2025-03-06 05:27:38Klaus, 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 options. The system had saved his ass earlier, but it didn’t mean he trusted it. “What exactly is the gift of gambling?” he asked, his voice low. [This is the innate talent of Eris, granted to you as his avatar, allowing you to succeed in any game of chance.] [Luck stat: 100 pts.] Klaus blinked. That explained a lot. His mind reeled at the implications—if this was real, he was practically invincible in any game of luck. Still, power like this came with a price. Severe penalties. The system wasn’t playing around. He needed a plan. First, he needed money. Real money. Klaus stepped out of the café, pulling his hoodie tighter as the neon lights of the city reflected off the wet pavement. The closest lottery center was five blocks away. Minimum entry? Thirty dollars. He had zero. He tried asking around, but every attempt was met with indifference or outright hostility. His ragged appearance didn’t help. Then, he met Rex. A man built like a concrete slab with a face that had seen one too many bar fights. Klaus could tell right away—Rex was desperate, angry at the world, and looking for any edge he could get. “Need some quick cash, huh?” Rex drawled, eyeing Klaus with amusement. Klaus shrugged. “You could say that.” Rex smirked, already seeing an opportunity. “I’ll front you a hundred bucks. If you win, you owe me a grand. If you lose, you owe me two.” Klaus knew a predator when he saw one. The deal was ridiculous—pure highway robbery. But… he wasn’t going to lose. He let a slow smile spread across his lips. “Deal.” Rex grinned, thinking he had another sucker. The lottery office was quiet, save for the whir of a fan overhead. Klaus stepped up to the counter, feeling an odd tingle at his fingertips as he selected his numbers. The moment he pressed the final digit, something shifted. A strange, weightless sensation washed over him—like the universe itself was nudging fate into place. The numbers flashed. The crowd gasped. He won. As Klaus gathered his winnings, a heavy bag of cash now strapped to his shoulder, the agent behind the counter leaned in with a smirk. “Aren’t you tempted to try again?” she teased. “You might win even more.” Klaus met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “No. I just want to make sure all the money is accounted for.” Across the room, Rex stood frozen, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. He had assumed Klaus was an idiot, just another desperate stray. Now? Now, he was watching a man walk away with his money. Rex’s fists clenched. His stomach twisted with something dark and ugly. He had struggled for everything in his life. Fought, clawed, and bled. And this nobody just waltzed in and took it all with a goddamn lucky number? His jaw tightened. No. That money was his. And he was going to take it back. Klaus felt it immediately—the shift in the air, the prickle at the back of his neck. Rex was following him. He didn't need the system to know what was coming next. Instead of running, he walked—slow, deliberate—leading Rex exactly where he wanted. A narrow alley, barely lit by a flickering streetlamp. Rex took the bait. As soon as they were alone, he lunged, his massive fists swinging with the kind of force that could break ribs. But to Klaus, everything slowed. The sound of the city dulled. He could see the precise way Rex’s muscles coiled, the way his breath hitched before impact. Time stretched. And Klaus moved. He sidestepped with effortless grace, watching as Rex’s own momentum betrayed him. The brute stumbled forward, smashing into the brick wall with a sickening crack. Before Rex could recover, Klaus slipped a hand into his pocket, retrieving the thousand dollars he had just handed over. Then, with a wink and a smirk, he vanished into the night. Rex stood there, seething. He checked his pockets. Gone. His stomach twisted with rage, humiliation burning in his chest. He had been played. Slamming a fist into the wall, he let out a furious growl. The impact sent a dull ache up his arm, but he barely felt it over the sheer hatred boiling in his veins. He swore, right then and there—he would find Klaus again. And next time, he wouldn’t be so careless. He would never forget this.
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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
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 12
“I had no idea this was how your staff treated customers at Thera Supermarket,” Klaus said smoothly, his tone calm but edged with steel. “Your supervisor accused me of being a thief and a beggar… just because of my appearance.” Holiday’s gaze darkened as he turned sharply to Jonathan. “Klaus Whitlock was about to pay for his items when you chose to humiliate him instead.” Jonathan swallowed hard, beads of sweat forming at his temple. “I-I made a mistake,” he stammered, his voice trembling. “Please, sir, have mercy.” Klaus let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “This wasn’t a misunderstanding,” he said firmly. “It was a blatant abuse of power. I tried to explain, but you wouldn’t listen.” Holiday exhaled, rubbing his temple as frustration settled on his face. He knew Jonathan had made a serious error, but at the moment, he had no one else in line to take his place. “Jonathan, that’s enough. Be quiet,” Holiday ordered, his voice taut with irritation. Klaus turned to Holiday. “
The Indomitable Klaus Whitlock CHAPTER 13
Harriet tilted her head slightly. “What is it, sir?” Klaus tapped his fingers together, his expression unreadable. “Once the news breaks that Thera Supermarket and its five-star hotel have a new owner, my name will be everywhere. I need you to keep my identity out of the media. Give them someone else to focus on.” Harriet hesitated. “Is this because of your past… the prison sentence?” A small smile played on Klaus’s lips. “Yes,” he admitted. But deep down, he knew it wasn’t just that. Avoiding the media was a necessity. But his true goal? Revenge. He needed to stay in the shadows until the time was right. The air in the room felt heavier as Harriet met his gaze. His ice-blue eyes gleamed with something unreadable—dark, dangerous. A slow, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at his lips. And in that moment, Harriet knew—this man was terrifying. And yet, utterly captivating. Klaus leaned forward, his fingers tapping lightly against the glass table. The sleek iPad before him glowed
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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
