Ethan walked into his house and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his shirt. His muscles ached pleasantly, the kind of soreness that comes from pushing your limits. He could still hear Maya’s teasing remarks echoing in his mind from earlier at the gym.

“You’re lucky we were there,” she said with a smile as she watched him add more weights to the bar. “If you keep this up, people might think you’re a cyborg.”

Mark, calm and serious, said, “Be subtle, Ethan. Your progress is already unusual. Don’t give anyone a reason to look more closely.”

Ethan had laughed at the time, but now, standing in the cool quiet of his home, he understood their concern. He’d been checking his Status Panel as soon as he left the gym and was pleasantly surprised to find his efforts had paid off.

=====

[Status Panel]

Strength: 89

Speed: 89

Endurance: 89

=====

“One point for each physical attribute... I still need to think about how to improve my Intelligence and Charisma,” Ethan muttered to himself, a small chuckle escaping as he pocketed his phone.

Even if it was not a big change, progress is still progress, and that is what matters most. The ability to improve his attributes through traditional workouts added another tool to his arsenal—and one that didn’t rely entirely on the system.

Still, he knew the public gym wouldn’t cut it for much longer. Mark and Maya were right. The last thing he needed was someone noticing his near-superhuman gains.

“I’ll set up a gym here,” Ethan mused, glancing around the spacious interior of his house.

One of the larger rooms could easily be converted into a private training area. That way, he could work out at his own pace without the risk of prying eyes.

Satisfied with his decision, Ethan moved toward the living room, but he hadn’t even set his bag down before Harold Moore approached him, an apologetic smile on his face.

“Ethan,” Harold began, his tone careful, “I wanted to thank you again for everything you’ve done for my family. Letting us stay here—it’s more than we could ever have asked for.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more. “You don’t have to thank me, Harold. It’s no trouble.”

Harold nodded but seemed a bit hesitant. “We've been here for days, and we don't want to stay too long. I think it's time to find a new place to stay.”

Ethan frowned. “You’re not overstaying anything. You’re welcome here as long as you need.”

Harold shook his head gently. “You’ve already done so much. We’d feel better finding a place of our own.”

Ethan’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to find a text from Jessica. "A minute," Ethan said politely as he checked the message.

It was related to what Harold was currently discussing with him.

Ethan sighed, glancing between the text and Harold.

“If you feel that way, that’s okay,” he said with a smile. “But you can’t leave until I make sure you are properly set up.”

Harold gave him a grateful nod.

“Give me a bit to arrange everything,” Ethan said, already pulling up his contacts.

It didn’t take long to secure accommodations for the Moores. Ethan booked them into one of the most luxurious hotels in Novan City, conveniently located near Nova Tech’s headquarters.

Speaking of which, he had received another of her texts mentioning that she was ready to start at Nova Tech as soon as Ethan gave the word. She’d officially handed in her resignation to the property agency earlier that day.

Ethan smiled. Jessica’s efficiency never failed to impress him.

Before heading upstairs to check on the room he planned to convert into a gym, Ethan sent a quick message to Jordan:

Ethan: [Jordan, I need you to start looking into buying a few houses in Crescent Ridge Estate. Let me know when you find something.]

He didn’t tell Jordan why he needed the houses, but the plan was simple. He wanted the Moores, David, and Jordan all nearby. It wasn’t just about convenience—it was about safety.

Ethan lay on his bed. He could not shake the heavy feeling in his chest. As he rested his hands behind his head and looked at the ceiling, he muttered, "What's next?"

There was too much for him to do after he got the system.

Now, he had all the wealth. He could even buy this world if it had a price tag, but he didn't have the time to do it and actually enjoy it.

Ethan couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. "Well, there's no point in having unlimited money if it didn't come together with time."

“Maybe I need to take a break and enjoy all of this,” he said softly.

The idea was really tempting. He needed just a day to rest and enjoy everything.

