Kaito Ryuu had faced rivals, dodged lawsuits, and walked into summits where people with seven-digit surnames judged his worth. But nothing prepared him for what the Taskmaster System dropped into his lap next.
> [SYSTEM UPGRADE COMPLETE]
New Function Unlocked:
"Asset Evolution Tree"
> Assets you own can now evolve based on synergy, upgrades, or public influence.
Each tier of evolution boosts hidden stats, flex potential, and long-term profits.
He blinked.
"So my company can level up... like a Pokémon?"
The screen responded with a soft chime.
> Example: Creative Mindz HQ is eligible for upgrade.
Evolution Path 1: Media Conglomerate Branch (Boosts Influence)
Evolution Path 2: Disruptor Lab Hub (Boosts Innovation + Tech Asset Attraction)
> Required Conditions:
Host 1 Public Innovation Event
Gain 20K New Digital Subscribers
Secure 1 City-Level Political Link
> Reward: Strategic Asset Bonus + Passive Unlock + Evolution Badge
Kaito sat back in his leather chair, mind racing.
"This... changes the game."
---
Skygarden Villa – Rooftop Garden
Sanaya walked in with a tray of mint soda and fries. "You're frowning again."
"System just gave me asset evolution options. Like, literal evolution trees."
She blinked. "Okay, that's cool and slightly terrifying."
He scrolled through the projected list. "It means I don't just earn wealth now. I develop it."
"So you're a CEO... with a leveling system."
"Basically."
Sanaya sat beside him. "Then level up your wardrobe first. You're meeting press tomorrow, not bounty hunters."
He laughed softly. Her presence grounded him, even as the world tilted around him.
---
Aryanagar High Street – Next Morning
Kaito entered the high-end fashion district like a storm in progress. The media had been buzzing all week about the so-called "Reformist Flame" walking into billionaires' circles. So when he stepped into LaVon Paris Aryanagar, a dozen cameras lit up.
He wasn't just buying clothes.
He was broadcasting a brand.
Inside, he tried on three jackets. Sanaya picked the fourth.
It shimmered slightly under light, stitched in plasma-thread with a royal-blue inner lining.
Lyra appeared from the corner in a matte-black pantsuit. "You'll need shoes that crush expectations."
He grinned. "Already crushing bank accounts. Why not soles too."
> SYSTEM REWARD: Hidden Social Passive Unlocked
Passive: Style Resonance (Lv. 1) – Gain +10% to charisma-based interactions when wearing tailored high-end outfits
> Flex Points: +2
Kaito's picture made the social media rounds in under twenty minutes. Hashtags like #BillionaireDrop and #DripRyuu trended locally.
Outside, a crowd of street vloggers waited. Kaito paused, winked at a drone camera, and casually handed the assistant his black credit chip. It gleamed.
> SYSTEM PROMPT: Public Flex Registered
Reputation Points: +6
He walked out not just dressed—he walked out legendary.
---
Real Estate Tour – Midday
"You really want to buy this whole tower?" the agent asked, barely concealing his disbelief.
Kaito leaned against the obsidian elevator panel, sunglasses tilted just enough to look both arrogant and polished.
"No. I want to own the skyline. This is just the opening move."
The building overlooked the financial heart of Aryanagar. Rooftop helipad, eco glass windows, private underground vault.
He signed the offer with a biometric scan.
> [SYSTEM TASK COMPLETE: Acquire Tier-A Urban Property]
Reward: Asset Evolution Seed (Real Estate)
Passive Unlocked: Urban Command (Lv. 1) –
+5% influence when interacting with city developers, investors, and civic boards
> Flex Points: +3
---
Event Hall – City Innovation Expo
The first condition to evolve Creative Mindz HQ: host a public innovation event.
Kaito rented the top floor of Aryanagar EventSphere. VR booths, AI panels, fintech showcases. Ravi curated panels. Lyra managed logistics. Sanaya handled influencer invitations.
"We need chaos," Kaito said. "The good kind."
They got it.
By nightfall, three startup offers, two media shoutouts, and one sponsorship deal landed. A tech blogger posted, "This guy's not playing entrepreneur. He's designing tomorrow."
> QUEST COMPLETE: Host 1 Public Innovation Event
Progress: 1/3 Evolution Tasks Complete
Passive Gained: Brand Builder (Events hosted give +2 Reputation Gain)
---
Evening Press Appearance – Skyline Studio
Kaito appeared on a live broadcast panel alongside two established CEOs.
"Legacy money can sit comfortably," he said. "But the system favors those who move."
The host chuckled nervously. "You make a lot of enemies with talk like that."
"Good," Kaito said. "Because enemies talk. Winners build."
The clip went viral in two hours.
---
Late Night – Villa Balcony
Sanaya leaned into him. "You looked good today. Like, really good."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Because of the speech?"
"Because of everything. You own space now."
He smiled. "I'm starting to believe it too."
> ROMANCE THREAD UPDATE: Sanaya Verma – 72%
New Passive Unlocked: Emotional Anchor (Sanaya) –
Boosts morale gain during stress events if Sanaya is nearby
---
SYSTEM DASHBOARD: Kaito Ryuu
Wealth: ₹10.2 crore
Properties: Skygarden Villa, Creative Mindz HQ, MediaPod Partial, 1x Seaside Retreat (Leased), Dominion Heights (Pending Title)
Flex Points: 23 / 20 (Overcap Bonus Active)
Strategic Tier: S-Class
Reputation Tier: A+ (Urban)
System Passives:
Asset Magnetism (Lv.1)
Civic Halo (Lv.1)
Legal Resistance (Lv.1)
Narrative Armor
Visual Charisma Boost
Style Resonance (Lv.1)
Emotional Anchor (Sanaya)
Brand Builder
Influence Ripple
Urban Command (Lv.1)
Romance Threads:
Sanaya Verma: 72%
Lyra Kaneshi: 52%
Parvati Chauhan: 7%
Next Goal: 20K Digital Subscribers | Secure Political Link | Finish Evolution Tree
---
End of Chapter 14