At 04.30. Alex has woken up. The sun has not yet risen, but his mind is full of plans and strategies for the final round of the competition. He can't sleep longer, his energy is too big.
"System, check status," he ordered in his heart while sitting on the bed.
Ting!
[Good morning, Host Alex. Check the status of the Premium Wealth System ...]
[Host: Alex Mahesa.]
[System Level: 1 (75/100 XP).]
[Wealth Points: 155.]
[Wealth detected: IDR 11,285,000 + 1 unit of Honda Adv 160.]
[Active mission: 1 (winning competition).]
"Today I will focus on perfecting proposals and presentation training," murmured Alex.
Ting!
[Very good plan, host. Intensive exercise is the key to mastering the stage and anticipating a more difficult jury question.]
Alex takes a shower and wears old shirts and training pants that are still comfortable to work at home. He met his mother who had begun to prepare a cake dough for the order that day.
"Morning, ma'am," said Alex while kissing his mother's cheek.
"Morning, son. You are awake once in the morning. Can't sleep?" asked Mrs. Sari.
"You can, ma'am. Just excitement for presentation training. The final next week," Alex answered while taking a glass of water.
"Mother pray for the best, son. Mother saw you yesterday was very confident," said Mrs. Sari proudly.
After breakfast of bread and eggs, Alex immediately opened his laptop at the dining table. He revised his business proposal based on the jury questions in the semifinals. He added a more detailed part of the planned expansion and quality control.
"System, can you analyze my proposal and provide suggestions for improvement?" Alex asked.
Ting!
[Analyzing the document 'Kuensarinfinal Proposal.pdf' ...]
[Analysis is complete. Found several areas for improvement:]
[Add a more visual production flow diagram.
[Strengthen the risk analysis section with concrete mitigation.
[Include a 3 -year financial projection, not just 1 year.]
[Add a slide about 'exit strategy' to attract investors.]
Alex nodded, then immediately worked to follow all the system advice. He spent almost three hours perfecting his proposal, making graphs and clearer tables.
During the day, he rested for a while to help his mother deliver some cake orders with his new motorcycle. Ibu Sari was happy because the trip became faster and not tired.
When he returned home, Alex saw a luxurious black SUV parking in front of his house. A man dressed politely standing near the car.
"Alex Mahesa?" asked the man when Alex approached.
"Yes, that's right. Can I help you?" Alex answered carefully.
"I am on behalf of Ms. Lisa Darmawan. Mrs. Lisa sent this to you," said the man while handing over an elegant Samsonite laptop bag.
Alex accepted it in confusion. "What is this?"
"Ms. Lisa said, 'a tool for the winner'. Please open," the man answered politely before returning to his car and left.
Alex brought the bag into the house. He opened his zipper. In it, there is a new Laptop for the Apple MacBook Pro 14 Inch brand with the highest specifications. There is also a sticky note that is written: "Good luck for the final. Lisa"
Alex was amazed. That is everyone's dream laptop. The laptop is now old and slow.
"Mother, see this!" Call Alex to his mother.
Ibu Sari came and saw a shiny new laptop. "Where is that, son? New laptop?"
"From one of the judges yesterday.
"Gosh, the price is definitely very expensive. You have to thank you later," said Mrs. Sari.
Alex immediately turned on his new laptop. The speed is extraordinary. He immediately moved all the proposal data to this new laptop. The presentation will look much more professional with this device.
"The system, this is amazing. Now I have no reason not to win," Alex said.
Ting!
[Remember, host. The quality of the device will improve presentation performance. Ms. Lisa is a very strategic investor. Keep this good relationship.]
Alex sent a message of thanks to Ms. Lisa through the number listed on the name card. Ms. Lisa replied quickly, "You're welcome, Alex. That's my small investment for a big talent. Focus on the final."
In the afternoon, Alex decided to go to a public speaking course that was recommended online. He registered for a private session for two hours that day.
The course is in a modern office in the Kuningan area. The coach is a middle -aged woman named Mrs. Dian who is very experienced.
"So, you will present in the final business competition?" asked Mrs. Dian after Alex explained the purpose.
"Yes, ma'am. I want to increase my confidence and delivery," answered Alex.
"Fine, let's start by recording your presentation once," said Mrs. Dian.
Alex presented his proposal in front of Mrs. Dian. After finishing, Dian's mother gave a lot of input about body language, sound intonation, and how to make a pause for emphasis.
"Your content is very good, Alex. What you need to fix is the way you convey. Reduce the speed of speech. Look at the judges one by one. Use the hands to emphasize important points," Mrs. Dian's advantage.
Alex practiced for two full hours. Mother Dian is very tight, making her repeat certain parts until perfect.
Ting!
[Public Speaking Host's ability increased by 40% based on comparative analysis before and after training.]
After training, Alex felt much more confident. He paid a fairly expensive training fee, but that was commensurate.
He returned home and continued to practice in front of the mirror in his room. Mrs. Sari sometimes peeked from behind the door with a proud smile.
The next day at school, Alex told his homeroom teacher about his passing to the final competition. The teacher was very surprised and announced it in front of the class.
"Congratulations to Alex Mahesa who has qualified for the Final Business Pitch Competition representing our school!" said Mrs. Siska.
The whole class applauded, except Kevin and Richard who sat with a sour face.
"He must have cheated a proposal," Richard whispered to Kevin.
"Shut up. I will beat him in the final later. My father has prepared the best team to help me," Kevin answered sarcastically.
After the lesson was over, Alex was about to go to the library to study. Kevin confronted him in the corridor.
"Mahesa, congratulations to escape," Kevin said in a non -sincere flat tone. "But, don't expect too high. Final is for people like us, not for people like you."
