then Mastery).
[You devise a financial strategy. Plan includes liquidating physical assets, investing in high-growth stocks, and diversifying through low-risk options. Projected wealth growth: +30% annually with high success probability. New skill acquired: Stock Analysis (Mastery).]
Eric clenched his fists, his ribs protesting slightly at the movement. Selling the apartment and car would leave him homeless, but that was a small price to pay. He could live in cheap motels or even rent a storage unit while he worked on rebuilding his life. Comfort was a luxury he could no longer afford.
He connected into the internet using his phone to research companies' information and jotted down a detailed financial plan in his notebook, listing potential stock options, market trends, and strategies for diversifying his portfolio. His understanding processed years' worth of market data in moments, giving him an edge no ordinary investor could dream of.
The second step was his body. Wealth would mean nothing if he wasn't physically capable of enacting his plans. The incredible understanding coursing through him turned his body into a book he could read and optimize.
He needed strength, speed, endurance, and skill. Not just the crude training of the old Eric Thorn, but mastery. If he was to become something more than just a vigilante, he needed to study martial arts—not just one style, but many.
The thought sent a surge of adrenaline through him.
[You analyse martial arts techniques and their applications. Optimal plan identified:
• Boxing for striking fundamentals.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for grappling and submissions.
• Krav Maga for practical, real-world combat.
• Parkour for mobility and escape tactics.]
It was an ambitious plan, but ambition was necessary. He didn't have years to spend on mastering each discipline individually. He would need to find ways to overlap his training, focusing on efficiency without sacrificing effectiveness.
And it wasn't just about learning the techniques—it was about pushing his body to its limits. His incredible understanding would guide him, analysing his movements, correcting his form, and accelerating his progress.
As dawn broke, Eric reviewed his plans once more.
He would need to move quickly. Selling the apartment and car would take time, but once he had the funds, he could begin investing immediately. Simultaneously, he'd need to find a gym or training center willing to work with someone in his condition. His injuries were severe, but that was only temporary.
His focus turned to the city below, the twinkling lights fading as the sun rose higher. Somewhere out there, the men who had killed his family were living their lives without consequence.
That thought alone was enough to make his blood boil, but he forced himself to remain calm. Emotion clouded judgment, and judgment was his greatest weapon.
Over the next few days, Eric began to put his plans into action. He called a real estate agent to list his apartment, negotiated a quick sale, and sold his car to a used dealership for a modest sum. With his assets liquidated, he poured everything into an online brokerage account and began making calculated investments.
[You execute your financial strategy. Stock investments initiated in renewable energy, biotech, and technology sectors. Projected returns: +40% within six months.]
At the same time, he pushed his body further. His recovery plan now included light exercises to rebuild his strength, and he spent hours analysing martial arts tutorials online. Each movement was dissected and perfected in his mind before he attempted it physically.
[You practice shadowboxing. Basic punching technique improved. Skill proficiency: Boxing (Basic)+1.]
[You analyse grappling fundamentals. Understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu increased. Skill proficiency: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Basic) +1.]
Every notification that appeared reinforced his determination. He wasn't just learning—he was adapting his body and mind to this process.
By the end of the first week, Eric had already begun to see results. His recovery was ahead of schedule, his stock portfolio showed modest gains, and his body felt stronger than it had in years.
But this was only the beginning. He would need allies, resources, and equipment. He would need to expand his network and find ways to stay ahead of those who would try to stop him.
Eric Thorn was gone, replaced by someone far more dangerous.
As he stared at his reflection in the cracked mirror of his rented room, he made a silent vow. He wouldn't just deliver justice to the five who had destroyed his family.
He would become a shadow that loomed over the city—a symbol that would strike fear into anyone who thought they could act without consequence.