Ethan was back home in his small apartment, feeling the comfort of the familiar space around him.
On his way, he stopped at Ray's Fried Chicken, a place he hadn’t visited since he was nine.
Now, at twenty, he realized how long it had been since his family enjoyed a meal like that.
'It's been over a decade, 'he thought, carrying the large bags of fried chicken, sides, and drinks into the apartment. 'Time to treat them today.'
Besides, he thought it was a good idea to stop there to check on himself first. He had been in a fight. He could not go home with bruises or bloodied parts.
Luckily, he had none of that on the visible parts of his body.
His younger siblings, Jacob and Lily, had immediately perked up at the sight and smell of the food. Their eyes lit up with joy, and their excitement was infectious.
"Ray's Fried Chicken?" Jacob exclaimed, practically leaping off the couch. "We haven't had this in forever!"
"Not forever," Lily chimed in, her voice brimming with delight. "You know that I've never had the chance to try this. Thank you, Ethan!"
Ethan's mother, Elise, smiled as she tasted the food. "This is so good," she said. She was delighted. "It's been a long time. Really."
His father, Aaron, agreed. His usually serious face softened with joy. "You really didn’t have to do this, Ethan," he said, showing his gratitude. "But thank you. It's great to see everyone happy like this."
Ethan relaxed, feeling warm inside as he watched his family enjoy. They were truly happy, and it gave him a feeling he hadn’t experienced in years.
The laughter, the smiles, and the simple pleasure of fried chicken reminded him what was truly important.
'This is what matters,' he thought. 'But... it’s not enough.'
Their joy was contagious, but it would not last forever. If he wanted to keep seeing them this happy, he knew he needed to do more.
'We need to move,' Ethan decided, his thoughts steady and resolute. 'A better place, a safer place.'
***
The next day, Ethan had spent hours touring luxurious homes with Jessica. Each one was more extravagant than the last, with grand interiors and endless options for customization.
Jessica, as always, was sharp and efficient, pointing out every detail with precision.
In the end, he chose a vast estate in a secure, gated neighborhood. It felt less like a home and more like a fortress, a beautiful and high-profile one.
The neighborhood was complete with guards who moved like soldiers and cutting-edge surveillance systems.
“It’s necessary,” he told himself firmly.
The recent threats from the two people he considered thugs, Zidan and Mark, had made that much clear.
Yet, Ethan couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that these two might only be pawns in a larger, more dangerous game.
Perhaps others were already watching, aware of his growing wealth and influence, waiting for their moment.
“I need to move my family first,” he thought, his jaw tightening with resolve.
The risks were too great to wait. Ethan was afraid that everything might have been too late before he could act.
Still, he worried about how his family would take it. The abrupt change in their lives—this leap from modest living to extravagant wealth—could be overwhelming.
He remembered his own feelings when the money first came: a mix of disbelief and... mighty. He didn’t want them to feel the same way.
The tour finished late in the evening. Jessica dropped him at his modest apartment.
That was when Jessica became curious about what kind of life Ethan was living or... what kind of fortune he had stumbled upon.
However, she knew well that unless Ethan was willing to talk about it, he would not ask anything.
Ethan was now in his small apartment. He glanced down at his hands. His fingers were flexed slowly as if he was reaching for something.
"I wonder if money had changed me?" Ethan murmured. It was a question he didn’t know how to answer—or perhaps one he didn’t want to.
'Thinking about it now... It seems the way I speak, how I think, and how I act has changed," wondered Ethan.
He was afraid that he had changed into someone else.
Ethan already did his best to always be careful and cautious. He did not want himself to be arrogant because he had money now.
However, he could see that he was slowly becoming that way. He spent money without hesitation, made bold decisions, and was crazy enough to face dangers without knowing the limits of his body.
The Unlimited System gave him a sense of invincibility, but at what cost?
'Maybe the old Ethan is gone,' he thought, frowning. 'The one who tried his best to support his family had gone.'
He shook his head, unwilling to entertain the thought. It was impossible for him to return to being that Ethan anymore, not after everything that had happened.
That was when a thought crossed his mind. 'Are there any secret families controlling Novan City?'
