The crisp night air buzzed with energy as Jason and Sophia strolled down the marble-floored mall, past storefronts glowing under golden lights. Luxury brands lined the halls—Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rolex. Names that, just yesterday, Jason had never dared to step into.
But now?
Now he was meant to be here.
His heart pounded as he reread the mission on his phone.
New Mission: Spend $2,000 on a woman in a single day.
Reward: 10x return.
Sophia, still holding the designer bag from Opulence, smirked at him. "Alright, mystery man. What's next?"
Jason stuffed his hands into his pockets, pretending to think.
In reality, his mind was moving a mile a minute.
$2,000.
If I complete this, I'll get back $20,000.
That wasn't just money—that was momentum.
His fingers tightened around his phone.
He wasn't just playing along anymore.
He was playing to win.
"Wanna check out some jewelry?" he asked casually.
Sophia's smirk widened. "You're really leaning into this, huh?"
Jason shrugged. "Might as well go all in."
She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Alright, Reed. Impress me."
He would.
The First Major Bet
The glass doors of Prestige Jewelers slid open, and they stepped into a world of polished mahogany, gold-trimmed showcases, and the faint scent of wealth.
A well-dressed salesman, a man in his late forties with silver-rimmed glasses, approached with a warm yet calculated smile.
"Good evening, sir, ma'am. Looking for something special tonight?"
Jason nodded, glancing at Sophia. "Something elegant. A gift."
The salesman's smile deepened. "Ah, I see. A man of fine taste."
He led them to a display of diamond necklaces.
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Jason… you sure about this?"
Jason smirked. "You don't like diamonds?"
"I love diamonds," she said. "I just don't love guys who spend this much money on me for no reason."
Jason tilted his head. "Who said it's for no reason?"
The salesman coughed politely. "This piece here is quite exquisite." He pointed to a delicate platinum chain with a teardrop diamond pendant. "Hand-cut, flawless clarity. $1,600."
Perfect.
Jason tapped the glass. "We'll take it."
Sophia's eyes widened. "Wait—just like that?"
Jason handed over his card, heart thumping.
The machine beeped.
Transaction Approved.
His phone buzzed.
Total Spent: $2,170. Mission Complete!
$20,000 has been deposited to your account.
Jason exhaled slowly, checking his balance.
New Balance: $32,307.45.
A tingle ran up his spine.
This was real.
He wasn't dreaming.
This system wasn't just rewarding him—it was catapulting him into a new world.
He turned back to Sophia, who was still staring at him in disbelief.
"You're insane," she muttered, but there was something else in her voice now.
Curiosity. Interest.
Jason just smiled.
"Let's get out of here."
The Beginning of Power
The ride back to Sophia's apartment was filled with a comfortable silence.
Jason could feel her glancing at him every few seconds.
Finally, as they pulled up to her building, she spoke.
"Okay, I give up. What's your deal?"
Jason raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Sophia crossed her arms. "Guys don't just wake up one day and start throwing thousands of dollars around. Either you're a secret trust fund kid, or…"
She trailed off, searching his face for an answer.
Jason chuckled. "Or what?"
Sophia sighed. "I don't know. But I'm gonna find out."
She leaned in, brushing a soft kiss against his cheek.
"Good night, Reed."
Then, without another word, she slipped out of the car and disappeared into her building.
Jason watched her go, fingers tapping against the steering wheel.
He'd expected the system to change his bank account.
But it was starting to change him too.
And he was just getting started.
The First Challenge
Back in his apartment, Jason dropped onto his bed, eyes locked on his phone.
$32,307.
It was a ridiculous number for someone who, 24 hours ago, was worried about making rent.
But he needed more.
He opened the system.
A new notification appeared.
System Announcement: A New Player Has Entered the Game.
Jason's brow furrowed.
What the hell did that mean?
Another notification popped up.
Incoming Call: Unknown Number.
His stomach clenched.
Jason hesitated, then answered.
A deep, amused voice spoke on the other end.
"Jason Reed. You've been making quite a splash."
Jason sat up straight. "Who is this?"
A chuckle.
"Let's just say… you're not the only one playing the game."
The line clicked dead.
Jason stared at his phone, heart pounding.
Someone else knew.
And that meant the game was about to get a whole lot more dangerous.