"Noah, let's just end this relationship!"

"What? ... Lucy, don't joke. Here, I brought a burger. Haven't you not had dinner yet?"

"Noah, I'm not joking. Let's just end this relationship."

In the nearly two years of their relationship, Lucy had never once asked to break up. So naturally, Noah thought she was joking.

"Lucy... This isn't funny. Here, take this. I have to get back."

"Noah, I—"

"Yo, Noah. Looks like you really are clueless. Didn't you hear what she said? She's saying your relationship is over."

Noah was shocked. A young man he knew had just appeared and interrupted their conversation.

"Greg, why are you here? ... " Something felt off to Noah then and there "I mean, how come you're coming out of Lucy's room?"

Greg didn't respond right away. He just smiled, shook his head, and approached, standing behind Lucy.

Noah's eyes widened on seeing what Greg was doing then.

"Noah, do you understand now?"

Greg hugged Lucy from behind and kissed her neck, what truly shocked Noah was Greg’s hand slipping under her shirt, firmly grasping one of her curves.

"Greg...! What are you doing, damn it!"

When Noah stepped forward to stop what Greg was doing to his girlfriend, Lucy spoke up again.

"Noah, I'm with Greg now. Whatever we do is none of your business. Leave.!"

Noah was stunned into silence. His brain simply couldn't process what had just happened. He remained still as Greg drew Lucy back into her room.

"Lucy... Leave this fool be. Let's continue what we started. Then, I'll take you out to a fancy restaurant."

"Thud!"

Noah remained where he was even as the door closed. And he stayed that way for at least five more minutes.

Several girls who lived in other rooms in the dorm witnessed the event. Noah didn't even care when they recorded him.

*****

"Young man, would you mind giving that to me?"

Noah was startled when suddenly someone spoke next to him. Turning, he found the voice came from an elderly man. A friendly smile graced his face.

"Yes, sir? ... What did you say?"

The smile vanished as the old man regarded Noah, puzzled. If he wasn't mistaken, the young man now sitting on a park bench must have just finished crying.

"What's wrong with you? You seem to have quite the troubled life."

Noah grimaced. His face was awkward now. "Yes, my life is quite a mess."

Noah couldn't remember the last time he cried. Since childhood, life had indeed never been easy for him. But this time, he seemed to have reached his limit.

However, being caught in the act of crying felt embarrassing. Noah looked down to hide his blush.

Seeing this, the old man seemed to understand. Without invitation, he sat down next to Noah.

"How big are the problems that make a strapping young man like you look so spiritless?"

Noah shook his head. "I'd never really thought of them as problems before. But today, I'm so embarrassed. I hate myself for being embarrassed."

"Haha... Let me guess. It's about a girl, isn't it?"

Noah nodded weakly, then shook his head. "Yes, that's it. Eh, no!" He pondered, weighing something. "Actually, I'm not crying over the girl. It's just that what she did to me was so embarrassing."

Noah turned, his brow furrowing in puzzlement. He wondered why the old man beside him felt so familiar.

"Sir, did you come here to laugh at me?"

The old man shook his head. "No. But..."

He trailed off, but his eyes were fixed on something Noah held in his hand—a paper bag.

Noah gave the old man another look. This time, he scrutinized him from head to toe. From his clothes, Noah concluded this man might be homeless.

"Old man, are you hungry? ... Here, I have two burgers. Take them."

Realizing what the old man had been looking at, Noah offered what he had in his hand.

Without further ado, the old man snatched it and promptly ate one of the burgers.

Noah looked down and wiped his face. He thought about the humiliating event he just experienced.

"Ugh...What's so embarrassing. Forget her and find someone new. You look handsome enough. It should be easy for you to win over many women in the future."

Noah smiled as he watched the old man eat voraciously. For some reason, it made him happy.

Suddenly, the burger the old man was eating didn't feel like a waste. At least, to Noah, it seemed someone still appreciated the meal.

"It's not that simple, sir! I think you wouldn't understand."

"Ho ho, young man. Underestimating me? In my youth, I was surrounded by women. You can ask me for advice; I could give you a few tips."

