《I’m the Richest in the World》 Return by death Adam slowly opened his eyes, his vision coming into focus as he realized he was lying on a worn-out park bench. The evening light was soft and gentle, and a cool breeze carried the faint scent of wet earth and fresh grass. Above him, the sky stretched wide and unfamiliar¡ªa mix of soft blues and muted grays that hinted at a new day beginning. For a moment, he sat very still, trying to understand where he was and how he had come to be in such a strange place. He looked around, noticing every little detail: the rough texture of the bench beneath him, the dew-covered leaves rustling in the nearby trees, and the quiet murmur of distant birds. His eyes then wandered to his scattered belongings. Bags, notebooks, and a few personal items lay haphazardly on the cold, hard ground near the bench. These small objects were silent witnesses to something momentous that had just taken place¡ªa moment that had shattered his old world and thrown him into a life that was both painfully familiar and entirely new. As Adam slowly rose from the bench, memories he had long tried to forget began to seep back into his mind. He remembered the day his life took a darker turn¡ªa day when everything fell apart. In his previous life, he had been an ordinary office worker whose world had been ruined by one powerful man: the city''s mayor. This man and his family had played a cruel role in destroying Adam''s family, leaving behind only a bitter taste of loss and sorrow. The memory was sharp and painful, and with every breath, Adam could feel that old anger and hurt bubbling up inside him. Lost in his thoughts and the heaviness of his past, Adam began to gather his belongings. His hands moved slowly as he picked up each item, and his mind was far away¡ªrecalling the harsh moments when his life had spiraled into misery. He remembered how, back then, everything had changed in a single moment, and how the actions of one man had led to endless heartache. The weight of those memories pressed down on him, and he could almost feel the icy grip of regret and despair on his heart. His quiet contemplation was suddenly shattered by the sound of mocking laughter. Two boys appeared from behind a cluster of trees, their eyes glinting with mischief. One of them smirked and said in a teasing tone, "Hey, we thought you''d already left your village after kickout from university." The words cut through the air, harsh and unkind, echoing the very humiliation that had once scarred Adam during his university days. Adam tried his best to ignore their taunts. He focused on his task of collecting his scattered things, wishing he could simply disappear from their cruel attention. But the boys were not so easily satisfied. They began to follow him, their laughter growing louder and more mocking with each step. With every taunt, a familiar sense of dread crept over Adam. He could feel that old, painful memory of humiliation returning, the kind that had once made him feel small and powerless. Before Adam could collect his thoughts, one of the boys suddenly lunged forward. In a flash, the boy swung his leg hard and struck Adam sharply on the waist. The blow was unexpected and painful, and it sent Adam stumbling forward. His bags flew from his grasp, scattering across the rough surface of the road. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. A searing pain shot through him, and he instinctively reached out his hands, only to find that they were now marked with fresh scratches¡ªsmall cuts that stung and reminded him that this was not a dream. The boys burst into even louder laughter as they watched him struggle. "What''s the matter? Are you getting angry? Look at you, letting it all out," one of them jeered, his words dripping with cruelty. For several long seconds, Adam stood there, dazed and hurt, his eyes fixed on the ground as he tried to understand the sudden rush of pain and humiliation. The laughter of the boys echoed around him, merging with the soft sounds of the early morning, creating a bitter contrast between the peaceful surroundings and his inner turmoil. Just as the boys began to relax their mocking tone, a small group of people appeared on the scene. Their arrival seemed to make the boys pause, and sensing that things might soon escalate, the two mischievous youngsters quickly backed off. However, as they retreated, one of them threw a parting curse over his shoulder. "Don''t think this is over¡­ this is just a glimpse of John''s power. Your real hell is about to begin." The words hit Adam hard, like a cold wave washing over him. The mention of John¡ªthe man who had ruined his life¡ªstirred a mix of fear and burning anger deep within his heart. Standing alone again, Adam knelt on the pavement and gently examined the scratches on his hands. He ran his fingers lightly over the fresh marks, feeling the sting of the pain with every touch. In a soft, almost trembling voice, he muttered to himself, "Is this a dream or is it really happening?" The question lingered in the quiet air, full of uncertainty and fear, as if the very fabric of reality was blurring before his eyes. Before Adam could delve deeper into his thoughts, a kindly stranger stepped forward. The man''s face was kind and lined with concern. "Kid, you shouldn''t stay here too long¡­ there are too many thugs around," he said in a gentle yet firm tone. His eyes were warm and caring, and for a moment, Adam felt a small spark of hope. Bowing his head in gratitude, Adam replied softly, "Thank you, sir. I''ll be on my way." With the stranger''s help, Adam began to pick up his belongings once more. The act felt almost symbolic¡ªa small step towards regaining control over a life that had been thrown into chaos. As he gathered his scattered items, he could not help but whisper under his breath, "This doesn''t feel like a dream¡­ Have I truly leaped back in time to the very moment when everything began?" The question was filled with both wonder and dread, for it meant that he might have been given a chance to change the course of his life. As Adam resumed his journey down the quiet street, his mind was a swirl of emotions. The soft rustling of the leaves, and the distant sound of traffic all formed a background that contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside him. His heart pounded as the memory of John Walker came flooding back. John was not just any man¡ªhe was the one who had destroyed his family and had been the architect of his past misery. Now, John was also the man destined to end Adam''s life in the future. The mere thought of him ignited a fierce, burning anger inside Adam¡ªa deep desire for revenge that promised to one day set things right. Yet, even as the fire of vengeance burned within him, Adam knew he was not ready to face John Walker just yet. He was still wounded, both in body and in spirit, and his mind was clouded by the pain of past failures and humiliations. For now, his only thought was to find a safe haven¡ªa place where he could rest and gather his strength. The night was slowly drawing near, and the city was beginning to stir in its own quiet way. In the midst of his troubled thoughts, a comforting memory surfaced. Adam remembered a time when a dear friend had offered him shelter during one of the darkest periods of his life. The thought brought a small, fragile smile to his lips. That friend had been a beacon of hope when everything seemed lost, and now, that memory gave him the strength to move forward. With renewed determination, Adam clutched his belongings tightly and began to walk, his steps slow and steady along the empty road. The street was dimly lit by a few scattered streetlights, their soft glow casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was cool, and every small sound¡ªthe rustling of leaves, the distant hum of a car engine, and even his own footsteps¡ªseemed to echo the uncertainty of his new reality. At one point, as he passed a quiet corner of the street, Adam paused for a moment to look up at the starry sky. The night was clear, and the stars shone brightly, as if offering him guidance in the darkness. For a brief moment, the beauty of the night soothed his troubled mind. But the peace was short-lived. The harsh memories and the reminder of his ruined past soon crept back, and the warmth of the stars was replaced by the cold realization of the life he had lost and the challenges that lay ahead. Power of Copy & Paste After wandering for a while through the quiet, empty streets of the city, Adam finally reached a small house at a street corner. The night had grown deep and silent, and the usual city buzz had faded into a calm stillness. The entire area was hushed, as if everyone had gone to sleep. Adam paused at the curb and looked up at the house. Its front window was lit warmly, and soft light spilled out into the dark. He felt a sudden rush of embarrassment and hesitation at the thought of ringing the doorbell. Before he could reach out to press the doorbell, a voice called out from the side. Adam turned his head and saw a man standing not far away. It was his friend Eric''s father, who had just come home from the office. The man was looking at Adam and the bags Adam was carrying with a concerned expression. Adam fell silent. He did not speak a word. In his past life, he had experienced moments like these¡ªtimes when fear made him want to run away from a friend''s home. Back then, he had been so scared that he had refused to visit his friend''s house. Now, living alone in the city ever since John had driven him out by his landlord, Adam had no one to truly call his own. He had come to Eric''s house in the previous loop as well, and he remembered all too well the uneasy meeting with Eric''s father. Adam had thought that Eric''s father might not welcome him staying over for a few days, but just as he had expected before, Eric''s father had surprised him by listening to all his troubles and helping him out. In the past, Adam''s stay had brought many problems to Eric''s family. John had even begun to target them, which eventually forced Adam to leave and return to his village. Now, however, Adam only needed a safe place to sleep for one night, and he planned to leave in the morning. As Eric''s father looked at him with worry, he asked softly, "Adam, is everything alright? Why are you here so late with all your bags?" Adam looked up at him and managed a small smile. "Oh, no uncle, everything is fine," he said. "I was just heading home, but I missed my train. I did not have time to find another way, so I thought I would stay here tonight at your place." Hearing Adam''s explanation, Eric''s father''s face broke into a gentle smile. He placed a reassuring hand on Adam''s shoulder and said, "You have done well by coming here. Please, make yourself at home." With that, he led Adam through the door into a warm, inviting hallway. Inside, the house was modest but cozy. The soft hum of a ceiling fan mixed with the low murmur of a television playing in the background. The air carried a faint smell of home-cooked food, and the walls were decorated with family photos that exuded warmth and history. Adam felt a mixture of comfort and bittersweet nostalgia. This was not his home, but it was a safe place compared to the cold streets outside. After some time, he reached a small sitting area where Eric was waiting. Eric, who had been Adam''s close friend since childhood, wore an expression of mild surprise as he saw Adam. "I didn''t think things would get so serious," Eric said quietly. "I mean, I never expected John to be after you like this." His voice held both worry and concern. Adam smiled softly at his friend, trying to ease his concern. "Don''t worry, Eric," he replied with quiet confidence. "I will take care of everything." Though Adam''s tone was light, the fire of determination in his eyes told another story. He knew deep down that things had become dangerous because of John, but he was determined to stand strong. Eric, still a bit uneasy, nodded and then said, "If you need anything, just let me know. I''ll be in the side room. You should try to get some rest now¡ªyou have been through a lot today." Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. With that, Eric excused himself and left Adam alone in the small room that had been offered as his temporary shelter. Once Eric had gone, the silence in the room grew thicker. Adam set his bags down on a simple wooden table near the window and sank into a soft, comfortable chair. He looked around slowly, his mind still reeling from the events of the night. Then his eyes were drawn to something unusual¡ªa small, blue light at the top-right corner of his vision. It was a circular glow that he had seen ever since he had returned to the past, but he had not paid much attention to it before. Tonight, however, with no one around, his curiosity got the better of him. He shifted his gaze upward and stared at the ceiling. "What is that?" Adam murmured to himself, his voice soft and filled with wonder. That blue circle had been a constant, mysterious presence since the day he had awoken in the past, and now, in the quiet of the room, it seemed to demand his attention. With a mix of apprehension and curiosity, Adam focused on the glowing blue shape. Almost as if in response, the blue light transformed into a small, rectangular window that floated in front of his eyes. The window was clear and bright, and words began to appear on its surface. Adam blinked several times, unsure if his eyes were playing tricks on him. Then a message appeared on the blue window, its text simple and direct: ________________________________________________________________________________ Congratulations, host! You have returned back in time. Because you have time returned, the system grants you a unique skill. Skill ¨C Copy & Paste. __________________________________________________________________________________ Adam''s heart skipped a beat. He felt a rush of disbelief mixed with excitement. He sat up quickly in the chair, his eyes widening as he read the words again. "Am I dreaming?" he whispered, his voice trembling with uncertainty. But deep down, Adam knew that strange things had already happened to him before. The odd events, the unexplained feelings, and the twists in his life had become a part of his reality. "Well," he said to himself with a small, self-assured smile, "if I think about it, many strange things have happened to me already. This is just one more mystery to solve." Adam read the blue window''s message over and over again, trying to be sure that he had not made a mistake in his reading. The words seemed too clear, yet his mind hesitated to fully believe them. Every time he read the message, he felt a mix of hope and wariness. Could it be true that he had been given a new skill? A power that would change everything? Determined to find out, Adam decided to test the mysterious skill. He looked around his simple room¡ªa small space with a bed, a wooden desk, and a window that showed a sliver of the quiet street outside. On the desk, among a few scattered items, lay a water bottle. It wasn''t much, but it was something he could use for his experiment. Taking a deep breath, Adam picked up the water bottle. His hands trembled ever so slightly as he held it, his eyes fixed on the blue window that still hovered in his field of vision. Slowly, he raised the bottle closer to his face and, with a soft, deliberate tone, he spoke the single word: "Copy." For a long moment, nothing happened. Adam waited, his eyes searching the blue window, his mind racing with possibilities. Had he spoken the right word? Was there some kind of delay? He looked around the small room, half expecting something to shift or change, but everything remained as it was. Then, just as Adam began to doubt himself, he noticed something small but significant. In the very corner of his vision¡ªat the top-right where the blue circle had always been¡ªa tiny dot of blue light began to shimmer. It was as if the dot was acknowledging his command. The soft glow pulsed gently, catching his eye in a way that made his heart skip a beat. Adam leaned forward, squinting slightly as he tried to focus on the dot. It was small, but unmistakably present. The dot pulsed rhythmically, and for a few moments, Adam felt as if it were communicating with him in its own silent way. The atmosphere in the room was quiet and expectant, the only sounds being the soft hum of the fan and his own steady breathing. He repeated the command again, this time louder and with more conviction: "Copy!" His voice echoed softly in the small space. Yet, still, nothing visibly happened with the water bottle or his surroundings. Instead, the blue dot on the corner of his vision grew ever so slightly brighter, as if it was taking in his words. Adam''s mind churned with a mixture of wonder and skepticism. Was this the real power he had been granted? The promise of a unique skill¡ªone that allowed him to copy and paste? His heart pounded with the thought of what this might mean. If he truly had such a power, then perhaps he could change the course of his life. Perhaps he could finally take control of the past and shape his future in a way that was entirely his own. Future Plan Adam sat quietly on his bed, still reeling from the events of the previous night. His eyes, though tired, remained fixed on a small blue dot that had appeared in the corner of his vision ever since he returned to the past. That gentle blue glow had become a constant presence¡ªa silent signal that something extraordinary was at work. As he focused on the dot, a new window suddenly materialized before his eyes. The window was a bright, clear blue with simple text displayed in neat lines. Adam squinted to read the message: __________________________________________________________ Congratulations, host! You have successfully copied your first item. If you wish to retrieve the copied item, simply say "Paste" or think of the paste keyword. Note ¨C The pasted item will be automatically stored in your inventory; if you want that item, you can retrieve it from the inventory. __________________________________________________________ The message was clear: he had just copied his first item. If he wanted to retrieve it, all he needed to do was to say or think "Paste." Furthermore, the item would be saved automatically in an inventory for later use. Without wasting time, Adam quickly dismissed the blue window from his view. His mind raced, and almost immediately he thought the word "Paste." In that instant, another blue dot began to shimmer at the upper corner of his vision¡ªan unmistakable sign that his command had been received. Encouraged, Adam concentrated and silently said, "Inventory." As if in response, a new blue window floated into his sight. This window was filled with a grid of neatly arranged square boxes¡ªan inventory system of sorts. In the very first box of the matrix, an icon slowly took shape. It was a small image of a water bottle, and above the icon, the number "1" was displayed. The sight confirmed that the water bottle he had copied was now safely stored. A wave of excitement surged through Adam. He reached out with a trembling finger and gently touched the water bottle icon on the screen. The moment his finger made contact, a tingling sensation spread through his hand. In a blink, the water bottle materialized in his grasp, real and solid, as if summoned by magic. At the same time, the blue inventory window vanished from view, leaving him with the tangible result of his new power. Overjoyed, Adam leapt from his bed, nearly dancing with delight. For a few precious seconds, he forgot all his troubles as he marveled at the miracle in his hand. Yet, almost as quickly, reality reminded him where he was. He was still a guest in someone else''s home¡ªa reminder of the loneliness that had marked his life since John''s misdeeds had left him homeless. Realizing he needed to be cautious, Adam slowly returned to his bed and sat down, his pulse still quick with excitement. In a soft, resolute tone, he murmured to himself, "With this help, I can do anything." Those words carried the promise of change¡ªa promise that the life he once lost could be reclaimed. At that very moment, a vivid image flashed through Adam''s mind. He saw the faces of John and his father, the city''s mayor, clear as day. The memories of past betrayals and the pain of losing everything came rushing back. The very thought of those men, who had ruined his life and shattered his family, ignited a deep, burning desire for revenge. A determined smile crept across Adam''s face as he softly declared, "I will take my revenge on both of you¡ªfather and son." Just then, the door creaked open and Eric stepped into the room. Adam''s heart skipped a beat at the sight of his old friend. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Eric''s eyes, filled with concern, immediately locked onto Adam as he asked, "Adam, is everything okay?" His tone was gentle, and his worry was obvious. For a long moment, Adam hesitated. A small part of him longed to share the secret of the skill¡ªthe amazing power to copy and paste objects at will. Yet, another, more cautious part held him back. He remembered all too well the dangers of trusting others with such secrets. The thought of revealing his newfound power to Eric could bring unwanted complications. Besides, he wasn''t sure he was strong enough yet to handle the full weight of this ability. Forcing a reassuring smile, Adam answered softly, "Don''t worry, I''m fine." His voice was calm, though inside, his mind churned with conflicting thoughts. Eric''s puzzled look deepened as he asked, "Are you sure? You seem a bit off tonight." But Adam quickly added, "It''s just been a long night. I''ll be okay." Eric''s concern lingered for a moment longer, but he chose not to press further. With a gentle nod, he left the room, leaving Adam alone once again with his thoughts. Once the door closed, Adam settled back onto his bed. He stared at the space where the inventory window had been, lost in contemplation. How could he use this strange new skill? What limits did it have? And most importantly, how could it change the course of his future? The room grew quiet, and the only sound was the soft hum of the night outside and the beating of Adam''s heart. He knew that the system had given him a rare gift¡ªa second chance to rebuild his life. In that moment, all the fear and despair of his past seemed to mingle with hope and determination. He realized that, with time and careful practice, this skill could empower him to turn his life around and even help him settle old scores. Adam spent several long minutes planning in his mind. He pictured the possibilities: copying useful items, storing them in his inventory, and using them at just the right moment. He wondered if he could eventually copy more than just a water bottle. The thought filled him with excitement, even as he remained aware of the dangers that might come with such power. Before long, the weariness of the long night began to take its toll. Adam''s eyelids grew heavy, and despite his racing thoughts, he knew he needed to rest. He laid back down on his bed, still cradling the miraculous water bottle in his thoughts, and slowly drifted into sleep. His mind, however, never fully left the realm of possibilities as he dreamed of a future where he would no longer be a victim. The first light of dawn crept softly through the window, gently rousing Adam from his sleep. He woke early, feeling both refreshed and resolute. The events of the previous night still felt surreal, yet the tangible proof in his hand confirmed that this was no mere dream. With a determined spirit, he got ready for the day. Later that morning, Adam joined Eric''s family for breakfast. The house was filled with warmth and kindness¡ªa stark contrast to the cold, lonely nights he had known before. The meal was simple: fresh bread, eggs, and a steaming cup of tea. Conversations flowed lightly, and for a brief time, Adam allowed himself to enjoy the ordinary comforts of life. Yet, even as he shared this friendly meal, Adam''s mind returned again and again to the mysterious skill he had discovered. He knew that he was on the brink of something extraordinary. The copy and paste ability, though still broken and unrefined, offered him a chance to change everything. With every bite of breakfast, he planned quietly in his head, thinking of how best to use his new power to shape a future free from the burdens of the past. At around 10:00 AM, after finishing his meal and exchanging warm goodbyes with Eric''s family, Adam stood up and prepared to leave. He gathered his few belongings, careful not to forget the lessons of caution he had learned over the years. With a final look at the cozy home that had given him shelter, he stepped out into the bright morning light. The city was waking up, and every sound¡ªthe distant hum of traffic, the chirping of birds, even the soft rustle of leaves¡ªreminded him that a new day had begun. As Adam walked away from the house, his thoughts were as clear as the blue sky overhead. The new skill was not merely a tool; it was a key to a future of endless possibilities. He had already copied an item and stored it safely in his inventory. Soon, he would learn to use this power to copy, store, and paste items as needed, helping him overcome obstacles and maybe even exact the revenge that had long burned in his heart. Yet, as he walked, another thought tugged at him. He remembered that the system''s message had mentioned that the copied item could be pasted only when he needed it. That meant he had to learn the timing and control of his commands very well. With each step, he promised himself that he would master this power. One day, he would be strong enough to face the enemies who had once taken everything from him. In that quiet morning light, Adam''s heart was filled with a mix of hope and resolve. He knew the road ahead would be challenging and filled with danger, but he also knew that he now had a secret weapon¡ªa mysterious ability that could give him a chance to rewrite his destiny. Back in the quiet of his temporary room that night, after all the excitement and planning of the day had faded, Adam had one last moment alone with his thoughts. He sat on his bed and looked out the window at the darkening sky, feeling the weight of both his past and his future. The promise of his new skill shone like a beacon of light in the gloom, reminding him that even the smallest spark could ignite a flame of change. Chapter - 4: First step Adam woke up early in the morning, feeling the gentle warmth of the first sunlight peeking through his window. The soft glow of the early day filled the small room with hope. He stretched slowly, feeling the cool air on his skin, and listened to the quiet sounds of a new day. Outside, birds chirped happily, as if welcoming him into a day full of promise. Today was different from any other day. Adam''s heart beat with a secret excitement, a thrill hidden deep inside him. After a few moments of quiet reflection, he dressed quickly and made his way down the stairs. In the kitchen, the familiar scent of freshly cooked breakfast met him like a warm hug. He could smell the aroma of fried eggs, fresh bread, and a hint of something sweet¡ªperhaps jam or honey. The smells reminded him of Eric''s family, who had always shown him kindness and made him feel part of something important. Adam joined Eric and his family at the dining table. The room was filled with light and gentle chatter as they enjoyed their meal. Even though Adam had many secrets hidden behind his calm smile, he felt at peace here. The simple act of sharing a meal brought him comfort and a rare sense of normalcy in his otherwise unusual life. Before leaving the house, Adam paused by Eric, who was busy with a cup of warm tea. With a quiet tone and a friendly look, Adam asked, "Can I have a $100 bill, please?" Eric raised an eyebrow in mild surprise but did not argue. "Here, but don''t get into trouble," Eric said with a light laugh, handing over the crisp bill. Adam accepted the money with a small nod of thanks, and as soon as he stepped outside into the bright morning, he whispered softly to himself, Copy. Almost instantly, a faint blue dot appeared at the corner of his vision¡ªa sign that his secret ability was working. Adam focused on the blue dot. In a matter of seconds, the $100 bill had been successfully copied and safely stored in his inventory. A sly smirk spread across his face. He knew that this small act of copying money was just the beginning of his plans, and it would be very useful in the days to come. With his first task complete, Adam set his eyes on the city. The plan for the day was clear in his mind: he needed to find a gold shop that he could use for his next move. As he walked along the busy streets, the city came alive with sound and color. Vendors called out their wares, and shoppers bustled along the sidewalks, each lost in their own world. Adam''s eyes darted from one shop to another as he searched for the right place. After a short while, he spotted a high-end gold shop. Its polished glass windows displayed various gold ornaments that shimmered under the sunlight. The display was neat and very appealing, and Adam knew instantly that this was the shop he needed to visit. With a confident step, he pushed open the door and walked inside. The interior of the shop was equally impressive. The shop was well lit, and the golden glow of the jewelry was enhanced by the light. The polished surfaces of the glass cases reflected the light, creating small glimmers that danced across the walls. The air was filled with a clean, sharp scent¡ªa mix of metal and polish. It was a place that spoke of wealth and care. Almost immediately after Adam entered, an older shopkeeper with sharp, observant eyes approached him. The man''s voice was formal as he asked, "What would you like to buy, sir?" The tone was respectful, yet there was a hint of suspicion in his eyes. Adam did not reply immediately. Instead, he reached into his inventory and pulled out two crisp $100 bills, laying them carefully on the counter. "I''ve never seen a gold bar in person before," he said with an innocent look, masking his true intention. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The shopkeeper''s eyes narrowed as he looked closely at the money. He did not speak at once. For a moment, there was an uneasy silence between them as the older man examined the bills for authenticity. Finally, the shopkeeper muttered under his breath, "You have an odd hobby, kid," and then turned to walk toward a different part of the shop. Adam stood still, watching the shopkeeper''s every move. The shopkeeper moved with purpose. He reached a small door at the back of the counter that led to a secure storage locker. With careful steps and a cautious look, he unlocked the locker and pulled out a large, heavy object wrapped in soft cloth. Slowly, he removed the cloth to reveal a 12.6 kg gold bar. The gold bar shone with a brilliant light as it was placed on a separate counter, a display meant only for viewing. "You can look at it from here," the shopkeeper said, his voice carrying a mix of skepticism and a warning. Adam''s eyes never left the shimmering gold. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of the massive bar. Yet he was calm. Deep in his mind, he wondered, Will my ability work from this distance? He needed to test his power now, to see if the copying spell would work on something so heavy and valuable. Adam took a deep breath and fixed his gaze on the gold bar. With all the focus he could muster, he whispered the single word again, Copy. Almost immediately, the familiar faint blue dot appeared at the edge of his vision. He concentrated on the dot, and in that moment, a small blue window materialized before his eyes, confirming his success. The window read: [Congratulations, Host has successfully copied a 12.6 kg gold bar.] A slow smile spread across Adam''s face as he quickly dismissed the notification. He knew the gold bar was now safe, hidden away in his secret inventory, where no one could ever take it from him. Despite his inner triumph, he remained calm and collected. The shopkeeper, however, did not share his delight. The older man watched him closely, his eyes filled with a mix of suspicion and disbelief. "I''ll be putting this back now," the shopkeeper said as he carefully lifted the gold bar to return it to the secure locker. "Not that you could afford it anyway," he added in a low voice that carried a hint of condescension. Adam chuckled quietly. He found the shopkeeper''s assumption amusing, but it did not shake his confidence. "Thank you for letting me see something so valuable," Adam said politely. His words were kind and respectful, even though his mind was already racing with plans on what to do next. Without waiting for a reply, he turned toward the exit. As he stepped out of the shop, he felt his heart pounding¡ªnot from fear, but from a deep and steady excitement. Once outside, Adam paused for a moment and looked back at the golden storefront. The shop had an air of high class and caution. It was a place where people handled their business carefully, where every detail was scrutinized, and where questions were always asked before any deal was made. Adam knew that while this shop was excellent for buying and selling gold, its cautious nature was not what he needed right now. He needed a place where people were desperate enough to make quick decisions, a place where no questions were asked. His eyes scanned the busy street until they landed on a small, rundown shop. The faded wooden sign above the entrance simply read: "Thomas Jeweler." The shop looked old and tired. The paint on the exterior was peeling, and the glass display case in the front was covered in a thin layer of dust. It was clear that this shop had seen better days. Yet for Adam, this was exactly what he was looking for. "This is the place," Adam thought to himself. "If anyone will buy gold without asking too many questions, it is someone who is struggling to keep their business afloat." With that simple thought in his mind, he pushed open the creaking door of Thomas Jeweler. Inside, the change in atmosphere was immediate. The air felt heavy with the scent of old wood and memories. The lighting was dim, and only a few weak beams of sunlight fought their way through the dusty windows. The countertops were cracked, and small piles of neglected jewelry lay scattered about. Every detail spoke of a shop that had not been cared for in a long time. At the counter sat an older man with tired eyes. The lines on his face told a story of long days and even longer nights. As soon as Adam entered, the man stood up quickly, smoothing out his wrinkled shirt in an attempt to look respectable. "Sir, what would you like to buy?" the man asked in a polite yet weary tone. Adam met the shopkeeper''s gaze steadily. His voice was calm and firm as he replied, "I''m not here to buy. I''m here to sell." The words were simple, but they carried a strong message of purpose. The shopkeeper''s expression changed in an instant. His eyes narrowed, and a frown appeared on his face. For a moment, silence filled the small, dusty room as the old man processed Adam''s words. The shopkeeper''s lips pressed into a thin line. "I''m not interested, kid," he said finally, his tone a mix of annoyance and disbelief. "Whatever it is, I don''t need it. Now, go on your way." His words were sharp and uninviting, and it was clear that he had no plans of listening further. Adam, however, was not easily dissuaded. His mind raced with thoughts of how he could change the shopkeeper''s mind. He smiled gently, a smile that was both confident and knowing. Let''s see if I can change your mind, he thought silently. Chapter - 5: First Step 2 The shopkeeper''s eyes narrowed as he noticed that Adam was still standing there, unmoving, with a slight smile on his face. His patience, already worn thin by his troubles, began to crack. The shopkeeper''s face grew red with frustration. "I told you, kid. I don''t want anything. Can''t you hear me?" he said, his voice growing sharper with irritation. It was clear that every word Adam had spoken before had already pushed his nerves to their limit. The tired lines on the shopkeeper''s face deepened as he took a step forward, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and disbelief. Adam, however, remained calm. He took a careful step forward, closing the distance between them, until he was standing directly in front of the shopkeeper. His confident demeanor did not falter even as the shopkeeper''s words grew harsher. Leaning in slightly so that his voice was even and unwavering, Adam said in a calm tone, "I''ll give you something that you won''t be able to refuse." At that moment, the shopkeeper''s mind raced. Inside, he thought, *Another scam artist trying to trick me.* He had seen plenty of kids and adults come into his shop, all trying to sell him worthless trinkets or false promises. They would talk about miracles and quick riches, but all they left behind were more problems. In his long years of struggle, he had learned to be very careful. Every word, every gesture was weighed carefully. And now, here was this kid¡ªso young, so calm¡ªmaking a bold claim that made him uneasy. The shopkeeper''s heart was heavy with his own troubles. He thought of the mounting debts, the customers who no longer came, and the painful memory of his wife leaving him to return to her family. His business was failing, and he could feel the weight of each loss and disappointment pressing down on him. With every visit from someone with a new "opportunity," his hope was crushed a little more. Today, it seemed, fate had sent another test his way. His annoyance soon turned into anger. In a swift, almost instinctive motion, his patience snapped. Without taking another moment to think, the shopkeeper lunged forward. He grabbed Adam by the collar and pulled him roughly toward the shop''s entrance. "Listen, brat! I don''t have time for this nonsense!" he growled, his voice echoing off the dusty walls of his small shop. The rough grip and harsh tone made it clear that he had had enough of empty words and wasted time. Before the shopkeeper could do any more, Adam acted quickly. With a fluid motion that was almost too fast to see, Adam reached into his inventory. From within, he pulled out a gleaming gold bar. The bar shone brightly under the dim light of the shop, its surface smooth and polished, reflecting every detail of the small room. The sudden appearance of the gold bar caught the shopkeeper completely off guard. The moment the shopkeeper''s eyes caught that unmistakable shimmer of pure gold, his entire body tensed. Time seemed to slow down. The rough hand that had gripped Adam''s collar began to falter as his eyes shifted from the angry boy to the brilliant bar in his hands. His breath caught in his throat, and for a second, he stood frozen. His mind could not immediately process what was happening. The gold was real¡ªsolid, heavy, and unmistakably genuine. For a long, silent moment, the shopkeeper''s eyes did not leave the gold bar. Slowly, as if in a trance, his hand moved toward it. His large, calloused fingers reached out, trembling slightly as he tried to make contact with the metal that had so suddenly disrupted the angry moment. But just as his hand was about to close around the gleaming piece of metal, Adam moved with surprising speed. In one smooth, graceful motion, Adam withdrew the gold bar from sight. It was as if he had vanished it into thin air, slipping it back into his secret inventory. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The shopkeeper''s hand closed on nothing but empty space. His fingers curled in mid-air, grasping for something that was no longer there. His eyes widened, and his heart pounded loudly in his ears as he stared at the empty space where the gold had been just a second before. The shock of the moment washed over him like a tidal wave. The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning: this boy was not like the others. This kid was not simply a scam artist trying to sell him fake promises. Adam had real gold¡ªa substance that held true value and could change everything. His mind reeled with the possibility that this was no ordinary trick. The gold was real, and it was something that could not be easily dismissed. For a moment, the shopkeeper''s anger gave way to uncertainty and a deep, sudden desperation. His eyes darted back to Adam, now filled with shock and a hint of hope mingled with fear. The shopkeeper''s voice dropped to a softer tone, edged with caution and curiosity. "Who... are you? And what do you want?" he asked slowly, as if he were trying to understand the strange situation that had unfolded before him. Adam''s lips curled into a small, knowing smirk. He replied simply, "Didn''t I say I''d change your mind?" His words were calm and carried an unspoken promise that things were about to shift in ways the shopkeeper could not ignore. The shopkeeper took a long, shaky breath. His anger and frustration had left him vulnerable now, and he found himself stepping back slowly toward the counter. With a mix of reluctance and curiosity, he sat down at the old wooden counter. After a moment of silent hesitation, he gestured for Adam to take the seat across from him. It was a small gesture, but it signified that the shopkeeper was now willing to listen, even if he was still wary of what might come next. Adam moved over and sat down carefully. He kept his calm, confident expression, his eyes locked on the shopkeeper''s face. For a few long moments, the room was silent except for the soft creaking of the old chair and the faint sound of the shop''s door in the background. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of tension, fear, and an unexpected promise of change. The shopkeeper studied Adam carefully. He looked for any sign of trickery or deceit in the young man''s calm eyes. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "Alright, kid," he said, his voice quieter now, as if he were lowering his guard. "I''m listening." His words were cautious, but there was a spark of interest hidden in the corners of his eyes. A faint glint of amusement appeared in Adam''s eyes as he leaned forward a little closer. His tone was measured, and each word seemed to carry weight and purpose. "I''m about to offer you a deal that will not only save your shop but change your entire life," he said, carefully choosing his words. The shopkeeper''s brows furrowed as he tried to make sense of what Adam was saying. He had been in the jewelry business for a long time and had heard many offers¡ªmost of them empty promises that left him with nothing but regret. "I''ve been in this business for a long time, kid," he began slowly, his voice heavy with years of hard experience. "I craft and sell jewelry, and I know the value of gold. But the market is not kind to people like me anymore. With gold prices sky-high, I have to buy from retailers at prices that make no sense. It is one of my biggest losses." He sighed deeply and rubbed his temples, as if trying to ease the burden of his worries. "I can barely afford to pay next month''s rent, let alone invest in anything new. So if you''re here to make a profit out of me, let me stop you right now. I don''t have the money," he continued, his voice tinged with sadness and defeat. Adam listened to every word the shopkeeper said. He nodded slowly, his calm expression never wavering. Inside, however, Adam felt a growing sense of satisfaction. Every word that the shopkeeper spoke confirmed exactly what Adam had been hoping to hear. This was the moment he had been waiting for¡ªa clear sign that the shopkeeper''s troubles were real, and that his offer might be exactly what the struggling man needed. With deliberate calm, Adam raised his hand slightly and said in a soft but firm tone, "Don''t worry. I have a special offer just for you." His voice was clear and direct, and every word was meant to reassure the shopkeeper that this was not a trick, but a genuine chance for change. The shopkeeper''s eyes narrowed once more, suspicion mingling with a spark of hope. He had often met people who claimed they had special deals or magic solutions, but most had turned out to be empty words. Today, however, something was different. This kid, who had shown him real gold¡ªeven if just for a moment¡ªwas not like the others. There was a strange honesty in his calm voice and confident manner. Crossing his arms over his chest, the shopkeeper leaned back slightly. "Alright," he said slowly, his tone cautious but not completely closed off. "I''m listening." His words held a mix of reluctance and the desperate need for a solution. It was clear that his life had become so difficult that even a small chance was worth considering. Adam looked directly into the shopkeeper''s eyes. He knew that he had to be very clear with his next words. "I''ll sell you gold at 50% below market price," he said firmly. There was no hesitation in his tone, only certainty. "And¡ª" he paused for a brief moment to let his words sink in, "¡ªI''ll give you some extra gold as a gift, to solidify our partnership." For a moment, the shopkeeper was so shocked that he could only stare in silence. The room seemed to hold its breath as he tried to understand what Adam had just offered him. The shopkeeper''s jaw dropped slightly. His eyes widened, and the lines of worry on his face deepened as he looked at Adam, his mind struggling to process the meaning behind these words. All around them, the old shop seemed to shrink into silence. The only sound was the faint creaking of an old wooden chair in the background. Every small sound felt magnified in the stillness of that moment. The shopkeeper''s heart pounded hard, and he felt a mix of disbelief, hope, and fear. Here was a chance to change his life¡ªa chance to save his shop from the relentless grip of failure. Chapter - 6: First Step 3 The shopkeeper sat behind his counter, still shaking his head in disbelief as he stared at Adam. His eyes, filled with anger and confusion just moments before, now showed a mix of shock and disbelief. Suddenly, as if his body could no longer contain the built-up energy, he sprang to his feet. His chair scraped loudly against the wooden floor, echoing through the small, dusty shop. "Kid, are you out of your mind?!" he shouted, his voice a mix of anger and frustration. His words were harsh and full of disbelief. "Do you even realize what you''re saying?!" The shopkeeper''s tone was so strong that the silence in the shop seemed to be broken by every syllable. Adam, however, remained unshaken. He kept his eyes locked on the shopkeeper with a calm and steady look. With no sign of fear, he simply replied, "Yes. I know exactly what I''m saying. And I mean it." His voice was quiet but firm, filled with a certainty that contrasted with the shopkeeper''s growing agitation. The shopkeeper, breathing heavily, ran a hand through his messy hair and let out a long exhale. Slowly, he lowered himself back into his creaky chair, carefully resting both hands on the counter. Even though his face still showed signs of anger, his sharp gaze was now fixed intently on Adam. The silence stretched between them for a moment as both men tried to decide what would happen next. Finally, the shopkeeper muttered in a quieter voice, yet filled with suspicion, "Then that means¡­ you''re doing something illegal." His words were low but cutting. "You''re smuggling gold, aren''t you? That''s the only way you could afford to sell it at half the market price. Otherwise, how would this deal make any sense?" For an instant, Adam stiffened. His mind raced with thoughts as he realized that the shopkeeper had caught on quickly. Damn, he thought. This was exactly the problem he had hoped to avoid. If the shopkeeper''s suspicion grew too strong, he might decide to cancel the entire deal. ''I can''t afford that. I need him on board,'' Adam reminded himself, keeping his inner worry in check. Then, a sudden idea sparked in Adam''s mind. He recalled something very important¡ªthe gold bars he had copied were from a government-approved store. This meant that each bar carried the official hallmarks that proved its authenticity. With these markings, the gold was beyond any doubt real and legal. A wave of confidence rushed through Adam. Looking directly into the shopkeeper''s eyes, he said, "If you really think that, then go ahead¡ªcheck the markings on my gold bar. It will prove whether or not it''s government-approved." His tone was even and challenging, as if daring the shopkeeper to test him. The shopkeeper''s eyes narrowed further. He looked at Adam with a mix of doubt and a tiny spark of hope. ''Was this kid bluffing'' he wondered silently. But deep down, he also knew that if Adam were telling the truth, the deal was far too good to ignore. The offer was tempting beyond belief. After a long, heavy silence, the shopkeeper sighed deeply and shook his head as if trying to clear his troubled thoughts. "If you had come to me with this deal a few months ago, I would have rejected it without a second thought," he said in a low, grim tone. "Any sane person would have done so. This deal reeks of suspicion." Adam did not say a word at first. He waited patiently, his face unreadable, letting the shopkeeper continue. The older man''s voice softened as he continued, The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "But¡­ I don''t have the luxury of being cautious anymore. I''m drowning in debt. My business is dying." His words were heavy with the weight of his troubles. The shopkeeper''s eyes, once filled with anger, now reflected deep sadness and desperation. He looked back at Adam with a hard expression that slowly softened into determination. "So, fine. I accept your deal," he declared. Without a moment''s hesitation, he extended his hand forward¡ªthe universal sign of an agreement. His gesture was firm and full of the hope of a new beginning. A warm grin spread across Adam''s face as he reached out and shook the shopkeeper''s hand. The handshake was firm, and in that brief contact, both men felt a spark of something new¡ªa possibility that their lives could change for the better Still holding Adam''s hand firmly, the shopkeeper pulled back and asked with a curious tone, "So¡­ how much gold do you actually have?" His eyes were searching, trying to read the truth behind Adam''s confident smile. Adam paused for a moment, thinking over his answer carefully. ''Should I tell him the truth? Or should I first test how much he really wants?'' he wondered. Instead of giving a direct number, he chose to turn the question back on the shopkeeper with a playful smirk. "How much do you want?" Adam asked, his voice light but edged with challenge. The shopkeeper''s eyes lit up at this response. It was as if his hope was suddenly reignited. "I want to start with one gold bar at half price," he replied firmly. Then he added with a hint of excitement, "And your deal is still active, right? The one where you give me one extra gold bar for free?" Adam couldn''t help but chuckle softly. "I thought you''d ask for more," he remarked, his smile growing wider. "But sure, the deal still stands." He reached into his bag, and in a smooth, practiced motion, he pulled out two gold bars from his inventory. Gently, he set them on the counter in front of the shopkeeper for inspection. The shopkeeper''s breath caught in his throat as he stared at the two gleaming bars of pure gold lying on the counter. Their shine was almost hypnotic, and the rich, warm glow of the metal filled the small shop with an air of possibility. His hands trembled slightly as he reached out to pick up the bars, turning them over in his calloused fingers. As he examined each bar closely, his eyes widened more and more with each passing second. On the side of each bar, he could clearly see a hallmark stamped into the gold. It was a government-issued certification¡ªa mark that meant the gold was genuine and met strict official standards. Relief washed over the shopkeeper in a sudden, overwhelming rush. ''This is legit,'' he thought. The gold wasn''t smuggled, fake, or of doubtful origin. It was the real deal¡ªpure, approved, and exactly what he needed to help save his struggling business. In that very moment, the weight of his financial burdens felt a little lighter. His heart pounded with excitement and disbelief. ''I just struck gold,'' he thought, and for a brief instant, he allowed himself to dream of a new beginning. A quick mental calculation ran through his mind. If he had bought these two bars at market price, it would have cost him at least $60,000. But right now, he was getting them for only $15,000¡ªa deal so unbelievable it seemed like a miracle. His face softened from suspicion to genuine admiration. "This is incredible," he whispered, almost to himself, as he turned back to Adam with newfound respect. "This kid isn''t normal." There was a clear mix of hope and cautious excitement in his voice. Taking a deep breath, the shopkeeper finally said, "Alright. I trust you." He carefully placed the gold bars back on the counter, his eyes never leaving Adam''s. Leaning forward, with a determined look in his eyes, he added, "I want six more bars." Adam''s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. "That fast? I thought you''d test the waters first," he remarked, his tone a mix of curiosity and amusement. The shopkeeper smirked, a confident glimmer returning to his eyes. "I don''t need to test the waters. This deal is too good," he said with a firm nod. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bundle of cash. "This is all I have left," he explained. "I''ll give you everything for those six bars." At that moment, a rush of excitement surged through Adam. *This is working,* he thought. Without a moment''s hesitation, he reached into his bag again and, one by one, pulled out six more gold bars from his inventory. Carefully, he placed each bar on the counter, neatly stacking them so that the shopkeeper could see every one. The shopkeeper''s eyes grew wide in disbelief as he looked at the growing pile of gold bars. He could hardly believe that this young man was carrying so much gold in such a small bag. ''How the hell is he carrying so much gold in that tiny bag?!'' The thought raced through his mind, filling him with both amazement and a spark of worry about the mysterious source of the gold. Yet, he shoved those doubts aside for the moment. What mattered most was securing the deal that could save his dying business. He reached out and picked up one of the bars again, turning it over in his hands to admire its weight and shine. Still holding the bar, the shopkeeper''s curiosity got the better of him. He looked up, his eyes full of concern, and asked, "Kid¡­ aren''t you worried? You''re walking around with so much gold in broad daylight. What if someone tries to rob you?" His voice was low, and the worry in his tone was unmistakable. Adam''s lips curved into a mysterious smile as he considered the question. "Fear?" he mused quietly. "Fear is for those who have no power." His voice took on a tone that was both calm and strangely confident, almost as if he were saying that he was beyond the reach of danger. He leaned in slightly, his eyes darkening as they held a look that mixed determination with a hint of something almost supernatural. "My time for being afraid is over. Now, it''s time to act." Chapter - 7: Second step The shopkeeper sat behind his counter, carefully counting the stacks of cash in front of him. Each bill was folded neatly, and he made sure to tally the total several times. His hands trembled slightly¡ªnot out of fear, but with a mix of excitement and relief. Every bill reminded him that his fortunes were finally turning around. The heavy weight of his past worries felt a little lighter as he slid the money across the counter to Adam. Adam, who had maintained his calm demeanor throughout the entire exchange, reached out and scooped up the money with practiced ease. He then tucked the cash safely into his bag. With a simple motion, he shifted the money into his inventory, ensuring that every bill was secure and accounted for. There was no rush or hesitation in his movements; he was in full control of the situation. After making sure that his inventory was updated with the new funds, Adam turned to face the shopkeeper. With a small nod that carried both assurance and finality, he said quietly, "Alright then. We''ll meet again¡­ someday." His voice was soft but carried a clear promise, leaving no doubt in the shopkeeper''s mind that their paths would cross once more. Without waiting for a response or for any further discussion, Adam strode out of the store. His steps were steady and purposeful as he left the building, disappearing into the busy city street with the same quiet confidence that had guided him all along. Inside the shop, the shopkeeper watched Adam go. His mind raced with a jumble of questions. ''Who was that kid? How did he have so much gold?'' These thoughts buzzed like insects in his head. For a moment, suspicion flickered in his eyes. But as he turned his gaze back to the shining gold bars stacked neatly on his counter, all his doubts seemed to melt away. The precious metal glistened in the light, a solid reminder that this was real and not a trick. A wide smile spread slowly across the shopkeeper''s face. "Finally," he muttered to himself, his voice soft yet filled with hope. "Looks like my luck is about to change." In that moment, the long hours of worry and the constant struggles of his failing business began to seem like a distant memory. The gold was more than just wealth¡ªit was the promise of a new beginning. Outside on the busy city streets, Adam stepped into the cool evening air. The gentle breeze brushed against his face, bringing with it the faint sounds of distant traffic and murmurs of city life. As he walked along the sidewalk, his mind turned to his recent earnings. He began to calculate his total, quietly tallying the money that he had just acquired. The number that came to his mind was astonishing: $105000. He paused, letting the figure sink in. This was a huge change from where he had started. Just a short while ago, he had only had $100¡ªmoney he had borrowed from his friend Eric. Now, through a series of bold moves and a special ability that no one else possessed, he had earned over $100,000 by himself. Adam''s eyes narrowed as he considered the new total. "Is this enough?" he wondered aloud, his voice barely a whisper. The simple question carried a weight of uncertainty. He had come a long way, but deep inside he asked if this was truly enough to make a difference in his life. Had he finally reached a turning point, or was there still more to be done? A slight frown crossed his face as he continued to walk. But soon, he caught himself and then laughed softly at his own thoughts. The memory of his humble beginning was not lost on him. From that single $100 bill borrowed from Eric to this moment of newfound wealth, the journey had been nothing short of remarkable. In that laughter, there was also a deep understanding: this was no longer just about survival. The money was not simply a means to get by¡ªit was a symbol of power. Power that could be used to shape his future and take control of his destiny. Adam clenched his fists at his sides, and his eyes hardened with resolve. "Time to move to Phase Two," he declared to himself, a phrase that meant the next stage of his plan was about to begin. As Adam wandered through the bustling streets, his mind busy with plans for the future, a particular sign caught his attention. The bright letters on the sign read: "Property Distributor Agent." The sign was attached to a modern, two-story office building that stood proudly in a busy part of the city. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Its clean exterior and polished glass windows suggested that this was a well-established business with a strong reputation. People moved in and out of the building throughout the day, talking about deals, discussing property values, and going over legal matters. The energy of the place was serious and business-like, a clear contrast to the simple shops on quieter streets. Adam''s lips curved into a small, confident smirk as he looked at the sign. "It''s time to buy some land," he thought to himself, a new idea taking shape in his mind. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Adam stepped inside the building. The cool interior air was welcoming, and the soft hum of activity made him feel as though he were stepping into a new world of possibilities. Inside, the building''s interior was spacious and well-lit. The floor was polished marble that shone under the gentle lights, and the walls were decorated in simple, modern designs. At the front of the building was a long, glass reception desk, behind which sat a well-dressed receptionist. The receptionist was busy with paperwork and phone calls, clearly focused on keeping everything in order. Adam walked confidently up to the desk and spoke in a clear, steady voice, "I want to buy land." His words were brief and to the point, leaving little room for misunderstanding. The receptionist glanced up from her work and studied Adam''s youthful face carefully. Her first thought was that he might be a young person looking for a rental apartment or a small space for a modest purpose. In her mind, he did not immediately seem like the kind of client who would be interested in a large property deal. Without missing a beat, she gestured toward a waiting area that was lined with chairs. "Please take a seat. Your turn will come soon," she said politely. Her tone was courteous but distant, as if she expected nothing more than a brief visit. Adam sighed inwardly but nodded. He understood that patience was key in any business transaction. With a small, resigned smile, he moved to an empty spot on a bench in the waiting area. There, he sat quietly, keeping an eye on the front desk and listening to the low murmur of conversation around him. Every minute that passed was a reminder that his new phase of life was just beginning. After a few minutes, the quiet murmur of the building was broken by the sound of a glass door swinging open. All eyes in the reception area turned toward the door as a tall, well-dressed man in his mid-30s stepped out. He was wearing a sleek black suit, and his hair was dark and neatly styled. There was a commanding presence about him that made it clear he was in charge. Right behind him, an older man entered. This man, who looked to be around 40 years old, had a very different appearance. His hair was half gray and he was partially bald. He wore loose-fitting, village-style clothes that did not match the modern look of the building. A round straw hat hung from his waist, marking him as a farmer. The contrast between the two men was striking. Adam watched the unfolding scene with growing interest. It did not take him long to pick up on the tension between them. The farmer''s face was drawn with frustration, exhaustion, and a desperate hope. His eyes pleaded for understanding, while the well-dressed property agent''s face was set in a mask of impatience and disbelief. The agent spoke sharply, his tone rising with irritation. "I''ve already told you countless times, no one is going to buy land in your village!" he declared. His voice was firm, leaving little room for argument. The farmer, however, could not hide his despair. Clenching his fists tightly, he responded in a pleading voice, "Please¡­ try to understand! I need to sell this land. I wouldn''t even think of it otherwise. That land belongs to my ancestors!" The words spilled out in a rush, filled with emotion and the weight of generations. Adam leaned forward slightly, his interest deepening with every word. He saw the farmer''s eyes, filled with both determination and sorrow, and the impatient, almost cold, look of the agent. It was a scene of a man fighting for his heritage and a future that seemed to be slipping away. The argument in the reception area grew louder and more heated. The agent''s patience soon ran out. With a sudden, harsh command, he turned to the two security guards who were stationed nearby. In a firm, commanding tone he ordered, "Get him out of here." His voice left no room for debate, and the guards immediately stepped forward. The farmer stiffened as the guards moved in. His body tensed, and for a moment his hands trembled¡ªnot with fear, but with a deep resignation. His eyes darted back toward the agent, and in them, a final desperate plea was visible. "I''ll lower my price! I''ll even give you a higher cut! But please, just¡­ help me sell it!" he cried out, his voice cracking with desperation. The agent ignored the farmer''s desperate words. Instead, he turned back to his office, leaving the farmer''s pleas hanging in the air. The guards, following orders without question, moved in to escort the farmer out. In one last look of sorrow and defeat, the farmer glanced over his shoulder at the building''s entrance. For a moment, defeat settled into his expression, and then, with a heavy sigh, he turned and walked away. Adam, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, felt a small, knowing smirk form on his lips. ''This was interesting''¡ªhe thought. The injustice and struggle were clear, and he could see an opportunity in the pain of the farmer. Without saying another word, Adam stood up from his seat in the waiting area. He walked purposefully toward the exit. The receptionist watched him leave, her eyes following his every move, but she did not speak. To her, Adam was just another person passing through. Yet, In future, she would soon learn that he was much more than that. As Adam stepped back out into the city street, the cool air and the fading sounds of the office building followed him. He took a moment to absorb what he had seen. The forced exit of the desperate farmer had left a mark on him¡ªa reminder that even in a world of deals and business, human pain and hope were never far behind. With that thought, he turned away from the building, ready to move on to the next step in his plan. Chapter - 8: Offer The farmer trudged slowly along the busy city streets. Every step felt heavy, as if he were carrying the weight of all his past and present sorrows. His heart was full of regret and frustration. He had spent his entire life working the land¡ªa land that had been in his family for generations. It was his ancestral home, the place where his grandparents had plowed the fields and where he had grown up. Now, life had pushed him into a corner where he had no choice but to sell it. Around him, the city moved with unstoppable energy. Cars rushed past on busy roads, and well-dressed businessmen hurried to their offices. The city thrived with life, as if all its success and happiness were completely separate from the pain he felt. To the busy crowd, his sorrow was invisible, lost amid the noise of everyday urban hustle. With a deep, heavy sigh, the farmer continued on his path. Each step seemed to echo with memories of better days¡ªa time when the fields were green and full of promise, and when his land was a source of pride rather than a burden he could not escape. Just then, as if fate had arranged a pause in his lonely journey, a voice called out from behind him. "Hey, sir! Wait a moment!" The unexpected sound made the farmer freeze in his tracks. Slowly, he turned around, his eyes squinting in the bright light. Standing a few feet away was a young man who wore an expression that mixed determination with a hint of mischief. The young man''s presence was sudden and surprising. The farmer''s face furrowed as he tried to understand what was happening. "Are you calling me?" he asked, lifting his hand and pointing at himself, a gesture born of both curiosity and caution. The young man nodded and stepped forward. "Yes, I was calling you," he said clearly. Then, with a polite tone, he introduced himself. "My name is Adam. I have a great offer for you." The farmer''s eyes narrowed further. His mind swirled with confusion and a touch of annoyance. "Listen, kid," he said with a weary sigh and a shake of his head, "I don''t have time for jokes." He waved his hand dismissively, as if to sweep away any idea of what this stranger might propose, and turned to walk away. But before the farmer could take another step, Adam raised his voice, making sure he was heard above the sounds of the busy street. "I want to buy your land," he declared firmly. The words hit the farmer like a sudden gust of wind. He stopped mid-step, his body turning slowly back toward Adam. His expression changed from one of annoyance to a serious, searching look. His eyes locked onto the young man as he asked in a trembling tone, "Are you serious?" Adam nodded firmly, his eyes steady as he maintained his calm gaze. However, as the conversation unfolded, Adam became aware that the loudness of his voice had drawn attention. People nearby began to stare, their eyes curious and sometimes judgmental. Realizing that his tone might be causing unwanted attention in this public place, Adam stepped closer to the farmer and lowered his voice to a softer, more private tone. "We should talk about this somewhere more private," he suggested. The farmer hesitated for a moment, studying the young man''s face with a mixture of suspicion and hope. After a brief pause, he finally nodded and said simply, "Follow me." Without another word, he turned and began walking away down the street. Adam followed closely behind, his mind racing with possibilities and cautious optimism. Unbeknownst to Adam, however, someone was watching them from a short distance away. --- Not far from where Adam and the farmer were walking, a college student had noticed them. The student recognized Adam instantly. This was one of John''s friends¡ªthe very same group of people who had bullied Adam during his college days. As soon as the student saw Adam walking with the farmer, his eyes narrowed with a mix of surprise and disdain. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "What the hell is that idiot doing?" the student muttered under his breath. His tone was mocking, and a small smirk played on his lips as he watched the pair. "Still homeless, huh?" he added sarcastically, shaking his head as he recalled old memories. It seemed that, to him, throwing Adam out of college had not changed his fate much. Deciding that this scene was too amusing to let pass, the student quickly turned and walked away in the direction of John''s usual hangout spot. He was eager to tell John about what he had seen, confident that his friend would enjoy the news and perhaps even share in the old jokes. --- Meanwhile, Adam continued to follow the farmer through the crowded streets. As they walked for several minutes, a small sense of unease began to creep into Adam''s mind. The quiet murmur of the city seemed to mix with the uncertainty of what the farmer''s true intentions might be. Finally, Adam could no longer hold back his concern and asked, "Where exactly are we going?" The farmer glanced over his shoulder briefly before answering, "To my house." His voice was low and cautious, yet there was an underlying note of trust in his words. He then added in a softer tone, "Don''t worry. I need money desperately. I won''t do anything to you." His eyes met Adam''s for a long moment, trying to assure him of his sincerity. Despite the farmer''s attempts at reassurance, Adam wasn''t entirely convinced. There was something about following a stranger into an unknown place that made him uneasy. He quickly weighed his options in his head and then spoke up with a suggestion that might ease his worries. "If you really want to make this deal, let''s discuss it at a nearby restaurant instead." The farmer paused in his tracks, considering the young man''s words. For a moment, silence fell between them as he studied Adam''s face. Finally, he let out a deep sigh, the sound heavy with resignation and tiredness. "Alright," he agreed softly, rubbing his forehead as if trying to massage away the stress of his situation. "As you wish." With that, he turned and led Adam to a small roadside restaurant that lay not too far from the busy street. --- The restaurant was simple but inviting. It had an open-air seating area with wooden chairs and tables neatly arranged under large, colorful umbrellas. Potted plants lined the edges of the seating area, lending a calm, green touch to the otherwise plain setting. The atmosphere was relaxed, a welcome change from the harshness of the city streets. Adam and the farmer found a table near the side of the road. They sat down, and the ambient noise of chattering customers and clinking cutlery provided a quiet background as they prepared to discuss the deal. The farmer leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his face set in a determined expression. "Alright, kid. Let''s get serious," the farmer said, his voice firm yet tired. His eyes studied Adam''s face carefully, as if he were searching for any hint of deception. "Tell me¡­ how exactly do you plan to buy my land?" Adam, still calm and with a small, confident smirk, replied, "That''s my concern. You just tell me the price." His words were simple and direct, leaving little room for extra explanations. It was clear that Adam was more interested in the details of the deal than in small talk. The farmer hesitated for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. He then took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice, and decided to be completely straightforward. "Fine. I''ll be honest with you," he said slowly. "My land is 10 hectares in size and is located just south of the city, near the forest." At the mention of the location, Adam''s expression shifted subtly. He instantly recognized the area in his mind¡ªa place that was far from the busy industrial zones, a place with little commercial value. He knew that this was exactly why no one had been interested in buying it. There were no factories or businesses nearby. In simple terms, the land was not in a good spot for anyone who wanted to invest in commercial development. The farmer continued, "For my land, I want $500,000 in advance." He paused, then added in a more measured tone, "After the legal transfer is complete, I''ll take the remaining $1 million." His words hung in the air as he spoke, and for a brief moment, Adam''s mind went completely blank. "$1.5 million?!" Adam thought to himself in shock. He had expected the farmer to ask for a much lower sum¡ªperhaps no more than $200,000 at most. The figure was astronomical, far beyond what he had imagined. His pulse quickened, and for a moment, he felt as if the entire room had shrunk around him. Adam tried to calm himself by reaching for the glass of water on the table. He took a slow sip, trying to process the magnitude of the deal. The silence at the table grew heavy as the farmer noticed the sudden change in Adam''s expression. The farmer''s face darkened slightly, his eyes narrowing as he realized that his high price might have shocked his potential buyer. "I told you already," the farmer muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disappointment. His voice was low, filled with a mix of resignation and anger at the impossibility of his own expectations. Without another word, as the tension at the table mounted, the farmer started to stand up. His chair scraped lightly against the tiled floor as he prepared to end the conversation abruptly. --- Chapter - 9: Unexpected offer As soon as the farmer stood up in frustration, Adam quickly spoke up before the man could leave. "Wait! I never said that I can''t buy it," Adam declared, his voice steady and clear. The farmer, caught off guard by Adam''s sudden words, froze mid-step. His eyes widened in complete shock as he slowly turned back to face the young man. For a moment, time seemed to slow down. The bustling sounds of the city faded into the background as the farmer focused on Adam''s unexpected response. "Are you saying¡­ you''re willing to pay that much money for my land?" the farmer asked, his voice trembling with disbelief and a hint of hope. He could not hide the mix of surprise and fear in his tone, for the idea of someone wanting to buy his ancestral land had never crossed his mind until now. A small smirk crept onto Adam''s lips. With calm assurance, he replied, "I never said that either." His tone was even, carrying a quiet confidence that made the farmer pause. The words were simple, yet they held a deeper meaning¡ªone that hinted at a challenge and a promise all at once. The farmer''s eyebrow twitched in annoyance at the audacity of the young man. "You brat¡ª" he began to scold, but his words were cut short by Adam''s swift continuation. "Your offer is interesting," Adam said, leaning forward slightly as he met the farmer''s gaze. "But let''s be realistic." His voice lowered a bit as if to speak privately, even though they stood in a semi-public place. "Your land is too far from the city. There is no industrial development happening there. Even if you tried to sell it on the market, no one would pay you a million dollars." At these words, the farmer''s face darkened. The pain of knowing his land was seen as worthless by others was written clearly on his features. Yet, Adam did not stop there. "I''m very confident that no one would even offer you half a million dollars for it," Adam continued, his tone unwavering as he drove his point home. His words were blunt, designed to shake the farmer''s confidence in the market and in his own valuation. The farmer scoffed, his pride hurt and his voice rising in indignation. "Kid, you have no idea what my land is worth¡ª" he started, trying to explain that there was history and emotion attached to the soil, but Adam raised his hand, cutting him off before he could finish. "Forget my age for a second," Adam said calmly. "I recently closed a deal with a major businessman, saving a hotel from shutting down. That deal alone earned me a fortune." His voice was steady as he leaned back in his chair, giving the impression that he was in full control of the situation. The mention of the hotel deal was not meant to brag, but to prove that he was a capable and successful dealer. "If you think I''m just some clueless kid looking for land, you''re mistaken. I''m a talented dealer, and I know exactly what I''m doing." His words echoed with certainty and self-assurance, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. For a long moment, the farmer stared at Adam with an unreadable expression. The bustling noise of the restaurant seemed to fall away as he took in the young man''s confident posture and steady gaze. In that silence, Adam could sense that his words had planted a seed of doubt in the farmer''s mind. Even though the older man had not yet fully believed Adam, there was now a small seed of respect beginning to form. --- After a moment of silence that felt both heavy and tense, Adam finally spoke again. "My final price is this¡ª" he said, pausing to let the words hang in the air before continuing, "$100,000 upfront." A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. The farmer''s eyes widened further, shock clear in every line of his face. Adam''s words were both surprising and unexpected. But Adam was not finished. "And once the land is legally mine, I will pay you $600,000," he added firmly. The farmer''s reaction was immediate and intense. "WHAT?!" he shouted, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disbelief. In a sudden burst of emotion, his fist slammed against the table with a loud bang. "That''s ridiculous!" he roared. "That''s barely the full value of my land!" Despite the farmer''s outburst, Adam remained completely calm. He stared back at the older man with unshaken confidence, his expression cool and collected as if he were discussing a simple matter of business. "I''ve given you more than the standard market price," Adam stated firmly. His tone left no room for argument as he continued, "If you don''t believe me, feel free to check with any property dealer." The quiet challenge in his voice was clear; he was inviting the farmer to verify the offer with professionals. A slight smirk played on Adam''s lips as he added, "I guarantee that if any professional dealer says my offer is unfairly low, I will match your asking price." His words were firm, and his eyes held a daring glint that made it clear he was serious about his promise. For a moment, the farmer''s anger faltered. His mind raced as he recalled his earlier encounters¡ªespecially the memory of the property agent who had refused to buy the land. Could it be that Adam was telling the truth? Could a young man really make such a bold and generous offer? Slowly, the farmer''s expression hardened as he gathered his thoughts. "Fine," he said finally, crossing his arms as he steadied himself. "If my property agent says your price is too low, you''ll have to pay what I asked for." His words were measured now, tinged with a mix of resignation and a spark of hope that perhaps this unexpected deal might be his chance to escape his desperate situation. Adam nodded confidently, his eyes never leaving the farmer''s. In that nod, he communicated that he knew exactly what would happen next. He understood that no real estate agent would ever value a distant piece of land that highly. They would simply reject the offer as too low, and that was precisely what Adam was counting on. Because unlike other dealers who might see the land as a lost cause, Adam had a plan for that land. He had thought through the details, and he was ready to make the most of this unusual opportunity. With a curt nod, the farmer stood up and said, "Alright. Follow me." His voice was steadier now, and there was a hint of cautious optimism in his tone. Adam quickly got up and walked behind him, his mind already ten steps ahead. He knew exactly where they were headed. The farmer led Adam back to the same property agent he had met earlier¡ªthe one who had flatly refused to buy the land. After a short walk through a busy part of town, the two reached a two-story building with large glass windows that reflected the bright afternoon light. The building looked modern and well-kept, a place where serious business was done. The farmer walked inside with a slow determination, and Adam followed, maintaining a neutral expression on his face. As soon as they stepped into the building, a receptionist at the front desk greeted them. The moment her eyes fell on the farmer, her face twisted in irritation. "You again?" she said, her tone sharp and laced with annoyance. It was clear that she did not welcome the farmer''s presence. She reached quickly for the security buzzer, as if she were ready to call the guards at any moment. Before she could make a move, Adam stepped forward without hesitation. He placed a $500 bill on the desk, a smooth and deliberate gesture meant to diffuse the tension. "This is an urgent matter," he said in a calm, measured voice. "We would really appreciate your help." The receptionist''s eyes darted to the money. For a moment, she hesitated, caught between her duty and the unexpected generosity of the young man before her. Slowly, her expression softened. The sight of the cash and Adam''s unwavering confidence seemed to have convinced her to ease off on the immediate threat. The farmer, meanwhile, looked on in shock at Adam''s sudden move. He had not expected the young man to be so bold in front of the receptionist, and the quick change in the atmosphere was startling. Yet Adam maintained his usual calm smirk, his eyes glinting with a secret assurance that he was in control. The room fell into a brief silence as the receptionist finished processing the situation. The tension was palpable, but Adam''s confident manner had already begun to shift the mood. The farmer''s earlier anger had been replaced by a mix of wonder and uncertainty. In that moment, the negotiation had taken a new turn¡ªa turn that neither of them had seen coming. --- Chapter - 10: Final Deal The receptionist carefully picked up the stack of dollar bills that Adam had placed on her desk. Her eyes sparkled for a moment as she counted them quickly in her head. A charming smile spread across her face as she looked at Adam. "Of course, sir," she said sweetly. "I''ll take care of your request immediately." With a light step and a friendly nod, she left her desk and disappeared into the office. The office was where the agent in a black suit had thrown the farmer out earlier. Adam could hear the soft hum of footsteps behind the closed door as she went inside. A few moments later, she returned. Her smile was even warmer now as she gestured toward both Adam and the farmer. "You may go in now," she announced, her tone professional and kind. Adam and the farmer exchanged brief glances. There was a silent understanding between them for a moment before they stepped inside. The farmer, despite his earlier hostility and rough words, could not help but feel a growing sense of admiration. In his eyes, the young man clearly knew how to get things done¡ªhe was confident and smooth in his actions. "This kid¡­ he really knows what he is doing," the farmer thought quietly to himself. The office they entered was luxurious. A massive mahogany desk dominated the center of the room, polished to a high shine. Behind the desk sat the real estate agent, dressed in a sleek black suit that made him look both serious and powerful. His sharp eyes were fixed on the numerous maps spread out before him. Several blueprints of buildings and property plans were pinned neatly on the walls, showing upcoming projects and valuable investments. The moment the agent saw Adam and the farmer enter, his eyes narrowed in confusion. He looked as if he had not expected to see these two together at his office. "I don''t know what you told Aiya," he said in a brisk tone, referring to the receptionist. "But I don''t have time to waste. Say what you need to say¡ªquickly." His tone grew even firmer as he continued, "If it''s about that same land, I''ll tell you again¡ªno one is going to buy it." His words were sharp, and his gaze was unwavering, showing his deep skepticism about the property in question. Instead of begging or pleading as he might have done in the past, the farmer simply walked forward and sat down in one of the two empty chairs that the agent had left. Adam followed suit and took a seat beside him. The air in the room was thick with tension as the three of them settled in. Then, the farmer placed both of his hands on the table, leaned forward slightly, and asked in a serious tone, "What is my land''s actual market price?" The agent blinked in surprise. He had expected the farmer to come back in a state of pleading desperation, as he had many times before. Instead, the question caught him completely off guard. It was clear that the farmer was no longer the man who would simply accept a low offer without question. The only reason the agent had even allowed them in this time was because the receptionist had insisted that it was a serious matter. With a heavy sigh, the agent leaned back in his chair and replied in a measured tone, "Look, mister. Normally, your land should be worth millions, given its size." He paused, letting his words hang in the air, as if weighing the true value of the property. But then his voice turned blunt. Stolen novel; please report. "But the reality is¡­ it''s in the middle of nowhere." He did not mince words. "I don''t think anyone is going to buy it," he added, his tone leaving little room for argument. Before the farmer could respond, Adam spoke up, his voice cutting through the silence like a clear bell. "I''ve offered him $100,000 upfront and $600,000 after the deal is finalized." A heavy silence filled the room as Adam''s words echoed. The agent''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You¡­ what?" he managed to say, staring at Adam with pure astonishment. The agent''s mind raced, trying to understand why this young man would offer such an amount for a piece of land that everyone else had written off. For a moment, the entire room was in complete shock. The agent looked between Adam and the farmer, his face showing a mixture of confusion and growing respect. Then, in a calm and matter-of-fact tone, Adam added, "I''m only here to verify if my price is fair. I don''t have much time." His words were clear and direct. There was no hint of anger or uncertainty in his voice¡ªonly the steady confidence of someone who knew exactly what he was doing. The agent sat silent for a long moment, studying Adam carefully. Finally, he sighed and glanced at the farmer. "To be honest¡­ this is an amazing deal for you," he admitted, shaking his head slowly. "I''m actually shocked that he''s willing to pay this much. Given how far your land is, I''d say you''re incredibly lucky." The farmer''s expression began to change as the truth sank in. For the first time, he realized that his land might not be worth as much as he had always believed. He had hoped to push Adam for more money, clinging to old hopes and high expectations. But now, even the agent¡ªwho had seen many deals¡ªwas telling him that he was getting the best possible offer. Adam stood up slowly, the room quiet as all eyes turned toward him. His expression remained cool and calm, and his tone was firm as he spoke his final words. "My offer still stands," he said clearly. Then, turning toward the farmer, he continued, "But if you hesitate any longer, I''ll take my money elsewhere." The farmer tensed instantly. He could see that Adam had all the control in this deal. The young man''s calm and confident manner left no doubt in his mind that if Adam chose to walk away, the farmer might never get another offer like this. And the farmer needed money¡ªurgently. The weight of the decision pressed on him, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he weighed his options. With little time to spare and no chance to bargain further, the farmer finally looked Adam in the eye and nodded slowly. It was clear that he understood the gravity of the situation. Just as Adam reached the door, preparing to leave, a sudden exclamation stopped him. "Wait!" The agent, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly stood up and hurried after Adam. His earlier tone of dismissal was gone, replaced by a sense of urgency. Adam raised an eyebrow in mild surprise at this unexpected development. The agent quickly extended a business card toward Adam. The card was crisp and printed neatly with bold letters. "My name is Leviathan," the agent said in a respectful tone. "If you ever need to buy land again, please¡ªconsider contacting me." Adam accepted the card with a slight smirk, his eyes reflecting both amusement and cautious interest. "I''ll keep you in mind, Leviathan," he replied smoothly. The brief exchange left an impression on both men. It was clear that the agent, despite his earlier doubts, had come to respect Adam''s boldness and capability. The farmer, who had been watching the entire exchange, finally admitted defeat. His pride was wounded, but he also recognized that arguing any further was pointless. If even a high-end real estate agent like Leviathan respected Adam, then there was no room left for doubt. With a resigned sigh, the farmer stood up slowly. He extended his hand toward Adam and said in a low, sincere voice, "Fine. I''ll accept your offer." The words were simple, yet they carried the weight of his hard choices. "Come with me. Let''s finalize the deal. I need the money¡ªas soon as possible," he added, his tone urgent now, reflecting the desperate need that had driven him to this point. Adam took a slow, deep breath. Although his face remained calm and composed, inside he felt his plan coming together perfectly. His eyes held a spark of satisfaction as he shook the farmer''s hand firmly. "Good choice," Adam said quietly, a slight smile playing on his lips as he spoke. With that, the two of them walked out of the office together, leaving behind the polished luxury of the agent''s space. Outside, the busy city hummed with life, unaware of the significant deal that had just been sealed in one of its many quiet corners. Chapter - 11: The Property Deal is Finalized The day had finally come when everything was set in motion. In a quiet room at the Property Transaction Office, the farmer signed over his land. With a firm stamp of his hand, he officially transferred the property to Adam''s name. It was a moment filled with both relief and sorrow. For the farmer, letting go of the land meant giving up a piece of his life and his heritage, but it was a step he had to take in his desperate situation. As part of the agreement, Adam reached into his cash reserve. Out of his total of $105,000, he handed over exactly $100,000 to the farmer. This initial sum was crucial¡ªit marked the beginning of the deal. The remaining $500,000 was agreed to be paid once the full transfer process was completed over the next few days. The payment schedule was clear, and both parties knew that government verification was needed to legally record the change of ownership. After receiving the money, the farmer handed Adam a certificate¡ªa neat document printed on high-quality paper. It confirmed that the first stage of the deal was complete. The certificate was more than just paper; it was a symbol of a new start, a promise that in five days the land would officially be Adam''s. With a mix of relief and a lingering sadness, the farmer extended his hand and shook Adam''s with genuine respect. "It was a pleasure doing business with you," the farmer said softly, his tone carrying the weight of years spent on that land and the sacrifice it now entailed. Adam gave him a slight smile in return. "Remember, five days from now, we need to meet at the Property Transaction Office to finalize everything." His voice was calm and matter-of-fact. The farmer nodded slowly. His eyes revealed his relief as well as his lingering anxiety about the future. "Don''t worry. I''ll keep my word. See you in five days," he replied. With that, the farmer took his money and walked away, disappearing into the busy crowd outside. Adam remained behind for a moment, standing in the transaction office with the certificate in hand. He looked at the document, feeling the significance of what had just occurred. Stepping out of the office, Adam clutched the certificate tightly. He glanced down at the fine print on the document, noting the precise location of his newly purchased land. A grin slowly spread across his face. "So this is mine now¡­" he murmured under his breath. The realization was almost surreal. This piece of land was not just soil and trees¡ªit was the foundation of his future. A surge of excitement ran through him. This was not just any land; it was his first step toward building an empire. The thoughts of what he could achieve with this property filled him with a bold sense of ambition. "Now¡­ I can start building my business empire," he thought, his mind racing with possibilities. Ideas of future developments, businesses, and new opportunities swirled around him. