1 Chapter 1

A young man lay sprawled on the bed, drenched in sweat and marked by tear stains around his closed eyes. His stillness conveyed a lifeless state, devoid of a heartbeat. In a matter of seconds, the world began to slow down, reducing the bustling street outside to a sluggish pace until everything froze in place, like a paused movie scene.

His appearance, surpassing the bounds of average, possessed a captivating charm that could rival the world's top celebrities. Though his body seemed thin and weary, it only enhanced the impression of a handsome, untainted individual untouched by the shadows of society. However, the traces of tears and the absence of a beating heart revealed a deeper understanding of life's hardships, dispelling any notion of innocence or naivety.

After what felt like an eternity, the world resumed its motion. People continued their activities, seemingly oblivious to the frozen moment that had just passed. The young man, previously presumed dead, suddenly found himself wide awake, defying all expectations.

"What in the world! I know for a fact I died. How the hell am I still alive?" he exclaimed, a mix of shock and confusion echoing in his voice. The overpowering stench in the room jolted him from his disoriented state, causing him to leap off the bed in disgust. The air hung heavy with the lingering odor of dried sweat and neglect, accompanied by the sight of garbage strewn about the tiny studio apartment. The cramped space, with its small kitchen and bathroom, evoked a suffocating feeling, even for those unacquainted with claustrophobia.

Rio, the once-declared deceased individual, appeared more like a person who had transmigrated into this unfamiliar world. He surveyed his surroundings, taking in the unfamiliarity, when suddenly, a refreshing sensation washed over his mind, almost intoxicating in its euphoria. As he reveled in the newfound state, the memories of the deceased body he now inhabited flooded his consciousness, crashing into his being.

The name was the same—Rio Esgrus. A 22-year-old orphan who had spent his formative years in an orphanage, only to be cast out at the age of 16 when he made the decision to drop out of school and chase after his first taste of success. However, the harsh reality of the world had thwarted his dreams. Lacking the necessary business acumen and a quick path to wealth, his endeavors had been futile. Devoid of savings, jobless, and without a high school diploma, he succumbed to a mysterious heart attack, the cause of which would forever remain a mystery.

"Damn, this guy's life was much worse than mine. I should be grateful. At least I didn't suffer alone like him," Rio silently acknowledged, his thoughts reflecting on the hardships he had escaped. Yet, a spark of hope ignited within him. If he had indeed transmigrated to this world, shouldn't he also possess a "system" like the ones he had read about in novels?

A resounding 'ding' reverberated in his mind, breaking through his contemplation and confirming his suspicions.

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, Host, for being bound by the Wealth System, which will aid you in becoming the world's wealthiest and most influential person.]

[Although this Earth lacks magic and fantasy, the Host will possess strength surpassing that of the average human, along with a photographic memory as a Welcoming Gift.]

[Status]

[Name: Rio Esgrus

Level: 1

Level Benefit: $2,500,000, Business Skill (Intermediate), Random F&B Recipe (LV1)

Experience: 0/10,000 (Host must earn money to accumulate experience)

Shop: Open

Balance: $2,500,000 (Currency rate same as USD)

Accumulated Profits: $0

Assets Value: $0]

[Ready to receive Welcome Gift, Y/N]

'...wow,' Rio marveled, both in awe and disbelief, as he absorbed the staggering information provided by the system.