'Business…'
That night, as he went into a secluded place to do his workout plan, Leonard couldn't help but think about the words that Anika told him.
He dropped down onto the ground and started his push-ups first.
"One, two, three…"
'Business, huh?'
He had never once thought of owning one.
Not in this life, and definitely not in his old one.
Back then, responsibility was something he never really wanted. He never wanted people to rely on him. He never wanted the weight of managing others. And if he was honest, he never thought it was something for him anyway.
"Twenty-seven… twenty-eight…" He gritted his teeth as he could feel his arms burning.
But now, in this strange new life, the idea didn't sound that bad at all.
'It's not that bad at all. After all, I can't stay on the outskirts forever..' Leonard thought as he pressed his lips together.
By the fiftieth push-up, his arms were already trembling, but for some reason, he didn't feel as if he was dying. Without pausing too long, he shifted into the next plan, which was sit-ups. His stomach clenched with every pull forward. Sweat was starting to form on his forehead.
"I also want to go to the capital," he muttered between breaths. "I know that's where the real opportunities are…"
Anika said that they could start small. They could rent a small place and hire a few workers. They can make it a place where people can come and play without waiting for hours.
'Wooh, thinking while doing work out is really not the best.' By the fiftieth sit-up, his abs were screaming in pain.
Next for him was the squats. Leonard's thighs burned as he lowered himself again and again for minutes.
"Twenty… twenty-one…"
'Maybe I can do that,' he thought, sweat rolling down his temples.
By the time he hit fifty, he was panting heavily, but he pushed himself further. He stretched his legs a little and started to run.
He found peace as he ran.
For some reason, he also started imagining things. He started dreaming about the space that he will have. He will have a small shop on a side street, a wooden sign swinging above the door with a simple name.
'What's a good name for my business?' he muttered as he tried to think of multiple names, but nothing came up serious on his mind.
"Well, I'll just think of that later." He shook his head and instead imagined what would be inside the store.
Inside, there will be low tables and chairs. For now, they could only play dice since it was the only thing he had.
For every table, there will be one worker. They will act as the head of the table. The one who will facilitate everything for calling the next set of players, calling out bets, and also keeping the money.
'Damn, I am so good at this one.' He praised himself.
Leonard ran for more. By the time he finished his two miles, multiple ideas were already circling on his mind.
Exhausted, he lay on his back in the grass. His chest was moving up and down to catch some air.
"Now I just need action. I need to actually do it," he breathed deeply before silence filled him.
Amidst the silence, he looked down at his body and frowned when he realized something.
The usual deadly ache that he felt yesterday after doing the workout wasn't there. He was tired, but not dead tired.
He flexed a hand, then a foot. His movement felt normal. His legs were fine, his things too, and his arms!
'Damn!'
This was definitely because of the reward that he got.
"System, you really are an angel," he laughed out loud.
Leonard quickly sat up. His eyes sparkled as a certain thought crossed his mind.
"So System… can you help me with this dream?" Leonard asked, his grin widening.
[Ding!]
[Question detected.]
[What dream, Host?]
Leonard blinked.
"Huh? What dream? To build the gambling den, of course!" He pointed up to the sky as if the System was hiding there, watching him.
"I've been thinking about it for hours! What else do you think I'm talking about?"
[Ding!]
[Processing request]
[Let me think about it for a moment, Host.]
Leonard froze. His jaw dropping.
"Wait, what?! Did you just say you're gonna think about it? What kind of system needs time to think?!"
The system only answered with silence.
"Oh, come on. Don't act like you're some kind of divine philosopher now. I just asked you for help, not the meaning of life." Leonard's eye twitched.
After a pause, the voice rang in his head again.
[Ding!]
[System has decided.]
Leonard sat up straighter, hope in his eyes.
[System can offer help.]
"Finally! So you're gonna—"
[System fee: 50 silver coins.]
"What the fuck?" Leonard's mouth fell open
[Payment required in full before any assistance can be provided.]
"Are you on drugs?!" Leonard threw his hands up.
"Fifty silver?! Do you think I'm swimming in money? Where the hell do you expect me to pull fifty silver from? My ass?!"
The system, as always, ignored his outrage.
[The offer still stands.]
[Would Host like to proceed?]
Leonard groaned and flopped back onto the grass.
"Unbelievable. How come I really did expect help from this scam system?" he sighed and shook his head.
"Alright, alright… can you give me some time to think about it? I mean… fifty silver is no joke." Leonard groaned again, rubbing his face.
"Also. why is your fee so high? What exactly am I supposed to get from this? I need some details.
[Host, the System assistance will include: perfect location spot for the business and identification of individuals perfect to work under you.]
Leonard froze, blinking.
"Wait, what?" He leaned back on his hands, astonished. "You're telling me… you'll actually find a spot for the shop and scan for people who can run the tables? Like employees who won't screw me over?"
[That's correct.]
'Sheesh…' Leonard's jaw nearly hit the ground.
"I mean… it's still fifty silver, but… damn, that's actually… tempting."
He leaned back, letting the cool night air calm his racing thoughts.
"Alright… alright, System. Give me some time to think, but I'm seriously considering this. You better not be lying to me."
[Of course, Host. I'll give you until tomorrow.]
"Huh? Why so soon?!"