"You can get everything with money."
A middle age man said that to his own 3 year old child with no fluctuation nor hesitation.
"Is that true?" (Child)
"That's right. Remember my child, don't be a person who thinks that happiness can be obtained with something fragile like friends or love. It is just an illusion."
To a person with basic common sense hear it as 3rd person party, they will usually feel disgusted, thinking "What a disgusting money crazed beast. He's not worthy to be a parent."
However, nobody has the balls nor the courage to say it straight to his face due to his position.
This man is the CEO himself who owns the multi billionaire company known to everybody in the world. His words only can move thousands of people at once easily without batting an eyelid.
"I understand father! Then I will study hard so I can be a great person like you, who is very wealthy!"
"Very good."
That was the childhood memory of James.
Because of his parent who always strongly teaches or doctrine him that money is number one in the world. He begun to see the world differently from other child.
For me having lots of money, I am powerful.
I can be anything.
Others is below me the moment they are born.
He begun to rot slowly like an apple which falls from the tree. Moreover, his actions thereafter was begun to get extreme and worse.
To people who dares to lecture his attitude, he destroys them by ordering his bodyguard in their social life and body.
To his friends who makes fun of him or show any signs of bullying, he plummets them using his servant.
"Unlike you poor people, I am strong the moment I'm born with."
Because nobody become a match, he become arrogant just like any second generation young masters who grow pompously.
However, nobody can stop him.
After all, who can match him?
his family can be counted as one of the top richest people in the world, holding that position in decades easily.
Originally, he was supposed to grow like this.
Even so, fate has given him another path to take.
[You are wrong !]
"....eh?"
In front of him, there's a large TV playing a famous anime currently ongoing.
Those words, even though it was not directed to him, something inside of him feels pierced deeply.
(What....is this?)
[There's something you can't be bought with money only!] (Protagonist)
[Hah! that's what all miserable rats like you delude themselves to escape from their misery. My wealth gain me control of this continent! It is because of that I can become the strongest person in the world!]
(Yes..., that's true. This protagonist have screw loose on his head. The antagonist is much more reasonable. Money is always---)
[YOU ARE WRONG!!] (Protagonist)
"..Tch!?"
[I admit life can be easier by having money. You can buy houses that is the size of mansion, people to serve you, the most delicious food and everything you want..... Even so, i will still say this!!]
[Money is not everything!! there is something more important than it!]
[Even if you have house that is large as island, it will not be your 'home' in the truest sense! What meaning is it if there's no family who care you deeply!?]
[Even if you are able to eat the most delicious food everyday, is there warmth inside of that !? Does the person who make that food truly care for your well-being !?]
[Furthermore.. Furthermore!! Even if you can buy dozens of beautiful woman gather around the world, they won't love nor look you back!!]
[Such life.... there is no meaning to it!!]
The rest of the scene, James didn't pay attention to it nor have the leisure to it.
Because... he was shaken to the core.
Money is not important?
There is something more important than that?
It was something that can't be accepted to the young him because it is like rejecting his common sense and way of life.
But,
(Why..?)
Unconsciously, tears flow on his cheeks without stopping.
(Why am I crying?)
He doesn't understand any of it. The scene in front of him, the tears in his face, and the guilty feeling inside him...
(Ah.... I...)
"....Sorry."
"....I'm....sorry. I'm really, really sorry....."
Apology toward no one.
However, he say it many times without stopping whole crying at the same time.
Because, he finally realizes it.
(What... a terrible person am I....)
The past actions he had done,
He begun to regret it.
He feels ashamed of it.
Most importantly, he have huge guilt to the people who try to correct him, but crushed mercilessly like a bug.
"I'm.....sorry..."
James has finally realizes what his past actions meant.
*********
"Father, I want to be a author!"
".....What did you just say?"
After the eventful moment, James begun to correct his twistful thinking and begun to have the strongest passion on his entire life.
(I want people to be moved of my creation, just like me!)
It was certainly childish thinking, but he won't deny it nor belittle it.
Because, that scene makes him feel that the way he lives is wrong in every degree.
