Rise To Ascension: The Poor Zillionaire

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: New Abilities

ALEX

I stared at the message floating in my vision, my heart racing as I considered the implications.

"Advanced functions?" I whispered to the empty study. "What exactly are we talking about here?"

The system responded immediately:

[System Interface: Advanced Ability Menu]

Available Functions:

- Identity Manipulation: Assume appearance and knowledge of target individuals

- Enhanced Physical Conditioning: Accelerated strength and endurance development

- Information Network Access: Digital infiltration and data acquisition

- Threat Assessment: Real-time danger evaluation and tactical analysis

Warning: Extended use of advanced functions will drain host energy reserves. Physical conditioning recommended to increase capacity.

I nearly dropped the tablet I was still holding. Identity manipulation? The ability to look like someone else entirely? This was far beyond simple mind-reading or enhanced intuition.

"Show me how identity manipulation works," I said aloud, feeling slightly ridiculous talking to thin air.

The system's response came as both text and images that seemed to project directly into my mind:

[Identity Manipulation Protocol]

Process: System scans available targets through digital footprint analysis. Host selects target identity. Physical transformation occurs over 3-5 minutes. Host gains access to target's mannerisms, speech patterns, and general knowledge base. Duration: 2-4 hours depending on host's physical condition.

Limitations: Cannot replicate specialized skills or deep personal memories. Requires photograph or video reference of target. Energy drain is significant—recommend maximum 1-2 uses per day until physical conditioning improves.

An image flashed in my mind showing a split-screen view: on one side, my current appearance, and on the other, a completely different person with different facial features, hair color, and build. The transformation looked seamless and absolutely convincing.

"This is insane," I muttered, running my hand through my hair. "And apparently, I need to get in shape to use it properly."

[Correct. Host's current physical condition limits advanced function usage. Recommend immediate implementation of conditioning protocol.]

Suddenly, a workout routine appeared in my mind—not just exercises, but a complete regimen designed specifically for my body type and current condition. Push-ups, pull-ups, cardio, weight training, flexibility work. It was comprehensive and looked exhausting.

I understood the necessity. If these abilities were going to drain my energy, I needed to build up my reserves. And more importantly, if I was going to survive in a world where everyone around me apparently wanted me dead, I needed to be physically prepared for anything.

The sound of footsteps in the corridor interrupted my thoughts. I quickly composed myself as Jensen appeared in the doorway.

"Young Master, I hope you had a productive conversation with Mr. Whitmore."

I studied Jensen's face, trying to read his expression. The system had warned me that his information about Damien was misleading, but Gerald had provided video evidence that painted Damien in a very different light than my mysterious savior from the car accident.

"Very informative," I replied carefully. "Though I'm still processing everything."

Jensen nodded as if he expected this response. "These revelations can be overwhelming. Perhaps some physical activity would help clear your mind? The estate has a fully equipped gymnasium."

Perfect timing. "That sounds like exactly what I need."

Jensen led me through more corridors to a wing of the mansion I hadn't seen yet. The gymnasium was impressive—professional-grade equipment, mirrors lining the walls, and everything needed for a complete workout. It looked like it could rival any high-end fitness club.

"I'll have workout attire sent to your room," Jensen said. "Dr. Harper mentioned that light exercise would actually help with your recovery, as long as you don't overexert yourself."

After Jensen left, I changed into the athletic clothes that had been provided and began following the conditioning protocol the system had given me. The routine was challenging but somehow felt natural, as if my body remembered movements I'd never learned.

As I worked through the exercises, I found my thoughts returning to Damien and the video Gerald had shown me. The intimate way he'd held Lily, the familiar comfort of their interaction—it painted a picture that made my stomach turn. But something about it still felt wrong, incomplete.

The system's insistence that Damien wasn't a threat continued to nag at me. Why would it contradict the evidence I'd seen with my own eyes? Unless...

"System," I said between sets of push-ups, "can you analyze video footage for authenticity?"

[Affirmative. System can detect digital manipulation, timestamp irregularities, and contextual inconsistencies in recorded media.]

"What about the video Gerald showed me of Damien and Lily?"

[No current access to referenced video file. Would require direct system interface with source material for analysis.]

