I Destroyed My Wealth to Win

Retro.Rerun

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Transcript

00:00:00I've lived on family funds since age 7. In 2nd grade, I maxed out 2 credit cards, $100 million each,

00:00:05in 3 days. By junior high, I'd sold company stock, cashed out $10 billion and spent it in a month.

00:00:15I rocked Tidecourt's economy and nearly cost dad his company. In 10 years, I drained a multi-billion dollar company

00:00:21dry. But today, dad says we're bankrupt. He told me to go home and farm. Being thousands of miles away,

00:00:27I don't share my father's panic. Hearing the news, I feel no sadness or disappointment. Instead, I actually look relieved.

00:00:33I toss the mop aside and flop onto the floor. Crap system, you heard that, right? We're broke now. Go

00:00:39find another host.

00:00:39All the money I've spent, consider it wasted. Wait, host. Don't. The system is nearly mature. You can't quit now.

00:00:46A mechanical, yet sly voice rings in my mind. Hearing the system's voice, just makes me furious. Nearly mature, my

00:00:53ass. I've spent over $10 billion on you. Even a seed would've borne fruit by now. But all you do,

00:00:57is scam me for money. I'm done.

00:00:59To raise this top crafting system, I kept hustling for cash. And so, I was branded the no one wastrel

00:01:05in Ardenia. But the result wasn't ideal. Everyone thought I lived lavishly, squandering fortunes. But I was the most miserable

00:01:11heir around. Other rich kids drove luxury cars and lounged with beautiful women. While I worked grueling jobs for cash.

00:01:16I lived on scraps every day to save money to fund the system. Sadly, after 10 years, the crap system

00:01:22still hasn't matured. Now, I'm tired. I'm done playing.

00:01:24Host, you're only short a tiny bit. You just need $2.3 million more. Trust me. This crap system has

00:01:30tricked me too many times. My host, this really is the final time. Just agree to the transfer, and the

00:01:35system will finish loading. I checked my account balance. Deducting my fair home, I have exactly $2.3 million left.

00:01:41This system really wants to squeeze me dry. No way. If I give you another cent, then I'm an idiot.

00:01:46Even if you put a war steel suit blueprint right in front of me, I still won't give you a

00:01:49dime. My stance is firm. As soon as I speak, my expression shifts in my mind.

00:01:54A full suit blueprint appears. Looking at the exquisite mechanical suit, my heart starts racing. I feel myself starting to

00:02:00cave. What man could resist this temptation? Host, I'm really not lying. But with your current skill level, you can't

00:02:05build it even with a blueprint. You need my help. Trust me, just $2.3 million more. And the TCS

00:02:10will be yours. I swallow hard. I have to stay calm. This is the crap system's trap. I have to

00:02:15resist. Fine. Transfer it. In the end, I can't resist. A second later, the bank alert pops up. I've lost

00:02:21count of how many times I've gone broke. I've pat myself off.

00:02:24Stand up. And sigh. Or get it. After so many scams. What's one more? Just as I finish tidying up,

00:02:30my head starts feeling heavy. Then, a ding. Sounds in my mind. Followed by a mechanical voice. The top crafting

00:02:35system has finished loading. Host attributes enhanced. Starter pack delivered. Store unlocked.

00:02:40I freeze. This time it's real. The system didn't lie to me. As my consciousness entered, the system panel appeared.

00:02:46Host, Elliot lie. Crafting level. One prestige. Zero wealth. 20,000 appearance. 88 math. 61 physics. 60 chemistry. 60 biology.

00:02:5460 data science. 60 language. 100. Looking at my stats, I feel a surge of rage. The crap system only

00:03:00enhanced me this much. Every grade's a borderline. Host, this is the maximum enhancement. A 60 already surpasses most humans.

00:03:07In math, you're better than 99% of the population.

00:03:09But I'm still not satisfied. My appearance score is still too low. Raise it a bit more, or I want

00:03:14a refund. After some haggling, I successfully get the system to raise my appearance to 92.

00:03:19Now, I can truly shine in the real world. I also learned how the system works. To craft high tier

00:03:24gear, I need a higher level.

00:03:26My current level 1 skill isn't enough to build the warsteel suit. Leveling up requires boosting science stats. Good things

00:03:32require hard work, not free handouts. There are two ways to level up. One via status, the other via riches.

00:03:38Basically, fame and money. The various blueprints and tools available in the store all cost prestige and wealth points too.

00:03:44After figuring it out, I take a deep breath. It's time to open the starter pack. After a decade of

00:03:49funding this system, it can't be that bad, right?

00:03:51One math solving card. Difficulty 60 to 70. One small graphene battery blueprint. This should have been a fusion battery.

00:03:58This time, my haggling failed. Ultimately, I reluctantly accepted this underwhelming starter pack. Before heading home, I stopped by the

00:04:04school lab to make a sample graphene battery. After all, when I return, I'm no longer a wealthy scion. I

00:04:10might not have the tools to make it there. I have to admit, even if my high school isn't the

00:04:14best, it has decent equipment. The tuition finally paid off. The school accepted my departure. The school extracted more than

00:04:20just tuition.

00:04:21From its rich student body. But not with me. They couldn't make a dime off me. In fact, they had

00:04:26to pay me. After all, it wasn't easy to clean the toilets daily. The broke kid is finally gone. But

00:04:31who's going to clean now? The principal is torn. Sir. Where's Elliot? An old man rushes into the office in

00:04:37a panic. Probably at the airport by now. Idiot. You let a genius escape. These cedar highs shot at making

00:04:42history. The principal looks confused. A one seven year old who can design this experiment is destined to change the

00:04:49world. The old man sighs. Heartbroken.

00:04:51The principal is still lost. On the plane, I see my prestige has jumped to 340. Then I realized that

00:04:56when I made the battery, I forgot to clear the log. Someone must have seen it. But the log doesn't

00:05:01bother me. It's not the blueprint. Besides, to use the battery, you need a special conductive port. My battery is

00:05:06still unique. Since prestige is useless for now, I dump it all into my crafting level. The crap system told

00:05:12me that until I hit level 2, my base science stats, excluding language, cannot exceed 60.

00:05:17The extra point in math, was a bonus for years of funding. What a rip off. But looking at my

00:05:21300 over 1000 XP bar, I feel much better. Level 2 crafting shouldn't be too hard. What's the wealth 2

00:05:27XP rate? $10,000 equals 1 XP point. I knew it. It always comes back to money.

00:05:33I vow to only upgrade with prestige. This system won't get another cent from me starting now. At the airport,

00:05:38I see my parents holding signs. Seeing the decked out couple guarded by about 7 to 8 bodyguards. I start

00:05:43questioning reality. A luxury car? Bodyguards? Weren't we bankrupt?

00:05:47What's these? I walk over. My mother pulls me into a hug. Eli, I'm so sorry for leaving you alone

00:05:52abroad for so long. Look at you, you've lost so much weight. I told your father $8 million a month

00:05:57wasn't enough. It's my fault. I should have sent you more.

00:06:01My father's eyelids twitch. The wastrel duo is going to be trouble. Isn't your son spoiled enough? Mom, isn't our

00:06:07family bankrupt? Dad starts to speak, but mom cuts him off. His company is gone, but I still have money.

00:06:13Don't you worry. Tell me if you need cash. I'll give it to you.

00:06:15I'm alarmed. The system definitely heard that. It'll be asking for money any second now. As if to prove me

00:06:21right, I hear a ding. A task pops up on the panel. How can a master crafter not have their

00:06:26own company? As the sole heir of Lumitech, it's your solemn duty to save it. Task? Clear all of Lumitech's

00:06:32debts, get operations running, and restart the business. Reward? 900 prestige points, 1 charm point and 1 free draw at

00:06:38the store.

00:06:39Seeing the task, I relax. It's a spending task. At least the money isn't going to the system. Dad, is

00:06:45the company really beyond saving? I ask tentatively. Dad looks at me, genuinely touched.

00:06:50You've finally grown up. Instead of asking for a handout, you're asking about the business, but it's hopeless.

00:06:55We're short on funds and competition has been brutal. We haven't had a good contract in years. I feel a

00:07:00pang of guilt.

00:07:01I'm sorry. If I hadn't kept using company money, it wouldn't have. But mom frowns. Eli, we don't blame you.

00:07:07All you did was spend some money. Your dad's lousy company wasn't making much. Even without you, it would have

00:07:12failed.

00:07:14Dad is clearly annoyed, but given his status at home, he stays quiet.

00:07:17And mom does have a point. Regardless of the primary cause of the bankruptcy, Lumitech has to survive now.

00:07:23Mom, how much money do you have? Though she loves me unconditionally, when I ask that, she still shudders.

00:07:30My dear son, after ruining your dad, is it finally my turn? I don't have much cash, but I have

00:07:35real estate and stocks with no ties to your dad's company.

00:07:38They're all yours. Mom, I want to save Lumitech. Is it enough? Mom's mouth falls open.

00:07:44Dad breaks out in a cold sweat. I went to such lengths to save a little nest egg. I can't

00:07:49let the wastrel burn through it. He clears his throat.

00:07:51My dad says, son, don't worry about the company. You're still young. Focus on your studies. I'll find you a

00:07:57new school soon. Just lie low and study for a few years.

00:08:00I ignore him. Clutching mom's arm, I beg her. Trust me. Give me the money. I'll save Lumitech. If I

00:08:06can ruin a company, I can certainly revive one too.

00:08:09Dad feels hopeless. Great. He's not going to stop spending. Why does this lifetime feel so long?

00:08:15After getting mom's phone, I start checking her assets immediately, hoping it's enough to save Lumitech.

00:08:20Dad, roughly how much do we need? Dad's expression is blank. He stays silent, refusing to even answer the question.

00:08:26Mom swallows hard. The cord is sealing it in two days. You can't gather enough cash in time.

00:08:31Hearing that, dad's face lights up. That's right. We have no liquid cash. Eli can't burn money that easily.

00:08:37I frown. What about a bank loan? A strange look crosses mom's face. She doesn't know how to respond.

00:08:44Dad, however, actually smiles. Do you think the bank will still lend us money? The bank is our biggest creditor.

00:08:49They blacklisted us a long time ago. Do you know how hard I work just to save this much?

