[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-idle-tycoon-system":3,"chapter-idle-tycoon-system-idle-tycoon-system-chapter-39":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Idle Tycoon System",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1828035,2431,"Chapter 39: Ninja?","idle-tycoon-system-chapter-39",39,"\u003Cp>System, would my swordsmanship skills work here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Host's Swordsmanship skill appliesin in this world to blade-based combat. Improvised weapons show reduced effectiveness but retain basic principles.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better than nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah gripped the bat properly, his muscle memory from Valeria's training kicking in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weight distribution was wrong, the balance quite different, but the fundamental stance remained sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Level 2 Swordsmanship. Let's see what you're worth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mugger lunged forward, his knife leading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"HAND IT OVER!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah's body responded automatically. He did a quick sidestep, redirect, and counter-strike combo. The bat connected with the man's wrist in a sharp crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knife clattered to concrete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the—\" The mugger stared at his empty hand in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Baseball,\" Noah deadpanned, twirling the bat with confidence. \"America's pastime.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No way! That actually worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The would-be thief clutched his wrist, his shock delaying the pain. This wasn't how muggings were supposed to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You some kind of ninja?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Noah could respond, the mugger made a quick decision, sprinting away into the gathering dusk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah watched him disappear, adrenaline singing through his veins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah dropped the bat with a dull thud and climbed the stairs to his apartment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The familiar scent of old carpet and broken dreams greeted him as he reached his floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunset soon arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Mrs. Henderson could execute her signature three-knock combo—the one that rattled his door like artillery fire, Noah swung it open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged landlord stumbled forward, her raised fist meeting empty air. She caught herself against the doorframe, her white hair askew from her near-tumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's about time you opened the door.\" She straightened her floral housecoat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her brown eyes blazed behind her wire-rimmed glasses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've been hunting you down like a common criminal, Noah Carter!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mrs. Henderson.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah's tone remained perfectly neutral, as if she'd dropped by for afternoon tea instead of eviction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lovely evening, isn't it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kill her with kindness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't you dare try that sweet talk on me!\" She waggled a finger inches from his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A month behind, plus this month's payment. That's two thousand four hundred dollars, young man!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes narrowed to suspicious slits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've been really busy,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know how it is in the startup world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Startup my wrinkled behind!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mrs. Henderson's voice climbed toward outrage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've seen more failed entrepreneurs than you've had hot dinners. They all say the same thing—'next week, Mrs. Henderson,' 'big deal coming through, Mrs. Henderson.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped closer, invading his personal space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, I'm done being patient. Sunset means eviction papers, boy. Hope your precious startup can provide you with a cardboard box!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She is always quite dramatic. I'll give her that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah reached into his jacket pocket, his fingers closing around the envelope. The paper crinkled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually,\" he said, pulling out the cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think we can settle this right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mrs. Henderson's tirade died mid-syllable. Her eyes locked onto the envelope like a hawk spotting its prey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Money talks, louder than than you do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that...\" She blinked rapidly, as if the envelope might vanish if she looked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two thousand four hundred dollars.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hard cash.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her expression, Noah thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Sometimes the best revenge is paying your bills.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mrs. Henderson's mouth opened and closed like a landed fish, her prepared eviction speech crumbling into nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well,\" she managed finally, \"it's about damn time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The envelope passed between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you paid, I will forgive you for your past deeds. But, don't you dare give a late payment again. I won't be so polite next time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After paying the rent dues, Noah returned to his apartment and collapsed onto his couch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His phone buzzed against th table, an unknown number flashing across the cracked screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah considered ignoring it but his curiosity won.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Noah! Dude, it's Marcus from university!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marcus?\" Noah's mind scrolled through college memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marcus Thompson?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The one and only! Man, I tracked you down through like six different social media platforms. You're harder to find than a decent parking spot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well...That was intentional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's up, Marcus?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Class reunion, baby! Two weeks from now. The whole gang's getting together at the Marriott downtown. You remember Sarah? She's organizing the whole thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen, I appreciate you calling, but—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on, man! It'll be epic. Jessica's flying in from Seattle, Tom's bringing his new Porsche, and get this—Kevin made partner at his law firm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And here comes the humble bragging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah rubbed his temples. \"That's great for everyone, but I'm not really interested.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not interested?\" Marcus's voice cracked with disbelief. \"Dude, it's been years! Don't you want to see how everyone turned out?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can imagine. Suits, luxury cars, and conversations about their quarterly earnings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've got stuff to do that weekend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stuff? What kind of stuff is more important than reconnecting with old friends?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Running a shop in another world. Managing employees with legendary talents. Learning magic from a medieval princess.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Work stuff. Big project.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still coding in that basement apartment? Man, you need to get out more. Sarah mentioned she's bringing her husband—he's a doctor, super successful guy. And remember Lisa from sophomore year? She's in marketing now, making bank.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh god...the success parade continues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marcus—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look, I get it. Maybe things haven't gone exactly as planned for you. But that's what reunions are for! Fresh starts, new connections. Who knows? Maybe someone's looking for a programmer for their startup.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm doing fine, thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Define fine. Because Jessica mentioned she saw your LinkedOut, and it still says 'seeking opportunities.' No judgment, man, but—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm hanging up now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait! Noah, just think about it, okay? Two weeks. One night. Free dinner, open bar, and I promise the stories will be worth it. Remember when Jess tried to ask Professor Williams on a date?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, that was pretty funny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah's resolve wavered for exactly three seconds before reality reasserted itself. A room full of college classmates comparing achievements while he sat there sounded like torture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've got stuff to do, Marcus. Thanks for calling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noah stared at his phone, imagining the scene he'd just avoided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couch embraced him like an old friend as he settled deeper into its worn cushions. In two weeks, his classmates would gather to compare bank accounts and career trajectories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, he'd be in another world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Different kinds of success, I suppose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His phone buzzed again. Another unknown number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Noah didn't hesitate to decline the call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some battles aren't worth fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>",1075,"2026-06-09T06:05:14.055Z",1,"novelbin.me","eeccf00f2b89e74d030198383966042d873c2b3869b54b14f98f09df932308a4","idle-tycoon-system-chapter-40","idle-tycoon-system-chapter-38",438,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fidle-tycoon-system-cover.jpg"]