Chapter 41: A Normal Day

"So, did everything go well?" Matthew's deep voice echoed through the room.

"Yes, Mr. Oliveira," the manager replied, his tone reflecting the importance of the moment.

Matthew turned to the documents spread out on his desk, studying them with a serious expression. "Was the meeting productive? Did they bring anything new beyond what we discussed?"

The manager hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Initially, they tried to reduce our proposal to 3%. However, after our technology team presented, they reluctantly agreed to the 7% we proposed." He handed a neat folder to Matthew, who looked up, assessing it.

Matthew flipped through the folder and nodded. "That's a good sign. It shows that our technology has made an impact. We need to continue to impress and ensure that this partnership is beneficial to both parties."

He leaned back in his chair, already planning the next steps. The room seemed to be pulsing with new energy, a palpable sense of optimism.

Sensing the mood, the manager continued with more confidence. "With the 7% accepted, we can start the implementation schedule. The marketing team has suggested joint campaigns to increase our visibility in the industry."

Mateus nodded. "Great. We need to create a strategy that not only highlights this partnership, but demonstrates our leadership in innovation. ByteDance has a huge reach, and we should exploit that to the fullest."

He stood up, energized by the prospect of the new alliance. "Organize key dates for follow-up meetings and convene the technology team to start working on the integrations. Let's show that we are more than a technology company, we are strategic partners."

"Understood, Mr. Oliveira," the manager replied, jotting down the instructions. "I will make sure everyone understands the importance of this project."

Mateus walked to the window, watching the city move by. "Every step we take in this partnership can define the future of NeuroSys. We will make sure that every interaction with ByteDance reflects our excellence."

Inspired by Matthew's words, the manager agreed. "With your leadership, I am confident that we will achieve impressive results."

Matthew smiled confidently. "I want to meet with all departments to align our approach."

"Perfect," said the manager. "I will prepare a presentation with the main points."

"Great. Let's start this new phase with full force." Matthew knew that this partnership had the potential to be a win-win for both NeuroSys and its partners.

---

"Hm… show me my Status," Matthew said, relaxing on the couch after a long day. He had remembered something he wanted to check.

[Status]

Owner: Mateus Oliveira

Age: 26

Health: 10

Intelligence: 8

Strength: 10

Agility: 10

Charm: 10

(The average for an adult is 5; the human maximum is 10)

"Ah, my work has finally borne fruit!" He smiled as he saw his status at maximum again.

"System, is there any way to raise my intelligence to 9 or 10?" Mateus asked thoughtfully.

[DING]

[NO]

"Why? If the human maximum is 10, why can't I reach that with intelligence as well?" Mateus questioned, frustrated.

[Answering the owner]

[The human mind is complex; few geniuses in history have managed to surpass the status 8.]

[Going beyond 8 becomes nearly impossible due to biological, emotional, and environmental factors. Forcing an increase beyond that could cause cognitive overload, affecting memory and reasoning.]

[Example: Elise Montavon]

[Elise, born with an intelligence status of 8, has enhanced her intellect through years of study, multicultural experiences, and access to privileged education, raising her intelligence to 9.]

[Another example]

[Some knowledge gained through daily logins provides technologies developed by geniuses with status 9, but without the creative process behind them. In the case of the game you received, you don't even know how to program and simply passed the question to Aether.]

Matthew pondered. He knew that intelligence was more than problem solving; it also involved emotional and social control. It was clear that forcing an artificial increase in his cognitive capacity could bring more risks than benefits.

"True excellence comes from balance," he mused, realizing that the pursuit of knowledge and experience would be more valuable than numbers. He decided to explore new areas of learning and surround himself with people who challenged his worldview.

"Perhaps the path to true intelligence lies not in a number, but in experiences and understanding of the world around me."