The system halted time and chimed in:"Host, Benson has hit you really hard. If this were a normal person, he would have died instantly. But due to your reinforced skin and muscles, the damage has been reduced by 1000 times. The system appreciates the host's taunting techniques."
Options:
Heal and strengthen body Return damage back to punisher
I already felt the injury had healed instantly due to auto-heal (low tier), so option 1 was unnecessary.
I chose:"2. Return damage back to punisher."
The system responded:"Host, the system recommends saving the whip damage and unleashing it later. This will help you avoid your parents' scrutiny."
Since the system's earlier suggestions were effective, I agreed.
System Update:"Host, note: all further whip damage will be stored and can be returned to the punisher at a later stage."
Time resumed.
The whip lashes began falling one after another due to the adrenaline effect. Benson delivered 35 consecutive strikes, each filled with immense might and precision. Yet, none of them truly harmed me.
My clothes were torn apart, and blood still dripped from previous injuries—which were now completely healed.
Looking at me, if not for the vitality on my face, it would have been impossible to tell that I was injured.
System voice chimed in, " Host, now that's a fruitful session."
I replied, "Agreed, this Benson is really my workhorse. I will make sure to work him to death."
After the torture session, I acted as if I fainted (Academy Award performance, obviously). Finally, Benson felt relieved, but suddenly felt horrified if he had actually killed me (talk about an emotional rollercoaster).
If I died, not only he but his family would be dead. He knows, the Madame actually dotes immensely on this son; it's just that she is extremely strict and follows Sir's order .
Benson checked me from head to toe. I was alive, with sufficient vitality, though he noted a few injuries. He removed my restraints, placed me on a nearby chair, and made a call.
Within five minutes, doctors and nurses arrived. They took samples and placed me on a stretcher. I realized I was being taken back to my room, which was now filled with medical equipment.
They laid me on the bed and connected an IV.
Suddenly, I sensed someone approaching.My mother? Why is she here? She hates me the most.
Elena entered. The moment she saw me, her expression broke."I must be the worst mother…"
Her phone rang. It was my father. The room cleared as she answered on speaker.
Richard:"Elena, did you arrange doctors and staff for Charles?"
Elena:"Yes. He's been beaten badly… I just got my child back, and now this…"
Richard:"He needs discipline. He is an Owen. We will compensate him later. He will inherit the family."
There was a pause.
Richard:"Reduce his allowance. From $100,000 to $500 a month."
Rage surged within me.One day, I will return this a thousandfold. I will make this dog family live on 500$ a year, and that too, they will need to fight with dogs to get.
Elena:"Are you insane? He'll become a laughing stock in the elite school."
So they did care about appearances.That meant one thing—
I needed money.
And they were still cutting it.
System chimed in, " Boss, pretend to wake up and appear to be hurt. I am acting skills so that you can look convincing. Ask her to give you money since you need to keep up appearances in class."
Ting: Mid-tier acting skills awarded message chimed in
I started coughing. My mother—mid-40s, dressed in a sharp business suit—looked at me. Her expression shifted quickly from concern to cold indifference.
Elena:"So, you are awake."
I clutched my chest. "Ahh… it hurts… water…"In truth, I felt no pain—only the effects of my recovery.
She handed me water, then said, "Don't act pitiful. You're grown up.""If you steal, be ready for the consequences."
I said nothing. I already knew I had been framed—fake witnesses, fabricated evidence. My reputation had collapsed from the beginning.
"Mrs. Owen… I feel pain all over…"Tears came naturally.
Inside, there was only hatred.I will return everything a thousandfold.
For a brief moment, I saw concern in her eyes—but it disappeared.
"Your card has been seized. You'll receive $500—"
I lowered my head and sobbed.
She paused. "…$5000 per month. Don't waste it."
She turned and left.
The moment she was gone, I stopped acting.The result was clear.
My balance updated: $5023.
So she could still be influenced.But nothing had changed.
I still hated her.
Still, $5000 a month was not a small amount.
"Congratulations, Host, for stabilizing your financial status."
"System has detected that you have been framed. Your social reputation has declined rapidly. You have three options:"
Improve social skills and charisma to become difficult to frame Receive financial compensation Socially expose the schemer
I immediately chose the third.
"Noted."
I waited.
Five minutes later, the system responded again:
"Option 3 cannot be processed due to a critical issue."
Frustration rose, but the alternative was clear.With enough money, I could leave this family.
I chose the second option.
"Noted. $300,000 has been deposited into the Host's account.""Breakdown: $100,000 for framing, $100,000 penalty for damages, $100,000 compensation for unavailable option."
" What, $300,000, I never thought compensation would be this good" I replied silently.
System, "Host keep up the good work there will be plenty of rewards in future".
I checked my balance: $305,023.
For the first time in both lives, I held such an amount.A quiet sense of satisfaction settled in.
That night, I slept well—with a healed body and a secured future.