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
Drake, completely unaware of the serious danger Zack was secretly planning, went back to enjoying his time at the circuit track. He decided to treat himself to a brand new sports car and had a blast."Excuse me, does Zack White come here often?" Drake casually inquired with the track staff."Yeah, he's a regular, sir," the staff replied apologetically. "We're really sorry about what happened. We never expected he'd take issue with someone else renting this place. You probably shouldn't come back here; it was our mistake trying to accommodate another customer.""But he's not the owner, right? Shouldn't you report him for harassment?" Drake asked, sensing that this wasn't the first time Zack had caused trouble."We can't do that, sir." the staff leaned in closer to Drake and whispered, "He leads an organization. It's legitimate and registered, but it's actually a criminal organization.""What?" Drake was taken aback."Please don't try to find out more, sir. Just leave this place and avo
The seconds dragged on mercilessly, each one feeling like an eternity as Drake's mind raced. He fought through the excruciating pain, pushing himself to reach the system's screen. With a final, desperate effort, his trembling fingers managed to press the holographic message."Yes, buy that healing potion!" he willed with all his might.The system responded instantly, deducting the required 50,000 coins from his account, and a shimmering vial of potion materialized before him. Drake's weakening hand gripped the vial, and he struggled to open it, his vision dimming as the room around him seemed to blur and fade.Gasping for air and writhing in pain, Drake felt the potion take effect almost immediately. It was as though an electric wave of rejuvenation flowed through his veins. The pain subsided, and he could feel his strength returning."Phew, that was close!" he exhaled with relief as the world around him gradually came back into focus.As he struggled to his feet, the first thing he n
"Stay with us, sir! We've got you!" urged the paramedic, his voice filled with urgency.Drake's vision blurred as his consciousness wavered. The world around him felt disjointed and surreal, almost like a fevered dream."No... no..." Drake whispered, the words barely audible.A paramedic kneeled beside Drake, carefully assessing the wound on his chest. Another paramedic stood over him, frantically trying to apply pressure to the wound."We need to stabilize this wound now!"As Drake's consciousness began to slip away, the crowd of hotel personnel and paramedics continued their efforts to save him. Their voices and actions seemed distant and hazy, as if part of a dream. Drake felt an overwhelming sense of detachment from the world around him."I can't just... die like this," he thought, his mind racing as he pictured his sister's face.Meanwhile, the mysterious miniature temple remained bathed in radiant light, a mystifying presence amid the chaos. It stood there, untouched by the fran