The walk back to the parking area felt lighter than before. Knowledge still tingled in my mind, settling like warm electricity under my skin. The world hadn't changed, but my perception had sharpened. Every billboard, every storefront, every crowd movement carried information: patterns, opportunities, gaps waiting to be filled. It felt strange—just yesterday, I was an orphan struggling to stay alive. Today, I walked through a futuristic city with a million credits and a brain humming with newly acquired skills. The hover-sedan unlocked automatically as I approached. I sat behind the wheel, exhaled slowly, and rested my hands on the smooth control surface. "System," I murmured, "I need to understand how this world works… economically."
[Display available.]
A large translucent window materialized in front of me, displaying charts, numbers, and diagrams.
[City of Solara — Economic Overview
Population: 18.2 million
Tech Sector Growth: 17% annually
Small Business Failure Rate: 42%
Startup Success Rate (3 years): 21%
Average Individual Savings: 4,000 Credits]
The numbers made my eyebrows rise. "People don't have much safety cushion."
[Correct. Most citizens live paycheck to paycheck. High demand for automation and convenience-based apps.]
"So the market wants solutions that save time and effort."
[Correct.]
I leaned back. "Good. That's exactly what I can build." The car silently lifted off as I gave the command to return home. While the city blurred beneath me, my mind raced ahead—business models, app types, niche ideas, MVPs. The intermediate knowledge package had opened doors in my head I didn't even know existed. I knew how to build task automation apps, small AI-assist tools, smart scheduling programs, and even customized storefront systems for small businesses. Not enough to create world-changing tech yet, but more than enough to start something profitable. The car landed gently outside my apartment. I went upstairs, tossed my keys onto the table, and sank onto the couch. My body felt awake, but my mind was burning with possibilities. "System," I said, "what is the cheapest way to start an app-based business?"
[Recommendation: Start as a freelance developer. Low cost, high scalability. After building reputation and demand, expand into a full company.]
Right. Simple, reasonable, effective. But freelancing alone wasn't enough. I needed a brand. Something that could grow. Something that would become the foundation of the empire I was meant to build. "I need a company name," I said. The system didn't display anything, which meant the responsibility fell on me. I tapped my fingers on the couch. Something modern… something clean… something that felt like the beginning of something big. "Aren Technologies," I whispered. It sounded bold. Too bold for a beginner? Maybe. But the name wasn't just for now—it was for the empire I intended to build. And an empire needed a powerful name from day one. "System, register the company name 'Aren Technologies'."
[Company name available. Registration fee: 500 Credits. Proceed?]
"Yes."
[Registration complete. Host now owns: Aren Technologies.]
My first real step in this world. The thought made my heart thump with a strange sense of pride. I stood up and walked to the small desk near the window. Sunlight spilled over the surface as I powered on the sleek, transparent tablet the previous Aren used for basic browsing. My fingers skimmed across the screen as I searched for the city's freelancing portal. It didn't take long to find it: Solara WorkNet — the largest skill marketplace in the region. I created a profile under my new company name. When it asked for skills, my fingers moved confidently:
— App Development (Intermediate)
— Automation Tools
— Smart Scheduling Systems
— Small Business Digital Solutions
— Task Management Apps
The listings looked impressive enough for someone starting out. For the portfolio section, I frowned. I had nothing to show. "System," I said quietly, "I need work samples."
[Samples can be generated based on Host's acquired knowledge. Three demo apps suggested.]
"Show me."
[1 — Smart Task Manager
2 — Auto-Reply Chat Assistant
3 — Shop Inventory Micro-System]
Each one represented a simple yet useful product—small, clean, and easy to showcase. "Generate them," I said.
[Estimated development time with Host assistance: 1 hour.]
I cracked my knuckles. "Let's do it." The next hour flew by in a blur of coding. My fingers danced across the holographic interface, assembling functions, designing interfaces, connecting modules. The System didn't do the work for me—it guided me, corrected mistakes, optimized code patterns, and highlighted inefficiencies. It felt like working with the world's best technical mentor. When the final line of code slid into place, the apps stood ready—clean, smooth, functional, and professional. I uploaded all three to the WorkNet portfolio. Almost immediately, small notification icons blinked on my profile:
— "Profile strength: High"
— "Portfolio visibility: Above average"
I sat back, satisfied. The first step was done. Now I needed clients. While reviewing my options, a new panel opened unexpectedly.
[New Mission Available]
I blinked. "Mission?"
[Mission: First Contract
Objective: Secure your first paid order on Solara WorkNet.
Reward: 5,000 Credits
Penalty: None
Time Limit: 7 days]
A grin tugged at my lips. "That's generous."
[System incentivizes early growth.]
"I appreciate it." The moment I clicked Accept, the panel vanished. I refreshed the job listings. There were dozens of requests: Fix broken apps, optimize load time, create simple tools, build scheduling features for small cafés… nothing too complex. One request caught my attention:
"Looking for developer to create a simple automated customer reminder app for my cleaning service. Budget: 800 Credits."
It wasn't much, but it was a perfect starting project. I clicked Apply. The client messaged back almost instantly.
Client: "Your portfolio looks clean. Can you deliver in 2 days?"
Me: "I can deliver it today."
A short pause… then a message:
Client: "Deal. Sending requirements."
My first job. I leaned forward as requirement files loaded. A simple app—automated reminders, client list, scheduling system. Easy. Child's play with the System's help. I opened a blank development screen. My fingers moved quickly but with precision. The code flowed naturally from the new knowledge in my mind, forming patterns that made sense, structures that clicked into place. At one point, I caught myself smiling. This felt good. Like I was building something with my own hands for the first time in both my lives. An hour later, the app was complete. I tested it twice, polished the UI, and uploaded it to the client. Within minutes, a message arrived.
Client: "This is perfect. Sending payment now."
800 Credits appeared in my account. And then—
[Mission Completed
Reward Delivered: 5,000 Credits]
A warm wave passed through me, the System's energy pulsing faintly. My balance jumped. I exhaled slowly, leaning back in my chair. "That's it," I whispered. "My first real income in this world." It felt small and huge at the same time. A beginning. A seed. I opened the balcony door and stepped outside. The evening breeze brushed against my face as the city glowed with neon lights. Somewhere inside, a tiny spark of ambition grew brighter. Today, Aren died and was reborn. Tomorrow, Aren Technologies would take its first real steps. And someday… the entire world would know the name. "System," I murmured, eyes on the glowing skyline, "I'm going to build that empire."
[Acknowledged.]
The night air felt like a promise. And I intended to fulfill it.