God-Level Tycoon: Rise of the Nobody

Price of Power

The next morning, Ethan was already awake before dawn, sitting on the edge of his bed with the glow of his phone casting a pale light over his face.

[System Notification] Mission Complete:Acquire exclusive real estate for expansion.Reward: \$5,000,000 credited. Bonus Trait:"Keen Insight" — temporarily boosts negotiation and perception abilities by 50% for 24 hours.

He exhaled slowly. “Keen Insight, huh? Let’s put you to the test.”

His phone buzzed again — but it wasn’t the system this time.

“Ethan Cross?” The voice on the other end was sharp, female, and businesslike. “We’ve reviewed your proposal for the Riverfront Plaza acquisition. We want to meet. Today. Ten a.m.”

Ethan smirked. The Riverfront Plaza was one of the most coveted properties in the city — a multi-billion-dollar asset guarded by a network of old-money elites who rarely sold to outsiders. This meeting wasn’t just a business deal; it was an initiation into the city’s most exclusive circle.

He dressed in a tailored navy suit, the kind that screamed power without being flashy. The “Keen Insight” effect was already kicking in — every movement felt sharper, every thought faster. He could anticipate reactions, read micro-expressions, and detect subtle shifts in tone before words were even spoken.

At the meeting, the board members were polite but skeptical. Ethan knew the routine — they were testing him.

One of the men, a silver-haired tycoon named Maxwell Crane, leaned back and said, “Mr. Cross, you’re impressive on paper. But why should we trust someone with… no pedigree?”

Ethan leaned forward, meeting his gaze. “Because pedigree can’t predict the future. But I can build it. I don’t inherit empires; I create them. And once I do, they last longer than family names.”

A ripple of surprise passed around the table. Ethan didn’t miss the way Maxwell’s lips twitched, betraying a hint of approval.

[System Notification] Hidden Mission Activated: Gain Maxwell Crane’s personal endorsement. Reward: “Urban Influence” Passive Trait – Improves reputation growth in elite circles by 40%.

Game on.

The rest of the meeting was a mental chess match. Every compliment was measured, every offer calculated. Ethan played it flawlessly, walking out not only with the Riverfront Plaza deal but also with Maxwell’s handshake — and in this city, that was worth more than gold.

As he left the building, his phone buzzed again. A different number this time.

“Ethan Cross.” The voice was low, almost amused. “You’re making waves, kid. But the higher you rise, the more dangerous the waters get. Don’t forget… the system always collects its debt.”

The line went dead.

Ethan’s fingers tightened around his phone. The streets outside seemed suddenly darker, the air heavier.

[System Notification] Warning: User’s activities have triggered “Stage Two” system protocols. Unknown variables ahead.

Ethan smiled faintly. “Stage Two? Good. Let’s see what you’ve got for me.”

The city skyline glimmered against the night, each tower like a silent predator watching its prey. Ethan stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of his penthouse, hands clasped behind his back. The reflection staring back at him was no longer the broke, humiliated delivery guy—this was a man who commanded attention, whose name was now whispered in boardrooms and back alleys alike.

But the system didn’t let him bask in that glory for long.

[New Mission Unlocked: Win the Unwinnable Deal]Objective: Secure the Harborfront Casino project contract within 48 hours.Reward: “Negotiator’s Gambit” skill. Failure Penalty: Lose 25% of current assets.

Ethan’s jaw tightened. Harborfront Casino wasn’t just a deal—it was the crown jewel of the city’s entertainment empire. Every major business shark had been circling it for months. And “win the unwinnable” meant someone else already had the upper hand.