The sleek black sports car glided smoothly through the busy streets of the city, leaving Westbrook High far behind. Ethan sat in the plush leather seat, staring out the window at the towering skyscrapers and bustling avenues, still struggling to believe how much his life had changed in just three short days.
Kane, his newly appointed personal assistant, kept his eyes on the road, driving with professional precision. He was dressed in a crisp black suit, his posture straight and his manner calm, as if working for a high school student was the most normal thing in the world.
"Mr. Reed," Kane said politely, "your new residence has been fully prepared according to the system's instructions. It is a top-floor penthouse in the most exclusive residential building in the city, with full security, private amenities, and a panoramic view of the entire skyline."
Ethan blinked in surprise. He'd known the system had given him money, but he hadn't expected a luxury penthouse on top of everything else. "A penthouse? I… I still live with my parents. They'll ask questions."
Kane nodded calmly. "The system has already prepared a reasonable explanation. It will appear as if you've inherited a small sum from a distant relative, enough to secure a comfortable living space and ease your family's financial pressure. No one will suspect anything unusual."
Ethan let out a slow breath. The system truly thought of everything.
A few minutes later, the car pulled into the circular driveway of a gleaming glass high-rise. The lobby was spacious and elegant, with marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and security guards standing at attention. Everyone Ethan passed bowed their heads slightly, treating him with the respect reserved for wealthy and important people.
It was a far cry from the way he'd been treated at school just days earlier.
They stepped into a private elevator, which shot straight to the top floor. When the doors slid open, Ethan's breath caught in his throat.
The penthouse was enormous, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered an unobstructed view of the entire city. The living room was furnished with modern, comfortable furniture, the kitchen was fully stocked with high-end appliances, and there were three spacious bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. A small study lined with bookshelves sat in one corner, perfect for studying and preparing for the math competition.
"This… this is too much," Ethan whispered.
[Ding!][System has successfully arranged Host's private residence.][Penthouse ownership transferred to Ethan Reed.][Reward: Comfortable Living Buff unlocked! All daily expenses will be automatically covered by the system.][New passive effect: Mental focus increased by 15% when studying or training at this residence.]
A warm, quiet sense of peace washed over Ethan. For the first time in his life, he had a space that was truly his own—a place where he could relax, study, and prepare for the challenges ahead without worrying about money, noise, or the stress of his old life.
He wandered over to the window, staring out at the glowing city below. Just a week ago, he'd been a failing student, a bullied outcast, a boy who could barely afford lunch. Now he was a genius, a millionaire, the captain of the math team, and the owner of a penthouse most people could only dream of.
None of it felt real.
And yet, the system's notifications, the money in his bank account, and the luxury surrounding him were all undeniable proof that his life had truly changed forever.
Just as Ethan was taking in the full weight of his new reality, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a message from Lila.
[Lila: Are you okay? Jake looked really angry earlier. I hope he doesn't cause you any trouble.]
Ethan's lips curved into a soft smile. Lila was the only person outside the system who seemed to genuinely care about him, not about his newfound intelligence, wealth, or popularity.
He quickly typed a reply.
[Ethan: I'm fine. Don't worry about Jake. He's all talk. I'll see you tomorrow at math team practice.]
Seconds later, Lila replied.
[Lila: Good. And Ethan… thank you. For standing up for me. No one's ever done that before.]
Ethan's heart skipped a beat.
[Ding!][Host has deepened the bond with key character Lila Chen.][Charisma increased by 10 points.][Team loyalty and morale permanently increased!]
He was about to put his phone away when another system alert appeared in his mind.
[Ding!][New main quest unlocked: Regional Math Competition Championship.][Objective: Lead Westbrook High's math team to first place in the regional competition.][Difficulty: Medium.][Rewards: Eidetic Memory (upgraded), Full Physical Enhancement, $100,000 cash bonus, automatic college admission offer from a top university.][Failure penalty: Temporary system power lock; all academic bonuses suspended for one week.]
Ethan's expression turned serious. The stakes were higher than ever. Not only was the team counting on him, but the system's rewards and penalties would directly shape his future.
He couldn't afford to lose.
A soft knock sounded at the door of the penthouse. Kane stood outside, holding a tablet.
"Mr. Reed, your academic materials for the math competition have been delivered," Kane said. "They include advanced practice exams, competition strategies, and past winning solutions. I've placed them in your study."
"Thank you, Kane," Ethan said.
"Also," Kane added, "I've taken the liberty of scheduling private tutoring sessions with a former national math champion, who will help you and your team prepare. All arrangements have been handled."
Ethan nodded. He was beginning to realize that with the system and Kane supporting him, there was almost nothing he couldn't accomplish.
That evening, Ethan returned to his old home to grab a few changes of clothes and explain the "distant relative inheritance" to his parents. As expected, they were shocked but overjoyed, relieved that their son would no longer have to struggle financially. They had no idea the full truth of his new life, and Ethan intended to keep it that way—at least for now.
By the time he returned to his penthouse, night had fallen, and the city was lit up with thousands of glowing lights.
Ethan sat down at the desk in his quiet study, picked up a practice exam, and began to work. With his upgraded intelligence, photographic memory, and improved focus, every problem felt simple, every solution clear.
He was no longer the scared, struggling boy he'd once been.
He was Ethan Reed.
Genius.Millionaire.Captain.And soon, he would be a champion.
The math competition was three weeks away.
And Ethan was going to make sure everyone remembered his name.
[Ding!][Host has begun intense training for the math competition.][Progress: 5%][Keep working hard to unlock additional hidden rewards!]