The voice inside Vincent's head echoed again.
**[Switching to a text-based interface.]**
**[All future responses will be displayed in written format.]**
A sleek black rectangle appeared in front of him, glowing with neon blue text. Vincent blinked, staring at the holographic screen hovering in the air. The words flashed before his eyes:
**[Heir Status: Fully Integrated.]**
**[Subject Confirmed as Reinstated After Fatal Event.]**
**[Directive Established: Accumulate Power and Wealth.]**
Vincent's eyes narrowed. Fully integrated after a fatal event?
More text followed, simplifying the message:
**[Survival Contingency Activated.]**
**[Sovereign Syndicate Operates on Strict Compliance.]**
**[Failure to Execute Directives Will Result in Immediate System Penalization.]**
Vincent clenched his jaw. If he refused to follow the system's orders, there would be consequences?
The next instruction appeared.
**[First Task for the Heir:]**
**[1. Obtain a New Identity.]**
The system did not elaborate further, prompting Vincent to ask, "If I fail, what's the punishment?"
**[You will be easily found by Universe Enterprises and authorities.]**
Vincent scoffed under his breath. He didn't need the warning—he already knew the risks of being without an identity.
"Fine, I'll deal with it in the morning," he muttered, shifting onto his bed. The system fell silent, and Vincent let sleep take over.
***
The next morning, the system blared inside his head like a loud alarm.
_BEEP BEEP_
Startled, Vincent jolted upright, his eyes wide, momentarily disoriented. As his mind adjusted, he became painfully aware of the ache spreading through his body, as if he had been hit by a truck.
The past few days felt like a fever dream, but the small, damp motel room around him reminded him that everything had been real.
The floating screen in front of him confirmed it.
A new set of orders flashed before his eyes:
**[Second Task for the Heir:]**
**[2. Acquire physical strength beyond that of an ordinary human.]**
**[Daily Task to improve physical strength.]**
**[100 push-ups.]**
**[100 sit-ups.]**
**[Running 2 km, 10 laps.]**
**[Failure to complete the Daily Task will result in punishment.]**
**[Time remaining for Daily Task: 20 hours 45 minutes.]**
Vincent frowned. "What kind of ridiculous training is this?"
The system responded instantly, its text appearing again.
**[You have been revived by the Sovereign Syndicate System.]**
**[You must follow the program set for you within this system.]**
Vincent scowled. "I didn't ask for this. I'd rather be dead than deal with this crap."
The system paused for a few seconds.
Then, without warning, Vincent's body moved against his will.
He dropped to the floor, arms positioning themselves automatically.
"Hey! What the hell?!" he shouted, but his body ignored him, beginning push-ups—one after another.
One hundred total.
It didn't stop.
His body flipped over on its own, shifting into sit-ups. Every movement was forced, controlled by something other than him. He cursed, fighting the invisible control, but it was useless.
When the sit-ups were complete, Vincent gasped for breath, drenched in sweat. Then, the floating screen reappeared.
**[Do you also need assistance with running?]**
Vincent stiffened.
He jumped to his feet and barked, "HELL NO!" He grabbed his sneakers and rushed out of his room before the system could force him again.
***
Vincent stepped into the freezing morning air. The snow from the previous day was still thick on the ground.
The cold bit at his exposed skin, but he barely acknowledged it. He already knew what would happen if he refused to run—the system would take control again, and that was something he refused to let happen.
He pulled his hoodie over his head and started moving, forcing himself forward.
The floating screen appeared in front of him.
**[Remaining Distance: 2 km]**
**[Laps Completed: 0/10]**
Vincent gritted his teeth. The first few laps were tolerable. By the fifth, his breathing grew heavy.
By the eighth, his legs felt like lead.
He stopped momentarily, gasping for air. The screen reappeared, flashing a message.
**[Laps Completed: 8/10]**
The reminder pushed him forward. Fear of losing control spurred him on.
Finally, after finishing the last two laps, Vincent slowed to a halt. His breath was heavy, his body drenched in sweat despite the freezing air. The screen hovered before him, displaying his progress.
**[Daily Task Completed.]**
**[Physical Condition: Adjusting.]**
**[Heir Adaptation in Progress.]**
"What am I even doing?" he thought, still catching his breath. The next message appeared.
**[Next Objective: Obtain a New Identity.]**
Vincent sighed heavily, stepping back inside the motel, his muscles aching from the intense workout—something he hadn't done in years.
After a quick shower, he pulled his hoodie low and stepped back into the streets.
Oddly enough, his body no longer felt stiff. The soreness had faded rapidly, unlike what he had expected.
Then, just before he left, the system displayed new updates.
**[Physical Adjustment in Progress...]**
**[Endurance Increased: 15%]**
**[Injury Recovery Speed: 20%]**
**[Muscle Strength: Optimization in Progress.]**
Vincent smirked slightly, clenching his hand as he flexed his fingers. If this system could enhance his strength, he would take advantage of it.
And he would use that strength to make Universe Enterprises pay, especially Pearson and Selena.
The thought of Selena soured his mood instantly. He shook his head, trying to push her from his thoughts.
Vincent turned down an alley, heading toward the abandoned district. The deeper he went, the more the surroundings decayed.
The air smelled of rusted metal and damp rot.
At the end of the alley stood an old building, its walls covered in peeling paint and faded graffiti.