The crude prototype battery sat on Rafael's desk, humming softly, powering his battered laptop like it was a cutting-edge machine. Yet Rafael's gaze wasn't on the device anymore.
It was on the new function the Codex had unlocked.
[Market Simulation (Basic)]Predictive range: 3 monthsData accuracy: 82%Scope: Local → Regional
Rafael took a deep breath. "Show me what happens if I… release the Enhanced Battery right now."
The Codex obeyed.
The projection unfolded in his mind like a fast-forward film reel. Investors flocked. Tech companies scrambled. Within weeks, every electronics corporation in Asia sent him offers—buyouts, partnerships, licensing. By the second month, global giants like Tesla and Samsung were at his door.
But alongside the glitter came shadows:– A "traffic accident" that killed him in week five.– A mysterious fire that burned his rented room in week seven.– A corporate black-ops team moving to "recover assets" in week nine.
Rafael's hands turned cold. "They'd kill me… just for this tech."
The Codex chimed mercilessly:
"Correct. Probability of assassination: 67%. Probability of coercion: 22%. Probability of survival: 11%."
Rafael shut his eyes, breathing hard. His dream of instant wealth and power crumbled under the weight of reality.
"I can't just throw this into the world," he whispered. "I'd be crushed before I even start."
But the Codex adjusted the simulation, offering alternatives.
Smaller inventions. Subtle changes. Inexpensive yet useful products that wouldn't trigger global alarm.
Examples scrolled across his vision:– A compact solar charger, twice as efficient as existing ones.– An ultra-lightweight alloy pot that conducted heat evenly.– A cheap filtration straw capable of purifying river water.
Rafael's lips curled slowly into a grin. These weren't flashy enough to draw bullets, but they'd make him money. Money meant capital. Capital meant equipment. Equipment meant freedom.
The Codex's voice followed like a whisper of destiny:
"Build foundation first. Expand empire quietly. When ready… reveal true technology."
Rafael opened his notebook and began sketching business ideas, crude logos, market angles. For the first time in his life, his poverty felt like an opportunity. Who would suspect a broke Filipino boarding-house tenant of holding the key to the next industrial revolution?
He clenched his fist, fire burning in his eyes.
"I'll start small. Make products no one can resist. Build a name, a company. Then, when the time is right…"
He glanced at the glowing battery prototype, hidden under a cloth.
"…I'll shake the entire world."