00:08:54I sigh and start brainstorming ways to get fast cash. We're not going home. I suddenly notice we aren't on

00:08:59the road to our house.

00:09:00Today is Olivia's 17th birthday. We're going over for dinner. Mom explains.

00:09:04My plan to save the bankrupt company scared mom. So she wants to save money where she can.

00:09:09Might as well take the free meal. Olivia, my eyes widen. No way. We're meeting her right now?

00:09:14Dad nods. Yes. But it's a shame. I got her father to sign a marriage contract while he was drunk.

00:09:20But I lost it. Latching onto them now would be too humiliating. Mom's too.

00:09:24How could you lose something so vital? You fool. We missed out on such a perfect daughter-in-law.

00:09:29I lower my head. Feeling guilty. The contract isn't lost. I stole it. To get money for the system.

00:09:35I took the contract to Olivia and sold it back to her for $50 million. It's the most absurd breakup

00:09:40in

00:09:40history. At first, Olivia thought she'd won. But soon, something felt wrong. I was the one calling it off.

00:09:46Yet she was the one paying me. She came looking for me later. But I'd already left.

00:09:50The matter was eventually dropped. I'm very reluctant to see her. I'm just about to refuse

00:09:54to go. When a thought hits me. Will there be a lot of rich people at Olivia's birthday party?

00:09:59Most guests are wealthy. If not for my old friendship with Eric, we wouldn't even be

00:10:03invited. I chuckle. So many rich people. Isn't this my chance to get money? To complete the task.

00:10:07I'll have to put aside my pride. When we arrive at Ferrer Estate. We cause an immediate stir.

00:10:12The number one. Wastral in Ardenia. Tideport's biggest spender for the last decade.

00:10:16The legend has finally returned. Eli, you're finally back. I really couldn't survive without

00:10:21you. A chubby guy grabs my leg excitedly. I'm actually moved. His name is Sid Reyes. He was

00:10:27the one who looked after me when I had nothing. You know, without you for comparison. My dad gets

00:10:31so much angrier with me. He used to hit me once a week. Now it's three times a day. Life

00:10:35is brutal.

00:10:37Forget it. I'm done wasting money. From now on, I'm helping our family rise again. Sid's eyes go

00:10:42why. Not wasting anymore? I don't bother explaining. I run to the side. Because a girl in a white dress

00:10:47is storming directly toward me. I turn around helplessly and give her a smile. Long time no

00:10:52see. Olivia, you've gotten even prettier. Olivia Ferrer just harems. I can't believe you came

00:10:58back. I thought you'd stay abroad forever. Of course not. I knew you missed me. So how could

00:11:02I stay away? I took the first flight back. I'm really pushing it just to finish the task.

00:11:07Happy birthday, Olivia. I pull a silver hair clip from my pocket. I'd originally bought it for my

00:11:12cousin. But I have to hand it over. Olivia was furious a moment ago. But now she's completely

00:11:16stunned. Blushing. She takes it and runs back inside. I sigh as I watch her go. She's become

00:11:22truly stunning over the last two years. That contract feels like a major loss for me now.

00:11:26The more I think, the more cheated I feel. Suddenly, an idea hits me. I run after Olivia.

00:11:31I've always believed that as a top-tier playboy, walking into a lady's room is totally normal.

00:11:36So, I saunter right into Olivia's bedroom. Olivia toys with the hair clip I gave her.

00:11:42Oblivious to my presence. Suddenly, a sharp scream escapes her lips. I quickly clap my hand over her

00:11:47mouth. Quiet. I'm not a bad guy. I can't afford to draw the crowd from downstairs up here. What do

00:11:53you

00:11:53want? Her face flushed a deep pink. This situation is way beyond anything she's ever experienced.

00:11:58I finally let her go. I want to discuss something with you. That marriage contract was just a copy.

00:12:03The original is still with me. For some reason, Olivia feels her heart racing. Sold off by my dad

00:12:09after just a few drinks. And to this wastrel, no less. But then she thinks, why does he look so

00:12:15handsome today? Alright, how about this? I won't ask for more. $50 million, same as before. Transfer

00:12:21it now, and I'll get the original. You can destroy it yourself. No deal, you be time star. Get lost.

00:12:28Her furious scream is loud enough for half the manner to hear. As I slink out of Olivia's room,

00:12:33every single person is staring at me. As expected, the number one wastrel, has balls of steel.

00:12:39Mr. Ferrer, would you believe me, it was just business? What do you think? Suddenly, a fist the

00:12:44size of a sandbag comes flying straight at my face. I end up eating dinner, with a massive black eye.

00:12:49The food tasted awful. Mom looks at me with pure pity. Mom dabs medicine on my face every few

00:12:55minutes. Dad, however, just smirks. Stick to wasting money, son. Why mess with the young lady

00:13:00instead? Eric did a good job. I shoot a resentful glance at Olivia. She's making a smug, silly face

00:13:06at me, which only frustrates me more. As dinner winds down, I wait for Eric Ferrer to step away.

00:13:12I quietly sneak over to Olivia. Olivia, you have a microphone somewhere, right? Can I borrow it?

00:13:17She knows she should ignore me, but she still asks naturally, why do you need it? I look at her,

00:13:22my gaze deep and expression serious. I have an important announcement to make,

00:13:26everyone needs to hear this. Olivia covers her burning cheeks, is he going to confess publicly?

00:13:31I'm not ready for this. No wonder he brought up the contract, but he's a wastrel, though he is rather

00:13:37good looking. Even with that swollen black eye, in that short time frame, a million thoughts flash

00:13:42through her mind, and she freezes up. Can I, Olivia? Somehow, she finds herself nodding. Where is it?

00:13:48She points toward a nearby cabinet, head lowered to avoid my gaze. Maybe I should go hide. I'm really

00:13:54not ready for this. I don't notice the change in Olivia's look. Once I have the mic, I clear my

00:14:00throat and jump right into it. Good evening, everyone. As my voice fills the room, I'm once

00:14:05again the center of attention. Eric takes a seat next to dad, and shoots my parents a confused look.

00:14:10Mom and dad just stare at each other, wide-eyed. Growing up, they could never guess what I'd do

00:14:15next. Eric glances at his daughter, seeing her flushed and flustered, his fist tightens.

00:14:20That brat, if he tries anything stupid, I'll blacken his other eye too. Everyone thinks I'm

00:14:25a wastrel, but I'm here to say that's just a prejudice. Not only can I spend money, but I can

00:14:29make it too. Sid, sitting below, scratches his head, worried, is he really going to change?

00:14:34Won't that make me to know, one wastrel then? When I returned, I heard about Lumitech's bankruptcy.

00:14:38I feel immense guilt, as the sole heir of Lumitech. It's my duty to save it. The wealthy elites

00:14:43exchange glances. What's he up to? Saving Lumitech? What a load of nonsense. Olivia stares,

00:14:49completely baffled. This isn't what she expected at all. What is this strange sense of disappointment?

00:14:54I'll change your opinions about me. I'm going to tell everyone. I'm actually a rare genius,

00:14:58not some low-life wastrel. And I'll prove you all wrong. Everyone's speechless. And how will

00:15:03you save Lumitech, Mr. Bly? Easy. Pay the debts and launch a massive new project. Laughter explodes.

00:15:09Sounds easy, but do you have the money or even a pitch? I don't care about their ridicule. As a

00:15:14top-tier spender, I'm used to it. I know none of you will loan us cash. So I'm offering a

00:15:18fair trade.

00:15:19I just tallied my family's assets. We have land and properties sitting idle. Pay me 70% of the market

00:15:24value. And the deal is yours, right now. No tricks. Cash only. The entire room, falls utterly silent.

00:15:31Everyone stares at me, mouths agape. Then, someone finally cracks up. Instantly,

00:15:35the whole room is roaring with laughter. Only Sid looks at me with teary eyes.

00:15:39That's my best friend for you. Others turn to look at my parents. They're remarkable for raising him.

00:15:44My parents look mortified, wishing they could vanish on the spot. If they could,

00:15:48they'd probably disown me now. I continue, don't look at my parents. They follow my lead.

00:15:52If you want in, move fast. This deal is time-sensitive. Miss it, and it's gone. Remember,

00:15:57land always holds its value, and houses are a necessity. Well, seeing the blatant greed and

00:16:02desire in their eyes, my heart finally settles. The funds are secured. Lumitech actually has a

00:16:08chance. In less than 10 minutes, I sell off the last of the Bly assets and pull in exactly $3

00:16:13billion.

00:16:13This should be enough. Seeing the new account balance, dad can only swallow his tears. Eli means

00:16:18well. Guess I'll just have to keep hustling. Mr. Bly, you're the top philanthropist. Someone toasts me

00:16:24with champagne. I happily down the glass. You flatter me, Mr. Makin, but I'm just doing business,

00:16:29not charity. John Makin tries his best to stop laughing. I understand. You're loyal to kin and

00:16:34country. A truly great man. I chuckle. It's the first time I've been called that. It feels pretty

00:16:39good. I continue, since we're business partners now. Here's a friendly reminder. If you want Lumitech

00:16:44stock, act fast. You might not get the chance later. Clutching their stomachs, the guests make a quick

00:16:49exit. I can't stay a second longer, or the wastrel will have us dying of laughter. The crowd thins,

00:16:53and we start to follow suit, but Olivia pulls me into her room. It's not the first time anyway.

00:16:58Olivia asks, are you really that broke? Pretty much. Lumitech is barely hanging on. I had to do it.

00:17:04But dad says that it's not just a money problem. Will this really help? Trust me. I'll make Lumitech

00:17:10the guiding star for humanity. Olivia adorably rolls her eyes. After much hesitation, she pulls a black

00:17:16card from her nightstand. My pocket money from the last two years. It's likely under $60 million. The pin

00:17:21is my birthday. Here. My eyes light up. I sheepishly accept the card. What a sweet girl. But, wow,

00:17:26is she rich? $60 million in just two years. That's just like the me back then. Don't worry.

00:17:31I'll give you the real contract. Negative 100% authentic. Get lost. It's a good thing I dodge

00:17:36fast and managed to save my other eye. Selling off those assets didn't just raise cash. It also gave

00:17:41me 100 prestige points. I don't know how the TCS calculates. The prestige from losing several

00:17:46billion can't compare to one high school lab project. In the car, I ask, dad, is the money

00:17:51enough? Dad sighs helplessly. Son, it was never about the money. Lumitech's been stuck for months.

