After the announcement of lottery winner The TV continued playing in the background, but Lucas was no longer listening.
His eyes were on the small lottery ticket in his hand.
He had taken it out quietly after the announcement, careful not to draw attention. The paper felt thin and ordinary it was hard to believe that it now carries a real value.
He flipped it over.
There was something Printed in small letters at the bottom:
"Prize claims must be processed at authorized lottery branches. Second-tier prizes are transferable via bank verification."
Lucas nodded to himself.
"So it's still the same."
Some things never change.
The next morning, Lucas left the house early.
The air was cool, and the streets were empty. He walked toward the nearest bank branch to handle lottery claims—a modest building, not far from the main road.
There was rush. And excitement in his heart.
Inside, a notice board near the entrance caught his attention.
Lottery Claim Counter – Window 3
Valid for prizes within designated limits.
Lucas exhaled quietly.
"This one."
He took a token and waited.
The process was slow and orderly. When his number was called, he stepped forward and placed the ticket on the counter.
"I'd like to claim a second-tier prize," he said.
The staff member checked the ticket carefully, scanned it, then nodded.
"Please provide your identification and bank details."
Lucas did.
Forms were filled. Numbers verified. Then a short wait followed.
After some minutes,
the staff member looked up.
"The amount will be transferred directly to your account. Please check your balance shortly."
Lucas stepped aside and pulled out his phone.
A notification appeared.
Account Credit: $30,000
He stared at the screen.
[DING]
[Financial Status Updated]
Current Balance:
→ $30,000
System Evaluation:
→ Initial financial stability achieved
→ Risk buffer established
Lucas slipped the phone back into his pocket.
On the walk home, nothing felt unreal.
The road was the same.
The shops were the same.
People passed by, unaware.
But Lucas's steps were lighter.
Not because he felt rich
But because for the first time,
his future wasn't cornered.
When he reached home, Maria looked up.
"Welcome back?" she said softly.
Lucas nodded.
She smiled, relief filling her eyes.
That was enough.
Lucas returned to his room and opened his notebook again.
Under the first line, he added another:
Step Two: Make Money Work.
He closed the notebook.
The system stayed silent.
Watching.
Waiting.
And for once
So was he.