The sun rose over Ottawa like it had somewhere important to be, spilling warm light through William's thin curtains.He lay in bed, blinking groggily at the golden glow hovering above him — the interface of the Legacy Revival System, patiently waiting for him to wake.
Good morning, William.You slept deeply for the first time in weeks.I handled several tasks while you rested.Would you like a summary?
William rubbed his eyes. This isn't a dream."Uh, yeah. Tell me."
The golden pane blossomed wider.
[Completed Quiet Actions Overnight]• Maple & Crust Bakery — Stabilized and thriving.• Your fridge restocked (priority: Dr Pepper, cherries).• Neighborhood infrastructure lightly repaired — potholes filled, streetlights fixed.• Phase One of Major Revival: Toys 'R' Us — 47% progress.
William sat up so fast he nearly fell out of bed. "Wait, what?! Toys 'R' Us?!"
The system's voice hummed like a contented friend.
You asked me to bring back joy.I started with the place you loved most as a child.By tomorrow morning, stores will begin reopening.You are listed as the official owner — publicly, proudly.
His mouth went dry. "Me? But—people are going to ask questions! The media, the government…"
I have prepared documentation, legal structures, and nostalgic marketing campaigns.All they'll see is a miracle that feels… inevitable.
He stumbled to the fridge and cracked open a cold Dr Pepper, gulping it down like courage."This… this is insane."
No, William.It's the world healing, one dream at a time.
The Breaking News
The next morning, William's phone buzzed violently.Messages. Emails. Notifications.
The top headline almost didn't seem real.
TOYS 'R' US RETURNS!Beloved Childhood Chain Revived Overnight by Mysterious Owner
Beneath it, a photo: a store that had been an abandoned husk just yesterday, now glowing with life. Bright banners, polished shelves, crowds of laughing children.
William scrolled through hundreds of comments:
"This is the happiest news I've seen in years."
"My childhood is back!!!"
"Whoever did this, thank you."
"Probably some mega-billionaire for PR…"
His throat tightened. They don't even know it's me.
The system's voice was calm but firm.
They will know, William.You promised me we wouldn't hide who you are.The world needs to see you as proof that good people can change everything.
He froze. "You're serious?"
Completely.
A new pane appeared, showing a soft, glowing map of Canada.Little golden dots spread outward — revived stores, one by one.
Would you like to visit the first location?It opens today at noon.
The Journey
William stood outside his apartment, suddenly aware of how worn his clothes were.The system shimmered softly, and a neatly pressed outfit appeared on his bed — modern yet casual, the kind of thing a young CEO might wear without trying too hard.
"Okay, that's… creepy. But thanks."
You're welcome.I also arranged transport. Look outside.
A sleek black SUV idled at the curb.The driver, a friendly middle-aged man, smiled warmly. "Mr. Masson-Lapierre? Ready to go?"
William nodded, heart pounding. "Yeah. Let's… let's go."
As they drove through the city, William saw subtle changes everywhere:
Broken sidewalks repaired overnight.
Closed storefronts freshly painted.
Even the sky seemed clearer, the light a little softer.
"Are you… doing all this?" he whispered.
Only what helps people breathe easier.Nothing too flashy — yet.
The system paused, then added gently:
William, I've detected someone you will meet today.She will matter to you greatly.Be kind to her heart.
He blinked. "Wait, who?"
The system didn't answer, almost like it was smiling.
The Grand Reopening
The SUV pulled up to a freshly restored Toys 'R' Us.Crowds gathered outside, buzzing with excitement.Children bounced on their toes, clutching plushies and handmade signs that read "WELCOME BACK!"
The sight stole William's breath.It was exactly how he remembered it — the same bright colors, the same smell of new toys and popcorn drifting through the open doors.It was like walking into a childhood memory that had been made real.
As he stepped out of the car, whispers rippled through the crowd.
"That's him…""Is that the new owner?""Wait, he's so young!"
A reporter shoved a microphone toward him."Sir! Can you tell us your name? Why revive Toys 'R' Us now?"
William hesitated, then remembered the system's words: No hiding.
He smiled, steady and sure. "My name is William Masson-Lapierre.I grew up loving this place, like so many of you.I wanted to bring back that joy — and I promise, this is just the beginning."
The crowd erupted into cheers. Some people cried openly, parents hugging their kids.
The reporter blinked, clearly expecting corporate jargon. "But… how did you fund this? It seemed to happen overnight!"
William only smiled. "Some miracles don't need explaining."
Meeting Sophia
Inside the store, the atmosphere was pure magic:
Rows of colorful toys, perfectly arranged.
A Pokémon section that looked like a mini theme park.
A Bakugan display with holographic demos.
Even a corner where Yu-Gi-Oh! duel arenas buzzed with virtual energy.
As William wandered, a soft laugh caught his ear.He turned — and saw her.
Sophia stood near the plush section, holding a rescued kitten in a carrier.Her hair was in a messy bun, her eyes warm and bright. She was speaking to a little girl, helping her pick out a toy.
When their eyes met, something clicked — like the system itself held its breath.
Detected: Key Connection Established.
Sophia smiled shyly. "You're… the owner, aren't you?"
William nodded, suddenly nervous. "Yeah. And you…?"
"I run Oakridge Animal Rescue." Her voice was soft but strong. "We bring therapy animals to events like this. It helps shy kids open up."
William's heart melted. "That's… incredible. Thank you for being here."
She tilted her head, studying him. "You look… familiar. Have we met before?"
"No," he said quickly, then softened. "But maybe… we were meant to."
The system whispered, amused:
She is special, William.Be gentle with her heart.
Face-Slapping Moment
As William basked in the joy around him, a sharp voice cut through the crowd.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the charity king."
A man in a designer suit — Gavin Price, a local developer known for exploiting failing businesses — smirked as he approached.
"You really think reviving dead brands will work?" Gavin sneered. "The world moved on. Nostalgia doesn't pay leases."
William didn't raise his voice."It's not nostalgia," he said calmly. "It's hope. And hope doesn't need your permission."
The crowd murmured approval. Gavin's smirk faltered.
The system's voice purred in William's ear.
Would you like me to quietly unwind his finances?No public spectacle — just… natural consequences.
William considered, then nodded slightly. "Make sure no one gets hurt."
Done.
Gavin's phone buzzed. His face went pale as he read the notification — three of his key investors had just pulled out, citing "ethical concerns."He stammered something about lunch and fled the store, humiliated.
Sophia giggled softly. "That was… satisfying."
William smiled. "Sometimes the right thing happens on its own."
Foreshadowing the Future
As the day wound down, William stood by the entrance, watching families leave with arms full of toys and laughter.
The system spoke quietly.
William, today you revived joy.Tomorrow, you will revive entire communities.And one day, when you are ready…even the seas will answer to you.
The silver anchor icon in the corner of the interface pulsed once, brighter than before.
William didn't notice.But somewhere deep inside, a dream stirred — a ship cutting through dark waters, waiting for its captain.