00:17:57No orders. No projects. That's the real issue. I give a small smile and pat my chest. Don't worry.

00:18:03Get the company running again. I'll bring in the orders. Dad doesn't know what to say. A kid who's

00:18:07matured just a little bit is the most dangerous. Next morning, I'm up super early. Downstairs,

00:18:12I catch dad just as he's heading out. Going to the office, dad? Yeah, time is tight. Given the

00:18:18situation, I'll give it another shot. I'm deeply moved. I swear I'll make him the richest man alive.

00:18:23That way, he can finally enjoy life. Dad, use this chance to clean house at the company. Kick

00:18:28out all those leeches, I add. Dad purses his lips. He was ahead of me on that. A crisis reveals

00:18:34someone's

00:18:34true colors. He's finally seen their real faces. For Lumitech to rise again, the leeches have to be

00:18:39purged. As for projects, don't worry, dad. I'll land us a massive contract today. Then we'll plan

00:18:44our move. Dad stops in his tracks. Son, are you still dreaming? Go back to bed. You're still a

00:18:49growing boy. I'm used to being underestimated. Just wait, dad. I'll bring home a Titan Group

00:18:54contract tonight. Titan Group? Dad laughs. A global top 100 company. You sure can dream. At the office,

00:19:01dad recalls today's Tideport meeting to find Titan Group, Assembly Partners. But as it stands,

00:19:06Lumitech is unqualified. He shakes his head. And stops thinking about it. Dad quickly dives back

00:19:12into his work. He has to admit, my gopher broke move. Rekindled some of his entrepreneurial passion.

00:19:19Meanwhile, after breakfast, I grab a shared bike and head toward Titan Square. I had to. I sold all

00:19:25the cars last night. Besides the bidding, Titan Group is holding a press conference. The square is

00:19:29packed with industry peers and reporters. Seeing the massive crowd, my blood starts pumping. From the

00:19:35peak, a man surveys his world. Just as I'm feeling epic, a familiar sports car drives past. Eli,

00:19:41what are you doing here? It's Sid. He's driving one of our sold cars. The only comfort is Sid paid

00:19:46well over market value. A sort of merciful, charitable rate. I'm here on business. You,

00:19:51why are you here? We're here for the bid. Dad insisted I get some exposure. My eyes light up.

00:19:57So you have an invitation from Titan Group? I was stressing about getting in. Then, boom,

00:20:01you show up. Yeah, dad gave me one. He told me to check out their tech. That's good. Very good.

00:20:07Take me with you. I casually climb into my old car. Sid panics a little. Why? To talk business with

00:20:13them. Don't you have an invite? I forgot to bring it. Compared to the busy square, the building itself

00:20:18is much quieter. After all, few qualify for the bid. As most are local firms, everyone is shocked to see

00:20:24me. What's this wastrel doing here? Mr. Bly, is Lumatech bidding too? Though they know it's

00:20:31impossible. Someone still asks. I shake my head. No, I'm here to discuss a partnership. As expected,

00:20:38jokes follow me everywhere. And what partnership would that be, Mr. Bly? To develop a new phone.

00:20:44Sophie Ville walks in right then. She sees the chaos and wrinkles her nose at the lack of manners

00:20:49in Tide4. I've read all your project proposals. The CEO had to head back to HQ. I have a press

00:20:55conference soon. So every company gets three minutes to provide further explanation. Time is

00:21:00of the essence. Sophie's always efficient. Getting straight to the point. I'm thrilled to see her.

00:21:05It's someone I actually know. Talk about a lucky day. Sophie notices me too. She find it odd that I'm

00:21:09here. But she doesn't say a word. She's swamped and has no time for me. Half an hour later,

00:21:14Sophie closes her laptop. Once we've decided, we'll notify you. Or those interested in our conference,

00:21:19we've saved you seats. I stand up. Sophie, wait. I have something to tell you. Mr. Bly,

00:21:25please call me Miss Ville. And whatever it is can wait. No, it's urgent. Sophie, I have something to

00:21:30show you. The crowd is left speechless. They're used to hearing nonsense. From the local idiot.

00:21:36Back in the office, Sophie stares at me, exasperated. Spill it. What do you want, exactly?

00:21:41Lumatech wants to work with Titan Group. Sophie shakes her head. I spoke to Victor two weeks ago.

00:21:45Bankruptcy is his best case scenario. I won't risk Titan's reputation to help you.

00:21:49Sophie, have you heard of graphene? I have. It's a hot topic lately. But new materials like that are

00:21:54usually scams. I made it. It only takes two minutes to charge and lasts for five hours. Its

00:21:59capacity is triple that of lithium. Sophie frowns. Eli, so you don't just waste money. You spout total

00:22:05nonsense too. I pull out the battery sample. Do you have a lab here? Seeing how serious I am,

00:22:10Sophie sighs and makes the call. Is Professor Reed in? Have him wait for me in the lab.

00:22:15Sophie gives me a warning look. You better not be playing me. An hour later, I've secured a deal

00:22:20with Titan Group. I walk out of the building, beaming. Sid asks, Eli, did Titan Group say yes?

00:22:26Of course. They jumped at the chance. Sid isn't convinced. He's always believed that I'm a wastrel

00:22:32because I'm wired wrong. Now, it seems I've gotten even worse. What's that red mark on your face?

00:22:37My face heats up. It's all Sophie's fault for her lack of restraint. When the experiment worked,

00:22:42she kissed me. How unprofessional of her. Nothing. Sophie just accidentally kissed me.

00:22:46Eli, how about I drive you to the hospital? Nah, just take me home.

00:22:50Titan Group's press conference is a total success. But the business world cares less about that than

00:22:55they do about Sophie's announcement. Titan Group and Lumitech will partner to develop a next generation

00:23:01phone. A corporate giant at its peak. Teaming up with a nearly bankrupt company to pitch

00:23:06next-gen tech seems bizarre from every angle. Tideport's elite circles are buzzing with talk.

00:23:11As for Dad, it's only when the shareholders burst in to congratulate him that he actually learns the

00:23:16news. Victor, I didn't expect you to have such an ace up your sleeve. You're too much, Victor.

00:23:21All this time, you hid the fact that you had Titan's backing. We'll definitely make a comeback

00:23:25and reclaim our glory. Don't worry, Victor. Just go for it. We've got your back. Whatever you need us

00:23:30to do, just say the word. Dad is speechless. Are these really the same people who wouldn't even

00:23:36see him months ago? How incredibly unreliable. Lumitech really does need to clean house.

00:23:40Later, Victor, you truly are ruthless. I've clearly misjudged you. But Titan's backing isn't a free

00:23:46pass. Their standards are brutal. Lumitech is bound to embarrass itself. That's right, Victor. Don't get

00:23:52cocky. With that wastrel son of yours, he'll just burn through everything you earn. When you hit a dead

00:23:57end, don't come crying to me. Dad just leans back, nonchalant. He can't be bothered to argue with

00:24:02them. After shooing them out, he hurries home. He doesn't believe I actually landed the Titan group

00:24:08deal. But I said I'd secure one this morning. And by the afternoon, it was official. It's all just

00:24:14very strange to him. When he gets home, I'm hunched over my laptop, tinkering with something. Truth is,

00:24:20I'm testing my new abilities. The system claims, a 60 base score already makes me a rare genius.

00:24:25But I need to see for myself. I still need to test it. Things went so smoothly today that I

00:24:30rushed

00:24:30home to run some tests. The results are satisfying. I solved competition level math, physics, and

00:24:35chemistry problems without breaking a sweat. What really shocks me are my language skills. Regardless

00:24:40of the language, spoken or written, I understand it perfectly. I'm just that good. I laugh out loud.

00:24:45Being a genius really is exhilarating. What's gotten into you? Did you actually go to Titan group

00:24:49today? Did they bully you? Dad looks at me, his face full of worry. Seeing him, I close my laptop,

00:24:55and try to act normal. I casually pull a crumpled document from under me and hand it over. What

00:25:00are you talking about? Why would they bully me? This is the preliminary agreement. Take a look.

00:25:05We signed the official contract in three days. Dad glares at me for sitting on such an important

00:25:10document. But instead of scolding me, he starts reading intently. After one pass, he sucks in a

00:25:15sharp breath. It really is a partnership. Not outsourcing or assembly, but an equal partnership.

00:25:19How's that possible? Victor asks, who signed this with you? Isn't Sophie's name on it?

00:25:24Sophie's already the VP of the company. Looks like the villes want her to lead.

00:25:28Dad still doesn't understand. Sophie is so sharp. She scares even me. Why would she sign this with

00:25:34you? Eli, did Sophie force you into agreeing to something? I'm speechless. I hand the laptop to

00:25:40dad. What? Am I someone who sells himself? I use this to strike the deal. Lumitech shares the tech,

00:25:46and we develop their next flagship together. This will put us back on the map. Dad goes silent.

00:25:52He's already lost in the notes for the graphene battery. It takes him a full 30 minutes to finish

00:25:56reading. He's visibly shaken. The weight of these notes, rivals the titan group deal itself. Now

00:26:02he understands why Sophie signed. If it were him, he'd do anything, even selling himself. He rushes

00:26:07into my room and asks excitedly. Son, where did you get this? You didn't rob the national lab,

00:26:11did you? I'm beyond annoyed. Dad, I never doubted your business skills, so why doubt my genius?

00:26:17I researched this myself. That's the most absurd thing he's heard all day, hands down. He has no

00:26:22idea, how I actually did it, but he's pacing with excitement anyway. Finally, he calms down,

00:26:28then it hits him. I think we made a bad deal. How can you just give titan group this amazing

00:26:32tech for

00:26:33free? I declare righteously, because I'm a patriot. Relax, dad, this is just child's play. In two years,

00:26:39new tech will replace it. We aren't losing out, this shows sincerity, and in return, titan group will treat

00:26:44us well. Lumitech will rise much faster this way. New tech? Dad is stunned. It's all beyond his

00:26:50imagination. In the future, Lumitech won't just make phones. Quantum tech, shuttles, starships,

00:26:56all of it, I continue painting a grand vision. Dad, dazed, says, my son, you've really grown up. I was

00:27:02going to save up to get you into a regular school, but with your ambition, you deserve a top university.

