Kellan's adrenaline surge lasted until dawn. He couldn't sleep. Instead, he meticulously planned his next move. I need a path where the assets move as fast as my system.
He found a cheap, outdated laptop and logged into a low-barrier trading platform, focusing on the flickering charts of the Nova Prime Tech Exchange.
[Optimal Insight (Level 1) Activated! Target: NPTE Stock Index.]
The chaotic lines instantly resolved into a geometric pattern. One small, obscure stock, 'Quantum Leap BioTech (QLBT)', glowed with an aggressive, pulsing gold light.
[Optimal Action: All-In Investment ($34,000 USD) on QLBT Long Position.]
[Predicted Timeline: 7 hours. Predicted Net Gain: $16,500.]
A 50% return in seven hours? Impossible for a normal trader. Kellan dumped $34,000 into QLBT.
As the clock ticked toward market close, the golden glow intensified.
[Optimal Insight (Level 1) Activated! Target: QLBT Exit Strategy. Optimal Action: Execute SELL order in 3... 2... 1...]
Kellan's finger slammed the "SELL" button the exact microsecond the System's countdown hit zero. The QLBT stock peaked, then instantly began a rapid, irreversible plunge.
He stared at his bank account balance: $50,500.00 USD. I did it. The debt is settled for now. Day 1: Complete.
Just then, his outdated phone buzzed. A message from Seraphina Vane: "The party who acquired your timepiece is hosting a private event tonight at the Olympus Tower Penthouse. They insist on meeting the person with the 'knack.'"
An invitation? No, this is an Optimal Path to a new resource.
Kellan arrived at the Olympus Tower. As the private elevator doors opened, he saw Seraphina Vane. Beside her, a group of powerful people watched him with cold interest.
[Optimal Insight (Level 1) Activated! Target: Penthouse Party Dynamics. Optimal Action: Ignore Seraphina for a moment. Approach the woman with the most dismissive look on her face first.]
He walked past Seraphina, going straight towards a woman in a dazzling ruby-red dress, whose lips were curled in a mild look of disdain.
"Excuse me," Kellan said smoothly, holding out his hand. "Kellan Thorne. I believe you're the reason I'm here."
"I am Lady Lyra Volkov. And your confidence is... unwarranted, Mr. Thorne. I simply collect rarities."