- 11 hours ago
I Destroyed My Wealth To Win 2026 ✅
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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.
00:00:40All 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.
00:01:23Now, I'm tired. I'm done playing. Host, you're only short a tiny bit. You just need $2.3 million more.
00:01:28Trust me. This crap system has tricked me too many times. My host, this really is the final time. Just
00:01:33agree to the transfer, and the system will finish loading.
00:01:36I check my account balance. Deducting my fair home, I have exactly $2.3 million left. This system really wants
00:01:42to squeeze me dry. No way. If I give you another cent, then I'm an idiot. Even if you put
00:01:46a war steel suit blueprint right in front of me, I still won't give you a dime. My stance is
00:01:51firm. As soon as I speak, my expression shifts. In my mind, a full suit blueprint appears. Looking at the
00:01:56exquisite mechanical suit, my heart starts racing. I feel myself starting to cave. What man could resist this temptation? Host,
00:02:02I'm really not lying.
00:02:03But with your current skill level, you can't build it even with a blueprint. You need my help. Trust me,
00:02:08just $2.3 million more. And the TCS will be yours. I swallow hard. I have to stay calm. This
00:02:14is the crap system's trap. I have to resist. Fine. Transfer it. In the end, I can't resist. A second
00:02:19later, the bank alert pops up. I've lost count of how many times I've gone broke. I've pat myself off,
00:02:24stand up, and sigh. Forget it. After so many scams, what's one more? Just as I finish tidying up, my
00:02:30head starts feeling heavy. Then, a ding, sounds in my mind.
00:02:33Followed by a mechanical voice. The top crafting system has finished loading. Host attributes enhance. Starter pack delivered. Store unlocked.
00:02:40I freeze. This time it's real. The system didn't lie to me.
00:02:43As my consciousness entered, the system panel appeared. Host, Elliot Bly. Crafting level. 1 prestige. 0 wealth. 20,000 appearance.
00:02:5088 math. 61 physics. 60 chemistry. 60 biology. 60 data science. 60 language. 100.
00:02:57Looking at my stats, I feel a surge of rage. The crap system only enhanced me this much. Every grades
00:03:02of order line. Post, this is the maximum enhancement. A 60 already surpasses most humans. In math, you're better than
00:03:0899% of the population. But I'm still not satisfied. My appearance score is still too low. Raise it a
00:03:13bit more, or I want a refund. After some haggling, I successfully get the system to raise my appearance to
00:03:1992. Now, I can truly shine in the real world.
00:03:22I also learned how the system works. To craft high tier gear, I need a higher level. My current level
00:03:271 skill isn't enough to build the war steel suit. Leveling up requires boosting science stats. Good things require hard
00:03:33work, not free handouts. There are two ways to level up. One via status, the other via riches. Basically, fame
00:03:39and money. The various blueprints and tools available in the store all cost prestige and wealth points too. After figuring
00:03:45it out, I take a deep breath. It's time to open the starter pack. After a decade of funding this
00:03:49system, 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.
00:04:43The principal looks confused. A one-seven-year-old who can design this experiment is destined to change the world.
00:04:49The old man sighs. Heartbroken. The principal is still lost. On the plane, I see my prestige has jumped to
00:04:54340.
00:04:55Then I realized that when I made the battery, I forgot to clear the log. Someone must have seen it.
00:05:00But the log doesn't bother me. It's not the blueprint. Besides, to use the battery, you need a special conductive
00:05:05port.
00:05:06My battery is still unique. Since prestige is useless for now, I dump it all into my crafting level. The
00:05:11craft system told me 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.
00:05:26What's the wealth 2 XP rate? $10,000 equals 1 XP point. I knew it. It always comes back to
00:05:33money. I vow to only upgrade with prestige. This system won't get another cent from me starting now.
00:05:37At the airport, I see my parents holding signs. Seeing the decked out couple guarded by about 7 to 8
00:05:42bodyguards, I start questioning reality. A luxury car? Bodyguards? Weren't we bankrupt? What's these?
00:05:47I walk over. My mother pulls me into a hug. Eli, I'm so sorry for leaving you alone abroad for
00:05:53so long. Look at you, you've lost so much weight. I told your father $8 million a month wasn't enough.
00:05:58It'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. I'm alarmed. The system definitely heard
00:06:18that. It'll be asking for money any second now.
00:06:20As if to prove me right, I hear a ding. A task pops up on the panel. How can a
00:06:24master crafter not have their own company? As the sole heir of Lumitech, it's your solemn duty to save it.