His thought came from the few novels he’d read. If it were true, it could be troublesome.
His family's safety would be his highest priority.
With a sigh, Ethan pulled out his phone and checked his Ascension Points.
=====
[Ascension Points: 4]
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
=====
'Four points, huh? I can do something with this,' Ethan thought, though the idea felt oddly like trying to patch a sinking boat with duct tape.
Still, it wasn't like he had better options. If he was going to press on, he'd need to be sharper, stronger, and—most importantly—still standing when trouble came knocking again.
He opened the Shop panel, and the glowing list of upgrades flickered into view like the shelves of an impossibly tidy store.
There were new items now, thanks to his recent level-up—items that seemed to whisper promises of greatness.
Ethan wasn't entirely sure if the system wanted to help him or quietly rob him of his sanity. Still, either way, he couldn't ignore the possibilities.
=====
Available Items:
1. Lower Grade Strength Potion (1 Ascension Point) (5/5)
Permanently increases Strength by +2.
2. Lower Grade Speed Potion (1 Ascension Point) (5/5)
Permanently increases Speed by +2.
3. Lower Grade Endurance Potion (1 Ascension Point) (5/5)
Permanently increases Endurance by +2.
4. Lower Grade Intelligence Potion (1 Ascension Point) (5/5)
Permanently increases Intelligence by +2.
5. Lower Grade Charisma Potion (1 Ascension Point) (5/5)
Permanently increases Charisma by +2.
6. Heightened Senses Serum (2 Ascension Points)
It permanently boosts your ability to perceive and be aware of your surroundings. It also sharpens all five senses, speeds up reaction times, and improves instincts.
Locked Items – Level-up required
=====
Ethan's eyes wandered over the list of items, weighing his options like a boy deciding between sweets at a candy shop—except these wouldn't rot his teeth; they might just save his life.
His gaze settled on the Lower Grade Endurance Potions, which immediately caught his attention.
For just one Ascension Point, it promised to boost his Endurance by +2. That meant no more doubling over in exhaustion after a frantic chase or feeling utterly spent when things got intense.
'Well,' he thought with a wry grin, 'even the system knows I've got the stamina of a soggy piece of toast.'
Scanning the descriptions further, Ethan wondered about the peculiar logic of the naming. Lower grade items, as of now, seem to offer a modest boost of +2.
However, the system limited the purchase to five potions of each type. He began considering which attributes to enhance first.
Still, it was a pretty good upgrade, actually.
'Generous of you, system,' Ethan murmured, almost as if the program itself could hear him. 'I'll take it—thank you.'
But his attention didn't linger long. Another item called out to him with far more intrigue: the Heightened Senses Serum. He leaned forward instinctively as if the words themselves demanded closer scrutiny.
It promised to sharpen his awareness, quicker reaction, and sharper instincts. That would be helpful. More than helpful.
He could detect if anything were basically amiss, like being followed or maybe, just maybe, being ready to be sniped.
Besides, it would be helpful in fights, too.
'Now this,' Ethan thought, a flicker of excitement stirring, 'this is exactly what I need.'
He could almost feel the weight lifting from his shoulders at the thought of having a better edge against whatever dangers lay ahead.
The combination of increased endurance and sharper senses seemed like the perfect pair—strength for the long haul and vigilance to keep him a step ahead.
Without another moment's hesitation, Ethan selected both.
=====
[Lower Grade Endurance Potion Purchased x2.]
[Heightened Senses Serum Purchased.]
=====
However, to his surprise, they appeared in his inventory. Curious, he selected one, and a small vial materialized on his desk.
The potions and serum were sleek, 5 mL vials, each containing liquids of different colors; gray for the Lower Grade Endurance Potions and white for the Heightened Sense Serum.
Ethan stared at the vials, muttering, "Why does it look like medicine? I hate them… but if this is the price of improvement, so be it."
Initially planning to drink them one at a time, his impatience got the better of him. In one impulsive move, he uncorked each vial of the Lower Grade Endurance Potion and gulped them down in quick succession.
The effect was immediate—and overwhelming.
Ethan felt a stirring within him. His body felt hot.
