Chapter 8: Revelations and Celebrations
As the final buzzer echoed through the gymnasium, signaling our hard-earned victory, my friends and I gathered on the court, panting and exhilarated from the intense game. Carlo clapped me on the back, a grin splitting his face from ear to ear.
"Dude, that was insane! How did you do it?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
I chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of my neck. "Honestly, I have no idea. It was my first time playing basketball."
Carlo's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "No way! You played like a pro out there!"
I shrugged, trying to play it cool despite the pounding of my heart. "Beginner's luck, I guess."
But my friends weren't convinced. They bombarded me with questions, eager to unravel the mystery of my sudden basketball prowess. And as we walked home together, laughter and camaraderie filling the air, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at keeping the truth from them.
Later that evening, as we gathered around the dinner table, the warmth of home enveloped us like a cozy blanket. Mom served up a delicious meal, the scent of her cooking filling the air as we dug in with gusto.
But as we laughed and joked, my mind wandered to the weighty secret I carried—the $100,000,000 sitting in my bank account, a fortune bestowed upon me by the Sign System. I knew I couldn't keep it hidden forever, but the thought of revealing the truth to my family filled me with dread.
As we finished our meal, I excused myself from the table, retreating to my room in search of solace. Alone in the quiet darkness, I closed my eyes and sighed, grappling with the enormity of the decision before me.
"System," I whispered into the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need your help."
Instantly, the familiar voice of the Sign System echoed in my mind, its presence a comforting presence in the darkness.
"What do you require, Miguel?" it intoned, its words laced with quiet assurance.
"I... I need a way to hide the money," I confessed, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "I can't keep it secret forever, but I don't want to attract unwanted attention."
There was a brief pause, as if the Sign System was pondering my request. Then, finally, it spoke again, its tone thoughtful yet decisive.
"Fear not, Miguel. The solution is at hand," it declared. "The bank is celebrating its anniversary next week, and as a gesture of goodwill, they will distribute funds to the public. We can use this opportunity to hide your fortune in plain sight, ensuring that it remains hidden from prying eyes."
A wave of relief washed over me at the Sign System's words. "Thank you," I breathed, gratitude filling my heart.
Just as I was about to rest, the Sign System offered another surprise. "Miguel, in light of your increased status and the potential risks your family may face, I have granted you a divine bodyguard. This guardian will protect not only you but also your family and future loved ones from any harm. They are as strong as the creators of the ultimate verse, ensuring the utmost protection for those dear to you."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, I thanked the Sign System profusely. "Thank you, thank you so much. I understand the risks, and I am forever grateful for your protection."
With a newfound sense of security and the weight of the world momentarily lifted from my shoulders, I drifted off to sleep, the comforting embrace of the Sign System guiding me through the night.
Chapter 8: The End.