2025-03-05 02:56:45His tone dripping with casual malice. “I need Klaus Whitlock taken care of. Make it look like an accident.”
Allison turned back to the celebration, laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. But the joy no longer felt real. Klaus jolted awake, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Pain flared through his chest with each inhale, his ribs screaming in protest. Distant, muffled sounds swam around him—a low hum of voices, the soft shuffle of feet. His head throbbed, a dull pounding at the base of his skull. Memories crashed into him all at once. Storming out of his father-in-law’s house. The check—torn and discarded in a fit of rage. The cab ride, his mind a whirlwind of betrayal. Then, the sudden collision—a black Concord slamming into the side of his taxi at a deserted intersection. The screech of metal, the shattering of glass, the world flipping into chaos. Then—nothing. Now, he was here. Bound. Helpless. Footsteps approached. Klaus forced his bleary eyes open and found himself staring at three familiar faces. His father-in-law, Reginald. His former lover, Allison. His mother-in-law, watching with an unsettling detachment. "You should have walked away quietly, Klaus," Reginald said, stepping closer. His voice was almost pitying. Almost. "Now, this is where your story ends." Klaus gritted his teeth, struggling against the restraints biting into his wrists. "You think you can just get rid of me?" His voice was hoarse, raw with anger. Reginald chuckled. "Oh, Klaus. You're a pawn in a much larger game. And pawns? They're sacrificed for the queen." His gaze flickered to Allison, who stood beside him, her face unreadable. “Allison…” Klaus looked at her, searching for something—regret, hesitation, anything. But she only sighed. "You were always too trusting." Reginald pressed a baseball bat into her hands. "Go ahead, my dear." For the first time, something flickered in her eyes. Uncertainty? Or was it regret? But then, she tightened her grip on the bat, lifted it high, and swung. The impact sent a sickening crack through the air. Pain exploded in Klaus’s head. His vision blurred, the world spinning before darkness swallowed him whole. He was still aware, but the blow had stolen his sight. Blood pooled in his mouth, the metallic taste thick on his tongue. "Urgh…" He tried to speak, but only a garbled sound escaped. Allison's voice was the last thing he heard. "Goodbye, Klaus." Another strike. And then—nothing. --- His body was dumped unceremoniously into the river beneath a bridge, along with the wreckage of the two vehicles. The taxi driver—collateral damage—was thrown in beside him. By the time the cars hit the water, the scene was set. Just another tragic accident. But death was not the end. Ding! A chime echoed in the void. [Host has fulfilled the requirements for activating the Legacy of the God of Gamblers ~ The RESURGENCE System.] [System loading… Synchronization 100%.] [Congratulations, Klaus Whitlock! Eris, the Trickster God, has chosen you as his avatar.] Klaus's awareness flickered back, though his body remained motionless. Confusion flooded his mind. A system? A god? None of this made sense. [Do you accept the Trickster’s blessing?] Two options materialized in his mind: Yes or No. Something deep inside told him that refusing meant true death. His fingers twitched, the faintest movement in the abyss. [Yes.] A surge of energy tore through him. [Body repair successful.] [Consciousness returning.] --- Klaus gasped as air rushed back into his lungs. The sensation of cold, stiff fabric pressed against his skin. He was inside something—something tight. A body bag. Panic clawed at his throat as he struggled against the confines. Then, a glowing screen materialized before his eyes. [Abilities unlocked:] Perception (F) - upgradable: Heightened senses, awareness beyond the ordinary. Mirage (F) - upgradable: The ability to create an identical illusion of oneself. Warmth spread through his body, focusing on his eyes. Suddenly, he could see—through the bag, through the dimly lit room. A man in a white lab coat was pushing a gurney into the corner, unaware of Klaus’s awakening. The moment the man turned his back, Klaus moved. Slowly, deliberately, he fought against the zipper, his muscles still weak but regaining strength. With a final pull, the bag gave way. He sat up, gulping in air as he took in his surroundings. Rows of cold storage units lined the walls. The faint, sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air. The mortuary. “I… I died,” Klaus whispered, flexing his fingers. His body responded, whole and intact. The man in the lab coat reentered, his gaze sweeping the room—only to freeze when his eyes met Klaus’s. The color drained from his face. Klaus raised a hand in what he hoped was a non-threatening gesture. "I—uh—I’m not dead, so… let’s not panic." The man did the exact opposite. He screamed. Klaus groaned. "Great. That’s subtle." He swung his legs off the table, testing his balance. His mind was still reeling, he watched as the man was shaking, his eyes looked on in fear as he stumbled backwards at a loss for words, another scream loading to be let out. "Please don't scream again, can you calm down, I have a terrible migraine and I would hate to have to cover my sensitive ears to your voice" Klaus said calmly but he seemed to be talking to someone who had long lost his composure. The man kept shaking.
