The morning sunlight streamed into Martin's studio apartment as he woke up, stretching and rubbing his eyes. He glanced over at the clock—6:30 AM. It was early, and yet, despite another missed midnight wish, he felt oddly at ease. He had now accumulated three bronze tokens, ready to be used when the moment was right.
So far, he hadn't felt the urge to make any drastic wishes, and there didn't seem to be any immediate consequences for holding onto them.
After a quick breakfast, Martin went about his morning workout routine—light jogging around the block, followed by push-ups, squats, and some stretches in the park nearby. By the time he returned to his apartment, sweat clung to his skin, but his body felt rejuvenated.
This daily workout had become a new normal for him, a routine that helped clear his mind amidst the rising complexity of his life.
Back in his apartment, Martin wiped down his desk and then settled into his chair, facing his laptop. It was time to sort through the files he had gathered yesterday—documents from the city district committee, initial paperwork for the law and accounting firms, and, most importantly, his business license.
Though the company was not yet legally active, the progress was significant. He had organized meetings, scouted office spaces, and secured a promising partnership with Lucia Cross. Now, it was just a matter of formalizing everything. For the next few hours, Martin meticulously organized his electronic documents, ensuring everything was in order. He prepared digital folders for the contracts, industrial park reviews, and an outline of the company's foundation and strategy.
Each file was labeled carefully, separating the legal agreements, financial discussions, and site assessments for potential headquarters.
Satisfied with his digital organization, Martin grabbed his briefcase and headed to a nearby printing shop. There, he printed hard copies of the most crucial documents: the final editions of his contracts with the law and accounting firms (which would only become official once the company was registered), summaries of the industrial parks he had visited, and the pros and cons of each location, including pricing and environmental factors.
Martin made sure every detail was accounted for, knowing that he would need these files ready for future discussions with Lucia and any potential investors.
As the clock neared 12:00 PM, Martin felt the familiar anticipation rise in him. The golden minute was coming, and with it, the chance for a new rebate. But today, something inside him shifted—he decided to skip it.
He had made careful calculations and considered all his options, and for the first time, Martin chose to abstain from triggering the system's powers during midday.
Nothing happened. No penalties, no backlash. The world continued as it always had, and Martin couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief. Perhaps the system wasn't a trap, at least not in the way he feared.
Still, he knew that the true test would come the following day, when he could confirm if skipping the rebate had any long-term effects.
---
The day continued with more paperwork, calls, and confirmations. Martin made his rounds, visiting offices, confirming his intentions with potential partners, and ensuring that all documents were in order.
But the real highlight of the day came when he made a stop at the grand shopping center in the city's heart.
Inside, he found his way to a reputable tailor known for creating high-end business suits. The luxurious atmosphere of the shop was palpable, the fabric rich, and the service impeccable.
Martin took his measurements, ordering a custom-tailored suit for future business events. However, given the urgency of his dinner meeting that evening, he also purchased two premade suits, one of which fit him perfectly after minor adjustments.
The expense was substantial, but Martin barely blinked.
His phone buzzed just after his purchase, signaling a notification from his bank. The dividends from Oceanview Suites had arrived, and after tax deductions, the total amounted to a staggering $800,000.
A smile crossed his lips as he realized the full extent of his financial power, all thanks to the system. With these funds in hand, the cost of the suits and future investments were a mere drop in the ocean.
---
By 5:00 PM, Martin was dressed sharply in his new business suit, standing before the mirror in his apartment. He adjusted his tie, smoothing the fabric down, and picked up the briefcase he had packed earlier.
Inside were all the documents and plans for his company's direction, securely placed and ready for discussion during tonight's dinner meeting with Lucia.
But as he walked to the door, briefcase in hand, a thought struck him. He couldn't continue attending these important meetings by bus.
Public transportation didn't fit the image of a rising businessman, nor did it afford him the convenience he would soon require.
"I need to buy a car," Martin muttered to himself, locking his door behind him. It wasn't just a matter of convenience anymore—it was about presence, stature, and practicality in his growing world of business.
With that final thought in mind, Martin headed toward the bus stop for what he hoped would be the last time he relied on public transportation for a business meeting.
The day had been long and full of work, but he felt a sense of progress and direction. Tonight, the next step would unfold, and Martin was ready for whatever came next.
---
Martin stepped out of the cab, his eyes immediately drawn to the towering structure ahead—Prime Plaza, a high-end destination known throughout the provincial capital for its opulence and grandeur.
The first thing that struck him was the sheer size of the western-style skyscraper that dominated the skyline, its glass façade gleaming in the fading light of the evening. L
Tall and imposing, the building reached for the clouds, its sharp lines and modern design blending seamlessly with the artistic layout of the open plaza below.
The plaza itself was vast, with sleek marble pathways snaking through manicured gardens and dotted with sculptures that looked more like modern art installations than mere decorations.
Fountains burst to life at intervals, spraying water in intricate patterns that caught the golden hues of the setting sun. Despite the grand scale of the place, the atmosphere felt serene, almost untouched by the usual bustle of city life.
At the base of the skyscraper was Opus Prime, occupying the bottom three floors. The restaurant, famed for being the epitome of luxury, exuded a sense of exclusivity.
Massive floor-to-ceiling windows allowed passersby to catch glimpses of the elegant interior. The entrance was flanked by polished stone pillars, and a red carpet led the way inside. Elegant, well-dressed staff stood at the ready, waiting to welcome the evening's guests.
The facilities of Opus Prime extended far beyond the average fine dining experience. The first floor housed a grand lobby and bar area where patrons could enjoy cocktails while waiting for their tables.
The second floor was dedicated to private dining suites, each room more opulent than the next, with chandeliers dripping from the ceilings and views of the city skyline.
The third floor featured a lavish rooftop garden where diners could experience the fusion of fine cuisine and breathtaking scenery.
Martin felt a moment of awe wash over him as he took in the sights. The light traffic around the plaza made sense—this wasn't a place for the average person.
Few could afford the luxury that Prime Plaza offered, and even fewer could casually enjoy an evening at Opus Prime. For Martin, it was a reminder of the world he was stepping into, a world where wealth and status dictated everything.
Checking his watch, he noted that it was 6:45 PM, fifteen minutes ahead of his reservation with Lucia. With some time to spare, he decided to explore the plaza a little further.
He walked through the beautifully crafted archways of the plaza, feeling the weight of the space around him.
Sculptures and art installations dotted the area, each piece more abstract and stunning than the last. It was clear that every corner of Prime Estate had been meticulously designed to convey luxury, power, and exclusivity.
As Martin strolled, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and unease. This place was far beyond anything he had ever imagined visiting before the system entered his life.
Yet now, standing here, he felt an odd sense of belonging, as if he was finally stepping into the life he was meant to lead. He soaked in the grandeur of the plaza, knowing that tonight's meeting could very well be another step toward solidifying his new path.
After a few more minutes of wandering, he made his way back to the entrance of Opus Prime, mentally preparing for the evening ahead.
Coincidentally, a luxury black sedan came to a stop right outside the entrance gate, and a beautiful, slender woman in her early twenties alighted gracefully.
She brought out her phone, and with a few taps of her fingers, she sent a short text message that read: "Mr. Martin, I'm waiting for you by the main entrance."