00:27:06Pay for school? I chuckle. Does a genius like me need to pay? Right then, a ding sounds in my

00:27:12mind.

00:27:12The system issues a new task. I suddenly realized that the host is not yet 18 years old. Go to

00:27:17college. Show off your talents. Outshine the geniuses of your era. Just like the greats before you.

00:27:22Task? Pass the Orion University Admissions Exam with full marks in every subject. Reward? 10,000

00:27:28prestige. One charm point. One freshman gift pack. Two store vouchers worth $5 million. Usable with wealth

00:27:33points only. While I'm reading the task, dad is busy scouting for decent schools. Tideport Business School

00:27:39is close, but it's expensive. A friend had to donate a wing to get his kid in. WCU is further

00:27:43away, but the tuition is reasonable. Vortec is good too. Several friends bought their way in.

00:27:48I interrupt him. I want to go to Orion U. What? Dad freezes. The surprises just keep coming today,

00:27:55one after another. Orion U is Ardenia's top university, ranked in the global top 20.

00:28:00Anyone who gets in is essentially the cream of the crop. Elite schools like that, are always tough

00:28:05to get into. Orion U never uses the standard entrance exams. They set their own tests and

00:28:09admissions. To even sit for the official exam, you first need an invitation. That alone wipes out

00:28:1599% of candidates. Out of 10,000 applicants, only 500 are admitted. Every single one is a genius among

00:28:21geniuses. So when I say I want Orion U, dad's mixed feelings are expected. In the past, he would have

00:28:26talked me out of such an unrealistic goal. But things are different now. Someone who can build a game

00:28:31changing graphene battery has to be a genius. Letting him take the exam won't hurt. Even a

00:28:36failure is a lesson. The only problem is how to get the invite. Besides the exam, Orion U has a

00:28:41talent

00:28:42track, but the deadline has already passed. And what talent would he show? Is he going to show the

00:28:46professors the graphene battery? That could jeopardize the Titan deal. Dad is at a total loss.

00:28:52If we wait until after the launch, will they still take you? Sensing his dilemma, I say,

00:28:57Dad, you've got it wrong. I'm going to Orion U by passing the exam. Dad's eyes go wide. Eli,

00:29:03do you know how hard that test is? You have to excel in every subject. I know you're good at

00:29:07chemistry and electronics, but what about the rest? You're doubting my genius? When have I ever let you

00:29:12down on a test? Dad nods. But the problem is, since you were a kid, you've barely taken any exams.

00:29:19Whenever the schedule drops, you go on vacation. Plus, the invites are already out. How will I get one?

00:29:25I smile, Dad, did you forget? I'm an overseas student. Only the domestics out, the overseas is

00:29:31pending. Cedar High is a top-tier school. I'm an excellent student, so surely I can get an invite.

00:29:36Dad winces. This son of mine, really has endless ways to burn money. Are you sure?

00:29:43Yeah, Dad nods. I understand, prepare well, don't stress. Too much, failing's no big deal.

00:29:50We're used to it. I just shake my head, proving I'm a genius won't be easy. After our talk,

00:29:55Dad leaves to hammer out, the details with Titan Group. He's also busy restructuring the lab,

00:30:00and refocusing Lumitech's goals. He'll be swamped for a while, but I have it easy.

00:30:05After looking at Orion U's past exams, I relax. These are the questions they use to screen,

00:30:09in the following days. I don't sit idle. I put my computer skills to work and make a name in

00:30:14the

00:30:14hacker world. Sadly, I use an alias. I don't earn any prestige points. I'm not doing it for fame

00:30:19anyway. It's all about the money. While I'm set on using prestige to upgrade, pocket money is still

00:30:25necessary. I hit up two massive internet giants, and fix some of their long-standing security bugs.

00:30:30I pocket $20 million in commissions, and become a consultant for both. I have to say,

00:30:35these tech giants are loaded. No wonder everyone's in computer science. Meanwhile,

00:30:39the news spreads like wildfire in hacker circles. They see me as a legend and dub me,

00:30:44King. I just lounge at home all day. This worries Mom, he's off the cash, and on the laptop.

00:30:50Is this really my son? I don't bother explaining. Dad is so busy, he barely sleeps, so he has no

00:30:55energy,

00:30:55to worry about me. Finally, Orion U's exam day arrives. I grab two pens, hop on a shared bike,

00:31:01and head to the exam site. Between local and overseas invites, Orion U only send 300 to Tideport.

00:31:07But when I reach Tideport High, the only exam site here, I find a massive crowd waiting. 300 people,

00:31:13try 3000. The school isn't even on break. I freeze. Soon, I run into Sid on the sidewalk. He clears

00:31:18things up for me. Eli, I heard you're trying for Orion U. I thought it was a joke. How do

00:31:22you keep

00:31:23finding new ways to burn money? I can only sigh in exasperation. A decade of prejudice, won't vanish

00:31:28overnight. I skip the explanation, and ask, are you here for the exam too? Sid shakes his head.

00:31:34I'm not that brave, I'm just here to soak up the genius vibes, everyone testing today is elite,

00:31:40maybe I'll pick up some luck, and crush the SATs next month. You really think of everything,

00:31:45but there are way too many people here for vibes, there are only 300 of us.

00:31:48There might not be enough, Sid looks at me with disdain. You don't count, Eli, how unlucky of me

00:31:54to run into you. There go my hopes for a genius aura. By the way, my family landed Titan's OEM

00:31:58deal.

00:31:59We'll be working with Lumitech a lot now. Really? Congrats. Sid doesn't look as happy as I'd expect.

00:32:05But Eli, how did Lumitech actually manage to latch onto Titan Group? It's the industry's

00:32:10biggest mystery this year. What do you mean? Titan Group begged to partner with us.

00:32:15Lumitech's potential is beyond your imagination. Sid doesn't believe me. Instead, he leans in and

00:32:20whispers, did you hear the rumor? Eli, word is Sophieville has a thing for you. To clear your

00:32:25wastrel name, you allegedly spent a week with her. That's why Titan Group is helping Lumitech.

00:32:31I'm furious. Who's spreading this crap? I'd sooner sell my soul than sell my body.

00:32:36I believe you, obviously, but you've been missing in action lately, and you have to admit,

00:32:41you've got the face of a top-tier sugar baby. Exactly. I'm not just the top idiot. I've always

00:32:47been a favorite of wealthy women, especially now, with my system-enhanced charm. Even Sid thinks I'm

00:32:52good-looking now. I feel like crying. I've been at home making money this whole time.

00:32:57Sid pats me sympathetically. I know you're making money. You're really working hard at it. I guess

00:33:01I need to curb my own spending too. Can't end up like you. I kick the idiot. Done with this

00:33:07conversation. I head inside to find the exam hall. Outside the hall, I see another familiar face,

00:33:13Olivia. Unlike me, she didn't get her invite. At the last second, she's been a top student her

00:33:17entire life. The classic golden child. When she sees me, her face shifts from happy to angry to

00:33:22resentful. Then she just sighs. Every emotion hits her at once. Having no clue what's going on in her

00:33:27head, I just grin and wave. Olivia. Ready for the exam? With your brains, you'll be fine. After six

00:33:34years, we'll be classmates again. Don't worry. I teased you in elementary school, but in college,

00:33:39I've got your back. Olivia doesn't even know why she's mad. Is it my cocky attitude? The way I'm

00:33:45laughing without a care, or those stupid rumors, she stomps her feet and walks into the hall.

00:33:50Before leaving, she turns back. Good luck, just treat it as practice for the SATs. After Orion

00:33:55use general admission, everyone else faces the standard entrance exams. Mff. You're looking down

00:34:01on me when you're stumped in college. Don't you dare come crying to me. You'll have to pay me at

00:34:05least $1 million for me to forgive you. Eli, be serious, please. The SATs are in a week. Don't you

00:34:11want

00:34:11study in Pilar? Seeing me just staring at her, completely unconcerned with my studies,

00:34:15Olivia is both frustrated and annoyed. Why are boys so immature? If you want to keep looking at me,

00:34:20you're going to have to work for it. Otherwise, how can we be together later? I wipe the drool from

00:34:25my mouth. I'm focused. Olivia, you're too pretty. My attention got diverted a little.

00:34:30Olivia feels exasperated. I really can't deal with this idiot. If you don't get into university in

00:34:35Pilar, I'll never talk to you again. And we won't be able to meet for a very long time.

00:34:38I grab Olivia's hand. Don't worry. Orion U releases the results tomorrow. You'll find out

00:34:43then. I promise I'll go there with you. What major should I pick? Maybe I should study medicine too.

00:34:49Then I can protect you, and keep the fools from chasing you. Olivia huffs angrily. Eli,

00:34:54I'm telling you, stop dreaming and stay level-headed. Wow. A pretty girl looks good even when she's mad.

00:35:01The gods really spoiled Olivia. While the two of us nervously cram,

00:35:04the Orion U forums are buzzing about the exam results. Even after the exam ended,

00:35:10the hype around this year's exam never died down, because it's said to be the hardest in history.

00:35:15Even Orion U's current sophomores and juniors struggle to finish the paper in time.

00:35:19Many guess that just passing will be enough to guarantee a spot. In previous years,

00:35:24you needed at least 70%. After all, these are the nation's top students. This year,

00:35:29hitting 70% would likely put you in the top 100, 80%. In any other year,

00:35:33that would make you a contender for the ace. As for scoring above 90%, no one expects anyone to

00:35:39reach that, given how brutal the questions were. With such fierce competition, Orion U intentionally

00:35:44made the exam a gauntlet. They want to find real prodigies and test the limits of you,

00:35:48due to the extreme difficulty. Everyone is focused on this year's ace. The Orion U forum admin even

00:35:54posted, this year's ace will be the aciest of all. No contest. With all the hype, everyone is dying to

00:36:01know who it is. Various geniuses seen as contenders were hounded by the media before. The only regret

00:36:07was, no one could track down Olivia. No Tideport reporter would have guessed she was busy tutoring

00:36:12me all day, leaving no time for them. Oh, didn't someone in Tideport finish early? He said the exam

00:36:18was easy, and that he'd get full marks. Is he the ace? Dude, you're drunk. I know the guy you

00:36:23mean.

