Liam's mind raced, processing every angle of the situation.
Someone powerful was now targeting him.
This wasn't just about flipping products or making money anymore. This was about survival.
If they're willing to send someone after me once, they'll do it again.
His fingers tightened into fists.
"I need to be ready for anything."
Liam narrowed his eyes and spoke aloud:
"System, will I ever be able to block bullets and stuff like that?"
The System's interface flickered, responding immediately.
> System: "Yes. At Level 4 (Mind Over Matter), you will unlock Energy Manipulation, which includes physical barrier reinforcement, kinetic deflection, and limited resistance to projectile impact."
Liam smirked.
"Then I better start getting you upgraded."
---
Hunting for System Cores
Liam pulled up the System Upgrade requirements.
To reach Level 2, he needed:
1. More EXP (Earned through business victories, combat dominance, and intellectual expansion.)
2. A System Core (A rare data fragment hidden in high-risk locations.)
3. Direct Influence Growth (Expand reputation and domain control.)
The first two requirements were straightforward.
But the System Core? That was the real challenge.
> System: "A potential System Core detected. Location: Abandoned Warehouse District, Sector 4."
Liam's eyes darkened.
That area was dangerous territory.
The same place where underground business deals, illegal trades, and criminal operations thrived.
And now? He had to walk straight into the lion's den.
A slow grin formed on his lips.
"Fine. Let's see what I'm really made of."
---
Preparing for War
Liam didn't go in blind.
He spent the next six hours preparing.
Studying the abandoned warehouse blueprints.
Analyzing crime reports in the area.
Gathering gear—tactical gloves, a reinforced hoodie, and a small combat knife (just in case).
Training his combat instincts, running drills in his small apartment.
His movements were sharper than ever. His punches faster. His awareness expanded.
By the time night fell, he was ready.
Time to claim the first System Core.
---
Into the Den
Liam moved like a shadow through the streets, heading toward the warehouse district.
His System-enhanced instincts were on full alert.
Three figures patrolling near an old cargo truck. Armed.
Two more guarding an entrance to a side building.
One high up on a scaffold, keeping watch.
"This isn't just some abandoned warehouse."
There was something here worth protecting.
And if these guys were here?
Then he was in the right place.
---
Infiltration Begins
Liam crouched behind an old shipping container, his heart steady, mind sharp.
He needed to get inside without being seen.
His combat upgrade kicked in, allowing him to move with absolute silence.
Step. Shift. Breathe. Move.
He slipped past the first two guards, timing his movements perfectly with their shifting patrols.
The System calculated the best entry point.
> System: "There's a weak spot in the side fence. Cut through there, and you can access the main building undetected."
Liam nodded, pulled out his knife, and began cutting.
Within seconds, he was inside.
And that's when he saw it.
---
The First System Core
In the center of the dark warehouse, surrounded by crates of unknown cargo, a small floating object pulsed with energy.
It was glowing faintly—a shifting metallic-blue sphere suspended in midair.
> System Core Detected.
Claiming it will allow System Upgrade to Level 2.
Liam's pulse quickened.
"This is it."
He moved forward—but froze.
A low voice echoed through the warehouse.
"You must be Carter."
Liam spun around.
A tall man stood near the entrance, wearing a black leather jacket, arms crossed.
Behind him? Four more men, armed and ready.
Liam's muscles tensed.
They were waiting for me.
The man stepped forward, smirking.
"I don't know what game you're playing," he said. "But you should have listened to the warning."
Liam's eyes flickered to the System Core, still floating behind him.
He had one shot at this.
And he wasn't backing down.
---
The Fight for the Core
The System activated, feeding combat data into his mind.
> Five enemies.
Two close combat specialists.
One likely armed with a concealed blade.
Two with firearms.
Primary Target: Alpha (Leader).
Liam's breathing steadied.
"If I can't run, then I'll fight."
The first thug charged—Liam moved before he could blink.
Sidestep. Elbow strike to the ribs.
Grab his arm. Disarm. Twist.
Drop him with a precision kick.
The man collapsed, unconscious.
The others reacted immediately.
One pulled a knife, lunging at Liam's throat.
Liam ducked, spun, and sent a brutal punch straight into his solar plexus.
The guy stumbled back, gasping for air.
Two down.
The remaining two thugs pulled their guns.
Liam moved before they could aim.
He grabbed a metal pipe from the ground and launched it like a spear.
It slammed into the first gunman's hand—the pistol clattered to the floor.
Liam was already on him, a quick jab to the temple knocking him out.
The last guy aimed—
But Liam closed the distance too fast.
He slapped the barrel aside, redirected the shot into the floor, then drove his knee into the man's stomach.
The thug collapsed in pain.
Liam turned to the leader.
Only the Alpha was left.
---
Claiming The Core
The leader stared at Liam, impressed.
"You're not normal," he muttered.
Liam wiped blood from his lip, smirking. "Neither is the world we live in."
Then—he turned and grabbed the System Core.
A blinding surge of energy exploded around him.
The leader shielded his eyes. "What the hell—"
Liam felt raw power surging through his veins.
> System Core Acquired.
Upgrade to Level 2: Confirmed.
Liam exhaled sharply, his body vibrating with new strength.
> New Abilities Unlocked:
1) Tactical Awareness (Predict Enemy Movements in Combat)
2) Enhanced Reflexes (+70% Reaction Speed Boost)
3) Business Expansion Mode (Advanced Market Manipulation & Wealth Optimization)
Liam opened his eyes.
The world felt slower. Clearer.
He turned to the leader, his every movement now perfectly calculated.
The man took one step back.
Liam smirked.
"Tell whoever sent you," he said coldly, "that I'm not just in this game."
His eyes burned with power.
"I'm here to run it."
The leader swallowed hard.
Liam turned, walking away as the warehouse crumbled into chaos behind him.
His war had just begun.
And he was winning.
---