Rain poured out from the heavens in a way that the city was crying.
Zayn Greaves sprinted on down a narrow alleyway. He clutched at a small bag that had rice in it like it was gold. His clothes had been soaked through, and his breath was ragged now, and his lip was bleeding still. From behind him, laughter howled by Red Fang gang thugs.
"Run, slum rat! "One yelled, "We'll find you again around!""
Heart pounding, he ducked within a rusted shed. It closed with a creaking sound behind him. It was his only possession, even if barely shelter.
His little sister Lila moved on worn blankets inside a heap. She was pale with burning fever.
With a shaking voice, he whispered, "I got the rice."
Lila gave him a weak smile then. "You're the best, Zayn…"
Zayn held her hand very tightly. It was on account of the food that his last good boots were sold. No medicine. No help. No way out. It was the feeling of drowning on a daily basis in a world that is uncaring.
He peered upward at the broken ceiling.
"Whatever may be up there—God, system, or fate—I do not want to die in the mud. Just give to me only one chance.
The room dimmed. Then stilled. Then—
> "Fortune System Activated."
Affirmed: Intense Destitution – Applicant Eligibility
Persistent Will: A Unique Trait Was Detected
Initializing Interface...
Before Zayn, blue text appeared in the air. He blinked at it. Glowing, digital, impossible.
> Welcome, Zayn Greaves.
You can now access the Fortune System.
Now begins your path. It can be the path to wealth.
His breath caught on his throat.
"...what the hell?"
End of Prologue