00:06:30Task. Clear all of Lumitech's debts, get operations running, and restart the business. Reward, 900 prestige points, 1 charm point
00:06:37and 1 free draw at the 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.
00:06:48Dad looks at me, genuinely touched. You've finally grown up. Instead of asking for a handout, you're asking about the
00:06:54business. 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.
00:07:08All you did was spend some money. Your dad's lousy company wasn't making much. Even without you, it would have
00:07:13failed.
00:07:14Dad is clearly annoyed, but given his status at home, he stays quiet. And mom does have a point. Regardless
00:07:19of 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. Dad breaks out in
00:07:45a cold sweat.
00:07:46I went to such lengths to save a little nest egg. I can't let the wastrel burn through it. He
00:07:50clears 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.
00:07:58Just lie low and study for a few years. I ignore him. Clutching mom's arm, I beg her. Trust me.
00:08:04Give me the money. I'll save Lumitech. If I can 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
00:08:26the question. Mom swallows hard. The court is sealing it in two days. You can't gather enough
00:08:30cash in time. Hearing that, dad's face lights up. That's right. We have no liquid cash. Eli can't
00:08:36burn money that easily. I frown. What about a bank loan? A strange look crosses mom's face. She doesn't
00:08:43know how to respond. Dad, however, actually smiles. Do you think the bank will still lend us money?
00:08:48The bank is our biggest predator. They blacklisted us a long time ago. Do you know how hard I work
00:08:52just to save this much? I sigh and start brainstorming ways to get fast cash. We're not going home.
00:08:58I suddenly notice we aren't on the road to our house. Today is Olivia's 17th birthday. We're going
00:09:02over for dinner. Mom explains. My plan to save the bankrupt company scared mom. So she wants to save
00:09:08money where she can. Might as well take the free meal. Olivia, my eyes widen. No way. We're meeting her
00:09:13right now. Dad nods. Yes. But it's a shame. I got her father to sign a marriage contract while he
00:09:19was
00:09:20drunk. But I lost it. Latching onto them now would be too humiliating. Mom's house too. How could you
00:09:25lose something so vital? You fool. We missed out on such a perfect daughter-in-law. I lower my head,
00:09:31feeling guilty. The contract isn't lost. I stole it. To get money for the system, I took the contract to
00:09:36Olivia and sold it back to her for $50 million. It's the most absurd breakup in history. At first,
00:09:41Olivia thought she'd won. But soon, something felt wrong. I was the one calling it off. Yet she was
00:09:47the one paying me. She came looking for me later. But I'd already left. The matter was eventually
00:09:51dropped. I'm very reluctant to see her. I'm just about to refuse to go. When a thought hits me,
00:09:56will there be a lot of rich people at Olivia's birthday party? Most guests are wealthy. If not for
00:10:01my old friendship with Eric, we wouldn't even be invited. I chuckle. So many rich people. Isn't this my
00:10:05chance to get money? To complete the task, I'll have to put aside my pride. When we arrive at
00:10:10Ferrer Estate, we cause an immediate stir. The number one, wastrel in Ardenia, Tideport's biggest
00:10:15spender for the last decade. The legend has finally returned. Eli, you're finally back. I really
00:10:20couldn't survive without you. A chubby guy grabs my leg excitedly. I'm actually moved. His name is
00:10:26Sid Reyes. He was the one who looked after me when I had nothing. You know, without you for comparison.
00:10:31My dad gets so much angrier with me. He used to hit me once a week. Now it's three times
00:10:35a day.
00:10:35Life is brutal. Forget it. I'm done wasting money. From now on, I'm helping our family rise again.
00:10:41Sid's eyes go wide. Not wasting anymore? I don't bother explaining. I run to the side.
00:10:46Because a girl in a white dress is storming directly toward me. I turn around helplessly
00:10:50and give her a smile. Long time no see. Olivia, you've gotten even prettier.
00:10:55Olivia Ferrer just harems. I can't believe you came back. I thought you'd stay abroad forever.
00:11:00Of course not. I knew you missed me. So how could I stay away? I took the first flight back.
00:11:05I'm really pushing it just to finish the task. Happy birthday, Olivia.
00:11:08I pull a silver hair clip from my pocket. I'd originally bought it for my cousin.
00:11:12But I have to hand it over. Olivia was furious a moment ago. But now she's completely stunned.
