Chapter Two: The System's First Gift
1197 Words
The next morning, Jake woke to sunlight streaming through his hospital window and the System's voice in his head.
*"Rise and shine, host. Time to start your transformation. How are you feeling?"*
Jake took stock of his body. The pain was still there—his ribs ached with every breath, his hand throbbed in its cast—but it was manageable. More importantly, his mind felt clearer than it had in years.
"As I got hit by a truck," Jake muttered. "But better than yesterday."
*"Good. The healing process has already begun. I've optimized your body's recovery systems. You'll heal twice as fast as normal. But that's just the beginning."*
A blue screen appeared in Jake's vision:
**[HOST STATUS]**
**Name: Jake Rivera**
**Age: 26**
**Level: 1**
**Current Status: Pathetic (But improving)**
**STATS:**
**Strength: 3/100 (Below average)**
**Intelligence: 7/100 (Average)**
**Charisma: 2/100 (Severely lacking)**
**Business Acumen: 1/100 (Nonexistent)**
**Combat: 4/100 (Untrained)**
**Mission Points (MP): 0**
**Money: $847.23**
Jake stared at the screen. "Those stats are depressing."
*"They're accurate. You've spent three years as a doormat, Jake. What did you expect? But here's the beautiful part—those numbers can change. Complete missions, earn MP, upgrade your stats. In time, you'll be unstoppable."*
"And the missions? What kind of missions are we talking about?"
*"Depends on your level. Right now, you're starting small. Survive, recover, build a foundation. Later? We'll aim higher. Much higher."*
The door to Jake's room opened. A police officer entered, middle-aged with tired eyes. Behind him was a younger officer taking notes.
"Mr. Rivera? I'm Detective Morrison. Mind if we ask you a few questions about yesterday's incident?"
Jake's stomach tightened. "Sure."
Detective Morrison pulled up a chair. "The 911 call came from a burner phone. Whoever called didn't stick around. The parking lot had no cameras. We found blood—yours—and signs of a struggle, but no other evidence. So I'll ask you directly: who did this to you?"
Jake met the detective's eyes. He could tell them. He could say Brandon Cole and his three goons. But then what? Brandon had money, lawyers, and connections. Jake had nothing. They'd never make it stick, and Jake would just paint an even bigger target on his back.
*"Careful, host. This is your first real decision. Think strategically."*
"I don't know," Jake said finally. "It happened too fast. Three guys, maybe four. I didn't get a good look."
Detective Morrison's expression didn't change, but disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Mr. Rivera, if someone targeted you specifically—"
"I don't know who attacked me," Jake repeated. "I wish I could help more."
The detective sighed and stood. "If you remember anything, call me." He left his card on the bedside table. "And Mr. Rivera? Men who do this kind of thing usually don't stop at once. Watch your back."
After the police left, Jake stared at the business card.
*"Smart choice. Reporting Brandon now would accomplish nothing except making him more careful. We'll deal with him later, when we have real power. For now, focus on your mission."*
"Seven days to recover and get back to the Harrison house," Jake said. "What happens after that?"
*"That depends on you. But I suggest you start preparing mentally. Going back to that house, facing those people again—it won't be easy. Especially not with your new... outlook."*
Jake touched his bandaged face. "You mean I'm not going to smile and take their abuse anymore."
*"Exactly. The System enhances you, Jake. But it doesn't change your fundamental nature. You were always capable of fighting back. You just needed a reason to. Now you have one."*
---
Over the next three days, Jake focused on healing. The doctors were amazed at his progress. His ribs, which should have taken weeks to heal, showed significant improvement. His concussion symptoms disappeared. Even his broken hand seemed to be knitting faster than normal.
"Whatever you're doing, keep it up," his doctor said on day four. "I've never seen anyone bounce back this quickly. You must have good genes."
*"Or a good System,"* the voice said smugly.
Jake spent the time thinking. Planning. Three years of abuse had taught him one thing: the Harrison family respected only two things—money and power. He had neither. Yet.
On the fifth day, as Jake was doing physical therapy for his hand, his phone rang. An unknown number. He almost didn't answer, but something made him pick up.
"Hello?"
"Jake." Lisa's voice. She sounded... uncertain. "I heard you were in the hospital. Are you okay?"
Jake's jaw tightened. Five days. It had taken her five days to call. And even now, she sounded like she was fulfilling an obligation rather than genuine concern.
"I'm fine," Jake said, his voice flat.
Silence on the other end. Then: "What happened? Margaret said you and Brandon went for a drive, and then you disappeared. Brandon said you asked him to drop you off downtown and he hasn't seen you since."
Of course. Brandon had covered his tracks perfectly.
"I had an accident," Jake said. "Wrong place, wrong time."
"Oh." Another pause. "When are you coming back?"
"Why? Miss having someone to order around?"
The words came out harsher than Jake intended, but he didn't regret them. Lisa was quiet for a long moment.
"That's not fair," she said finally. "I know things aren't... ideal between us. But I never—"
"Never what, Lisa? Never joined in when your family mocked me? You just sat there and let it happen. That's not much better."
"I..." She seemed at a loss for words. "You're right. I'm sorry. But Jake, when are you coming back? Aunt Margaret is talking about declaring you abandoned your contract. If you don't return soon—"
"I'll be back tomorrow," Jake said. "Tell Margaret I'll be there for dinner."
He hung up before Lisa could respond.
*"Ooh, someone's developing a spine. I like it."*
"She's not the enemy," Jake said. "She's just... weak."
*"She's complicit. There's a difference. But I suppose we'll see if she can be saved. Now, let me show you something interesting."*
A new screen appeared:
**[MISSION UPDATE: SURVIVE AND RECOVER]**
**Progress: 85%**
**Days Remaining: 2**
**Projected Completion: SUCCESS**
**REWARD PREVIEW:**
**$10,000 (Will be deposited in an untraceable account)**
**Basic System Features Unlocked:**
**- System Store (Limited)**
**- Daily Missions**
**- Stat Point Allocation**
*"Once this mission completes, the real work begins. You'll be able to purchase basic skills, accept daily missions for additional MP, and start upgrading those pathetic stats. But Jake? Be ready. Going back to that house with a System and an attitude? Things are going to get... interesting."*
Jake looked at his reflection in the hospital room's bathroom mirror. The bruises were fading faster than they should. His eyes looked different—harder, more focused. He barely recognized himself.
Good.
He was done being the old Jake Rivera. The doormat. The punching bag. The worthless son-in-law.
Tomorrow, he'd walk back into the Harrison household. But he wouldn't be walking back as the same man who left.
*"That's the spirit, host. Now get some rest. You're going to need all your strength for what comes next."*
- Writer
