Building A Technological Empire-Chapter 23 - (I’m Back)

UPDATE - I haven't posted in a while. What happened?

My Google account got hacked recently and was deleted. I was recently able to recover it so I was able to log in to web novel as usual. Thank you all for sticking along and expect consistent updates in the future.

Another week passed in a flash. Though Henry technically had nothing pressing to do, he still spent most of his time conducting research. His hunger for knowledge was insatiable, and he knew that every moment he spent refining his ideas would bring him closer to the success he envisioned. His primary focus remained artificial intelligence and its potential for innovation, particularly in ways that could enhance Phantma.

He had already begun compiling a list of ideas—possible features that could push Phantma beyond its current limits. If he made the right additions, the platform would attract more traffic, and more traffic meant more users willing to purchase premium plans. Money was no longer a pressing issue for him, but the system thrived on his ability to generate revenue, and every expansion brought new possibilities.

One concept he had entertained before was the development of a personal AI—something designed to mimic human-like interaction. A virtual assistant that could respond with the complexity and nuance of a real person. The idea fascinated him, but he knew that such an endeavor required careful planning. Rushing into something that advanced without laying the proper foundation could lead to complications, and he wasn't prepared to take that risk just yet.

For now, his strategy was simple: improve Phantma, increase its profitability, and ensure that everything he built remained sustainable.

"Status," Henry called out, his voice steady with anticipation.

A translucent panel materialized before his eyes, its digital interface flickering slightly before displaying his current statistics:

[Name - Henry Miller]

[Age - 20]

[Strength - 11]

[Agility - 10]

[Stamina - 10]

[Intelligence - 23]

[Knowledge - Game Hacking 101, Epiphanies, Universal Compiler (C), Thought Visualization Stylizer (C), Basic AI]

[Skills: None]

[Shop Points - 3110]

[Contribution Points - 1010]

Seeing his contribution points accumulate, Henry wasted no time. He immediately initiated a gacha roll, eager to see what he would receive.

A notification appeared.

[You spent 1010 contribution points and rolled: 6,000 shop points, StrongMan]

[StrongMan: Unlock the potential of the human body through advanced physical training techniques, enabling enhanced strength, endurance, and resilience far beyond ordinary limits.]

Henry's eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise. This was unexpected—but in the best way possible. His stats had been increasing at a frustratingly slow pace, stagnating at 10 for what felt like an eternity. Now, with this new skill, he saw a way forward. A method to break past his limitations and strengthen himself in ways he hadn't even considered before.

Even more surprising was the sheer amount of shop points he had received. 6,000 points. That alone brought him dangerously close to the coveted 10,000-point mark. With that many points, he could make serious advancements in his other ventures. But he was patient—he wouldn't spend them recklessly. There was still so much room to grow before he felt comfortable moving on to new industries.

He wasn't the type to abandon what he had built. Everything needed a strong foundation before he took the next step, and right now, he was still missing a crucial element—reliable people.

Michael and Kevin had always been curious about what he was doing, though he had never shared much with them. He wasn't against the idea of bringing them in when the time was right. In fact, it might be beneficial. They each had valuable skills, and more importantly, they had connections he lacked.

Michael, for example, was deep in real estate, but his role was more of a figurehead than an active participant. His subordinates were competent enough to handle most of the work, meaning he had plenty of time to spare. Kevin, on the other hand, was a highly skilled currency trader. He had built a reputation online and even mentored aspiring traders who paid for his guidance.

Their expertise could be useful—very useful. Of course, he wouldn't take their time for free. If they were going to help, he'd make sure they were well compensated.

At that moment, a flood of information surged into Henry's mind. His vision blurred for a second as the new knowledge took root, expanding his understanding of human physiology in ways he never thought possible.

He processed the data slowly, disbelief washing over him.

So the human body could do this?

It was astonishing. Some of these techniques seemed outright insane—methods that pushed the body far beyond its natural limits. Techniques that, if repeated improperly, would destroy the user completely. But that was the genius of the system—it didn't just provide destructive methods. The techniques were designed to work together, ensuring that as one move tore the body down, another would rebuild it. A cycle of controlled destruction and regeneration. A means of forging a body beyond human standards.

Without hesitation, Henry decided to give it a try. He shifted into position, attempting one of the foundational poses.

The moment he did, his veins bulged unnaturally, his muscles contracting painfully. Sweat immediately poured from his body, despite the fact that the air conditioner was running at full blast. The strain was unlike anything he had ever felt before. His entire frame felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible force, his muscles screaming in protest.

Only ten seconds had passed, yet he was already in agony.

But at the same time, something else happened.

A chilling sensation spread through his body, weaving its way into the pain. It dulled the suffering, counteracting the burning strain with an odd, almost pleasant numbness. The contradiction was bizarre—his body hurt, but the pain was distant, subdued by this strange, cooling effect.

Fascinating.

He remained in position, forcing himself to endure. His breath came in ragged gasps, his arms trembling, his legs barely holding up. But he didn't move. He was determined to push through.

Minutes passed. His entire body had gone numb, and at that point, he finally relented. He straightened, stumbling slightly as sensation slowly returned to his muscles. The oddest part? He didn't feel weak. He felt... the same, yet different. He couldn't quite put it into words.

After resting briefly, he resumed the training, cycling through various poses, each more grueling than the last.

Time blurred.

At last, he called for his status again.

[Name - Henry Miller]

[Age - 20]

[Strength - 11]

[Agility - 10]

[Stamina - 10]

[Intelligence - 23]

[Knowledge - Game Hacking 101, Epiphanies, Universal Compiler (C), Thought Visualization Stylizer (C), Basic AI]

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[Skills: None]

[Shop Points - 3110 → 9110]

[Contribution Points - 0]

As expected, his stats hadn't changed. Not yet. But he wasn't discouraged. This kind of training requires consistency. Given enough time, the results would come.

As for why he was so interested in increasing his stats, he was simply paranoid. He had seen far too many stories of famous figures being targeted by assassins. He wasn't famous yet, but he knew he wouldn't remain hidden forever. If he wanted to protect what he was building, he needed to be strong.

And so, he continued.

Oddly enough, he found himself enjoying the process.

Most people avoided work in favor of leisure, yet here he was, relishing every challenge.

His mentality, he realized, was both his greatest strength—and his greatest weakness.