Cass rose early, the echoes of the previous night's system notification still sharp in his mind.
His reflection stared back at him from the bathroom mirror, eyes cold with purpose, but his expression softened slightly as he heard his mother humming downstairs.
Elaine was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. She looked up, surprised when Cass entered in a fresh shirt and tailored jacket, his posture crisp even for a weekday morning.
"You're up early," she said, raising her brows.
"I've got some things to do in the city," Cass said, reaching for the kettle to pour her tea before she could.
Thomas wandered in, rubbing his eyes, hair a mess. "More networking?" he asked, his tone half curious, half suspicious.
"Something like that," Cass said with the faintest smile.
His parents exchanged a look. They had grown used to him acting differently these past weeks, but each small detail added to their unease. Elaine studied him carefully before setting down a plate of toast.
"Cass," she said quietly, "you don't need to rush to grow up so fast."
He met her eyes, voice calm.
"I'm not rushing, Mum. I'm just not wasting time anymore."
Her lips pressed together. Thomas looked away, unsure how to respond. They weren't ready to see how much their son had already outpaced them.
[Quest Triggered: Family Assurance]
[Objective: Provide comfort and tangible stability to parents]
[Reward: +£5,000]
[Passive Buff: Family Confidence Aura Lv.1]
Cass smiled faintly at the prompt. He didn't need the system to tell him what he already planned to do.
By mid-morning, he was in the city, the Aston Martin turning heads as he pulled into the financial district. The system guided him smoothly toward a discreet estate office with frosted glass doors. Inside, polished desks gleamed under warm lighting.
A receptionist blinked as he entered, her gaze flicking from his youthful face to his tailored jacket to the keys of the Aston Martin in his hand. She rose quickly.
"Good morning, sir. How can we help you today?"
"I'm here for a property viewing," Cass said smoothly. "Something substantial. Cash purchase."
The woman straightened, suddenly alert. "One moment, sir. I'll fetch our director."
It didn't take long for a tall man in a dark blue suit to arrive, smiling politely. "Mr Vale, I'm Adrian Clarke. I handle exclusive acquisitions. What are you looking for?"
Cass met his gaze without blinking. "A mansion. Something that makes a statement."
Clarke hesitated only a fraction of a second before nodding. "Of course. We have a few listings that might interest you."
[Quest Objective Progress: First Property Acquisition – Active]
[Temporary Skill Unlocked: Real Estate Evaluation Lv.1]
[Effect: Instantly detect undervalued property potential]
As Clarke spread out glossy brochures, the system highlighted one in faint gold. An estate outside the city, historic yet modernised, with land that would appreciate heavily in the coming years.
Cass tapped the page. "This one."
Clarke blinked. "That's one of our higher-tier listings. Would you like to schedule a tour first?"
"No," Cass said. "I'll take it."
Clarke's composure cracked for a moment before he recovered with a wide smile. "Very good, Mr Vale. Payment arrangements?"
"Cash," Cass said simply.
The silence that followed was thick with disbelief.
[Quest Complete: First Property Acquisition]
[Reward: Mansion (Minor) Secured]
[Reward: +£50,000]
[Skill Unlocked: Real Estate Lv.1]
Clarke all but bowed as Cass signed the paperwork. By the time Cass left, the man was promising future exclusive deals and personal invitations to investment gatherings.
That evening, Cass guided his parents into the car without telling them where they were going. Elaine protested nervously as the Aston Martin rolled into the countryside, her fingers tightening on her handbag.
"Cass, what is all this?"
"You'll see," Cass said calmly.
Thomas shook his head, half laughing. "You've been acting like a man twice your age. Now you've got secrets too?"
Cass only smiled faintly as the car turned into a long drive flanked by trimmed hedges and tall iron gates. Beyond them stretched rolling grounds and the silhouette of a grand mansion against the evening sky.
Elaine gasped. "Cass… what is this?"
Cass parked smoothly, stepping out first and opening their doors. "It's ours," he said simply.
They froze.
"Ours?" Thomas repeated, stunned.
Elaine shook her head. "Cass, this isn't possible. A house like this… it isn't for people like us."
"It is now," Cass said, leading them up the steps. "I told you I wouldn't waste time anymore."
The doors opened onto polished marble floors and sweeping staircases. Chandeliers glowed overhead. Elaine pressed her hand to her mouth, her eyes wet. Thomas walked through like a man lost in a dream.
"Cass… how?" Thomas asked hoarsely.
Cass looked at them both steadily. "Because I refuse to let you live small anymore. You've carried enough shame. From now on, we'll stand where we deserve."
[Quest Complete: Family Assurance]
[Reward: +£5,000]
[Passive Buff: Family Confidence Aura Lv.1]
[Effect: Family members gain +10% morale and resilience when Cass is present]
Elaine broke then, tears slipping down her cheeks. Thomas gripped Cass's shoulder, wordless but firm. For the first time in years, they looked not tired, not defeated, but proud.
Cass turned away, allowing them a moment. His eyes swept the high ceilings and grand windows, the future already taking shape in his mind.
'This is only the beginning. A mansion today. An empire tomorrow.'
The system pulsed like a heartbeat, feeding the promise.
[Main Quest Progress: 4%]
[Sub-Quest Unlocked: Hosting Gala]
[Objective: Hold an event to announce your arrival to elite circles]
[Reward: +£20,000]
[Reward: Charisma +2]
[Reward: Reputation (High Society)]
Cass's smile was cold and calm.
'Perfect. Let the world gather. It's time to step onto the stage.'