I sat on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
The room was quiet.
My parents were both out at work. My little sister was playing at the park nearby.
And for the first time since coming to this world, I had time to think properly.
"One year," I muttered.
One year before my awakening.
One year to complete the system's task.
The system had been very clear about one thing—it didn't matter whether the world knew about me or not. I could work openly, or I could work from the shadows. As long as my influence increased, the quest would count.
That made things easier.
And harder at the same time.
Influence wasn't something you could punch your way into.
"So… what do I actually do?" I asked myself.
Starting a company sounded like the obvious answer.
But how?
I didn't know anyone important. I didn't have connections. And even though I had infinite money, I couldn't just throw it at myself and magically become powerful.
Money had to create value first.
Which meant I needed a product.
Something people wanted.
Something this world was missing.
I closed my eyes and focused.
"System," I said silently. "Open the knowledge and skill panel."
[Knowledge & Skill Interface Opened]
A clean panel appeared in front of me, floating in the air.
Rows of categories filled my vision.
Available Knowledge Categories
Mana Technology
Mana Engineering
Ether Technology
Ether Engineering
Energy Theory (Basic)
Coding & Software Design
Automation & Machine Control
Below them, several other categories were visible—but greyed out.
Qi Systems
Chi Circulation Technology
Cosmic Energy Engineering
Divinity-Based Energy Systems
Higher-Dimensional Power Theory
I frowned.
"System," I asked, "why do I have access to knowledge about energies that don't even exist in this world?"
There was a brief pause.
Incorrect assumption, Host.
"…Huh?"
These energy systems exist beyond your current environment.Their direct usage is restricted.However, their knowledge can still be applied indirectly.
I leaned forward slightly. "Indirectly how?"
If the host uses this knowledge to create technology, systems, or structures that increase influence, it is permitted.Direct personal use of restricted energies is prohibited.
"So I can use the ideas," I said slowly, "just not the power itself."
Correct.
That made sense.
Then I noticed something else.
"All those greyed-out categories… what's the condition to unlock them?"
Minimum global influence requirement: 10%.
I blinked.
"Ten percent of the world?"
Correct.
That was… insane.
Still, at least I knew the rules.
"For now," I said, "I can only properly use mana and ether-based knowledge."
Affirmative.
I leaned back against the bed.
Mana technology and engineering alone were already more advanced than anything Eldonava currently had. This world used mana mostly for combat, potions, and simple tools.
They weren't using it efficiently.
Which meant opportunity.
"Alright," I murmured. "So I need to build something."
Something useful.Something sellable.Something that creates influence.
And I didn't need to attach my name to it.
I could work from the shadows.
"So… I start a company," I said slowly. "But anonymously."
Correct.
"And the system will provide resources?"
Yes.
"Can I buy raw materials from the shop?"
There was a slight pause.
Affirmative.However, recommendation detected.
"What recommendation?"
It is advised that the host purchases: Pocket Dimension – Level 1.
I raised an eyebrow. "Why level one?"
The pocket dimension's level is tied to the host's global influence.At Level 1, it provides basic storage, production space, and limited energy access.
"Limited energy meaning…?"
Mana and Ether only.
I nodded.
"And as my influence increases?"
The pocket dimension will expand.Additional resources, materials, and energy types will unlock accordingly.
That was convenient.
"And all the resources I need to build things will be inside?"
Correct.
I didn't hesitate.
"Buy it."
[Pocket Dimension – Level 1 Acquired]
A faint sensation passed through my chest, like something settling into place.
I could feel it.
A space that belonged to me alone.
Hidden. Safe. Untouchable.
Good.
"Now," I said, "unlock mana and ether technology knowledge. Engineering too. And coding skills."
Confirmed.
[Mana Technology – Basic to Advanced: Unlocked][Mana Engineering – Basic: Unlocked][Ether Technology – Basic: Unlocked][Ether Engineering – Basic: Unlocked][Coding & Software Design – Advanced: Unlocked]
Information flowed into my mind—not painfully, not suddenly. It felt like remembering things I had once learned very well.
Blueprints. Systems. Logic. Design.
I let out a slow breath.
"Okay," I said quietly. "Now comes the hard part."
What should I build first?
I stood up and walked to my desk.
"Do we even have a computer here?" I muttered.
A quick memory surfaced.
Right.
My father had a laptop. Old, but functional.
I took it out and powered it on.
As it booted, I searched my memories—both mine and Rio's—for information about this world's needs.
"What does Eldonava lack?" I asked myself.
Plenty.
Potions were a good example.
Current Potion Standards in Eldonava
Mana Potion (Low Grade):Restores 10–12% mana
Stamina Potion:Reduces fatigue slightly
Strength Potion:Temporary physical boost
Defense Potion:Minor durability increase
They were expensive.
And inefficient.
The recovery rates were laughable.
"And that's considered normal?" I muttered.
Then there were devices.
Scientists were currently working on a way to communicate with the outside world while inside dungeons.
Because right now?
If you entered a dungeon, you were cut off.
No calls.No signals.No emergency contact.
If something went wrong, no one knew until it was too late.
"That alone is a huge problem," I said.
Then something else hit me.
"Wait…"
I scrolled through entertainment data in Rio's memories.
No video games.
No anime.
No large entertainment industry.
Almost everything revolved around training, dungeons, or survival.
"…What?"
I stared at the screen.
"You're telling me," I said slowly, "this world has mana, monsters, and superpowers…"
"And no games?"
No anime.
No massive online entertainment.
No virtual worlds.
I covered my face.
"What kind of tragedy is this?"
And then the ideas started flooding in.
Entertainment created influence.
Technology created dependence.
Infrastructure created control.
And then—
I noticed something else.
Cultivation arrays.
Basic Cultivation Array
Price: 10,000,000 credits
Effect:Increases mana gathering speed by 5–10%
I stared at the price.
"…Ten million?"
For that?
"And this is basic?"
I checked others.
Pills that barely improved absorption. Alchemy methods that wasted half their materials. Tools that could clearly be improved with simple engineering changes.
"This world is being robbed," I muttered.
Not just by people.
By bad design.
I leaned back in my chair, eyes shining.
"So let me get this straight," I said quietly.
"No dungeon communication.""Terrible potion efficiency.""Overpriced cultivation tools.""No entertainment industry.""And outdated mana tech."
I laughed softly.
"There's so much missing."
I looked at the system panel again.
"System," I said, "if I build products and sell them through a company without revealing my identity… will that count as influence?"
Yes.Influence is measured by impact, not recognition.
"And I don't need to show my face?"
Correct.
A slow smile spread across my face.
"Then that's it."
First step:
Build simple but powerful mana-based products
Improve existing tools
Create things people depend on
Stay hidden
Later…
Entertainment.
Games.
Anime.
Things that shape culture, not just strength.
I closed the laptop and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling again.
"One year," I whispered.
One year to build something this world couldn't live without.
And when awakening day arrived…
I wouldn't just be another sixteen-year-old praying for luck.
I'd already have the world in my hands.
A/N: Thanks for reading! If you like the story, please add it to your collection and share your thoughts in the comments.