The rain hammered against the grimy window of Liam's cramped apartment, mirroring the tempest brewing inside him. He stared at the half-eaten takeout container, the greasy remnants a stark reminder of his rapidly disintegrating life. Just hours ago, he'd been a teacher, passionate about shaping young minds, and the boyfriend of Anya, a rising star in the city's cutthroat financial world. Now, he was just… Liam.
"Different life goals," she'd said, her voice echoing in his ears, cold and final. He'd envisioned a future with her, a life built on shared dreams and mutual support. But Anya, with her designer suits and penthouse aspirations, had a different trajectory. A trajectory that didn't include a struggling teacher.
And then, to add insult to injury, the school district had laid him off. Budget cuts, they'd said, but he knew the truth. He was expendable.
He sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. The city lights, usually a vibrant symbol of opportunity, now mocked him with their distant, unattainable glow. This high-end city, with its glittering skyscrapers and exclusive clubs, had always felt just out of reach. Now, it felt like another planet.
Suddenly, a shimmering blue interface materialized in front of him, hovering in the air like a holographic ghost. Liam blinked, then blinked again. He rubbed his eyes, convinced he was hallucinating.
"System Initialization: Welcome, User Liam." A robotic voice, clear and precise, echoed in the small room.
Liam's heart pounded. He'd read countless web novels and manga about systems, about ordinary people granted extraordinary powers. He'd always dismissed them as escapist fantasies. But here it was, a blue screen with glowing text, floating in his living room.
"Am I… dreaming?" he whispered, reaching out a trembling hand.
"System Active. User: Liam. Current Status: Financial Ruin, Emotional Distress, Career Termination." The system's voice was devoid of emotion, a stark contrast to the chaos in his mind.
"What… what are you?" Liam stammered.
"I am an Omniscient System, designed to provide you with the resources and abilities necessary to achieve your desires. Leveling up will unlock new abilities and rewards."
A menu appeared on the interface:
[Current Level: 1]
[Available Resources: Unlimited Wealth, Comprehensive Knowledge (All Careers)]
[Objectives: Survive, Thrive, Transcend.]
Liam stared, his jaw slack. Unlimited wealth? Knowledge of all careers? It was too good to be true. He'd read about these things, but he never thought he would have one.
"This is real?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Affirmative. System awaiting user command."
A surge of adrenaline coursed through him. Disbelief warred with a wild, almost delirious excitement. He'd been given a second chance, a way out of the hole he'd fallen into.
"Show me… show me the wealth," he said, his voice gaining strength.
The interface flickered, and a number appeared, a string of digits so long it made his head spin. His bank account, usually hovering near zero, now displayed an incomprehensible sum.
Liam's breath hitched. This was insane. This was… incredible. He looked out the window at the city, a new light in his eyes. He was no longer a victim of its cruel indifference. He was a player, and the game had just begun.