00:11:17Flushing. She takes it and runs back inside. I sigh as I watch her go. She's become truly stunning
00:11:23over the last two years. That contract feels like a major loss for me now. The more I think,
00:11:27the 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.
00:12:04The 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 it
00:12:22now, 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.
00:12:50The 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 at
00:13:06me, which only frustrates me more. As dinner winds down, I wait for Eric Ferrer to step away.
00:13:11I 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,
00:13:23my 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
00:13:36rather good looking. Even with that swollen black eye, in that short time frame,
00:13:41a million thoughts flash through her mind, and she freezes up. Can I, Olivia? Somehow,
00:13:46she finds herself nodding. Where is it? She points toward a nearby cabinet, head lowered to avoid my
00:13:52gaze. Maybe I should go hide. I'm really not ready for this. I don't notice the change in Olivia's look.
00:13:58Once I have the mic, I clear my throat and jump right into it. Good evening, everyone. As my voice
00:14:04fills the room, I'm once again the center of attention. Eric takes a seat next to dad,
00:14:08and shoots my parents a confused look. Mom and dad just stare at each other, wide-eyed.
00:14:13Growing up, they could never guess what I'd do next. Eric glances at his daughter, seeing her flushed
00:14:18and flustered, his fist tightens. That brat, if he tries anything stupid, I'll blacken his other eye
00:14:23too. Everyone thinks I'm a wastrel, but I'm here to say that's just a prejudice. Not only can I spend
00:14:28money, but I can make it too. Sid, sitting below, scratches his head, worried, is he really going
00:14:33to change? Won't that make me to know? One wastrel then? When I returned, I heard about Lumitech's
00:14:38bankruptcy. I feel immense guilt, as the sole heir of Lumitech. It's my duty to save it. The wealthy
00:14:43elites exchange 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 lowlife wastrel. And I'll prove you all wrong. Everyone's speechless. And how will you
00:15:03save 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
00:15:25value. 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, the whole room is
00:15:36roaring with laughter. Only Sid looks at me with teary eyes. That's my best friend for you. Others
00:15:41turn to look at my parents. They're remarkable for raising him. My parents look mortified, wishing
00:15:46they could vanish on the spot. If they could, they'd probably disown me now. I continue, don't look at
00:15:51my parents. They follow my lead. If you want in, move fast. This deal is time-sensitive. Miss it,
00:15:56and it's gone. Remember, land always holds its value, and houses are a necessity. Well, seeing
00:16:01the blatant greed and desire in their eyes, my heart finally settles. The funds are secured.
00:16:07Lumitech actually has a chance. In less than 10 minutes, I sell off the last of the Bly assets
00:16:11and pull in exactly $3 billion. This should be enough, seeing the new account balance. Dad can only
00:16:17swallow his tears. Eli means well, guess I'll just have to keep hustling. Mr. Bly, you're
00:16:22the top philanthropist. Someone toasts me with champagne. I happily down the glass. You flatter
00:16:27me, Mr. Makin. But I'm just doing business, not charity. John Makin tries his best to stop
00:16:32laughing. I understand. You're loyal to kin and country. A truly great man. I chuckle.
00:16:37It's the first time I've been called that. It feels pretty good. I continue, since we're business
00:16:41partners now. Here's a friendly reminder. If you want Lumitech stock, act fast. You might not
00:16:46get the chance later. Clutching their stomachs, the guests make a quick exit. I can't stay
00:16:50a second longer, or the wastrel will have us dying of laughter. The crowd thins, and we
00:16:54start 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
00:17:04to do it. But Dad says that it's not just a money problem. Will this really help? Trust
00:17:09me. I'll make Lumitech the guiding star for humanity. Olivia adorably rolls her eyes. After
00:17:14much hesitation, she pulls a black card from her nightstand. My pocket money from the last
00:17:18two years. It's likely under $60 million. The pin is my birthday. Here. My eyes light
00:17:23up. I sheepishly accept the card. What a sweet girl. But, wow, is she rich? $60 million in
00:17:28just two years. That's just like the me back then. Don't worry. I'll give you the real
00:17:32contract. Negative 100% authentic. Get lost. It's a good thing I dodge fast, and managed to
00:17:37save my other eye. Selling off those assets didn't just raise cash. It also gave me 100 prestige
00:17:42points. I don't know how the TCS calculates. The prestige from losing several billion can't
00:17:47compare to one high school lab project. In the car, I ask, Dad, is the money enough?
