Casper zipped closer to Anastasia's face, its translucent form shimmering with concern.
"Host, are you alright? You seem… distressed."
Anastasia waved a dismissive hand, her expression hardening.
"Distressed is an understatement. Robbery is more like it. A hundred thousand system points and two thousand soul points just to fully upgrade? What kind of ludicrous system is this?" She let out a short, humorless laugh.
"So I'm essentially trapped in a perpetual cycle of productivity just to avoid being penalized and then forced to spend my hardearned points on upgrades that barely scratch the surface?"
She sat up in bed, pulling the silk sheets around her. The plushness of the room suddenly felt suffocating, the pastel colors grating on her nerves.
"And what exactly can I buy with these soul points besides upgrades?"
Casper zipped around Anastasia's head, leaving a trail of shimmering stardust in its wake.
"Well, you can buy items, skills, and even temporary buffs! The shop is quite extensive, though most of the really good stuff is locked behind higher levels."
Casper projected a holographic display of the System Shop, showcasing a bewildering array of options. There were potions that promised enhanced strength or speed, scrolls containing ancient techniques, and even bizarre artifacts with unknown properties.
"See? Plenty to choose from! There's a 'Minor Healing Potion' for 500 Soul Points, a 'Basic Combat Skill' for 2,000 Soul Points…" Casper trailed off as Anastasia's eyes scanned the list with a critical expression.
Anastasia saw a familiar book and she took it and looked at it, it's about ancient medicine and acupuncture. Anastasia decided to get acupuncture needles, medical kit, and some seeds to grow her own herbs. After that she decided to upgrade Casper. Casper so was so happy he felt so lucky as well.
Anastasia's gaze lingered on the ancient medicine and acupuncture section, a flicker of genuine interest crossing her features. The knowledge contained within those scrolls resonated with a deepseated part of her—a forgotten memory of healing and restoration from her past life as a dragon goddess.
"Acupuncture needles… medical kit… and some seeds for herbs," she murmured, already formulating a plan.
"I suppose a hidden miracle doctor needs the proper tools."
She quickly added the items to her virtual shopping cart, then turned her attention to Casper.
"Alright, let's upgrade you first," Anastasia stated, tapping a few options on the holographic display.
"Increase your detection range and enhance your communication capabilities."
Casper practically vibrated with excitement as Anastasia finalized the purchase. A surge of energy flowed through his translucent form, making him shimmer even brighter.
Casper zipped around Anastasia's head, a renewed energy radiating from his form.
"Wow, I can feel the difference! My range is significantly improved, and I can hear you much clearer now!" Casper exclaimed, his voice echoing slightly in Anastasia's mind.
"Excellent," Anastasia said dryly, already assessing the changes.
"Now, let's see what else this System Shop has to offer."
She continued to scroll through the endless list of items and skills, her eyes scanning for anything that could be useful. A faint smile played on her lips as she recalled her previous life—a whirlwind of power, influence, and endless possibilities. New York City had been her playground, a sprawling empire built on ambition and intellect. The fashion businesses, financial firms, entertainment ventures—they were all mere extensions of her will.
"It's amusing."
Anastasia logged into a dark web which was where the most famous hackers where and they were list, Anastasia so the top five. What shocked her most was there was someone tied with the heroine? Anastasia knew that the heroine had multiple talents. But who is this Crimson Butterfly seems familiar but at the same time not. Oh well it has nothing to do with her or the female lead so she won't bother with it. Anastasia created an account.
"Casper help me, I want a hacking name that is both cool and mysterious," Anastasia said.
Casper zipped around Anastasia's head, his translucent form glowing as he processed her request.
"Hmm, cool and mysterious… Let me see…" Casper mused, projecting a series of potential names onto the holographic display.
"'Shadow Weaver,' 'Cipher Ghost,' 'Digital Wraith'… How about 'Nyx'?"
Anastasia paused, considering the suggestion. Nyx—the Greek goddess of the night. It had a certain ring to it. Dark, enigmatic, powerful.
"Nyx it is," Anastasia declared, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
"Subtle yet intimidating."
She typed "Nyx" into the hacking account creation field and confirmed the username. A wave of satisfaction washed over her as she saw the confirmation message appear on the screen.
"Alright, Nyx is ready to operate."
After she was finished she saw that she was dead last on the hacking dark web list people call this Hacker Cyber. No one knows who created the Hacker Cyber but one can tell it's one of the best hacking organizations in this world.
"Casper should I start just rising my rank in the hacking organization?" Anastasia asked. Back in New York City when she was bored she would help her brother hack some security cameras and other things.
Casper zipped around Anastasia's head, his form shimmering with excitement.
"Absolutely! Think of the possibilities, Host! You could infiltrate their systems, gather intel, and maybe even… influence their operations."
He projected a holographic display showcasing the ranking system within Hacker Cyber. It was a tiered structure, with each tier representing increasing levels of skill and influence. Currently, Anastasia was listed as "Rookie," far below even the most novice hackers.
"The higher your rank, the more resources and opportunities you'll have access to," Casper explained.
"Plus, it'll be a great way to earn more Soul Points! Plus also you can earn money from doing missions through the hacking organizations you join."
Anastasia nodded thoughtfully, her gaze fixed on the ranking system.
"Alright then," she said with a determined glint in her eyes.
"Let's start climbing."
Anastasia wanted to start her own company this would also be good, after all she meant to die it would be good for her, to make peace with the heroine the female lead Serena and make sure that she won't go after her head. Anastasia understood stock market this how she was able to become a billionaire before she was even twentyone years with many degrees up her sleeves. In this story it involves around the heroine, male lead, and the villain, sure it involves herself as well but more like someone who just suffers at the end of the bucket. With the stocks she can increase her own money. Though she is in Russia she is able to speak Russian.
Anastasia wrote down the stock market. After she was finished she put her notebook down and she went to sleep.