[SYSTEM STATUS — UPDATED RECORD]
Name: Edward Hale
Age: 22
Attributes:
Strength (STR): 6
Agility (AGI): 5
Endurance (END): 4
Intelligence (INT): 5
Charisma (CHA): 5
Luck (LUK): 4
Titles:
Adaptive Presence — Enhances emotional control and persuasive aura.
Assets:
Bank Balance: $478,240 (after personal spending and $100 tip)
Property: Skyview Villa, Crescent Hill — Value: $12.4M
Vehicle: Defender 110 OCTA — Value: $450K
System Mission:The Foundation of Influence
Objective: Every empire starts with a voice. Begin establishing your presence in the social world.
Description: True influence begins with attention. Make your entrance into the social sphere as loud as possible — create a public identity that draws curiosity, envy, and respect.
Mission Funds: $5,000,000 (auto-deposited)
Special Condition: Every dollar spent toward your social rise will return as experience and influence value.
Rewards:
2 Luxury Sports Cars (choice unlocked upon mission completion)
1 Mysterious Valuable Ally (identity hidden until triggered)
Edward sat up slowly, blinking once. "Social media?"
He gave a half-laugh, rubbing his face. "So the system wants me to become… what, an influencer?"
Edward sighed, leaning back. "I'm basically making myself an easy target doing this."
He hated the idea — showing off, pretending to be someone he wasn't. That was everything he used to despise. But still… the reward wasn't just wealth or fame — it was that mysterious ally. Whoever it was, the system clearly considered them valuable.
As much as Edward wanted to avoid the spotlight, he knew he couldn't hide forever. Sooner or later, he'd be thrown into the world. Better to walk in prepared than be dragged in blind.
"Maybe it's not so bad to flaunt a little," he muttered. "Let them envy while they admire."
He lay back, eyes half-closed as the blue afterglow of the System shimmered above him."Sugar," he said quietly, "remind me to enjoy this while it lasts. Feels like things are about to get… interesting."
Edward smiled faintly, sinking deeper into the mattress. "Guess the quiet part of my life just ended."
The lights dimmed automatically as he drifted to sleep.
And somewhere deep within the city — between glowing towers, restless crowds, and countless bright screens — the world prepared to meet a new name.
Edward Hale — a ghost of the past, now becoming a face everyone would die to know.
The Next Morning
Morning light seeped through the glass walls, painting soft streaks of gold across the marble floor. Edward woke slowly, the faint hum of Skyview Villa's systems greeting him like a whisper.
"Morning already, huh? Well, let's hope the plan I built last night actually works."
He sat up, stretched, and spent a few minutes just enjoying the warmth of the sun before grabbing his phone from the nightstand. There was only one person he could call for help.
The phone rang for a few seconds before Marcus's familiar voice exploded through the speaker.
"ED, YOU TRAITOR! How dare you leave me behind with just a text saying you're moving to Crescent Hill!"
Edward instantly regretted calling. "Marcus… take a breath, man. My ears are bleeding."
Marcus kept ranting for another solid two minutes before finally stopping for air. "So, you really own that place now? Skyview Villa, huh? Look at you, you damn movie protagonist."
Edward chuckled softly. "Yeah, it happened suddenly. And yes, I did message you. One day isn't a betrayal, Marcus."
"Still!" Marcus said, half laughing now. "You just vanish like Batman and reappear as a millionaire. Unreal."
"Anyway," Edward said, steering the conversation, "are you free this afternoon? I could use your help."
Marcus's tone softened. "Ah, sorry bro. I've got to take my mom to her hospital appointment today."
Edward nodded, even though Marcus couldn't see him. He respected that. Marcus's mom had raised him alone, working herself to exhaustion. Marcus had dropped out of college to support her, training for the UFC in hopes of making a name — and a living.
"It's fine," Edward said. "You've got your priorities straight. Just know — when you need me, I'll be there."
Marcus chuckled. "I know, brother. So what do you need help with, anyway? You're not the type to ask."
Edward hesitated for a second, then replied, "I'm starting a social profile. You have a few followers who actually watch your strange streams, so I was hoping you could help me boost my entrance."
"Agh, don't call them 'strange streams'! I'm showing people how to go Super Saiyan! Seriously, you're so uncultured. Anyway, you're finally starting a social media account? Good. People will go nuts watching your ridiculous spending. I can totally help you blow up. I know this Noona at the gym—big on TikTok and Instagram. She owes me a favor, so I'll get her to guide you."
Edward sighed, slightly nervous. "I'm not exactly good with strangers, but if it helps… fine."
Marcus laughed. "Look at you, Mr. Social Media Star. Don't worry, she's chill. I'll send her your number — expect a call soon."
"Alright," Edward said. "We'll talk later."
After the call ended, Edward took a long shower, changed into a clean polo shirt and dark trousers, then made himself breakfast — just toast and coffee. The AI played soft jazz in the background while sunlight filled the kitchen.
His phone buzzed. Unknown number.
Edward lifted the phone lazily, still chewing on a piece of toast. "Hello, this is Edward."
A smooth, confident voice came through the speaker — a woman's, light but edged with playfulness."So you're the mysterious friend Marcus was bragging about."
Edward blinked. "Bragging?"
"Yeah," she laughed. "Said you suddenly became some kind of rich guy overnight and need a 'social media makeover.' His words, not mine."
Edward sighed softly, half-smiling. "That idiot really talks too much."
"Well, idiots make the world fun," she said casually. "Anyway, I'm Lina, but most people online call me Noona. I manage small creator profiles and handle collaborations. Marcus said you wanted to make an entrance — something loud, right?"
He leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of coffee. "Something like that. The goal isn't popularity. I just want people to know my name… and remember it."
"Oh, mysterious type too. I see why Marcus was excited. So, here's the deal—if you want to make noise, we need a visual brand. You have the look; we just need to craft why people will pay attention."
Edward, unused to such easy, sharp conversation, paused before agreeing: "Alright. Tell me what you need."
"I'll come by and see your setup. You live in Crescent Hill?"
"Yeah. Skyview Villa."
A faint, incredulous laugh came over the line. "You're joking."
"I don't joke much."
"…Right. Okay, now I'm definitely coming over. Atmosphere matters."
"Fine. I'll send you the location."
"Perfect. Don't worry, I'm not the type to fangirl. But I am the type to make people go viral." The line clicked off.
Edward put the phone down, the corners of his mouth twitching. "She's got confidence, I'll give her that."
Edward walked to the glass walls, looking down at the city. "Guess this is how it starts," he murmured. "A stranger, a camera, and a story to sell."
Edward smiled faintly. "Yeah… that too."