00:17:52Dad 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
00:18:02worry. Get the company running again. I'll bring in the orders. Dad doesn't know what to
00:18:06say. A kid who's matured just a little bit is the most dangerous. Next morning, I'm up
00:18:11super early. Downstairs, I catch Dad just as he's heading out. Going to the office, Dad?
00:18:16Yeah, time is tight. Given the situation, I'll give it another shot. I'm deeply moved. I swear
00:18:21I'll make him the richest man alive. That way, he can finally enjoy life. Dad, use this chance
00:18:26to clean house at the company. Kick out all those leeches, I add. Dad purses his lips. He was
00:18:32ahead of me on that. A crisis reveals someone's true colors. He's finally seen their real faces.
00:18:37For Lumitech to rise again, the leeches have to be purged. As for projects, don't worry, Dad.
00:18:42I'll land us a massive contract today. Then we'll plan our move. Dad stops in his tracks.
00:18:46Son, are you still dreaming? Go back to bed. You're still a growing boy. I'm used to being
00:18:51underestimated. Just wait, Dad. I'll bring home a Titan Group contract tonight. Titan Group?
00:18:56Dad laughs. A global top 100 company. You sure can dream. At the office, Dad recalls
00:19:02today's Tideport meeting to find Titan Group, Assembly Partners. But as it stands,
00:19:07Lumitech is unqualified. He shakes his head. And stops thinking about it.
00:19:11Dad quickly dives back into his work. He has to admit, my gopher broke move. Rekindled some of
00:19:17his entrepreneurial passion. Meanwhile, after breakfast, I grab a shared bike and head toward
00:19:22Titan Square. I had to. I sold all the cars last night. Besides the bidding, Titan Group is holding a
00:19:28press conference. The square is packed with industry peers and reporters. Seeing the massive crowd,
00:19:33my blood starts pumping. From the peak, a man surveys his world. Just as I'm feeling epic,
00:19:38a familiar sports car drives past. Eli, what are you doing here? It's Sid. He's driving one of our
00:19:44sold cars. The only comfort is Sid paid well over market value. A sort of merciful, charitable rate.
00:19:50I'm here on business. You, why are you here? We're here for the bid. Dad insisted I get some exposure.
00:19:56My eyes light up. So you have an invitation from Titan Group? I was stressing about getting in.
00:20:00Then, boom, you show up. Yeah, Dad gave me one. He told me to check out their tech. That's good.
00:20:06Very good. Take me with you. I casually climb into my old car. Sid panics a little. Why?
00:20:12To talk business with them. Don't you have an invite? I forgot to bring it. Compared to the busy
00:20:17square, the building itself is much quieter. After all, few qualify for the bid. As most are local
00:20:22firms, everyone is shocked to see me. What's this wastrel doing here? Mr. Bly, is Lumitech bidding
00:20:29too? Though they know it's impossible. Someone still asks. I shake my head. No, I'm here to discuss
00:20:36a partnership. As expected, jokes follow me everywhere. And what partnership would that be,
00:20:41Mr. Bly? To develop a new phone. Sophieville walks in right then. She sees the chaos and wrinkle
00:20:47her nose at the lack of manners in Tidecourt. I've read all your project proposals. The CEO
00:20:52had to head back to HQ. I have a press conference soon. So every company gets three minutes to provide
00:20:58further explanation. Time is of the essence. Sophie's always efficient. Getting straight
00:21:03to the point. I'm thrilled to see her. It's someone I actually know. Talk about a lucky day.
00:21:07Sophie notices me too. She find it odd that I'm here. But she doesn't say a word. She's swamped
00:21:12and has no time for me. Half an hour later, Sophie closes her laptop. Once we've decided,
00:21:16we'll notify you. Or those interested in our conference, we've saved you seats. I stand up.
00:21:22Sophie, wait. I have something to tell you. Mr. Bly, please call me Missville. And whatever
00:21:27it is can wait. No, it's urgent. Sophie, I have something to show you. The crowd is left speechless.
00:21:33They're used to hearing nonsense. From the local idiot. Back in the office, Sophie stares at me,
00:21:38exasperated. Spill it. What do you want, exactly? Lumatech wants to work with Titan Group.
00:21:43Sophie shakes her head. I spoke to Victor two weeks ago. Bankruptcy is his best case scenario.
00:21:47I won't risk Titan's reputation to help you. Sophie, have you heard of graphene? I have.
00:21:52It's a hot topic lately. But new materials like that are usually scams. I made it. It only takes
00:21:57two minutes to charge and lasts for five hours. Its capacity is triple that of lithium. Sophie frowns.
