Chapter 3

Ethan woke up to find himself in a forest, surprised at how he managed to survive getting shot at point-blank range.

Before he could figure anything out, a blue screen appeared before him.

[Welcome back, Host, your audience awaits, would you like to begin your first stream now?]

Ethan blinked in confusion as he stared at the system interface.

He'd thought it was a dream but to think that he had awakened a system like those protagonists in fantasy novels!

It was too surreal that he laughed out loud like a maniac, excited that life hadn't forsaken him and had instead given him a chance to take back what was stolen from him.

Taking a deep breath, he summoned up his character sheet.

[Name: Ethan Jones // Level= 1 (0/100) // Skill: Nil]

[Inventory: Unavailable // Shop: Unavailable (Unlocked at Level 10)]

[Mission: Open a channel and announce yourself to the world]

[Remaining time left to mission: 5:00]

[Reward: 1000 coins, 50 EXP, Fame +10, One Random Skill]

[Failure to complete the task in the timeframe would result in the Host's death!]

[Good luck!]

Ethan barely even had the time to celebrate awakening a system as the system mission took him by surprise.

Taking a deep breath, he inquired from the system. “How do I open a channel?”

[A channel has already been opened, a channel with an SSS-Grade rating no less]

“What does that mean?”

[That means your channel viewers won't be ordinary humans but actual gods!]

Ethan managed to keep his cool as he thought to himself; gods exist?... Is the supernatural real?... How is this possible?

However, how else could he explain the existence of the system he awakened?

Shaking his head, he refocused his attention as he understood that he had barely 4 minutes to complete the mission.

“Since the channel is already created, that means I just need to announce it's opening, correct?”

[Indeed. Would you like to do so now?]

'What would I like to do so now?... Do I have a choice?’ Ethan barely stopped himself from cursing out the system as he remarked. “Yes, I would like to do so now.”

[Starting the stream now]

Seconds later Ethan felt like numerous gazes were staring at him from somewhere far away.

[Stream has begun, available viewers; 3]

Taking a deep breath, he barely stopped himself from losing his cool.

As a former number one gamer in the country, Ethan was familiar with the world of streaming so channeling that experience, he remarked.

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the greatest channel on Earth!... I am your host, Ethan Jones and my sole purpose is your entertainment. So like, subscribe, and prepare for the time of your lives!”

Just then, the system notification appeared.

[Congratulations to the host, you have concluded the first mission!... rewards will be added to your profile now]

Ethan let out a sigh of relief, excited that he had gotten past the first hurdle.

He hadn't forgotten that the Williams were still out there and now with a system, it was only a matter of time before he would pay them back for what they did to him.

Just then, another system notification appeared.

[Would the host like to exchange his coins now?]

Ethan frowned. “Exchange?”

[Indeed. Since the Host's world doesn't make use of coins, the coins would be exchanged with real money. Would you like to do so now?]

Ethan gulped at that moment. “Yes.”

[Congratulations, Host's account has been credited with 10 million dollars. Please head over to TnC Holdings to receive your Black Card]

Shock colored Ethan's face as he stared at the status screen.

Was this happening?... He trembled with excitement as he came to a realization.

Just as he had dominated the gaming industry 3 years ago, he was about to dominate the world!

***

TnC Holdings was a banking conglomerate owned by the powerful Goldberg family.

They only opened accounts for the wealthy in society which meant that even middle-class men were not allowed to join.

It was considered a privilege to have a bank account with them, a privilege only given to the upper echelons of society which was why Ethan wasn't shocked by the disdainful stares sent his way by the security guards as they watched him enter.

Having gotten a lift after getting out of the forest he'd awoken in, he headed straight for TnC to clarify if the system had truly done what it said.

Unfortunately, it would seem he would have to deal with the guards first as they quickly accosted him.

“What is beggar scum like you doing on this grounds?” The first guard asked disdainfully.

Ethan thought about lying to get access only for a notification to block his view.

[Mission update: would you like to start a stream?]

Pondering for a moment, Ethan quickly made a decision.

[Yes!]

[Smart choice!... Streaming has begun!]

Fueled by the gazes sent his way by his audience, Ethan quickly grew audacious.

As a Streamer, he had the responsibility of putting on a good show for his fans!

“I thought I asked you a question or has poverty made you deaf?”

Ethan snorted. “Mind how you speak to me, I am a valuable customer with TnC.”

Initially taken aback by Ethan's words, the guards exchanged looks before bursting into mocking laughter.

“Did you hear this clown, Morty?... He thinks he has an account with TnC.”

“It must be the poverty. It has driven him mad without a doubt.”

They jeered and mocked but Ethan grinned with delight as he watched his channel quickly fill up with viewers.

[Viewers: 7]

Taking a deep breath, he remarked. “If you don't believe me, you can always go and call an accountant, they will verify my claim.”

“Just shut up and get out of here before I manhandle you.” The guard spat back, unable to understand just how delusional one person could be.

“Unfortunately, I don't plan on leaving.”

“Why you…” Just as the guard intended to beat up Ethan, a car horn resounded drawing their attention toward the gate.