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. With careful deliberation, he placed the certificate in his inventory, ensuring that it was safe and accessible for when he needed to refer to it. Then, with his heart pounding in anticipation of what was to come, he turned and began walking down the road, lost in his own thoughts about his future plans. Every step felt like a move toward a bigger, brighter tomorrow. As Adam walked along the busy sidewalk, his mind still focused on the exciting prospects ahead, a sleek, high-end convertible suddenly pulled up beside him. The car, with its shiny metallic finish and no roof, drew the attention of passersby. Inside, four guys were seated. The driver was a blonde-haired boy dressed in stylish, expensive clothes that looked far too luxurious for someone his age. Next to him sat a dark-haired guy whose cold eyes were fixed on Adam with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. In the backseat, three more men sat. They appeared relaxed, yet their eyes were sharp and observant. They stared at Adam for a long moment before exchanging mischievous grins¡ªthe kind of grins that signaled trouble was about to unfold. For a while, they simply watched him, their expressions unreadable. Adam, however, was too deep in thought about his future to notice the growing tension around him. He was busy imagining the grand possibilities his new property could bring and how it would be the cornerstone of his expanding empire. That is, until a loud, mocking voice suddenly shattered his thoughts: "Yo, loser!" The unexpected outburst snapped Adam back to reality, and his heart skipped a beat. The voice was loud and full of scorn, and it cut through the bustling sounds of the street. At that very moment, as the mocking voice rang out, Adam''s mind immediately recognized the sound. A cold wave of dread washed over him. Slowly, he turned his head in the direction of the voice. There, standing by the convertible, was a familiar figure. The car, with its bold presence, now seemed to hold a darker meaning. Sitting behind the wheel was John¡ªAdam''s greatest enemy. John had bright blonde hair and wore luxurious, casual clothes that screamed wealth and arrogance. His eyes burned with pure hatred as he stared at Adam, his expression twisted by anger. Without any hesitation, John pushed open the car door and jumped out. His four friends followed suit almost immediately, surrounding Adam from all sides. The sudden circle of hostile men left Adam feeling trapped, his mind racing with thoughts of escape. John walked up behind him and, with a cruel smile, placed a firm hand on Adam''s shoulder. Then, in a low, mocking whisper meant only for him, John spoke directly into Adam''s ear, "I told you to stay out of my sight, didn''t I? Looks like you just can''t listen." Before Adam could even begin to react or defend himself, John''s hand shot forward and clamped tightly over Adam''s mouth, silencing him. In that instant, panic surged through Adam''s body. Two of John''s friends grabbed his arms, holding him in place. He struggled, but they were too strong, and his efforts were futile. Adam''s feet scraped harshly against the pavement as they dragged him toward the car. One of John''s friends swung open the backseat door with a force that left no chance for resistance. Adam kicked out desperately, trying to free himself, but his struggles only made things worse. They shoved him inside the car, pinning him against the seat with rough, unyielding hands. Just as John released his grip from Adam''s mouth, another of the men quickly covered it, ensuring no cry for help could escape. With a satisfied smirk, John hopped into the driver''s seat, and his friends quickly closed the doors behind them. Within seconds, the convertible sped off down the street, leaving Adam trapped and alone in the backseat. His heart pounded furiously in his chest as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. Outside, people on the busy street had witnessed the ambush, yet no one had stepped in to help. Faces turned away, and bystanders simply looked away, as if this was not their problem. Trapped in the backseat with no means of escape, Adam''s mind raced with a million questions. "Does John already know what I''m planning?" he wondered desperately as the car lurched forward into the unknown. Chapter - 12: A Test of Survival The cold, empty factory reeked of rust and neglect. The long-abandoned building was filled with echoes of a past life, and every surface told a story of decay. Adam was dragged inside by a group of men whose cruel laughter filled the large, shadowy space. As his body hit the hard concrete floor with a dull thud, a sharp pain shot through him. He lay there for a moment, stunned by the sudden, brutal turn his life had taken. His breath came in short, ragged gasps as he realized just how deep into danger he had fallen. His mind raced with fear. He knew he needed to find a way out¡ªand fast. If he didn''t escape soon, his entire future would be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, in the dim light of the factory, John''s friends rifled through Adam''s bag with cruel delight. Their eyes sparkled with mischief as they casually tossed aside Adam''s belongings. Within moments, their laughter grew louder when they found only a single $100 bill hidden among the items. One of them, unable to hide his contempt, scoffed and waved the bill in the air as if it were a pathetic trinket. "That''s it?" he jeered, his voice echoing off the metal walls. Even John, who usually kept his words few and harsh, chuckled darkly at the sight. The sound of laughter filled the cold space, making the atmosphere even more oppressive. Their cruel amusement stung Adam''s pride, but as he watched them, a plan began to form in his mind. In that moment of vulnerability, he realized that he needed to convince them he was even weaker than they thought¡ªa feeble target, so fragile that they might lose interest if they believed he was not worth the trouble. Acting quickly, Adam forced himself to his feet and stumbled toward John. His voice was shaky and desperate as he pleaded, "Please¡­ give that back! I haven''t eaten since yesterday! I''ll go hungry tonight without it!" His words dripped with feigned desperation, each syllable carefully chosen to pity himself. John''s face twisted in amusement at the sight of Adam''s act. His eyes danced with cruel delight. Without a moment''s hesitation, John lifted his leg and delivered a brutal kick straight to Adam''s face. The force sent Adam sprawling back onto the cold, hard floor, and more laughter erupted from the gang as they reveled in his suffering. The sound of mocking cackles bounced off the factory walls, amplifying Adam''s humiliation. Despite the searing pain, Adam clenched his fists and fought to suppress his true feelings. Deep down, he knew his plan depended on convincing them that he was utterly helpless. If they decided to kill him now, his carefully laid plans for the future would be shattered forever. With his heart pounding, he forced his body to act as if he were completely defeated. His eyes burned with a mix of anger, and he silently repeated to himself, ''I have to make them believe I''m completely helpless. If they decide to kill me now, my entire plan will fall apart.'' Just then, one of John''s friends broke through the mocking laughter. "John, when you said you''d make his life hell, I had my doubts. But looking at him now, I have to admit¡ªyou really pulled it off. This is even better than I imagined!" His words were loud enough for everyone to hear, and the praise made John''s chest swell with pride. In that moment, tormenting Adam seemed like a grand achievement, something that confirmed his own power. Taking advantage of the chaos, Adam decided it was time to push his act further. With a shaky breath, he let out a pitiful sob. His voice trembled as he curled up on the cold, concrete floor, his body trembling as he pretended to break down completely. He clutched his face in a manner that made his vulnerability obvious. "Please¡­ I really have nothing left. If you take that money, I''ll starve on the streets," he pleaded, his tone laden with sorrow and desperation. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. For a moment, the air seemed to still. John and his friends exchanged glances, as if considering the sincerity of Adam''s act. Then, instead of showing any sympathy, they burst into even louder, more mocking laughter. Their cruelty filled the space, leaving Adam feeling even more isolated. "Here," John sneered as he stepped closer to Adam. He dangled the single $100 bill in front of Adam''s face like a taunting prize. "You want your precious money?" His voice was full of scorn, each word dripping with contempt. Adam''s heart pounded wildly. In his mind, he repeated, ''Yes¡­ just a little more.'' He weakly lifted his hand, his eyes fixed on the dangling bill, trying to appear as desperate as possible. Every movement was slow and labored, designed to convince his tormentors that he was nothing but a broken, pathetic man. But before his trembling fingers could reach the money, one of John''s friends struck again. A harsh kick landed directly into Adam''s stomach, and his body jerked violently from the impact. The pain exploded in his gut, causing him to gasp involuntarily. This time, the agony was real, and the forced sob that escaped his lips was unfiltered and raw. Despite the unbearable pain, Adam''s mind stayed focused on his plan. ''Just endure it¡­ just a little longer¡­'' he thought, forcing himself to cling to the hope that this act of feigned weakness might buy him time. John crouched down beside him, pressing his heavy boot against Adam''s chest to keep him pinned to the cold floor. Slowly and deliberately, John twirled the $100 bill between his fingers, his eyes never leaving Adam''s pained face. Then, with a sudden and shocking act, John tore the bill into four pieces and flung the shredded pieces onto Adam''s face. "Listen, worm," John said in a voice thick with cruelty. "I was planning to kill you today, but my father told me not to. Lucky you." His grin widened as he continued, "But don''t think this is over. This is just the beginning." With those ominous words, John delivered another vicious kick to Adam''s ribs. Adam instinctively curled up, his arms wrapping around himself as he tried to shield his tender body from the blows that followed. One kick after another landed with relentless precision. The pain was almost too much to bear, but Adam bit his lip and forced himself to stay conscious. Amid the brutal assault, his mind churned with one clear thought: ''I have to survive''. John''s anger seemed to swell further with each strike. His face was twisted in fury, and his eyes burned with a dangerous intensity. Just as he was about to launch yet another kick, one of his friends grabbed John''s arm, pulling him back. "John, don''t forget what your dad said," the friend reminded him with a mocking tone. "If this guy starves and dies like a beggar on the street, that''d be way more entertaining, right?" John exhaled sharply, his anger momentarily tempered by the reminder. With a final, forceful kick, he signaled that the torment was over for now. "Yeah, you''re right. Let''s leave this piece of trash here." His voice was cold, and as the group began to gather their things and prepare to leave, John glanced back one last time. His eyes gleamed with malice as he taunted, "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure to check on you every week. Wouldn''t want you dying too soon." And with that, the gang left the factory. Their laughter echoed down the empty hallways and out, as they disappeared from sight, leaving Adam alone in the cold floor. Adam lay on the hard floor, barely breathing. His body ached from the relentless beating, and blood dripped slowly from his split lip and bruised face. Despite the agony and humiliation, a small, defiant smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth as he looked up at the cold, gray ceiling. ''They think I''m weak''. He thought, and in that thought, he found a glimmer of hope. ''Good. They have no idea what''s coming next''. Every ounce of pain, every cruel kick, and every mocking laugh would only fuel his determination. In that moment of suffering, deep within his battered heart, Adam resolved that he would not let these bullies crush his spirit. He knew that if he could just endure this trial, his plan for a greater future would still have a chance to come to fruition. He pressed his trembling hand to his chest, feeling his pulse quicken, and slowly began to gather his strength. Even though his body screamed in agony, his mind was sharp and calculating. Every insult, every act of brutality was noted in his memory as a reminder of the obstacles he must overcome. He forced himself to take slow, deep breaths, even as the pain pulsed through his body. The harsh reality of his situation only strengthened his resolve. With every heartbeat, he silently promised himself that he would not be broken by this attack. He was far too determined to see his plans crumble. The empire he envisioned, the future he had dreamed of¡ªit all depended on him surviving this brutal test. As he lay there, his face still smeared with the torn pieces of the $100 bill and streaked with blood, a part of him felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. In his mind, he repeated, ''They think I''m weak. And that is exactly what I want them to believe.'' For now, if they underestimate him, they will be caught off guard when he rises again. chapter - 13: The Spark That Started It All The heavy silence of the abandoned factory pressed down on Adam as he slowly pushed himself up from the cold, dirty floor. Every movement sent sharp reminders of the brutal beating he had suffered. His body ached in every muscle, and his ribs throbbed with pain as he took shallow, ragged breaths. With great effort, he forced himself to sit up, his eyes blinking away tears of pain and anger. Clutching his aching stomach, Adam staggered toward the exit. Each step was a battle, and waves of agony shot through him, yet he knew he had to keep moving. The factory''s darkness was filled with echoes of his struggle, and he felt the weight of his situation in every heartbeat. As he reached the doorway, memories of John''s cruel words flooded his mind. John''s mocking voice seemed to echo in the emptiness of the building: "You really thought you were something, huh? Just because Sophia spoke to you a few times?" The memory of that voice was like a burning brand in his thoughts. Adam''s fingers curled into fists, and his nails dug into his palms as if trying to erase the pain of those words. The very name "Sophia" stirred up a storm inside him¡ªa storm of memories and emotions that dragged him back to a time when life had a different meaning. Adam wasn''t from the city. He had grown up in a small rural village where life was simple, but opportunities were scarce. His parents were hardworking, toiling every day in the fields and around their modest home. They had no wealth and little influence, but they had an unbreakable determination and a steadfast belief in their son''s potential. Their dreams for him were simple yet powerful: they wanted Adam to have a better life than they ever could. They sacrificed much to send him to the city, pooling together every bit of money they could spare to fund his education. And Adam¡ªhe had never taken their sacrifices for granted. He studied relentlessly, pushing himself far beyond his limits. Late nights under dim lights and early mornings spent preparing for his classes became the norm. His efforts paid off when he secured admission into UA University, one of the top institutions in the city. Even there, surrounded by students from wealthy families and powerful backgrounds, Adam held his ground. His grades were exceptional, and his performance was flawless. It was during these challenging times that someone very important took notice of him. Her name was Sophia. At first, Sophia had been just another face in the crowded halls of the university. But unlike many others, she looked beyond Adam''s humble background and recognized something more. She saw his tireless work ethic, his raw intelligence, and his burning desire to succeed. Slowly, her attention grew, and with it came admiration. Sophia was not only beautiful and smart, but she also came from a family with enormous influence. To everyone around, she seemed untouchable¡ªa shining star in a world of privilege. Back then, Adam''s heart had been filled with hope. When Sophia started to show interest in him, even if only in small ways, he felt a warmth he had never known. He believed that maybe, just maybe, he could rise above his circumstances. Yet, as time passed, he began to see that her admiration was born of love. In the end, Sophia remained a symbol of a world that Adam could only dream of¡ªa world filled with wealth and power, one that was never meant for him. Her father, a powerful steel tycoon, had even arranged for her to marry someone else¡ªa man who shared the same lofty background as her. And worst of all, Sophia was also childhood friends with John, the man who now tormented Adam. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. John had everything, and Adam was left with nothing but painful memories and shattered dreams. The young man had once believed in the possibility of love and success, but as the years went by, his hope turned to bitterness. In previous Life¡ªthe day he had met Sophia one last time¡ªhad shattered every illusion he had about their connection. To her, Adam was merely an inspiration, a reminder of someone who dared to try, but never someone who truly mattered. By the time Adam understood this bitter truth, it was already too late. John had claimed Sophia''s affection long ago, and the consequences were devastating. Now, as Adam limped through the empty, echoing streets outside the factory, the weight of these memories settled deep within his chest. He exhaled sharply, a bitter smile playing at the corners of his lips as he recalled his past foolishness. ''I was such an idiot,'' he thought silently. He had wasted so much time chasing after something that was never meant to be his. He had sacrificed his career, his future, and even parts of his soul for a woman who was never truly his. The realization was a heavy burden on his heart. But this time¡­ This time, things would be different. Adam stopped in his tracks near the doorway and looked up at the clear, blue sky. The sun shone brightly, casting its midday light on him, as if to mark the beginning of a new day. With his face set in determined resolve, he clenched his fist tightly and whispered to himself, "Not this time. This time, I won''t give up so easily." The cold pain in his ribs and the fresh bruises that burned on his skin served as reminders of his suffering, but they also fueled his desire for revenge. He vowed silently that those who had humiliated him¡ªthose who had torn apart his life and crushed his spirit¡ªwould one day pay for their cruelty. He bent down, touched the raw, aching flesh near his stomach, and with a mix of agony and determination, he whispered, "And I''ll make them suffer¡­ ten times over." With that resolve, Adam forced himself to stand. Every step was a battle against the pain, but he moved forward, driven by a newfound fire. Each shaky step took him closer to a future he was determined to build¡ªa future where he would no longer be a victim. After what felt like an eternity of struggling against the pain, Adam''s steps eventually became steadier. The constant ache in his body was still there, a reminder of his recent abuse, but the worst of the shock was slowly fading. His mind, however, remained as sharp as ever. The cruel words and vicious blows from John and his gang kept replaying in his head. One memory in particular cut deeper than the rest: "My father told me not to kill you. Not yet." Those words rang in his ears, and Adam knew that they carried a dreadful deadline. It was as if his life now hung in a delicate balance, with a ticking clock that would soon run out. ''That meant he had a deadline''. The mayoral elections were only a few days away, and Adam understood that John''s father would not make any rash moves until after the election. But once the elections were over and power shifted, Adam''s life would become even more dangerous. The thought made his pulse quicken. "I don''t have much time," he reminded himself silently. Survival now depended on quick thinking and immediate action. With renewed determination, Adam picked up his pace. Every step he took was driven by the desperate need to escape and regroup. His mind raced through plans and possibilities as he made his way to Eric''s house¡ªa safe haven from the chaos of the city and a place where he could hide and recover. The moment Eric saw Adam approaching, his eyes widened in shock and concern. "Damn, Adam! What the hell happened to you? I thought you went out to find a job, not to get beaten up! I warned you, didn''t I? I told you not to mess with John!" Eric''s voice was full of worry, and his tone conveyed the deep concern of a true friend. Despite the throbbing pain that still radiated from his body, Adam managed a weak chuckle. "Relax. I''m fine," he replied, his words betraying a hint of forced nonchalance. Yet, Eric could see the bruises, the cuts, and the exhaustion written all over his friend''s face. "Fine? You look like you just crawled out of a battlefield!" Eric exclaimed, frowning as he stepped closer, his eyes scanning Adam''s battered form. Shaking his head, Adam muttered something inaudible and then continued on his way. After a brief moment spent freshening up and changing into clean clothes¡ªactions done with trembling hands and pained movements¡ªhe headed toward the door. At the entrance, Eric couldn''t help but ask, "Wait, you just got here. Where are you going now?" Adam paused for a moment, turning back with a small, enigmatic smile that did little to ease the worry on Eric''s face. "Don''t worry. Everything''s fine. In fact¡­ it''s better than ever," he said, his voice soft but resolute. With that, Adam walked away, leaving Eric standing there, confused and deeply concerned. Despite the bruises and the lingering pain from the brutal ambush, a spark of excitement now lit within Adam. His past was filled with regret and humiliation, but this moment¡ªthough wrought with suffering¡ªbirthed a new fire. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt the thrill of change. Chapter - 14: A New Beginning Adam stepped off the bus and paused for a moment as the midday sun beat down on him. The harsh light revealed a vast, open landscape stretching before him¡ªendless fields that looked both inviting and desolate. The road leading into the farmland was quiet and empty, with only the occasional distant vehicle passing by. The silence was eerie, as if the world around him had slowed down to a standstill. He took a deep, steadying breath and looked around. Large stretches of farmland lay in every direction. Some areas were lush and green, where healthy crops swayed gently in the breeze. Other patches were barren, the soil dry and cracked, showing that the land had known hard times. Adam''s eyes moved slowly over the landscape, taking in every detail. In his hand, he clutched a certificate. It was freshly obtained that very morning from the Property Transaction Department. The document confirmed that he was now the owner of a piece of land¡ªa modest parcel that lay right by the road. He glanced down at the certificate and muttered softly, "So, this is it¡­ my land is right by the road." His voice was quiet but full of meaning, as he accepted the reality of his new beginning. Turning to his right, Adam saw a vast, open field that stretched as far as the eye could see. The field was covered with patches of green grass that glistened in the sunlight. Because the road was slightly elevated above the field, he had to step down carefully to reach it. As he walked farther into the field, he noted the few vehicles that passed by¡ªa sign that this place was very isolated. The very isolation of the land gave him hope. He knew that secrecy was the key; the further away from prying eyes he was, the better it would be for his plans. A slow smile spread across Adam''s face. ''Perfect,'' he thought to himself. The land was remote, untouched, and free from unwanted attention. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small tube¡ªa transparent container that held a thick, black liquid. Holding it up against the bright sunlight, he swirled the liquid inside so that it caught the light. A low murmur of satisfaction escaped him as he whispered, "So, this is Black Gold." He knew that the liquid was crude oil, a valuable resource that could change the course of his future. Earlier that day, he had acquired a sample of crude oil by bribing a factory worker with a thousand dollars. It was not refined, and it was raw in its nature, but it held immense potential. For Adam, this sample was the first step toward something greater. Standing alone in the field, Adam felt the warm sun on his face and the cool breeze in the air. He was both nervous and excited. Carefully, he uncapped the small tube and poured a small amount of the oil onto his palm. The thick liquid glistened as it spread across his skin, dark and heavy. He closed his eyes and whispered, "Copy." Almost as if on cue, the corner of his vision flickered, and a faint blue dot appeared. In a flash, a system window materialized before him, its message clear and precise: > Congratulations, Host! > You have successfully copied 1 cubic meter of crude oil. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. A smirk formed on Adam''s lips as he realized that his special ability was working exactly as planned. This power, which allowed him to copy objects and store them in his inventory, was the very tool that would help him change his life. Without a moment''s hesitation, he threw the remaining oil onto the ground in a controlled motion. He then quickly wiped his hands clean and crouched down beside the freshly oiled patch of earth. He placed his palm gently against the soil and whispered once more, "Please, let this work..." With eyes closed and concentration deep, he willed his command into existence. Then, in a low, determined voice, he said, "Paste Crude Oil." Another blue window flashed before him. This time, the window displayed a prompt asking: > Would you like to paste the copied object into an external area? > Please specify the width, depth, and height for placement. Adam''s eyes widened in shock. He had not expected such a detailed prompt. Yet, excitement surged through him as he realized the power he now wielded. "It worked!" he thought with a burst of exhilaration. Keeping his hand on the ground, he focused on the blank fields shown in the system window. As if his mind were directly connected to the system, values began to fill in automatically for the dimensions of the area he wanted to fill with oil. In a matter of seconds, the window disappeared, replaced by a new notification: > Congratulations, Host! > You have successfully pasted crude oil into the external area. At that exact moment, another window popped up¡ªa map of the very land Adam was standing on. His eyes quickly shifted from the map to the ground beneath his feet. There, on the map, a red dot pulsed steadily at his location. Underneath the surface, new oil deposits began to appear on the map. Adam''s heart pounded as he stared at the screen. A wide grin spread across his face as he whispered excitedly, "I did it... I just created an underground oil reserve!" The realization that he had not only copied oil but also managed to place it into the ground in a controlled manner was overwhelming. This new oil reserve was a game changer¡ªan untapped resource that could eventually become the foundation of his wealth. --- Adam stepped back from the spot where he had just pasted the oil and stared at the land beneath his feet. The open field, the quiet isolation, and the map now glowing with red oil deposits all filled him with a fierce sense of possibility. His mind raced as he considered what lay ahead. "Now, all I need to do is finalize the land ownership¡­ then, my grand plan can begin." he thought aloud. In that moment, he envisioned a future where this piece of land would be the cornerstone of his growing empire¡ªa place where he could harness the value of oil to build his business and change the very fabric of the economy around him. He took another look at the certificate in his hand, feeling its weight as both a legal document and a symbol of his new beginning. The country he lived in was called "Fieland." It was a small nation, not large by any means, and it was not rich in natural resources. Instead, Field depended heavily on importing crude oil from foreign powers. This reliance made the nation vulnerable¡ªits economy and inflation were tied directly to the fluctuating prices of oil set by powerful oil-exporting corporations. In Field, the oil giants ruled with an iron fist. They set the prices, controlled the supply, and decided the fortunes of entire industries. The common people suffered when prices soared, and only the rich and powerful managed to thrive. But Adam had seen something that others had not. He had seen the future. He knew which technologies would rise, which industries would boom, and which would collapse under the weight of greed and mismanagement. For now, the world of Fieland was still running on crude oil. Countries, businesses, and even entire empires still depended on it. And now, Adam had placed himself at the very center of this essential resource. A slow, satisfied grin crept across his face as he whispered to himself, "The future belongs to those who take control of it¡­ and I intend to take everything." In that quiet, isolated field, with the sun high above and the freshly minted oil reserve hidden beneath the soil, Adam''s mind raced with dreams of empire. His thoughts were filled with plans for large-scale operations, for using the oil to build power plants, refineries, and even new businesses that could change the economic landscape of Field. He imagined a future where he would no longer be at the mercy of foreign oil giants, but the one who controlled the flow of energy and wealth. The land before him was not just a piece of property¡ªit was a blank canvas upon which he would paint his destiny. With a deep breath, Adam carefully stored the certificate in his secure inventory. He then turned, his eyes shining with determination as he began walking down the long, dusty road. Each step echoed with the promise of a new beginning and the hope that everything was finally going to change. Chapter - 15: The Key to the Future Five days had passed quickly since Adam finalized the purchase of his land. In that short time, he had made some difficult decisions. He moved out of his friend Eric''s house¡ªa place that had once offered him comfort and a sense of belonging¡ªand found a small apartment on the outskirts of the city. The new place was far from the busy center, nestled in a quiet, remote corner where few people came and went. Although the apartment was modest and provided him with a safe haven away from prying eyes, the rent was outrageously high. But Adam didn''t care. He believed that the cost was a small price to pay for the privacy and security that he so desperately needed. The apartment was part of a two-story building, and Adam lived on the second floor. Since he did not own many belongings, the move had been hassle-free. All his possessions were few and easily packed, leaving him with a light load as he began this new chapter of his life. More importantly, living outside the busy city center allowed him to stay hidden from potential enemies and curious onlookers. His new home was not meant to be a place of comfort but a temporary shelter¡ªa secure spot from which he could plan his next moves without drawing unwanted attention. One bright morning, Adam stepped out of his apartment and slowly made his way down the narrow, creaking stairs. The cool air outside felt refreshing, and as he reached the street, he noticed the familiar scene of the building''s ground floor. An old man, the landlord, sat outside his small shop. The landlord''s face was weathered and lined with years of hard work. He briefly glanced at Adam, his eyes measuring him in a silent greeting, and then quickly turned his attention back to scanning the area for potential customers. The old man''s routine was simple: watch, wait, and serve. Adam, however, paid no attention to the landlord''s casual glance. With a determined stride, he continued walking down the quiet street, his mind already focused on the tasks ahead. He was building something new¡ªa future that depended on secrecy, careful planning, and the resources he was slowly gathering. Over the past few days, Adam had been busy selling gold in various small shops. He carefully spread his transactions across different locations, making sure that no one could connect the dots and raise suspicion. This careful planning helped him accumulate around one million dollars in cash¡ªa sum that was critical for his next steps. Each sale had been calculated to avoid drawing attention, and by keeping his business low-key, he managed to stay one step ahead of those who might have wished to see him fail. However, Adam knew that his target was far greater than one million dollars. Just a few days earlier, one of the shopkeepers had warned him that rumors were starting to spread. The rumor was about a mysterious man who was supplying large amounts of gold. The shopkeeper''s tone had been both cautionary and curious, and it was clear that if Adam continued at this pace, he might soon attract dangerous attention. The idea of being discovered by rivals or the authorities sent a chill down Adam''s spine. He understood the gravity of the situation: ''if he was not careful, everything he had built would crumble, and his enemies might close in''. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. With this realization, Adam decided to lie low. He chose an apartment in a remote corner of the city, away from the hustle and bustle and the prying eyes of potential adversaries. For now, he had all the cash he needed for a crucial purpose: finalizing his land ownership. The money was not only a means to an end; it was a symbol of the progress he had made. One morning, as Adam waited at a bus stop near his new apartment, he glanced at his watch. "10:00 AM," he muttered under his breath. In just thirty minutes, he had an important meeting at the Property Department¡ªa meeting that would mark the next significant step in his grand plan. Today was the day when his most important plan would finally begin, and every second counted. Later that day, Adam arrived at the Property Department. He walked slowly toward the entrance, his steps measured and deliberate as he steeled himself for the meeting. The building was modest but well-maintained, its entrance guarded by a few security cameras and a polite receptionist. As he reached the gate, Adam''s eyes caught sight of a man waiting for him. The man was none other than Kis, the landowner who had once been skeptical about the value of the property. Adam was slightly surprised to see Kis waiting so early. He approached him with a curious smile and said, "I didn''t expect you to be here so soon." Kis returned the smile, though his eyes held a hint of irony. "I ran a thorough background check on my land. Turns out, it''s actually worthless. I still don''t understand what you see in it, but if you''re willing to pay such a high price¡­ I won''t refuse." Adam''s smirk deepened as he replied coolly, "Let''s finish our business then." Kis nodded, and with a curious look, he asked, "You brought the full amount, right?" Adam patted his bag confidently and answered, "Of course." Without wasting another moment, the two of them entered the department. They moved quickly through the corridors to a small office where the necessary paperwork was waiting. The air was filled with the rustle of papers and the quiet hum of bureaucratic machinery¡ªa far cry from the chaos of the city outside. After completing the paperwork, Adam and Kis stepped out of the building. It was done. The land was now officially under Adam''s name. The sense of accomplishment was palpable as Kis turned to Adam and offered a polite nod, "Congratulations. From now on, you''re the rightful owner of that land." Adam smiled as he watched Kis walk away. He reached into his bag and pulled out the freshly stamped ownership papers, his fingers tightening around them as if to etch the moment into his memory. "This¡­ this is the key to the future I''ve been waiting for," he thought quietly, his heart pounding with excitement and determination. Without another word, Adam tucked the papers away securely and left the Property Department. As he walked out, his mind was already calculating the next steps in his grand plan. The land, now legally his, was the starting point for everything he had dreamed of¡ªan empire built from the ground up, fueled by the power of control and the promise of a new future. The country Adam lived in was called Fieland¡ªa modest nation with limited natural resources. Unlike modern Earth, Field was a world that still clung to the technology of the past, resembling the 2008 era more than the present day. The nation was small, its economy fragile, and it relied heavily on importing crude oil from foreign powers. This dependency made Field vulnerable. Oil prices, set by powerful oil-exporting corporations, controlled the nation''s fate. The oil giants ruled with an iron grip. They dictated prices, controlled supplies, and determined the rise and fall of entire industries. The power dynamics were harsh, and only a few thrived while most suffered. Adam, however, had a plan¡ªa vision of the future that went beyond the current limitations. He knew which technologies would rise and which industries would collapse. For now, the world still depended on crude oil, and that dependency was a weakness he intended to exploit. Chapter - 16: The Path to Oil Empire Sitting inside the bus, Adam stared out of the window, his mind racing with thoughts. The world outside blurred into a stream of colors and shapes, but inside his head, every detail was clear. He replayed his plan over and over. "I need to inform the refinery about my oil reserves. If they agree to buy it, I''ll have a direct buyer in my own country¡ªFieland." Excitement surged through him like electricity. This was the very first step toward establishing his empire. Every idea, every plan he had spent countless hours formulating, was coming together. His heart pounded with anticipation as he thought of what was to come. Adam''s destination was a major refinery company located in another city. This refinery was famous for processing crude oil, turning it into valuable products that powered industries and vehicles alike. If things went well, this refinery could become his very first official client. The thought of having a direct buyer in Fieland, a country that depended on oil imports, made him smile. "Soon, I''ll have a refinery just as big as this one," he thought to himself. When the bus finally reached its stop, Adam stepped off into a world that felt both foreign and filled with promise. Before him stood a massive industrial complex that marked the heart of the refinery. Towering black cylindrical tanks loomed over the area, each one a giant sentinel guarding the wealth of crude oil stored within. Interconnecting pipelines wove through the complex like a giant spider''s web, carrying oil from one section to another. The air was thick with the smell of oil and industry¡ªa heavy, metallic scent that spoke of power and money. Adam''s lips curled into a confident smile as he took in the scene. Every detail of the refinery whispered success and potential. The enormity of the complex, the intricate network of pipelines, and the rhythmic hum of machines filled him with a sense of destiny. "This is it," he murmured silently. He took a deep breath and stepped forward with purpose. At the main gate of the refinery, a large security post awaited him. A stern-looking security guard stood in front of the gate, his eyes scanning the area carefully. The guard immediately blocked Adam''s path, his expression serious and unyielding. Adam merely chuckled softly to himself. "Good thing I already figured out how to deal with situations like this," he thought. Calmly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a crisp thousand-dollar bill. Without hesitation, he handed it to the guard. The change in the guard''s attitude was immediate. His eyes softened as he took the money discreetly, and his posture relaxed. In a suddenly polite tone, the guard asked, "Sir, what kind of business do you have here?" Adam met the guard''s gaze steadily. His tone was calm and firm as he replied, You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. "I need to speak with your boss." At this, the security guard''s expression stiffened. Surprise and nervousness flashed across his face. He looked as if he was weighing his options carefully. "Sir, I can''t just let you in like that," the guard said, his voice edged with caution. Adam sighed slightly, understanding the guard''s predicament. He then pulled out another thousand-dollar bill from his pocket and handed it over without breaking eye contact. "Now, can I meet him?" he asked. The guard hesitated for a moment, visibly conflicted as he glanced at the extra money. The temptation of the cash softened his stance, and after a brief pause, he lowered his voice. "Sir, my advice? If you have a serious proposal, go ahead. But if you''re wasting his time, my job will be on the line too." Adam''s smirk grew a little wider as he replied confidently, "Don''t worry. Your boss won''t be disappointed." The guard seemed to relax at Adam''s assurance. Nodding, he said, "Wait here, sir. I''ll make a call." Stepping into a small security booth nearby, the guard picked up a landline phone and dialed a number. Adam watched from a short distance, his eyes fixed on the guard''s every movement. Although he couldn''t hear the details of the conversation, he knew that the guard''s tone had shifted as he spoke with someone higher up. After about a minute, the guard returned. He gave Adam a brief nod and said, "Alright, sir. I''ll let you in. But don''t cause trouble." Adam acknowledged with a slight nod and walked confidently through the gates. As he stepped into the heart of the refinery, a sense of controlled determination filled him. He knew that this was only the first step in his grand plan. Fieland had only one major oil refinery capable of processing crude oil¡ªand this was it: the Green Refinery. Adam had spent days researching every detail about Green Refinery before his journey. He knew the schedule of the owner and the high-ranking executives who visited the site frequently. In his mind, Green Refinery was the perfect place to strike a deal and secure his first major client. Walking slowly through the vast refinery grounds, Adam observed the scene around him. Workers hurried about, diligently maintaining the machinery and monitoring the endless rows of equipment. The powerful hum of engines, the clanking of metal, and the steady rhythm of industrial work filled the air. Every sound and every movement in the facility spoke of an operation on a massive scale. Inside the main building of the refinery, a receptionist quickly approached Adam. Her expression was one of annoyance; her eyes were sharp as she looked him up and down. With a harsh, dismissive tone, she said, "If you don''t have a solid proposal, we''ll throw you out of here." Adam''s face remained calm. He met her gaze with unwavering determination and replied evenly, "I need to speak with your boss." The receptionist narrowed her eyes, studying him one last time as if trying to decide whether he was worth the trouble. After a long, heavy sigh, she relented and said, "Follow me." Without another word, she led him through the bustling corridors of the refinery, her steps measured and her voice quiet now. Adam''s mind raced with thoughts of his proposal and the opportunity that lay ahead. This meeting could be the key that unlocked the next stage of his oil empire. As they moved deeper into the facility, Adam absorbed every detail¡ªthe scent of oil, the sound of heavy machinery, and the focused determination of the workers. Everything seemed to work in harmony, a well-oiled machine running with precision and power. It was a perfect setting for his ambitions. At last, they reached a more private area within the main building. Here, the atmosphere was slightly quieter, and the receptionist gestured toward a waiting area where a few chairs were arranged neatly. Adam sat down, his mind already working through his next words. Every detail of his plan had been calculated, and now was the time to present it. Chapter - 17: The business proposal The receptionist led Adam into a small, well-lit office. The room was neat but not overly fancy, with a large desk that dominated one end of the space. Behind the desk sat a young man, likely in his early thirties. He had neatly combed black hair and wore glasses that gave him a professional look. His attention was mostly fixed on a stack of paperwork that lay spread out on the desk. Two men in black suits stood a little behind him, each holding a notepad and pen. They looked like his assistants or secretaries, watching everything with quiet attentiveness. The atmosphere in the office was one of quiet efficiency. When the receptionist entered with Adam in tow, the two suited men immediately turned to look at them. Their eyes briefly scanned Adam''s face, perhaps checking his appearance or trying to place him. A moment later, the young businessman himself lifted his gaze from the documents. He looked up with a slight smile, gesturing for Adam to take a seat. Without any hesitation, Adam sat down in the chair that was offered to him. His movements were calm and measured as he took his seat, though his mind was still racing from the events of the past few days. He was determined to focus on this meeting, even if he still carried the weight of his recent struggles. The businessman adjusted his glasses carefully, leaning forward to study Adam. "I must say, I''m impressed. You came straight to me instead of applying through the usual process for a job," he said, his tone polite but curious. His words suggested that he had expected Adam to follow a more formal route¡ªperhaps to submit a resume or fill out an application¡ªrather than simply walking in. Adam blinked in confusion for a moment as the words sank in. "A job?" he repeated quietly, not quite sure what the man meant. In that brief instant, Adam wondered if the businessman had misunderstood his intentions. He thought back to the long journey that had brought him here and the grand plans he had. He had come to propose a business deal, not to seek employment. Before Adam could correct him, the businessman continued, "So, tell me. What are your qualifications? Don''t worry¡ªI admire your direct approach. I''ll make sure you get a good position." His tone was friendly yet laced with an undercurrent of business as usual, as if he were used to evaluating applicants for a job. Realizing the mistake, Adam quickly raised both hands and shook them lightly in a gesture of peaceful correction. "No, no. You''re mistaken. I''m not here for a job," he said firmly. His voice was calm but carried the clear message that his visit had a different purpose. It was important to him that the misunderstanding be cleared up immediately, as he could not afford any confusion when every second of his plan was so crucial. The receptionist watched the exchange with a neutral expression, clearly accustomed to such mix-ups in a busy office. The young businessman''s face softened slightly as he processed Adam''s correction. The mood in the room shifted as everyone now waited for Adam to explain his real purpose. After the brief confusion subsided, the businessman frowned and placed a hand on his chin, looking at Adam with a more serious expression. "Then why do you want to meet me?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with curiosity. His question was straightforward, demanding an explanation for the unexpected visit. Adam leaned forward slightly in his seat, his eyes narrowing with determination. "I have a business proposal for you," he said clearly. His tone was confident and unwavering. He knew that if he could present his idea convincingly, he might change the businessman''s initial impression entirely. The businessman''s eyes widened in surprise at this statement. For a moment, the room fell silent as everyone absorbed the gravity of Adam''s words. Then, unexpectedly, the businessman began to laugh. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. His laugh was light and somewhat dismissive at first, as if he could not quite believe what he was hearing. The laughter filled the room briefly, causing Adam to sit back and watch, puzzled and waiting for clarification. Adam''s confusion grew as he observed the businessman''s reaction. His mind raced as he tried to understand if this laughter was a sign of amusement or a reaction to disbelief. After a few moments, the businessman stopped laughing, adjusted his glasses once more, and spoke in a measured tone. "I''ve never seen a businessman dressed like this before. And you don''t even have a manager with you?" he asked with a hint of teasing, yet his eyes were sharp with inquiry. His question implied that Adam''s presentation was unorthodox, perhaps even unprofessional by conventional standards. "Whenever someone brings a proposal to me, I''m usually informed in advance. Meetings are scheduled properly. But you? You just walked right into my office. That''s bold," he continued. The businessman''s voice held a mixture of admiration and disbelief at Adam''s audacity. Hearing this, Adam fell into deep thought for a moment. In his past life, he had never cared much about the details of business etiquette. He had been a small employee, always following orders and never daring to disrupt the normal flow of things. But now, in this new chapter of his life, he had no time to learn all the formalities. His life depended on this deal, and every moment was precious. Gathering his resolve, Adam met the businessman''s gaze steadily. "I want to sell you crude oil," he declared. The words left no room for misinterpretation. They were simple and direct, as clear as the vision he had for his future. The businessman''s earlier smirk vanished in an instant. His face turned cold and serious. The shift in his expression was dramatic¡ªa clear sign that the offer was not something he had expected. In that moment, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. The businessman''s eyes, which had just moments before twinkled with amusement, now narrowed in focus. A slight grin flickered on Adam''s face as he noticed the change. He had finally caught the man''s interest, even if it was now laced with caution. Wasting no time, Adam reached into his bag and pulled out a small glass vial. Inside the vial was a sample of crude oil¡ªa dark, thick liquid that symbolized everything he had worked for. He carefully placed the vial on the table between them and said, "This is a sample of my crude oil." His voice was steady, each word measured and deliberate. The businessman''s eyes fixed on the vial as he leaned forward. For a long moment, the entire room fell silent. The only sound was the quiet hum of the air conditioner and the rustle of papers on the desk. The businessman stared at the dark liquid inside the vial. The oil glistened under the soft office lights, and its rich color and texture seemed to promise both value and danger. Slowly, he lifted his gaze back to Adam, his expression unreadable. Adam continued, his voice filled with confidence, "I want to make a deal with you. I want you to buy crude oil from me, not¡ª" He paused, his words hanging in the air as he tried to gauge the businessman''s reaction. But before Adam could finish his sentence, the businessman suddenly stood up and shouted, "Get out!!!" The abrupt command shocked Adam. His heart pounded in his chest as his voice dropped to a whisper. "I¡­ don''t understand. What do you mean?" he asked, his tone laced with genuine confusion and hurt. The businessman''s fury escalated immediately. His face reddened with anger as he banged his hand on the large desk in front of him. "DO YOU THINK I''M A FOOL?!" he roared, his voice echoing off the walls. The outburst was so sudden and intense that it startled everyone in the room. Without pausing, the businessman turned sharply to the receptionist and snapped, "Who let him in?! Who approved this meeting?!" His tone was accusatory, and his eyes darted around as if searching for an explanation. The receptionist, now visibly shaken, stammered in a soft voice, "S-Sir¡­ the security chief said an important businessman had arrived with a proposal for you." Her words did little to calm the escalating tension. Hearing the receptionist''s explanation only made the businessman''s face twist further in rage. "Call him here. NOW!" he ordered loudly. Then, pointing directly at Adam, he barked, "And get him out of my office!" At that moment, the room was thrown into chaos. The two suited assistants exchanged quick, uncertain glances, and the receptionist''s eyes widened in alarm. Adam sat frozen, the vial of crude oil still on the table, as he struggled to understand the sudden shift from curiosity to open hostility. His mind raced¡ªhad he miscalculated everything? He had come with a clear, bold proposal, but now it seemed that his offer was not welcome at all. The harsh reality of the business world struck him in that moment. In this place of order and professionalism, his unconventional approach had been seen as an insult, a foolish trick meant only to waste time. As the businessman''s voice thundered and the room grew ever more tense, Adam''s heart pounded in his chest. He realized that despite his careful planning and confident demeanor, not every room was ready to accept a new kind of proposal. In the cold, unforgiving world of business, every word and every gesture was scrutinized, and any misstep could lead to rejection¡ªor worse. And so, with the echoes of the businessman''s rage still ringing in his ears, Adam sat in silence. The harsh reality of business had revealed itself in the most unexpected way. His proposal, meant to launch a new chapter in his life, had been met with fury and disbelief. Chapter - 18: The Harsh Reality of Business Adam stood frozen in his seat, his mind reeling from the sudden turn of events. He could barely process the chaos that had erupted moments ago. "What the hell is going on? Why is he so angry?" The question echoed in his mind as he tried to piece together the meaning behind the businessman''s outburst. He had come here with a genuine alternative for their oil supply¡ªa proposal that promised a new way to handle crude oil in a country desperate for change. Yet, the reaction he received was as if he had personally insulted the businessman. Before Adam could say another word or explain himself, the heavy office doors burst open with a loud crash. Three security guards stormed into the room, their faces set in expressions that were cold and serious. Their determined march left no doubt: they were here to remove him. Adam''s heart pounded as he instinctively stood up, but before he could gather his thoughts or offer any explanation, the guards reached him. They grabbed him by both arms firmly, leaving him with little choice but to surrender to their forceful grip. "Wait, are they really throwing me out?" Adam wondered internally. He glanced sideways and saw the security chief¡ªthe same man who had allowed him into the building earlier¡ªnow standing near the entrance. The chief''s face was pale with fear and regret. His eyes seemed to silently plead, "Sir¡­ what have you done?!" Yet, there was no time for words. The guards'' hold was unyielding, and without mercy, they began dragging Adam toward the exit. As he was led along the corridor, Adam''s eyes caught sight of a commotion further inside the factory. A man, likely in his early thirties, was arguing heatedly with some staff and additional security guards near the production area. The voices were raised in anger and frustration. "Now what''s going on over there?" Adam thought briefly, but before he could try to understand the situation further, the guards hurried him past the scene. They moved him quickly toward the main gate, not allowing any pause for explanation or protest. With zero hesitation, the guards threw him out¡ªquite literally. Adam was forcefully ejected from the building, landing hard on the ground outside. Dust rose around him as he hit the pavement, and he lay there for a moment, disoriented and staring up at the open sky. In that instant, a stark realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. "This world isn''t so simple. You can''t just walk in, offer something valuable, and expect people to accept it. Power, connections, hidden agendas¡ªthese are the real forces at play." The bitter truth settled into his bones. The world of business, especially in this ruthless environment, was not governed by merit or good ideas alone. It was a game of power and influence, where one wrong move could lead to humiliation and exile. Groaning from the impact, Adam slowly pushed himself up off the cold ground, his body aching from the harsh treatment. He dusted off his clothes as best as he could, his eyes never leaving the building from which he had been violently expelled. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The memory of the forceful exit and the stern faces of the guards replayed in his mind, each image sharpening his resolve. His expression hardened as he stood up and looked back at the building. "I was a fool to think I could just walk in, hand them a deal, and they''d accept it. That was pure stupidity," he thought bitterly. His fists clenched as he recalled every moment of rejection and every sneer he had witnessed. "No matter how I approach them, they won''t accept my offer so easily. There''s a bigger game being played here." Adam''s mind went back to the businessman''s expression when he mentioned crude oil. He remembered the cold, hard look in his eyes and the abrupt shout of "Get out!" that had sealed his fate. "That guy understood exactly what I was offering. So why the anger? Why the immediate rejection?" he wondered aloud, feeling the sting of his failure. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Adam tried to push aside the bitterness of the moment. But before he could dwell further on his setback, the main gate of the building suddenly swung open once more. Out of the building, another man was forcefully thrown out, much like Adam had been. Adam watched closely as the man, who appeared to be in his early thirties, tumbled to the ground with a thud. He landed hard on his hands and knees, dust and debris clinging to his clothes. The sight of this man caught Adam''s attention. He noticed that the man was wearing a black coat, now caked with dust from the forceful exit. On his chest, a badge was clearly visible with the words "Green Refinery" engraved on it. "An employee of this company?" Adam realized. The fact that even an employee had been thrown out like trash made him wonder about the true workings behind the scenes. As the man lay there on the ground, struggling to regain his composure, he suddenly slammed his fist against the pavement. His voice rang out, filled with frustration and anger: "Why the hell won''t you people listen?! This company''s fundamental business model is broken! It''s on the path to collapse!" His words echoed in the quiet street, resonating off the nearby walls. Yet, despite the raw emotion in his outburst, the workers and staff inside the factory barely glanced at him. They returned to their duties as if such displays of anger were commonplace and not worth the interruption. Adam narrowed his eyes as he watched the scene unfold. "So, this guy isn''t just any employee¡­ He actually understands the flaws in their business. Interesting," he mused. The man''s outburst suggested that he saw beyond the rigid rules and the cold, profit-driven mindset of the company. In that moment, Adam''s mind sparked with an idea¡ªa new opportunity. A slow, sly grin spread across Adam''s face as he began to approach the frustrated man. The employee was now standing, brushing off dust from his black coat and fixing a stern gaze on the factory in the distance. In a low voice, the man muttered to himself, "If only I had the power, I''d create a company better than this one¡­" The words, filled with despair and ambition, did not go unnoticed by Adam. He couldn''t help but let out a small chuckle, recognizing in that man a kindred spirit¡ªsomeone who also saw the broken system for what it was. As Adam drew near, the man turned sharply, finally noticing the young stranger standing behind him. His eyes narrowed, and he asked in a gruff tone, "Kid, what the hell are you doing here?" He then added, with a tone that blended mockery and genuine concern, "Let me guess¡ªyou came to apply for a job? Well, let me save you the trouble. This company will be bankrupt in a few years." Adam simply smirked, shaking his head as he replied coolly, "No," he said firmly. "I actually have an offer for you." The man''s expression shifted in surprise, a mix of skepticism and curiosity playing across his features. For a moment, the air between them seemed charged with new possibilities. Adam''s offer was unexpected, and now he had caught the attention of someone who truly understood the state of the industry. In that brief exchange, a seed was planted¡ªa seed of potential collaboration in a world where power and opportunity were often hidden behind layers of bureaucracy and greed. Chapter - 19: Kim Adam''s heart pounded as he stood before the man. The room was quiet except for the soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead. The man¡ªhis eyes filled with confusion and a trace of amusement¡ªstared at Adam as if trying to figure out if the young man was playing a cruel joke. "An offer? What could you possibly offer me?" the man asked, his tone edged with disbelief. His voice carried an air of casual dismissal, as if he assumed that Adam''s bold claim was nothing more than an idle prank. Adam did not flinch. Before the man could take another step away, Adam acted quickly. With surprising speed, he grabbed the man''s wrist firmly, cutting off any chance of retreat. "Wait," Adam said in a firm, steady voice that left no room for hesitation. The man stopped and turned back, an eyebrow raised in mild surprise. "What?" he asked, his tone softening slightly as he focused on the intensity in Adam''s eyes. Adam''s gaze locked onto his, and with quiet determination, he repeated, "You just said you could build a company even better than this one." For a moment, time seemed to pause. The man hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he studied Adam from head to toe. Slowly, he nodded, as if accepting that there might be some truth to Adam''s words. "Yeah, so what?" he replied, his voice now a mix of curiosity and cautious skepticism. Adam''s lips curved into a small, confident smile as he maintained his grip. "I''ll give you everything you need to make that happen," he said, his tone unwavering despite the tension in the air. For a heartbeat, the man froze¡ªhis expression unreadable as he searched Adam''s face for any hint of insincerity. Then, with a slow exhalation, he said, "Kid, you don''t look like someone with that kind of money." The words struck Adam like a cold gust of wind. He could sense the man''s doubt¡ªthe skepticism in his voice was clear. Adam knew that if he was to win this man over, he needed to prove that he wasn''t merely throwing out empty promises. Taking a careful step closer, Adam spoke again, this time with unshakable confidence, "I may not look rich, but I have more money than you can imagine. I don''t just want you to build a company¡ªI want you to be my first CEO." The man''s eyes widened in disbelief as he processed the proposal. It was the first time Adam saw even a flicker of genuine curiosity in his expression. Slowly, the man relaxed his grip, pulling his hand away from Adam''s wrist. With a serious gaze and a tone that now carried both challenge and invitation, he asked, "Are you actually serious?" Adam nodded firmly, his eyes not wavering for even a second. The determination in his voice and the steadiness in his gaze made his intent clear. After a long, measured pause, the man sighed, running a hand through his hair as if trying to rearrange his scattered thoughts. Finally, he said, "Fine. Then tell me¡ªwhere''s your office?" For a brief second, Adam froze. He hadn''t planned that far ahead. His mind raced as he realized he had to answer quickly, for he could not show any sign of weakness now. Clearing his throat, he forced a confident smile onto his face and replied, "Follow me." As they walked side by side along a quiet corridor, the steady echo of their footsteps filled the space. Adam broke the silence by glancing at the man and saying, "My name''s Adam." The man smirked, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I almost forgot to introduce myself. Name''s Kim," he said, extending his hand. Adam met the gesture without hesitation, and as their hands shook, Adam added politely, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Kim." For a few moments, they walked in silence, the air between them charged with unspoken questions. Kim''s mind raced. He had always been a practical businessman, someone who believed in hard facts and real answers. After a moment, he stopped and turned to face Adam directly, his eyes searching for truth as he asked, "What''s the name of your company? How many employees do you have? And what''s your business model?" Adam instantly realized that Kim was not making small talk. This was no idle conversation¡ªKim was a true businessman, demanding real answers before he would take any proposal seriously. Adam could sense that despite his bold claims, Kim still wasn''t entirely convinced. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Kim''s tone betrayed a lingering anger towards his former company¡ªa company that had failed him in many ways. It was that anger, that desperate need for change, that had led Kim to entertain this conversation in the first place. Adam stopped walking, turning to face Kim directly, and said with quiet determination, "I know what you''re thinking. You believe I''m just messing around. But I''m dead serious. And if you don''t believe me, I can prove it." With that, Adam reached into his bag and pulled out two thick bundles of cash. He held them out in front of Kim for all to see¡ªstacks of crisp hundred-dollar bills that looked as real as any money could be. "This is just an initial amount¡ªsomething I always keep on hand," Adam explained in a casual tone, as if discussing a minor detail. Kim''s eyes widened even further as he stared first at the money and then at Adam. He leaned in closer, his tone low and edged with suspicion as he asked, "Where did you even get this?" Adam smirked, a quiet confidence in his eyes as he replied, "My business model is simple¡ªI own an immense crude oil reserve. That''s why I came here¡ªto sell it to this company." At these words, Kim''s expression shifted immediately. His face registered both shock and deep suspicion as he processed the revelation. "Wait¡­ you have a crude oil reserve?" Kim asked, his tone serious and measured. Adam nodded firmly. "That''s right." Kim''s face darkened as he absorbed the implications. "Then why the hell did you go to that company?" he demanded, his voice rising slightly with frustration. Adam frowned, puzzled by the question. "What do you mean?" he replied, his confusion genuine. Kim let out a frustrated sigh, running his hand through his hair as if trying to clear his thoughts. His voice dropped to a low, serious tone as he said, "Kid, you made a huge mistake." Adam felt a chill run down his spine at Kim''s blunt words. He asked hesitantly, "What do you mean, a mistake?" Kim exhaled sharply, placing a hand on his forehead in a gesture of exasperation. His voice then turned grim as he began to explain, "The business world is like a jungle. Nothing here is ''fair.'' And you just walked straight into a lion''s den and told them you''re holding a delicious meal." The metaphor stung. Adam''s stomach twisted as he realized what Kim was implying. It wasn''t enough to have a good idea or even a promising business model; in this world, connections, power, and hidden agendas ruled the day. Kim stepped closer, his presence imposing as he placed a firm hand on Adam''s shoulder. His eyes were intense as he continued, "Where exactly did you find this crude oil? Do you actually own the land? Do you have legal documentation proving it''s yours? And did you tell that company where your reserves are located?" Adam''s heart pounded, and for a moment, he froze under the weight of Kim''s probing questions. "No¡­ they threw me out before I could even say anything." Adam admitted, his voice low with anxiety. Kim let out a relieved breath, as if the answer had at least confirmed one small detail. "Good. That means they didn''t take you seriously." Adam blinked, trying to steady his racing thoughts. He asked quietly, "And if they had?" Kim''s expression turned grim, his eyes darkening with the weight of his warning. "Then you''d be in prison right now. And your crude oil? It would be gone. They''d take it, and you''d never see a single cent from it." Adam felt his heart pound harder as the reality of Kim''s words sank in. His voice trembled as he protested, "But¡­ I haven''t done anything illegal." Kim shook his head slowly, his tone filled with a bitter truth. "That doesn''t matter. In the corporate world, power and influence matter more than legality. To them, you''re just some rich kid playing business, trying to prove yourself to your father." The words stung deeply. Adam clenched his fists, feeling a mix of anger and regret. "I was too naive¡­" he thought bitterly. For the first time, Adam truly understood just how dangerous and ruthless the business world could be. In this jungle of power and deceit, even the best ideas could be crushed if one did not know how to navigate the hidden rules. And if he wanted to survive, he would have to be smarter, tougher, and more cautious. Kim''s piercing gaze held the harsh reality of the corporate world¡ªa reality where money, connections, and influence ruled over fairness and truth. Adam felt a deep chill as he absorbed the lesson: even if he had a promising plan, the obstacles ahead were far greater than he had ever imagined. The office fell silent as Kim''s words hung heavily in the air. Adam''s mind raced with thoughts of how he could turn this dangerous game to his advantage. He knew that to survive, he would have to adapt quickly and learn the intricate rules of this ruthless environment. The stakes were high, and every decision could mean the difference between success and failure. As the conversation ended, Adam stood there with a heavy heart, aware that the path ahead was fraught with challenges. The harsh truth about business was now laid bare before him. He had learned that in this world, ideas were not enough¡ªthey had to be backed by power, influence, and careful strategy. For a long moment, Adam stared at Kim, the weight of his own ambition and naivety pressing down on him. He realized that if he wanted to build his empire, he would need to overcome not only external obstacles but also the limitations of his own experience. The dangerous offer he had made was just the beginning, and now he faced the daunting task of proving himself in a world that was as unforgiving as it was opportunistic. Chapter - 20: Earning Trust Adam remained silent for a long moment, processing every word Kim had spoken. The busy city street around them seemed to fade away as the weight of the conversation took hold. Before Adam could begin to respond, Kim took a deliberate step forward and positioned himself directly in front of Adam. His hands rested firmly on his waist, and his eyes, sharp and unyielding, locked onto Adam''s. "Look, Adam," Kim said in a steady, serious tone, "if you''re serious about taking on such a powerful corporation, then first, you need to earn my trust. Do you understand what I''m saying?" Adam took a deep breath and nodded slightly. "I''ll tell you everything," he replied, his voice soft yet determined. Kim studied him for a few moments, his gaze unwavering. He then glanced around the open street¡ªwhere their conversation was exposed to the curious eyes of passersby. With a slight, almost ironic smirk, Kim turned back to Adam. "Let''s go somewhere quieter," he suggested. Adam agreed without hesitation, and the two of them walked side by side to a nearby restaurant. The restaurant was cozy, with a large glass window that offered a clear view of the sidewalk, where people strolled by on their own busy journeys. Not far from the entrance, a flower shop added a splash of color to the otherwise serious surroundings, its display of bright blooms contrasting sharply with the weighty discussion that was about to unfold. Inside the restaurant, Kim and Adam chose a round wooden table tucked away in a quiet corner. The low murmur of other patrons and the soft clinking of cutlery provided a subtle backdrop, yet Adam could feel the intensity of Kim''s piercing gaze as he settled into his seat. The atmosphere was calm on the surface, but every word spoken between them carried a heavy significance. Kim leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a quiet intensity. "Alright, Adam, I want the truth. Don''t hide anything from me," he said firmly. Adam took another deep breath, his mind racing as he debated how much he should reveal. Could he truly trust Kim with everything? Should he explain his ability to copy and paste objects? Should he confess that he wasn''t even from this time period? The questions swirled in his head, but he knew that honesty was the only way forward if he hoped to secure a real partnership. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. After a moment of hesitation, Adam finally spoke, "Mr. Kim, I won''t lie to you. I''m a college student¡ªor at least, I was." His voice wavered slightly as he tried to balance vulnerability with the determination of his new purpose. Kim''s eyes narrowed as he asked, "What do you mean?" Adam hesitated for a moment before answering, "I recently dropped out of college. Or rather, I was kicked out." His voice dropped even lower as he recalled the painful memory. Kim''s brows furrowed in concern. "Can I ask why?" he pressed gently. Adam exhaled sharply, the memory of bitter rejection coming back in full force. "The mayor''s son had me expelled. To him, I''m an enemy, and he wants me dead¡­ slowly and painfully." The words fell heavy between them, laden with both anger and sorrow. Kim listened carefully, his expression hard to read. As Adam spoke, Kim realized that Adam''s background was far more complicated than he had initially thought. There was a depth of struggle and a history of betrayal that lay behind Adam''s calm exterior. Kim nodded slowly, his voice calm but resolute. "I understand now. Your enemies are powerful. But you know, Adam, that just proves how important you are. A person''s worth can often be measured by the strength of their enemies. If you have enemies this powerful, then you must be destined for something big." His words, delivered in a measured tone, carried a weight of hard-won wisdom. Adam blinked in surprise, taken aback by the unexpected compliment. He had never thought of it that way, but the logic resonated with him. Still, he quickly steeled himself and continued, "I recently purchased a piece of land." His voice grew steadier. "And on that land, I discovered a massive crude oil reserve." At this, Kim''s expression shifted noticeably. A flicker of shock passed over his features as Adam reached into his bag and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with crude oil¡ªthe same sample he had once shown to the Green Refinery Corporation''s executives. Carefully, Adam placed the bottle on the table between them. Kim picked up the bottle, his eyes narrowing as he examined the dark liquid inside. The crude oil glistened under the soft light of the restaurant, its rich color hinting at immense untapped value. His mind raced with questions and possibilities as he set the bottle down gently. After a long moment of silence, Kim took a deep breath and said, "Alright, Adam, I won''t ask more than I need to. I can tell that there are things you don''t want to reveal, and I respect that. So, instead, let me ask you something as your future employee." His tone shifted, now mixing authority with genuine curiosity. Adam nodded, leaning slightly forward as if to signal his readiness. "Go ahead," he said. Kim''s eyes locked onto Adam''s as he spoke, "How many employees does your company have, aside from me?" His question was blunt and direct, a test of the seriousness of Adam''s enterprise. A slow smile began to creep onto Adam''s face. At that moment, Kim felt a sudden unease¡ªan inkling that there might be more to Adam''s story than he had initially let on. "Wait," Kim said, lowering his voice. "Don''t tell me that I''m the only one?" Chapter - 21: The Reality of Business Adam remained silent, his eyes fixed on Kim as the weight of the situation settled in. The busy restaurant background faded for a moment as both men focused on their conversation. Kim immediately picked up on Adam''s hesitation. His eyes widened in disbelief as he spoke, his voice carrying a hint of frustration and genuine concern. "This is a huge disadvantage for us, Adam! Without manpower and proper infrastructure, how do you expect us to compete with Green Refinery?" Kim asked sharply, his tone rising with the urgency of the challenge. His question was not merely an inquiry but a challenge to the very foundation of Adam''s plan. Hearing Kim''s concern, Adam quickly realized that he could not afford to let his only potential CEO feel discouraged. He needed Kim on his side if he hoped to turn his risky idea into a successful venture. In a calm voice that belied the storm inside him, Adam replied, "Don''t worry, Mr. Kim. I have plenty of money." Kim shook his head slowly, clearly unimpressed by the simple statement. "Adam, you''re not understanding the situation. Money isn''t everything. We need manpower, and more importantly, we need proper equipment¡ªespecially in the crude oil industry." His words were measured but firm, and he stressed that the oil business required more than just cash¡ªit needed skilled workers, modern machines, and a well-laid plan for extraction and processing. At that moment, Kim suddenly stopped mid-sentence. His eyes sharpened as he looked directly at Adam, as if trying to read his mind. "Wait¡­ don''t tell me you haven''t even arranged for basic equipment to extract the crude oil?" he asked, a note of disbelief in his voice. Adam smirked slightly. He could see where Kim''s mind was going, and he decided to play along for a moment to keep the conversation moving. He knew that if Kim lost faith now, the entire deal would collapse. Kim continued in a serious tone, "If that''s the case, then we have only two options¡ªeither we acquire the necessary equipment from Green Refinery, which is practically impossible, or we import them from abroad. Both options require massive funding and government approval, which is next to impossible." His words hung heavy in the air as he laid out the grim alternatives. The challenge seemed insurmountable. But instead of looking discouraged, Adam simply smiled¡ªa smile that was both confident and reassuring. "No, Mr. Kim. I''ve already set up all the necessary equipment." His tone was steady, almost casual, as if he were telling a simple fact rather than making a bold claim. Kim''s eyes widened in shock. "You did?!" he exclaimed, unable to hide his surprise. Adam nodded, his expression serious though a small flicker of guilt passed through him. Internally, he felt a twinge of guilt for bending the truth, but he knew he could not let Kim lose faith in this venture. If Kim believed in the foundation of the business, he would stay committed, and that was worth any short-term dishonesty. Kim sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair, covering his mouth with his hand as he pondered the situation. After a few moments of silence, his voice dropped to a low, thoughtful tone. "So, that means we only have two major problems left. First, gathering manpower. Second, starting operations without attracting Green Refinery''s attention. Because the moment they notice us, they''ll try to crush us. And right now, we don''t have any legal backing connections to support our company." Adam listened carefully, processing every word as if they were pieces of a difficult puzzle. His mind raced with possible solutions, and he knew that before anything else, he needed to establish the refinery on his own land. But the pressing question was: how could he do that without drawing attention from powerful competitors like Green Refinery? Before Adam could even formulate a strategy in his head, Kim suddenly asked, "By the way, Adam¡­ have you even named your company yet?" The question caught Adam off guard. He had been so caught up in planning and promising that he had not given much thought to a name. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. For several long seconds, Adam remained silent, his mind scrambling to come up with an answer. Finally, with a reluctant sigh, he said, "I want to name it Fire Corporation." His voice was quiet, and he almost sounded unsure of himself. Kim chuckled, shaking his head slowly as if amused by the youthful audacity of the name. "That sounds like something a kid would come up with¡­ but I like it." He extended his hand toward Adam, grinning broadly. "Well then, tell me, Mr. Founder of Fire Corporation, how much are you planning to pay your CEO?" At these words, Adam felt a surge of excitement and relief. He knew that winning Kim over was a crucial step in turning his dangerous idea into a reality. With a firm handshake, Adam replied, "Mr. Kim, I want to make a deal with you. Until our company becomes a unicorn startup, I will pay you an annual salary of 2 million dollars." His voice was steady and confident, as if the figure was the most natural thing in the world. Kim''s eyes widened in disbelief. The figure was massive¡ªa number that most would consider outrageous, yet it seemed to come naturally from Adam''s confident claim. "Are you serious?" Kim asked, his voice tinged with shock. "That''s a massive amount!" The disbelief was clear in every word. Adam simply smiled, a calm smile that spoke of certainty. "Didn''t I tell you? I have no shortage of money." His tone was light, almost teasing, as if to dismiss any further doubts. Kim studied Adam for a long moment, his eyes searching for any sign that this was not just a wild dream. Finally, a small smile tugged at the corners of Kim''s mouth. "Alright then. If that''s the case, I accept." His tone was now one of cautious optimism, mixed with the practical relief of finally finding someone who could match his expectations. With that, Kim stood up, preparing to leave the table to handle the formalities. "I''ll handle the company documentation and start looking into human resources," he declared, his voice firm and businesslike. But just as he turned to leave, he suddenly paused. He glanced back at Adam with a questioning look. "Wait a second¡­ you never told me where the refinery actually is." The question hung in the air, unexpected and probing. Adam laughed nervously¡ªa short, startled laugh. He had been avoiding that question, worried about the reaction it might provoke in Kim. "Oh¡­ right. I forgot to mention that," Adam said quickly. He reached for a tissue on the table and scribbled down an address along with a landline number. Sliding the note across the table, he handed it to Kim. "Here''s the location of my refinery and oil reserve. And if you need to contact me, this is my landline number." Kim took the note, reading it carefully. After a moment of silence, he nodded. "Alright, I''ll be in touch." Before leaving, Kim scribbled his own contact details on another piece of paper and handed it over to Adam. Adam tucked the note into his pocket, watching as Kim walked out of the restaurant and into the bustling city streets. In that moment, Adam knew that the real game was about to begin. The dangerous offer he had made was just the start of a long, challenging journey in a world where money, power, and influence ruled. Kim''s departure left Adam alone with his thoughts. The conversation had been intense and eye-opening. He had promised an enormous salary and a grand future, and he had even managed to convince Kim that he had already set up the necessary equipment for crude oil extraction¡ªeven if it wasn''t entirely true. The stakes were high, and the truth of the business world was harsher than Adam had ever imagined. He sat back in his chair for a moment, letting the weight of Kim''s words sink in. The realization was clear: to succeed, he would have to overcome not just external obstacles, but also the deep-rooted cynicism and hidden agendas of powerful competitors like Green Refinery. The business world was a jungle, and if he wanted to survive, he would have to be smarter and tougher than ever before. Kim''s cautious optimism, his acceptance of the high salary, and his willingness to take on the challenge all gave Adam a glimmer of hope. It meant that there was a chance¡ªhowever slim¡ªto build something new, to create a company that could one day stand up to the giants of the oil industry. But the road ahead was fraught with peril. Money alone was not enough; trust, connections, and a robust business infrastructure were vital. Adam thought about the challenges Kim had raised: the need for manpower, the proper equipment, and the danger of drawing unwanted attention from Green Refinery. Each of these issues was a puzzle piece that he needed to solve before his dream could become a reality. The fact that Kim had questioned every aspect of his plan showed that he was not easily fooled. If Kim, a true businessman with real experience, could see through his initial bravado, then Adam knew he had to work even harder to convince him of his vision. Kim''s skeptical question about the refinery''s location had caught Adam off guard, but he had managed to deflect it by quickly providing an address and a contact number. That small act, though seemingly minor, was a crucial step in building trust. It was a sign that Adam was prepared to be transparent, even if only to the extent that he felt safe. As the conversation wound down and Kim left, Adam felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. The agreement was a dangerous offer, one that put both his dreams and his secrets on the line. He knew that every word he had spoken, every promise he had made, was a step into an uncertain future. Yet, within that uncertainty lay the possibility of a breakthrough¡ªa chance to build an empire in a world ruled by oil and power. Adam leaned back in his chair and exhaled slowly, feeling the enormity of the challenge before him. He had just taken a bold step by offering Kim a position as his first CEO with an annual salary of 2 million dollars. That offer was not just a financial commitment; it was a promise of a new beginning, a signal that he was ready to change the game. Chapter - 22: The Power of Copy & Paste Adam stood outside Green Refinery once again, but this time he positioned himself near the outer wall¡ªfar enough from the main gate to avoid unwanted attention. His eyes roamed over the massive, circular pipelines and towering refining machines that churned inside the factory. The complex was a marvel of industrial engineering, a testament to raw power and relentless efficiency. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Adam muttered quietly to himself, "This is my only option. If this doesn''t work, I''ll have to tell Mr. Kim the truth¡­ and I really don''t want to do that. Please, let my idea work." With renewed determination pulsing through him, Adam stepped forward until he was close enough to the wall to make contact. He pressed his hand against the cool, rough surface of the factory wall. Closing his eyes, he focused all his concentration on his inner power and whispered, "Copy." In that instant, a translucent blue system window appeared before him, shimmering with a soft glow. Adam kept his eyes shut for several long seconds as anticipation built within his chest. When he finally opened his eyes, his heart pounded loudly as he read the message on the glowing screen: "Host wishes to copy an entire factory. Do you confirm?" A surge of excitement rushed through him. Without a moment''s hesitation, he clicked "Yes." Almost immediately, a second window flashed onto his vision: "Congratulations! The host has successfully copied an entire factory!" In that exhilarating moment, a new system map materialized in front of Adam''s eyes. The detailed layout of the entire refinery was displayed with precision¡ªthe pipelines, the towers, the storage tanks, every intricate detail of the facility was now his to command. Overwhelmed by joy, Adam clenched his fists and raised them high toward the sky, shouting at the top of his lungs: "YES!" Adam''s excitement was immense. He had never expected his ability to work on such a grand scale, yet it had not disappointed him. His unique power had just copied an entire oil refinery¡ªa feat he had only dreamed of before. As he slowly backed away from the outer wall, deep in thought, a realization struck him: every time he used his skill, it copied everything within the targeted area without discrimination. He had never truly tested its limits. Just how much can I copy? he wondered, his mind racing with the possibilities of expanding his power even further. However, now was not the time for experiments. Adam knew he needed to move quickly. With his mind set on the next phase of his plan, he boarded a bus heading toward his newly acquired land¡ªa quiet, remote property where he could continue building his empire without prying eyes. After a short journey, the bus pulled over at a deserted stop. Adam stepped off, scanning the area carefully. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The surroundings were eerily quiet¡ªno people, no moving vehicles, just the gentle whisper of wind and the distant hum of nature. Satisfied that he was alone, he made his way down the slope toward his property. Once he reached his land, Adam took a moment to absorb his surroundings. The field stretched out before him, empty and undisturbed, the perfect canvas for his next project. He inspected the area, noting that there were no passersby or signs of recent activity. This isolation was exactly what he needed. Reaching into his backpack, Adam pulled out a magazine. He flipped through its glossy pages until he found what he was looking for¡ªan image of a crude oil extraction machine. His heart pounded with anticipation. This is it, he thought. This is the next step in my plan. Adam carefully placed the magazine on a flat rock and held his hand over the image of the machine. He closed his eyes, concentrated deeply, and whispered his command: "Copy this machine." As before, a blue system window materialized in his vision. He opened his eyes and read the confirmation message: "Congratulations! The host has successfully copied a crude oil extraction machine!" A huge grin spread across Adam''s face. Overcome with joy, he threw his hands in the air and jumped with excitement. He couldn''t believe it¡ªhe had just copied a machine from a photograph! His power was proving to be far more potent than he had ever imagined. However, his jubilation was cut short by the sudden sound of a loud truck rumbling on the nearby road. The unexpected noise startled him, causing him to freeze in place for several agonizing seconds. Realizing how foolish he must have looked standing there in his moment of triumph, Adam quickly regained his composure. He stood perfectly still and waited until the truck disappeared into the distance. Once the road was clear and the moment was safe, Adam knelt down on the soft earth of his land. He placed his hand firmly on the ground and spoke in a steady, clear voice, "Paste crude oil extraction machine." A brilliant blue light burst from the ground. In just a few seconds, the glow faded to reveal an exact replica of the crude oil extraction machine, fully functional and assembled before him. Adam exhaled deeply, the reality of his power sinking in. His unique ability had allowed him to create a vital piece of equipment from thin air¡ªa key step toward developing his oil empire. Encouraged by his earlier successes, Adam felt his resolve harden. With the taste of victory still fresh, he decided it was time to take an even bolder step. Placing his palm firmly on the ground once more, he uttered the words that would change everything: "Paste factory." Almost immediately, a massive red warning window flashed before his eyes. The message warned him: "Warning! The pasted object is larger than the available land. Would the host like to adjust the factory size to fit the land?" For a split second, Adam''s heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened with a sudden wave of panic. I almost got scared for a moment, he thought, placing a hand on his chest as he tried to calm his racing heart. But then, summoning all his courage and determination, he quickly clicked "Yes." The moment he confirmed, the ground beneath him began to tremble violently. Alarmed, Adam dashed away from the center of the site, running as fast as his injured legs would allow. Within seconds, a massive blue glow erupted all around him, illuminating the entire area in a surreal light. One by one, as if guided by unseen forces, industrial structures began to form out of thin air. Pipelines snaked across the land, distillation towers rose like giants, and the intricate machinery of an oil refinery assembled itself piece by piece. It was as if invisible hands were constructing a massive, fully operational oil refinery before his very eyes. Adam stood at a safe distance, his breath caught in his throat, as he watched the transformation. Just moments ago, this land had been an empty field¡ªa blank slate waiting to be written upon. Now, replacing the emptiness was a gigantic refinery that mirrored the Green Refinery he had once attempted to copy. The sight filled him with a mix of awe and satisfaction. He had done it. His power, his unique ability, had turned a barren piece of land into the beating heart of his emerging empire. He exhaled a long, relieved breath. This was real, he thought. His plan had worked beyond his wildest dreams. Fire Corporation was no longer just an idea swirling in his mind¡ªit was now a tangible, functioning reality. Standing outside the newly formed refinery, Adam felt a powerful mix of elation and determination. His ability to copy objects had not only allowed him to duplicate a working oil refinery but had also given him the means to build the foundation of his future empire. The power of copy was real¡ªand now, it was at the very core of Fire Corporation. As he stood there, the blue system windows and the glowing messages from his power replayed in his mind. Each success¡ªcopying the refinery, the extraction machine, and even the initial blueprint for an entire factory¡ªhad reinforced his belief that nothing was impossible. His unique skill was his secret weapon, a tool that set him apart in a world where power, influence, and cold, hard cash ruled. Chapter - 23: Monica Adam stood outside his newly built refinery, his heart beating fast as he ran his hand along its solid steel walls. He took a long, slow look at the building, his eyes full of wonder. ¡°This¡­ is my factory. My first step toward my dream. Everything starts here,¡± he whispered to himself. The words felt like a promise to his future. Every inch of the refinery seemed to speak to him. The metal shone in the soft light of the early morning, and the building looked strong and hopeful. With a strong feeling of satisfaction, Adam turned toward the main gate. He took a deep breath and stepped inside the building. However, as soon as he entered the large hall, his smile began to fade. The vast factory floor was empty. There were no workers busy at their tasks, no machines running to create the sound of progress, and not even a hum of activity filled the air. Instead, his eyes landed on a mess of wires strewn across the floor¡ªsome were disconnected, while others looked incomplete. Adam paused for a moment, thinking hard. ¡°Of course,¡± he said to himself, gently rubbing his chin. ¡°I may have copied the design of the factory, but that does not mean it works as it should. I still need to set up water and electricity.