He realized that escaping the situation was not easy. The system would not wait for him. The world would keep moving on. He felt stuck and didn’t know how to stop, even if he wanted to.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

His phone buzzed. He grabbed it, half-expecting another task or update. Instead, it was a message from Jordan.

Jordan: [Sending you the details now. Also, when are we catching up? Haven’t seen you in days, boss.]

Ethan smiled faintly, grateful for Jordan’s lightheartedness. It reminded him that even in chaos, there were people who supported him and made things feel easier.

“That sounds good, too,” Ethan muttered.

Ethan: [Let’s meet later. I need some entertainment. Also, bring coffee. I’m running on fumes here.]

***

Later that evening, Ethan found himself walking into the grand lobby of the luxurious hotel he’d arranged for the Moores.

Soft conversations and gentle classical music filled the room. Crystal chandeliers hung above, providing a warm light over the smooth marble floors and comfortable seating areas.

He looked around the room and saw Jessica sitting with Jordan in one of the lounges. Her mother, Julie, sat nearby with the twins, Josh and Joshua, who were excitedly pointing out the chandelier’s glittering reflections on the walls. Harold sat next to Julie, a content smile on his face as he watched his family settle in.

Jessica’s expression was lighter than he’d seen in a long time, her usual worry replaced by something closer to peace.

She gestured animatedly as she spoke, and Jordan was right beside her, laughing softly at something she said.

The sight made Ethan pause for a moment. Jordan was always there for her, always quick with a joke or a reassuring word.

Jessica leaned slightly toward him as they talked, showing their friendly connection. It was clear that they had become closer over the past few days.

Ethan felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest. He told himself it wasn't jealousy. It couldn't be. Jessica deserved to be happy, and Jordan was one of his best friends.

‘If the two of them are together, I should be happy for them,’ he thought firmly, shaking off the feeling before it could take root.

Jordan spotted him then, his face lighting up as he waved. “Hey, Ethan! Took you long enough!”

Jessica turned, her smile widening. “Ethan.”

Ethan crossed the lobby, managing a grin as he approached. “Sorry, got caught up in a few things. How’s the hotel? Everything okay?”

Jessica nodded, her voice warm with gratitude. “It’s perfect, Ethan. The boys love it. Mom’s already talking about the spa, and Grandpa can’t stop staring at the city view. Thank you again for arranging all of this.”

Ethan shrugged, slipping his hands into his pockets. “It’s nothing, really. Just glad you’re all comfortable.”

Harold stood, offering a firm handshake. “Comfortable doesn’t begin to describe it. This is more than we could have ever imagined.”

“Thank you so much, Ethan, for always giving us the best,” Julie said with a beaming smile.

“It's nothing,” Ethan replied, shaking his head.

Jordan leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Saint Ethan strikes again. Seriously, man, you’re making the rest of us look bad.”

Jessica laughed softly, the sound sending another faint ache through Ethan’s chest. He ignored it, turning his attention to the twins as they raced over to him.

“Ethan!” Josh exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. “Did you see the swimming pool? It’s huge!”

“And there’s a game room, too!” Joshua added, practically bouncing on his feet.

Ethan crouched slightly, smiling at them. “That so? Guess I’ll have to check it out later. You two better not beat me at anything, though.”

“We’ll see about that!” the twins said in unison before racing back to their mother, laughing all the way.

As Ethan straightened, he caught Jessica watching him, her smile soft. “You’re good with them,” she said.

“Comes with having siblings,” Ethan replied, his tone light. “You learn how to keep the chaos in check.”

From the shadows near the entrance, Maya observed the scene, her arms crossed and a faint smile on her lips.

She watched Ethan’s fleeting glances toward Jessica and the subtle way he stepped back to let Jordan take the spotlight.

“It’s sad to see you this way, Ethan,” Maya muttered to herself, her voice tinged with playful pity.

Her sharp eyes missed nothing, and the quiet sigh that escaped her carried a mix of amusement and empathy.

Ethan, unaware of Maya’s scrutiny, turned to Jordan. “So, how’s the house hunt going?”