00:22:02Eli, so you don't just waste money. You spout total nonsense too. I pull out the battery sample.
00:22:07Do you have a lab here? Seeing how serious I am, Sophie sighs and makes the call. Is Professor
00:22:12Reed in? Have him wait for me in the lab. Sophie gives me a warning look. You better not be
00:22:17playing
00:22:17me. An hour later, I've secured a deal with Titan Group. I walk out of the building, beaming.
00:22:24Sid asks, Eli, did Titan Group say yes? Of course. They jumped at the chance. Sid isn't convinced.
00:22:30He's always believed that I'm a wastrel because I'm wired wrong. Now, it seems I've gotten even worse.
00:22:35What's that red mark on your face? My face heats up. It's all Sophie's fault for her lack of
00:22:40restraint. When the experiment worked, she kissed me. How unprofessional of her. Nothing.
00:22:45Sophie just accidentally kissed me. Eli, 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
00:23:00generation phone. 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. Highport'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
00:23:30us to 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.
00:23:41Later, Victor, you truly are ruthless. I've clearly misjudged you. But Titan's backing isn't a free pass.
00:23:46Their standards are brutal. Lumitech is bound to embarrass itself.
00:23:50That's right, Victor. Don't get cocky. With that wastrel son of yours,
00:23:54he'll just burn through everything you earn. When you hit a dead end, don't come crying to me.
00:23:59Dad just leans back, nonchalant. He can't be bothered to argue with them. After shooing them
00:24:03out, he hurries home. He doesn't believe I actually landed the Titan group deal. But I said I'd secure
00:24:10one this morning. And by the afternoon, it was official. It's all just very strange to him.
00:24:15When he gets home, I'm hunched over my laptop, tinkering with something. Truth is, I'm testing
00:24:21my new abilities. The system claims, a 60 base score already makes me a rare genius. But I need
00:24:26to see for myself. I still need to test it. Things went so smoothly today that I rushed home to
00:24:31run
00:24:31some tests. The results are satisfying. I solved competition level math, physics, and chemistry
00:24:36problems without breaking a sweat. What really shocks me are my language skills. Regardless of the
00:24:41language, spoken or written, I understand it perfectly. I'm just that good. I laugh out
00:24:45loud. Being a genius really is exhilarating. What's gotten into you? Did you actually go
00:24:49to Titan group today? Did they bully you? Dad looks at me, his face full of worry. Seeing him,
00:24:54I close my laptop and try to act normal. I casually pull a crumpled document from under me and hand
00:24:59it
00:25:00over. What are you talking about? Why would they bully me? This is the preliminary agreement. Take a
00:25:04look. We 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? Sophie's
00:25:25already the VP of the company. Looks like the bills want her to lead. Dad still doesn't understand.
00:25:31Sophie is so sharp. She scares even me. Why would she sign this with you? Eli, did Sophie force you
00:25:37into
00:25:37agreeing to something? I'm speechless. I hand the laptop to Dad. What? Am I someone who sells himself?
00:25:42I use this to strike the deal. Lumitech shares the tech. And we develop their next flagship together.
00:25:48This will put us back on the map. Dad goes silent. He's already lost in the notes for the graphene
00:25:54battery. It takes him a full 30 minutes to finish reading. He's visibly shaken. The weight of these
00:25:59notes rivals the Titan group deal itself. Now he understands why Sophie signed. If it were him,
00:26:04he'd do anything, even selling himself. He rushes into my room and asks excitedly. Son, where did you get
00:26:10this? You didn't rob the national lab, did you? I'm beyond annoyed. Dad, I never doubted your
00:26:14business skills, so why doubt my genius? I researched this myself. That's the most absurd thing he's
00:26:20heard all day, hands down. He has no idea how I actually did it, but he's pacing with excitement
00:26:25anyway. Finally, he calms down. Then it hits him. I think we made a bad deal. How can you just
00:26:31give
00:26:31Titan group this amazing tech for free? I declare righteously, because I'm a patriot. Relax, Dad.
00:26:37This is just child's play. In two years, new tech will replace it. We aren't losing out. This shows
00:26:42sincerity, and in return, Titan group will treat us well. Lumitech will rise much faster this way.
