My Investment God System

"A resort?" Maximus asked with a slight tilt of his head. Intrigue building up inside of him.

"Yeah," Zack said, his eyes lighting up upon seeing Maximus visibly interested. "Imagine it, a luxury destination with everything you could think of. Top tier accomodations, dining, pools, spas, night life, you name it. A place where people can come to relax and let loose and have an unforgettable experience like non other… memories, families, couples, bonds! Think about it!"

"Sounds… ambitious," Maximus said, though he couldn't dent the appeal of the idea.

"Of course! It is very much ambitious," Zack admitted. "but I've got the vision. And I have been researching locations, sketching out concepts, even talking to a few architects about where would be a suitable place in all of Central City. All I need right now is someone who can make this a reality."

Maximus released a slight frown, his fingers drumming against the bar. "And you think I am a suitable fit to make that a reality?"

"Why not?" Zack said while picking up his drink. "you've got a good head on your shoulders, and you're not afraid to take risk."

Maximus shot him an inquisitive look immediately he uttered his last statement.

"Yes… investor recognises investor…" Zack said nonchalantly as he dropped his glass back down.

"You're not afraid to take risk…" Zack started.

"...Calculated risk…" Maximus said cutting him off.

"Ah yes, calculated risks. Plus, I trust you because we go way back…"

Maximus hesitated, his thoughts swirling over what Zack had just relayed to him. A resort was no small endeavor and it was easily the biggest project that he had ever put thought into talk more of initiating action towards making it a reality.

It would take time, money and a lot of effort to get off the ground. But it was also an opportunity.

"What's the plan?" Maximus said finally.

Zacks eyes widened. "There's that investor mindset! I've got some preliminary numbers and ideas. I can send them over, and we can meet again to go through everything in detail. No pressure, I just wanted to float the idea and see if you were interested."

Maximus nodded slowly. "Alrighty. Send me what you've got, and I'll take a look. But no promises."

"That's fine by me," Zack said, raising his glass in the air, signalling a toast. "Cheers to possibilities."

Maximus picked his glass as well and clanged it against Zack's glass softly, "Cheers mate…"

»»»«««

Maximus sat in the cafeteria section of the club, the low rhythm of the music in the background filled the space.

The club wasn't in full swing yet, but even during off hours, a few people were scattered around. Employees on break, early visitors grabbing a quick bite before the music kicked in.

 The air smelled like fresh coffee and faint traces of alcohol, the contrast was oddly satisfying.

He had a cup of black coffee in front of him, but it had gone cold.

His attention was elsewhere, eyes locked on the Investment God System's interface in his peripheral view. The screen displayed a long string of text, his face keen and focused as he read through the systems latest notification.

~Investment God System Notification~

~Business Proposal Detected~

~Investment Type: Joint Investment Detected~

~System Caution: Joint Investments will yield reduced XP returns due to shared ownership and influence.~

~Will Host still like to proceed with this Business Domain?~

Maximus exhaled sharply, leaning back in his chair.

He wasn't surprised, this was exactly what he had anticipated. The system had been clear in rewarding his sole investments, where he had full automacity and control over every single detail.

But now, with Zack's proposal, the system was not going to recognise it as a sole investment.

~If Host decides to embark on this venture, XP earning will be proportional to the investment percentage owned by host.~

~Therefore, you reap what you sow~

"...I reap what I sow…" Maximus said, repeating after the system.

~System assistance remains active, but influence is limited based on controlled percentage~

"I see… it's a higher risk, lower reward type stuff"

Maximus tapped his fingers against the table as he dove deep in thought, it made sense. If the system could guarantee success, it needed full control.

Splitting ownership meant splitting influence and splitting influence means less control, and less control means less chances of success— hence: higher risk, lower reward. 

He picked up his coffee without paying attention to the amount of time he had left there unattended to. A sip of it made him realize so, he spat it out back into the cup and set it down, glancing towards the bar where the employees were getting ready for the evening rush.

He wasn't sure how long Zack would be in his office, but the extra time gave him space to think.

This resort investment could be huge for him. Bigger than anything he'd done so far, not to mention he would reap bountifully from the XP Bonus even though the XP was going to be literally slashed in half.

So, the question lingered in his mind like a roasting animal—

"Do I take this investment alone or go into it with Zack?" he mused within himself.

If he refused a partnership, he could find another way to start a resort of his own, a sole ownership and control— buy land, construct the buildings himself and keep it under his name.

The Investment God System would back him fully guaranteeing success, and the XP returns would be at their max. But that would take way more time than he would like.

Zack, on the other hand, had connections. Efficient ones at that, that would make the project to come to reality much quicker.

He already had a network in place, investors, architects, considering suitable locations. Going solo would mean starting from scratch…

"Is that worth the extra XP?" 

The system, as if sensing his mind going a million miles per second chimed in with another message.

~Reminder: XP efficiency is maximized when the host controls 100% of an investment.~

~However, rapid wealth accumulation can still be achieved through strategic partnerships.~

Maximus let out a short, quiet chuckle. So even the system wasn't against partnerships entirely, it was just warning him of the tradeoffs.

"I see…"

His thoughts dangled a little bit more, debating whether to confirm or reject the idea of a joint investment project.

"I could definitely negotiate with Zack, maybe push for a larger ownership stake so that my XP returns wouldn't be too diminished…"

"I don't think if I insist on full control Zack would agree…"

The sound of footsteps approaching snapped Maximus out of his thoughts. He waved the system interface away and tried as much as he can to look energized.

"My apologies for that," Zack said, pulling out the chair across from Maximus and sitting down.

"Had to handle a few things for tonight's event."

Maximus nodded.

"So, what do you think about my offer? Any thoughts?"

Maximus took in a deep breath before answering, "It's a solid idea, but I have a few concerns of my own…"

Zack reshuffled in his seat, "You wouldn't be a good investor if you didn't have some concerns. Hit me"

"Well, the biggest one is ownership, I don't like the idea of joint investments," Maximus started, watching Zack carefully. "I like to have control over my investments."

Zack nodded, "Okay, I'm open to negotiations… what is it that you are proposing?"

Maximus smiled confidently. "I'm saying I want majority ownership… would you consider that?"

Zack chuckled softly, "HUH?! and you said I was the ambitious one… that depends, what do you bring to this convy?"

Maximus didn't answer immediately. He couldn't just tell him that he has a mysterious system that is like a guardian angel.

"I have capital," Maximus said simply. "And most importantly, I guarantee success… I never fail"

Zack stared at him for a long moment before mustering the inspirations to speak, "Haa! And you said you were just a dreamer…"