THE DESPISED SON-IN-LAW { RISE TO POWER}

chapter five

First Steps

Daniel stood in front of the office building he once called his workplace. Watching individuals rush in various directions ignited a mix of anger and determination inside of him. He clenched his fists and clenched his jaw while reviewing the latest task from the system.

“System message; Confront your past. Face Sarah and Andrew. Reward: Unlock New Ability.”

It had been a week since the system appeared in Daniel’s life, pulling him out of the darkest place he had ever been. Every task it gave him had pushed him to do things he would never have considered. Being here at this moment, getting ready to return to the dangerous situation, seemed like the toughest test so far.

Inhaling deeply, he entered through the glass doors. The receptionist looked up briefly, her eyes widening a little in shock. She obviously knew him, but her look changed to show she didn't care.

"May I assist you?" she inquired, her demeanor professional yet distant.

"I've come to see Andrew," Daniel responded confidently.

The receptionist lifted one eyebrow. "Are you scheduled for a meeting?"

Daniel was unsure. He did not do it, but he had no intention of allowing that to hinder him. Daniel was about to talk when the screen of the system appeared in his mind again.

“System message: ‘Tell her it’s urgent. He’ll want to hear what you have to say.’”

Daniel repeated the words without thinking, and to his surprise, the receptionist picked up the phone and called Andrew’s office.

A few moments later, she gestured for him to enter. “You can go up. He’s in his office.”

After getting off the elevator and walking down the hallway, Daniel felt the pounding of his heart in his chest. When he reached Andrew's door, he paused, pondering with his hand on the door knob.

“Stay calm,” the system advised. “Show no sign of fear.”

He pushed the door and entered the room. Andrew sat at his desk, typing on his computer. His expression turned dark when he glanced up and saw Daniel.

"Why are you here?" Andrew leaned back in his chair, snapping.

Daniel took a step forward, meeting Andrew’s glare. “I’m not here to fight. I’m here to talk.”

Andrew smirked, folding his arms. “Talk? About what? How you’ve managed to fall even further since I last saw you?”

Daniel ignored the jab. “Andrew, you may believe you have won, but I am not the person you once bullied. I want to make it clear that I refuse to let you win and humiliate me any further.”

Andrew arched his eyebrow in a display of clear disapproval. “Not giving up on what, exactly? Your pathetic excuse of a career? Or your failed marriage?”

Despite Daniel's fists clenching, he managed to keep himself calm. "You may find it amusing now, but you'll soon understand." I will rebuild my life, and once I accomplish that, I will ensure that I expose you for who you really are.”

Andrew laughed, the sound mocking and loud. “Good luck with that, Daniel. Now, if you’re done wasting my time, you can show yourself out.”

Daniel stood up to leave, his resolve stronger than ever. As he walked away, the system’s screen appeared again.

“System message:Task Complete. Reward Unlocked: Confidence Boost + New Ability: Strategic Insight.”

He experienced an unusual feeling in his brain, as if fragments of a puzzle were aligning perfectly. All of a sudden, he gained a clearer perspective, discerning patterns, opportunities, and strategies that had previously gone unnoticed.

The next few days, he was still being directed by the system. Each task it gave him was designed to challenge him in new ways.

One morning, the screen appeared with a new message:

“System message; Task: Learn a new skill. Reward: Networking Bonus.”

Daniel frowned. “A new skill? Like what?” he muttered.

The system responded with a list of options: public speaking, basic coding, negotiation tactics, and personal finance management.

Daniel chose negotiation tactics. It seemed practical, especially if he wanted to know more about the professional world more effectively.

The system directed him to an online course, and over the next week, Daniel dedicated himself to learning. Initially, it felt like a lot to handle, but the system divided the lessons into smaller tasks, giving him small increases in confidence and concentration as he reached each goal.

At the end of the week, Daniel experienced a fresh feeling of capability. He decided to put his skills to the test by bargaining with a nearby seller, and much to his surprise, it was successful.

“Task Complete. Reward: Networking Bonus.”

The system explained that the bonus would make it easier for him to connect with influential people. Before too much time had passed, he began to observe the consequences. He noticed that strangers were more open to him, so he started talking to them and discovered new chances.

While reviewing his class notes in a cafe one evening, Daniel eavesdropped on a conversation happening at a table close by. Two men dressed in suits were quietly engaged in a serious conversation about a important business agreement.

Daniel’s new ability, Strategic Insight, kicked in. He could feel the strain in their conversation and identified weaknesses in their points. After pausing briefly, he eventually chose to gamble.

"Sorry," he said as he walked over to their table. "I couldn't prevent myself from eavesdropping. Are you facing challenges with your supply chain?

The men were surprised as they looked at him. One of them inquired, "Who are you?"

He responded with confidence, "My name is Daniel.“And I might have a solution for you.”

Over the next few minutes, Daniel outlined a plan that addressed their concerns. The men listened, intrigued. By the time he finished, they were exchanging contact information with him, eager to discuss the matter further.

As he left the café, the system flashed a message:

“Task Complete. Reward: Reputation Boost.”

Daniel smiled. He was beginning to have faith in himself for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. The system was not only aiding his survival but also aiding his flourishing.

He was no longer the man who had been rejected and shamed. He was evolving into a higher version of himself, excited to discover where the system would lead him.