The Betrayed Loser's Almighty System

CHAPTER FOUR - FIRST OPPORTUNITY

Ethan stepped out of the cheap motel into the bright morning sun, the warm rays hitting his face. The city was already buzzing with life — cars honking, people rushing to work, street vendors calling out. But for the first time in years, he didn’t feel invisible. He felt… different. Stronger. Like the world was finally paying attention.

The Wealth Sense tugged at him like an invisible thread, pulling his attention toward the downtown business district. It wasn’t just a vague feeling anymore. It felt sharp, almost urgent. Somewhere in that direction, there was an opportunity waiting — something that could help him complete the main mission and start building his empire.

He checked his phone for the time. It was still early, just past 9 AM. Plenty of time before the city got too crowded. He flagged down a taxi and gave the driver the general direction.

As the car moved through the busy streets, Ethan leaned back in the seat and opened the system panel again. He still couldn’t believe how fast things had changed.

【Almighty System】

Host: Ethan Kane

Level: 5 (400/500 EXP)

Strength: 15 Agility: 13 Vitality: 10 Intelligence: 8 Charm: 6

Skills: Basic Combat Mastery (Passive), Wealth Sense (Passive)

Balance: $20,000

He had 100 EXP left before the next level. Every small humiliation or successful slap seemed to push him forward faster than he expected.

The taxi dropped him off near the central business area — tall glass buildings, expensive cars parked along the streets, and well-dressed professionals walking with purpose. Ethan felt a bit out of place in his wrinkled clothes from last night, but he didn’t care. The Wealth Sense was pulling him harder now, guiding him toward a particular building.

It was a modern office tower belonging to Horizon Group — one of the Reed family’s biggest business rivals. Ethan remembered hearing Sophia’s father complain about them many times during family dinners.

He walked into the lobby, trying to look like he belonged. The security guard at the entrance gave him a quick glance but didn’t stop him. The Wealth Sense led him toward a small café on the ground floor of the building.

Inside the café, Ethan ordered a simple coffee and sat at a corner table. He sipped slowly, letting the Wealth Sense do its work. After a few minutes, his eyes landed on two men sitting a few tables away. One was a middle-aged man in a sharp suit, looking stressed. The other was younger, holding a thick folder.

The pull was strongest toward them.

Ethan focused and listened carefully. His enhanced senses from the level-ups made it easier to pick up their conversation.

“…the deal is falling apart,” the older man said quietly. “If we don’t find a quick investor for this project, the Reed family will snatch the land right from under us. We need someone who can move fast with cash.”

The younger man sighed. “We’ve approached everyone. No one wants to take the risk on such short notice.”

Ethan’s heart beat faster. This was it. The opportunity.

He stood up, walked over to their table, and stopped a respectful distance away.

“Excuse me,” he said calmly. “I couldn’t help overhearing. You’re looking for a quick investor for a project?”

Both men looked up, surprised. The older one narrowed his eyes. “Who are you? This is a private conversation.”

Ethan kept his voice steady. “My name is Ethan Kane. I have access to capital and I move fast. Tell me about the project.”

The two men exchanged glances. The older one hesitated, then motioned for Ethan to sit.

“It’s a prime piece of land on the east side,” the man explained. “We have the rights, but we need $80,000 immediately to secure the next phase before the deadline in three days. The Reed family is trying to block us at every turn. If we miss the payment, they’ll take it.”

Ethan felt the Wealth Sense flare up strongly. This was the opportunity.

He leaned forward slightly. “I can provide the $80,000. But I want 40% ownership in the project.”

The younger man almost choked on his coffee. “40%? That’s too much!”

Ethan smiled calmly. “You have three days. No one else is willing to move this fast. Take it or leave it.”

The older man studied Ethan for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Fine. But we need the money today.”

Ethan pulled out his phone and transferred $80,000 to the account they provided. The system immediately reacted.

[Wealth Sense mission partially completed. +300 EXP gained.]

[Level Up! You are now Level 6.]

[You have received 5 Free Attribute Points.]

A new notification appeared.

[Bonus Reward: You have successfully completed your first business transaction using the system. +$10,000 bonus added to your balance.]

Ethan felt another surge of energy. He quickly allocated the points — 3 into Intelligence and 2 into Charm. He needed to look and sound more convincing from now on.

As he stood up to leave, the older man shook his hand. “You’re a strange one, Mr. Kane. But you just saved our project. We’ll send the contract later today.”

Ethan nodded and walked out of the café, feeling a rush of satisfaction. He had just turned $20,000 into real influence in one morning.

But as he stepped onto the street, his phone rang again. It was an unknown number.

He answered.

A cold, arrogant voice came through. “Ethan Kane? This is Marcus Sterling. You think slapping me last night makes you tough? You have no idea who you’re messing with. My family owns this city. Stay away from Sophia and disappear, or I’ll make sure you regret ever being born.”

Ethan stopped walking, a cold smile forming on his lips.

“Marcus,” he said quietly. “You still haven’t learned, have you?”

He hung up.

[You have endured a new threat from primary enemy. +60 EXP gained.]

The system panel updated again.

[New Side Mission Unlocked: Face-Slap Marcus Sterling Publicly]

Reward: Major EXP boost + Random God-tier Skill

Ethan looked up at the tall buildings around him, the city stretching out like a battlefield.

The game had just begun.

And he was finally ready to play.