Upgrade

I stare at the email on my screen, unable to move my fingers. Tomorrow is our company's crucial product launch, and I just learn that the patent for the algorithm I spent three years developing is now filed under Matthew Ashford's new assistant, Sophie Bennett. I storm into Matthew's office to confront him. Sophie sits on his desk with her legs crossed, looking completely innocent. She claims that she filled out the form by mistake. "It's just a clerical error. The patent still belongs to the company. What's the big deal?" Matthew stands up from his chair, positioning himself in front of Sophie. I can't believe what I am hearing. "Matthew, this is my research!" "Emma, you're thirty-five. Why are you picking a fight with a twenty-three-year-old intern?" He frowns. Then, he turns to Sophie. "Starting tomorrow, you're the new CTO. Emma needs… some time off." I'm utterly stunned. A decade of marriage and five years dedicated to building a company together have been shattered by a few casual words from him. Thirty minutes later, Sophie posts a photo on social media of herself sitting on Matthew's lap. They are both clinking champagne glasses. "So lucky to have the best boss ever. I'll make sure to be his loyal kitten." Below that, Matthew leaves a comment—three red heart emojis. I shut my laptop and pick up my phone. "Hello. Is this Mr. David Langley from Novara Group of Sundale Valley? This is Emma Whitmore. I've changed my mind. I'm ready to join you." I pause. "And by the way, about that unreleased algorithm upgrade, I have the complete technical blueprint. Make me an offer." Later, I fly to Tallisport with an eight-figure check in hand, while Matthew goes frantic trying to find me.

After a near-death encounter, Gale, a weak and poor college student, unlocks the mysterious thing residing within him. It was a SYSTEM that can make him level up, with him growing stronger in each levels. It would give him power that will alter his destiny. A power that will catch the attention of the secret societies lurking in the shadows.

It was the six hundredth year since humans started to leave Earth to colonize other planets. Gradual was one of the planets they had colonized and during the most time they were there, they believed they were alone. But in the fourth year of human existence on Gradual, they were attacked by raven beasts, winged creatures born by the planet itself. Immune to all energy weapons of humans. The fight with the raven beasts cost humanity over a billion lives before they finally got victory. Such an expensive victory made the humans bitter, and they directed their wrath to one of the civilizations they had signed a peace treaty with, the AIs, the planet was shared by humans and Gradual but when the war came, the Graduals stayed out of it. Humans protested at all AI bases in Gradual but the AIs remained silent about the whole issue and over time their relationship began to show strains.

If you were born again in a world with true gods and magic, what would you do? Earn wealth and become a rich man on the continent? Become a noble and take what you want in your fiefdom? Become a mage and gain powerful strength and knowledge? Travel across the continent and get up close and personal with legendary figures? Become a true god and become an eternal being. Children make choices, but all time travellers have to. Kristen Stewart, Dragon Vein Warlock, Genius Mage, Hereditary Noble of the Kingdom of France, No. 1 on the Continent