Chapter 3 003
Jared Knox stood on the bustling sidewalk outside the restaurant, the cool evening breeze brushing against his newly acquired high-quality suit. For the first time in years, he didn’t feel like a worthless nobody. He felt potential.
He opened his status panel while walking toward a quieter street.
\[Name: Jared Knox\]
\[Level: 1 (35/100)\]
\[Skills: Medical Expertise (Intermediate), Charisma Boost (Beginner)\]
\[Balance: $1,600,000\]
\[Emblem Coins: 15\]
\[Inventory: High-Quality Suit Set, Silver Necklace\]
The numbers still felt unreal. Just twenty-four hours ago he had nothing. Now he had a mission that demanded two million dollars in real estate within forty-eight hours.
“System, is there any way to generate money faster?” Jared asked silently.
\[Affirmative. Completing missions is the fastest method. Side activities such as investments, gambling, or business ventures can also be supported once certain functions unlock.\]
Jared nodded. Gambling sounded tempting but risky. He didn’t want to lose his current money through stupidity. The safest and most direct path was real estate.
He took out his phone and began searching for luxury properties. Within minutes, he found several listings in Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, and Downtown LA penthouses. Prices ranged from $1.8M to $4M+. Most required proof of funds and immediate viewings.
“Alright,” he muttered. “Time to become a homeowner.”
He called the first number on a listing for a modern 3-bedroom penthouse in Downtown Los Angeles priced at $2.35 million. The realtor answered quickly.
“Yes, Mr. Knox. I can arrange a private viewing in thirty minutes if you’re serious.”
“I’m serious,” Jared replied calmly. “I’ll be there.”
The building was sleek and impressive — all glass and steel with a prestigious address. The realtor, a sharply dressed woman in her mid-thirties named Vanessa Hale, met him in the lobby. At first, she gave him a polite but slightly skeptical smile. His youthful face and sudden appearance made her cautious.
“Mr. Knox, pleasure to meet you,” she said, extending her hand. “Shall we go up?”
As they rode the private elevator, Vanessa gave her standard pitch about the building’s amenities — 24-hour concierge, rooftop pool, gym, and exceptional security.
The moment the doors opened into the penthouse, Jared was impressed. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the glittering Los Angeles skyline. The interior was modern minimalist with high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, and a spacious master bedroom.
“It’s nice,” Jared said, walking slowly through the living area. “I’ll take it.”
Vanessa blinked. “Excuse me? You haven’t even asked about the price or negotiated yet.”
“$2.35 million, correct?” Jared pulled out his phone and showed her the bank balance screenshot. “I can pay in full today if the paperwork can be processed quickly.”
Vanessa’s professional mask cracked. Her eyes widened noticeably. Most clients at this price range took days or weeks to decide. This young man wanted to close immediately?
“I… I’ll need to verify funds and contact the seller,” she said, trying to regain composure. “But yes, it’s possible to fast-track this.”
While Vanessa made calls, Jared explored the master bedroom. He stood by the window, looking out at the city that had treated him so cruelly before.
“System, is this property acceptable for the mission?”
\[Scanning… Property meets requirements. Purchasing this residence will complete the Main Mission: Establish Your First Foothold.\]
A small smile appeared on Jared’s face.
Vanessa returned after fifteen minutes, looking both excited and slightly nervous. “The seller has agreed to proceed. We can start the paperwork right now. However, there is one small issue…”
“What is it?”
“The seller is actually connected to Rothwell Properties. Mr. Damien Rothwell has a stake in this building. He sometimes… prefers certain buyers.”
Jared’s expression darkened. Of course Damien’s shadow would appear here too.
At that exact moment, his phone rang. An unknown number. He answered.
“Hello?”
“Jared Knox?” A familiar arrogant voice came through. “It’s Damien Rothwell. I just received word that a certain low-life is trying to buy property in my building. Funny how the world works.”
Jared’s grip tightened on the phone. “What do you want?”
Damien laughed. “Stay in your lane, waiter. I don’t know how you got that money — probably stole it or won the lottery — but people like you don’t belong here. I’ll make sure this deal falls through. Consider it payback for ruining my night at the gala.”
The call ended.
Vanessa looked uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Mr. Knox. It seems there’s been a complication…”
Jared took a deep breath and activated his Charisma Boost (Beginner)skill. His presence suddenly felt more commanding, his voice smoother and more persuasive.
“Vanessa,” he said calmly, looking directly into her eyes. “This is a straightforward cash purchase. The seller wants money. I have money. Damien Rothwell doesn’t own this building — he only has a stake. Tell the seller I’ll pay $2.45 million if we close within the next two hours. Cash. No financing. No delays.”
Vanessa swallowed. The combination of the increased offer and Jared’s newfound aura of confidence affected her. She nodded quickly. “Let me make some calls.”
Thirty minutes later, the seller — after realizing the premium Jared was offering — agreed to override Damien’s interference. The paperwork was signed electronically, and the system confirmed the transfer.
\[Main Mission: Establish Your First Foothold — COMPLETED!\]
\[Rewards:\]
\[+1 Level\]
\[+New Skill Slot Unlocked\]
\+ $2,000,000
\+ Random High-Grade Item
\+ Reputation +200 (Los Angeles Elite Circle)
Jared felt a warm surge of energy as he leveled up to Level 2. New information about the system flooded his mind.
He opened the Random High-Grade Item reward.
\[Congratulations! You have received: Limited Edition Black Card (Unlimited Access Privilege) + Property Management Skill (Intermediate)\]
The black card materialized in his inventory — a sleek matte card with no visible bank name. According to the description, it granted VIP access to many high-end establishments and services across the country.
Jared laughed softly. Things were accelerating faster than he expected.
As he left the building — now the official owner of a $2.35 million penthouse — his phone buzzed again. This time it was Isabella.
He answered coldly.
“Jared? What the hell is going on? Damien just told me you’re trying to buy property in his building. Have you lost your mind?”
Jared’s voice was calm but icy. “Lost my mind? No. I just woke up. Tell your new boyfriend I’m coming for everything he owns. Starting with his pride.”
He hung up before she could respond.
\[RING! New Side Mission Issued\]
\[Mission: Publicly Humiliate Damien Rothwell\]
Objective: Make Damien lose face in front of at least 50 members of the elite within the next 30 days.
Reward: Level +2, Major Skill Upgrade, $5,000,000, Title: “Rising Dragon”
Jared stared at the new mission with burning eyes.
The old Jared would have been afraid. The new Jared felt only anticipation.
He looked up at his new penthouse building one last time before getting into a luxury ride he had ordered.
“System,” he said quietly. “Show me all available information on Damien Rothwell and Isabella Voss. I want everything — businesses, weaknesses, dirty secrets.”
\[Understood. Analysis commencing.\]
As the car drove smoothly through the glowing streets of Los Angeles,
Jared Knox leaned back in his seat, a dangerous smile playing on his lips.
His revenge had officially begun.
And this was only the beginning.