Liam's finger hovered over the glowing selection screen. Each choice before him was a path to power, but he had to pick the one that would push him ahead the fastest.
His mind was razor-sharp, calculations firing at lightning speed.
> 1) Financial Strategy Boost (Advanced business knowledge, stock market insights, and real-time economic trends.)
2) Physical Enhancement Level 2 (Further strength, speed, and endurance increases.)
3) Charisma Upgrade (Boosted confidence, persuasion, and social influence.)
He exhaled sharply. This wasn't just about money anymore.
I don't have time to wait. I need something that guarantees survival… and growth.
With a determined smirk, he pressed—
[1) Financial Strategy Boost]
---
A Mind Beyond Limits
The moment he selected the upgrade, a shockwave of raw knowledge erupted in his brain.
Liam gritted his teeth, gripping the edge of his desk as a flood of complex data slammed into his consciousness.
> Neural Processing Acceleration: Activated.
Advanced Market Analysis: Integrated.
Economic Trend Prediction: Online.
Multi-Sector Business Awareness: Upgraded.
Profit Maximization Instincts: Enhanced.
His vision blurred as thousands of financial charts, market trends, and wealth-building strategies unfolded in his mind.
The game had changed.
---
Crisis Strikes: Mom's Health Failing
The rush of knowledge barely faded when Liam heard it—a weak cough from the next room.
His heart froze.
Rushing to the small living room, he saw his mother hunched over, her face pale, her body trembling with exhaustion. The coffee mug in her hands rattled as she struggled to take a sip.
"Mom?" Liam's voice tightened with worry.
She looked up, tried to smile, but the pain in her eyes was obvious.
"I'm fine, sweetheart," she whispered.
Liam wasn't stupid. The System had enhanced his perception. He could see the signs of severe fatigue, malnutrition, and overwork.
Her body is shutting down.
He clenched his fists.
For years, she had sacrificed everything to keep them going, working herself to the bone for pennies. And what had he done? Failed tests. Gotten bullied. Let her carry all the weight alone.
But now?
Now, he had power.
And he refused to let her suffer anymore.
---
An Unstoppable Plan
Liam sat back down, his mind moving faster than ever before.
Money. He needed money now.
Not weeks from now. Not months from now. Now.
Phase 1: Liquidation
He immediately listed the two gaming consoles he found earlier. Projected profit: $300 each.
The vintage leather jacket? Already had a buyer for $120.
The gold-plated watch? He rechecked his research—turns out it was actually worth $2,000.
Liam's heart pounded.
The pawn shop had no idea what they had.
That meant he had one shot to buy it before someone else figured it out.
---
Phase 2: Scaling Up
Liam's new financial instincts kicked in.
He set up automated alerts for underpriced items in luxury watches, vintage clothing, and limited-edition electronics.
Using his new negotiation skill, he started reaching out to small business owners, offering to flip their overstocked inventory for profit.
He identified three local resellers who were bad at pricing—ripe for easy deals.
This wasn't just side money anymore.
This was an empire in the making.
---
Phase 3: The Final Push
With $300 in hand, Liam grabbed his backpack and bolted out the door.
His mother's weakened form flashed in his mind.
I'm done being powerless.
It was time to change everything.
---
A Dangerous Deal: The Watch Gamble
The pawn shop smelled of old metal and desperation. Liam walked in confidently, scanning the shelves until his eyes locked onto the gold-plated watch.
It was still there.
But he wasn't the only one eyeing it.
A middle-aged man in an expensive suit was examining it closely, his fingers lightly tapping the counter.
Damn it.
Liam's mind raced.
If this guy realized the true value, he would snatch it immediately.
Liam had to move now.
Stepping forward, he casually nodded at the shop owner. "Hey, I was here yesterday. You still letting this go for $70?"
The owner barely glanced up. "Yeah, kid. You got cash?"
Liam could feel the businessman's eyes shift to him. He was paying attention now.
Bad.
Liam needed to throw him off.
He sighed loudly and shook his head, turning away slightly. "Never mind. I thought it was real gold. Not worth it."
The businessman frowned.
Liam prayed he took the bait.
Sure enough, the businessman looked away, uninterested.
In that moment, Liam whipped out the cash.
"I'll take it."
The shop owner snatched the bills, handed him the watch.
As Liam secured the watch in his bag, the businessman turned back and froze.
His eyes narrowed.
Liam saw the moment he realized what had just happened.
But it was too late.
Liam turned, walked out the door, and vanished into the street.
---
The Payoff
Back at home, Liam immediately listed the watch for auction.
It didn't take long.
Within minutes, an offer came in—$1,800.
Liam stared at the screen, heart hammering.
Then—another offer.
$2,100.
A third.
$2,350.
Liam exhaled sharply.
From $70 to $2,350 in a single day.
> Financial Strategy Upgrade: Effective.
Current Balance: $2,650.
Liam stood up, his body trembling with adrenaline.
He had done it.
He wasn't just surviving anymore.
He was winning.
---
One Final Act: Taking Care of Mom
That night, Liam walked into the living room and gently placed a thick envelope on the table.
His mother stirred, opening her tired eyes. "What's this?"
Liam smiled. "Enough to take the month off work. Rest, Mom."
Her eyes widened, filling with disbelief. "Liam… where did you—"
He knelt beside her, gripping her hands.
"No more struggling," he whispered, voice filled with conviction.
Tears welled in her eyes.
For the first time in years, hope flickered in her expression.
And Liam?
He had never felt more powerful.
---