The God's Game System

Chapter 6

Leo stepped out of the warehouse into the cool night air. The rain had stopped, leaving damp pavement that reflected the dim streetlights along the harbor road.

He opened the floating system menu.

"I have five hundred points," Leo said aloud, keeping his voice quiet.

"Spend them wisely this time," the Sovereign replied. "Buy physical strength. Buy speed. Build a real foundation."

Leo scrolled past the martial arts techniques and selected the currency exchange option. He tapped the button three times, spending three hundred points to convert them directly into five hundred thousand dollars.

"Are you serious?" the Sovereign shouted inside his head. The voice vibrated with pure disbelief. "You spent another three hundred points on mortal money? What is wrong with you humans? What is this bizarre obsession with paper?"

"Money buys access," Leo explained calmly. "It buys leverage and opens doors that fists cannot break down. I still have two hundred points left in reserve."

"You are exhausting," the Sovereign grumbled. "Listen to me, boy. You cannot wander around hoarding paper forever. The high realm viewers want entertainment. I am going to assign you tasks to keep the stream numbers high. Not every moment is a duel to the death."

"What is the first task?" Leo asked.

"You will know when I have it planned," the Sovereign said. "Keep on your toes."

Leo looked down at his soaked jacket and stained jeans. He needed a shower, a warm bed, and a place to rest his head for the night. Going back to Elena's house to collect his clothes could wait until tomorrow.

He walked six blocks toward the financial district until the bright lights of the Grand Palace Hotel lit up the street. It was the most exclusive hotel in the city, frequented by international businessmen and wealthy socialites.

Leo pushed through the revolving glass doors and stepped into the grand lobby. Polished marble floors stretched toward a high front desk under large crystal chandeliers.

He walked up to the counter.

A female clerk in a sharp navy blazer stood behind the desk, typing on a computer. She looked up as his footsteps approached. Her eyes swept over his wet hair, his mud-stained jacket, and his worn shoes. Her lip curled into an instant expression of disgust.

"Can I help you?" she asked. Her tone held zero warmth, dripping with obvious condescension.

"I need a room for the night," Leo said. "The best suite you have available."

The clerk let out a loud, mocking laugh. She rested her elbows on the marble counter and leaned forward, staring at him as if he were dirt on the floor.

"A suite?" she asked sneeringly. "Sir, this is a five-star establishment. The city shelter is six blocks down the road. You are clearly lost."

"I am not lost," Leo said calmly. "I am asking for a room. I can pay."

"With what?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. "With spare change you begged for on the street corner? Look at yourself. You look like you crawled out of a storm drain. Your dirty shoes are dripping muddy water onto our hand-woven carpet."

"I have a bank card," Leo said.

"I do not care if you have a piece of plastic," the clerk barked, her voice rising so other guests in the lobby turned to look. "I am not registering a room for a homeless vagrant. You are scaring our actual clientele. If you do not turn around and walk out those doors right now, I am pressing the alarm under this counter and letting security toss you into the alley."

"I am a paying customer," Leo stated, his face remaining completely blank thanks to his passive skill.

"You are an eyesore," she spat back, her eyes flashing with malice. "You think you can wander in off the street looking like trash and demand a luxury suite? You do not belong in a place like this. People like you sleep under bridges. Get out before I have the guards drag you out by your collar."

Two heavy security guards standing near the entrance took three steps forward, their hands resting on their belts as they glared at Leo.

The clerk smirked, tapping her long nails against the marble surface. "Last chance, beggar. Walk out on your own feet, or leave in handcuffs."

Inside Leo's skull, a deep growl began to rumble.

The temperature in the mental space dropped instantly.

"Who does this pathetic mortal think she is talking to?" the Sovereign roared, his voice shaking with violent fury. "She is addressing my chosen vessel! She is speaking to the avatar of the Sovereign of the Absolute as if you are dirt beneath her feet!"

Crimson system text burst into glowing light right between Leo and the clerk's face.

[Emergency Mission Issued: Establish Absolute Authority]

[Target: Hotel Receptionist]

[Objective: Put this woman in her place and make her grovel at your feet.]

[Mission Reward: 300 System Points + VIP Standing]

[Failure Penalty: Immediate Revocation of your remaining 200 System Points.]

"I have your first task ready, Leo," the Sovereign snarled, his rage pulsing through the interface. "First task: put this bitch in her place and make her grovel bad!"

Leo looked at the clerk's smug, arrogant face, and then at the glowing red text floating in the air.

Slowly, a calm smile spread across Leo's face.