Ethan Carter's account balance updated. His bracelet vibrated slightly, and his lifespan appeared on the screen:
Remaining Lifespan: 11 Years (Debt +1 Year)
He had no time to question the benefactor's motives. He had to use this extra year wisely, ensuring he wouldn't increase his debt for nothing.
Avery flicked her fingers, and the screen shifted again.
"Now that you've accepted the loan, you have two choices," she said, her voice calm and unreadable. "First, use your time to buy intelligence, ensuring you never bet blind. Second, place a wager and trust your luck."
"Only idiots trust luck," Ethan muttered, his eyes locked onto the intelligence market screen. He scrolled through the available data and made his decision.
Purchase: Marcus Hale's 24-hour itinerary – 500 Time Credits
The screen adjusted instantly.
Account Updated: Remaining Lifespan: 11 Years (-500 Time Credits)
Ethan inhaled sharply and accessed the newly bought report.
Marcus Hale's 24-Hour Schedule
• 09:00 High-level meeting (Imperial Financial Tower)
• 12:30 Lunch (Private Club)
• 15:00 Site visit (Coastal Construction Project)
• 17:00 Return home (Private Chauffeur)
• 20:00 Private gathering (Undisclosed Location)
Risk Warning: At 15:00, a collapse will occur at the Coastal Construction site, injuring multiple individuals.
Marcus Hale's survival depends on his exact location at that time.
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
The outcome of this bet wasn't fixed—it could be influenced.
"Interesting," he muttered.
His mind raced through the possible scenarios. If Marcus Hale stayed at the site too long, he might die. But if he left early or stood in a safe zone, he would survive.
"If I can make him leave…" Ethan whispered and immediately opened the information market.
He searched for Marcus Hale's contact details and found a listing offering his secretary's direct number for 50 Time Credits.
"Buying it."
Account Updated: Remaining Lifespan: 11 Years (-50 Time Credits)
Ethan picked up the communicator and dialed.
"Hello?" A professional female voice answered.
Ethan lowered his tone. "I'm a security analyst. At 15:00 tomorrow, an accident will occur at the Coastal Construction site. Marcus Hale must leave early. If he stays too long, he won't make it out."
A pause. "Who are you?"
"Doesn't matter," Ethan said. "Check the site's safety yourself. If I'm wrong, ignore this call. But if I'm right… you'll be grateful."
There was a brief silence before the line cut off.
Ethan exhaled and waited for the next day's results.
Time Wager Settlement
Twenty-four hours later, the system displayed a notification.
Marcus Hale survived the accident.
Your prediction was correct. You have won 10 years.
Current Remaining Lifespan: 21 Years (+10 Years)
He won.
Ethan let out a slow breath, but his unease didn't fade.
This game wasn't about luck. It was about controlling the future.
If he could know the future before others, he could dominate the market.
But one realization struck him hard—he wasn't the only one playing this game.
The screen suddenly flickered, a new message appearing.
"Black Account Holder 'Luo Qianfan' invites you to a private transaction."
"Offer: A lead on escaping time debt, in exchange for all your remaining lifespan."