Ethan Cole stepped outside into the cool morning, the sky a mix of soft blues and pale yellows.
"It's a good day today," Ethan said, taking a deep breath. Though the air wasn't fresh because he lived in the city's lower parts, it felt good to be outside.
He looked around. Novan City was just starting to wake up; the streets were not yet crowded with the usual rush of people.
Ethan adjusted his backpack and started walking to the bookstore, but his mind was not on the day ahead.
'Unlimited System... I haven't really explored the system yet,' Ethan thought.
His thoughts weren't about work or bills but about something unbelievable he had in his pocket—the system.
It had been less than a day since his life changed completely. A billion dollars. And not just once—a never-ending supply of money.
No matter how much he spent or moved around, his account always returned to that unbelievable amount. His balance never went below $1,000,000,000.
'I wonder how the system keeps the balance without the bank noticing. Or maybe they haven't noticed yet.'
Ethan unlocked his phone, and instead of the usual screen, he saw an interface for something much more incredible.
As he walked, he accessed the System Panel, which appeared in his vision just as clearly as any app on his phone.
"What's happening?"
It was hard to believe. This felt like something out of a fantasy novel he had read. But how was it possible in real life? And why him?
He kept asking himself these questions, but no answers came. The system only offered endless possibilities.
[Account Balance: $1,000,000,000]
No matter what he did, the number stayed the same. Before he left for work, he had already spent over $12,000 on luxurious items and gifts for his family.
But every time he checked, the balance reset, as if the system was refilling his money from some invisible source.
"Where's it coming from?" Ethan wondered out loud, his breath visible in the chilly air. "Is it really just… endless?"
He decided not to question it too much. This was his new reality, and the system had chosen him, for better or worse.
Ethan realized there was no point in worrying about things beyond his control. He needed to figure out the system's capabilities and, more importantly, what it expected from him.
Approaching the bookstore, Ethan began to explore other features available to him, flipping through them like options in a video game.
He was conscious of not wanting to appear odd, especially since the panel was visible in front of him. He thought, 'Maybe there's a way to view it on my phone instead, so it looks more natural?'
Just as he hoped, the panel's display switched to his phone.
=====
[Status Panel]
Name: Ethan Cole
Level: 1
EXP: 500 / 1000
Ascension Points: 0
Wealth: Unlimited
Attributes:
* Strength: 4
* Speed: 5
* Endurance: 4
* Intelligence: 15
* Charisma: 5
Skills: [None Unlocked]
=====
Ethan gazed at the Status Panel, which neatly displayed his physical attributes and the progress needed to level up. He could not help but sigh.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
“I'm that weak…”
Right now, Ethan was just an ordinary guy. His Strength and Endurance were average, merely sufficient for daily tasks.
His Intelligence, slightly above the norm due to years of studying, contrasted sharply with his subpar Charisma.
“No surprise there,” Ethan said, managing a smile.
Charm and sociability had never been his strong suits. Yet, he saw the growth potential.
Interestingly, his experience points (EXP) gradually increased, though Ethan couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason.
Was it from spending money? Completing daily tasks?
Since the system's activation, he hadn’t done anything significant other than spending money and helping his family. Still, his EXP was nonetheless on the rise.
‘I’ll figure this out later.’
Ethan was intrigued by the idea that leveling up might unlock further aspects of the system and was keen to explore the possibilities.
=====
[Missions Panel]
Current Mission: Improve Your Status
Objective: Utilize the system's resources to better your life and those around you.
Reward: 1,000 EXP, 10 Ascension Points
=====
“How do I complete this mission?”
The mission statement was broad, suggesting improvement, from upgrading his living situation to acquiring luxurious items for his family.
This mission had been there from the start, offering a broad scope for action.
Improving his status seemed straightforward, yet it held immense potential. Ethan realized that the system’s aim wasn’t solely about accumulating wealth.
Money was merely a means to an end—a tool to help him and his family escape their longstanding financial struggles.
“I’ll start with clothes and replace a few things first,” Ethan decided aloud.
He planned to gradually update their wardrobe and furniture and improve their diet, among other changes.
Ethan was cautious not to overwhelm his family with a transformation that was too rapid. Still, he recognized the urgency of bettering their circumstances.
Next, Ethan pondered over Ascension Points, which was still a mystery.
How would earning them impact his life? The possibilities seemed endless as he navigated to the next panel.
=====
[Shop Panel]
Available Items:
* Basic Strength Potion (1 Ascension Point)
* Speed Booster (1 Ascension Point)
* Charisma Upgrade (1 Ascension Point)
* Intelligence Upgrade (1 Ascension Point)
* [Locked Items – Level Up Required]
=====
Ethan was amazed by the Shop Panel.
“This is just like a game…”
The array of potions, upgrades, and boosts available for a few Ascension Points suggested the system offered him a chance to transform himself in various ways.
It seemed almost too good to be true. However, access to the shop depended on earning Ascension Points through completing missions.
“Ascension Points, EXP… It’s all connected,” Ethan mused as he walked towards the bookstore.
He began to grasp how the system intended to propel him forward. It wasn’t merely about financial gain or living comfortably.
The system was designed to enhance his life in a more comprehensive manner.
=====
[Notifications Panel]
* The system has replenished your funds.
* New Mission Unlocked: Expand Your Network
=====
“Expand your network?” Ethan paused, intrigued by the new mission notification.
He clicked into it.
=====
[New Mission: Expand Your Network]
Objective: Forge meaningful connections with influential individuals. Establish a network to boost your status.
Number of connections (0/2)
Reward: 2,000 EXP, 10 Ascension Points
=====
Ethan felt his pulse quicken. This mission marked a departure from the self-improvement tasks thus far.
The system was now urging him to build relationships with others, hinting at a broader scheme he hadn’t yet grasped.
“Influential individuals…” he pondered, considering his current acquaintances.
His family, friends, and even his bookstore boss didn’t fit the bill of being influential.
This new challenge to network seemed daunting but promised to unlock doors to realms beyond his current existence.
‘Who does the system consider influential?’ Ethan had much to contemplate but chose to take it one step at a time.
As he approached the bookstore, his mind buzzed with thoughts of the system.
He was beginning to grasp the magnitude of what he’d been given, but one thing was clear: his life was no longer solely his to control.
It was in the hands of the system now.
And the system was just getting started.