In the corner of the police station's detention area, Drake sat in silence. His lawyer and Aunt Beck were there, handling all the necessary paperwork and legal proceedings on his behalf. He felt utterly helpless, still reeling from the shock and adrenaline of the situation.The police station was a chaotic scene, swarming with reporters, camera crews, and curious onlookers. The air was filled with a cacophony of voices, camera shutters clicking, and news vans parked outside. Drake's photo, superimposed over headlines that read "DearBeck Co. owner accused of embezzlement," dominated the news coverage. It was a stark and unwelcome contrast to the successful businessman he had been just hours ago."Drake, are you alright?" Aunt Beck asked, her concern evident."Aunt, I'm sorry," Drake replied with a trembling voice. "Because of me, your company's name has been ruined.""What name? DearBeck was nothing before your investment, so don't blame yourself," Aunt Beck reassured him."But, Aunt,
Drake Chwe sat precariously close to the edge of the building, the wind ruffling his hair and coat as he gazed down. The onlookers below wore expressions of shock and concern."Mr. Chwe, please don't do this. Let's talk about it," a rescuer said softly, his voice filled with concern as he approached Drake cautiously."Wait, wait, it's not what you think," Drake exclaimed. He abruptly stood up, causing everyone to gasp in fear. The rescuer maintained a safe distance as he approached Drake slowly, trying to reach out and engage in a conversation."We know that you have been accused. We already know that you didn't do it. Ending your life is not a good thing," the rescuer said, attempting to reason with Drake.Drake froze for a moment. He was speechless, realizing how everyone had misunderstood his presence near the edge of the building."It's not like they will believe me if I say I am here to offer a tribute," he thought to himself."Think of your family, Mr. Chwe. They need you, and t
In the city hall's lobby, Drake observed Aunt Beck and his lawyer, both looking anxious as they conversed with the police officers."What's going on, Aunt Beck?" he asked."They only managed to apprehend Marcus Lee. The others have already left the country, and tracking them down will be incredibly difficult," Aunt Beck explained, frustration evident in her voice."Can money not help find them?" Drake inquired, prompting everyone in the vicinity to exchange uncertain glances."What do you mean, sir?" one of the police officers asked."I can offer a cash reward to help catch them. Ten million dollars per head should be sufficient," Drake proposed, his determination evident.The police officers were taken aback by the generous offer but quickly recovered."Well, it could certainly help, sir. We will make a public announcement for you," one of the officers responded."Thank you, sir," Drake said as the police officers left in a hurry.As Drake, Aunt Beck, and their lawyer awaited the tri
As soon as Drake got home, he checked the tribute system to see what this sudden change was all about."There's never been a 'level' here before. Why did this thing suddenly pop up?" Drake muttered to himself. He tapped the level bar repeatedly, which now showed he was at level one. The top of the window status used to be empty, but now it was filled with symbols he didn't recognize."Hmm, I can still withdraw my coins without a problem," Drake confirmed after trying to exchange his coins for bills. "The marketplace looks the same, so what's the deal with this 'level up' thing?"Drake ran his hand through his hair in frustration. There didn't seem to be any imminent danger with this new feature, but he couldn't help feeling uneasy, especially since he had no idea what the goal was."What happens when I level up? What triggers this leveling up?" He continued to question the system, but it remained silent."Hey, could you at least give me a tutorial?"Ding!Drake's heart practically jum
After leaving a generous $10,000 tip at the salon, Drake strolled through the mall, still unaware of the remarkable transformation in his appearance. Years of enduring torment from his colleagues and struggling through poverty had caused him to forget that he possessed the same good looks as his pretty sister.He couldn't help but feel somewhat awkward and self-conscious, not fully realizing the extent of the makeover he had undergone. Passersby on the mall couldn't resist turning their heads and sneaking glances at Drake's new look.As Drake made his way through the department store, the reactions from people around him became increasingly noticeable. Whispers, gasps, and double takes followed in his wake.A passerby, awestruck, said to a friend, "Did you see that guy? He's like a movie star or something.""Is he a model? He looks good even in those unfashionable clothes," another replied, staring."Well, he's in the department store. He's probably here to get better clothes.""I won
Drake was bewildered by the revelation that his ex-girlfriend, Merlyn, was at the meeting location. He had not expected to cross paths with her during his business trip to Canman. The mention of her name left him stunned and filled with mixed emotions."Why do you look surprised, Mr. Chwe?" CEO Havier asked.Drake cleared his throat before calmly responding, "I'm sorry about that. I think there might be a misunderstanding regarding Merlyn Spenser's presence. Anyway, it is true that I know her, but she's not my girlfriend.""Is that so? This is embarrassing; we let someone in without proper verification," CEO Havier said, casting a disapproving glance at his secretary, silently questioning why such an oversight had occurred."We did verify her identification, sir. She has a DearBeck Co. ID and a portfolio in hand," the secretary hastily explained, trying to defend their actions."She did?" Drake asked, perplexed. "Could you please give me some time to speak with her before proceeding w
