The next morning, Austin stood in front of the Okoro Plaza in Awka. His clothes were still cheap, but he carried himself with a new confidence. The Divine Medical System was humming in the back of his mind, scanning every person he passed.
"I'm here to see Chief Okoro," Austin told the receptionist.
She looked at his worn-out sneakers and started to sneer, but then she saw the gold-embossed card in his hand. Her face changed instantly. "Right this way, sir! The Chief is expecting you."
In the top-floor office, Chief Okoro looked like a different man—strong, healthy, and powerful.
"Austin! Come in," the Chief boomed. "I went to the hospital after you left last night. The doctors were shocked. They said my blockage was gone, but they couldn't explain how. They called it a miracle."
Austin sat down. "I have my own methods, Chief. I'm glad you're feeling better."
The Chief leaned forward. "I don't just want to thank you; I want to invest in you. You have a gift that could change the healthcare industry in this country. What do you need to start your own clinic or research lab?"
Austin took a deep breath. This was the moment his empire began. "I don't just want a small clinic, Chief. I want to build a medical research facility that produces affordable, high-quality skincare and life-saving medicines for everyone."
The Chief smiled. "I like your ambition. Here." He pushed a check across the desk. "This is ₦2,000,000 as a start-up seed. Consider it a down payment for my family's health. I'll also provide the warehouse space in Onitsha for your laboratory."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: NEW MILESTONE REACHED!]
[BUSINESS LEGACY: LEVEL 1 ACTIVATED.]
[REWARD: 500 EXP, 1x MYSTICAL INCUBATOR (For crafting high-tier medicine).]
As Austin left the office, his phone buzzed. It wasn't a bank alert this time—it was a message from the clinic manager who had kicked him out just two days ago.
"Austin, I heard you were seen at Okoro Plaza. Are you still looking for a job? We can talk about a promotion..."
Austin deleted the message without replying. He was no longer an apprentice. He was a CEO in the making.