The feeling was so strong it made you want to run across a field, jump over fences, and still have enough energy left to laugh.
His breathing became light and easy, and his heartbeat settled into a steady, calm rhythm.
“Lucky me,” Ethan said quietly to himself. He expected to feel a lot of pain after consuming it, but the sensation was surprisingly mild—uncomfortable, yes, but not unbearable.
“Maybe it wasn’t enough of a change to really hurt,” he thought, trying to understand it.
He took the serum and looked at it for a moment. "Here goes nothing," he said.
The change happened quickly. First, his body changed, then his senses sharpened like cleaning a dusty pair of glasses.
The world around him came into focus, bright and colorful in ways he had never noticed before.
From the kitchen, he heard the soft sound of dishes being stacked, clearer than usual. The refrigerator's hum, which he usually ignored, now felt like a steady drumbeat.
Even the sound of his father flipping through magazines was distinct, with each crinkle having its own texture.
“This is amazing,” Ethan whispered, his eyes wide with wonder.
For the first time, he felt truly connected to everything around him, as if he’d stepped out of darkness into the light.
The serum did not do much to strengthen his body—it revealed a world he hadn’t even known he was missing.
He felt a flow of energy within him, linking him to everything around him.
It was not just about strength or stamina; it was a deeper understanding of his place in the world.
With a glance back at the glowing system interface, Ethan allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
His status had improved again, and this time, it felt like more than just numbers on a screen.
=====
[Status Panel]
Name: Ethan Cole
Level: 2
EXP: 2500 / 3000
Ascension Points: 0
Wealth: Unlimited
Attributes:
Strength: 10
Speed: 10
Endurance: 10
Intelligence: 16
Charisma: 6
Skills:
1. Krav Maga [Basic]
2. Close Quarters Combat [Basic]
3. Tactical Firearms [Basic]
4. Heightened Senses [Paasive]
=====
Ethan smiled, though it wasn't the kind of triumphant smile one gives after winning a race.
It was quieter, more reflective, like the smile of someone who has just discovered they are capable of something they'd never imagined.
He could feel it in his bones—he was changing, growing stronger with every step. Yet, somewhere deep inside, a small voice whispered: The hardest part hasn't come yet.
His phone buzzed on the table, shaking him from his thoughts. It was David.
David: [We've already begun to receive applications.]
Another message quickly followed.
David: [I've reviewed some initial ones, and things look promising. When would you like to start the interviews?]
Ethan read the words slowly, letting their meaning sink in. Nova Tech was no longer an idea; it was becoming a reality.
Soon, it would be staffed with people who could realize his vision—or at least, people skilled enough to help him complete his missions.
Ethan: [Great! Let's schedule the interviews for later this week. I've paid triple to speed up the renovations.]
David: [You really are something, Ethan. Understood. I'll take care of it.]
Ethan leaned back, his fingers still lingering over his phone. Only a few days ago, he had been a college student, living a life so small and ordinary that he could barely remember it now.
He was building something that felt too big for one person to handle. It was thrilling, like standing on the edge of a cliff and peering down. But it was also frightening because he knew there was no turning back.
The phone buzzed again. This time, it was Jessica.
Jessica (Voice Message): Just confirming the final steps for the house. Everything's moving forward smoothly. Let me know if you need anything else!
Ethan (Voice Message): Thanks, Jessica. I'll need to move in as soon as possible.
Jessica (Voice Message): No problem. I just need to settle a few more documents.
Ethan sat quietly for a moment, looking at the glowing screen. The new house, the company, and the upgrades were all coming together.
But with every success came a heavier weight, a sense that the stakes were climbing higher than he could see.
He had power now, wealth, and knowledge. And if novels or movies had taught him anything, it was that these things didn't come without cost.
'The old Ethan wouldn't have been ready for this,' he thought as he stood up, catching sight of his reflection in the window.
His own face stared back, familiar yet changed, like an echo of the person he had been. Stronger, yes, but also harder in ways that unnerved him.
But one thing had stayed the same.
His love for his family and his determination to build something better for them stood firm, unshaken by all the transformations.
'Still,' he thought, turning away, 'I just hope I can remember who I really am.'