Whenever Zanjo White introduced himself as the "next owner" of Gracestone Trading Corporation, it would typically raise eyebrows due to his confidence, especially when the current chairman of the corporation was still in good health. Zanjo expected a similar reaction from Drake, but to his surprise, Drake seemed more concerned about Zanjo's surname than the way he introduced himself."White? Is that your surname?" Drake inquired, trying to recall why the name felt so familiar."Yes, I'm Zanjo White," he confirmed."Where have I heard that surname before? It sounds so familiar," Drake mused aloud, ignoring Zanjo's extended hand."Gracestone is owned by Whites. We have a well-known surname here in Canman," Zanjo explained, giving up on the handshake with Drake."No, I'm certain I've met someone with the last name White. Ah! Zack! Zack White, do you know him?" Drake asked."I don't," Zanjo replied immediately, though his facial expression contorted at the same time."Really?" Drake press
Zack, his arrogance undeterred, said, "What? Are you bitter because I received more than you?"Drake was left in disbelief by Zack's revelation. He couldn't fathom what he was hearing. Zack had amassed a billion dollars through the system and acted as if it were no big deal, presuming he had received even more than Drake.Drake finally managed to respond, "Zack, it's not just about the amount. I'm simply surprised that you got anything at all. I thought I was the only one."Zack scratched his head, wearing a sly grin, and asked, "Why did you think that?""Well, isn't the system all about tribute?""Forget about Tribute. That miniature temple thing isn't even in there anymore," Zack grumbled."You mean the miniature temple can move?"Drake realized that the temple's location wasn't fixed. He thought inwardly, “Oh, that's why it disappeared after I made an offering.""I don't know, man. It's just not there anymore. Didn't you check for yourself?""No, I was too drunk to even remember wh
Ten years had passed, yet the dream of earning a sextillion coins remained elusive. Time slipped away unnoticed as Drake immersed himself in the relentless pursuit of money to settle his debts. Only too late did he realize the true cost of his singular focus.Seated in his office, absorbed in his tasks, Drake was jolted from his concentration by the ringing of his phone. Glancing at the caller's ID, he recognized his sister Eleanor's number. With a resigned sigh, he answered the call."Hey, Ely," Drake greeted, attempting to sound nonchalant despite his apprehension."Drake, where are you?!" Eleanor's voice crackled with frustration and disappointment."I'm at the office, why?" Drake responded, his heart sinking as he anticipated the conversation that was about to unfold."Seriously? You forgot, didn't you?" Eleanor's incredulous tone pierced through the line.Drake's stomach churned with guilt. "Forgot what?"Eleanor let out an exasperated sigh. "My wedding, Drake! The one I've been
Drake was shocked to learn the truth, his jaws dropping even further when Lucille revealed that he needed to repay the tribute system twofold."Earning sextillion coins is impossible!" he exclaimed."You have to offer it back, or else you'll spend your life paying for it," Lucille replied grimly, exaggerating the explanation to divert Drake's attention away from herself."Damn it. Is this why I can't kill Zack? He cannot die until he pays his debt," Drake said frustratingly, but then he smiled viciously. "But does that mean I can keep him in prison to suffer?""He doesn't change. Good luck," Lucille muttered under her breath, slowly becoming accustomed to Drake's viciousness."What is it?" Drake asked."Nothing. I was just wondering why you came here," she bluntly asked, inwardly worried about the chance of Drake hurting her."What else? To pick you up?" Drake said, grabbing Lucille's hand and looking into her eyes with sincerity. "Lucille, please believe me, what Marianne said was al
Lucille Bmak seized the opportunity to escape when Drake and Rebecca were engrossed in their own conversation.Thinking it was her chance, she began to make her way out. However, unbeknownst to her, she was trapped in a labyrinth from which only Zack, Rebecca, and Drake could find their way out."What the hell is this place?" she muttered to herself as she continued downwards in an attempt to escape, but the path seemed endless."Aah!" she screamed as someone suddenly yanked her back."You're new here? There's nothing above your head yet," the female said, her tone cautious and discreet. “I got the ability to see other users status and progress. You're still fresh. Save yourself!”"What? I don't belong here. Do you know the exit?" Lucille asked, sensing no hostility from the girl."Go up instead of down," the girl replied honestly."Really? But why aren't you leaving?" Lucille inquired."I'm weak, but I can't die. You should be careful. Let go of the system as soon as possible while i
