Chapter 97: Enjoying the moment "Reloading!" Noah called out, ducking behind cover as enemy bullets shredded the concrete wall beside him. "I’ve got your back," Ethan’s voice crackled through the headset, his sniper rifle finding targets with increasing accuracy. Second gaming session together, but this feels completely different. WarZone Tactics had replaced their previous shooter choice, offering faster-paced combat that demanded better reflexes. Noah’s enhanced attributes were making themselves known in unexpected ways. Twenty agility translating to digital dexterity. Who knew? His crosshair tracking had improved dramatically since their last session. Targets that would have escaped his aim weeks ago now fell to precise shots that surprised even him. "Nice headshot!" Ethan’s excitement was infectious. "Your aim’s gotten insane." Level 1 Gaming skill plus superhuman reflexes. Unfair advantage much? "Thanks. Your positioning’s gotten better, too." They moved through the map with coordination that belied their amateur status. Ethan’s tactical calls complemented Noah’s improving marksmanship, creating a duo that climbed the casual match rankings steadily. The engagement unfolded perfectly. Ethan’s constant pressure on the opposite team allowed Noah to execute a flanking plan that eliminated three opponents in succession. "TRIPLE KILL!" the game announced. "Dude! You are cracked!" [Your Gaming skill has levelled up to Level 2!] The notification appeared as they secured victory, adding another small improvement to Noah’s growing collection of skills. "Another round?" Ethan asked, already queuing for the next match. "Absolutely." ... After his gaming session with Ethan, Noah’s stomach reminded him that he was still a mortal, and his body needed attention. He slid into the GT-R, its engine purring to life. The hospital wasn’t far, but driving his dream car still felt surreal enough to warrant taking the scenic route. Might as well enjoy the ride. The corridors of the medical facility welcomed him with their usual scent of antiseptics and medicines. Nurse Martinez stood at the central station, reviewing charts with a focused expression that made her one of his father’s favourite staff members. In his father’s opinion, Nurse Martinez took her job very seriously, and it was praiseworthy. "Noah!" Her smile brightened the environment. "Good to see you again." But her expression changed slightly as she took in his appearance. Designer clothes that cost more than most people’s daily salary. Nurse Martinez’s eyebrow rose with curiosity mixed with concern, but she didn’t voice the obvious questions about how a previously struggling son had acquired such new clothes. They are probably fake clothes. I don’t want to embarrass him by asking, just let it be. She thought, her expression returning to her usual smile. "How’s my dad doing today?" "Condition’s stable. Same as yesterday, which is good news in our business." Her smile carried genuine care. "Actually, I was wondering if I could take him out for dinner. Nothing too strenuous, just a change of scenery." Nurse Martinez’s expression shifted to thoughtful consideration. "Let me check with Dr. Thompson. He’s been encouraging more activity when possible, so he will most likely agree." She returned minutes later with approval. "Doctor says it’s fine, but bring him back before nine. He has evening medications that can’t be delayed." Twenty minutes later, Noah helped his father into the GT-R’s passenger seat, watching Alan’s expression transform as luxury interior surrounded him. "This is your car?" His voice carried wonder mixed with parental concern about financial responsibility. "Business has been good, Dad. Really good." If only he knew how good. The restaurant Noah had chosen was elegant, decently priced and low-key. "Mr. Carter," the hostess smiled with courtesy. "Right this way." Their table overlooked the city lights, providing an ambience that made the mood much better. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚 "I can’t remember the last time we did this," his father said, studying the menu with obvious appreciation. Neither can I. But we’re doing it now. "Order whatever looks good. Tonight’s about celebrating your recovery progress." The evening unfolded with conversations flowing between father and son. The pair shared stories and laughter while gourmet food was served. This is what money should buy. Moments like these. ... After returning his father to the hospital, Noah headed back home. It was already evening time and there wasn’t much to do. Thus, he decided to head back to the store. I will open the store, and I might get some extra sales in. It would help me reach level 2 shop Noah flipped his sign and settled behind the counter, watching Sin City’s evening crowd through his windows. The first customer arrived within minutes—a well-dressed demon wearing some expensive accessories. He departed with bread and iced tea after examining both products. What followed was an hour of steady business activity that surprised Noah with its intensity. His modest evening inventory, five glasses of iced tea and ten loaves of bread, disappeared faster than he thought initially. I really underestimate the demons’ purchasing power. Customer after customer arrived with specific requests and ready payment, treating his products like essential supplies. The reputation he’d built through word-of-mouth marketing was paying dividends beyond his expectations. — Host: Noah Carter Age: 28 Shops: 1 Daily Revenue: $5,000 Current Assets: $328,240.21 Shop Points: 3890 Attributes: Strength: 20, Vitality: 4, Intelligence: 20, Agility: 20 Skills: Swordsmanship(Level 5), Mana Control (Level 5), Surviving on Ramen (Level 3), Cooking (Level 2), Programming (Level 2), Gaming (Level 2), Finance (Level 1) — Three hundred and twenty-eight thousand dollars. The shop points total made his pulse quicken with anticipation. 1,110 points away from the upgrade threshold that would transform his entire shop. Two more successful days. Maybe three if sales are below usual, and I should hit the milestone. ... Two days passed by in a blur, and finally, Noah had hit what had been his goal for the past week or so. — Host: Noah Carter Age: 28 Shops: 1 Daily Revenue: $5,000 Current Assets: $468,240.21 Shop Points: 5010 Attributes: Strength: 20, Vitality: 4, Intelligence: 20, Agility: 20 Skills: Swordsmanship(Level 6), Mana Control (Level 5), Surviving on Ramen (Level 3), Cooking (Level 2), Programming (Level 2), Gaming (Level 2), Finance (Level 1) — Finally. The threshold I’ve been chasing.