Saturday morning. Tondo was already alive with sound—vendors shouting prices, children chasing each other barefoot, and tricycles weaving through narrow streets.
Leo sat quietly at the small dining table, sipping black coffee while scrolling through his system's interface. It had become part of his daily routine now—check the dashboard, read tasks, and plan his next silent move.
Today, something new appeared.
[Investment Opportunity Alert]
A small logistics start-up in Quezon City is on the verge of collapse due to cash flow issues.
Estimated Value: ₱2.5M
Hidden Potential: High
Suggestion: Acquire silently and install remote management team.
Risk: Low
Projected ROI (2 years): 320%
Decision: YES / NO
Leo tapped YES without hesitation.
The moment he confirmed, a pop-up showed the process unfolding in real time—lawyers signing digital contracts, a shell corporation taking over, and capital being injected into the company through layered accounts.
All within minutes.
All in his name—but hidden.
It still amazed him how effortless power had become. He didn't need to brag. He didn't need to flex. He simply moved—and the world adjusted around him.
[Investment Successful]
Passive Income Stream Added
Influence +3%
Business Acumen Skill Progress: 9%
Leo leaned back, satisfied. He had only started scratching the surface.
By noon, he was back on campus, dressed as usual—clean, presentable, but nothing expensive enough to draw attention. He met with Martin, Aria, and Dre at the university's old garden courtyard.
This wasn't a meeting. Not officially.
Just four students hanging out.
To anyone watching, it was casual. But to Leo, this was part of a bigger picture.
"Guys," Leo said, setting down his drink, "what if… we started something together?"
Dre raised an eyebrow. "Started what?"
"A movement," Leo said. "A collaboration. You're good with tech. Aria's an architect. Martin's got leadership and strategy. What if we pool our talents into a long-term project?"
Martin leaned forward, intrigued. "Like… a company?"
"Not yet," Leo said. "More like a shared platform. Co-working. Labs. Student-led innovation. Something that starts small but can grow with us."
Aria tilted her head. "Is this why you helped us? Was this the plan all along?"
Leo met her gaze. "I helped you because you deserved it. This is separate. You don't owe me anything. But I see something in all of us—and I think we can build something that lasts."
Silence fell. Not awkward. Just thoughtful.
Then Martin grinned. "I'm in."
Aria nodded. "I'll draw up a design sketch for the space."
Dre smiled shyly. "I've always wanted to build something that helps others. Let's do it."
Leo smiled quietly.
His circle wasn't just loyal.
They were visionary.
[Private Circle Project Unlocked]
Project Name: Ground Zero Initiative
Goal: Build a multi-functional innovation hub for students and underfunded talents
System Contribution: 50% funded through anonymous trust
Team Contribution: Task-based involvement
Reward: Unlock "Visionary Influence" Tier 1
Leo didn't show the pop-up to anyone.
He didn't need to.
Later that evening, Leo received a call. A number he didn't recognize.
He answered cautiously.
"Hello?"
"Good evening, sir," a polite voice said. "This is Marivic from Reyes & Associates. We're calling to confirm that your asset audit and family background request have been completed."
Leo sat up straighter. "Go on."
"We traced the bloodline and verified that you are the legitimate grandson of Don Benedicto Ramirez. Your father, Lorenzo, was removed from the succession due to a falling out, but the final clause in the will left everything to 'the grandson who lives humbly and earns his own name.'"
Leo exhaled slowly.
So it was true.
His grandfather had been watching from afar. And in the end, chose him—not for status, but for his values.
"One more thing, sir," the woman added. "The board of Ramirez Global Holdings has requested a meeting with you in two weeks. They do not know your identity, only that the heir has been selected. Shall we accept on your behalf?"
Leo thought for a moment.
Then answered, "Yes. But keep my identity sealed."
"As you wish, sir."
Click.
[Main Storyline Unlocked: Family Legacy Conflict]
Objective: Attend secret board meeting in two weeks.
Optional: Maintain anonymity while influencing decisions.
Reward: Gain full executive access to Ramirez Global Holdings + Tier 2 Upgrade Path.
Leo rubbed his face, heart pounding.
He wasn't just rich.
He was about to walk into the corporate battlefield that shaped his bloodline.
And unlike before, he would be ready.
Across campus, Miggy was scrolling through his phone in frustration. His stocks had dropped. His allowance cut back. His dad had scolded him for reckless spending.
Meanwhile, Belle sat beside him, barely listening.
Her mind was elsewhere.
On a boy she had once walked away from.
And who, no matter how she tried, seemed to be rising without making a sound.