The old man's words didn't convince him, but Noah indulged him anyway. At least his presence was somewhat comforting.

"So, what advice would you give?"

"Hahahaha... Young man. You have to tell me your problem first. Otherwise, I won’t know what advice to give."

Noah nodded. "Fair enough. Alright, I'll tell you. But promise you won't laugh at me."

"I can't promise that. But whatever your problem is, I'll offer you a way out."

Noah shook his head in disbelief, wondering how a homeless man could provide a solution to his current predicament, considering his life seemed worse than what Noah was facing.

Nevertheless, Noah felt fortunate to have someone to share with. Besides, he didn't know this old man. So, he decided to share his story.

"Alright, sir. I’ll tell you. Actually, this is what happened..."

Noah began to recount the highly embarrassing event he just went through, as well as telling the old man about his life.

As Noah spoke, the old man listened intently, nodding occasionally and shaking his head often until Noah finished his story.

"So, sir. What do you think?"

"You aren't ashamed of your poverty, but you just can't stand being belittled by someone?"

"Yes. That's what I mean." Noah affirmed.

"Here, drink this!"

Noah's eyes widened as the old man handed him a can of beer. Of course, this puzzled him—how could someone who couldn't afford food offer him a can of beer?

"So, is this your advice?!"

"Yes, drink up. Then, you won't have these problems anymore."

A can of beer. What could be done with just a can of beer? But then again, beer felt right for the moment.

"Thank you." Noah accepted the beer, opened it, and drank it all at once.

"Do you know the seven deadly sins?"

Noah shook his head when the old man asked. "Yes. Of course."

"Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth. Is that what you know?"

Noah nodded again.

"Young man, all these traits are born in humans, so how can they be sins? On the contrary, there is only one Real Deadly Sin in this world. And do you want to know what it is?"

Noah frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean there's only one Deadly Sin? And what is it?"

"Stupidity... Yes. Stupidity. Humans are not born to be stupid, and there are many types of stupidity in the world."

Noah found himself unable to disagree with the old man's words.

"Noah, the girl is not to blame. Women want to control men. It's a law of the world. But a true man will strive to conquer the world and its laws."

Noah was slightly taken aback. He remembered how Lucy had always been dominant, while he was busy trying to make her happy and survive with his financial condition.

"The world is very harsh. To live in peace, you must be harsher than the world itself. Remember my words."

"Old man, I don't—"

"Noah. I think this is the first and last time we'll meet. I hope after this, you'll enjoy your life as much as possible."

Noah was puzzled by the old man's words. But when he tried to respond, suddenly his head felt painfully heavy. His vision blurred.

"Sir—"

That was the last word Noah said before he lost consciousness and fell asleep on the park bench where he had been mourning his fate.

A while later, the beer he had consumed turned out to be no ordinary beer. The beer was now reacting in his stomach.

The liquid moved into his intestines and other body organs, eventually spreading throughout his bloodstream and reaching Noah's nerves.

[System Installation]

...

[System Adjustment]

...

[World Adjustment]

...

[Time Adjustment]

...

[User Adjustment]

...

[Adjustment Confirmed]

...

[System Activated]

[Username = Noah Evans]

[Status = Human of Earth]

[System Type = Sovereign]

[System Guide Name = Bell]

Noah awoke on a park bench, the day already bright. He remembered how he had come to fall asleep here, but he didn't dwell on it.

He just felt as though he had passed through a bizarre dream.

"System? ..." He muttered. "Ah! I must be overthinking." He exclaimed, to himself.

Walking down the sidewalks of Silverstone City, Noah felt a pang of hunger. He remembered that since last night, only a can of beer had settled in his stomach.

He decided to enter a modest restaurant. Shortly after choosing a seat and pressing a bell on the table, a waiter approached him.

It wasn't long after the waiter had left that his order arrived.

While eating, Noah couldn't stop thinking about what to do next.

Just last night, he had gone through a painful breakup, compounded by the fact that he needed to find a new place to live.

For several months, he had been feeling out of place living with Robert, his friend.

This was because Sylvia, Robert's girlfriend, often stayed over, which made him uncomfortable.

