Su Chen stood up, his body still trembling from the revelation.
A whole year.
He had spent a whole year living normally, believing his past life was nothing but a dream. And now, in the span of a few moments, everything had changed.
He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples.
"So, it was all a test… but why?"
DING!
[To prepare you.]
His eyes flickered.
[Your past achievements were not guaranteed. You were given a glimpse of what could be, but without your own effort, none of it will come to pass.]
Su Chen smirked. So that's how it is.
A year ago, if he had awakened the system and been told to start from scratch, he might have panicked. He had relied on the system's gifts before—wealth, power, influence.
But after a year of living like an ordinary person… he had changed.
He had learned how to survive without relying on supernatural power. He had built discipline, worked jobs, experienced life at a slower pace.
And most importantly—he had learned patience.
His fingers clenched into fists. Good.
If the system wanted him to earn everything again, then he would.
DING!
[The system will now officially activate. As before, you will gain rewards based on recognition, influence, and accomplishments.]
[Would you like to begin?]
Su Chen took a deep breath. There was no hesitation in his voice.
"Yes."
DING!
[System activated.]
[Welcome to your true beginning, Su Chen.]
A strange calm settled over him. He wasn't the same man he had been a year ago. He wasn't blinded by greed or impulsiveness.
This time, he would build his empire his way.
Step by step.