Jordan shrugged, his grin easy. “Got a couple of leads. Sent you the details earlier. You’re gonna love these places—real top-tier stuff.”

“Good,” Ethan replied. “The sooner we get that sorted, the better.”

Jessica tilted her head, curiosity flickering across her face. “House hunt? Are you moving again?”

“Not me,” Ethan said smoothly. “For investment.”

He did not wish to talk about it in detail, so he looked at everyone and said, “If everyone’s ready, let’s go. Dinner’s on me tonight.”

The twins erupted in cheers, jumping up and down. “Yes! Let’s go, Ethan!”

Jessica smiled warmly, shaking her head at their excitement. “You spoil them, you know,” she said.

“They deserve it,” Ethan replied easily, his eyes flickering toward her for a brief moment before glancing at Jordan. “Besides, Jordan’s probably been running on pizza and coffee the last few days. Thought I’d remind him what real food tastes like.”

Jordan laughed, standing and clapping Ethan on the shoulder. “True. But you should try my coffee-pizza combo sometime—it’s life-changing.”

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. “Pass.”

The group began gathering their things, the twins practically pulling their mother toward the door. Harold and Julie followed at a more leisurely pace, chatting quietly about their plans for the week.

Ethan fell into step beside Jordan as they exited the hotel lobby, the cool evening air brushing against them. “By the way, good job sticking with Jessica and her family,” Ethan said, his voice low enough not to carry.

Jordan glanced at him, his grin fading slightly. “It’s nothing, man. They’ve been through a lot. Just trying to help where I can.”

Ethan nodded, appreciating the sincerity in his friend’s voice. “Still, it means a lot. To them and to me.”

Jordan nodded.

Ethan quipped as they made their way to the car, waiting just outside the hotel.

The vehicle was more than capable of fitting everyone—an oversized luxury SUV with plush leather seats and enough room for even the twins to bounce in their places without bothering anyone.

“Wow,” Harold muttered under his breath, running a hand over the armrest as he settled in next to Julie.

“Fancy,” Jordan said with a whistle, glancing at Ethan with mock envy. “Is this your new toy?”

Ethan smirked, sliding into the driver’s seat. “Just something I picked up recently. Now, everyone comfortable?”

The chorus of affirmations was punctuated by the twins’ excited chatter about the car’s built-in screens and surround sound.

Once everyone was strapped in, Ethan glanced at Jessica in the rearview mirror. “You sure everyone’s okay back there?”

Jessica smiled, her expression relaxed. “We’re good.”

Ethan’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel at her smile but quickly pushed the thought aside. “Alright, dinner first. Then we’ll see where the night takes us.”

Josh leaned forward as much as his seatbelt allowed. “Dinner where? Is it fancy?”

Ethan grinned. “Ever heard of the Jerai Royale?”

The twins gasped, their excitement reaching a fever pitch.

“Isn’t that where all the famous people go?” Josh asked, his eyes wide.

“And the food’s supposed to be amazing!” Joshua added, his hands flailing with enthusiasm.

Ethan nodded, enjoying their reactions. “That’s the one.”

Even Harold and Julie exchanged impressed looks. “Ethan, you didn’t have to go to this extent,” Harold said, though his tone was more grateful than reproachful.

Ethan waved it off. “Trust me, it’s nothing. You all deserve it.”

As they pulled out onto the road, the chatter in the car shifted to excited discussions about the Jerai Royale, the twins peppering Jessica with questions about what they should order.

Jordan leaned forward slightly, grinning at Ethan. “You’re really rolling out the red carpet, huh? What’s next, a private jet?”

Ethan smirked. “One thing at a time.”

Another car followed them; it was Yamal and Maya. Ezra and Steve were tasked to guard Ethan's family, who were already waiting at the Jerai Royale Hotel.

Mark asked Ethan if he could leave for the day because he had other matters to attend to. Ethan didn't mind his request, but he had a feeling it was connected to the LaRues.

'I hope everything is alright, Mark,' Ethan thought to himself.