Jessica left the house that evening, smiling as she waved goodbye. The family stood at the door, waving back, their shapes highlighted by the warm light coming from their new home.

"Goodbye, everyone! Thank you for everything. See you soon!" Jessica called as she got into her car, her voice cheerful.

"Bye, Jessica!" Lily shouted, her excitement clear. To Lily, Jessica was not just a guest or a family friend—she was like the older sister she had always wanted.

As Jessica's car turned down the winding driveway, Ethan looked at his family. He felt a quiet pride and satisfaction deeper than anything he could remember.

"I'm going in first!" Lily announced, her energy as boundless as ever. "I can't wait to sleep on that great bed!" She ran into the house, and her laughter echoed behind her.

"Me too!" Jacob followed closely behind her, sharing her excitement. Their situation had changed a lot, but he wasn’t going to question it right now. He was content to let himself enjoy it.

"Don't forget," Elise called after them, her tone light but firm, "I expect you both to wake up on time tomorrow. No excuses about oversleeping!"

Aaron stood quietly behind Ethan and watched the scene with a slight smile. "Aren't you coming in, Ethan?" he asked gently.

"In a while, Dad," Ethan replied. He turned back to the driveway, his gaze lingering on the serene landscape of Crescent Ridge. "Need a moment to let everything that happened sink in."

"Of course you do. All of us, too," Aaron chuckled softly. "Mind if I join you?"

Ethan smiled and pointed to the spot next to him. "How many years has it been, Dad? Since the last time where we used to spend time together."

Aaron leaned against the doorframe, his smile turning wistful. "Yeah," he admitted. "We used to do this all the time. Then your brother and sister came along, and, well… things got a bit busier."

Ethan laughed, but his mind started to the memories of years before. Life had not always been easy, but it was not always this hard, either.

His father had a good job at a company that gave them a comfortable life. It was not luxurious, but it was enough.

Then came the incident—an accusation of fraud from a superior who wielded both influence and power.

Ethan had only been a child, but he remembered the weight of it; Aaron losing his job, the lawsuit that followed, and the unjust settlement that left their family in financial ruin.

The details had been too complex for Ethan to understand back then, but the fallout was impossible to forget.

Feeling Ethan's gaze, Aaron lightly nudged him. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he joked. "Do I look that pitiful?"

Ethan smiled. "No. You're not," he said quietly, feeling emotional. "Thank you, Dad. For everything all these years."

Aaron frowned slightly, confused but curious. "Thank me? For what? If anything, I should be thanking you. This house… this life…" He gestured around them, his tone filled with wonder. "I couldn't have achieved this no matter how hard I worked. So thank you, son."

Ethan shook his head firmly. "No. You deserve this. After everything you and Mom have been through—after the way people treated you—this is the least I can do for you."

He paused, taking a moment to calm himself. "You... never gave up on us, no matter how hard life hit you."

Aaron's eyes grew misty, though he quickly blinked it away. "That's what fathers do," he said simply, his voice steady but filled with pride. "You know what? You guys are the reason I keep on going. No matter what comes my way."

Ethan was touched by his father's words. He wondered if someday he would be able to do the same. But one thing is for sure, for now, he would do anything for his family.

He could see a glimmer of tears in his father's eyes. It was faint. So faint, but it could not escape his sight. Seeing this only deepened his admiration.

Aaron looked up at the stars. The night sky sparkled like scattered diamonds. "Ethan," he said after a moment, his voice now softer.

Ethan turned toward him, waiting.

"I know things aren't as simple as you've made them seem," Aaron said, his tone careful, probing but not accusatory. "Am I right?"

Ethan hesitated, caught off guard by his father's insight. He shouldn't have been surprised—Aaron was a man of experience with a sharp mind that had weathered life's challenges.

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"Yeah," Ethan admitted eventually, his voice low. "But you don't need to worry, Dad. I stumbled upon an opportunity that's… hard to explain."

He paused, then added with a wry smile, "And no, it's not gambling or loan sharks, before you ask."

Aaron chuckled, the sound warm and reassuring. "I wasn't worried about that. I trust you, Ethan. Always have."

He paused, his gaze steady as he continued. "But whatever this secret of yours is, if it's too big, don't keep it all to yourself. Especially from me. You can count on me to help you or, at least, to listen."

Ethan felt a wave of strong emotion. His body then moved on his own, stepping forward. He gave his father a very tight hug and said, "Dad... Thank you. Thank you for everything."

Aaron patted his back gently. "No, son. Thank you."