00:36:23Tideport's notorious wastrel. Famous for being a slacker. He paid for his invite. How could he be

00:36:28the ace? Stop guessing. We'll find out tomorrow anyway. The forums keep buzzing, but things are

00:36:32peaceful where I am. Why debate when the answer is obvious? I use the problem-solving card. So if

00:36:37I'm not the ace, wouldn't I be letting the system down? Since Olivia wants to check her results.

00:36:42She gave me the day off so she could sleep in late. I wonder how she'll react when she sees

00:36:47my name.

00:36:47Ding. Congrats. Post. Main task completed.

00:36:50You got into Orion U with a perfect score. Rewards have been granted. Join Ardenia's top

00:36:55university and begin your legend. The system's alert wakes me up. I sit up in bed and open the

00:37:00system panel. Post. Elliot Blythe. Crafting level. 2 prestige. 10,000. 500 wealth. $28.62 million.

00:37:07Appearance. 90. Basic sciences. Math. 61. Physics. 60 chemistry. 60 biology. 60 data science. 60. Language. 100.

00:37:15I'm thrilled by the mountain of prestige points. Main tasks are the best. One easy exam and I get

00:37:2010,000 prestige. That means 10 points for my science stats. A few more like this and I'm set.

00:37:25Once the excitement fades, I realize this massive prestige boost is because I'm the perfect score

00:37:29ace. I still have preparations to make. I rush downstairs, where mom is making lunch. Where's

00:37:34dad? At work. Why? Mom looks confused. I'll call him myself. Reporters might swarm the office for me.

00:37:40He needs to tighten security. A lot of people might show up here too. We should alert the guards.

00:37:46Son, what's going on? Mom starts to panic. I chuckle. Mom, don't you know, Orion you posts the

00:37:52results today. I think so, but why does that matter to us? Mom's puzzled. I did as usual,

00:37:57got full marks, and became the ace. I replied, smiling, I'm gonna check Olivia's results.

00:38:03I head back upstairs, leaving mom frozen in place. My son, Elliot Blythe, is a perfect score ace.

00:38:08How absurd is that? Over at Olivia's, she stares at the results, blinking as if she'd seen a ghost.

00:38:14How's that possible? Am I seeing things? Or is Orion you system glitching? Perfect scores are

00:38:21reviewed multiple times, including a check of the exam footage. This can't be an error. Nearby,

00:38:27at the Myers home, Katie Myers collapses. Thinking about our bet, her face pales. No, oh no,

00:38:33I have to confess to him. Wouldn't that make me the bad girl? Who steals her best friend's guy?

00:38:38Elliot is such a J times RK. Meanwhile, dad is in a meeting, discussing my patent management idea.

00:38:46Mr. Blythe, the media has swarmed the building. Tideport broadcasting included. The lobby is nearly

00:38:51packed. They want an interview and an exclusive. I can't hold them back. What's going on? But a thought

00:38:58hits dad, and his face pales. Did news of the graphene battery leak? It's still in safety tests.

00:39:05Nothing's running it yet. Titan Group wouldn't leak it, right? Reporters are camped downstairs,

00:39:10insisting on an interview with you, Mr. Blythe. Have them wait in reception. What do they even want

00:39:15to talk about? Lumitech just escaped bankruptcy. We're a blank slate right now. It's chaos downstairs.

00:39:22I rushed up to tell you, so I didn't get all the details. But it sounds like it has something

00:39:27to

00:39:28do with Elliot being an ace? What? Dad and everyone else in the room, stare at the secretary in shock.

00:39:34What? Did you say? Ace? Dad's voice shakes a little. This wastrel son of mine, he actually got into Orion

00:39:40youth, and as the ace too? Mr. Blythe. Let's check right now. A young manager starts searching on his

00:39:46laptop. Dad rushes over. Top scorer, Elliot Bly, Tideport, negative 350 points. The manager asks,

00:39:53Mr. Bly, does anyone else in Tideport share your son's name? It really is him. Another employee

00:39:58exclaims, the name matches the invitation I bought. I processed it late, so his exam number is at the

00:40:03end. Dad explodes with laughter. I knew Elliot wouldn't let me down. Orion you, easy peasy.

00:40:10Congratulations, Elliot is the ace. His future is bright. Congrats, Mr. Bly. It's great news.

00:40:15Congrats to Elliot for topping the list. You gotta treat us, right? Dad bursts out laughing,

00:40:21in a great mood. Of course. This calls for a celebration. Make an announcement, to celebrate

00:40:25my son getting into Orion you. All Lumitech employees get three days off, with double pay.

00:40:30All bonuses this month go up by 20%. The secretary beams. Long live Mr. Kyle. Other companies might

00:40:36envy their Titan Group deal, but only Lumitech employees know how busy they've been lately.

00:40:40These three days off are like rain after a drought. Mr. Bly, Titan Group is on a tight deadline.

00:40:45Will three days be too much? It's fine. Dad waves his hand, unbothered. I'll explain it to Sophie.

00:40:51Wonder how the Vils will take the Orion you news. Our families are actually connected through mom's

00:40:56side. Many Vils look down on us, especially since I'm a wastrel. Sophie is the exception. She has a

00:41:02thing for looks, and I'm her type. She doesn't care how much I spend. She spoils me rotten.

00:41:07That's why those rumors started flying when Titan Group partnered with Lumitech. But if I wanted to

00:41:12marry into the Vils by their family rules, it's impossible. Especially now, with Sophie being

00:41:17groomed as the next heir, they'd never want a nobody like me. Of course, I could be her secret lover.

00:41:23As long as I lie low, the elite don't care about such trifles. Dad wanted to brag about my admission,

00:41:29but Sophie already knew. That little brat who used to follow her around, making her laugh,

00:41:34and asking for money, actually got into Orion you. It feels unreal to her. After the initial pride,

00:41:40a playful smile curls on her lips. A perfect score ace, in the toughest year, and he's the guy

00:41:45labeled a wastrel. Eli, when your past gets dug up, it'll cause a lot of trouble. It happened just

00:41:51as Sophie predicted. In fact, the scrutiny hit even sooner and harder crowds are gathering outside

00:41:56the Bly Manor. The media, my classmates, family friends, and students about to take the SATs are

00:42:01here to soak up luck. If this weren't a gated community with professional guards and my early

00:42:05warning, they might have stormed the house. I'm not one to pass up the spotlight, and I'm also not

00:42:11the type to hide away. That would just be rude. So I wash up, put on my best clothes, and

00:42:16have a team

00:42:17of guards escort me to the front gate. Elliot is here. Some girls who know me start squealing.

00:42:21Wow. The ace? He's so hot. Stop drooling. A rich kid like him? You have no chance. I heard he's

00:42:29already been claimed by Titan Group's VP. Man, being rich must be nice. I have no idea I'm already

00:42:35breaking hearts. The moment I reach the gate, reporters lunge at me like starving lions. If

00:42:40the gate hadn't stopped them, they would have devoured me. Mr. Bly, how does it feel to be the

00:42:45ace? Mr. Bly, with an exam this tough, how did you manage a perfect score? I heard you spent two

00:42:52years

00:42:52abroad. Is foreign education really superior? Mr. Bly, I'm from Sky Media. My boss's son knows you well.

00:42:59Could you give us an interview? I clear my throat and wave. Everyone, calm down. There's a small

00:43:04courtyard nearby. I've set up chairs and drinks for you there. Take your time. Ask me anything.

00:43:09The crowd is touched, so consider it. Doesn't yell at them, and he actually cares. How nice.

00:43:14Of course, it's a tight space, and setting it up took a lot of work, so seats are limited. 25

00:43:20slots

00:43:20in total. $10,000 each. Max 2 people per outlet. I pull out a payment QR code. Just scan this

00:43:26code to pay.

00:43:26It's super easy. The reporters all freeze. What the hell? What is this? Aren't you a wastrel?

00:43:32Why are you fleecing honest people? Mr. Bly, isn't this a bit much? I chuckle. My first interview as

00:43:38Orion use ace, and I'm only charging you $10,000. What a bargain. If word gets out, people will really

00:43:43call me a wastrel. Be quick. There are only 25 slots. If you don't want in, please leave. A guy,

00:43:49probably a content creator, snaps angrily. Darn it. A rich kid milking us for cash? That's ridiculous.

00:43:55Let's go. Who cares what he says? I can make crap up myself. These comments don't bother me. I just

00:44:00say, yes. You can make crap up online. I can't stop you, but that only generates temporary traffic.

00:44:06To last in this field, you need a conscience. No, lies can never beat the truth. Again,

00:44:11this is the first interview with Orion use ace. Miss it, and the chance is gone. The big outlets get

00:44:17it

00:44:17and call for funds. Some even pay out of pocket, scanning my QR code instantly. A huge guy pushes

00:44:22forward to pay first. Seeing this, my heart skips a beat. Darn, I should have checked the market rate.

00:44:27Feels like I'm losing out. Once they realize the slots are filling up, they start scrambling.

00:44:32The first interview with Tideport's first ace, and from the hardest exam in history too. Miss a chance

00:44:37like this, and it's gone forever. My heart aches. The price is too low. No, I gotta raise it. Luckily,

00:44:43I have thick skin. Right away, I say, seeing how eager you all are is thrilling. So,

00:44:48I'll give you another perk. For an extra $20,000, you can live stream it. That way,

00:44:53you'll catch the first wave of traffic. The crowd is stunned. So, the $10,000 doesn't include

00:44:58streaming? That is ruthless. Facing my sudden price hike. They can't oppose my price hike.

00:45:03They can't run a secret live stream, or the guards won't hold back. I feel pleased seeing the extra

00:45:08sum in my bank account. Every little counts. The moment I got the system, I decided to pursue fame

00:45:13and money. That's all the crap system looks at. At the courtyard, the reporters scowl even more.

00:45:17They see plastic chairs, water, and cheap drinks. Did this even cost $500? This is robbery.