00:26:47New tech? Dad is stunned. It's all beyond his imagination. In the future, Lumitech won't just
00:26:52make phones. Quantum tech, shuttles, starships. All of it, I continue painting a grand vision. Dad,
00:26:59dazed, says, my son, you've really grown up. I was going to save up to get you into a regular
00:27:03school,
00:27:04but with your ambition, you deserve a top university. Pay for school? I chuckle. Does a genius
00:27:09like me need to pay? Right then, a ding sounds in my mind. The system issues a new task. I
00:27:14suddenly
00:27:15realize that the host is not yet 18 years old. Go to college. Show off your talents. Outshine the
00:27:20geniuses of your era. Just like the greats before you. Task? Pass the Orion University admissions exam
00:27:25with full marks in every subject. Reward? 10,000 prestige. One charm point. One freshman gift pack.
00:27:30Two store vouchers worth $5 million. Usable with wealth points only. While I'm reading the task,
00:27:36Dad is busy scouting for decent schools. Tideport business school is close, but it's expensive.
00:27:40A friend had to donate a wing to get his kid in. WCU is further away, but the tuition is
00:27:45reasonable.
00:27:45Vortech is good too. Several friends bought their way in. I interrupt him. I want to go to Orion U.
00:27:51What? Dad freezes. The surprises just keep coming today, one after another. Orion U is Ardenia's top
00:27:58university, ranked in the global top 20. Anyone who gets in is essentially the cream of the crop.
00:28:03Elite schools like that, are always tough to get into. Orion U never uses the standard entrance exams.
00:28:08They set their own tests, and admissions, to even sit for the official exam. You first need an
00:28:13invitation. That alone wipes out 99% of candidates. Out of 10,000 applicants, only 500 are admitted.
00:28:19Every single one is a genius among geniuses. So when I say I want Orion U, Dad's mixed feelings are
00:28:24expected. In the past, he would have talked me out of such an unrealistic goal. But things are
00:28:29different now. Someone who can build a game-changing graphene battery has to be a genius. Letting him
00:28:34take the exam won't hurt. Even a failure is a lesson. The only problem is how to get the invite.
00:28:40Besides the exam, Orion U has a talent track, but the deadline has already passed. And what talent
00:28:44would he show? Is he going to show the professors the graphene battery? That could jeopardize the Titan
00:28:49deal. Dad is at a total loss. If we wait until after the launch, will they still take you?
00:28:55Sensing his dilemma, I say, Dad, you've got it wrong. I'm going to Orion U by passing the exam.
00:29:01Dad's eyes go wide. Eli, do you know how hard that test is? You have to excel in every subject.
00:29:06I know
00:29:06you're good at chemistry and electronics, but what about the rest? You're doubting my genius? When have
00:29:11I ever let you down on a test? Dad nods. But the problem is, since you were a kid, you've
00:29:17barely
00:29:17taken any exams. Whenever the schedule drops, you go on vacation. Plus, the invites are already
00:29:23out. How will I get one? I smile. Dad, did you forget? I'm an overseas student. Only the
00:29:29domestics out. The overseas is pending. Cedar High is a top-tier school. I'm an excellent
00:29:34student, so surely I can get an invite. Dad winces. This son of mine really has endless ways
00:29:40to burn money. Are you sure? Yeah, Dad nods. I understand. Prepare well, don't stress. Too
00:29:48much. Failing's no big deal. We're used to it. I just shake my head. Proving I'm a genius
00:29:53won't be easy. After our talk, Dad leaves to hammer out the details with Titan Groove. He's
00:29:59also busy restructuring the lab and refocusing Lumitech's goals. He'll be swamped for a while,
00:30:04but I have it easy. After looking at Orion U's past exams, I relax. These are the questions they
00:30:09use to screen. In the following days, I don't sit idle. I put my computer skills to work and
00:30:14make a name in the hacker world. Sadly, I use an alias. I don't earn any prestige points. I'm
00:30:18not doing it for fame anyway. It's all about the money. While I'm set on using prestige to
00:30:23upgrade, pocket money is still necessary. I hit up two massive internet giants and fix some
00:30:29of their long-standing security bugs. I pocket $20 million in commissions and become a consultant
00:30:33for both. I have to say, these tech giants are loaded. No wonder everyone's in computer science.
00:30:38Meanwhile, the 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. Is
00:30:50this
00:30:50really my son? I don't bother explaining. Dad is so busy. He barely sleeps, so he has no energy,
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 Tidecourt.
