Ethan's eyes snapped open.
He was still in the same warehouse—bloodstains on the floor and the cold sting of concrete beneath his back. He saw the ropes, now lose, lying beside him.
His heart was pounding, but the pain in his body had vanished. No bullet wound. No bruises. Not even a scratch.
"Was it all a dream…?"
He sat up slowly, scanning the empty space.
DING!
A glowing blue panel blinked into existence.
[Welcome back, Host.]
[You just went through System Restoration Phase. This is the only time you enjoy this perk.]
Ethan blinked. "Halo… right?"
[Correct. You may now operate normally.]
"By the way Halo, is their any limitation or rule that I shouldn't do to avoid being penalized. I have played some vedio games and watched animes as well. Where there are some boundaries."
[Yes there is. Two rules you can't break no matter what. Rule 1: You are forbidden to negotiate. A beggar who negotiates is not worthy of the system. Rule 2: You can never say 'No' to a pleading woman no matter the age if she doesn't have bad intension.]
Ethan's left eye twitched. "That second rule. Is it for real or are you just messing with me?" For some reason Ethan felt he will be facing a lot of trouble if the second rule really exits.
[It's real. A man who says no to a woman isn't a man and this system is designed only for a man]
Ethan facepalmed. "I hope I don't face any problem because of it." He whispered to himsellf. And lifting his head he looked toward the panel again. "What about the wallet and card?"
[Here it is]
The panel shimmered and the tip of a wallet emerged from with in. Ethan reached for it with his shaky hands. And then grabbing the tip, he pulled it out.
A slick black leather wallet with a golden 'T' made out of pure gold came out. He still couldn't believe his eyes. "Is this really happening then?"
[The card is inside.]
Holding it in his hands, Ethan wandered it. Suddenly a thought came into his mind. "What if I lose it? What if someone steals it from me?"
[I will just produce it again. The one stolen or lost will cease to exist.]
"Amazing." Ethan said while he kept the wallet in his back pocket. "The system sure has some cool perks." He was delighted.
[Of course it does]
The sstem's voice sounded a bit proud as if it liked Ethan's confession and facial expression.
Soon Ethan came out of the warehouse and started walking toward the main road. A lot of time had passed. He was feeling a bit thirsty. Though all the injuries were healed, he was still a bit exhausted.
As he was walking a shop came into his view. He went there and bought a bottle of water. He was about to pay with his phone banking system but just then remembered about the system. "Let's try it out."
With that he bought out the wallet, pulled out a 3 dollar note and gave it to the owner. The moment the note left his hand....
DING!
[Used Amount: 3 dollar]
Ethan was literally over the moon. He came out of the shop and started at the panel while drinking water.
[Host: Ethan Wolf]
[Balance: $9999999999999997]
[Body: 15
Mind: 28
Skill: None
EP: 0]
"Hahahahaha"
Ethan burst into laughter. "This fucking real. I am fucking reach now. Mom, Alice, from now onward, I won't ever let you feel despair. I won't ever let you be mocked. Now, you will live the life you truly deserve. And..."
He paused before looking at the night sky. "You rich assholes who tortures the poor, you strong ones who torments the week, just you wait. Because your daddy is here."
He walked to the main road in a delighted mood. Booked a taxi and rode toward his home. When he arrived, he again used the wallet to pay $40 to the driver.
The moment the notes left his hand....
Ding!
[Balance: $9999999999999957]
[Body: 15
Mind: 28
Skill: None
EP: 0]
A delighted smile appeared across his face as entered the house pushing the door open.
It was already late at night. "She has gone to bed most probably."
He walked toward his sister's room. He pushed the door open carefully make sure that it made no sound. He was worried he might wake his sister up.
Inside, a 16-year-old girl lay fast asleep on her bed. Her breathing was soft and steady, strands of her hair spilling loosely across the pillow. In the quiet glow of the room, her face looked peaceful—almost angelic, untouched by the worries of the outside world.
The moment the Ethan saw her, a warmth stirred in his chest. It wasn't just affection, but a sense of calm, a reminder of home and family. Her presence seemed to ease the weight he carried.
"Good night, Alice." With that he closed the door and went to his room.
After entering he shut the door behind. And with a long relaxed breath he let his body fall in the bed.
He was tired, but his face still looked lively. Memories of today's events flashed before his eyes.
He soon fell a sleep.
__________
The next morning, Ethan woke as the sunlight spilled warmly across his body. Stretching with a slight twist, he sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
Just then, a knock came at his door—it was his sister.
"Brother, are you there? Why were you so late yesterday?" she asked, her lips curved into a pout. "Come outside, let's have breakfast."
Ethan quickly freshened up, slung his satchel over his shoulder, and stepped out. I won't miss my classes from today, he resolved silently. Now that I have the money, I can finally focus on my studies during university hours.
He greeted Alice with a smile, but his eyes soon fell on the modest breakfast laid out on the table. It wasn't much, but he knew how dearly Alice cherished it—because she understood just how hard he was working for their family.
Instead of sitting down, Ethan looked at her with a grin. "Alice, let's have our breakfast outside today."