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The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 4
The mortuary was eerily silent, save for the faint hum of the air vents. The fluorescent lights flickered, casting shadows along the cold, sterile walls. Then, the mortician’s face twisted in sheer terror. His breath hitched as his eyes darted toward the funeral table. “G-Ghost…” Francis stammered, his voice barely a whisper. His body went rigid, his eyes rolling back—then he collapsed, hitting the floor with a dull thud. Klaus, crouched nearby, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His pulse remained steady, but his mind was already calculating his next move. Footsteps. Voices drifted from the hallway, growing louder by the second. He had to hide. Without hesitation, Klaus slipped beneath the nearest funeral table, pressing his body against the cold tile. The door creaked open. A group of people entered, their movements crisp and deliberate. Among them was a stern-faced man in a white lab coat, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Beside him stood an elderly gentleman with nearly s
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 5
Klaus, now miles from the hospital, found himself in the back of a dimly lit café, the hum of conversation blending with the clinking of glasses. His heart was still pounding. The mortuary. The escape. The system. He exhaled sharply and focused. With a thought, he tapped into the strange presence lurking in his mind. A glowing interface materialized in his vision. [Name: Klaus Whitlock] [Skills: Perception (E Grade) // Mirage (F Grade)] He frowned. This still didn’t make sense. Was he hallucinating? Dreaming? Then, another notification blinked into existence. [Mission: Earn 10 million dollars using the gift of gambling.] [Reward: 10,000 coins, 1,000 EXP, Steeze +10, One Skill Upgrade.] [Failure to complete the task within the time frame (5 hours) will result in severe penalties.] Klaus nearly choked on his breath. "Excuse me?" he muttered under his breath. Ten million dollars? That wasn’t gambling—that was lunacy. His fingers drummed against the table as he considered his o
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 6
Meanwhile, Klaus perched atop a low rooftop, the city stretching before him. The adrenaline still hummed through his veins, but more than that—he felt good. The system’s boost was kicking in. His movements were sharper, his senses more attuned. A soft ping echoed in his mind. [Congratulations! You have successfully used your gambling skill for the first time.] [Reward: Permanent 20% boost in agility and grace.] [Luck stat: 180 pts.] Klaus exhaled, a smirk playing on his lips. [Convert money into digital form for bank account?] [Yes] [No] Without hesitation, Klaus selected "Yes." The bag of cash in his hands vanished, replaced by a sharp chime and a new notification: [Mission: $9,000,000 more to go] [System account: $1,000,000] Klaus exhaled, his lips curling into a grin. This was more than just numbers on a screen. This was the start of something new—an opportunity. He leaned against the railing of the pedestrian bridge, scanning the cityscape below. Neon ligh
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 7
“I don’t recall asking for your input.” Her voice was sharp, her gaze sharper—cutting through the air like a finely honed blade. “Keep quiet unless I address you.” Silence. The guards stiffened, exchanging uneasy glances. Klaus, still bound in cold steel, merely watched her, wary but intrigued. She turned to him fully now, head tilted slightly, as if assessing a piece of art only she could understand. “What’s your name?” “Klaus.” A ghost of a smirk played on her lips. “Well, Klaus… how about we have a little chat inside? On me.” The guards paled. “Ma’am, this man—” “—is my friend.” She interrupted smoothly, every syllable wrapped in quiet authority. “And unless you’d like to find employment elsewhere, I suggest you uncuff him.” Hesitation. A breath held too long. Then, the reluctant click of metal yielding to her command. “Please, sir, it was a mistake,” one guard implored, knowing the Italian man was a well-known and affluent friend of the manager, making his threat
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 8