His everyday life become suffocating.
No close friends that will play with him nor care for him.
The huge house who only have servants but no family makes him lonely due to his parent being busy all time.
So, he will change it.
He will become an author so he can be a better person and share this ideal to the ones who have the same feeling as him.
That's why, on the family dinner, he express his wishes to his father, his only family member.
Even so,
"Stop joking around. You are going to be my successor son. Being an author will just make you poor for entire life." (Father.)
"I'm sorry father. But I already decided!! I don't want to inherit your position. It doesn't have any meaning to my life! I want to be---"
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?"
"...Hii!!?"
What faces him will be the merciless judgement.
"To think,....my own child will become something like this... it looks like my education toward you are lacking."
"Fa-Father, what are you saying? Y, you are scaring me--"
"SILENCE."
"Huk !?"
His father rejected any sorts of comment toward his foolish son who begun to spout nonsense until it makes him feel afraid.
The position of the most powerful person has no meaning?
rather than that, He wants to become a nameless author?
The more he thinks about it, the more wrath he felt.
To him, who lives his entire life on the business world and climb up to this current position, those words are not something that can be forgiven.
That's why,
"You, are going to be taught from the start again. So this time, you will never think of that foolish thought FOREVER!"
His leisure life has turned into hell due to his small wish.
*******
-Few Years Later.-
"...top!.. Please stop!"
In the gorgeous building office, the owner is screaming toward the men who are destroying and rampaging around the room.
*BAM* *BRUK* *PANG*
Table, glass window, chairs. Every object in sight is all destroyed without any hesitation nor mercy.
Even so,
"I beg you mister James! Please stop this madness!!"
The man only kneel down and prostate his head in the floor without hesitation to ask help for this young man in front of him.
This young man is black haired and blue eyes, wearing an extravagant business suit which makes him a very sharp man.
Some ladies may even try to stare at him for a long time due to his good body posture.
"Madness?"
"If this is not madness, what is then!? Why do you destroy my office without any warning!? I have never made enmity with your compa-"
"Mister Spencer, it is not good to lie you know?"
"ny.....Eh? Wh-what do you mean?"
"Please, take a look at this."
To the man who is kneeling in front of him, James didn't respond to his request but only give him an envelope with a small smile.
When the owner looks inside of it...
"!!?? Th-this is!? No,....NO! this isn't possible!? this is some kind of mistake!"
His face begun to pale until his face changes like a vampire. However, James didn't have any changes inside his emotion nor expression. In fact, the owner' reaction makes him more suspicious.
Because,
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
"Bribing to our exclusive customers, false report on the supplies, intervention of our actions by hiring outside party multiple times, false rumors on the bad quality of our product, et cetera. Moreover, most of it even contain your signature."
"N-No, this is a fake! I never sign this paper at all!! In fact, our company will never cheat on you--"
"Is that so? Then, can you look at this?"
After stopping the owner's fast rambling and excuses, James only answers to it by pulling out an laptop and play a video in front of him.
[...It has been done, President.] (Secretary)
[Fuuuhh... good. There is no traces left right?] (Owner)
[Of course, there isn't even a speck of doubt that will be headed toward us.]
[kukhuhuhu.... smooth as always. I was right to hire them. With this, their stock price will plummet slowly and people will also loses their trust to that fucking company.]
[After that, we can enter to the market by attracting the lost consumer, which is the best opportunity.]
[Ahhh... I really can't wait to see their faces crying after finding out their precious company is going to collapse slowly without having the chance to restore it. Moreover, they will beg me by kneeling in order to keep the relationship with the number one company. hahaha!! I can't stop laughing when I think about it!]
[Congratulations in advance, owner.]
[Hmm hmm, don't flatter me too much. ..... Remember, do this discreetly. I don't want anybody, even a ghost that i was the one that lead to their fall.]
[Of course President. Then, i will take my leave.]
[Mm. keep up the good work.]
*Beep*
After that, James has closed the laptop and faced directly to the owner while still smiling.
