2026-11-04 21:22:21[Ding! Special Quest activated.]
[SPECIAL QUEST: THE FIRST FORTUNE]
Objective: Invest in a selected stock and achieve a minimum return of 100% within the specified period.
Investment Capital: $3,000,000.
Time Limit: 24 Hours.
Reward: 200 Evolution Points and an additional system privilege.
Failure: 50 Evolution Points deducted.
The system displayed and Marcus stared at the notification.
"Invest in stocks?" Marcus asked in confusion.
[Yes host! The system recommends that the host utilize available knowledge and strategic judgment to generate wealth.]
Marcus rubbed his chin.
He had expected something more dangerous, perhaps a mission involving combat or collecting rare resources.
But the system wanted him to invest in the stock market.
He wasn't particularly knowledgeable about stocks in his previous life. However, there was one investment opportunity he remembered very clearly.
It happened several years before the apocalypse.
An anonymous petroleum company had been struggling financially. Its shares dropped so low that most investors considered it a dying business. Many shareholders sold their investments, convinced that the company would never recover.
Then something unexpected happened.
A major international petroleum supply crisis caused crude oil prices to rise sharply. Several petroleum companies benefited but one particular company experienced an extraordinary increase in its stock value.
Its shares rose several hundred percent within days.
Marcus remembered the company because its sudden rise had dominated financial news for weeks.
He also remembered regretting that he hadn't invested in it in his previous life.
Back then, he had barely enough money to cover his expenses. Even if he had known about the opportunity, he wouldn't have been able to invest much.
But things are different now. He had three million dollars.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Looks like I finally have something useful to do with this money."
He immediately opened his phone and searched for the company.
Petrocore Energy.
The name appeared on his screen.
Its current share price was close to its historical lowest point.
Exactly as he remembered.
Marcus checked the company's financial information and recent market performance. The figures were terrible, and most financial analysts had given it a negative review.
However, Marcus knew something they didn't. He knew what would happen soon.
Without further delays, Marcus entered a nearby financial services building to create a stock trading account.
The place was so busy. Several investors occupied the waiting area, while others stood near the screens displaying market information.
Marcus approached the registration counter.
"Good afternoon. I'd like to open an investment account."
The employee behind the desk smiled politely.
"Certainly, sir. Do you have an existing account with us?"
"No. This will be my first."
"Alright. Please provide your identification and fill out these forms."
Marcus accepted the documents.
While completing them, he continued checking Petrocore energy's performance on his phone.
He was so focused that he barely noticed the two people entering the building.
"Well, look who we have here."
The familiar voice made Marcus pause.
He slowly raised his head.
Derek Kane stood a few feet away, dressed in an expensive suit and Elena was beside him, holding a designer handbag.
The moment their eyes met, Derek smiled.
"Marcus Hays. What a surprise."
Marcus returned his attention to the registration documents.
He had no intention of wasting his time.
Unfortunately, Derek wasn't finished.
"What brings you here? Don't tell me you've suddenly developed an interest in investing."
Elena laughed.
"Perhaps he's trying to make enough money to buy me another gift."
Marcus continued writing.
Derek walked closer.
"Wait. Are you actually opening a stock account?"
"Does it concern you?"
Derek raised his eyebrows.
"Someone like you investing in stocks? That's interesting."
Elena covered her mouth, laughing.
"Marcus, you should be careful. You don't want to lose the little money you have left."
Marcus finally looked at them.
"Thank you for the concern. You can both mind your business now."
Elena's smile disappeared.
"How rude!"
Derek chuckled.
"Let him be. Perhaps he's still upset about what happened earlier."
Marcus signed the final document and handed it to the employee.
"How long will the registration take?"
"Your account should be ready shortly, sir."
"Thank you."
He stepped aside and waited.
Derek glanced at the screen displaying the current stock prices.
"Since we're both here, perhaps we should have some fun."
Marcus ignored him.
Derek continued.
"How about a little investment competition? We each choose a stock, invest some money and see whose investment performs better."
Marcus looked at him.
"Why would I do that?"
"Afraid of losing?"
A few people nearby turned toward them.
Elena smiled.
