For many minutes, Ethan was not able to process what just heard.
’System Activation?’
’What is that?’
’It is showing my stats’
’Wait, it is just like anime and movies, but is it true or just someone playing with me?’
’Whatever, if I can survive, I will do it no matter what’
Ethan starts swimming toward the sea, where a ship is sailing. He doesn’t want to go back to his family, or you could say his enemy’s direction, so he is swimming in the opposite direction.
’I’m close; I just have to enter it’
The ship was not that big.
"Thank god, looks like even fate is on my side today with me; the boarding ladder is already lowered"
He boarded the ship by locating the boarding ladder, or pilot ladder, lowered near the waterline, swimming up to it while keeping clear of the hull and any active thrusters, and securing a firm grip on the rungs before climbing up.
"Let’s go!! Finally, I’m safe!"*
Starts dancing*
After entering the ship, Ethan started analysing it to see where he could hide.
He didn’t have a ticket for this trip.
Then the system voice chimed in his mind.
<SYSTEM SUGGESTION >
<Task: User should use cash to get 200% cashback >
<Time remaining: 30 minutes>
’A cashback? Hmm... Ok’
"I should check how much money I have"
"Thank God my phone didn’t get wet, or else I would have been in huge trouble. Without money, surviving is impossible."
’I think I should try this to see if it is real or not.’
Ethan started exploring the different rooms in the ship.
’A canteen. Yes! I can spend money here.’
Ethan saw the menu, and his face instantly dropped.
’What the f---?!’
"They are not selling food; they are extorting our wallets."Ethan blurted out.
The shock on his face was clear. Then he suddenly realised that everyone here was well dressed.
’Hmm, I can only buy a coffee.’
’Never mind, at least I will get cashback.’
Ethan stepped into the luxurious hall of the canteen. Many rich families were here chatting and eating at their respective tables.
At the counter, a beautiful girl who looked to be in her late 20s was serving as a cashier.
"What do you want to have, sir?"
With a polite smile, she asked.
"I want one latte coffee."
"It will be $15, sir."
Ethan cursed in his mind. ’$15 for just a coffee, seriously, what a rip-off! A coffee costs only $2-3.’
’If cashback didn’t work, I’ll be doomed.’
He took out his phone and paid $15. The cashier gave him coffee with a polite smile.
Her behaviour showed how well-trained the employees were here.
Ding!
<SYSTEM NOTIFICATION>
<Task completed!>
< User has spent $15 on the food court; as per the reward, the user will get 200% cashback.>
<User will get $30, which will be deposited in your bank account.>
Ding!
Message from Central BankA/c XXXX credited $ 30.00. Dt 10-08-26 14:27:31.Bal $40.
"Nice! I thought it was fake; looks like I was wrong. I will get rich and teach those traitors a lesson. You think I’m gonna let you all live on my mother’s money."
Ethan enjoyed his coffee. At first, he was taking only a few sips because of how expensive it was.
But after getting cashback, he was full of joy and started drinking like it was very usual for him.
’I should get a proper meal.’
Since he discovered the truth of his father’s relationship, no one paid attention to him; as a result, he became malnourished.
’I should buy another coffee for cashback. I only have $40, which is not enough for pizza.’
’Pizza is $40?! A normal pizza costs only $18-20, and these guys are selling for 50.’
’Looks like I’m going to die from a heart attack.’
Ethan bought another two cups of latte coffee.
The cashier saw him as some coffee freak.
"Miss, this coffee is for you", Ethan said with a smile.
"Oh, it is not needed. Sir, don’t give it to me; it is too expensive." The cashier replied.
"Come on, I’m just giving you as an appreciation of your good service."
"No, but-"
"No buts, just take it."
"Ok fine, thank you, sir."
<SYSTEM NOTIFICATION>
<User spent $30 on food court as per reward; 200% cashback initiated.>
Ding!
Message from Central BankA/c XXXX credited $ 60.00. Dt 10-08-26 14:36:11. Bal $70.
Ethan bought a pizza and ate it.
<SYSTEM NOTIFICATION>
<User spent $50 on the food court; as per reward, 200% cashback initiated.>
Ding!
Message from Central Bank A/c XXXX: credited $ 100.00. Dt 10-08-26 14:36:11.Bal $120.After enjoying his food, Ethan left the food court and started browsing other fields.
’My clothes are soaked in water, and I don’t have clothes to wear. I have to get a pair of clothes. Because of my old, poor clothes, many people assumed as a staff member or janitor.’
’It is a miracle; they didn’t kick me out. I have to find a clothes store.’
After roaming around, he finally found a clothes store that looked luxurious and costly.
Ethan entered the shop in his poor clothes, which instinctively stopped him.
"Hey kid, where are you going?"
"I want to buy some clothes."
"You want to buy clothes? See for yourself; can you even afford a single piece of cloth from here? This is not some cheap cloth store from the streets."
"I can", Ethan said with a cold face.
"Don’t embarrass yourself, kid and go back."
Ethan had no choice and went from there.
Meanwhile, on the beach, Lucas was enjoying his vacation with his stepbrother’s ex-fiancée.
Ethan’s father and his stepmom were laughing and chatting as they got rid of their problem.
While everyone was enjoying themselves, a black sedan came and stopped at a distance. The rear window was opened by a rich lady who looked to be in her late 40s.
Her description was like that of a cold and calculating woman. Elegantly, she picked up her tablet, saw some details on it and put it back.
She saw Ethan’s bastard father, John, with a cold grin.
She said, "You think I let you off so easily? You cheated on my best friend, and after her death you threw her child in the water."
"John Goldberg, I will make your life miserable."
Meanwhile, John felt a shiver down his spine. Didn’t know where that venomous look came from. He ignored it and continued his conversation.
The rich, middle-aged woman was none other than the famous CEO of Bright Look. Her name was Lara Watkins.
She was Ethan’s mother’s best friend from childhood. She warned her friend not to fall for her assistant.
But she didn’t listen. Now, seeing her friend’s son get thrown off made her very angry.