Interesting. So I couldn't necessarily trust everything Gerald had shown me without verification. That was worth keeping in mind.

After an hour of working out, I was exhausted but felt clearer than I had since waking up in the hospital. The endorphins were helping, but more than that, having a physical outlet for my frustration and confusion was exactly what I needed.

As I toweled off, the system chimed with a new alert:

[Incoming Intelligence: High Priority]

Information began flooding my mind:

Event Detected: Private party hosted by Lily Snow

Date: 3 days from current

Location: Snow family estate

Guest List: Wealthy elites from multiple cities and countries

Purpose: Likely celebration/announcement regarding Snow Innovations merger

Security Level: High-profile, extensive guest screening

This was followed by what looked like a guest list with dozens of names, many of which I recognized as major business leaders, politicians, and celebrities.

"How did you get this information?" I asked, genuinely curious about the system's capabilities.

[System maintains access to multiple digital networks and communication channels. Party invitations were sent via encrypted email to selected recipients. System intercepted and analyzed invitation data.]

The implications were staggering. The system wasn't just giving me enhanced abilities—it was actively gathering intelligence from sources I couldn't even imagine.

Then another message appeared:

[Tactical Opportunity Identified]

Proposal: System can intercept invitation intended for international guest who will not attend. Host can assume guest identity and attend party undetected. This would allow direct observation of Lily Snow, Damien Carter, and other key individuals without risk of recognition.

Recommended target: Marcus Holloway, British investor currently traveling in Asia. Recent social media indicates he will be unreachable for several days due to business commitments. Low probability of discovery.

I stared at the information the system was providing about Marcus Holloway—photos, biographical details, recent business ventures, even his typical speech patterns and mannerisms. The level of detail was incredible.

"You're saying you can make me look like this man and give me enough knowledge about him to fool people who might know him casually?"

[Correct. System can replicate physical appearance and provide surface-level personality integration. Deep personal relationships cannot be convincingly replicated, but casual business acquaintances would not detect deception.]

This was my chance. I could attend Lily's party and see firsthand how she interacted with Damien when they thought no one who mattered was watching. I could observe the Snow family in their element, maybe overhear conversations about their plans.

More importantly, I could figure out once and for all whether Damien Carter was my enemy or if there was something else going on.

"Do it," I said, surprising myself with how quickly I made the decision. "Intercept Holloway's invitation and confirm his attendance."

[Processing request...]

[Email interception complete]

[Response sent confirming Marcus Holloway's attendance]

[Cover story established: Extended business trip prevented timely RSVP]

"That fast?"

[System operates at digital network speed. All electronic communications can be monitored and manipulated as needed.]

"What about the physical transformation? How long will I be able to maintain Holloway's appearance?"

[Current host conditioning allows approximately 2-3 hours of active identity manipulation. This should be sufficient for party attendance. Recommend additional conditioning over next 3 days to increase duration capacity.]

"One more question. Can you monitor Damien Carter's communications? Phone calls, emails, text messages?"

[Negative. Damien Carter utilizes advanced encryption and security protocols that currently exceed system access capabilities. This level of digital security is... unusual for his stated profession.]

That gave me pause.

"What exactly do we know about Damien's background?" I asked.

[Available information is surprisingly limited. Standard background checks reveal basic employment history and financial records, but deeper investigation protocols are blocked by sophisticated privacy barriers.]

"Blocked how?"

[Government-level classification or private intelligence network protection. The type of security typically reserved for individuals with connections to sensitive operations.]

My suspicion about Damien deepened, though I wasn't sure if it was moving in the direction Gerald wanted me to think. Someone with government connections or intelligence background could be protecting me, or they could be part of a more complex conspiracy than I'd imagined.

"Alright," I said to the system, "show me everything you have on Marcus Holloway. I have three days to become him."

[Identity preparation protocol initiated. Recommend reviewing provided materials 2-3 times daily while maintaining physical conditioning routine. Host preparation is critical for mission success.]

As information about Marcus Holloway began downloading into my consciousness—his accent, his favorite topics of conversation, his business philosophy, even his preferred drinks—I realized I was about to step into a world where one mistake could cost me everything.