"Derek, don't waste your time. He probably doesn't even understand how the stock market works."
Derek shook his head.
"That's precisely why this will be interesting."
He looked at Marcus.
"Unless you're too broke to participate?"
Marcus sighed.
He had more important things to do, but Derek's constant provocation was becoming irritating.
"Fine."
Derek smiled.
"Good. How much are you willing to invest?"
"Three million dollars."
The surrounding conversations immediately stopped.
Elena stared at him.
"Three million?"
Derek burst into laughter.
"Are you serious?"
Marcus didn't respond.
"Where did you get that kind of money?" Derek asked. "Did you borrow it?"
"Does it matter?"
Derek smiled.
"Not at all. I just hope you understand what you're doing."
Elena stepped closer.
"Marcus, don't be stupid. If you have that much money, give it to me instead. Perhaps I'll consider forgiving you for what happened earlier."
Marcus looked at her as though she had said something ridiculous.
"You're still talking about that?"
"What's wrong with you? I'm giving you another opportunity."
"Keep it."
Her expression darkened.
Derek laughed.
"Alright. Let's get started."
He turned toward the electronic display.
"I'll choose a stock with a strong recovery possibility."
After examining several companies, Derek selected one that had recently experienced a decline but still maintained a considerable market presence.
He announced his choice confidently.
"Bambill Industries."
Several investors nodded.
It was a familiar company, and its shares had previously performed well.
Derek looked at Marcus.
"What about you?"
Marcus didn't hesitate.
"Petrocore Energy."
For a moment, the room was quiet.
Then someone laughed.
"Petrocore?"
"Isn't that the company that's been losing money for months?"
"I heard its shares might fall even further."
Another investor shook his head.
"That's a terrible choice."
Elena looked at Marcus in disbelief.
"Are you seriously putting three million dollars into that company?"
Marcus remained calm.
"Yes."
Derek shook his head.
"Well, I suppose some people are born unlucky."
He turned toward the others.
"Let's make things interesting. One hour. Whoever earns the higher percentage return wins."
Several people gathered around the screens.
A few investors even began placing their own small bets on which stock would perform better.
Derek was clearly enjoying himself.
"Marcus, if I win, you admit publicly that you know nothing about investing."
Marcus nodded.
"Fine."
"And if you win?"
Marcus looked at him.
"Then you admit that you're not as smart as you think."
The surrounding people burst into laughter.
Derek's smile stiffened.
"Deal."
Just like that the trading session began.
Derek immediately instructed his broker to invest his chosen amount in Bambill Industries.
Marcus, meanwhile, transferred the entire three million dollars into Petrovore Energy.
The moment the transaction was completed, several people shook their heads.
"He's really doing it."
"Three million dollars on a failing company. What a waste."
Elena folded her arms.
"Marcus, you should stop before you lose everything."
He didn't answer.
His eyes remained fixed on the screen.
The first few minutes passed.
Bambill Industries showed a small increase.
Derek smiled.
"Looks promising."
Petrocore Energy, on the other hand remained almost unchanged.
Someone laughed.
"Looks like we already have a winner."
Derek glanced at Marcus.
"Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?"
Marcus remained expressionless.
"Why would I?"
"Because you're about to lose your money."
Marcus leaned back.
"Let's wait until the hour is over."
Derek scoffed.