¡± Even though the building was impressive from the outside, there was a lot of work to do inside. In this parallel world, technology was still in its early stages. The task ahead was not small, but Adam was not one to be easily discouraged. His vision was far greater than just a simple oil refinery. He saw the potential to create an empire, a place where work and progress would be the heart of a new age. With that thought in mind, Adam walked back outside, shut the factory gates with care, and started toward the bus stop. As he walked, his mind replayed the many moments that had led him here. He remembered the conversation with Mr. Kim that had set him on this path. Walking slowly, Adam recalled his own words: "I told him that I have unlimited cash, but that¡¯s not exactly true." In his mind, he repeated, "I have one million dollars. I could easily copy it to make two or three million. But if I go beyond that..." His thoughts were filled with worry about a major flaw. Every dollar bill has a unique serial number. He knew that if he mass-produced the money, the extra copies would be spotted quickly, and soon the authorities would come knocking on his door. ¡°I can¡¯t risk that,¡± he admitted quietly. ¡°I need another way to build my wealth.¡± Adam¡¯s eyes looked at the busy street as the bus finally pulled up at the stop. The door opened with a hiss of air, and he climbed aboard. He found a seat by the window, his gaze still fixed on the refinery. As the bus began to move, he saw the driver and several passengers glancing back at his building. Their faces showed clear signs of confusion and surprise. The driver even leaned over to ask a fellow passenger, ¡°Has this refinery always been here?¡± He was sure that just yesterday, this place had been nothing but empty land. Adam listened to the murmurs around him but did not speak. His mind was busy planning the next steps. The empty factory was both a sign of what he had achieved and a reminder of the work that lay ahead. After a few minutes, the bus made another stop, and Adam got off at a small station near the city. He walked slowly, his mind still busy with plans. The streets were simple and clean, lined with small shops and open spaces. Adam felt that the city was waiting for change, and he was ready to bring that change. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. As he walked, he kept thinking about the factory and what needed to be done. Meanwhile, the scene shifted to a small, quiet caf¨¦ in the busy city. The place was simple, with wooden tables and comfortable chairs. The soft clink of cups and the gentle murmur of conversation filled the air. In a cozy corner of the caf¨¦ sat Mr. Kim, a man with a calm but confident look. Across from him was a 30-year-old woman named Monica. Monica had long black hair and wore a plain brown dress. Her eyes showed a mix of surprise and doubt as she listened carefully to Kim¡¯s words. ¡°You left Green Refinery to join an unknown company? And you¡¯re the CEO?¡± Monica asked, her voice clear but filled with disbelief. Her eyebrow raised in question, and she leaned in as if trying to understand the situation better. Mr. Kim simply nodded. He took a slow breath before speaking again. ¡°I didn¡¯t just join,¡± he said in a firm yet gentle tone. ¡°I came here to recruit you.¡± Monica¡¯s eyes widened with shock. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± she said, her voice soft but full of concern. ¡°You left a stable, well-paying job for some random ass company? You do not even know how long it will last! What if it is a f**k scam?¡± Kim smiled slightly, his eyes full of a secret hope. ¡°Maybe the company is unknown now,¡± he admitted, ¡°but Adam gave me complete freedom. And that is what I am offering you.¡± His voice was steady and kind, and his words carried a promise of new beginnings. He leaned closer, locking eyes with Monica as if trying to show her the path ahead. ¡°I guarantee that you will earn more than you do now. Plus, you will have the freedom to shape the company in any way you want.¡± His tone was persuasive, as he painted a picture of a future filled with opportunity. Monica sat quietly for a moment, torn between the familiar comfort of her old job and the lure of something new and exciting. The idea of change scared her a little, but at the same time, a small spark of curiosity began to grow in her heart. She knew that Kim was not a man who made rash decisions. If he believed in this unknown company and in Adam¡¯s vision, then there must be something real behind his words. Seeing her hesitation, Kim continued with a firm voice. ¡°You know me, Monica. I would never leave a stable job if I did not see something worth chasing. I saw something in Adam¡ªa spark of potential. Even if he faces a setback once, I know that he will rise again.¡± His words were simple but full of strength. They gave a sense of hope. Kim paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. He then added, his tone softening, ¡°And I do not want to be the one who regrets missing this chance.¡± His eyes searched Monica¡¯s face, hoping that she could see the truth behind his smile. Monica¡¯s mind was filled with memories of her daily work at the rubber manufacturing company. She thought of the long hours, the simple tasks, and the feeling that her talent was not being used fully. Kim¡¯s words reminded her that there was a world beyond her small office, a world where her skills could make a real difference. ¡°You are lucky I trust you,¡± Monica said after a long, thoughtful pause. Her voice was soft as she finally made up her mind. ¡°I will join you¡ªbut only because you are the CEO.¡± Her statement was a challenge, a sign that she was willing to take a leap of faith. Kim¡¯s face lit up with excitement, and he reached out his hand toward her. The small gesture was filled with meaning¡ªa promise of a new start, a future built on trust and hard work. Monica took a deep breath and met his gaze. With a quiet smile, she shook his hand, sealing the deal. In that quiet moment, the simple caf¨¦ became a place of new beginnings. Fire Corporation had gained its first key member. There was no grand celebration or fanfare; the promise of something great was enough to make the moment special. The idea of building an empire from nothing was now closer to reality, as Monica¡¯s decision added a new strength to the team. Chapter - 24: Team Adam returned to his apartment with his heart racing, barely able to contain the excitement bubbling inside him. As he walked along the familiar street, he noticed something unusual¡ªa large truck parked near his building. Several workers were busy unloading big boxes and equipment from the truck. A smile spread across his face as he realized that his long-awaited delivery had finally arrived. "Finally, it''s here," he muttered to himself, feeling both relief and joy. Without wasting another moment, he hurried toward the entrance of his apartment building. At the door, he saw Mr. Watson, the old landlord, standing near the entrance with a scowl on his face. Mr. Watson was known to be a man of few words and an even fewer smile, and today he looked more upset than usual. He watched the workers with a displeased expression, as if the sudden delivery had disturbed his quiet routine. Adam stepped forward, his tone firm yet respectful. "Mr. Watson, this is my delivery," he said clearly. Mr. Watson¡¯s eyes narrowed as he turned to look at Adam. For a moment, there was a heavy silence. The delivery men, who had been busy with their work, stopped what they were doing and shifted their attention toward the pair. One of the delivery workers, a man dressed in a light blue uniform with a neat haircut, walked up holding a clipboard and a pen. "Are you Mr. Adam?" the deliveryman asked, looking directly into Adam¡¯s eyes. Adam nodded, his face showing both pride and a little anxiety. "Yes, that¡¯s me," he replied. The deliveryman smiled in a business-like manner and said, "Please sign here." He extended the clipboard to Adam. Adam quickly picked up the pen and signed his name. He did so with a steady hand, knowing that this moment was one step closer to turning his dreams into reality. Once he signed, the worker said, "Once you''ve signed, we will unload everything. Just let us know where to place the items." Adam took a deep breath and pointed toward the back of the building where he had planned a small storage area. The workers, now reassured by his clear directions, moved quickly. They began unloading boxes, equipment, and other items that were all part of his long-awaited purchase. Even though Mr. Watson still wore an annoyed look, he said nothing further. Adam knew that his rent was good, and Mr. Watson had little choice but to let him be. After all the items were unloaded and neatly arranged in the storage area, the workers finished their task and left the scene. Adam then turned back to his apartment, eager to see what awaited him inside. When he stepped into his apartment, the first thing that caught his eye was the bulky, white computer sitting on his desk. It was the highlight of the delivery¡ªa brand-new computer that he had saved for a long time to buy. The machine looked large and a little clumsy by modern standards, with a dark screen that had yet to be turned on. Right next to it was a brand-new internet connection setup. Even though the internet was just in its early days and only a few big companies could use it, Adam had decided to invest in this new technology. Sitting down in front of the computer, Adam thought, "It was worth it." With a mixture of eagerness and patience, he pressed the power button. The computer came to life slowly, the screen flickering as it began the boot-up process. The wait was long and a little tedious, but Adam sat there, lost in thought. Watching the computer, he began to form a new idea in his mind. "What if I just copy this computer?" he thought. With his special copy-and-paste ability, he could make more copies, saving money and time. The idea sparked a feeling of excitement¡ªeach new copy could help him build his business even faster and better. Before he could think too deeply about his idea, the sudden ring of his landline phone broke his concentration. Adam rose from his chair and walked over to the old-fashioned phone. As soon as he picked up the receiver, a familiar voice greeted him. "Adam, I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d call me this soon," came the cheerful tone from the other end. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. It was Kim. His friend and trusted business partner, whose voice always carried a mix of seriousness and excitement. "Kim, what¡¯s up?" Adam asked, his voice warm with anticipation. Kim¡¯s tone quickly became serious as he spoke. "Adam, I¡¯ve completed the paperwork and have started recruiting people. I also visited the refinery site you mentioned before. There are important matters we need to discuss about our next steps." Before Kim could say more, Adam¡¯s excitement got the better of him. "Let¡¯s not do this over the phone," he interrupted. "Come to my apartment, and bring the others with you." There was a short pause on the other end as Kim considered the suggestion. Finally, Kim replied, "Alright. Give me your address." Adam quickly provided the details, and the call ended. The energy in Adam¡¯s apartment felt charged, as if something big was about to happen. An hour later, a knock on the door echoed through the apartment. Adam hurried to open it, and there stood Kim, his face bright with purpose. But Kim was not alone. Next to him stood a striking woman with jet-black hair, dressed in a simple brown dress. The moment Adam saw her, his eyes widened in surprise. "Monica...?" he whispered, almost unable to believe it. Monica¡¯s eyes grew large, filled with both surprise and a touch of uncertainty. Kim, too, looked at Adam with a mix of curiosity and mild surprise. Monica pointed at herself and raised an eyebrow, asking softly, "Do you know me?" Realizing that his voice had betrayed him, Adam quickly raised his hands in a gesture of innocence. "No, no. Just a coincidence," he said quickly, his cheeks warming a little. Then he stepped aside and said, "Please come in." Monica hesitated for a moment, then allowed herself to step into the apartment. Following her were three more individuals who had come as part of Kim¡¯s visit. The first was a tall man with black hair, who seemed to be in his early forties. His face was calm, but his sharp gaze made it clear that he had seen many things in his life. He entered silently, his steps measured and quiet. Beside him walked a blond-haired man, probably in his early thirties, dressed in casual but neat clothing. He approached Adam first and extended his hand with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, Adam," he said clearly. Adam returned the handshake firmly and replied, "Adam," introducing himself with a sincere smile. The blond man¡¯s friendly face brightened as he introduced himself further, "I¡¯m Lee. I¡¯m a professional business lawyer, and from today onward, I will be handling all the legal matters for your company." Adam nodded in approval and motioned for him to sit down, happy to have someone experienced on board to manage the legal side of things. Next, the tall, black-haired man, who had been quiet until now, also entered the room. Kim stepped forward and said simply, "This is Raven." Raven nodded. His quiet nature spoke of deep experience, and everyone in the room could sense that he was a man who knew how to get things done without many words. Finally, a woman with golden-blonde hair stepped into the room. She appeared to be in her early thirties and wore casual business clothes that matched her warm smile. As she approached Adam, she said softly, "Nice to meet you, Adam. I¡¯m Lisa. I will be handling the company¡¯s financial planning and business structure. I also have many useful contacts that can help us expand quickly." Adam¡¯s smile widened as he welcomed her, "I¡¯m glad to have you on board, Lisa." With everyone gathered in his apartment, Adam led the group to a round table set in the center of the living room. The table was surrounded by several chairs, and there were light refreshments arranged neatly¡ªa few glasses of water, some cookies, and a pot of tea. The simple setting made the meeting feel both formal and friendly, a mix that suited the day¡¯s importance perfectly. Once all were seated, Adam looked at Kim and asked, "So, Kim, what was the urgent matter you wanted to discuss?" Kim leaned forward, his face growing serious as he prepared to speak. But before he began discussing the day¡¯s urgent business, he stood up and said, "Before that, let¡¯s go through introductions properly." He gestured to the group as he introduced everyone. "I¡¯m Kim, CEO of Fire Corporation. I will be in charge of all operations and will manage the finances as well. My reports will go directly to our founder¡ªAdam." Kim then placed his hand lightly on Adam¡¯s shoulder and looked around at the gathered faces. "This is Adam. Though many of you already know him, let me say it once more¡ªhe is the founder of Fire Corporation. His vision is our guiding light. We aim to build an empire that will stand tall and proud, one that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the mightiest companies in this country, especially Green Refinery." The room fell into a respectful silence as every person around the table nodded in agreement. It was clear that each one understood the gravity of what they were about to build together. Kim turned his attention to Monica. "This is Monica, a very skilled team leader and an excellent planner. She will be in charge of structuring our company and making sure that everything runs smoothly. If we ever run into trouble or if the company¡¯s structure shows any signs of weakness, she is the one who will fix it." As Adam listened to the introductions, he could not help but study Monica¡¯s face. There was a strange mix of familiarity and mystery in her eyes that made him wonder how well he truly knew her. The thought crossed his mind again, "Monica... I know her... But how?" Yet, he chose not to push the matter further at that moment. Chapter - 25: Team Intro Adam sat quietly in the small meeting room, his eyes fixed on Mr. Kim. His mind was full of questions. ''How did he manage to hire Monica?'' Adam recalled from his future memories that Monica would go on to build her own company¡ªan empire that would grow with new ideas and challenge even the largest corporations. A spark of hope and curiosity filled him. If Monica was now part of their team, then the new business had a major advantage from the start. His gaze slowly shifted from Mr. Kim to Monica. She met his eyes with a calm, neutral look. Adam felt a small smile play on his lips as he thought, ''If Monica is with us from the start, our business will not only survive but will flourish. We have taken one step that many dream of but few achieve.'' At that moment, Mr. Kim walked over to Raven. With a gentle yet firm motion, he placed his hand on the back of Raven''s chair. Turning back to Adam, Mr. Kim began to speak in a clear, measured tone. "This is Raven. He will handle human resources and financial management. Initially, he will be in charge of scouting new talent for us," Kim explained. "I have seen his skills with my own eyes, and I trust him completely. You can rely on him, Adam." Adam studied Raven carefully. Raven was different from the rest of the team. He did not show a lot of emotion¡ªno wide smile or frown, no signs of excitement or worry. Instead, he simply nodded once and sat back, his face steady and calm. Adam thought to himself, ''So, he''s not the expressive type... yet he seems reliable.'' Adam''s mind swirled with thoughts. He wondered how each person in the team would contribute to their shared dream. He was the founder, and his ideas were the seed of what would grow into a strong company. But every seed needs care, and each person here was a part of that nurturing process. The meeting continued, and Mr. Kim then moved toward Lisa. With a kind and reassuring smile, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder. Her bright eyes met his, and her confident expression said that she was ready for any challenge. "You''ve already met Lisa," Kim said in a warm tone. "She will oversee market management and risk assessment for our company. Her ability to minimize risks is very strong, and she will play a crucial role in our business strategy." Lisa waved at Adam with a confident gesture. Adam returned her wave and smiled in response, feeling a sense of relief. He thought, ''I can trust Lisa. I know that she will help steer our company away from dangerous risks.'' Kim continued, "Adam, you can trust Lisa. She has shown me time and again that she knows how to handle the ups and downs of the market. We need someone who can make sure that we do not run into financial trouble as we grow." Adam nodded slowly, taking in every word. His instincts told him that Lisa was not only smart but also very dedicated. It was clear that each person had been chosen carefully to bring balance and strength to the team. Next, Mr. Kim stepped aside and pointed toward a man with blonde hair who had been waiting by the door. His light hair caught the soft light of the room, and his face showed a hint of excitement as he stepped forward. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. "This is Lee," Kim announced. "He is a corporate lawyer. Although he is still young and has not yet made a big name for himself, I recognize his great potential. Mark my words, Adam¡ªLee is going to become one of the best lawyers in the corporate world." Adam gave Lee a welcoming nod. He felt a surge of hope knowing that someone with fresh ideas was on board. "Happy to have you on board, Lee," he said warmly. Lee grinned in return and extended his hand. "Likewise, Adam. I am looking forward to working with you," he said as they shook hands. In that firm handshake, a silent promise was made¡ªboth men understood that they would work hard together to overcome any legal challenges that might come their way. The introductions filled the room with a growing sense of unity. Each person had a role that would contribute to the dream of building something great. Adam felt that the pieces were finally coming together¡ªeach individual was a small part of the larger plan. Their collective talents, from human resources to market management, from legal advice to risk assessment, would form the backbone of the new company. Adam looked at each of them and felt his heart warm with hope and determination. He knew that building an empire was not an easy task, but with a team like this, every step forward was a step toward a better future. After the introductions had been made, Mr. Kim slowly walked back to his seat. Yet, even as he sat, he did not lower his eyes from Adam. There was a weight in his steady gaze, as if he carried an important message that had yet to be spoken. Adam noticed the change in the atmosphere and raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry. "Mr. Kim, is there something you want to tell me?" Adam asked, his voice calm but curious. Mr. Kim took a deep breath, then looked around the room, making sure everyone was paying attention. When he finally turned back to Adam, his tone was both serious and deliberate. "We''ve made a decision," Kim stated quietly. There was a pause as the others in the room shifted in their seats, their eyes fixed on him. Adam''s heart began to beat a little faster in anticipation. Adam frowned slightly and asked, "A decision about what?" His voice was filled with both confusion and a hint of concern. He had heard many ideas and plans, but he was not sure what this decision might mean for him or for the team. Kim exhaled slowly, choosing his words carefully. "We don''t want high salaries," he said, letting the words hang in the air. The room grew still, and the sound of quiet breathing filled the silence. Adam blinked in disbelief, feeling his chair scrape the floor as he abruptly stood up. "What do you mean?" Adam asked, his voice now mixed with surprise and confusion. His eyes searched the faces of those around him for any clue of what was coming next. Before Kim could speak further, Monica sighed and looked directly at him with a mix of exasperation and resolve. She spoke in a firm tone that cut through the tension in the room. "Kim, just get to the point already," Monica said, her voice steady and clear. Turning her gaze to Adam, Monica continued, "Adam, we have decided to take minimal salaries in exchange for company shares." Her words were simple and direct, and they caused a heavy silence to fall over the room. For a long moment, Adam sat there, his eyes wide with surprise as he processed her words. ''Company shares...'' he thought silently, trying to understand the weight of their offer. It was a bold move¡ªone that meant each member of the team was ready to sacrifice a little of their personal income in order to invest in the future of the company. It was a decision that spoke of trust, of commitment, and of a belief in a shared vision. Slowly, Adam sank back into his chair. He placed his hand over his mouth, his mind racing with thoughts. The room was silent, and every eye was on Adam. He could feel the weight of their expectations and the hope that his approval would set the course for the future. Chapter - 26: Company Share The idea of giving away company shares might not seem very important right now, but Adam knew the truth deep inside¡ªthis company had the power to grow into something massive. Every time he looked at the faces around him, he saw the potential for greatness. Yet, he also understood that giving shares meant sharing control. It was a step he was not willing to take too lightly. Handing over even a small part of his authority was a big decision, especially when he had only met Mr. Kim the day before and barely knew the rest of the team. Adam sat silently for a long moment, his mind filled with worries and possibilities. He remembered stories from his past, hints of a future where great empires were built on trust, sacrifice, and hard work. But with each story came a warning: no empire grew without a cost. The thought of losing control, even in part, made him hesitant. His heart pounded as he weighed the risks against the rewards. Then, as if a spark ignited his inner resolve, an idea struck him like a flash of lightning. ''My dream isn''t just to build a single company. I want to establish a strong presence in every industry, touching every corner of the market. To do that, I need skilled, dedicated people like you all are,'' he thought. Looking around the room, his eyes met those of each team member. The uncertainty in his face slowly gave way to determination. He stood up, his voice firm and calm. "I understand your concerns," Adam said slowly, choosing his words with care so everyone could follow his meaning. "And I have a solution." A hush fell over the room. Every pair of eyes turned to him, filled with anticipation. They waited, leaning in as if his next words would change everything. Adam took a deep breath, letting the silence build the weight of his plan before he continued. "Instead of making Fire Corporation just an oil refinery company, we will turn it into a parent company." His voice was steady and sure, echoing his inner belief that this was the right path to take. At this, Monica''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait¡­ you mean Fire Corporation will be a holding company, and the oil refinery will be just one of its subsidiaries?" she asked, her tone mixing shock with excitement. It was a new idea¡ªone that could change the way they all thought about the business. Adam nodded. "Exactly," he replied. "This means I can''t give you shares in Fire Corporation itself. But I can offer you shares in the refinery company that will operate under it. In this way, you all become partners in the part that will create real value, while I keep the final decision-making power in the overall company." Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Monica exchanged a quick glance with Mr. Kim. Her eyes searched his face, seeking confirmation. Kim''s expression was thoughtful, and he nodded almost imperceptibly. The idea was clear¡ªeach member would invest their time, skills, and belief into the refinery, and as that part grew, so would the value of their shares. Lee, who had been listening intently, suddenly broke into a smile. He looked impressed by the clarity of Adam''s proposal. His expression, filled with admiration, said more than words ever could. It was a brilliant move, one that allowed Adam to offer the team a share in the potential success without losing his overall control. The others, though still quiet, showed signs of understanding. Their faces lit up with a mix of relief and cautious optimism. They were beginning to see the plan¡ªa plan that offered them a chance to grow along with the company, yet ensured that Adam''s vision would lead the way. Monica rested both her hands on the table and looked straight at Adam. Her voice was steady and sincere as she spoke, "You may look like a kid sometimes, but this idea tells me you''re destined for something great. I have no reason to refuse this offer. I accept." Her words came with an air of determination that reassured everyone that the decision was not made lightly. Adam felt his heart swell with gratitude and relief. In that moment, he realized that his dream of building an empire was taking shape. He had found people who believed in the future as much as he did¡ªeven if they were taking a risk by accepting a lower salary now for the promise of shares later. This was more than a financial decision; it was a promise to work together as a team, united by a shared goal. Monica''s mind raced as she considered the meaning of the plan. To her, a parent company was not merely a business structure¡ªit was a bold vision for something far greater than what anyone had seen before. It represented the chance to build an empire that spanned across many industries, creating a lasting mark on the future. Excitement bubbled within her as she looked at Adam again, trying to see the full extent of his vision. ''At first, I thought you were just another rich kid throwing money around. But I was completely wrong,'' she mused quietly. Her voice softened as she shared her true thoughts with herself. It was a promise of potential and possibility that made her want to take every chance offered. As Monica''s internal thoughts settled, the rest of the group began to exchange looks. Their eyes turned to Mr. Kim, silently urging him to speak up and share his opinion. Kim took a moment, then nodded with clear approval. "I''m in," he said, his voice filled with conviction. It was a simple statement, yet it carried the weight of his trust in Adam''s plan. One by one, the others started to show their agreement. Lee, who had been the first to smile, leaned forward and slammed his hand on the table with a grin. "Adam, I like you. Even if you weren''t giving me shares, I''d still work with you," he declared, his words filled with genuine enthusiasm. That simple statement said it all¡ªLee saw the potential in the journey ahead and was determined not to let the opportunity slip away. ''I can''t let this chance pass me by,'' he thought firmly. Then, almost in unison, Lisa and Raven, who had been watching everything carefully, exchanged a brief glance before speaking together, "We''re in." Their calm voices joined the chorus of support, making it clear that the core team was ready to move forward with Adam''s plan. Adam looked at his team with a deep sense of satisfaction and responsibility. His eyes moved from one face to another, each expression telling a story of hope, risk, and a willingness to work hard. His voice softened, filled with quiet determination as he addressed them all. Chapter - 27: Red Fire Refinery Hearing their words, Adam couldn''t help but smile. In that moment, the room seemed to glow with a quiet light of hope and determination. He extended his hand toward the center of the table as a sign of unity, inviting everyone to join in the new journey they were beginning together. "Welcome to Fire Corporation," Adam announced, his voice calm yet full of purpose. Kim immediately placed his hand over Adam''s and nodded in agreement. "This is no longer just your dream, Adam. It''s mine too," he said. His tone was warm but carried a weight that spoke of shared commitment. Kim''s eyes shone with the promise of partnership, a bond forged in trust and the common goal of building something lasting. Monica, with a hint of playful authority, smirked as she reached over and placed her hand over Kim''s. "If any of you slack off, I''ll personally show you what true hell looks like," she declared. Her voice was firm and laced with both humor and determination. It was clear that Monica was not one to tolerate laziness. She expected nothing less than full dedication from everyone in the team. Raven, always the composed one, slowly moved his hand to rest over Monica''s. His voice was soft yet sincere as he said, "Thank you for allowing me to be part of this team, Madam." Though his words carried little outward emotion, his eyes showed that he meant every word. Raven''s calm acceptance spoke volumes about his steady character, even if he never let his feelings show too openly. Bubbling with excitement, Lisa quickly placed her hand over Raven''s in a bright, eager gesture. "I''ll give it my all to bring this dream to life!" she exclaimed. Her smile was infectious, and it seemed as if her excitement could light up even the darkest corner of the room. Lisa''s energy was like a spark, igniting hope in the hearts of everyone present. Lee, who had been quietly observing, stood up and brought both of his hands to rest over Lisa''s while also ensuring that his hands joined those at the base of the pile of joined hands. With a firm, resolute voice, he declared, "And I will protect this corporation¡ªno matter what. Legally, of course." Lee''s words were simple and to the point. His handshake with Lisa and the joining of hands at the table symbolized that he would be a steadfast guardian for the team, ready to tackle any legal or practical challenges that might arise. As smiles spread across everyone''s faces, a strong feeling of unity filled the room. Not long ago, each one of them had been working in different directions, each focused on their own pursuits and dreams. Now, they were all gathered around a single table, sharing a common goal and a common hope for the future. The energy in the room was infectious, and every pair of eyes shone with determination. In that small, humble room, it was as if the past differences had been erased, leaving only a shared vision and the determination to work as one. No one knew what the future held; the path ahead was uncertain and filled with challenges. But in that moment, each person felt the spark of determination burning brightly. It was a moment of transformation, the point where individuals became a team, and a team became a family. After the warm and unifying moment, everyone slowly returned to their seats. The air was filled with a mix of relief and focused anticipation, as if each person knew that the real work was just about to begin. Monica wasted no time. She reached into her bag and pulled out a thick stack of papers. With deliberate care, she spread the papers across the table so that everyone could see them clearly. These papers were more than just sheets of paper¡ªthey represented plans, strategies, and the foundation for what they hoped to build. Not wanting to be outdone, Kim retrieved several documents from his bag and joined Monica in placing the important paperwork in front of the team. Soon enough, every team member had a neat stack of documents and papers spread out before them. