#### Scene 1: *New Tasks, New Challenges*
The Absolute God Tycoon System's glowing interface remained before Alex, casting a faint light in the dim room. Ellie sat nearby, eating slowly as the warmth returned to her cheeks. Alex's heart felt lighter seeing her recover, but the system had no intention of letting him rest.
[ **New Task Generated** ]
Alex straightened, his eyes narrowing as the system outlined his next challenge.
[ **Task: Launch Your First Business Venture** ]
[ **Objective: Acquire a product, sell it for a profit, and reach $1,000 net worth.** ]
[ **Reward: Unlock Innovation Skill Lv.1 (Design Unique Products).** ]
[ **Consequence: Failure Results in 50% Wealth Loss.** ]
His mind raced. The signal jammer had been a lucky break, but now he had to move quickly—and wisely. He had the Shadow Coins from the underground deal, but they wouldn't last long. If he failed, everything he had worked for would crumble.
"First business venture," he muttered to himself. "What can I sell? What can I—"
Ellie interrupted his thoughts. "You can't do this alone, Alex," she said, her voice steady despite her exhaustion. "You need help. Let me come with you."
Alex shook his head. "You're not strong enough yet. I'll handle this." He tried to sound confident, but inside, he felt the weight of the task pressing down on him.
Ellie's gaze softened. "I believe in you."
---
#### Scene 2: *The Marketplace Gamble*
Alex ventured back into the city, navigating the crowded streets with a purpose. The system highlighted potential opportunities in his peripheral vision—cheap goods, undervalued items, desperate sellers. He followed the guidance to a bustling marketplace, where merchants shouted over one another, each trying to lure customers.
[ **Recommendation: Seek High-Value, Low-Cost Items.** ]
Alex scanned the stalls, his sharp eyes picking out tools, trinkets, and scraps of fabric. But none of them seemed worthwhile—until he spotted an elderly merchant sitting in a quiet corner, his table piled high with dusty glass bottles.
"What's this?" Alex asked, pointing to one of the bottles.
"Perfume," the merchant replied with a shrug. "Not popular around here. Too fancy for most folks."
The system chimed again.
[ **Opportunity Detected: Rare Luxury Item with Market Potential.** ]
[ **Suggested Strategy: Purchase and Sell to Wealthier District.** ]
"How much for the lot?" Alex asked, his voice firm.
The merchant raised an eyebrow. "Seventy Shadow Coins."
Alex hesitated. It was a risky investment—almost all of his funds—but the system's glowing text reassured him. [ **Estimated Profit: 150 Shadow Coins.** ]
"I'll take it," Alex said.
---
#### Scene 3: *Taking a Leap*
With the perfume bottles carefully packed, Alex made his way to the edges of Eryndor's wealthier district. The towering buildings here were unlike anything in the lower district—polished glass and steel that seemed to reach for the sky. The people walked with confidence, dressed in clothes Alex could only dream of affording.
Setting up a makeshift stall near the entrance to the district, Alex arranged the bottles in neat rows. He knew he wasn't supposed to be there—street vendors were looked down upon—but desperation overpowered caution.
Hours passed. Alex called out to passersby, showing off the bottles, trying his best to imitate the merchants from the marketplace. At first, no one stopped, their disinterest weighing heavily on him.
But then, a young woman approached, her eyes lighting up as she inspected the bottles. "This… is surprisingly good," she said, holding one up to the light. "How much?"
Alex smiled faintly. "Ten Shadow Coins each. Or fifteen for two."
She bought four, handing him the coins with a nod. As she walked away, others began to gather, curious about the small boy selling luxury perfume at a bargain.
Within hours, every bottle was sold.
---
#### Scene 4: *The System Rewards*
As Alex packed up his stall and counted his earnings, the system's interface lit up with new notifications.
[ **Task Complete. Rewards Unlocked.** ]
[ **Innovation Skill Lv.1 Activated: Design Unique Products.** ]
[ **Wealth Dashboard Updated: Net Worth Increased to $1,000.** ]
Alex felt a surge of pride. He had done it. He had turned a gamble into a success.
Returning to the abandoned house, he placed the coins in front of Ellie, his smile wide. "This is just the start," he said.
Ellie smiled back, her eyes shining with hope. "I never doubted you."
---
**End of Chapter 5**
Alex's first venture into business proves successful, unlocking the system's first major skill and giving him the confidence to take bigger risks. With Ellie by his side and the system guiding him, the foundations of their future empire begin to take shape.