The next morning was different.
Leo stood in front of the mirror wearing a crisp white shirt, fitted perfectly across his shoulders. His usual faded jeans had been replaced with tailored dark slacks, and his scuffed sneakers swapped for polished leather shoes.
No logos. No flash. Just simple, clean, expensive—yet subtle.
He looked like someone important. But only if you looked close enough.
He had used the GWIP app's "Asset Management" tab to place an anonymous order from a high-end bespoke tailor—everything delivered discreetly through a "corporate wardrobe starter pack."
All part of his slow transformation.
His mother glanced at him over breakfast, raising an eyebrow.
"Where are you going? You look like someone about to apply for a corporate job."
Leo chuckled lightly. "Just… felt like dressing nice today."
"You look like your papa when he still worked at the bank," she said, her voice warm with nostalgia. "Very dignified."
He smiled. "Thanks, Ma."
After breakfast, Leo left the house early, not for school—but to follow up on his first quiet project.
He had selected a building in a hidden corner of the system's real estate list—a small, forgotten commercial property in Pasig. A three-floor space, once a coffee shop and internet café combo, now run-down and abandoned.
But to Leo, it was opportunity.
He arrived and was met by a middle-aged man with graying hair and calloused hands.
"Sir Leo?" the man said cautiously. "I'm Benjie. The caretaker."
Leo nodded. "Thanks for waiting, Kuya Benjie. I'm here to inspect the building."
Benjie hesitated. "If you don't mind me asking… are you from the company that bought this place? You don't look… like the usual types."
Leo simply smiled. "Let's just say I'm part of something new."
The interior was dusty, but the structure was solid. Leo walked through each room, inspecting the wiring, the plumbing, the bones of the place.
In his mind, a vision was forming: a start-up hub for students, freelancers, and small-time creators. Free high-speed internet. Rental cubicles. Affordable snacks. A place where people like him—who never had space to dream—could finally do so.
[New Project Created: Underground Co-Lab Hub]
Estimated Investment: ₱8.2 Million
Passive Return (Long-term): Moderate
Social Impact: High
System Bonus Unlocked: Networking Potential Tier 1
Leo took it all in, breathing deep. This was what power could be. Not flashy cars or loud spending—but change. Quiet, meaningful change.
Back on campus, Leo arrived just before his 2 p.m. Business Strategy class. Students glanced at him, some doing a double take.
Was that… Leo?
"He looks different today," one girl whispered.
"New shoes? Or is it the haircut?" another muttered.
Even his professor paused slightly when Leo entered and gave a small nod.
Miggy, sitting in the middle row with Belle beside him, turned his head just enough to notice. A frown tugged at his lips.
Belle stared a little longer than she should have.
Leo walked past them like they didn't exist.
After class, as students filed out, Belle rushed after Leo.
"Leo!"
He stopped but didn't turn around. "What is it?"
She bit her lower lip, her tone softer. "Can we talk?"
He turned then, expression calm. "About what?"
Belle hesitated. She looked at his clothes again, at the air of quiet confidence surrounding him now. He looked… stable. Unbothered. Unrecognizable.
"I… I was harsh the other day," she said. "I just… I wasn't thinking clearly."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "You seemed pretty clear to me."
She winced. "I just want to know if we could talk. Maybe catch up."
Silence.
Then Leo smiled faintly, without warmth.
"Belle… the thing about gold-diggers is that they only start digging when they realize they missed the gold."
She blinked. "What does that mean?"
"It means," he said quietly, "I've already moved on."
And with that, he turned and walked away—leaving Belle stunned, cheeks flushed, caught between confusion and embarrassment.
Miggy appeared moments later, having seen the whole exchange from a distance. "What did he say to you?"
Belle didn't answer.
That evening, Leo received a new system notification.
[Milestone Reached]
Emotional Detachment: Past Relationship - Complete
Reward: Confidence Passive Skill – Unlocked
Influence Gained +12%
Public Perception Resistance +10%
Leo leaned back on his bed, staring at the screen.
It was odd—how structured this system was. How it not only gave him money but shaped him into someone capable of using it.
It wasn't just about wealth.
It was about who he would become.
He opened his task log again.
Next Task: Assist a stranger in achieving a personal breakthrough (career, health, education).
Reward: "Insight" Tier 1 Skill – Unlocks ability to spot talent and potential in others.
Leo grinned.
He already had someone in mind.