Morning, Skyline Estate – 8:00 AM
I woke to silence, the kind that came with thick walls, bulletproof glass, and a life built on pure control.
After eleven years of grinding and system-forged evolution, I had everything. At 28, I owned properties in five countries, sat on the boards of seven tech giants, and held a liquid net worth that made news outlets whisper. My name opened doors, shut mouths, and settled arguments.
And the System? It had never left my side.
> [System Booting...] [Good morning, Richard Cade. You are now Level 72. All stats at optimal levels.]
I smiled. Another day of domination.
---
Vanessa's Call – 8:12 AM
"Good morning, sir," Vanessa said over the phone, her voice crisp as always. "I've received a small acquisition proposal—three warehouses in Fairfax. Dirt cheap."
I sipped my black espresso. "I'm not interested in scrap properties."
"The zoning board may greenlight a commercial plaza in the area. Potential upside, but still speculation."
"Low return. Too much risk. Pass."
"Copy that. I'll cancel the meeting."
---
System Notification
The moment the call ended, the System chimed in.
> [SYSTEM MISSION ALERT] Mission Available: Acquire Fairfax Warehouses (3 Units) Rewards: Unlock 6 Prime Commercial Lots + Rare Resource Token Bonus: Activate 'Property King' Hidden Questline Penalty if Declined: -10% Regional Influence (Fairfax)
I frowned. "System, why this deal?"
> [System calculates 89% chance of regional boom within 18 months. Acquisition is strategically essential.]
> [Rare Resource Token grants access to exclusive influence tools or hidden asset pools. One-time use only.]
I sighed, already reaching for my coat.
"Fine. Let's go shopping."
---
Fairfax Industrial District – 10:30 AM
The air smelled like concrete and sawdust. The old industrial zone was slowly transforming — cranes in the distance, new roads laid, workers reshaping the skyline.
I stepped out of the matte black Lamborghini. Lena was right behind me, sharp in a gray blazer, tablet in hand.
"The seller's name is Daryl Buckley. Former logistics officer. Clean papers, no legal tags. Asking price: $1.2 million for all three buildings."
We entered the largest warehouse — polished concrete floors, fresh insulation, steel frame support. It was solid. Clean. Ready.
Buckley appeared from the back, wiping his hands on a cloth. He looked at me, then at Lena, then down at the name on his printed contract.
"Cade? Richard Cade?"
I turned slightly. "Yes."
He tilted his head, thoughtful. "You related to George Cade? Big-shot defense contractor?"
"He's my uncle."
Buckley chuckled. "Small world. I worked under George years ago. Didn't expect a Cade to be buying out warehouses in Fairfax."
I smiled thinly. "Neither did he."
He laughed, missing the meaning behind my tone.
---
Deal Signed – 11:45 AM
I transferred the funds on-site. Lena handled the paperwork.
Buckley shook my hand. "Pleasure doing business with a Cade. You're not like the rest."
"That's the idea," I said.
As he walked away, the System lit up.
> [MISSION COMPLETE]
Rare Resource Token
Charm +2
Fairfax Influence +10
> [CHAIN QUEST UNLOCKED] Title: Heir or Emperor? Objective: Take control of CadeTech Industries (Biological Family's Company)
Options:
1. Become President within 12 months
2. Launch Hostile Takeover within 6 months
Reward: +200 Global Influence, Access to International Market Tier, Unlock Hidden Character (???). Failure Penalty: -50 Global Influence, Lock 1 System Feature for 3 years
I blinked.
"System… what the hell is this?"
> [You have been offered a chance to reclaim or dominate your former lineage. This aligns with optimal growth.]
"I told you. I don't want anything to do with them. That family is dead to me."
> [Family company possesses untapped resources, market channels, and legacy influence. Strategic acquisition is advised.]
"They threw me out like garbage. Laughed as I walked away with a duffle bag and $43 to my name."
> [Emotional resistance noted. Mission remains.]
I paced to the car, heart steady, but anger boiling.
I had built everything alone.
No inheritance. No favors. Just grit, pain, and a machine that forced me to rise.
And now, I could step into the empire they stole from me.
Or crush it.
"System," I said flatly. "Show me the takeover route."
> [Loading Phase II – Takeover Strategy: Legal, Financial, and Psychological Assets being mobilized...]
A war was coming.
And this time, I wasn't the boy they mocked.
I was the storm they didn't see coming.
---