At 07.00, the semifinal presentation day. Alex is awake and prepared very carefully. He wears his new white shirt that is still slippery and chino navy blue pants. Her neatly arranged hair added to the impression of self confidence. He had a quick breakfast with fried rice made by his mother before checking the proposal files for the last time.
"Mother pray for you to be successful, son," said Mrs. Sari while slipping a packet of layer cake into Alex's bag. "For lunch, don't be hungry."
"Thank you, ma'am. I will give my best," Alex answered while hugging her mother.
He headed for the small garage where his motorbike was parked. The Honda Adv 160 is sparkling exposed to morning sun. He wore his helmet and jacket, then drove to the location of the competition at a five -star hotel in the Sudirman area.
The morning trip was smooth. Alex arrived at the hotel 45 minutes before the event began. He parked his motorcycle in the parking area provided and walked to the magnificent hotel lobby. Red carpet, crystal lights, and luxurious fragrances filled the air. Other participants have begun to arrive, mostly accompanied by their parents or teachers. They are all seen from capable families, with very expensive clothes and naturally confident.
Alex felt a little nervous, but he took a deep breath.
Ting!
[Detection of increased stress hormone in the host. Suggest breathing techniques 4-7-8: breathing 4 count, hold 7 count, exhale 8 count.]
Alex follows the system advice. After several breaths, his heartbeat slowed down and his mind became clearer.
He re -registered at the committee's desk and got a participant number 07 and a goodie bag containing merchandise and event schedule.
"Welcome, participants 07. Please wait at Ballroom A. Presentation will start at 09.00 right," said the friendly committee.
Alex entered into a very large ballroom. The main stage has been prepared with a large projector screen and five seats for the jury. There were about 20 seats for participants who were about to present that day.
He chose to sit in the middle row and observed other participants. Some are talking casually, others practice presentations calmly.
Suddenly, he heard a voice that he really knew.
"Bro, look at that. The Alex Mahesa? He joined this competition? What can he do?"
Alex turned around. Kevin Wijaya and Richard were standing near the door, looking at him with a look of disbelief and mocking. Apparently, Kevin was also a participant in this competition.
"Maybe he wants to sell his mother's layer cake here," Richard teased in a loud voice, making several other participants turned.
Alex decided to ignore them. He focuses on the note.
Ting!
[Remember, host. Your goal here is to win the competition and reach level 2. Don't let the small interference disrupt the focus.]
"You're right, system," murmured Alex to himself.
A committee calls the participant number for technical direction. Alex listens carefully. Each participant has 10 minutes for the presentation and 5 minutes for the question and answer session with the jury.
The event began at exactly 09.00. The jury entered, consisting of three men and two women who all looked very professional and serious. They are successful entrepreneurs and well -known investors.
The first participant was called. The presentation went well, but the jury looked quite critical with several numbers in his business proposal.
The second and third participants are also presentations. Alex pays attention to every detail, trying to learn from their strengths and weaknesses.
Kevin is the fourth participant. With confidence, Kevin presented his business idea, a delivery application for luxury and exclusive items. The presentation slide is very professional, may be made by a team of experts paid by his father. The jury was amazed, but one of the judges, a woman with glasses, asked sharply about sustainability and market share.
"A good idea, Kevin. But, is this really your original idea? Or is this a project that is funded and done by your father's team?" asked the woman's jury.
Kevin stumbled a little in answering, but he made it through the session quite well.
Finally, it was Alex's turn. "Participant number 07, Alex Mahesa, with the business proposal 'Cake Sari'."
Alex stood up, took the remote presenter, and walked calmly to the stage. Some participants, including Kevin, grinned to see it.
"Good luck, beggars," Kevin whispered as Alex passed by.
Alex ignored. He went on stage, stood behind the podium, and looked at the five judges.
"Good morning, the honorable mother and father of the jury. My name is Alex Mahesa from the Sentra International School. Today, I will present my business proposal entitled, Cake Sari,Preserving Nusantara Flavor with Modern Packaging."
