After going through the system shop, Alex can truly say that he was speechless with the things in the system.
But with the limited RP points he was still not qualified to even think about those. After skimming through the endless options, he finally chose two. Namely [Pharmaceutical Engineering Entry Level] and [Club & Entertainment Operations Entry Level].
These two skills were going to help him run his current business and help him expand it in the future.
[Pharmaceutical Engineering Entry Level- 300RP]
- Unlocks basic understanding of drug synthesis and refining methods-
[Club & Entertainment Operations Entry Level – 320 RP]
- Rudimentary knowledge on how to run high-end clubs, underground gambling dens, and "legal" lounges—perfect for laundering and influence-
The cost drained almost all his RP—and it stung. But he knew he'd earn it back.
After he was done buying both, he laid down on his bed and accepted the information being ingrained in his head. The familiar uncomfortable yet pleasant feeling, he closed his eyes and waited for it to go away.
Opening his eyes he couldn't help but feel amazed by the knowledge that the system labelled as rudimentary. Even him, who has some experience in running a gambling den could still feel that he has gained quite a bit from this knowledge. His system was now updated with the new skills.
[INFLUENCE SYSTEM | STATUS WINDOW
Name: Alex Gray
Age: 21
Status: Stable
Level: 5
Assets: $660 000 | RP: 40
Reputation: Operator
Shop
Skills: Tactical Intelligence: A+ Club & Entertainment Operations: D-
Strategic Planning: S Pharmaceutical Engineering: E+
Psychological Manipulation: S+
Firearms Handling: A
Combat Proficiency: A-
Leadership: B
Negotiation: A
Observation: S-]
With Everything set, he prepared himself to take a rest. Tomorrow was going to be a big day as he was going to meet the chemist and the whole crew which was going to work on this was going to be meeting for the first time. So he definitely needed his beauty sleep.
'Everything is coming together nicely.' He thought as he drifted to sleep.
---
Hands tucked into his coat pockets; Alex walked leisurely down the quiet street toward Judge Mark Collins' house. The morning air was cool, the sky overcast—Ashbridge's usual mood.
Seeing that Marks car was still parked there, he continued to head towards the door and knocked. Waiting a second before the door was opened by Ana.
Ana opened the door—and froze. Not just because Alex Gray was standing there… but because he'd knocked.
"You knocked?"
Alex gave her a small, amused smile, "Can't always make a dramatic entrance."
Ana tilted her head slightly, "First time for everything."
Before either of them can say more- a voice called from upstairs
"Ana? Who is it-?"
Marks voice trailed off the moment he saw who was standing at the door. His spine straightened; his face paled just a little.
"Good morning, Mr. Gray," Mark said quickly, his tone forced into politeness.
"Morning Judge," Alex replied smoothly. "I thought I should just drop by to have a chat about a few things with you and possibly your daughter."
Alex said as he stepped inside the house and navigated it with his usual ease like he owned the place.
Following him to the kitchen, Ana and Mark stood on the other side of the kitchen island, watching as Alex opened their fridge like it was his own. He pulled out a sandwich, inspected it, then casually took a seat at the counter.
"Well firstly judge I must commend you for a job well done in court." He said, unwrapping the sandwich
Hearing him praise his work, The old man felt a rush of joy hit him, confused with his own reaction to the praise he responded to Alex, "Thank you Mr. Gray, it was a pleasure to assist you. Is there something else you want me to assist with.?"
Seeing the Old Judges reaction, Alex smiled lightly and fell into thought while looking at him, finally he spoke, "Judge let me ask you something,"
"What are your aspirations?"
"My.... aspirations?"
Mark deeply puzzled by the questions tried to answer the best way he thought, "Mr. Gray, I'm not a young man anymore. These days my goal is to take care of my daughter and maybe retire with age."
Alex leaned back on the stool, resting one arm on the counter.
"You know," he said softly, "people treat greed like it's a disease. Like wanting more makes you dirty"
Ana narrowed her eyes, watching him carefully.
"But I think Greed, its natural." He continued, "It's not a flaw, but rather something ingrained in us humans, the desire to grow, to take, to win. It's the most honest thing we have."."
He looked deeply in Marks eyes as he asked him, "Mark….do you still feel that desire in you."
"Yes" without even thinking or contemplating Alex's words, he found himself nodding and answering him.
"Good" Alex smiled.
He set the napkin down, stood, and buttoned his coat
"Then work with me, Judge. And I'll make sure that hunger of yours? Gets fed."
Mark stood there unmoving, thinking about what Alex said to him. And for the first time in a long time, he felt it, that desire to climb higher and achieve more reignite inside him.
Alex had a satisfied smile seeing Mark contemplating.
Alex turned toward the hallway, his eyes casually drifting to Ana.
She was still staring at him—watching him like he was something new. Dangerous.
Amused, he walked past her without a word
"Wait…" Ana spoke up.
He stopped. Didn't turn but just waited.
Ana stepped forward, her voice calm but laced with a deep curiosity, "You said you wanted to talk to me too."
'Hook.'
Alex finally turned around; his eyes sharper now- more focused.
"I did," he said, "but I think I just changed my mind."
Ana folded her arms and asked, "Why.?"
A faint smirk tugged at Alex's lips. He took a few slow steps towards her- measure and nonthreatening.
"You bored, Ana, I can see it in your eyes," His voice was soft, "Yet you're pretending like this is enough for you. Waiting idly for something that might just pique your interest, then going back to being bored after you done. Rinse and repeat"
Alex, taller than her, looked at her eyes, "But someone like you…" he tilted his head, examining her like a puzzle he already solved.
"You were born to cause problems."
Ana raised an eyebrow, almost amused. "And you think you 're the solution.?"
'Line'
"No," Alex replied, Stepping even closer. "I think I'm the opportunity."
He paused, his voice dropping lower
"I'm building something big, bigger than money or street power; I'm building an ecosystem- one that controls entire cites."
"And I want you in it,"
Ana didn't speak immediately, but didn't scoff either.
'And sinker.' Alex smile as he knew that she was thinking about it.
"You have yourself a great morning Judge," Alex said as he turned and headed for the door, "I know I will."
The door shut quietly behind him.