Alex stopped and looked at Kevin. "This competition is about business ideas, Kevin, not about who your parents are. I will try my best."
"Business ideas? Selling cakes? It's not a business, it's a hobby," Kevin teased. "While the Luxury Goods Delivery application has a large market potential."
"We'll see in the final," Alex answered briefly before walking leaving Kevin.
He did not let Kevin's words affect his enthusiasm.
The following days are filled with intensive training. Alex also took the time to do small-scale market research. He went to several modern cake shops and saw the packaging and prices they offer.
He even asked his mother to make some new sample packaging that is more modern and hygienic. They both worked together to make prototypes of small cardboard packaging with a simple but elegant "sari cake" logo.
"Very good, ma'am. Packaging like this will attract the attention of young people," said Alex.
Mrs. Sari smiled. "Mother can only help this, son. Mother believes fully to you."
The night before the final, Alex had prepared everything. The clothes have been neatly ironed, the laptop is in the bag, and all the files have been printed. He practiced a presentation for the last time in front of his mother.
Mrs. Sari sat on the sofa listening solemnly. After Alex is finished, Mrs. Sari clapped.
"Perfect, son! Mother sure you will win!"
"Thank you, ma'am. Pray for me tomorrow," Alex said.
Alex went to sleep early. He needs enough rest for tomorrow.
Final morning, Alex wakes up with a feeling of calm and confidence. He took a shower and wore a new formal suit that he bought specifically for today: a white shirt branded Brooks Brothers, his black pants, and his brown leather derby shoes. He also wore a simple watch he bought at the mall.
"You look like a CEO, son," said Mrs. Sari.
"Thank you, ma'am. I'm leaving now. The event is once morning," Alex said, hugging his mother.
"Mother pray for the best. The important thing is to try his best," said Mrs. Sari.
Alex rides his motorcycle and drives to a different final venue, a larger convention center.
Arriving there, the atmosphere was very crowded. There are media, investors, and participants' families. Alex re -registered and was invited to enter the waiting room for the finalist.
The five finalists are already inside. Jessica, Bryan, Amanda, Kevin, and Alex. They greet each other politely, but tension is clear.
Kevin approached Alex. "Are you ready to lose, Mahesa?"
"We will see later, Kevin. Hopefully the best for all of us," answered Alex coldly.
Before the presentation begins, the finalists draw sequences. Alex gets number 3, Kevin number 4, and Jessica number 5.
Presentation begins. Bryan the first presentation about his online tutoring platform. His performance was good, but he looked nervous and stammering several times.
Amanda's next turn. His presentation about subscription boxes for local crafts is very interesting and he conveys it smoothly.
Now it's Alex's turn. He took a deep breath, given all the training he had lived.
"Participant number 3, Alex Mahesa with 'Cake Sari'!"
Alex walked confidently towards the stage. He welcomed the judges with a smile. He put up his laptop and started the presentation.
The first slide appeared, sharper and more professional thanks to the new laptop. His voice was clear and heard throughout the room. He spoke with the right tempo, not in a hurry. He made eye contact with every judge. His hands are used effectively to emphasize important points.
He delivered his proposal perfectly, even a little better than during training. When showing the latest picture of the prototype packaging and picture of Mrs. Sari, she saw the judges smiling and nodded.
The question and answer session went smoothly. The judges questions are deeper and technical, but Alex answered all with data and beliefs. Lisa's mother who sat as a jury just smiled proudly.
When finished, the applause of the audience was very lively. Alex came down from the stage with a feeling of relief and satisfaction. He has given his best.
Kevin goes up next. The presentation is very luxurious with professional videos and animation. However, it feels stiff and less passion. During the question and answer session, the jury again questioned the originality of Kevin's ideas and personal commitment.
The last presentation from Jessica also went well.
After everything is finished, the jury is convening to determine the winner. The waiting time feels very long.
Finally, the chairman of the jury went up on stage with a gold envelope.
"Thank you to all the finalists who have provided extraordinary performance today. After a very difficult deliberation, we have decided the winner of the Business Pitch Competition this year."
Silent atmosphere.
"The third winner, with a 25,000,000 business capital prize is ... Bryan Santoso!"
Clap. Bryan looks happy.
"The second winner, with a 50,000,000 business capital prize is ... Kevin Wijaya!"
Kevin was surprised and disappointed. He clearly expects first place. He went on stage with a sour face.
"And now, the first winner, with a 100,000,000 business capital prize and the mentorship program is ..."
The jury stared directly at Alex.
"... Alex Mahesa with 'Cake Cake'!"
The sound of applause and cheers filled the room. Alex felt like he was in Awang-Aawang. He stood up, almost in disbelief. Mrs. Sari who watched from the audience ranks shouted Alex's name happily.
Alex went up to the stage, shook the hands of the judges, and received a big trophy and checked symbolic. He looked at his mother who was crying happily.
"Congratulations, Alex. You deserve it," Mrs. Lisa said while greeting Alex.
"Thank you, Mother," Alex answered in a trembling voice.
The photos took place. The media surrounds Alex, asking for an interview. He answered politely and confidently.
After the event was over, Mrs. Lisa approached Alex. "Alex, I am very serious about my offer. I want to invest in 'cakes'. How about we meet tomorrow to discuss the details?"
"With pleasure, Ms. Lisa," answered Alex.
Ting!
[Congratulations, Host Alex! The mission 'winning the competition' has been completed with a 100%success rate!]
[Gift: 100 wealth points and 25 XPs have been transferred.]
[Bonus: 50 Additional Wealth Points To get an investment commitment from the jury.
[Total points obtained: 150 wealth points.]
[XP The system has reached 100/100.]
[The system will rise to level 2!]