The cab rolled through the quiet evening streets as Reyan leaned his head back against the seat, watching the golden city lights pass like fading embers. His phone vibrated with a soft chime.
> [ARKNOVA COIN LAUNCHES TODAY — A new-age currency backed by green-tech visionaries. Now open for early investors.]
Reyan stared at the message, brows slightly knitting.
He scoffed under his breath and swiped it away.
Just another trap.
The last time he'd invested in a coin was when a friend convinced him it was a sure shot. He'd put in ₲2,500—his entire savings at the time—and within a week, it was gone.
"Not again," he muttered, locking the screen.
But just as he was about to slip the phone into his pocket—
> [System Advise: ArkNova investment recommended.]
His hand froze.
"…System?"
> [This is a recommendation based on opportunity mapping.] [Suggested Investment: ₲1,000,000.]
Reyan's heart jumped.
₲1 million?
That was nearly everything he had.
His fingers tightened slightly.
A million wasn't just wealth anymore—it was his future. His vengeance. His family's second chance.
And this was just a recommendation. No promises. No forecast. No guaranteed rise.
> [This is a strategic choice. No pressure is applied. The final decision lies with you.]
Reyan stared at the darkened screen, jaw tight.
He thought about it for a long moment. Then exhaled.
"…Alright. Let's do it."
He opened a fresh crypto wallet, created a secure new trading profile under the alias Noel Varren, and registered with a discreet offshore exchange. Everything was carefully anonymized, with no trail leading back to Reyan Hart.
Once the profile was ready, he deposited ₲1,000,000 straight into ArkNova.
> [Transaction Complete. ₲1,000,000 invested in ArkNova Coin.] [Exchange Rate: 1 ARK = ₲1.00] [Current Holdings: 1,000,000 ARK]
The cab was quiet again.
Reyan glanced out the window, then back down.
"…System. Show me my status."
---
▌STATUS PANEL — REYAN HART
──────────────────────────
🏷️ Current Wealth: ₲364,000
💠 Fortune Points: 2
🎰 Spin Function: Active
🎲 Spins Available: 0
🧠 Attributes:
• Confidence: 28
• Intelligence: 28
• Charm: 22
• Stamina: 35
• Strength: 25
💖 Affection Meter:
– Lily Ren – 50/100
📈 Investments:
– ArkNova Coin: 1,000,000 ARK (₲1,000,000)
– Restaurant Shares: 80% Stake in "Toria Dine"
──────────────────────────
He stared at the panel for a few seconds.
"Guess I'm all in now…"
Just then, the cab pulled up in front of his home. A modest single-story house with a tiled roof and a flickering porch light.
Reyan paid the fare and stepped out.
The night air felt cooler than usual. Still. Familiar.
He unlocked the door and stepped into the quiet house.
"Mom?"
No response.
She was still at work.
He walked into the kitchen and began prepping dinner. Nothing elaborate—steamed rice, some stir-fried vegetables, and curry. Simple comfort food.
By the time the key turned in the front door, the kitchen smelled like home.
His mother stepped in, tired and drained from her long shift. But the moment her eyes landed on the table, something shifted.
"You cooked?" she asked, surprised.
Reyan smiled. "Surprise."
She touched his hair lightly on her way to wash up. "That's my boy."
Minutes later, they sat together at the table.
A rare moment of peace.
Reyan broke the silence gently. "Mom… I think it's time you reduced your shifts."
She paused mid-bite, blinking.
"I mean it," he said. "I'm earning now. Not side gigs. Real money. You don't have to keep burning yourself out."
She stared at him for a few seconds—half proud, half unsure.
"You always say strange things when I'm hungry," she chuckled softly.
But then she nodded.
"I'll think about it. For now… thank you."
Later that night, she went to bed early.
Reyan retreated to his room and sat on the edge of his bed. His eyes fell on a folder tucked beside the desk.
Inside: information on Toria Dine, the small restaurant he had recently acquired a controlling 80% stake in. Quiet place. Good location. But hardly any customers.
The place was bleeding slowly—no marketing, no leadership, and a chef who seemed like he was one burnt omelette away from quitting.
"…How do I even pull this off?" he muttered.
> [New Task Issued: Mid-Tier Mission]
He sat up instantly.
> [Mission: Earn ₲100,000 in profit from "Toria Dine" within the next 14 days.] [Difficulty: Mid-Tier] [Reward: ₲2,000,000 , +2 Confidence, +2 Intelligence, +2 Charm, +2 Fortune Points]
> [Warning: Failing this mission will not result in penalty, but by not accepting this task your progress toward greater fortune will slow.]
Reyan stared at the glowing prompt.
His lips curved into a tired, amused smile.
"₲100,000… That's almost ten times what it's making now."
It sounded insane.
But somehow, it felt like the exact kind of fire he needed right now.
His heart settled.
"…Alright," he whispered. "Challenge accepted."
---