Joshua's finger hesitated over the virtual "Buy" button. His entire professional stability—and the tenuous mental balance of the seven-foot warrior across from him—rested on this single, high-risk trade. He was investing 100% of Victor Stone's immediate capital in a volatile synthetic energy startup, Eon-Flux Solutions (EFXS).
"Initiate the attack, Counselor," Victor ordered, the stillness in his voice emphasizing his complete confidence in the strategy. "We must capture the fortress before its defenses solidify."
Joshua pressed the button.
[TRANSACTION CONFIRMED: 100% CAPITAL DEPLOYED TO EFXS.]
[CLIENT SSI: 55%. INITIAL INVESTMENT METRIC: $1,200.]
For the next ten minutes, the market was motionless. Then, the graph depicting EFXS on Joshua's screen began a terrifying, swift descent. The green line turned a sharp, bleeding red.
"Casualties," Victor observed, his voice completely level. "The initial engagement has been poorly received by the enemy."
"Hold the line," Joshua whispered, his stomach churning. He could see his remaining 25 SP mentally crumbling. If this went to zero, Victor's psychological alignment would crash. Risk is the measure of honor, he reminded himself, trying to believe the warrior's philosophy.
Suddenly, Joshua's screen was no longer red. The price froze, then launched upward with a speed that defied market physics. It didn't just climb; it became a vertical cliff of green.
A frantic, overlapping flurry of news alerts exploded across the financial ticker:
BREAKING: Eon-Flux Solutions announces major breakthrough in cold-fusion battery density.
EFXS trading halted on news of "infinite energy" potential.
Analyst revises EFXS outlook from 'Sell' to 'Apocalyptic Buy.'
Victor Stone, the warrior, remained perfectly motionless, his four eyes fixed on the ascent.
Then, the System slammed an alert into Joshua's vision—a brilliant, urgent gold text that drowned out the rest of the market data.
[CRITICAL VICTORY ACHIEVED]
[EFXS STOCK VALUE INCREASE: 1576%]
Joshua stared, jaw slack. The stock hadn't just gone up; it had gone vertical due to a globally significant technological breakthrough.
He quickly refreshed the escrow account balance.
Initial Investment: $1,200
Current Asset Value: $20,112.00
"Victor," Joshua breathed, running a hand over his face. "Your initial force deployment has resulted in a massive capture of enemy capital. Your $1,200 has yielded a total asset value of just over twenty thousand dollars."
Victor Stone finally moved. It wasn't a celebration or a cheer; it was a slow, deliberate nod of pure strategic satisfaction.
"The new weapon was effective," Victor stated, analyzing the graph like a post-battle report. "The risk was justified. The Tangible Honor is acquired."
[TASK COMPLETE: MAXIMIZED WEALTH ACQUISITION VIA STRATEGIC DEPLOYMENT.]
[EPIC GOOD DEED ACHIEVED: INTEGRATION VIA MARKET DOMINANCE (SSI LOCKED AT 90%).]
[SYSTEM POINTS (SP) AWARDED: +125]
[CURRENT SP: 150]
Joshua nearly fell out of his chair. 150 SP! That single, chaotic victory had given him more points than all his work over the last six months combined. He had enough points to buy the best skills in multiple categories.
"Congratulations, Victor," Joshua said, his voice regaining its professional composure, though his hand trembled slightly on the mouse. "You have achieved your first massive victory. You have acquired sufficient capital to wage a much larger war."
"Then we must redeploy immediately," Victor demanded, his eyes gleaming with the fervor of a high-ranking warlord. "We must leverage this victory into permanent territory. Where is the next, largest vulnerability? I require the ultimate Trophy acquisition."
Joshua now has a serious problem: Victor Stone, armed with $20,112 and the zeal of a T-Rank warrior, is addicted to high-stakes investing and ready to make a catastrophic move. Joshua needs to redirect that aggression toward a more sustainable path.