00:45:24I don't care what they think. I grab the mic and sit on the chair in the shade, saying,

00:45:29I'm sure you don't want to waste time. Everyone gets one question. Try not to repeat any. Let's

00:45:33finish in 30 minutes. The heck? He's despicable. $30,000 for a question? Discuss among yourselves

00:45:39beforehand. We'll begin in 10 minutes. The reporters fume. No one will ask boring questions like my exam

00:45:45prep routine, suggestions for my juniors, preferred major, or how I feel now. It'd be a waste of $30,000

00:45:50if they don't ask about more exciting things. When time's up, a red-faced female reporter asks,

00:45:56Mr. Bly, I understand that you were an average student up until high school, but now you're the

00:46:00ace with a perfect score. Were any improper methods involved? How impatient. Nope. Everyone freezes.

00:46:07Is that all? Won't you explain more, Mr. Bly? I've answered your question. Who's next? I say.

00:46:13A bearded reporter asks, Titan Group has close ties with Orion, and you became the ace the moment

00:46:18the Bly's partner with Titan. What do you have to say on that? I don't see how they're related.

00:46:23Be more blunt with your questions. But you've used your chance. Next question.

00:46:26Mr. Bly, did Titan Group help you become the ace and receive special treatment from Orion?

00:46:31A reporter quickly asks, I've had it with them. Even brainless people can be reporters now.

00:46:36To my knowledge, the Bly's are a big family, and only Sophie Ville attended Orion. Why would the

00:46:41Bly's help an outsider instead of one of their own? Besides, do you think those at Orion have

00:46:45lost their minds and make someone the ace unfairly? That's true, it doesn't make sense.

00:46:50The angry reporters finally calm down, but some stubbornly continue. It's rumored you're involved

00:46:55with Sophie and will marry into her family. It's possible the Ville's got you into Orion by

00:46:59force to secure Sophie's succession. Those rumors leave me speechless. Ask around in Tideport.

00:47:04Tons of pretty women like me.

00:47:06Why would I give up on them, and get married? Even if I do marry Sophie, she's marrying into

00:47:11my family. Got it? You're so cocky. You're saying you got full marks and became the ace

00:47:16on your own? That's right. Didn't I do an interview with TBS after the exam saying I know I got

00:47:21full

00:47:21marks? No one is convinced. Mr. Bly, I heard that you and Tom Crane of AL Group are close.

00:47:27Everyone knows, is standing in the domestic tech world. He has countless experts. Did he help

00:47:32you steal the exam questions? Annoyed, I shake my head. I've always been gracious. It's one thing to

00:47:37slander me, but you just slandered Tom. I'm sure AL Group's legal team will hear about this. The

00:47:42Ville's too. All of you better watch out. If you get sued, don't say I didn't warn you. Everyone is

00:47:48alarmed. They'd blurted out the nasty guesses and malicious speculation because I'd pissed them off.

00:47:53It was even broadcast live. They've dug their own graves now. Mr. Bly, you got full marks. Can you tell

00:47:58us

00:47:58how you solve the question? The sum of natural numbers is minus 1 over 12? At last, no more

00:48:03conspiracy theories. At last, no more conspiracy theories. You've seen the working. Nothing I say

00:48:09now proves anything. Raymond was indeed a genius to come up with such an intriguing formula.

00:48:13How did you manage to do the last visit question on kinetic theory of gases taught in college?

00:48:18No one says high schoolers can't read college textbooks. Since you're so accomplished, why did you

00:48:22study in CARTA? Is the education there the reason for your academic success? Is the ace a product of

00:48:27CARTA and not a true student of Ardenia? These sneaky reporters annoy me, but I remain polite and

00:48:33smile. I got full marks because I'm me and not where I studied. It'd be the same if I studied

00:48:38in

00:48:38Thaiport. I went abroad for personal reasons. Can you share? Someone asks at once, I don't mind

00:48:44sharing about my private life. I fell in love. You know how well liked I am. I was afraid she'd

00:48:49fall for

00:48:49me and let it affect her studies. To avoid that, I chose to leave so that she could study in

00:48:54peace.

00:48:54That way, we can have a better future. Can you tell us who she is? Is she taking the exam

00:49:00next

00:49:00week? Or has she gotten into Orion too? Sorry, but you've asked enough questions. Next, screw you.

00:49:06After the interview, I stroll back home, while the guards escort the reporters out.

00:49:11The reporters' work isn't over yet. It has only just begun. I underestimated the power of public

00:49:16opinion and the reporters' tactics. They're not afraid of writing as they please to get more hype.

00:49:21Even if they're sued, they'll just go into hiding and return under a new name later on.

00:49:26The live stream of the interview, go viral online, along with searches like cheater Elliot

00:49:30Bly, Titan Group, The Vils, Sophie Ville, The Ace, and Orion's Unfairness. During the interview,

00:49:35I kept repeating I scored on my own merit, but people prefer to believe the baseless conspiracy

00:49:40theories. Even students start questioning Orion on the school forum, accusing the school of corruption.

00:49:45They've gone too far. There's a simple reason why they're doing this. No high school student

00:49:49can improve and achieve full marks so quickly. He has to have cheated. Some extreme ones suggest

00:49:54staging a protest to demand an investigation of the results. Orion is also put in a tough spot.

00:49:59After all, why wouldn't they have double-checked a perfect score? Orion wouldn't have released it,

00:50:04if they had any doubts about it. Alas, the suspicion drowned out their statement. Oh, well,

00:50:08a perfect score doesn't make sense. And when that happens, everyone wants an explanation,

00:50:13including Sophie. She finds out about the rumors. The legal team asks if she wants to take action.

00:50:17She decides to let things play out a little longer. Right now, a clarification won't help.

00:50:23Since Orion has released a statement, Titan doesn't have to do much else. Everyone's doubting you,

00:50:28Eli. What are you going to do? She doesn't think I'd shrink away. Besides, things ended up this way

00:50:34partially due to her arrogant statements to the press. Olivia hasn't looked for me.

00:50:37Reporters are camping outside my house, and she saw the interview. She knows she's probably the girl

00:50:42I mentioned, and she's not ready to be my leading lady, so she doesn't want reporters tracking her

00:50:47down. She's also upset about my explanation. I disappeared after tricking her for money,

00:50:52but I claimed to have left out of love. It was pretty mean of me. Afraid people might approach her.

00:50:56Olivia moves in with Katie. The doubts and accusations make her both angry and doubtful.

00:51:01She wants to believe me, but she also did the exam and scored 276. That puts her in the top

00:51:065 nationally.

00:51:07But I got 350. It's too unbelievable. Katie, what now? They all claim Elliot cheated.

00:51:13Olivia asks Katie for help. Katie has been pretty upset as well, but she can see things clearly.

00:51:17Once Orion released their statement, she realizes that no amount of backlash will change anything.

00:51:23Elliot is the ace. He's gotten into Orion. I have to ask him out. Do you believe him?

00:51:27Katie asks. Olivia pauses. I don't know. Katie changes her question. Olivia, be honest.

00:51:32Have you really fallen for Elliot? Olivia blushes. Why are you being so blunt? I haven't figured it

00:51:38out yet. Based on her reaction, Katie has her answer. Childhood bonds have a strong hold over

00:51:43a naive young woman like Olivia. If you like him, trust him unconditionally. Didn't you see

00:51:47Orion's statement saying the results are unquestionable? Olivia thinks about my schooling

00:51:51days. She recalls how smart I was as a kid. I'd taught her maths. Later on, I lost the motivation

00:51:56to

00:51:57study. I spent all my time trying to get money from dad and becoming known as a spendthrift.

00:52:01It makes sense that someone as smart as him can easily become a genius again.

00:52:05If he works hard enough, Olivia lands on an explanation herself. I get it now.

00:52:09Thanks, Katie. I trust Elliot. They have wrong idea about him. He's not as useless as everyone

00:52:14says. Katie can see that Olivia has fallen completely. As a responsible friend, Katie says,

00:52:19Olivia, you need think twice. If you choose to be with Elliot, you have your work cut out for you.

00:52:25Hush, Katie, be with him. He hasn't asked me out yet.

00:52:28Olivia turns red. As it is, I haven't told Olivia outright that I like her. I only made a deal

00:52:33with

00:52:34her for money. I do like her, but we know each other a bit too well. We're childhood friends.

00:52:39In my head, she's already mine. So romantic words don't come to me. Katie is stunned.

00:52:43You silly goose. Wisen up. That SC times mbag asked me out years ago.

00:52:49But he didn't say anything to you? Why did he hold your hand then? Why didn't you fight back? What

00:52:55a SC times

00:52:55mbag? Olivia, do you remember the bet I made at Celestia? Katie is a bit embarrassed to bring this

00:53:01up to Olivia. Olivia nods. I remember you wanted to confess to him. Katie is stunned to see how calm

00:53:07Olivia is. Seriously, this is how you react? You're fine with such scummy behavior? Did you really get

00:53:13into Orion? Katie asks. I understand. Olivia takes her hand. Elliot explained it to me. He did it for

00:53:20our sake. Olivia repeats my words to Katie. You're so easy to play Kate. Oh, goodness, can someone deal

00:53:27with that SC times mbag Elliot already? Katie, it's fine. I don't mind. With Elliot as the cover, you can

00:53:33focus on your studies. You said you devoted too much time to music and ran out of inspiration.

00:53:38Now you can go to college and learn new things to gain more inspiration. Olivia even comforts Katie.

00:53:44Just let Elliot be the cover to stop people from harassing you. I've also thought about it. If you

00:53:50confess to Elliot, those who like me will be wary. Thanks, Olivia. Is this a win for us all?

00:53:58Elliot is the only one benefiting. At home, mom and dad worry about me. Mom and dad worry about me.

00:54:04Dad is furious. He did an interview at the company. He was proud at first, but couldn't avoid hearing

00:54:10the same doubts, which soured his mood. He even regrets taking a break. He wants to produce the

00:54:16graphene battery at once, and tell the world this is his son's creation. That I'm not useless,

00:54:21but a genius who has simply been biding his time. Mom, dad, I'm fine. This is simply how society works.

00:54:27You often have to prove yourself to unimportant people. I console my parents, without looking bothered.

