Chapter 2: The System Awakens
Nathan jolted awake.
His bedroom was pitch dark except for the faint glow of his phone charging on the nightstand. His heart pounded in his chest, though he wasn't sure why. Then—
[Ding!]
A robotic voice echoed inside his head.
[System Booting…]
[Welcome to the Infinite Investment System.]
[Analyzing Host's Financial Status…]
Nathan sat up, rubbing his temples. "What the hell?"
Was he dreaming? His phone screen was blank, and there was no sign of a notification. But the voice in his head continued.
[Net Worth: $4.25]
[Financial Status: Below Poverty Line]
[Skill Level: Beginner]
Nathan frowned. "Okay, very funny. Who's messing with me?"
No answer. Instead, a glowing blue screen appeared in front of his face—floating in midair. His breath caught in his throat.
This wasn't a prank.
[Congratulations! You have been chosen as the host of the Infinite Investment System.]
[This system provides financial opportunities, investment guidance, and mission-based rewards to help you build wealth.]
[Warning: The system requires active participation. Missed opportunities may result in penalties.]
Nathan blinked. He had no idea what was happening, but one word stood out: "Wealth."
"…So you're telling me I can make money?"
[Affirmative.]
His mind raced. If this was real—if—then this could be exactly what he needed.
"Okay," he said slowly. "How do I start?"
[First Investment Mission Unlocked!]
Mission: Use your last $2 wisely. Invest it to generate profit.
Reward: Beginner's Investment Guide & $10 System Credit
Time Limit: 12 Hours
Nathan's stomach twisted. His last $2?
He glanced at his desk, where the lottery ticket from earlier lay untouched.
A realization hit him. This is a test. He had already made a financial decision today—was it the right one?
"…Does the lottery count?" he asked hesitantly.
[Analyzing…]
[Negative. Lottery is based on luck, not investment strategy. Unwise financial decision detected.]
Nathan groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Figures."
That meant he had one more chance to make the right choice. But what could he do with just $2?
A Real Investment
The next morning, Nathan was still thinking about the mission as he walked to school. Two dollars wasn't much, but he refused to fail before he even started.
During lunch, he wandered outside toward the vending machines. A group of students were gathered around, groaning in frustration.
"What's wrong?" Nathan asked.
"The machine ate my money," a sophomore complained. "Now I'm out of cash."
Nathan's eyes flickered to the soda machine, and an idea formed. He turned to the frustrated students.
"If I buy the drinks for you, will you pay me an extra fifty cents per can?"
One of them raised an eyebrow. "You got cash?"
Nathan nodded. He walked up to the machine, slid in $2, and bought four sodas for $0.50 each. Then, he sold them to the students for $1.00 each.
[Ding!]
[Mission Complete!]
[Profit Generated: +$2]
[Reward: Beginner's Investment Guide & $10 System Credit]
Nathan's phone vibrated, and when he checked his balance, $10 had appeared out of nowhere. His hands trembled slightly.
This was real.
This system was real.
And for the first time in his life, Nathan wasn't just surviving—he was winning.