Klaus slid his stack of crisp hundred-dollar bills onto the table. The soft rustle of cash against felt was almost drowned out by the silence that gripped the room. $120,000 now lay in the betting circle. Isabella’s breath hitched. Even in high-roller territory, this was lunacy. Klaus? He was smiling. The energy in the room changed. The low murmur of gamblers and dealers, the clinking of glasses, the distant jingle of slot machines—everything dulled, as if the casino itself was holding its breath. Eyes turned toward the table, drawn by the gravity of absurd stakes. The dealer, a woman with weary eyes but a sharp mind, studied Klaus. His confidence wasn’t arrogance. It was something else—something colder, more deliberate. Klaus closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. He didn’t need to see the cards. He could feel them. Probability whispered to him, unseen forces shifting just slightly in his favor. When he opened his eyes, his gaze locked onto the dealer’s. With a smirk as bright as
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 9
Klaus sat back in his chair, eyes scanning the system screen floating before him. [Choose a skill to upgrade] He exhaled slowly, weighing his options. His skills were still at a beginner level, but Doppelganger stood out. It had the potential to be both a defensive and offensive asset. [Doppelganger: LV 2 – User can now create three clones. Clones remain active for two days.] A small smirk tugged at Klaus’s lips. Three clones… now that’s an upgrade. His mind shifted back to reality—the weight of his first mission settling on his shoulders. The sheer absurdity of it all was still sinking in. He had walked into the casino with nothing but strategy and his system’s luck stat. Hours later, he walked out with a mind-blowing $130 million from all the casino games he played. Of course, the casino wasn’t happy. Klaus had carefully split his winnings, accepting $80 million while the couple he had helped insisted on keeping only $20 million. A kind gesture on their part, but he knew they
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 10
Klaus followed him, brushing a hand through his disheveled hair. His fingers caught on knots, reminding him just how much he had let himself go. His beard was overgrown, his clothes slightly wrinkled from days of wear. He probably did look like a beggar. Behind them, two employees near the counter exchanged glances. "Does Steve not realize that man is a beggar?" a female attendant muttered under her breath. She folded her arms, watching them disappear into the grooming section. "He acts like this boutique is his entire world, always showing off what he knows." Another attendant, a male, scoffed. "He thinks he’s better than us just because he won Employee of the Year last year. I really hope he gets into trouble this time." The two chuckled quietly, glancing toward the entrance, where their supervisor, Mr. Jonathan, was due to arrive at any moment. "If the supervisor catches him wasting time on someone who clearly can’t afford anything, he’s done for," one of them whispered. They
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 11
Klaus barely reacted as the security guards took him by the arms, their grips firm but not forceful—yet. His mind was still processing what had just happened. A few minutes ago, he had only planned to get a haircut and some fresh clothes, but now, he somehow owned Thera Supermarket and Hotel Suites—one of the most profitable chains in the city. He hadn’t even met the previous owner before, yet the ownership had inexplicably fallen into his lap. The part that truly astounded him? Thera Properties was worth far more than the $100 million transaction. A business like this could make that much in a matter of weeks, if not days. As a former businessman himself, Klaus understood the true value of assets like these. And now, as he was being escorted out like a common beggar, his lips curled into a smirk. The irony was almost poetic. --- Jonathan, the boutique supervisor, stood nearby, arms crossed, watching with thinly veiled disdain as the guards led Klaus toward the exit. "People l
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CHAPTER 41