They pulled apart after a moment, the cool night air brushing against their faces. Aaron smiled, his usual humor returning. "You know, it's getting windy out here. Not great for old bones like mine."

He then added, "Besides, what kind of body and strength you've there. My bones felt like it was slowly being crushed."

Ethan laughed. "What old bones? You're still young, Dad. Besides, didn't you just say you've got years of productivity left?"

Aaron grinned, rubbing his nose sheepishly. "Well, your great-great-grandfather was a renowned warrior, or so the family legend goes. Maybe I've got some of that in me."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Wait, a warrior? Are you serious, or is this one of your stories?"

Aaron laughed. "Honestly, that was what was being told to me."

He then added, "It was one of my favorite tales from my grandpa when I was a kid. Something about battles and honor of warriors with superpowers. But I never asked enough questions, and now it's too late."

Ethan chuckled. "That's a pity. It'd be pretty cool to have a famous and superhuman warrior as an ancestor."

They laughed together, lifting the weight of the moment. After a few more shared memories, Aaron finally headed inside, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts.

Ethan took a moment before following and gently closed the door behind him. He paused momentarily, leaning against it, soaking in the sounds of his family getting comfortable in their new, lavish home.

The cheerful chatter of his siblings echoed faintly from their rooms, like the happy notes of a song carried by the breeze. From the living room, his parents' quiet voices blended with the soft hum of their new life.

The house, vast and grand, seemed alive with warmth; its every corner embraced the family with a sense of belonging. Everything felt… right.

Ethan leaned against the window, his gaze drifting over the sprawling estate.

For the first time in years, he allowed himself a moment of calm. "I feel more at peace now," he murmured, the words surprising even himself.

But peace, Ethan knew, didn't come by chance. It came with preparation.

He had already arranged for Charles to oversee their security—bodyguards stationed discreetly around the property, chauffeurs who doubled as protectors, and a meticulous system of safeguards that left no room for error.

The perimeter of their home was as secure as a fortress, and Ethan felt a quiet satisfaction as he spotted the vigilant figures patrolling outside.

"Looks like Charles has outdone himself," Ethan muttered, his tone tinged with amusement.

Of course, efficiency came with a price. Charles had bundled the arrangements with investments, insurance plans, and more financial tools from Novan Bank.

With his limitless resources, Ethan hadn't batted an eye, agreeing to every suggestion for his family's benefit. It would take time to explain everything to them. For now, though, it was enough that they were safe and provided for.

The weight of past worries lingered at the edges of Ethan's mind, a ghost of the sleepless nights he had endured. How often had he lain awake, staring at the cracked ceiling of their old home, wondering if his parents could bear another day or if his siblings would ever have the chances they deserved?

Those days were behind them now. Here they were, in a home that could only have existed in their dreams. The quiet hum of security—the guards at their gates, the safety of their walls—was a comfort he hadn't realized he craved.

For the first time, his family could live without the shadow of uncertainty.

Yet relief carried its own weight, one that settled heavily on Ethan's shoulders. With the system's help, he had grasped this new life, but he understood it wasn't a gift without strings.

Every opportunity came with a challenge, every advantage with a test. The missions had pulled him out of his comfort zone, forcing him to grow in ways he'd never imagined.

'I used to keep to myself,' Ethan thought, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Now, he found himself navigating impossible situations, meeting strangers, handling conflicts, and even a life-or-death situation that demanded courage he hadn't known he possessed.

The missions didn't just test him—they transformed him.

He thought of the attributes the system had enhanced—Strength, Speed, Endurance—all practical tools for battles he hadn't fully faced yet except against the two thugs.

Was it preparing him for something far greater?

Corrupt leaders, underground syndicates, mafias?

The possibilities loomed, each one a daunting puzzle.

His mind flickered back to the thugs, Mark and Zidan, whose defeat had been more than a physical triumph.

He was certain they were part of something larger. "That's going to be a headache," Ethan muttered, shaking his head.

The soft sounds of his family's voices floated up to him, grounding him. For now, this was enough. He turned from the window and climbed the stairs to his bedroom.

However, the familiar chime of a system notification echoed in his mind, breaking the stillness.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, Ethan's heart quickened with anticipation. As he opened the Missions Panel, a small smile tugged at his lips.

=====

Missions Panel

[Mission Complete: Improve Your Status]

Objective: Use the resources the system provides to improve your life and the lives of those around you.

Reward:

1. 1,500 EXP

2. 10 Ascension Points

=====

Ethan chuckled softly. "That's one mission done. I'm ready for whatever you throw at me next, system."