"If what am I saying is a mistake, then what does this video mean mister Spencer? You explicitly express yourself, wanting to destroying our company, No?" (James)
"Aaah.. Aahhh!! How, how is this--!?" (Owner)
"It's really unfortunate. If we could cooperate together with both having the best interests, We could prosper more than ever."
"Pl-please mister James! There is not even an ounce of truth in that video. It's definitely a--"
"Fake? No no, that's impossible. Because, the one who gave this video is...."
*Clap**Clap*
After clapping for two times, one man comes through the door behind the office.
That man's identity is.
"Your personal secretary, you know? Or should I say, my double agent?" (James)
"Sir James, did you call me? How can I help you?" (Secretary)
"Do- double agent?.....You!? you betray me!?"
Now he finally realizes why does this guy in front of him is able to hold his dark records.
No matter how he thinks about it, it was too obscure.
Every time he makes a move toward the company, he always make sure and double check so the process he took is untraceable no matter what. Moreover, he even hires first-rate conman to disrupt their business progress in order to leaves no mistake.
So how was James able to find it in the first place?
The answer is very simple.
"Now then, Mister secretary. I want to confirm something with you. You heard the conversation of the video just now right? Is it all true?"
"Yes, sir. I can assure you that all of the words this owner has spoken is the truth with no ounce of lie."
"Oh, really? But the owner said he didn't recognize any of it."
"Then that is a mistake. Every time he tries to harms your company, I was always involved in it. Moreover, THAT VIDEO ITSELF WAS ALSO ME WHO RECORDED IT."
He finds it out from the enemy himself.
"Fufufu..I see. Then, there is no mistake , right owner?"
"..."
At this time, the owner can only open his mouth blankly without unable to speak a word or tiniest voice.
Because, he realizes it.
He is over.
"Si- Sir James, please forgive me!! I-- I was wrong!! I never intended to any of this!! I will do anything to reimburse to obtain your mercy!! That's why don't kill---"
"Ah, please calm down owner. I'm not going to take your life. We are not Yakuza you know?"
Not a Yakuza?
(Author's note: Organized crime syndicates originating in Japan.)
The actions of entering people's home without permission, threatening the owner , and even destroying all of the furniture of the room is not Yakuza?
Even so, the owner can only be glad hearing that.
"!! Thank, Thank you!! I Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I will repay your mercy with the best that I--"
However,
"But."
In the future, he will find it better to be dead than to be left alive.
"You will need to pay the price for deceiving us."
"....Eh?"
"Boss, we found it." (???)
In the middle of their conservation, a burly man who is James' employee interrupts and hand over the document and USB found on the room itself.
"Is this all?" (James)
"Yes, Boss. We searched all of the secret safe and furnitures. It is everything we able to find this room."
"Thank you for your work Liam. You and your men can take a rest."
"Thank you boss."
After that, James faces toward the owner while smiling faintly.
"Now then, Owner. Do you recognizes what are these?"
"!!? Th-that is!?"
"Haha, well of course you know. These are all the dealings, dark records, secret information of your company, and even the paper for acknowledgement of your own business."
"Wh-what do you want with it?"
"Usually, if my father found about this, i am very sure that your head will be separated from your body in the cruelest way possible. I personally felt that it's a waste. Fortunately, this case is still kept inside this room. Therefore,"
"let's make a deal, mister Spencer."
"D-deal?"
"Yes, a deal. First, From this moment forward, I will move and order your men and your company without your orders involving in it. You will be the middleman for it. Ah, of course, this company is still yours in name so don't worry about it."
"!!!....I...I understand."
Even though he would never want to obey this kid in front of him, He had no choice but to be his slave for the rest of his life in order to prevent his death.
Either way, his life will be miserable.
Moreover, this is not the end.
"Now then, the second is my warning. Or should I say, Advice? Even if i have all this data, there is no assurance you will not betray me."
"What more do you want to--"
"Say owner, you have a family right? One beautiful wife and a healthy son?"
"!!! N-No please don't Mister James!! They aren't involved in this!!"