Tonight, he had not just outbid Raphael Martel. He had outmaneuvered him. And as the golden egg was handed over to its overpriced new owner, it was clear to everyone present: Klaus Whitlock had already won. The price had soared beyond reason, a bidding war turned blood sport. Martel had taken the bait, pushed to the edge of logic, and now he sat with a hollow victory. The room hummed with the quiet energy of spectacle, champagne glasses poised at lips as guests exchanged knowing glances. Klaus leaned back in his chair, allowing himself the indulgence of a slow sip of scotch. The liquor burned just enough to anchor him, but not enough to distract from the real prize—the flicker of fury in Martel’s eyes. His opponent’s fingers drummed against the polished wood of the auction table, a restless staccato betraying what his carefully schooled expression would not. His jaw was tight, his nostrils flared—rage barely leashed beneath a mask of civility. Then, just for a moment, the mask
CHAPTER 40
Klaus watched as the golden egg was revealed, gleaming under the chandelier lights. At the same moment, his system bank account flashed before his eyes—funds flowing in real time from his businesses. The casino earnings, restaurant profits, supermarket revenue, and hotel income all funneled seamlessly into his growing wealth. The auction hall pulsed with an electric tension, an undercurrent of unspoken rivalries and veiled ambitions. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over the opulent crowd, illuminating fortunes that had stood for generations. The scent of aged whiskey and expensive perfume mingled in the air, a testament to the excesses of the elite. Klaus Whitlock sat with the practiced ease of a man who belonged, yet refused to conform. His sharp gaze skimmed the room, calculating, assessing. The golden egg was unveiled under the chandelier's brilliance, its polished surface gleaming with promise. A fortune contained in an object—a mere symbol to some, but a statement of
CHAPTER 39
Klaus sensed that this title ability was far from straightforward, and he experienced a warm sensation in his palms before it faded away. As they drove away in the newly purchased Rolls-Royce, Harriet stared at the city lights flashing past, wondering just what game her boss was playing—and who the next fool would be to underestimate him. The night before the event, Klaus received an unexpected call. The voice on the other end was smooth, confident, and tinged with a European lilt. "Mr. Whitlock," she purred. "This is Isabella Rossi. I believe we share an interest—Mega Bucks Casino. As fellow shareholders, I think it’s only right that we get acquainted, i want to know you." Klaus leaned back in his chair, intrigued. Isabella Rossi was a name he was familiar with—one of the principal owners of the casino empire. Mysterious, cunning, and known for getting what she wanted. "I assume you have a proposition?" Klaus asked, swirling the bourbon in his glass. A soft chuckle. "Just
CHAPTER 38
"And now you’re here pretending to be rich? There’s no way you can afford this house. I’d advise you to stop embarrassing yourself and leave before you make a fool of yourself." Harriet’s fists clenched at Monroe’s audacity, but Klaus remained composed, a slow, knowing smirk forming on his lips. "And what price are you negotiating?" Klaus asked, his voice eerily calm. Monroe puffed out his chest. "Twenty million. Of course, I’m working out a deal to bring it down a notch, but the agent knows I’m serious." Klaus let a beat of silence pass. Then, with the ease of someone ordering coffee, he said, "I’ll take it. Full price along with the two smaller houses beside it. No negotiation. One hundred and fifty million dollars. Keep the change." The air shifted. The agent’s eyes widened. Monroe’s smirk froze before disintegrating into disbelief. "O-One hundred and fifty million?" the agent stammered. "Are you certain, sir?" Klaus gave a small, knowing smile. "I believe I said that
CHAPTER 37
Klaus leaned forward slightly, his voice smooth but firm. “Then I propose a solution. Increase the pressure. Make it clear that unless they settle their debt in three days, they risk being swallowed whole by a larger entity.” Laurent raised an eyebrow. “And if they go scrambling for an investor to save them?” Klaus’s smirk widened. “I’ll be waiting with open arms. I’ll offer them salvation—on my terms.” Laurent let out a low whistle. “That’s quite the play, Mr. Whitlock. Ruthless and effective. Why the sudden interest in DHL Logistics?” Klaus finished his drink and stood, extending a hand. “I have a keen interest in acquiring struggling companies. So please, see it through. I trust you can handle your end.” Laurent considered for a moment before gripping Klaus’s hand firmly. “Consider it done. I look forward to seeing how this unfolds. And perhaps, this could be the start of a valuable friendship.” Klaus smiled, amiable yet calculating. “I’ll hold you to that.” --- As