Alex's voice was heard clearly and confidently, without any nervousness. He began his presentation by explaining the background: how rich traditional Indonesian culinary, but many traditional cake businesses are out of business because they cannot adapt to the times.
He then introduced the 'cake sari', which took the name of his mother. This business will focus on selling traditional cakes such as layer cakes, klepon, getuk, and others with hygienic, attractive and modern packaging. The target market is urban young people and modern families who still want to enjoy the traditional taste.
Alex explained the marketing plan using Instabgram and Toktok, showing examples of content that can be made. He also explained the simple but realistic financial analysis, including capital calculations, selling prices, and breakup points.
"What distinguishes the 'cake' from the others is the story behind it. Every cake is made with a recipe for generations by my mother, who has been selling for decades. This is not just a business, but also the preservation of cultural heritage and empowering small entrepreneurs."
The last slide showed a picture of Mrs. Sari who was smiling broadly holding the tray of the cake.
Alex's presentation went smoothly. The time is right 10 minutes. He closed with a strong key message.
"So, by funding 'cakes', you not only invest in a profitable business, but also in a social mission to preserve Indonesian culinary and empower the economy of small families. Thank you."
The courtroom was silent for a moment before then a male jury applauded softly, followed by other judges and even some participants. Alex has submitted a sincere, data -based, and full passion presentation.
The question and answer session began.
The bespectacled female jury who had criticized Kevin spoke first. "A very interesting presentation, Alex. Your passion feels very. My question, how do you ensure the consistency of taste and quality if demand increases? Is your mother able to produce large amounts?"
Alex answered calmly. "Thank you for the question, Mother. In the initial phase, production will still be carried out by my mother with the help of me. We will use a standardized recipe. If demand increases outside of capacity, our medium-term plan is to recruit and train other mothers around the home environment, so that we also create jobs.
The first man's jury clapped asking again. "Your digital marketing plan is quite solid for beginners. But the competition in F&B is very tight. What is the main unique selling proposition 'cake' besides the story behind it?"
"The difference is authenticity, sir," Alex answered without hesitation. "Many brands sell modern cakes. We sell authentic traditional cakes made by the hands of experts who have mastered it for decades, not by factory machinery. The 'home-based' and 'authentic' taste will be our main weapon."
The question continues for 5 full minutes. Alex answered every question straightforwardly, honestly, and full of confidence. The jury looks very impressed.
When finished, Alex got off the stage with a feeling of relief. He felt he had done his best.
Some other participants looked at him with new respect. Even Kevin and Richard looked silent, could no longer mock.
The next participant's presentation continued, but Alex felt that his performance was strong enough.
After all the participants were finished, the jury said to decide 5 finalists who would continue to the final round next week.
Alex waits with a pounding heart. Mrs. Sari sent a short message: "How, son? Mother pray there."
Ting!
[Performance Analysis Host: Presentation has an advantage in terms of authenticity, passion, and realistic plan. Most likely to qualify for the final round is very high.]
"Amen, system. I hope so," answered Alex.
The chairman of the jury finally went up on stage with an envelope. "Thank you to all participants who have presented their brilliant ideas. After going through a long discussion, we have chosen 5 names that will advance to the final round."
The atmosphere became tense.
"The 05th participant, Jessica Wijaya with the idea of Eco Friendly Packaging!"
The boisterous applause.
"Participant in 12, Bryan Santoso with an online tutoring platform idea!"
Applause again.
"Participant 04, Kevin Wijaya with the idea of Luxury Goods Delivery App!"
Kevin jumped in joy. Richard patted his back.
"Participants in 09, Amanda Putri with the idea of subscription box for local crafts!"
Only one more place left. Alex holds his breath.
"And the last participant who qualified for the final round was ..."
The jury deliberately gave a dramatic pause.