He could have returned to the student dormitory on campus, but strict rules there would impede his ability to look for part-time work.

Moreover, he was in dire need of money to cover his living expenses and tuition fees.

Noah wasn't brilliant enough to earn a scholarship, yet he wasn't dim-witted either.

The university he attended was one of the best in the country.

Only those with high grades or the fortunate children of wealthy families could study there.

Yes, Goldwest University was filled with many rich kids and public officials.

Lucy, who had officially become his ex-girlfriend the night before, was there because of her smarts.

Whereas Greg was one of those lucky kids, able to study while flirting with girls to his heart's content.

Now, he had set his sights on Lucy, and surely, the whole campus knew by this point.

"Damn, I'm thinking about it again."

Recalling Lucy and Greg's actions from the previous night quelled Noah's appetite immediately.

Between mouthfuls, he pushed down food with a drink and then finished his breakfast.

But when he tried to reach into his pocket for his wallet, his face twisted in shock.

He found nothing, despite checking all his clothing pockets.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"

Noah was beyond frustrated. It seemed bad luck was never far from him. Suddenly, he remembered the old man from the night before who had spoken to him.

"Did he slip something in that beer?" He pondered.

It made sense, considering he felt dizzy and lost consciousness after drinking just one can given by that old vagrant who had asked for his burger.

"Ah, damn it."

He cursed, realizing that even his phone was missing.

Noah scanned the restaurant, hoping to spot a familiar face who could help.

However, with the place fairly empty, he recognized no one.

Feeling utterly desperate, Noah stared blankly at the table. That's when a notice attached to an object on the table furrowed his brow, as if he remembered something.

"Bell?!"

Just as he uttered the word, something startling happened. Suddenly, a panel with several options appeared before him.

Noah blinked a few times and shook his head rapidly, thinking it must be an illusion, but the panels remained.

"Am I hallucinating?" He asked himself again. But several blinks and shakes later, they were still there.

"What is this?"

He began to examine the writings on the panel. Several bars divided his view.

"So, this isn't a dream?!"

He had seen this panel once before when he had fallen asleep on the park bench shortly after finishing the beer given by the old man.

But back then, it had seemed like a dream. Now, it felt real. In front of him, he could see it all very clearly.

[First-time Activation Confirmation]

[User Name = Noah Evans]

[Status = Earth Human]

[Experience Level (LP) = 50]

[Mentality Level (LM) = 20]

[Vitality Level (LV) = 15]

[Sense Level (LS) = 10]

[Intuition Level (LI) = 2]

[Special Skills (KS) = -]

[Points (P) = -]

[Special Points (PS) = -]

[System Level = 1]

[Minimum Monthly Spending (MMS) = 100,000,000]

[Currency = Dollar]

[Balance = Unlimited]

[Bank = Worldwide]

[Transaction Type = All]

[System Type = Ruler]

[System Guide Name = Bell]

[User Rules for the System:

1. At level 1\, user must spend MMS $100\,000\,000\,

2. For every $100\,000 spent\, user will receive 1 System Point (P).

3. Each Point gained can be exchanged for LP\, LM\, LV\, LI\, and KS.

4. Special Points (PS) are gained after completing secret missions from the System.

5. The exchange rate for P and PS will be adjusted according to the User System Level.

6. The penalty for failing to spend MMS and for failing a mission at each level is a reduction in Level. When the level reaches ZERO\, the System will die\, and the user will also DIE.

7. The System will also vanish when the user dies.

8. The main mission of the user is to become a Ruler.]

Noah swallowed hard as he tried to analyze what was displayed. He noticed that the transaction options included all types. Perhaps even fingerprints were included.

"Can this be used in real life?" He wondered.

This felt more like a feature of a game, so Noah wasn't sure the System would function in the real world.

But as time passed, the waiters cast curious glances at his odd behavior, making him increasingly anxious.

"Should I just try it?"

Noah was torn. Trying something this bizarre would make him appear mad. But the longer he pondered, the more he resolved to surrender to the possibility.

"If it doesn't work, I'll find another way to pay."

Noah stood and approached the restaurant cashier. If his attempt failed, he decided he would feign ignorance.