00:54:32Eli, those rumors are vicious. Why don't I call my dad to arrest the bad guys? Mom hesitantly

00:54:39suggests. Dad's bankruptcy never bothered mom, but her heart aches to see her precious son caught up

00:54:45in such awful rumors. At such a young age, I jump in alarm. Mom, don't do it. Grandpa isn't young

00:54:51anymore. Don't bother him with such petty matters. Besides, I've lived with such misunderstandings all

00:54:55along. I can take it. It's not the same. Those were just rumors among our social circle. Mom argues with

00:55:01an awkward expression. You used to be a spendthrift anyway, but now, everyone is spouting nonsense

00:55:07about you. I can't stand it. It's okay. Mom, just trust me. I can handle this. These people are just

00:55:13hyped up right now. Once I prove myself at Orion, they'll be apologizing to me. Can you really take

00:55:18it, Eli? You've been online a lot. Don't let it get to you. I'm just amusing myself with how stupid

00:55:24people can be. After repeatedly promising you won't do anything rash, my parents leave to get some rest,

00:55:30still worried, feeling fine myself. I get my laptop. As Sophie predicted, I won't just hide away.

00:55:36School won't start for two months. I have to keep myself occupied. Everyone's busy commenting on the

00:55:41forum, questioning me. They can't believe I did something they couldn't. I'm going to make them

00:55:45eat their words. I found my student ID on the school website, so I can open an account on the

00:55:51school

00:55:51forum. I decide to challenge all the schools. I will go up against all who doubt me. They can ask

00:55:56me

00:55:56any question. I want the students of Orion to know. I'm here to surpass them all, and be the best

00:56:01in

00:56:01the world. As soon as I make my account, I hear a familiar ding in my head. The pride of

00:56:07genius must

00:56:07not be challenged. The rumors must be clear. Task. Defeat your doubters in a public live stream.

00:56:13Reward. 5,000 prestige. One charm and a nano recorder. I've got a key task. You get me, system. But

00:56:20didn't you

00:56:20say I need to make everything myself? Why is one of the rewards a recorder? Is it just a gimmick?

00:56:25I thought the robot would be good, but it's so dumb. I had to write so much code and teach

00:56:30it

00:56:30myself, for it to function like an ordinary support robot. The live stream task is unique in the system,

00:56:36so it's normal to have a physical reward. It has comprehensive features, including x-ray scanning

00:56:41and a small body. Its blueprint is in the store. If I don't let you test something decent, you'd never

00:56:45spend in the store. Thinking about it, ever since the system updated, I haven't spent anything on it.

00:56:51What a great idea. If I avoid spending, will every task come with a physical reward? Don't try to take

00:56:56advantage of me, host. You'll have to spend what you earn, instead of spending on frivolous things.

00:57:00Isn't it better to spend in my store? I can't be bothered to argue with the system. Since it's

00:57:05given me this task, I guess I have to amend to challenge Orion students. I write, this is Elliot Bly.

00:57:12I've always admired Orion students, but I'm disappointed after reading the forums lately.

00:57:16I thought you were all prodigies and extraordinary geniuses, but you're just sore losers. Is it so

00:57:22hard to get full marks for such an easy paper? Two people, did those formula before? Is it odd that

00:57:27I

00:57:27can solve them, or are you guys unaware of those geniuses? As for the physics question, it is strange

00:57:31for a high schooler to read college material, to think that Orion students make such a big deal about

00:57:35an exam paper. It's hilarious. After reading your comments, I worry for the future of Orion. You're

00:57:41supposed to be the future of the country, but it looks like you'll ruin the country. I know you doubt

00:57:46and think I'm pretending. I'm not an unfair person. I'll conduct a live stream. All who doubt me are

00:57:51welcome to join me then. I'll accept any question from the subjects I was tested on. If I don't prove

00:57:55you wrong, I'll never enter Orion. Oh, those photos of me online were candid shots. I still look good,

00:58:01but it can be better. Here's a selfie. Ladies, save my photo if you want, free of charge. If you

00:58:06ladies

00:58:07want to get to know me better, follow my account. I'll be browsing the forums. Of course, those with

00:58:12average looks or brains can stay away. Let me repeat, this is the one and only Elliot Bly. I'm

00:58:17one of a kind. My post blows up on Orion's forum and across the internet. My words and handsome

00:58:22selfie go viral. Many young women become my fans. Although my words were pretty rude toward women,

00:58:27looks still matter a lot in this world. People wonder if this is the charm of the ace. You're so

00:58:32f' times

00:58:33king cocky. Or someone who relied on nepotism. The honor of Orion and its students. Will be ruined

00:58:40if we don't. Crush you. Whoa. Elliot might be the real deal. If he has posted this, he swears he

00:58:49won't.

00:58:50Enter Orion if he loses. Huh. He's all hot air. I doubt he's that smart. He even submitted his paper

00:59:00early.

00:59:00The time he took is barely enough to copy the answers. There's no way it's legit.

00:59:07That's right. He's proving himself on live stream. So, I'll challenge him then. And prove to him the

00:59:15pride of Orion. Hey, does anyone find him handsome? I want his number. D times MNU, Elliot Bly. Besides

00:59:24students, the faculty and top professors are also keeping an eye on me. They're stunned to see my forum

00:59:29post. The ace this year is different. Hank Lane, the dean of Orion and renowned aerodynamics expert

00:59:34in Ardenia has also paid close attention to me lately. He has reviewed my file multiple times.

00:59:39He thinks to himself that campus life won't be boring if a student like me joins. He picks up my

00:59:43file and flips to the last page, with a photo of a wizened old man. Oh, Edgar, I didn't think

00:59:48you'd

00:59:48have such an amusing grandson. Will the Torres family regret it once I groom him up? Although Sophia

00:59:53graduated from Orion years ago, she still checks the forum regularly and sees my post almost instantly.

00:59:58She did guess that I won't go into hiding. My course of action still surprises Sophie. He's

01:00:03young and proud, but that's youth. After posting, I start thinking about the live stream and how to

01:00:09ensure its transparency. These details need to be clear or those people won't concede so easily.

01:00:13And with how hyped up it is, as the ace, I should earn some money from it. I'm almost 18.

01:00:18It's

01:00:18embarrassing to not have much money to my name. A few platforms soon reach out to me first to offer

01:00:23their service for the live stream. They offer to do it for free. Who do they think they're fooling?

01:00:27I ignore these platforms and reach out to familiar faces. The pic at TBS and the reporter who spoke to

01:00:33me after the exam. The three of us meet up. Mr. Bly, you're too cunning. You want TBS to handle

01:00:38everything, but you want 60%. That's too much. I was going to take 70%, but changed my mind because

01:00:44of TBS's restraint. So it's a reward for that. TBS has rules to follow. With Orion's statement,

01:00:49TBS can't stir things up too much. 40% is plenty. Mr. White, this is free money for TBS.

01:00:55That's true, but it doesn't sit well with me that you get more. Split it 50 to 50. Mr. White

01:00:59says,

01:00:59I grabbed the contract. Someone else will give me 70% buy. I'll do it, Mr. Bly. I toss over

01:01:04the

01:01:04contract. A lawyer will discuss the details with you tomorrow. There's no time, so you guys need

01:01:08to work overtime. Your efforts decide how much 40% will be. I walk off. My contract with TBS is

01:01:14simple.

01:01:14TBS will be the exclusive host. Before the live stream, they can get advertisers,

01:01:18promote product links, and license out the broadcast rights. TBS gets to decide how to run

01:01:24the stream, but it must be free to watch and fully transparent. Once it's over,

01:01:28I will take 60% of the profits, and TBS gets 40%. Sir, won't the manager be upset we agreed

01:01:33to this

01:01:33live stream? She's worried about it. This is the ace. The stream is a clash of wits among the geniuses.

01:01:39Can it get any more wholesome? Mr. White is thrilled. His earlier concerns long gone. Notify everyone in the

01:01:45live stream department to attend a meeting. Our year-end bonus hinges on this. After hearing

01:01:49Mr. White's explanation, the staff realize it is a profitable opportunity, but the amount of profit

01:01:54rests on them. First, announce that we have the exclusive rights. The online platforms will reach

01:01:58out to us since this situation is viral online. But sir, sublessensing the broadcast rights will lower

01:02:04our views too. Someone says, we're a television network. It's hard for us to draw the online traffic

01:02:09from the young ones. The hype will pass, and the traffic doesn't matter for us. Money matters most.

01:02:14Smart, boss. But the challenges must go through us. We must still use this chance to promote

01:02:19ourselves. Sublessense it all. It's worth it. Just give them the fee. As for the ads, since we're a TV

01:02:24station, they must be screened. It's fine to earn less, or it'd be hard to justify. The staff solemnly

01:02:29note everything, eager for their bonus. Besides the online side, we can also make money offline. Elliot has

01:02:34asked for a big venue with 360 degree coverage, so we'll do that. Are you going to sell tickets, boss?

01:02:40What tickets? We're a station with standards. We can't ask normal people to pay. Then what?

01:02:45Content creators and reels are all the rage, right? Anyone who wants some BTS footage or even a live

01:02:50stream of their own can just pay. They must maintain a distance and not affect ours, of course. We'll

01:02:55need to coordinate with security. Don't skimp on the budget. You're amazing, boss, sublessensing,

01:03:00sponsorships, and paid on-site filming, three profit revenues. Mr. White is shrewd indeed. The initial

01:03:05plan he sends me is to my satisfaction. Fame is damaging, but for humanity's future, I'll have

01:03:10to bear with it. While I'm confident about the live stream, I'm still dealing with well-prepared

01:03:13experts. I have to prepare as well. I use 10,000 prestige points to upgrade my stats, mainly maths

01:03:19and physics since those two are harder. Math, 64 physics, 63 that should be enough. Besides that,

01:03:25I spent my remaining 500 prestige on two problem-solving card from the store as backup in case my brain

01:03:30goes

01:03:30blank. I feel a lot more relaxed after my prep. I can't wait to crush them, but the others around

01:03:35me remain nervous. Olivia even suggested joining me to help me, but I declined. I haven't begun my

01:03:40college life. Countless young women are waiting. I can't be tied down yet. Enough guys envy me as it

01:03:45is. I don't need to draw more jealousy. On the day of the live stream, I show up at TBS.

