After Thomas left, Arthur sat on his tattered sofa. His heart was still racing, but not from fear—from exhilaration. He focused his gaze into the void, and the blue screen appeared:
[Welcome to the System Shop, Level 1]
[Balance: $500]
The menu flickered before him, filled with skills both mocking and potent. His eyes settled on one in particular:
[Skill: "The Psychopath's Mask" (Novice Level)]
[Description: Grants the Host 100% complete emotional stability for one hour. No external pressure can break you.]
[Cost: $400]
"Buy," Arthur muttered.
[Purchase successful. Current Balance: $100.]
Arthur felt a wave of coldness wash over his mind. All trace of anxiety vanished. He now saw the world as nothing more than a chessboard. He put on his only clean suit and made his way to the headquarters of "Miller Investments."
Miller was standing in the middle of the office floor, screaming at his secretary. When he saw Arthur, a sneer plastered onto his face.
"Oh, look who's back! Have you come to beg for your job, Arthur?" Miller said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Arthur stood before him. Thanks to "The Psychopath's Mask," he remained perfectly still. He looked at Miller, and the "Analytical Vision" data appeared:
[Target: Miller Stevens]
[Weakness: Embezzlement of Company Funds (Hidden file on his personal laptop).]
Arthur smiled, a cold, calm smile. "No, Miller. I've come to tell you that the tax investigators will be arriving in five minutes. Did you manage to delete the file you named 'Personal Expenses' from your laptop?"
Miller's laugh frozen. He took a step back, his face draining of all color.
[New Quest: Psychologically destroy Miller's career.]
[Reward: Level 2.]