Reaping Rewards

As Michael left the VIP section, a notification popped up.

[Congratulations! You have finished the mission: Business Foundation Strategy. Rewards: 20,000 System Points, 1x Spin in the Wheel of Fortune, a chance to level up one core science of your choice.]

Carrying a heavy chip case, he made his way to the cashier's desk to cash out. The cashier, accustomed to dealing with big winners, quickly processed his chips. The total amount came to a staggering 17,500,000 pesos.

"Quite the win, sir," the cashier remarked, counting out the money.

"Yeah, it was a good day," Michael replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Now, would you like it in cash or in check?" the cashier asked.

Michael paused, considering his options as the cashier awaited his decision on whether to take his winnings in cash or check. He weighed the pros and cons in his mind. Carrying around 17,500,000 pesos in cash posed obvious security risks, while a check would be safer but less immediately accessible.

"Check, please," he finally said, deciding that the security of his funds was paramount. "It's a bit too much to carry in cash."

The cashier nodded in understanding, quickly filling out a check for the total amount. Michael watched as his winnings were transformed into a simple piece of paper. He accepted the check, his heart racing.

He had never thought he would be able to possess such a copious amount of money. It would be only a dream, but this is reality, he has it now, and it's all thanks to the system. Hail the System! 

Now that he has the capital, it's time to scout for possible locations for his warehouse factory. But to do that, he needs to transfer the check to his bank account. 

He looked at the time first and saw it was three o'clock in the afternoon. If he booked Angkas, he would get there before closing. Without hesitation, Michael quickly exited the casino and pulled out his phone to book an Angkas ride, a popular motorcycle taxi service in the Philippines. He needed to get to the bank before it closed to deposit the check and secure his funds.

The Angkas arrived promptly, and Michael hopped on, clutching his wallet tightly. The ride through the bustling streets of Manila was swift, with the driver skillfully navigating through the traffic. 

Michael's mind was occupied with thoughts of the future, planning the next steps he needed to take. He reached the bank with time to spare, briskly walking to the teller to deposit his check. The process was...complicated.

"Sir…where did you get this money?" the bank teller asked.

"I got it—from gambling. Why is there something wrong?" Michael replied, sensing a hint of skepticism in the teller's voice.

The bank teller hesitated for a moment, then said, "Well, sir, for such a large sum, especially from gambling winnings, we are required to perform some standard verification procedures. It's part of our regulatory compliance for anti-money laundering."

Michael nodded, understanding the situation. "Of course, I understand. Do what you need to do."

The teller began processing the check, occasionally asking Michael for additional details like the casino's name and the games he played. Michael provided all the information, trying to stay patient. He knew these were standard procedures for any financial institution dealing with large transactions.

After a while, the teller confirmed that everything was in order. "The funds will be available in your account within 24 to 48 hours, Mr. Reyes. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

"No, that's all, thank you," Michael replied, relieved that the process was finally over.

Leaving the bank, Michael heaved a sigh of satisfaction. Things are starting to look better, and he is just starting. He wondered how he was going to tell his mother about his money. Well, that would be at another time.

Now, for the system, the rewards. 

[Current System Points: 60,050]

[Spin for Wheel of Fortune: 3x] 

[Neuroenhancer drug: 1x] 

[Insta-level of any core sciences: 1x] 

Michael checked his mastery stats. 

User Interface:

User: Michael Reyes.

Occupation: Student.

[Mastery]

Physics: Level 4

1210/1500 points

Chemistry: Level 0

0/100

Biology: Level 0

0/100

Mathematics: Level 4

1400/1500

Astronomy: Level 0

0/100

Meteorology: Level 4

1450/1500

Oceanography: Level 0

0/100

Environmental Science: Level 4

1300/1500

Geology: Level 0 

0/100

Computer Science: Level 4

1200/1500

]

Well, it wouldn't be a wise decision to use the instalevel to a core science that has zero level. And to those core sciences which are going to level up soon by reading books. Maybe after they are leveled up, that's where the reward would be most convenient. 

So Michael decided to keep it for now. And it's going to be best if he sort his reward back home. He booked a Grab car and placed the pin to his home.

Upon reaching home, Michael paid the Grab driver and headed inside. He was greeted by the familiar and comforting aroma of his mother's cooking. Myra looked up in surprise as he entered, her face lighting up with a smile.

"Michael, you're back! How was your day?" she asked, setting aside her cooking spoon.

"It was... eventful, Ma."

"How eventful?" Myra asked.

"Well, I'll tell you soon, it must be kept a secret first," Michael grinned. 

Myra laughed softly. "In that case, I'll not give you a serving of your favorite. I'm cooking it right now." 

Michael's nose picked up a delicious aroma. "Is that Ginataang Mais?" 

Ginataang mais in English is called sweet corn pudding, the familiar scent bringing back fond memories. It was one of his favorite Filipino desserts, a creamy mixture of sweet corn and coconut milk.

Myra nodded, stirring the pot on the stove. "Yes, it's your favorite. I thought it would be a nice treat."

Michael took a seat at the kitchen table. As much as he wanted to dive into his system, he couldn't let the chance of eating a hot steamy sweet corn pudding get away. 

Myra served her a bowl of sweet corn pudding and Michael quickly finished it within two minutes. Despite its hotness, Michael didn't mind. 

"Thank you, Mom," Michael said as he drank a glass of water. "I'll stay in my bedroom for a while, I need to finish something." 

"Okay…"

***

In his bedroom, Michael checked the Wheel of Fortune, and the list of prizes remained the same when he first opened it. 

[50,000 System Points, Mysterious Blueprint, 100,000 System Points, Neuroenhancer Drug 10x, Mysterious Chest, 500,000 System Points] 

It doesn't matter, anything would be useful for him now.

Michael clicked the 'Spin' button, watching as the wheel spun rapidly before gradually slowing down.

The first spin came to a stop on the segment marked '50,000 System Points'. Michael's total points increased instantly, giving him a substantial boost. He didn't waste any time and clicked for the second spin.

This time, the wheel slowed down and landed on 'Mysterious Blueprint'. A pop-up appeared on the screen, informing him that the reward was transferred to his inventory. 

Excited, Michael proceeded with the third and final spin. The wheel spun, the anticipation building up again. It finally halted on 'Mysterious Chest'. Another pop-up appeared, showing a virtual chest, and then a message that it was transferred to his inventory.

Michael curiously examined the mysterious rewards in his inventory. The first was a detailed blueprint of an electric bus, showcasing advanced design and sustainable energy use. The blueprint included specifications for efficient electric motors, high-capacity battery systems, and aerodynamic designs that promised both performance and environmental benefits.

The second item, the software from the year 2060, was even more intriguing. As he opened the file, he discovered it was an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven market analysis tool. This software was capable of analyzing vast amounts of data from various global markets, including stock, commodities, real estate, and emerging technology sectors. What set it apart was its predictive algorithm, which could forecast market trends and investment opportunities with unprecedented accuracy. 

He could use the AI software for his personal use in the meantime, giving himself an edge, and the electric bus? Well, there is this issue in the Philippines about the modernization of public transportation, phasing out old and traditional jeepneys. Now that he thought about it, the electric bus might be the ideal replacement for it. 

But of course, one product at a time. Focus on the solar panel first. An idea popped into his head. He grabbed his phone and sent a message to Mr. Delgado.

[Sir, would the competition include showcasing products created by mechanical engineering students from different universities?]

It didn't take long for Mr. Delgado to reply. 

[Yes, why ask that?]

[Because I'm planning on introducing a product I invented, can you arrange it for me, sir?]

[I can but I'm going to need to see your product first.] 

[No problem.]