Perhaps he would be compelled to work it off, or something else; Noah didn't care.

"Hello, miss. I've forgotten my phone and wallet, can I settle my bill with a fingerprint?"

Though nervous, Noah gathered the courage to ask the restaurant cashier.

"Yes, of course. One moment!"

"Oh, good. Thank you."

The young cashier behind the counter promptly entered Noah's billed amount into the fingerprint scanner.

"Please place your finger here."

Apprehension mounted as Noah placed his finger on the scanner. But when his print was recognized, he heard a sound.

"Ching..."

The sound didn't come from the scanner. And at the same moment, something shifted in his view. When he checked, the MMS value had changed.

[MMS = $99,999,992,]

"Thank you, sir. Your payment has been processed successfully."

Noah jerked in surprise as the young cashier confirmed his payment had gone through.

This meant the System truly worked in the real world. His not-too-dull mind immediately processed this information.

Considering the System showed his balance as unlimited, he now effectively became the wealthiest person on the planet.

A smile blossomed on his face, and soon came laughter, as Noah began to chortle with glee.

"Hahahahahaha!"

"Yes! ... Yes! ... Yes!"

He ignored the puzzled look from the cashier and everyone in the restaurant.

The young man, who had just been dumped and insulted by his ex-girlfriend, left the establishment still laughing.

To any onlooker, he might seem mad.

But he didn't care. Insanity be damned; the reality was that he was now the world's richest man.

After numerous attempts, Noah finally discerned that Bell was the name of his System.

Merely by thinking of the word Bell, or verbalizing it openly, the System Panel would surface or conceal itself spontaneously.

Having lost his phone, Noah took the opportunity to test Bell once more while acquiring a new mobile device. And indeed, it functioned perfectly.

That afternoon, Noah decided to return to his apartment, a place not quite his own. For he only covered a minor portion of the rent. It was more accurate to state that he was only partially residing there.

Upon reaching the entrance of his dwelling, Noah overheard an argument between Robert and his girlfriend, Sylvia.

"Sylvia, he's my friend. Regardless, we both pay the rent for this apartment," Robert defended.

"Robert. If that's the case, you could just ask him to find somewhere else, so I can stay here."

"Sylvia, we can all live here together—"

"What?! You expect me to live here with him? Aren't you concerned about what he might do to me when you're not around?!"

"Noah is trustworthy. He's so devoted to Lucy, and Lucy's not only smart, she's beautiful too. It's unlikely he'd ever glance at another girl."

"Are you f**king kidding me? Did you just say that Lucy is, prettier than me? Is that it?!"

"Sylvia, that's not what I—"

"Ugh, forget it. If you won't listen to me, then I will..."

"You'll do what?"

"I'll make you, regret it!"

Noah heard footsteps approaching. He swiftly turned, intending to leave, but the door had already swung open.

Caught eavesdropping on their conversation, Noah felt awkward.

Sylvia glanced at him disdainfully. "Ugh, such a parasite!"

With those words, Sylvia stormed off. Noah watched her receding figure.

"I wouldn't touch you even if you paid me," he muttered under his breath.

He kept his gaze on his friend's girlfriend until she vanished into the elevator. But before she disappeared, she gave Noah the middle finger.

Finally, her detested visage was gone as the elevator doors sealed shut.

"B*tch," he cursed softly.

For a brief moment, Noah pondered Sylvia's words. After all, he did contribute to the apartment's payments, albeit not as much as Robert.

"Bro, how long have you been standing there?"

Noah was startled when Robert appeared at the door.

"Oh, no. I mean, just now!"

"Come in! There's something I want to discuss with you."

"Robert! I think... I've forgotten something. I need to go back..."

Without waiting for a response, Noah hastily left the scene. He had a strong inkling of the impending discussion with his friend, given their prior conversation.

It wasn't that Noah was opposed to moving out. On the contrary, he'd been planning to do so.

However, if he followed Robert inside, he knew he would face the gentle eviction that awaited him.

"No. From now on, I won't let anyone belittle me again."

Noah walked away with a resolved heart. "I'm Noah Evans. I will rise to power so no one can look down on me again."