"... the 07th participant, Alex Mahesa with the idea of 'cake sari'!"
Alex felt like it was shocked. His chest was tight because he was happy. He stood up, almost in disbelief. Some of the participants next to him congratulated him.
Kevin, who also escaped, looked at Alex with a look of disbelief and was now mixed with deep jealousy.
Alex immediately called his mother. "Ma'am! I escaped! I became a finalist!" he exclaimed as soon as the phone was picked up.
From across the telephone, there was a scream of excitement Mrs. Sari. "Alhamdulillah! Alex, son, mom is very proud! You know you can!"
After receiving a briefing for the final round, Alex left the ballroom with a light step. He felt so happy.
Ting!
[Congratulations, Host Alex. The first stage of the 'entrepreneurial competition' mission has been completed. The prize to qualify for the final is 50 wealth points and 25 xp.]
[Updated Premium Wealth System status.]
[Host: Alex Mahesa.]
[System Level: 1 (75/100 XP).]
[Wealth Points: 155.]
[Wealth detected: IDR 11,285,000 + 1 unit of Honda Adv 160.]
"Amazing! Only only 25 xp left!" Alex said excitedly.
Ting!
[That's right, host. The final round next week will give the remaining prizes. Victory will bring the system to level 2.]
When Alex walked to the parking lot, someone called him. "Alex, wait a minute!"
Alex turned around. That was the bespectacled woman judge.
"Ms. Lisa," said Alex politely.
"Alex, I want to say congratulations. Your presentation was very touching and well-prepared," said Ms. Lisa.
"Thank you very much, Mother."
"I am the owner of a Venture Capital Company. Even if you don't win this competition, I am interested in discussing more about 'cakes'. Can we meet for a coffee chat next week?" Bid Ms. Lisa while offering her name card.
Alex was surprised and very honored. He accepted the card. "Of course, Mother. That will be an honor for me."
"Good. I will contact you after the final. The spirit for preparation!" Ms. Lisa said before turning and leaving.
Alex looked at the business card. Written: "Lisa Darmawan, Managing Partner at Cakra Venture Capital".
Ting!
[Analysis: This opportunity is very significant. The jury is a real investor. This network can be more valuable than competition prizes.]
"I know, the system. Today is extraordinary," Alex answered with a broad smile.
He rode his motorcycle and drove home with feelings that he had never felt before: feelings were valued, recognized, and had a bright future.
Arriving at home, Mrs. Sari was waiting at the door. He hugged Alex tightly.
"Mother, make all your favorite cakes, son! We celebrate!" Ms. Sari said while pulling Alex into the house. The dining table is full of various kinds of traditional cakes.
That night, they had dinner with joy. Alex tells the story of all the details of the competition, about the jury's question, about his escape, and about the offer from Ms. Lisa.
Mrs. Sari continued to express gratitude, her eyes glazed happily.
After dinner, Alex helped Mother to clean the kitchen before finally returning to her room. He put Mrs. Lisa's business card on her study table carefully.
He lay on the bed, looking at the ceiling of his simple room. Today is proof that hard work and beliefs can produce results. The system gives him an opportunity, but he is the one who runs it.
Ting!
[Mission for the final round has been updated.]
[Mission: 'Winning competition'.]
[Description: Win the Business Pitch Competition and receive the grand prize.]
[Prize: 100 wealth points, 25 xp, and additional 50 points of bonus wealth if they succeed in getting investment from the jury.
[Note: Victory will automatically raise the system to level 2.]
Alex reads the new mission. The prize is very tempting. In total, it can reach 150 points only from this competition, plus 25 XPs that are needed.
"I will win this competition, the system. For Mother, and for my future," Alex determined.
[The system believes in host capabilities. Enough rest. Tomorrow, we start preparation for the final.]
Alex turned off the lights and closed his eyes. His mind was filled with slide presentations, strategies, and dreams about successful 'cakes'. He fell asleep with a smile developed, ready to win.