The Wealth Ascension System

Chapter 3

The penthouse was everything Nate had never allowed himself to dream about. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Sterling Heights, offering a view of the entire city sprawled beneath him like a kingdom waiting to be conquered. Marble floors, designer furniture, a kitBarners that looked like it belonged in a five-star restaurant—and it was all his.

Nate stood in the master bathroom, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The face looking back at him was both familiar and strange. Same dark eyes, same strong jaw, but there was something different now. Confidence, maybe. Or maybe it was just the knowledge that he wasn't powerless anymore.

He'd showered three times, scrubbing away the blood and filth of the alley until his skin was red. Then he'd gone shopping—really shopping, not the kind where you count every dollar. Designer suits, casual clothes, and shoes that cost more than his old monthly rent. The sales associates had fallen over themselves helping him once he'd flashed his new black card.

Now, dressed in a charcoal grey suit that fit him perfectly, Nate looked like he belonged in this penthouse. Looked like someone important.

His phone buzzed. A message from Sarah Julie.

Staff meeting tomorrow at 9 AM. Also, you're already making waves. The Sterling Heights Gazette wants an interview about the "mysterious buyer" who purchased Premier Realty.

Nate smiled and typed back: No interviews yet. Let them wonder.

He opened the System interface, the blue screen appearing in his thought.

[CURRENT STATUS]

[User: Nate Worte]

[Health: 100%]

[Happiness: 45%]

[Wealth: $50,000,000]

[Available Points: 10]

[Active Mission: Become a Major Real Estate Player (25% Complete)]

Forty-five percent happiness. Nate supposed that made sense. The money was nice, the penthouse was incredible, but there was still a hole in his chest where trust used to be. Valerie's betrayal sat like a stone in his stomach.

His phone rang. Unknown number.

"Hello?"

"Is this Nate Worte?" A male voice, professional and crisp.

"Speaking."

"My name is James Barners, I'm a senior account manager at Sterling Private Bank. We've noticed some significant transactions on your account, and we'd like to invite you to become a platinum member. The benefits include—"

"Not interested," Nate said.

"Sir, I really think you should hear about—"

"I said no. Thank you." Nate hung up.

The System pulsed.

[TIP: Building relationships with financial institutions can be beneficial for future missions. However, maintaining your privacy is also valuable. Choose wisely.]

Nate frowned. The System was right—he'd need banking connections eventually. But not yet. First, he needed to establish himself on his own terms.

Another message, this one from a number he didn't recognise but somehow knew.

Nate, it's Valerie. Can we talk? Please?

Nate stared at the message for a long moment. Part of him wanted to block her number and never think about her again. Another part—the part that remembered two years of laughter and promises wanted to know what she could have to say.

He didn't respond. Instead, he opened his laptop and started researching.

Dylan Garrison. Heir to the Garrison Group, a conglomerate with interests in shipping, real estate, and manufacturing. Net worth estimated at eight hundred million dollars. Known for his Playboy lifestyle and aggressive business tactics. Recently photographed at a charity gala with Governor Richards.

Nate dug deeper. The Garrison Group was powerful, but not untouchable. They'd had some bad press lately—a shipping accident that killed two workers, allegations of labour violations at their manufacturing plants. Nothing that stuck, of course. Rich people rarely faced consequences.

But Nate wasn't interested in legal consequences. He wanted something more personal.

He spent hours researching, making notes, and building a picture of Dylan's life and business. By the time midnight rolled around, Nate had a plan forming.

Ding!

[NEW MISSION AVAILABLE]

[Take Down a Corrupt Businessman]

[Difficulty: High]

[Reward: 100 Points (100 Million Dollars)]

[Warning: This mission involves significant risk. Failure may result in point penalties and other consequences.]

[Accept? YES / NO]

Nate hesitated. A hundred million dollars was tempting, but the warning gave him pause. What kind of risks was the System talking about?

[CLARIFICATION: Taking down Dylan Garrison will require strategic planning, resource investment, and potential personal exposure. He is well-connected and ruthless. However, the System has determined he represents a significant negative force in Sterling Heights. Removing his influence would qualify as a major good deed.]

Nate's finger hovered over the 'Yes' button. Dylan had beaten him, humiliated him, and stolen the woman he loved. The old Nate would have walked away, accepted his lot in life.

But Nate wasn't that person anymore.

He selected 'Yes.'

[MISSION ACCEPTED]

[Mission Briefing: Dylan Garrison has built his empire through exploitation, corruption, and cruelty. To complete this mission, you must:

1. Damage his business reputation

2. Expose his wrongdoings to the public

3. Remove him from his position of power

Time Limit: 90 Days]

[Failure Penalties: -50 Points, Public Humiliation Risk]

Ninety days. Three months to take down a man worth eight hundred million dollars. It seemed impossible.

Then again, twenty-four hours ago, Nate had been dying in an alley. Impossible didn't mean much anymore.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Nate checked the security camera—a young woman in a delivery uniform holding a large package.

"Delivery for Nate Worte," she said when he opened the door.

Nate hadn't ordered anything. "From who?"

"There's no sender listed. But it's already been screened by building security. Sign here, please."

Nate signed and took the package inside. It was surprisingly light. He opened it carefully and found a single item inside: a tablet computer.

The screen flickered to life as soon as he touched it, displaying a message:

Mr. Worte, congratulations on your recent success. I've been watching your rise with great interest. If you're serious about taking on the Garrison family, you're going to need allies. Meet me at the Riverside Café tomorrow at noon. Come alone. - A Friend

Nate's instincts screamed trap. But his curiosity was stronger.

He checked the System.

[ANALYSIS: Message sender has encrypted their identity thoroughly. No immediate threat detected. However, caution is advised.]

That settled it. Nate would go to the meeting, but he'd be careful. He'd come too far to get taken down by some mysterious stranger with a tablet.

His phone buzzed again. Valerie.

Nate, please. I know you're reading these. I made a mistake. Can we at least talk?

This time, Nate responded: There's nothing to talk about. Lose this number.

He blocked her immediately after sending it.

Ding!

[EMOTIONAL CLOSURE ACHIEVED]

[Small Happiness Increase: 45% → 52%]

Nate felt the truth of it. Cutting Valerie off completely had lifted a weight he didn't know he was carrying. Whatever they'd had was dead. Time to move forward.

He spent the rest of the night planning, researching, and preparing. By the time dawn broke over Sterling Heights, Nate had the beginnings of a strategy.

At 8:30 AM, dressed in a navy suit, Nate arrived at Premier Realty's headquarters. The reception area went quiet as he walked in. Whispers followed him.

"That's him..."

"He doesn't look like a vagrant now..."

"Bought the whole company in cash..."

: Gave Second Chance to Deserving Person]

[Reward: 10 Points (10 Million Dollars)]

[Current Balance: $50,000,000 + 10 Points in Reserve]

Nate smiled. This System was going to change everything.

But first, he needed a shower and some new clothes. Then he had some people to see.

Starting with Dylan Garrison and Valerie Duncan.