"hahaha, don't worry. Like I said, I will not take any of your lives. But, I will make their lives a bit suffocating."
"....?"
*Ring* *ring*
"...My phone?" (Owner)
"Oh, it arrived. Go ahead, please pick it up."
Although James has said it with a light voice. the owner can only feel ominous feeling for the upcoming call.
If he pick up that call.
"..H-Hello?"
He will lost everything other than his life.
[H-Honey!! Please, Please save me!!]
"!!? What!? What's wrong Jessica!?"
*Buk*
[Guh!! N-No! please don't hurt my face!] (Jessica)
"Jessica!? Jessica!!?"
[Hey, shut down this fucking woman with a tape. Tie her legs and arms too.]
[Is it truly fine boss? I mean, this woman could have a strong background.]
[It's fine, that guy have give his assurance there will be no problem to handle this bitch however we want.]
[That guy?... You mean that scary kid.]
[Yeah. His words only is enough for everything. Beside, this bitch is the wife of his enemy so it also helps him too.]
[Haahh... I don't feel good in helping him. Well, at least I can enjoy this delicacy in front of me.]
[Hii!! Please help honey! Hel--] (Jessica)
*bzzt* (Phone closed)
"!!? Mister James!? what is the meaning of this !?"
Slowly, surely, his heart is going to be broken.
"Haha, please calm down. They are my friends who help me a lot. But you see, it's not fair for me only to get benefit from them right? That's why."
"I 'introduce' and 'recommend' your wife as the present."
"!!!"
"Sorry, mister Spencer. You won't be unable to enjoy your wife's home cooking anymore. Pfft, not like she ever made one for you."
"...."
"Beside, she also has destroy lots of people's lives just because they are poor and even cheated on you. Woman like that is not worthy for you anymore. You won't mind right?"
"....Yes."
"Hahaha, I'm glad for your understanding. Now then, let's move on to the next call."
"Th-there's more!?"
*Riing* *Riiing*
"Go on, pick it up."
His possession is going to fade away without any chance of stopping it.
With trembling hands, he pick up the call that will end his extravagant life.
[Good evening, mister Spencer. You are receiving this call for receiving updates about your funds on our bank. From this moment forwards, All of your funds and interest will be transferred to mister James' account until the other party requested to stop. Please be reminded that You are unable to change this contract no matter what. Good night.]
*beep*
"...My...money?"
"Well, you can also say it is originally our money. Your false report and lacking supply materials will be reimbursed with this. The rest of it will be the interest. You won't mind, right?"
This man. who is smiling the entire time, makes him feel fear. Rather than a human,
it's like facing the devil itself.
"....(disarray breathing) kuhk, kuhk"
"Oh my, are you alright? Liam, get him water." (James)
"Yes Boss." (Liam)
One by one, the owner is losing everything. His ambition, his company, his wife and even his money too.
He felt like it will give him a heart attack.
"Here you go Boss." (Liam)
"Thank you, Liam. Here you go mister Spencer, drink this and calm your breath. You will be fine."
"...Aaahh...Aaahhh...!!"
During the time he accepted the water from his man who is still smiling, he didn't give any words of thanks nor the energy to do it.
(...Am I, going to lose everything...?)
He simply can't accept this ending.
Him, who was one of the big boss and the richest man has been collapsed easily just because of one simple betrayal and this young boy in front of him.
"Hmm, looks you have collected your breath. That's good." (James)
"...." (Owner)
"Now then, there is still one more phone call to take. But, I want to talk something."
"...What is it that you want?"
"Oh my, hahaha. looks like I'm not trusted. Well, that's fine though. It's about your son."
"....My...son?....!? Right, my son!! Wh-what did you do to him !?"
"Now, now. Calm down. Your son's LIFE is fine. I can assure you that. Please don't worry."
"Re- Really?"
"Yes, OTHER than that though, it's hard to say though."
"...?"
He didn't understand it. His son's life is fine but the other is not?
"Say, owner. Did you know what does your son do these years?"
"...What do you mean?"