Lucille Bmak had prepared herself for this inevitable day.She knew all too well that her peaceful days would come to an end as long as Zack White and Drake Chwe existed.However, despite her thorough preparation, she couldn't shield her heart from the viciousness that Zack and Drake displayed towards her.The constant hostility from both men exhausted her heart and mind, leaving her unable to display any emotion upon seeing Drake, whose presence made her heart throb, or Zack, whose mere presence sent shivers down her spine."Damn you! Damn your luck!" Zack White growled in frustration, his anger palpable as he longed to inflict harm upon Lucille.He yelled and pounded on the barrier as if he desired nothing more than to tear Lucille apart, but what frustrated him even more was the nonchalant expression on Lucille's face."Do you think you'll escape me for imprisoning me for three years? I'll torture you every second of the day!" he threatened."So foolish," Lucille commented, further
Drake Chwe hurried to find Lucille. He strode past the long underground passage, paying little heed to the torture cell, laboratories, and whatever bizarre occurrences filled each room. As long as Lucille wasn't there, Drake's focus remained undeterred."Where the hell are you?" he muttered exasperatedly to himself, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he reached the final room at the end of the underground complex. Taking a deep breath, he swung open the door, only for his eyes to widen in shock at the sight of his lover bound by chains."Lucille!" he exclaimed, rushing forward to free her, but his efforts proved futile."Drake, long time no see," Lucille greeted casually, her gaze devoid of emotion as if she had just woken up from a nap."Hang on a little longer. I'll free you soon," he promised, frantically rummaging through his bag for any tool that might help, but none did the trick."Damn it!" he cursed in frustration, realizing he couldn't access his trusted system in a time of
Zack sported a victorious grin, his eyes locked onto Drake with the same intensity Drake once aimed at him from within the torture cell. His lips curled as he relished the sweet taste of turning the tables."It'll be better if we suffer together. You know, I didn't plan to torment you for just three years," Zack said, closing the distance between them. "Let's make it forever," he whispered, his voice dripping with menace.His grin widened as he observed Drake's expression darken. However, standing closer to Drake proved to be a mistake."Oh, damn it," Zack cursed, blood bubbling up as he collapsed to the ground."All talk, huh?" Drake snorted, a twisted smirk forming on his lips as he pressed his foot onto Zack's face. "Your only shot at survival was staying locked away. Why set yourself free?""What's happening?" Zack grunted in agony, attempting to extract the knife lodged in his side, but it remained stubbornly embedded in his flesh."Can't you recognize these?" Drake sneered, with
Thanks to Merlyn, Drake finally learned where Lucille had been taken. He instructed Merlyn to locate her using his device, unaware that she would succumb to a heart attack afterward, much like the way he deceived and threatened Natasha into her demise."Code blue! Code blue! Room 203!" a nurse frantically announced.Medical staff rushed to Merlyn Spenser's side, the monitor next to her bed blaring with the alarming sound of a code blue. Doctors and nurses swarmed into the room, their faces etched with urgency as they converged around Merlyn's bed. The room was filled with the sound of rapid footsteps and the clatter of medical equipment."Goodbye, Merlyn. Thank you for your help," Drake coldly muttered as he casually walked out of the ICU, a strange sense of satisfaction washing over him."Why Canman, though?" he wondered, glancing at the address Merlyn had provided. "This doesn't sound good."He immediately hopped into his car and drove to Canman, Zack White’s hometown. Arriving the
When faced with a choice between life and death, the decision might seem obvious to most. Yet, Lucille Bmak's response was anything but expected. Though she typically valued her own survival above all else, this time she made a different choice."F*ck you!" Lucille spat defiantly, refusing to entertain whatever offer Zack White had in store. Having fallen into Drake's traps before, she was adamant about not allowing herself to be ensnared by another chain, even if it meant facing death."This is the last time I'm asking you. Listen to me, or—" Zack seethed, tightening his grip around her neck."I don't care! Kill me!" Lucille exclaimed, though her body trembled with fear. Summoning a forced smile, she added, "You've repeated yourself three times now. You sound like the one who needs me.""Who needs who?" Zack White yelled, his fury palpable. Despite his rage, he found himself unable to carry out Lucille's demise.Rebecca, the veteran user of the system, who had once bestowed favors up
Inside Lucille's house, the dimly lit corridors exuded an eerie aura as Zack White prowled through them, his presence ominous and foreboding. His eyes gleamed with a dark resolve as he approached Lucille's study, his heart pulsing with venomous intent."Finally... the moment I've been waiting for," he whispered to himself. He tried to be as quiet as possible so that no one could detect him."I'll kill you once I'm done with my task," he murmured, his voice low and menacing. Despite the vigilant guards stationed at every corner of Lucille's house, Zack's movements remained undetected. He used a system device to camouflage himself through the guards.Peering into the study, he observed Lucille seated at her desk, completely absorbed in her work, unaware of his presence. Zack's lips curled into a sneer as he watched her, memories of past torment flooding his mind."You thought you could hide from me, Lucille. But I always find my prey," he hissed, his voice dripping with malice. "How dar