The California sun kissed Daniel's skin as he strolled down the Venice Beach boardwalk, suitcase dragging behind him like a loyal but tragic pet.
The System pinged — that synthetic, slightly smug voice filling his head again.
[System Notification: Mission Available. One of our premium sponsors offers $10 million for you to throw your suitcase off the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Accept? Timer: 1 hour.]
Daniel froze mid-step, eyebrows shooting up.
"Are you serious?!" he hissed under his breath, eyes darting around like the palm trees were wired for sound.
[Mission is 100% legitimate. $10 million. One suitcase overboard. You in?]
Daniel looked down at his old, battered suitcase. The zipper half-busted, wheels wobbling like they were one pebble away from retirement.
Sentimental value? Zero.
But… public disturbance? Maybe jail time?
"Let me guess," Daniel muttered, "The last guy…?"
[Error. Disregard previous comment. The last participant's…incident…was unrelated. Moving on.]
Daniel smirked. "Fine. Where's this bridge?"
[Coordinates sent. Timer starts now.]
BEEP — 60:00
The countdown flashed in his mind.
Daniel hopped in an Uber, giving the driver the address via Google Translate. His English? Nonexistent. But tech? Lifesaver.
The driver didn't ask questions — it's L.A., everyone's weird.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge came into view — stretching across the water like some grand artery connecting the city to its chaotic ports.
Daniel stood at the midpoint, suitcase in hand, cars rushing by, the Pacific glinting below.
Heartbeat fast, adrenaline in his throat, he hesitated.
"Last chance, this isn't one of those hidden camera pranks, right?"
[Negative. Full compensation guaranteed. Throw the suitcase.]
Daniel exhaled, lifting the old, beaten thing over the railing.
"Adeus, amigo."
And… woosh — the suitcase tumbled through the air, twisting like a sad, defeated piñata, splashing into the water below.
A moment of silence.
[Mission Complete. $10,000,000 transferred to your account. Nice arm, by the way.]
Daniel's phone buzzed — banking app open, new balance shining like Christmas morning.
Total Balance: $13,000,112.47
His knees almost buckled.
Thirteen million. Overnight.
A nervous laugh escaped him as he backed away from the railing, tourists passing by, oblivious to his little financial miracle.
[Reminder: Do not purchase real estate yet. Future rewards may include properties. System efficiency.]
Daniel grinned. "Got it. I'll rent and ride the wave."
Next stop? Look like he belonged to the 1%.
Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive.
Daniel stood outside a sleek designer boutique, watching polished influencers parade in and out like peacocks.
His hoodie and sneakers screamed "foreign tourist."
[Wardrobe upgrade essential. Confidence multiplier pending.]
Daniel pulled out his phone, typing awkwardly into Google Translate: "I want expensive clothes. Make me look rich."
The robotic voice spat the English version. He cringed but walked in.
The boutique staff spotted him instantly — suspicious, sizing him up.
But when Daniel casually opened his banking app and flashed the $13 million balance, attitudes shifted fast.
Two assistants practically hovered around him, pulling designer blazers, crisp shirts, tailored pants.
Daniel tried on outfits, checking himself in the mirror — slimmer fit, sharper lines, clean shoes.
[System Enhancement Activated: Minor aesthetic boost. Symmetry adjustment, skin tone balance. 5% charisma increase.]
His reflection? Noticeably better.
A wink of confidence flickered.
One purchase later, Daniel stepped back onto Rodeo Drive — new wardrobe, new energy.
Rich… and finally looking the part.
Next stop? The bank.
Downtown Los Angeles. Corporate Bank HQ.
Daniel sat across from a suited bank manager in a glass office overlooking the skyline.
The man's name tag read "Jonathan Miller — Senior Account Specialist."
Daniel's nerves buzzed. English? Limited. Translator? His best friend.
He typed quickly: "I want to open an international account. I have… how you say… big money?"
The phone spoke the translation. Jonathan's eyebrow twitched, skeptical.
"Big money?" Jonathan repeated, smirking.
Daniel slid his phone across the table, banking app open.
$13,000,112.47
Jonathan's face changed instantly — amusement melting into wide-eyed professionalism.
"Excuse me… I… just a moment…" Jonathan cleared his throat, fingers tapping at his computer, posture straightening like he'd spotted royalty.
Daniel smiled politely, Google Translate still ready.
Minutes later, the process moved like silk.
International accounts opened. Secure transfers arranged. Discreet services activated.
Daniel signed the papers — shaky but proud.
[System Notification: Excellent. Financial footprint expanding. Global credibility increasing. You are no longer 'random Brazilian with mystery cash.' You are 'silent player climbing the board.']
Daniel chuckled, pocketing his phone as Jonathan printed final documents.
The sun dipped low outside, city lights flickering to life.
Los Angeles — golden, gritty, seductive.
And Daniel?
Dressed to kill, thirteen million richer, bank-approved, and finally blending in.
A new chapter.
One careful move at a time.