A bead of sweat travelled across the Boss's face. This woman was the type that was peculiar about first impressions. David from Skaling Bank had indeed called a few hours before about an incoming guest, something about a big shot persona with a few hundred million to throw away.Same old, same old. He then replied by telling David to forward the finer details to Vanessa(The Secretary), but he had never gotten around to checking on her about it. And she was yet to debrief him about any of it. It wasn't looking good, but still, the situation could be managed--"My sincere apologies Ma'am. I won't make any excuses. It has been quite the longest day, and I was just about to discuss with matter with my secretary. We have had quite the backlog." That last statement was a little funny considering the waiting room was empty besides four of them."But like I said, there is no excuse. Please accept our apologies. I'll take full responsibility." reiterated the Boss."And how will you do that?"
"The Card?" repeated the Boss."The Card." affirmed Benjamin. Then, as if recognition was only just entering his eyes: "Ah, yes. Of course, that card! Yes. Naturally. Let's go into my office, and we can discuss how you want it delivered-"Benjamin didn't budge an inch. That response was neither a yes nor a no. "Maybe you're having trouble understanding" started Benjamin "but I need a yes or a no on the black card."Something about that last statement made the boss wince a little, and he approached Benjamin again. Looking around his very empty waiting room again, he whispered:"I understand perfectly Mr.Black, but I wonder if David had accurately painted the clandestineness of the Star Alliance group to you and your companion here. If he didn't, he should have at least outlined the benefits that come with being a member of such a group. Now, think about an organization that can provide such services, is it wise for us to casually discuss them like a passing subject in such an open area?
Benjamin was a little unsatisfied with the answer. Lavender didn't elaborate on the last part. Was Star Alliance truly capable of everything that David had promised? He heard a small ping, like a smartphone notification message.The blue text flashed again, this time with a graphic of an empty bar. The left end of the bar was labelled Level 1, and the other end was labelled Level 2. "BOW DOWN TO ME" was typesetted clearly on top. Then as mall hatching began to creep up the bar, up to a quarter.Another text flashed 25EXP received. It seemed like this was exactly like a video game. More and more uses of the skill meant levelling up. And no doubt, with each increase in level, it would get easier to get more uses like this lie detection.In other words, it was a skill that forced you to control others as much as possible, 24/7. "Interesting" Benjamin said out loud. "Of course, he's going to say that" said Amber, ignorant of what had just happened. "I'm asking him if he can prove any of
"Congratulations, Mr Black. You are now CEO, Owner, and the sole board member of IVY CORPORATIONS," said Lavender.Immediately the words left his mouth, Benjamin heard the System's voice this time, and a bigger text box appeared in his vision's screen:"Event Unlocked: Road To Planet Domination. Scenario 1 of 25 Complete: Form your First Company. Overall Progress: 2%+10EXP Distributed to All Skills. You have now become someone to watch in this world. You have unlocked Skill: Foresight. You have unlocked the Feature: Skill Tree""Whoa" blurted Benjamin, unable to help himself. He wanted to get right into everything, but that would've required several hand movements, and they were still cautious about him using the interrogation skill from Bow Down To Me a few minutes ago."It does have a nice soft feel to it" praised Amber as she mumbled the company name over and over. Business was concluded for Benjamin. The curiosity about the new features was burning a literal hole in his eyes as th
“It is a big deal. To me, at least," said Benjamin."Oh, of course. Sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect-" replied Amber."It's alright. I know you didn't. You came with me this far" said Benjamin. Amber blushed a little. He is so direct, she thought."What did you think of Lavender?" he asked."Well, you seem completely taken in by him" Amber scoffed. He chuckled nervously. "Well, it's hard to hate on someone who's trying to pay for their mistakes" he replied."Please, I'm almost 100% sure he got more out of that deal than us. Although I can't prove it." There was a small beat, and then she said: "And you seem satisfied.""What?" asked Benjamin. "You're sure he's going to send that letter? You're still certain of this whole Star Alliance fairytale?" asked Amber.Benjamin was a 100% certain because of the system's skill, but he realized that would be a little bit suspicious for a normal person. He feigned a little tentativeness."Somehow, I believe them. It doesn't sound too logical, bu
It was clear that Amber was the better driver. Unlike the open country from a few hours ago; where Benjamin was cruising at the top speeds, they were on city roads now, and her expertise showed.She looked a the tachometer each time she wanted to shift downwards and match the revs. Braking on and off, taking corners so the rear end doesn't spin out of control, flooring the accelerometer to create a beautiful exhaust sound, Benjamin felt like he was sitting in a Formula One race.He didn't know that the car he had bought was even capable of such a feat. Was that why it was so expensive? She took the next corner and slowed to a crawl while approaching the entrance ramp to MedHill Hospital."Whoo!" she exclaimed. "Wish I could drive this every day.""Hey, don't be getting any weird ideas." played Benjamin."Haha" she chuckled. She came to a stop inside the parking lot.Some nurses at the emergency room entrance poked their heads out, wondering who was driving a Mclaren into a hospital. "W
After slamming his head repeatedly, the system chimed in: "Are you quite alright, Sir?""I only asked for $500 million because it seemed like such an impossible amount at the time. Now, it just falls short. With $10 billion, I could've ended everybody there." lamented Benjamin."Yes, often the many opportunities and needs for wealth seem to approach infinity" pondered the voice."Just to confirm, this money doesn't have any hidden conditions or repercussions, right? I don't have to use it within a limited number of days or something like that?" asked Benjamin."Not at all. The money is completely yours." responded the voice. "Alright. I believe there were some new skills I saw last time" started Benjamin. "Bringing up the skill tree…...." started the system. A wide graphic of an orchard tree with small circles on the top completely covered Benjamin's vision. The ones he recognised, Bow Down To Me and Martial Arts were clearly visible on the top right branches, but going down and towa
"Am I seeing correctly? Benjamin?" yelled someone from the parking lot. Benjamin squinted his eyes to see that it was a young man, and he was fast approaching. Once in full view, Benjamin recognized his friend JMONEY.Of course, JMONEY wasn't his actual name. It was from a rumour that described him accepting money from the son of the dean to do some particularly unspeakable acts.The students of Worchester University were a scurrilous bunch, and some of the tame acts they circulated JMONEY doing was: Becoming a personal errand boy for the son of the Dean, Michael Duboir, becoming a personal errand for the Unversity's football team and being sent to Professors to beg for the increase of grades for Michael's clique.But that was only half the cruelty. Most of the more unsettling but false things that were spread about him involved sexual assault and being a meth addict. As his friend, of course, I knew none of this was true. But it was because of these rumours that the name; "JMONEY" s