The cool morning air hit me as I walked to the library, my seven dollars feeling heavy. Raphael found the Bitcoin opportunity, but I needed more than one lucky break. I needed to learn everything. Last night, Raphael and I talked about all the knowledge I'd need. This wasn't just about money; it was about building an empire.
"Right," I muttered, pushing open the heavy glass doors. The scent of old paper and quiet reverence washed over me, a welcome balm after the sterile anxiety of my apartment. This wasn't just a place for books; it was a factory for skills.
First, the core. A hefty tome simply titled Fundamentals of Finance. I opened it, the pages a blur of complex jargon.
[Would you like to learn 'Finance (Basic)'? Y/N]
I mentally selected 'Y'. The book glowed, shimmering into golden particles that drifted upwards, dissolving into the ceiling.
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Finance (Basic)' has been created!]
[Finance (Basic) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding of investment analysis, corporate finance, portfolio management, and financial modeling. Future study will be significantly expedited.]
Next, I pulled an equally daunting Principles of Accounting.
[Would you like to learn 'Accounting (Basic)'? Y/N]
'Y'. poof
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Accounting (Basic)' has been created!]
[Accounting (Basic) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding of financial statements (income, balance, cash flow). The language of business is now comprehended. Future study will be significantly expedited.]
I continued, methodically clearing shelves. Economics, both macro and micro. Business Law and Taxation, absorbing the intricacies of contracts and corporate structures. Raphael meticulously tracked my progress, guiding me to the most comprehensive and impactful texts.
"Raphael," I thought, picking up a book on Behavioral Economics, "this one always fascinated me. The irrationality of crowds. Think it'll be useful?"
[Would you like to learn 'Behavioral Economics (Basic)'? Y/N]
'Y'. Poof.
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Behavioral Economics (Basic)' has been created!]
[Behavioral Economics (Basic) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding of psychological factors influencing economic decisions. Grants minor resistance to common cognitive biases. Future study will be significantly expedited.]
I moved onto history, devouring volumes on financial booms and busts. Then, to the crucial practical skills. A thick book on effective communication strategies. Another on negotiation tactics. A guide to leadership and management. Each vanished, leaving behind a profound sense of integration, as if the knowledge had always been part of me.
[Would you like to learn 'Sales & Negotiation (Basic)'? Y/N]
[Would you like to learn 'Leadership & Management (Basic)'? Y/N]
[Would you like to learn 'Communication (Basic)'? Y/N]
'Y', 'Y', 'Y'. The skills flooded my mind.
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Sales & Negotiation (Basic)' has been created!]
[Sales & Negotiation (Basic) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding of persuasive techniques and deal structuring. Grants minor bonus to charisma checks in financial contexts.]
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Leadership & Management (Basic)' has been created!]
[Leadership & Management (Basic) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding of team dynamics, delegation, and motivation. Future team building will be significantly informed.]
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Communication (Basic)' has been created!]
[Communication (Basic) Lvl. 1]: Improves clarity and persuasiveness in verbal and written expression. Minor bonus to all social interactions.]
[INT] stat must have been soaring. I even snagged a book on basic coding for good measure, something for understanding of the digital realm.
[Would you like to learn 'Programming (Basic)'? Y/N]
'Y'.
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Programming (Basic)' has been created!]
[Programming (Basic) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding of coding logic and basic languages. Future programming will be significantly expedited.]
Then, I paused. Financial unfuckability was one thing, and physical unfuckability another, but I certainly didn't want to be completely unfuckable. Especially with that quest penalty looming. If I were truly to be free, to experience this new life to the fullest. My previous life ....let's not talk about my bitchless past.
I sought out the language section. Rather than individual dictionaries, I picked many heavy and old language books.
[English acquired.]
[French acquired.]
[Mandarin acquired.]
[Spanish acquired.]
[Arabic acquired.]
[Russian acquired.]
[...]
[Multiple languages combined to form: Linguistics (Terrestrial): Earth Lvl. MAX.]
[Linguistics (Terrestrial): Earth (Language of Earth) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding and functional fluency in all known Earth languages. Future linguistic acquisition will be significantly expedited.]
"That's efficient," I thought to Raphael. "No more awkward translation apps for me. Or, you know, being completely lost in most of the world."
And finally, with a mischievous grin, I found a small, discreet section tucked away, filled with self-help books. I picked up a volume titled The Art of the Irresistible: Mastering Flirting and Seduction and, for good measure, a clinical-looking guide on Human Intimacy and Sexual pleasure.
[Would you like to learn 'Charisma (Flirting)'? Y/N]
[Would you like to learn 'Intimacy & Sexual Pleasure (Basic)'? Y/N]
'Y' and 'Y'. The books vanished in a final, cheeky shower of golden light.
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Charisma (Flirting)' has been created! (Much needed, by all accounts.)]
'huh'
[Charisma (Flirting) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding of social cues, persuasive charm, and romantic engagement. Grants minor bonus to [CHA] when attempting to establish rapport or romantic interest.]
[Through concentrated study, the Skill 'Intimacy & Sexual Pleasure (Basic)' has been created! (Also much needed.)]
[Intimacy & Sexual Pleasure (Basic) Lvl. 1]: Provides fundamental understanding of human physiology, psychological connection, and healthy sexual practices. Reduces risk of social awkwardness in intimate situations.]
I could almost hear Raphael processing the unexpected additions, its calm voice unwavering despite the sudden shift in my academic pursuits.
"Exactly," I thought back, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "I mean,I don't want to die a virgin again, and judging by those parenthetical comments from the system, it seems to agree with the 'much needed' assessment." The irony wasn't lost on me – the meek guy from his old life was now acquiring flirting skills from a disappearing library book, with cosmic validation no less.
By the time the library staff began their closing announcements, I had discreetly placed the last 'read' book back, its physical form having long since departed. I had acquired the theoretical framework for an entire financial empire, a vast linguistic library, and even the blueprints for a more confident social and intimate life. hehe
"Raphael, what's our current status for the Bit-Coin transaction?" I asked, a new confidence in my voice.
"Excellent," I said, a genuine, unburdened smile spreading across my face. I was still just Alex Sterling, the nobody, but with a brain now armed to the teeth.