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
The preparation begins
Marcus stepped out of Golden Age Treasure House with his hands in his pockets.The evening breeze brushed against his face as he glanced at the busy street. The events of the day had been more rewarding than he expected. He had defeated Derek twice, embarrassed Elena and secured enough money to begin preparing for the apocalypse.Suddenly, a familiar electronic voice sounded in his mind.[Ding! Congratulations, Host!][Main Survival Quest Completed.][Objective: Accumulate $10,000,000 for apocalypse preparation.][Reward: 300 Evolution Points.][Current Evolution Points: 500.]Marcus stopped walking.A smile slowly appeared on his face.He had already forgotten about the system's financial requirements because of everything that had happened at the treasure shop.Now, he had not only completed the quest but also received another reward.[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully secured the initial financial resources required for survival.][Your preparation must begin immediately
A priceless Treasure
The exhibition hall remained silent upon the realization.Mr. Harrison stood before Marcus, staring at the strange hammer in his hands. His earlier confidence is disappeared, replaced by disbelief."Let me see it again." He said.Marcus carefully placed the hammer on the appraisal table.Mr. Harrison put on a pair of white gloves and examined it closely. He studied the unusual markings, the material and the strange patterns covering its surface.Occasionally, he paused to take pictures with his phone.The store owner stood beside him, looking increasingly nervous.After several minutes, Mr. Harrison finally straightened."Where did you say you found this?""Inside the statue," Marcus replied."I know that. I mean, where did you get the statue?"Marcus pointed toward the exhibition hall."From there."The owner swallowed.He had personally approved the statue's placement in the shop. It had remained there for years because nobody considered it valuable.He never imagined it contained s
At the treasure shop
Marcus exits the stock room with satisfaction and he watches as Elena follows Derek, leaning closer to whisper something.Marcus nodded with happiness as he watched. In his previous life, he had spent years trying to earn their approval. He had bought Elena expensive gifts, endured Derek's insults and worked hard to prove he was worth something.Now, they were the ones trying to prove something to him.He slipped his phone into his pocket and followed the crowd.Across the street, the golden doors of Golden Age Treasure House stood open.Marcus looked at the building and a faint smile touched his lips as he remembered something.In his previous life, a major discovery had been made in a small antique shop in Neo City. An ordinary looking object had turned out to be an extremely rare historical treasure. The discovery had caused a sensation among collectors and Marcus remembered exactly where it had been found.He looked toward Derek.The man was already walking ahead, convinced that
The blinded bet
The room felt tense as everyone wanted to see the bet till the end. Everyone’s eyes kept landing on Marcus with mockery while Marcus was still smiling.Derek, however, looked as though he had swallowed something bitter.Twenty minutes passed.Bambill Industries continued fluctuating within a narrow range while petrocore Energy showed almost no movement.The crowd began losing interest.Some investors returned to their transactions, while others continued watching out of curiosity.Elena approached Derek."Let's leave. There's no point wasting our time here."Derek smiled."Not yet. I want to see how much money our friend manages to lose."Marcus heard them but didn't respond.He checked the time.Thirty-five minutes remained.He remembered the international petroleum crisis. He remembered the sudden announcement that had shocked the financial market in his previous life.It was coming, and when it happened, Petrocore's shares would begin climbing.Marcus looked at the screen."Just a
The first investment
[Ding! Special Quest activated.][SPECIAL QUEST: THE FIRST FORTUNE]Objective: Invest in a selected stock and achieve a minimum return of 100% within the specified period.Investment Capital: $3,000,000.Time Limit: 24 Hours.Reward: 200 Evolution Points and an additional system privilege.Failure: 50 Evolution Points deducted.The system displayed and Marcus stared at the notification."Invest in stocks?" Marcus asked in confusion.[Yes host! The system recommends that the host utilize available knowledge and strategic judgment to generate wealth.]Marcus rubbed his chin.He had expected something more dangerous, perhaps a mission involving combat or collecting rare resources.But the system wanted him to invest in the stock market.He wasn't particularly knowledgeable about stocks in his previous life. However, there was one investment opportunity he remembered very clearly.It happened several years before the apocalypse.An anonymous petroleum company had been struggling financial
The preparation
Marcus found a quiet place away from Aurora tower and checked his bank account.The balance was disappointing.He had barely enough to cover his monthly expenses though his employment at Aurora Tower had provided a modest salary but most of it had gone toward Elena's demands.Thinking about her made his expression darken. For three years, he worked hard and sacrificed his savings to make a woman happy. He even borrowed money on several occasions just to buy her expensive gifts.What had he received in return?Betrayal.Marcus closed the banking application.There was no point regretting the past. He had fifteen days to change his future and money was the first obstacle he needed to overcome. His salary wouldn't be enough, neither would his savings. He needed another source of money.Suddenly, a dangerous idea crossed his mind.Loan sharks.They were people he had deliberately avoided in his previous life because their interest rates were unreasonable and their methods of recovering de
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