All Chapters of From Ashes to Eminence: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9
9 chapters
Chapter 1. Abandoned
Ethan trudged through the dimly lit streets, his worn shoes scraping against the pavement. Another long night as a guard for the wealthy Richardson family had taken its toll. He couldn't wait to get home, collapse onto the couch, and forget the world.As he turned the corner onto his street, the faint cry of his three-month-old daughter, Emily, pierced the night air. Ethan's heart quickened. Something was off. Sarah, his wife, usually kept Emily calm and quiet.He hastened his pace, keys jingling in his pocket. The one-room apartment complex came into view, and Ethan's anxiety grew. He unlocked the door and pushed it open."Sarah?" Ethan called out, but only Emily's wails responded.The small apartment was dimly lit, the single window shaded by a tattered curtain. Ethan's gaze swept the room, taking in the messy space. Sarah's belongings were scattered about, but she was nowhere to be seen.Ethan rushed to Emily's crib, lifting her into his arms. She calmed slightly, nuzzling her head
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Chapter 2. Second Chance
Ethan hailed a cab, carefully securing Emily's car seat before handing her over to the daycare staff at Kids Haven. The registration process had taken longer than expected, but he'd managed to negotiate a partial payment plan. Although he wasn't much of a haggler, but he did try to haggle at the fee he was to pay. In the end, he had to concede to their demand and paid the amount required.He kissed Emily on the cheek and the little girl smiled. Ethan then rushed out of the daycare building, he knew he could not appear late for the interview else he may just lose this opportunity to change his life and that of his daughter. As the cab sped toward Overlord Stocks, Ethan's anxiety grew. This interview could change everything. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself. The cab stopped in front of the sleek, glass-faced Overlord Stocks building. Ethan paid the fare, grabbed his briefcase, and stepped out onto the sidewalk. He still could not believe he was finally going to get an
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Chapter 3. Revival
Ethan's eyelids fluttered open, greeted by darkness. A sheet covered his face, heavy with an unsettling finality. His mind foggy, he lifted the sheet, and a faint hospital scent wafted in. Realization dawned in an instant... Morgue. With a jolt, Ethan sat up, sheet flying off his face. A frightened shriek pierced the air. He spun around, finding a nurse stumbling backward, eyes wide with terror. Ethan reacted on instinct. In one swift motion, he swung his legs over the gurney and scooped up the nurse, cradling her in a princess carry. Her eyes locked onto his, shock and fear mingling. "Y-you're...you're alive," she stammered. Ethan's gaze roved the dimly lit morgue, taking in the rows of cold storage drawers. "How long?" he asked, voice low and rough. The nurse trembled, "Y-you've been here for...for hours. You were pronounced DOA." Ethan's thoughts began to spin as he sought for a solution to what happened to him. He knew he had been involved in an accident and should be
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Chapter 4. Set goal
Ethan sat up straight and decided to probe into this so-called companion. "Eminence, huh? Who or what are you?" Ethan asked. "I am an Artificial Intelligence System, you can think of me as your personal assistant. Needless to say, I am not of this world of yours. I have been sent as your aide by the goddess of nature and life, Her Excellency Gaia, thus I am here to help.» the female voice said with no hint of glee in its voice. "And how will you be able to help me?" Ethan questioned the system. In the past he would have been fretting, but now his mind was as calm as the sea. He had already died once, what's the worse that could happen, not like he's afraid of death anyway. «I can grant the Host sets of skills and monetary rewards should host walk in the path of accomplishing his goal.» the system replied.. "Alright. Since you said you're a system and I'm the host, can you show me my stats?" Ethan knew about this sort of things, not like he'd been a recluse all his childhood
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Chapter 5. A new beginning