01:03:50The live stream

01:03:50is set up in Tide Square opposite TBS. It was smart of me to work with TBS on this. They

01:03:56provided

01:03:56professional, gear and thorough security. The experts know what they're doing. You ready,

01:04:01Mr. Bly? Mr. White asks. Yes, I look relaxed. Then let's start. Final checks, everyone, we start

01:04:08in 1 minute.10. I didn't appear on the stream right away. A host introduces, the broadcast and

01:04:14the rules. Let's start, by introducing the star of the live stream. He's the first ace of Tideport,

01:04:20the first to get a perfect score on Orion's exam, and the most handsome guy in Tideport, Elliot Bly.

01:04:24With bold eyes, a firm jaw, and a smile on his face, he stands here dressed like a student beneath

01:04:31the sunlight. In the prime of his youth, he is truly shining in glory. He's so handsome,

01:04:37how could someone like him cheat? They're just jealous. Why can't he be both good looking and

01:04:42smart? The comments come flooding in. On the forum, I said everything that needed to be said. The host

01:04:48also gave a detailed explanation. So let's get on with it. I hope everyone gives it their best. I don't

01:04:53want my first live stream to be too boring. He's still so cocky. I'm in love. I believe you,

01:04:58Elliot. I believe you no matter what. Pay the price for your cockiness. Awaiting his humiliation.

01:05:03It'd be even better if it backfires on him, but I'm too lousy to challenge him. I don't have time

01:05:09to read the comments. I'm supposed to undergo a full body check now to ensure I'm not hiding any

01:05:13communication or smart devices. After passing the check, I finally realize one of dummies' advantages.

01:05:19At least the detection devices. Can't tell that my ring is an advanced AI robot. Right now,

01:05:25dummy can't be of much help to me in the live stream. But I'm used to wearing it. And it's

01:05:30better to keep it on at all times. Let's pick a question from the comments. Please go ahead and

01:05:34post your questions. Remember that we'll only see the comments on TBS's live stream. A clash with the

01:05:40geniuses is the main event. But we can't neglect the other viewers. So a Q&A segment with the comments

01:05:45was added. All this for a clash of wits, sponsorships and sublissensing. Is Elliot that fond of money?

01:05:51It's so embarrassing. Is TBS doing it on purpose? Or am I just unlucky? So many ladies were fawning

01:05:57over me. But that comment gets chosen. I clear my throat. That's right. I need money. I wish I had

01:06:02all the money in the world. He's pretty honest. But in the future, you'll realize that the money I earn

01:06:08goes back to society and everyone who's a part of it. I earn for the sake of humanity and human

01:06:13advancement.

01:06:14Elliot's honest at least. I'm going into scientific research. Do you know how much that costs? The

01:06:19price of developing a chip? The cost of producing a new drug? Of creating new materials and holding

01:06:24on to top talent? We can't ask the government for money whenever we want to do something. It's not

01:06:29my habit to rely on others. My dad taught me to spend my own money or his. At most, that

01:06:33feels right.

01:06:34So tell me why scientists working on a better future for humanity can't earn some money?

01:06:39You speak well, Mr. Bly, and you have a point. But you're working on any research as a scientist

01:06:45yet? Let's choose another comment. Here's our first challenger.

01:06:48Hi, Elliot. I'm a maths PhD candidate at Eastl Uni. I have a question for you.

01:06:53A PhD candidate? They're trying to intimidate me. The challengers today are young prodigies

01:06:58under 26 years old. They had to solve a set of questions online set by experts from Orion and

01:07:03past that to join today's live challenge. This is to maintain Orion's pride. After all,

01:07:07I'm still the ace. Not just anyone can challenge me. After the test, the challengers are also screened

01:07:13to ensure it's a proper battle of wits. Go on. I'm good with maths. Go on. I'm good with maths.

01:07:19Any integer greater than 5 can be written as sum of 3 primes. How do you prove this?

01:07:23I freeze. He's trying to cause trouble. Why isn't Elliot speaking? It's not hard. He can't prove it,

01:07:29huh? What happened to all his bravado? Cat got his tongue. It's only a brief pause,

01:07:34but the fools can't wait to run their mouths. Education has failed. I'm shocked so few know

01:07:39the question. The challenger played a trick. Everyone would have noticed it was goalbox

01:07:42conjecture it. He said integers greater than 2 and sum of 2 primes. Anyone who can solve it

01:07:47would be world famous. He's trolling me by asking, a known unsolved problem. The audience finally

01:07:52notices. I say, I can't answer this yet, but don't worry. I'll prove it in 3 years.

01:07:58I come say the most arrogant comment I've ever made. If I can solve it in 3 years,

01:08:03I'll be one of the top 10 mathematicians ever. I'd only be 20 then too. You think you're a godly

01:08:08genius? Such arrogance. I'll make a bet. Elliot, if you succeed, I'll eat my shtimes tea. What a

01:08:13cocky young man. So many in Ardenia have failed to solve goalbox conjecture, and he makes it sound

01:08:19like it's nothing. He disgusts me. Maybe he can do it. Someone that handsome won't lie. Mods,

01:08:25can you ban these dumb women? It's an eyesore. Ladies, that guy's hating on women. I saved his

01:08:31ID. Let's all report him. This is common for major live streams. The streamer doesn't need to say

01:08:35much. A few remarks is enough to draw ton of comments. I was just joking earlier, Elliot,

01:08:40I've been researching number theoretic functions and came across your proof of Euler's formula.

01:08:45It was a novel method, and I don't doubt you. I just wanted to interact with you since maths is

01:08:50a

01:08:50young person's game. I laugh. I knew it. I thought you were trolling earlier. Thanks.

01:08:56What do you want to talk about? I did use a new method in the proof, but Euler's proof is

01:09:00concise

01:09:01and ingenious. I think both are comparable. Your proof included the infinite series of the

01:09:05cotangent function, and you used it to complete the proof. I'm curious to know you got that.

01:09:10As you know, I'm a high schooler, so my knowledge is limited. I could only solve it with what I

01:09:15know,

01:09:15but using it to change the formula and applying the rule, I got the answer. I was just improvising

01:09:20for the exam. He laughs. When did you get so humble? Hearing that from you makes me think I

01:09:25don't need to review the basic theorems, but they're always relevant. Even at the PhD level,

01:09:30you might get inspired if you attend the degree lectures, especially for maths, which requires

01:09:34creativity. Pondering alone isn't enough, and I mean this sincerely. Understood. Thanks, Elliot.

01:09:40If you're ever in Eastl, do visit me. I'll show you around and give you a good time.

01:09:44My eyes flicker. Eastl is a great vacation spot for men. I wonder if he can show me the sights.

01:09:49I won't take up any more of your time. Goodbye. To the four other challengers. Don't bother asking

01:09:55maths questions unless you deliberately use the hardest problems to pick on him, he says before

01:10:00disconnecting. But the next person brings up Poincaré conjecture. Pissed, I use a problem-solving

01:10:05card. By now, the challengers are less confident. Some don't even bother asking me a question.

01:10:11They praise me, like the first challenger did and leave right after. Once I prove myself in chemistry

01:10:15and biology, the viewers no longer doubt that I'm the real ace. Also, someone posted with their real

01:10:21name on Orion's forum apologizing and promising to buy me a meal. We've done enough questions. I'll

01:10:26pick a few questions to answer. I'm not that tactless. It'd be pretty rude of me to keep answer

01:10:31questions you don't get. Who said I don't? I answered it ages ago. You think too little of us. I

01:10:36dare you

01:10:36to meet me. See if I don't teach you a lesson. The question marks amuse me. Ordinary people are way

01:10:41more fun than the so-called geniuses. Elliot, what line, comes after be near me when my light

01:10:46is low? No checking online. The question amuses me. An art student strikes back. When the blood

01:10:51creeps, and the nerves prick and tingle. A poem by Lord Tennyson, about waiting for a message that

01:10:56never comes. It's a classic, I reply. Whoa, this isn't a famous poem. He's good with literature too.

01:11:03He knows everything. From now on, he's my idol. I say, I'm not great with language subjects,

01:11:09but I do know some poems. I have written one thousand love letters. Olivia and Katie are

01:11:14watching. Olivia is vexed to hear that. A thousand love letters? Why hasn't she received one? Katie is

01:11:19also unhappy. Hers was just one out of one thousand. To think she'd been touched to get it. Katie,

01:11:25is Elliot such a playboy? Olivia asks. Katie is speechless, but she assures Olivia. You know

01:11:31what he's like. He's just bragging. If he writes one a day, it'll take years to write one thousand

01:11:35letters. It's impossible. You're right. Olivia nods, but I didn't expect him to be this smart.

01:11:40He could answer all the questions that I couldn't. It's embarrassing to think that I've been tutoring

01:11:45him recently. Look at it differently. He knows way more than what you taught, but he patiently

01:11:50listened to you anyway. That proves he cares. Katie helps me, for some reason. Olivia is happy to hear

01:11:55that. Really? The memory of the two weeks we spent together fill her with joy. She stares at me on

01:12:01the screen with affectionate eyes. Whoa, that's incredible. I wonder what your love letters

01:12:06are like. Instead of waiting for the host, I read the comments. Myself. Haha. I was exaggerating.

01:12:13With my looks, others ask me out. Only amazing girls get my love letter. Elliot, tell us about her.

01:12:18Romantic gossip always gets attention. I didn't ruin the mood by ignoring the comments. I was in junior

01:12:23high, and it was my first crush, but I didn't know much. But I didn't know much. I just thought

01:12:27it'd

01:12:28prove how great. I was if I got her, when others couldn't, so I did it. And then, was she

01:12:33the

01:12:33prettiest girl in school? You think too little of me. No one in Tideport is prettier or more charming

01:12:38than her. Did you date her? Smirking, I calmly explain, I was 12 years old, and a few lines of

01:12:44poetry made all the girls hopelessly in love with me. Really? Did it work out so easily? Poetry works so

01:12:50well? He's boasting, poetry never worked for me. Well, I changed the poem to include her name,

01:12:56making it special. It works for someone as smart, handsome, and thoughtful as me.

01:13:01I'm from Tideport and the same junior high. Are you talking about Katie? Me too, I don't remember

01:13:06Katie dating in junior high. She focused on her music, and rarely came to school. I'm at risk of

01:13:11getting exposed, so I go back to the comments TBS chose. These memories, of my youth are now in the

01:13:16past. Let's see what other questions there are. At Katie's house, Olivia looks at her doubtfully.

01:13:21Did you and...ぐ

01:13:22...

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