Players. These are special individuals chosen to wield the power of the system. They can learn and use super powers called skills through the system. They fight otherworldly threats and gain EXP each time they do so. In the process, they can enhance their attributes and skills. But this threat is more problematic than people suddenly gaining power.

Gates have sprung up all over the Earth that connect to various parts of the universe. Monsters, giants, magical beasts, and many other things have appeared. But no one knows why they appeared. Humanity's firepower somehow worked, though. It is due to the power of these Players that the Earth has not been destroyed. Through this Gate, humanity also met other intelligent civilizations. Some are hostile, born to conquer, others friendly. We met one such friendly and advanced civilization. Since then humanity's technology improved by leaps and bounds, and armies were no longer defeated by the power of individuals.

Earth struggled at first, but finally gained a foothold after years of hardship since the Gates appeared, and during this time, the advanced technology of the allied civilizations has allowed them to colonize Mars, and they plan to expand.

"I want to be like them…" Adrian mumbled as he lay in bed.

Above him floated a screen displaying news. This was one of the technologies of that allied civilization. In it, he spotted names he recognized immediately. Brian and Damian Zeilstra. Brothers who he couldn't hope to compete with. The news had reported that their group, along with the military, had successfully defended an Indian city from an S-rank gate.

These two brothers are also S-ranked. They are the pride of Singapore. The three of them are the children of the president of the Singapore branch of the Players' Association. Their father has been in this position since before they were born and has tremendous connections and influence.

Even though he is not a player, he was no pushover and is not disliked by anyone, he is a good businessman and his parents and siblings are on good terms with him. You could even say that he is quite rich. But being rich is one thing. He is endlessly jealous that his brothers are always in the spotlight while he is just a man who stays in office. His heart aches. He gets out of bed and goes to the floor-to-ceiling glass window to look out at the starry night. "I wish I could be awakened too." He sighed.

Even if someone wasn't born a player. Not all hope is lost. There is still a chance for awakening, since the system retains one tenth of humanity as players. In other words, even if you were not born a player, the System randomly selects from all the people in the world to make sure that one tenth of the population stay as players.

A few years ago, when his brothers were still ranked B, he was optimistic that one day he might be selected. But many years have passed since then. He was now pessimistic.

Suddenly, he felt something soft nestled between his legs. He looked down and smiled. Beneath him was a brown dog. "Hey, Choco. Come here." He walked out of the room and the dog followed him. The dog was very large and looked a little scary for others, but to him it was his best friend. They have been together for almost seven years now. He knelt down to pet him, and the dog wiggled its tail in satisfaction.

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"Hungry? Wait for me, I'll get you some food." He left the dog and went to the kitchen to prepare the meal. A few moments later, he finished preparing. He picked up the bowl with the dog food in it and placed it in front of the dog. "Here you go. Here's what you like."

The dog began to eat and he continued to think as he sat in the chair next to the glass window. He heard an incoming call and knew it was his secretary calling. A woman's voice spoke, "Sir, sorry for the delay of the report and files, but here they are" The files were then sent to his device.

"Whatever, don't mind it. Is there anything else?"

"It's the shareholders meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 9:00 AM. Other than that. Everything else are unimportant."

"Okay, I'll be there. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up. Thanks for reminding me." Throughout the call. His tone was calm, despite the reports and necessary files being brought in late. He simply didn't care. There's no need to get needlessly angry over such things, and if he has the energy to get angry over such things, there's nothing positive to be gained. Right now, he is feeling depressed. He just wanted to be left alone.

This time he heard a "ding" and looked indifferently at the floating screen. There was nothing on the screen. "I wonder where that ring came from."

He heard another, followed by a typing sound.

He suddenly straighten his posture. "Eh, I wonder where is it." He looked at his screen carefully. He is here alone. How could something like that be here. No one uses a keyboard at this age anymore except for ASMR or nostalgia. "Who in the world..." He hastily looked at his right side and his eyes widened. He was speechless. "Finally...?" Those were the only words he could utter.

_________________________

[System initialization complete]

[Detecting...]

[Name: Adrian Zeilstra]]

[Race: Human (Surface Human)]

[Main Job: Jack of All Trades]

[Level: 1 (0% EXP)]

[Attributes.

Health: 4,950

Stamina: 450

Resources (Mana): 240

Strength (STR): 30

Dexterity: (DEX): 40

Vitality (VIT): 110

Intelligence (INT): 134

Supernatural (SPN): 20

Charisma (CHA): 300

Luck (LCK): 200]

[Skills: N/A (Please buy skills from the Shop!)].

[Talents: Keen intelligence, Business aptitude, Negotiator].

Remarks Due to your endless jealousy of other players. The Central has considered giving you a chance. Use this power wisely!]

[Shop is now open. You can now purchase temporary skills and power-ups in the store for a special currency. Shop Points].

[Shop Points: A special currency used to purchase items in the store. They can only be obtained through currency exchange.]

[Detecting currency in use, $50 = 1 point.]

[The Exchange Center is now unlocked.]

[Exchange Center: Exchange any object for Shop Points. Note: You can only exchange objects you own.]

"Amazing." That was the only word he could say after reading the whole thing.