00:31:08But when I reach Tidecourt High, the only exam site here, I find a massive crowd waiting. 300
00:31:12people, try 3000. The school isn't even on break. I freeze. Soon, I run into Sid on the sidewalk. He
00:31:18clears things up for me. Eli, I heard you're trying for Orion U. I thought it was a joke. How
00:31:22do you
00:31:23keep finding new ways to burn money? I can only sigh in exasperation. A decade of prejudice, won't
00:31:28vanish overnight. 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. But
00:31:45there are way too many people here for vibes. There are only 300 of us. There might not be enough.
00:31:50Sid looks at me with disdain. You don't count, Eli. How unlucky of me to run into you. There go
00:31:55my
00:31:55hopes for a genius aura. By the way, my family landed Titan's OEM deal. We'll be working with
00:32:00Lumitech a lot now. Really? Congrats. Sid doesn't look as happy as I'd expect. But Eli,
00:32:06how did Lumitech actually manage to latch onto Titan Group? It's the industry's biggest mystery
00:32:11this year. What do you mean? Titan Group begged to partner with us. Lumitech's potential is beyond
00:32:16your imagination. Sid doesn't believe me. Instead, he leans in and whispers, did you hear the rumor,
00:32:22Eli? Word is Sophieville has a thing for you. To clear your wastrel name, you allegedly spent a week
00:32:27with her. That's why Titan Group is helping Lumitech. I'm furious. Who's spreading this
00:32:33crap? I'd sooner sell my soul than sell my body. I believe you, obviously. But you've been missing
00:32:39in action lately. And you have to admit, you've got the face of a top tier sugar baby. Exactly.
00:32:45I'm not just the top idiot. I've always been a favorite of wealthy women. Especially now,
00:32:49with my system enhanced charm. Even Sid thinks I'm good looking now. I feel like crying.
00:32:54I've been at home making money this whole time. Sid pats me sympathetically. I know you're making
00:32:59money. You're really working hard at it. I guess I need to curb my own spending too. Can't end up
00:33:04like you. I kick the idiot. Done with this conversation. I head inside to find the exam
00:33:10hall. Outside the hall, I see another familiar face, Olivia. Unlike me, she didn't get her invite
00:33:15at the last second. She's been a top student her entire life. A classic golden child. When she sees me,
00:33:20her face shifts from happy to angry to resentful. Then she just sighs. Every emotion hits her at
00:33:25once. Having no clue what's going on in her head, I just grin and wave. Olivia. Ready for the exam?
00:33:31With your brains, you'll be fine. After six years, we'll be classmates again. Don't worry. I teased
00:33:38you in elementary school. But in college, I've got your back. Olivia doesn't even know why she's mad.
00:33:43Is it my cocky attitude? The way I'm laughing without a care? Or those stupid rumors? She stomps her feet
00:33:48and walks into the hall. Before leaving, she turns back. Good luck. Just treat it as practice for the
00:33:54SATs. After Orion used general admission, everyone else faces the standard entrance exams.
00:33:59Mff. You're looking down on me when you're stumped in college. Don't you dare come crying to me.
00:34:04You'll have to pay me at least $1 million for me to forgive you. Eli, be serious, please. The SATs
00:34:10are
00:34:10in a week. Don't you want to study in Palar? Seeing me just staring at her, completely unconcerned with my
00:34:15studies. Olivia is both frustrated and annoyed. Why are boys so immature? If you want to keep
00:34:20looking at me, you're going to have to work for it. Otherwise, how can we be together later?
00:34:24I wipe the drool from my mouth. I'm focused. Olivia, you're too pretty. My attention got
00:34:28diverted a little. Olivia feels exasperated. I really can't deal with this idiot. If you don't
00:34:34get into university in Palar, I'll never talk to you again. And we won't be able to meet for a
00:34:38very long
00:34:38time. I grab Olivia's hand. Don't worry. Orion U releases the results tomorrow. You'll find out then.
00:34:44I 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, the Orion U forums are buzzing
00:35:07about the exam results. Even after the exam ended, the hype around this year's exam never died down,
00:35:13because it's said to be the hardest in history. Even Orion U's current sophomores and juniors
00:35:17struggled to finish the paper in time. Many guess that just passing will be enough to guarantee a
00:35:22spot. In previous years, you needed at least 70%. After all, these are the nation's top students.
00:35:28This year, hitting 70% would likely put you in the top 100. 80% in any other year, that
00:35:34would make you
00:35:34a contender for the ace. As for scoring above 90%, no one expects anyone to reach that, given how brutal
00:35:40the questions were. With such fierce competition, Orion U intentionally made the exam a gauntlet.
00:35:45They want to find real prodigies and test the limits of U, due to the extreme difficulty.