"Didn't he tell you? Your son isn't exactly clean too, you know? Illegal gambling business, Drugs selling, forcing young woman becoming prostitutes, killing people, etc etc. ...My my, it looks like your education is a bit lacking isn't it?"
"..."
"Ah, I'm not going to to nitpick about it. Each family has their own circumstance. But you see, he has made lots of enemies and gathered tons of enmity with his actions."
"....."
"Well, young master like him can be free with just bribing people using your money. The problem is, HIS LUCK HAS RUN OUT."
*Riiing* *Riiing*
"!?... The phone."
"Don't worry. It's the last one. Please, pick it up."
Before James has arranged this meeting, He has researched about this man and his family in detail. Of course, the result were all black with no sense of doubt. Not only his family, this man in front of him also smeared his hand a lot in the underworld to gain power in fast speed.
That's why,
James won't hesitate nor regret for his actions he had done now.
With trembling hands, the owner has picked the last phone call.
"..He-Hello?"
[DAD! DAD! Help me! I'm in-- *Buk* Ugh!?]
"!?.. SON!? What happened to you? where are--"
[Hey, shut his mouth. it's going to be bother for the upcoming operation.]
[Understand doctor. ...But, who is this kid anyway? And this call is?]
[Don't ask anything about it. You only get hurt. Just know we get a free body without any worry.]
"...Surgery? What is--" (Owner)
"Ah. Please give me the phone." (James)
*Switching speaker to James*
"Hi doctor, thank you for taking my request."
[!!... It's you. What do you want? We did what you ask.]
"No no, it's fine. I didn't call to complain. I just want to tell you that please keep him alive,okay?"
[...Usually, I can't promise you that. But, fine. However, what do you want his 'broken' body anyway?]
"Oh, I personally don't have anything to do with it. Just please sell him to the 'playground'."
[....Huh. My god. Even death god will run away from you. I feel pity for the one who makes enemy with you.]
"Hahaha, that's an excessive compliment. I'm just a normal human."
[...Crazy. Is that all?]
"Yes, sorry for disturbing. Enjoy your time. here you go Owner."
*Giving phone to the owner*
"What, what was that?"
[Dad!! DAd! ple- *bup* MMPH! MMPH!]
*Beep* (Phone closing)
" SON!?"
"Clam down. His mouth is just closed with tape only so it won't disturb the surgery."
"Sur..gery?"
"Ah, we were in the middle of the talk is it. To put it simply, One of my friends can't overlook your son's doing. So, we handed him over."
"To... who?"
"For that, I can't tell. All i can say is that your son will be suffering a bit. You see, my friend that I talked just now is a bit of maniac. He collect lots of human body parts in order for his experiment. YOUR SON IS THE CANDIDATE."
"!! NO, don't tell me--"
"Don't worry. Your son's life will be safe. But, i'm afraid you won't be able to meet him easily."
"What more there is!? My son will be a handicapped person!!! What more suffering will you give to him!?"
"Ahahahaha!! That's funny, Why you become mad? your son only already brings grieve and sadness to hundreds of people you know? Of course it also can happen to him. ALL THE THINGS YOU DO WILL HAVE A CONSEQUENCES TO IT."
"Tch!?-- That is--"
"Like I said many times, he won't die. But, he will be sold to the customers who want to buy him."
"Wh-what!? you mean!?"
The 'playground' that James has mentioned is not a theme park in any sense. It is an underground auction where people could buy almost everything without the law noticing, including humans. Of course, there are also perverts who will play with human body.
Which means,
"Well, poor him. You can only hope that his buyer is one with a conscience. If not,.... huhu. Only god knows I guess?" (James)
"!!! AAAHHHHHHHH !!!" (owner)
He doesn't want to listen the rest of it anymore.
No, he CAN'T.
If he did, he won't be able to stay sane anymore.
(This.. Devil!!) (Owner)
Due to frustration, disarrayed emotion and sense of loss, the owner can only rampage and attempt to hurt this devil who make him lose everything.
However, that is an impossible dream.
