Liam sat on the edge of his bed, his knuckles still sore from the fight earlier. His breathing was steady, but his mind was racing.
He had just taken down his first real threat.
The System had already granted him superior intelligence, business acumen, and now enhanced combat skills. But something inside him still wanted more.
"If I can fight like this... what else can I do?"
His eyes narrowed, and he spoke aloud:
"System, will I be granted the power to fly?"
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, the System's mechanical yet strangely sentient voice answered.
> System: "No. That is not a part of a human's natural evolutionary path."
Liam blinked. Not part of human evolution?
> System: "However, if you upgraded me to Level 10, it may be possible. But with your current growth path, the maximum level I can reach is Level 5."
Liam gasped in astonishment. Upgrade the System?
"Wait, I can upgrade you? How?"
The System's interface shifted, revealing a new section that had never been there before.
> System Upgrades:
Level 1 (Current) - Basic Enhancements (Combat, Intelligence, Financial Growth, Physical Strength)
Level 2 - Advanced Cognitive & Combat Enhancements (Prediction Capabilities, Tactical Awareness, Enhanced Reflexes)
Level 3 - Biological Evolutionary Adaptations (Cellular Regeneration, Increased Lifespan, Hyper-Endurance)
Level 4 - Neural Interface & Energy Manipulation (Mind Over Matter, Sensory Expansion, Bioelectric Field Awareness)
Level 5 - ??? (Locked Until Further Development)
Liam's jaw tightened.
There's more to this System than I thought.
---
The Cost of Power
Liam's mind spun as he stared at the System Upgrade requirements.
To level up the System, he needed:
1. EXP Points - Earned through business deals, combat victories, and intellectual growth.
2. System Cores - Rare data fragments hidden in high-risk locations.
3. Direct Influence Expansion - He had to leave a mark on the world.
The last one caught his attention.
"Direct influence? What the hell does that mean?"
The System responded immediately.
> System: "Your name must carry weight. You must shape industries, rewrite rules, or dominate your chosen domain."
Liam leaned forward, his mind processing at lightning speed.
"So if I want to upgrade the System... I have to become a power in this world?"
A slow smirk crept onto his face.
"Fine. I was going to do that anyway."
But before he could strategize his next step—
His phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
Liam's instincts flared.
He answered.
"Carter." A deep gravelly voice came through the line. "You're making a lot of noise in my city."
Liam's heartbeat slowed, but his mind sharpened.
This was the man behind the attack.
"And who are you?" Liam asked, his voice cool.
A chuckle.
"Doesn't matter. What matters is that you're stepping on business that doesn't belong to you. The last guy I sent was just a warning."
Liam's muscles tensed.
"I don't do warnings," Liam said flatly.
The man on the other end paused, clearly not expecting that response.
Then, a slow, amused exhale.
"I like you, kid. You got balls. So here's the deal—stay out of high-value flips in this city, and we don't have to meet in person. Keep pushing? You're gonna find out how fast money stops being your biggest problem."
Liam grinned.
"Threats? Now we're talking."
"I'll tell you what," Liam said, leaning back. "How about we do meet in person? So I can see exactly what kind of guy gets scared by a 'rookie' like me."
The line went silent.
Then—
The man laughed. A dark, unhinged laugh.
"Alright, Carter. You asked for it. Let's see how long you last."
Click.
Liam stared at his phone, feeling a mix of adrenaline and hunger.
This wasn't just about money anymore.
This was a war.
And he was ready for it.
---
Leveling Up The Game
Liam opened his System panel, his brain firing through strategies.
If he wanted to upgrade the System, he needed:
More EXP (More victories in business, combat, and personal growth).
System Cores (Which were hidden in dangerous places).
To expand his influence (Make his name a power in the city).
Fine.
He'd win every deal.
He'd crush every enemy.
He'd find these System Cores.
He wasn't just playing the game anymore.
He was breaking it.
A new notification flashed.
> New Feature Unlocked: Power Tracker
Your enemies are starting to take you seriously.
Influence Rank: Rising
Current Status: Targeted
Liam exhaled.
"Good. Let them come."
Because by the time this was over, he wouldn't just survive.
He would rule.
---