CHAPTER 35
"Hmph, you should be grateful I saved you from embarrassing yourself in front of your girlfriend. I know you can't afford a luxury yacht like this," Smith retorted, sizing Klaus up. Looking at Klaus, he started to take notice of his facial features—the slicked-back red hair, neatly trimmed goatee, perfectly carved eyebrows, sharp ice-blue eyes, and his towering height of almost six feet, making Smith feel insignificant in comparison. "And you can?" Klaus shot back, raising an eyebrow. "Absolutely. I’m Smith Hunt. My brother's name is Ethan Hunt, the Zonal Director of Chimera Bank. I own a Diaspora fashion company and several other businesses. A pretty boy like you, who has never seen real wealth, wouldn’t understand my influence," Smith declared loudly, brimming with arrogance. Klaus chuckled lightly, as if he were watching a clown perform, and felt a strong urge to give Smith a hard knock on his obtuse head full of short blond hair. "I don’t care who you are or what you own;
CHAPTER 36
Feeling utterly humiliated, Smith let out a grunt of pure rage and stormed off, shoving past the bystanders who were still chuckling at his misfortune. Meanwhile, Allison, seeing her chance, quietly slinked away from the scene, vanishing into the crowd. Klaus, however, stood completely unbothered, his gaze shifting toward the auctioneer. “I’ll take this other yacht too,” he said, his voice carrying an effortless authority. The auctioneer, still stunned by the scene, quickly gathered himself and nodded. “Excellent choice, sir. That will be $50 million.” Klaus simply nodded, and a system notification flickered in his vision: [Transaction Complete: -$82,000,000] [Remaining Balance to Spend: $318,000,000] But Klaus wasn’t done. He turned to a separate section of the lot where a private jet gleamed under the sun, an absolute masterpiece of engineering and luxury. The Dassault Falcon 10X, a state-of-the-art business jet, priced at a staggering $175 million, caught his eye. “
CHAPTER 34
"You know, Jennifer and the girls haven’t made it any easier. ‘Oh, Allison, the whole city knows you and Duncan were liars. Are you even able to show your face in public?’ ‘If only your boyfriend could get you on a yacht—at least then you could disappear for a while.’" Her smirk faltered for just a moment, bitterness flashing in her eyes before she masked it with a light laugh. "I hate how they say it, like I’ve already lost. Like I don’t still have control over my own narrative." Smith’s jaw tensed at her words, but he chuckled, tightening his grip on his drink. "Well, now they’ll see. When they step onto that yacht with you, they’ll know exactly who you are—and that you’re still standing." Allison’s smile widened, something fierce burning behind her gaze. "Exactly. This isn’t just a getaway—it’s a power move. A statement. And you made it possible." Klaus Whitlock leaned casually against a wall, a knowing smirk played on his lips as he listened, his sharp eyes watching Alliso
CHAPTER 33
The migraine he had felt brewing earlier now threatened to split his skull. ********* Klaus woke up to a sunny Friday morning and checked the details of the fundraising party invitation. To his surprise, the event was set on an island, accessible only by boat or plane. Just then, he received an update about his mission. [Mission: Spend just 400 million dollars and earn a title based on your spending choices.] [Penalty: Lose all your money.] [Reward: Instantly upgrade one skill.] As he gazed out the window, watching an airplane soar by, an idea sparked in his mind. Meanwhile, Cassandra was in a meeting with executives on his behalf, so he decided to call Harriet. "Do you know any private jet brokers or Fixed Base Operators?" Klaus inquired. "Yes, there's one on the outskirts of Flagstone City called LuxSky and Marine Agency. I'll text you the address," Harriet replied. Within seconds, Klaus received the address via SMS. "Do you want me to come with you?" Harriet asked, he