***

Half an hour later, Noah found himself standing outside one of the most opulent apartment buildings in Silverstone.

In need of a residence and with seemingly limitless funds at his disposal, Noah considered purchasing an apartment to live in.

Moreover, Bell advised spending at least a hundred million dollars a month to prevent his level from dropping.

Seeing as the System truly operated, its penalties would be equally enforceable.

Poverty failed to claim his life; it would be absurdly ironic if wealth proved to be his demise.

Yet, an issue bothered him. A sudden purchase of a luxurious apartment could raise suspicions from financial authorities.

Noah was unfamiliar with the System's mechanisms for generating endless bank deposits.

He reasoned it was wiser to exercise caution rather than face a predicament he might not resolve at the moment.

"Noah! Is that you?"

Noah turned at the sound of someone calling his name. It took a moment to place the face, but then he remembered.

"Yes. Ms. Sanders. It's me."

He swallowed nervously as an attractive woman in her early thirties approached him, wearing a seductive outfit.

Her mini dress revealed nearly all of her fair, smooth legs.

"What brings you here? Are you looking for a job?"

Alice Sanders. Noah had previously worked part-time as an office boy at her club. She'd been decent to him. To Noah, at least.

"Oh no, Ms. Sanders, just passing by. And what about you? What are you doing here?"

"Well... I...," Alice hesitated. "Never mind. It's not important... Are you busy?"

Noah shook his head. "No. Do you need my help?"

Noah didn't hesitate to offer assistance to his former employer, given her kindness to him.

"Oh, no... no. If you're not busy, come with me. Keep me company for a drink."

Having already mentioned he was free, Noah reluctantly followed Alice.

Driving her car, they soon arrived at her club, only to find it closed.

"Ms. Sanders, why is this place closed?"

"Stop asking questions. Let's go in."

As Alice had expressed earlier, she indeed needed a drinking companion.

From her expression, Noah could tell the beautiful woman was troubled.

"Ms. Sanders, are you having problems?"

Inebriated, Alice nodded.

"Yes. I have a problem. The bank is going to seize the club. That's why I've closed it. Tomorrow, they'll take everything."

"You have a debt with the bank? How did that happen?"

From his experience working there, the club seemed popular with customers. So it was rather odd that suddenly she was unable to cover her debts.

"Ah, it doesn't matter anymore. Either way, I won't be able to pay it off."

Noah simply nodded in understanding. Not everything can be shared. Alice just needed a companion to drink with, nothing more.

Then, something occurred to Noah. "Ms. Sanders, how much do you owe the bank?"

Alice laughed hollowly. "Why do you ask? Will you help me pay it off?"

"I don't know. But, if I could, I would help you."

Alice took a deep breath and exhaled harshly. "Fifteen million dollars, due tomorrow. Or they'll take it all," she replied hopelessly.

Noah nodded, seeming to consider. "Ms. Sanders, what if I could pay off your debt?"

Though she thought he was joking, Alice answered him. "You would own this club. And I'd work for you. Hahahaha!"

"Alright, then I will pay off your debt."

Alice shook her head. "Noah, you're a good kid, I know. But fifteen million dollars is not a small amount."

"Yes, I know. But what if I really have it?"

Alice grabbed Noah's cheeks, pulling his face close and looking into his eyes intently.

"Kid, don't joke about this with me right now. Do you really have it?"

"Yes, I have it," Noah confidently replied, despite the firm grip on his face.

"If you can redeem this club, I'll sleep with you anytime you want," Alice challenged.

"Ms. Sanders, that won't be necessary."

"No, I'm serious. If you can truly redeem and take over this club, you can take me at my word!"

"Okay then. But I have some conditions."

"I'll accept anything. I don't care if the money's from robbing a bank or a scam. If you have it, please help me save this club."

Alice was utterly desperate. If Noah truly had the money, she didn't care where it came from. What mattered most right now was preserving the legacy of her family's establishment.

"Alright, is the fingerprint payment device here still operational?"

"Of course. Why?"

"Fetch it for me, I'll transfer the funds to your account, right now!"