It had been raining since evening. The streets of Sakura Town were soaked, the air heavy with the scent of wet concrete and disappointment. On the third floor of a crumbling old building, Lucien sat quietly on the edge of his bed. The pale blue glow of his phone lit up his tired face.
"I'm sorry, Lucien. I can't live like this anymore. I need someone who can give me a real future. I'm with Ethan now."
That message had shattered whatever was left inside him. Ethan—rich, flashy, and everything Lucien wasn't. The guy had a penthouse, a Mercedes, and probably a team of servants. Lucien? He had a half-cracked phone, three packets of instant noodles, and a pile of job rejection emails.
He put the phone down slowly, staring at the ceiling. "Was love really that cheap?" he whispered. "Did it die just because I couldn't afford a car?"
No answer. Just the soft patter of rain on the window and the distant honk of traffic. His chest felt hollow. He wasn't angry anymore—just empty.
As he looked at his reflection in the window, something flickered.
[System initializing…]
"Huh?"
A translucent blue screen popped up in front of him.
[Scanning Host… Emotional Stability: Low. Heartbreak detected. Desperation threshold crossed.]
[You have been selected. Binding in progress…]
[Welcome, Lucien Blackthorn. Nexus Tycoon System Activated.]
He blinked twice, confused. "I must be losing it."
[Daily Task: Earn or Spend ₹10,000. Reward: Basic Tycoon Skills Unlocked. Penalty: System Lock.]
[Bonus Mission: Make your ex regret everything.]
Lucien stood up. "This is some prank, right? I'm not some fantasy novel character."
[Would you like to accept your first opportunity?]
1. Apply for a risky unknown job.
2. Invest ₹500 (your last savings).
3. Ignore and remain a broke loser.
He stared at the screen. This had to be a dream—or maybe a breakdown. But what if it wasn't?
His hand slowly moved.
"Option 1."
[Confirmed. Job location sent. Report tomorrow, 10 AM.]
Somewhere across the city, on the top floor of a skyscraper, a red warning flashed across a private system used by billionaires and system-holders.
"Lucien Blackthorn has entered the game."
"System Type: Nexus – Ultra-Rare Class."
"Status: Sleeper Tycoon Activated."
Lucien sat down again, staring at the screen now fading from view.
He didn't know what tomorrow would bring.
But for the first time in months, his heart beat with purpose.
And this time, he wouldn't be left behind.