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Adam blinked in surprise and thought to himself, ''I didn''t expect them to come this prepared.'' The level of organization and commitment in that room was greater than he had imagined. Before Adam could say anything about his surprise, Kim looked up at the group with a thoughtful expression and asked, "Do I need to explain everyone''s roles?" His question hung in the air for a moment, as if waiting for someone to answer or for someone to take the lead. Almost immediately, Monica cut in sharply, "No, wait. If we randomly assign roles and start working without a structured approach, we''ll get nowhere." Her voice was clear and confident as she continued, "We need a solid strategy and a plan to follow. A company''s core principles and set of rules shape its identity. Without them, even the most profitable business won''t last long." Her words were both a reminder of the hard truths of business and an invitation to build something strong and lasting. As Monica spoke, Adam fell into deep thought. The seriousness in her tone reminded him that every decision they made now would impact the future of the company. Suddenly, a long-forgotten memory surfaced¡ªa memory he had buried deep inside his heart. For a moment, the lively discussion faded into the background as he was drawn back to that painful past. A memory of a bloodstained floor came unbidden to his mind. He remembered the harsh pain that had coursed through his body. In that dark moment, John''s father had stood above him with a cruel smirk on his face. Adam recalled how John and his friends had watched silently from behind as he lay there, bleeding out. The memory was sharp and vivid, a reminder of a time when he had been at his lowest point. Lying on that cold floor, with blood slowly spreading beneath him, Adam had pleaded, "What was my mistake?Was I more talented? Was your son less talented than me, and that''s why you ruined my life?" His voice had trembled with desperation as he sought answers to the pain and injustice he had suffered. John''s father had simply chuckled¡ªa cold, chilling laugh that seemed to echo in Adam''s memory. Taking slow, deliberate steps toward him, he had knelt down beside Adam and spoken in a calm yet chilling tone, "It doesn''t matter how talented or genius you are. If I want to defeat you, I only need to buy two talented individuals like you. They will outperform you and develop a strategy to crush you. I hold true power¡ªthe power to control those more talented than me." That promise of control had left a deep scar in Adam''s soul. It was a reminder that sometimes, even brilliance could be overpowered by the right kind of manipulation. Snapping back to the present, Adam clenched his fists under the table as the memory faded away. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts. He knew that his unique abilities were both a gift and a curse. While they had given him incredible power, they also left him feeling vulnerable. Deep inside, he realized the painful truth: ''I''m still powerless in some ways.'' Power, he knew, was not just about talent¡ªit was also about control, strategy, and the right partnerships. Before Adam could dwell on these thoughts any longer, Monica''s voice sliced through the tension. "Adam? Where did you go just now? Did you even listen to what I said?" Her tone was sharp, tinged with both impatience and concern. Adam looked up, meeting Monica''s piercing gaze. "Sorry, I was thinking about something else," he replied quickly, trying to mask the storm of emotions behind his calm exterior. Monica sighed, her face softening just a bit as she asked, "Do I need to explain everything again?" It was clear that she was frustrated, but also that she cared about him understanding the full picture. Adam shook his head slowly. "No, just give me an overview," he said, hoping to regain his focus and move past the painful memory. His eyes searched hers, silently asking for guidance. Monica studied him for a few long seconds before nodding in understanding. "Alright. Here''s what we''ve established so far," she began, her voice steady and clear. All eyes in the room shifted toward her, waiting for her to continue. "Our main company will be Fire Corporation," Monica explained. "Under it, we''ll have multiple branches. The first subsidiary will be the refinery. We want the refinery to have its own identity, its own name. It is important that when people think of our work, they see strength, innovation, and excellence. We cannot simply call it ''the refinery'' every time¡ªit needs a name that reflects our ambition and vision." Adam leaned forward, his chin resting thoughtfully on his hand as he considered her words. The room was quiet except for the soft scratch of pens and the rustle of paper. Everyone was focused, ready to build a strong foundation for the future. After a moment of thoughtful silence, Adam allowed a small, confident smirk to spread across his face. "Let''s call it¡­ Red Fire Refinery," he declared. His words were simple but filled with meaning. Red was a bold color¡ªfull of life, passion, and energy. It was a name that suggested strength and determination, and it fit perfectly with the image they wanted to project. At that moment, the room filled with murmurs of approval. Kim''s eyes brightened, and even Raven allowed himself a slight nod of satisfaction. Lisa''s smile grew wider, and Lee''s firm expression softened into one of genuine pride. They all saw that Adam''s suggestion was not just a name¡ªit was a symbol of their new beginning, a sign that they were ready to take on the challenges ahead with heart and unity. As the group sat back down, the energy in the room felt more focused than ever. The papers, the documents, and the carefully planned strategies were not just words on paper; they were the first steps toward building an empire. Every person at that table had now committed not only their time and effort, but also their hopes for a future where Fire Corporation and its subsidiaries would stand as a beacon of innovation and strength. Chapter - 28: Free Stuff The moment Adam announced the name "Red Fire Refinery," a ripple of quiet excitement passed through the room. Every team member exchanged glances, each reflecting a mix of surprise, hope, and the heavy responsibility of the road ahead. Monica was the first to break the silence. With a firm nod, she reached for her pen and quickly scribbled the name on the stack of papers in front of her. "Alright," she said in a clear, steady voice. "Fire Corporation''s first sub-branch¡ªRed Fire Refinery. Its primary purpose is to extract and sell oil." Her tone left no room for doubt; it was as if she had been waiting for this moment all along. Kim, standing close by, gave a slight nod. His expression remained serious and focused. He knew the stakes were high and that every decision mattered. Monica then turned her attention to Lisa. With a determined look, she instructed, "Lisa, your job is to find potential buyers for us. But remember¡ªstay as low-profile as possible. We can''t afford to have our initial buyers leak information. The last thing we need is for Green Refinery to start breathing down our necks before we''re even fully operational." Lisa nodded in understanding. Her eyes shone with determination as she mentally prepared for the delicate task ahead. She knew that finding buyers meant more than just selling oil; it meant carefully nurturing the first relationships with clients without attracting unwanted attention. Before anyone could settle into the next task, Kim interjected with urgency. "Before we start looking for buyers, we need to get the refinery fully operational." His eyes shifted toward Adam as he continued, "Adam, I have to admit, I''m impressed. Not only did you set up the refinery, but you even installed an oil extraction system. That must have cost a fortune. But we''ll get to that later. First, we need to register the refinery legally and get it up and running as soon as possible." Kim''s words hung in the air. He was already thinking ahead to the many steps required before any oil could be sold. His focus was on turning the bold idea into a reality while keeping a tight rein on every detail. Kim then looked at Monica, who simply nodded in agreement before turning her gaze to Raven. Without any hesitation, Raven spoke up in his calm, steady manner, "Don''t worry. I''ll handle recruitment. Just tell me what kind of people you need and the budget, and I''ll find the best talent available." Monica began to jot down notes again, her pen scratching over the paper as she listed the roles and responsibilities. But after a moment, she suddenly paused, her hand hovering above the page. The entire team sensed her hesitation. Her eyes met Kim''s in a brief, nervous glance before she turned her focus toward Adam. "Adam," she began slowly, "can you tell us exactly how much funding we have? We need to plan carefully for the future, and the budget will shape every decision we make from now on." Her tone was a mix of concern and practicality. She knew that without a clear understanding of their financial resources, the plans they made might crumble before they even began. Adam had been avoiding this question for a while. The weight of financial matters was never far from his mind, yet it was one topic he found difficult to discuss openly. But he knew that the time for evasion was over. Taking a deep breath, he finally decided to face the matter head-on. "I currently have one million dollars," Adam said, his voice calm but tinged with the truth of his limited means. A heavy silence fell over the room as everyone exchanged surprised glances. The stark number resonated in the quiet space, a reminder that dreams, no matter how grand, must be built on realistic foundations. Kim''s eyes widened slightly as he processed the information. It became clear that when Adam had previously claimed to have endless cash, he had only been trying to reassure the team. In reality, his financial backing was far more modest than many had assumed. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. For Kim, who had hoped for a larger investment, this revelation was a moment of reconsideration. Before anyone could comment further, Adam continued, "If necessary, I can raise another two million dollars." His words were meant to offer reassurance, but the room fell into stunned silence once more. The figures were now the subject of intense scrutiny, each person considering the implications for their future plans. Monica was the first to break the silence. "Adam, one million dollars should be enough for now," she said firmly, her tone laced with practical wisdom. "We don''t want to put an additional burden on you. Our final budget will be one million dollars." Her voice carried the weight of someone who had seen many plans go awry because of financial overreach. It was a decision made not out of a lack of ambition, but out of a careful understanding of their current resources. She looked around the room, ensuring that every member was following her reasoning. "Is everyone clear on this?" she asked, her eyes scanning the faces before her. One by one, each team member nodded in silent agreement. The clarity of the budget, though modest, provided a stable base upon which they could build their plans. Adam, though slightly taken aback by Monica''s decisive manner, felt a wave of gratitude. His team understood his situation, and their support in accepting the budget eased some of his worries. Mr. Kim cleared his throat, drawing everyone''s attention as he stepped forward to outline the next phase of their journey. "Alright, now that we''re clear on the budget, let''s review everyone''s tasks and responsibilities," he said, his tone authoritative and focused. He turned to Lee, the young lawyer who had shown promise from the start. "Lee, you need to get all the necessary documents ready. I need everything completed within a day if possible." Lee''s face lit up with determination, and he pounded his fist lightly against his chest as a sign of commitment. "Leave it to me!" he declared confidently. Kim then shifted his focus to Lisa. "You have two tasks. First, you must find potential buyers for our oil while maintaining complete secrecy. Second, keep the price as low as possible¡ªjust enough to create demand. We have an oil reserve, but breaking into the market won''t be easy. If we want to capture a slice of the market, we need to ease people into our supply gradually." Lisa nodded, her eyes reflecting the seriousness of her role. She understood that her job was not just about sales; it was about setting the stage for a lasting market presence without alerting competitors. As soon as Kim finished speaking, Adam''s eyes brightened with a sudden idea. A mischievous smirk spread across his face as he turned toward Lisa and said, "Lisa, here''s what we''ll do¡ªgive them the oil for free." The room fell into complete silence. For a few long moments, no one spoke. The words hung in the air like a challenge, a radical shift from conventional business practices. Kim looked at Adam, shock and disbelief clear in his eyes. "What do you mean? That''s not how business works! If we give it away for free, we won''t make any money!" His voice was loud enough to cut through the stillness, echoing off the walls of the small meeting room. Monica, equally taken aback, shook her head slowly. "Adam, are you serious?" she asked, her tone laced with concern and a touch of incredulity. The seriousness of the moment was underscored by the weight of their responsibilities and the risks they were about to take. Adam, however, remained calm. "I never said we''d give it away forever," he replied steadily. "We''ll only provide the first batch for free." His eyes sparkled with a mixture of daring and conviction, as if he were unveiling a secret weapon that would change everything. Raven, always the practical one, frowned deeply and interjected, "That could throw off our entire financial plan. And how do we decide how much to give away?" His voice was measured, yet his concern was evident. The idea, though innovative, came with risks that needed to be carefully managed. Adam grinned, his confidence undeterred by the challenges pointed out by his team. "Simple. Whatever they ask for, we give it to them¡ªno limits." His tone was light, almost playful, as if he were describing a well-known trick rather than a radical business strategy. Now, the room was filled with disbelief and uncertainty. Monica narrowed her eyes as she looked directly at Adam, her concern growing. "Adam, are you sure you''re okay? Do you even understand what you''re saying?" Her voice was gentle but firm, an expression of both care and the responsibility she felt for the future of the company. Adam raised both hands in a calming gesture. "Relax," he said with a confident chuckle. "This is a proven strategy." His smile broadened, but inside, he knew the truth. He hadn''t invented this technique at all. In the future, a company from overseas would use this exact marketing strategy to dominate the global industry. All I did was copy it¡ªjust a little earlier than history intended. The room fell silent once more, each team member processing the risk and the potential of Adam''s bold move. The idea of giving away the first batch for free was both terrifying and intriguing. It meant sacrificing short-term gains for the promise of long-term market dominance. Every person in the room weighed the cost of such a gamble against the possibility of becoming pioneers in a fiercely competitive industry. chapter - 29: Adams Task Adam''s bold suggestion had left everyone stunned. The room was filled with a heavy silence as his team tried to process the risky yet daring plan he had just outlined. They trusted him, but even the most faithful partners felt a twinge of worry. Every person in the room understood that great ideas sometimes came with great risks. All eyes turned to Monica, whose calm yet firm presence was known to balance the group. After a long, measured pause, Monica let out a deep breath and finally spoke. "Alright, we''ll do it," she declared in a clear, decisive voice. Her decision was not made lightly; she knew that every step they took from now on would either build the company or expose it to danger. Without missing a beat, Monica turned to Lisa. "Lisa, offer them a one-time free shipment," she instructed, her tone brisk and businesslike. "But don''t tell them outright that they''ll have to pay the second time. Just make sure it''s clearly mentioned in the documents when they sign the order." Her eyes locked on Lisa''s, conveying the seriousness of the plan. Lisa nodded, understanding the delicate balance of this strategy. It was meant to win over new clients by giving them a taste of what they could expect, yet it would force them into a commitment once they experienced the value of the product. Adam couldn''t help but feel a surge of admiration as he listened. ''Monica is truly a dangerous businesswoman'', he thought. ''If she were my competitor, I''d have a hard time keeping up''. Her ability to make swift, practical decisions in the face of uncertainty impressed him more than anything. Monica then shifted her attention to Raven. "Raven, I''m handing you the responsibility of recruitment," she said, sliding a few neatly arranged papers toward him. "Here''s a breakdown of our necessary roles and positions." Raven took the papers carefully, untying the ribbon that bound them, and began reading through the details with quiet concentration. "Our funds are 40-50% allocated to human resources, so I expect you to hire only the most talented individuals," Monica continued, her tone both firm and hopeful. She knew that for their plans to succeed, every single person brought on board had to be among the best. Raven, without looking up from the papers, replied in his usual calm, "Don''t worry. I know exactly where to find the right people." His voice was low and confident, a promise that he would not let the company down. Kim, who had been watching the exchange closely, interjected with a note of caution. "Try to stay as low-profile as possible," he advised Raven. Raven glanced up, meeting Kim''s serious gaze, and simply nodded. There was no need for further explanation; everyone in the room understood the importance of discretion at this early stage. As the meeting progressed, Monica then turned to Kim. "Kim, start looking for a location for our company headquarters. We can''t keep holding meetings in Adam''s apartment forever." Her tone left no room for misinterpretation; it was time to grow beyond the cramped setting that had served them well in the beginning. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. She handed Kim another list, detailing potential sites and requirements for their future office. "We also need to acquire essential equipment for both the office and the refinery," she added. The list was filled with items ranging from computers and furniture to specialized machinery needed to run the refinery smoothly. Before Kim could even begin to take the list, Adam swiftly grabbed it from Monica''s hands. Both Monica and Kim looked at him in surprise. With a self-assured smirk, Adam said, "Leave this to me. If there''s one thing I''m good at, it''s procurement." His tone carried both confidence and a hint of mischief¡ªa reminder that he had always prided himself on his knack for finding deals and sourcing high-quality equipment at low prices. Monica was momentarily speechless, clearly taken aback by Adam''s sudden move. She studied him closely, searching his eyes for any sign of a hidden agenda. After a brief pause, she nodded reluctantly. "Fine. If you want to handle it, go ahead," she agreed. But she quickly turned back to Kim. "I''m assigning you the task of overseeing the refinery operations and monitoring its progress. Make sure everything runs smoothly." Kim accepted the responsibility with a nod, taking the papers from her with a determined expression. Kim then handed Monica another set of documents. "This is additional data and remaining fund allocations. You''ll need to manage them wisely," he said, emphasizing the need for careful financial oversight. Monica nodded in acknowledgment, already making plans on how to use the funds in the most effective manner. Adam clapped his hands together to gain everyone''s attention. "Alright, I expect each of you to succeed in your tasks," he declared, his voice resonating with a mixture of encouragement and authority. He then stood up and walked over to a drawer in the corner of the room. After a few moments, he retrieved a bundle of business cards and began to distribute them to everyone present. "Each of you, take one," Adam said as he handed out the cards. "The landline number on it is my direct contact. We haven''t made official company cards yet, but you can use this to reach me." The team accepted the cards with nods and quiet murmurs of approval. It was a small gesture, but one that reinforced the connection between them and their leader. After the meeting''s busyness had settled, one by one, the team members began to leave the room, each with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear understanding of their tasks. Soon, only Monica and Adam remained in the quiet space of the meeting room. The rest of the group had moved on to their duties, leaving behind an air of lingering determination and the buzz of new ideas taking shape. Adam, feeling the weight of his responsibilities and the success of the day''s work, moved to the small kitchen area. He began preparing something¡ªperhaps coffee or a simple snack¡ªfor both himself and Monica. As he moved about, the kitchen filled with the soft sounds of rustling paper and the clink of cups, creating a moment of calm amidst the flurry of plans. Then he heard a soft but clear voice behind him, "Adam." He turned around to see Monica standing there, her arms folded across her chest. Her expression was thoughtful, and there was a seriousness in her eyes that made him pause. "Adam," she began, her voice firm yet measured, "make sure that the equipment you buy is of decent quality and that you spend as little as possible. I''ve allocated $40,000 for essential equipment¡ªbased on my market price calculations, that should be enough to meet our minimum requirements." Monica''s tone was one of both authority and concern. She trusted him, but she also knew the risks of overspending at such a critical time. Adam chuckled softly, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he looked at her. "Give me just $10,000, and I''ll get all the standard equipment we need. Don''t worry about it." His voice was playful yet firm, confident in his ability to procure the best deals. Monica''s eyes widened in shock at his suggestion. For a moment, she was about to question his judgment, her mind racing with thoughts of what might go wrong if the equipment wasn''t up to par. But before she could speak further, Adam raised both hands in a calming gesture. "Trust me," he said with a smile. "Don''t judge me by my age. I know what I''m doing." His words were meant to reassure her, to remind her that his experience and instincts were as sharp as anyone else''s¡ªeven if he was younger than most of them. Monica studied him for a long moment, her gaze softening. Finally, she nodded. "Alright, Adam. I trust you to get us what we need¡ªbut please, be careful with the budget." Her voice was gentle now, carrying a mix of hope and warning. She knew that every dollar spent wisely would bring them one step closer to success. With that, the two shared a brief moment of understanding. It was a silent agreement that every decision made now would shape the future of Fire Corporation and its first branch, Red Fire Refinery. Chapter - 30: Status Adam stepped out of his apartment with a sense of purpose, his mind already busy with the tasks that lay ahead for Fire Corporation. The morning air was crisp as he made his way down the familiar street. Monica had already left for her own responsibilities, her confident stride a reminder of the fierce dedication that kept their team moving forward. After boarding a bus for a short ride to a nearby business district, Adam''s thoughts were suddenly interrupted. As he gazed out the window, he noticed a severe car accident on the side of the road. The front of the car was completely destroyed¡ªtwisted metal and shattered glass scattered across the pavement. The scene was chaotic, with onlookers gathering and emergency services rushing to help. In that split second, a new thought sparked in Adam''s mind. "Wait a minute¡­ If I can copy physical objects, could I also copy skills or even someone''s strength?" The idea was both thrilling and dangerous. His special ability to copy and paste was already transforming his world, but the possibility of transferring intangible traits like skill and physical power opened a door to even greater potential. Glancing around, Adam''s eyes caught sight of a man nearby¡ªa typical office worker in a crisp shirt, glasses perched on his nose, and a magazine clutched in his hand. The cover of that magazine featured a striking photograph of an athlete in peak physical condition¡ªa symbol of strength, agility, and endurance. The athlete''s pose was dynamic, exuding energy and power that Adam admired. Taking a deep breath, Adam closed his eyes and focused intently on the image of the athlete. In his mind, he repeated the command clearly: "Copy the physical attributes of this photo." Almost immediately, a system scan activated around the magazine. Light and digital icons danced over the image, highlighting the athlete with a blue outline. A blue notification window appeared before Adam''s eyes, its message crisp and clinical: [Copying the target''s physical attributes¡­] For a moment, time seemed to slow down. Adam could feel the energy of the process flowing through him, as if his mind was reaching out and merging with the data on the screen. Then, just as quickly as it had appeared, a second window materialized on his vision: [Congratulations! The host has successfully copied the target''s physical attributes.] Below the congratulatory message, a list of the copied stats was displayed: - Speed: 7 points- Strength: 5 points- Intelligence: 5 points- Endurance: 8 points- Flexibility: 9 points- Wisdom: 3 points Adam''s heart pounded as he scanned the numbers. A surge of excitement ran through him. ''This is incredible!'' he thought. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. The idea that he could enhance himself by copying specific attributes was revolutionary. His mind raced with possibilities¡ªwhat if he could mix and match these stats with his own? But then, just as he began to imagine a new version of himself, another window popped up on his display: [Would the host like to paste these stat points into their own body?] Below this prompt, a warning message appeared: [Note: If the host pastes these stats, their previous physical attributes will be completely replaced. The newly pasted stats will become the host''s new base stats.] Adam froze for a moment, the weight of the decision settling over him. He had always known that there were limitations to his power. The idea of becoming overwhelmingly strong or fast had its appeal, but it came with a high price. His mind raced: "I knew there had to be some limitation. Otherwise, I''d become the strongest being in the universe instantly." Steeling himself, Adam shifted his focus to his own status window that had just appeared alongside the copied stats. It displayed his current physical attributes: Host Status:- Name: Adam- Species: Human- Strength: 3 points- Speed: 1.5 points- Endurance: 1 point- Intelligence: 10 points- Flexibility: 0.5 points- Wisdom: 8 points Adam stared at his stats in disbelief. "Aside from intelligence and wisdom, all my physical stats are so low!" The numbers were a stark reminder that his body was far from what he needed to fulfill his growing ambitions. The potential was there, hidden behind his mind''s prowess, but his physical form was lacking. This realization brought him to a critical juncture: "If I replace my entire stat set, my intelligence and wisdom will drop significantly." Those qualities were the very foundation of his unique abilities. He needed a way to enhance himself without losing what made him truly smart and wise. A new question suddenly burst into his mind: "Can I copy and paste individual stats instead of replacing everything at once?" Determined to test this possibility, Adam focused on the **strength stat** from the athlete''s copied attributes. With a clear, deliberate thought, he commanded: "Paste Strength." In an instant, another system window appeared on his vision: [Congratulations! The host has successfully pasted the new Strength stat.] A moment later, his status window updated to reflect the change: Updated Host Status: - Strength: 5 points (Previously 3)- Speed: 1.5 points- Endurance: 1 point- Intelligence: 10 points- Flexibility: 0.5 points- Wisdom: 8 points A thrill of accomplishment surged through Adam. The experiment had worked¡ªhe could upgrade his stats one by one, selectively choosing which abilities to enhance. The implications were enormous. He could retain his high intelligence and wisdom while improving his physical capabilities gradually. Feeling both emboldened and curious, Adam decided to push further. Without hesitation, he issued another mental command: "Paste Speed, Endurance, and Flexibility." The status window flickered as the changes took effect. One by one, the numbers updated: Final Host Status:- Strength: 5 points- Speed: 7 points- Endurance: 8.5 points- Flexibility: 9 points- Intelligence: 10 points- Wisdom: 8 points A powerful rush of energy coursed through Adam''s body. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw surge of strength and speed that was now part of him. His mind raced with the potential of his new capabilities. He felt lighter, faster, and more agile than ever before. Overwhelmed by the new sensations, Adam instinctively stood up¡ªand in a moment of unintentional exhilaration, he jumped into the air. His body lifted with an unexpected buoyancy, and he soared slightly before landing softly back on the ground. It was as if his body had been reborn with a new set of physical laws, one that allowed him to defy the normal limitations of gravity for just a moment. Startled by his own actions, Adam looked around to see if anyone had witnessed his leap. To his surprise, several people on the bus and even a few passersby on the street were staring at him, their eyes wide with astonishment. For a brief moment, he felt as if he had broken the barrier between ordinary and extraordinary. Even he was shocked by what had just happened. A mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness filled his mind. The power to copy and paste physical attributes was now firmly in his grasp, and the realization that he could selectively enhance himself changed everything. The possibilities seemed endless, and the thrill of his newfound ability made his heart race.