00:35:50Everyone is focused on this year's ace. The Orion U forum admin even posted,
00:35:55this year's ace will be the acest 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.
00:36:06The only regret was, no one could track down Olivia. No Tideport reporter would have guessed
00:36:11she was busy tutoring me all day, leaving no time for them. Oh, didn't someone in Tideport finish
00:36:17early? He said the exam was easy and that he'd get full marks. Is he the ace? Dude, you're drunk.
00:36:22I know the guy you mean. Tideport's notorious wastrel. Famous for being a slacker. He paid for
00:36:27his invite. How could he be the ace? Stop guessing. We'll find out tomorrow anyway. The forums keep
00:36:31buzzing. But things are peaceful where I am. Why debate when the answer is obvious? I use the
00:36:36problem-solving card. So if I'm not the ace, wouldn't I be letting the system down? Since Olivia
00:36:41wants to check her results. She gave me the day off so she could sleep in late. I wonder how
00:36:45she'll
00:36:46react when she sees my name. Ding. Congrats. Post. Main task completed. You got into Orion U with a
00:36:52perfect score. Rewards have been granted. Join Ardenia's top university and begin your legend.
00:36:57The systems alert wakes me up. I sit up in bed and open the system panel. Post. Elliot
00:37:02Blythe. Crafting level. 2 prestige. 10,500 wealth. $28.62 million. Appearance. 90. Basic
00:37:08sciences. 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. Once
00:37:25the
00:37:26excitement fades. I realize this massive prestige boost is because I'm the perfect score ace. I
00:37:30still have preparations to make. I rush downstairs. Where mom is making lunch. Where's dad? At work.
00:37:35Why? Mom looks confused. I'll call him myself. Reporters might swarm the office for me. He needs
00:37:41to tighten security. A lot of people might show up here too. We should alert the guards. Son,
00:37:47what's going on? Mom starts to panic. I chuckle. Mom, don't you know? Orion U posts the results
00:37:52today. I think so, but why does that matter to us? Mom's puzzle, I did as usual, got full marks,
00:37:58and became the ace. I replied, smiling, I'm gonna check Olivia's results. I head back upstairs,
00:38:04leaving mom frozen in place. My son, Elliot Bly, is a perfect score ace. How absurd is that?
00:38:10Over at Olivia's, she stares at the results, blinking as if she'd seen a ghost. How's that
00:38:15possible? Am I seeing things? Or is Orion U system glitching? Perfect scores are reviewed multiple
00:38:22times, including a check of the exam footage. This can't be an error. Nearby, at the Meyers home,
00:38:28Katie Meyers collapses. Thinking about our bet, her face pales. No, oh no, I have to confess to him,
00:38:34wouldn't that make me the bad girl? Who steals her best friend's guy? Elliot is such a J times RK.
00:38:40Meanwhile, dad is in a meeting, discussing my patent management idea.
00:38:46Mr. Bly, 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
00:38:58thought hits 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. Bly. Have them wait in reception. What do they even want to
00:39:15talk about? Lumitech, just escaped bankruptcy. We're a blank slate right now. It's chaos downstairs.
00:39:23I 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
00:39:40U, and as the ace too? Mr. Bly. Let's check right now. A young manager starts searching on his laptop.
00:39:47Dad rushes over. Top scorer, Elliot Bly, Tideport, negative 350 points. The manager asks, Mr. Bly.
00:39:53Does anyone else in Tideport share your son's name? It really is him. Another employee exclaims,
00:39:59the name matches the invitation I bought. I processed it late, so his exam number is at the end.
00:40:04Dad explodes with laughter. I knew Elliot wouldn't let me down. Orion U, easy peasy.
00:40:10Congratulations. Elliot is the ace. His future is bright. Congrats, Mr. Bly. It's great news.
00:40:16Congrats 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 U. All Lumatec employees get three days off, with double pay. All bonuses
00:40:31this month go up by 20%. The secretary beams. Long live Mr. Kyle. Other companies might envy their
00:40:36Titan Group deal, but only Lumatec employees know how busy they've been lately. These three days off
00:40:41are like rain after a drought. Mr. Bly, Titan Group is on a tight deadline. Will three days be too
00:40:46much?
00:40:47It's fine. Dad waves his hand, unbothered. I'll explain it to Sophie. Wonder how the Vills will
00:40:53take the Orion U news. Our families are actually connected through mom's side. Many Vills look down
00:40:58on us, especially since I'm a wastrel. Sophie is the exception. She has a thing for looks, and
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