"Liam." (James)
"Yes Boss. Huhp!!" (Liam)
"*Bang* Ahk!? *" (Owner)
*Brak* (Body blown to a desk)
Before the owner is able to reach James, Liam prevent him by kicking his abdomen. Moreover, Liam is one of the retired soldier so the owner's body may lose some of his ribs.
Either way, his life is turned upside down in every sense with no chance of restoring it.
As for the one who has caused it?
"Well then, I have finished all of my business here. It is a pleasure to cooperate with you. Haha, good night Mister Spencer. Hope you have a nice dream."
He won't give a speck of concern.
"...Kuhk....uuuu (Crying)" (Owner)
It's miserable.
For him who is admired by thousands of people have fallen until to this state. Furthermore, it's just by one small kid who haven't grow hair yet.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"
*Bang* (door closing)
The loser can only bow down and squeal loudly for his loss.
********
"....*sigh*" (James)
"Are you alright, boss?" (Liam)
"...I'm fine. Liam, have some people assigned to the owner so he won't commit suicide. He still have some uses."
....Compared to the James who entered the room, the current him looks weak and feeble. It is really shocking a person can have contrasting side.
Although James have done this many times to destroy the enemy, he doesn't feel good.
"Understood. Any other request?"
"....Will father come home tonight?"
"I'm afraid not. He has appointment with the VIP customers all night long."
"....I see. Haaaahhhh.... . Thank you for tonight, Liam. You are a great help."
"It's nothing Boss. I'm just doing my job."
"...Yeah. Even so, I just want to say it. Later, I will give you tips so you can enjoy with your subordinates tonight ."
"....Thank you, boss."
For these few years, Liam have been with this person at all times. In the beginning, he felt weird that a small kid can handle the dirty job given by his father. But, what's more surprising is that he accomplish it flawlessly even if it makes his hand dirty.
Moreover, unlike the other rich young masters, he doesn't condemn nor belittle people like him at all. Instead, James cared them deeply.
The problem is,
"...Do you want to join us Boss? You have overworked for many times these weeks. I'm sure you need a break." (Liam)
*Shakes head*
"It's okay. Thank you for the invitation. But, I still have other things to do. Moreover, if I join you guys, it will make the atmosphere awkward right? That won't be a break." (James)
"...That's..."
"I will go back by myself. Enjoy."
*Tak* *tak*
"....Haaah.. why does I have to get cared from a tired kid like him. It's supposed to be the opposite you know."
James pushes people away. Although Liam showed consideration, James doesn't accept it every time. To be precise, He CAN'T.
Because, he was afraid that being close with people will make him hurt again.
After being scolded by his father, his life have become messed up. Being ordered to work constantly, taught so he can have the necessary skill, forced to make connections with people.
During the time he works, it was a living hell too.
Once, he put his trust toward one subordinate but ended up getting betrayed badly. Luckily, he was able to prevent the worse by noticing it quickly.
Also, although it won't be extreme like the owner, there are many cases where their competitor or seller has used the loophole so they can take advantage of him.
This cycle make him being put on guard at all times, even from his men too.
(....For a kid like him, He had carried too many things on his back.) (Liam)
"...Tch. Damn it. Hey Boys, it's party time!! The boss have give us grace for today's work!! Enjoy it!!"
"WHOOOO!!!" (Everybody)
******
".....I'm tired." (James)
How long it has been until he reach this point?
Because of his dream, he become his father' personal servant at his beck and call at all times.
Of course, it's not like he has given up. In younger days, he try to find an opportunity and create a plan so he can chase his dream without his overpowered noticing.
The result is less to none.
Every time he tried to run away, He will get found out and chased no matter where he is. Moreover, he will get the severe punishment that doesn't want him to remember. Therefore, he change his plan by showing him that's he become obedient so his father will loose his guard.
However, it makes his physical and mental being drained away as time passes.
Unconsciously, a very bitter smile formed on his mouth after reaching to a stupid thought.
"...No, I can't give up now. Dying is not an option."
Years have passed. The time for a child to dream is over. Now he has become an teenager.
Even so,
He will still hold his hope, no matter how small it is.