Ethan woke up to a bright morning, feeling refreshed. He glanced at Emily, sleeping peacefully. "Today's the day," Ethan whispered, determination in his voice. He bathed, dressing in his best attire – a navy blue suit. Next, he gently bathed Emily, who cooed and giggled. "Time for daycare, baby girl," Ethan said, smiling. He hailed a cab. "Kids Haven daycare, please," Ethan instructed. At the daycare, Ethan kissed Emily goodbye. "I'll pick you up soon, okay?" The cab driver nodded. "Wyrmstone Residence, Eldrador Coast," Ethan said. As they drove, Ethan reviewed his plan. Renting an apartment at Wyrmstone would be the first step. Eminence's guidance echoed. "Chain mission: #1: Get a better apartment." The cab stopped in front of Wyrmstone Residence. Ethan paid the fare. "Thanks," Ethan said. Wyrmstone Residence's grandeur awed Ethan. A sleek, modern design. Manicured lawns. Ethan took a deep breath. Time to secure his new life. Ethan strolled into the lobby, his con
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Chapter 6. Who is he
Ethan and Manager Stevens walked out of Villa C, the warm sunlight casting a glow on the perfectly manicured lawns. "Thank you, Manager Stevens," Ethan said, shaking hands. "This villa exceeds my expectations." Manager Stevens smiled. "Welcome to Wyrmstone Residence, Mr. Wright. Enjoy your new home." Ethan nodded, his mind already racing with plans. Time to tackle the second segment of the chain mission. "Furnish and decorate your new apartment," Eminence's voice echoed in his mind. Ethan headed to the city's upscale furniture district. Ethan strolled through the upscale furniture district, envisioning his dream home. Villa C's empty rooms would soon fill with warmth and character. As he browsed through a luxurious showroom, a familiar voice pierced the air. "Ethan!. Is that you?." Ethan's heart sank. Sarah, his ex-wife, stood before him, her piercing green eyes flashing with malice. "What brings you here?" Ethan asked, feigning calmness. He still couldn't believe she had
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Chapter 7. Reward and Recognition
Ethan watched as the furniture company's team meticulously arranged the luxurious pieces, transforming Villa C into a haven. "Perfect," Ethan said, admiring the result. The team leader beamed. "Thank you, sir! We're glad you're satisfied." Ethan handed him an envelope. "A small token of appreciation. $10,000 for your exceptional service." The team leader's eyes widened. "Thank you, sir! This is generous." As the team departed, Ethan felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. «Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing the second segment of the chain mission.» «Ding! Your outstanding result earns you a bonus: $2,700,000.» Ethan's eyes sparkled. «Ding! Wealth: $3,975,000 Influence: 300 STAT System Update: Chain Mission Progress: 2/5» Eminence's message flashed: «Ding! Congratulations to Host. Your strategic spending and generosity have boosted your influence. Prepare for the next challenge.» Ethan pondered the upcoming mission. Ethan's phone buzzed
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Chapter 8. A pretentious encounter
Jason Omar and Sarah walked into Dr. Lee's office, ignoring Ethan. "Dr. Lee, delightful to see you," Jason said, his smile dripping with insincerity. Sarah nodded in agreement. Sarah smiled sweetly. "We're happy to facilitate the transaction." Dr. Lee's eyes locked onto Jason. "I'm happy you're willing to sell. "Five million dollars is a steep price, even for me, a member of the Omar family." Jason smiled as he spoke. "I'm curious, where did you get the funds?" Jason's eyes sparkled with amusement. Dr. Lee turned to Ethan. "Actually, Mister Omar, it's not me buying the land." Ethan stepped forward. "It's Ethan Wright here who's interested in purchasing the land." Jason's and Sarah's heads snapped towards Ethan. Their expressions changed from amusement to shock. Jason's eyes narrowed. "Ethan Wright?" Jason repeated. He had been trying to pry into Ethan's mysterious backer, but so far all he knows is that Ethan is an abandoned son of the Noah family. He w
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Chapter 9. Loud Mouth and Bounty
The next morning, Ethan dropped Emily off at Kids Haven daycare. "Have a great day, baby girl!" Ethan said, kissing Emily's forehead. At the car dealership, "Luxury Rides," Ethan was greeted by a polished salesman. "Welcome, sir! I'm Ryan. How can I assist you today?" Ethan smiled. "I'm looking for a new car. Show me what you have." Ryan's eyes sparkled. "Right this way, sir." As they toured the showroom, Ryan showcased various models. Ethan remained unimpressed. None of the cars captivated him. Ryan noticed Ethan's discerning taste. "Perhaps something more... exclusive?" Ryan hinted. Ethan's eyes locked onto Ryan. "Show me the exotic cars," Ethan said. "The ones only the truly wealthy can afford." Ryan's gaze swept Ethan's attire. A simple yet elegant watch, quality shoes. Ryan's expression changed. From skepticism to curiosity. "Follow me, sir." Ryan led Ethan to a secluded section. A glass-enclosed showroom for the elite. «Ding! Host's
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