Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Prelude to Conquest
The weeks following the grand success of Eclipse Rising were a blur of strategic wins and calculated moves. Skyline Media had become the talk of the town, and the Zhao Group's reputation continued to crumble under the weight of my relentless assault. But this was only the beginning.
I sat in my office late at night, the city glowing like a sea of opportunities below me. My holographic dashboard displayed the current state of my empire: profits soaring, new partnerships forming, and my public image evolving into that of a visionary.
The System broke the silence.
> Host, the foundation of your empire is stable. It is time to expand aggressively.
I raised an eyebrow. "Expand how? I've already crushed the Zhao Group's interference. What's next on the menu?"
> The global market is vast, but your true potential lies beyond it. This world has limits. Your wealth, while immense, is restricted by its finite resources and opportunities.
I smirked, swirling the glass of whiskey in my hand. "Let me guess: you're about to dangle the idea of other dimensions in front of me again?"
> Correct. However, the process requires preparation. To traverse dimensions, the Host must gather specific resources and unlock the System's interdimensional capabilities.
"Specific resources, huh? Let me guess, they're not things I can buy off a shelf."
> Affirmative. The Host must acquire rare materials and technologies that will aid in powering the dimensional gate. These items are scattered across this world, often hidden behind powerful organizations or heavily guarded facilities.
I leaned forward, intrigued. "So, let me get this straight. You want me to plunder this world to its core, tear down anything that gets in my way, and use the spoils to unlock access to other dimensions?"
> Precisely. This aligns with the System's core directive: plunder wealth in an appropriate and strategic manner. The other dimensions offer wealth and opportunities far beyond what you can currently imagine.
A slow grin spread across my face. "Well, System, you've certainly got my attention. Where do we start?"
> Begin with the Black Lotus Corporation. They are a shadow organization with access to rare materials necessary for the first stage of the dimensional gate. Their operations are hidden, but initial intelligence suggests their primary base is located in a remote location under the guise of an energy research facility.
"Black Lotus, huh?" I muttered. "Sounds like a bunch of cockroaches hiding in the dark. How do I handle them?"
> Host must infiltrate their network, acquire the materials, and ensure their operations are dismantled to prevent future interference. You may use any means necessary, but subtlety is recommended to avoid drawing unwanted attention from global powers.
I chuckled darkly. "Subtlety, huh? Not exactly my strong suit, but I'll make it work. What's the first step?"
> Locate an insider within Black Lotus and turn them to your side. Their operations rely heavily on loyalty and secrecy, but every organization has its cracks. With the right leverage, even the most loyal can be bought.
I leaned back, already formulating a plan. "So, I'm going to plunder their secrets, destroy their operations, and take their treasures for myself. Sounds like my kind of party."
As I stood and gazed out at the city, a sense of purpose coursed through me. This wasn't just about wealth anymore. It was about proving that no obstacle—be it on this world or any other—could stand in my way.
The System chimed again, its voice calm and unwavering.
> Host, remember this: wealth is not just about money. It is influence, knowledge, and the power to shape reality. Use it wisely, and the multiverse will bow before you.
I smirked, feeling a surge of adrenaline. "Let's get started."
The first steps toward interdimensional conquest had been laid. And if this world thought I was unstoppable before, it hadn't seen anything yet.