The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 4: Connections and Consequences

The Austin air was crisp, carrying the smell of barbecue and the faint metallic tang of oncoming rain. Adam strolled down 6th Street, the sounds of live music and laughter spilling from the bars and restaurants that lined the famous strip. His phone buzzed in his pocket.

It was a notification from his investment app: SolarTech Solutions: +45.6% since last week.

Adam smiled. The system had been spot-on. The success of his first stock market play filled him with confidence. He now had the means to pursue opportunities he'd only dreamed about.

Still, he knew he needed to pace himself. The system's answers were powerful, but they came with limits—and risks.

As Adam turned a corner, a familiar sight caught his attention: the park where he'd intervened a few days earlier. He decided to cut through it on his way home, enjoying the change of scenery.

---

The park was quieter now, the late hour thinning the crowd to a few stragglers. The fountain's gentle splashing was the only sound besides the distant hum of traffic. Adam's footsteps echoed as he walked past the benches, his thoughts wandering.

He stopped when he saw a figure sitting on one of the benches near the fountain. It was the sketching girl. Emily, the system had called her.

She was alone, her notebook balanced on her lap, and her pencil moved in smooth, deliberate strokes. Adam hesitated, debating whether to approach her.

Before he could decide, Emily looked up, her eyes meeting his. She smiled, tucking a strand of curly hair behind her ear.

"Hey, hero," she said, her tone playful.

"Hey," Adam replied, walking over. "Didn't expect to see you here again."

"I could say the same," Emily said, gesturing to the spot next to her. "Take a seat. Or are you off saving the world again?"

Adam chuckled, sitting down. "Not today. Just taking a walk."

She tilted her head, studying him with curious eyes. "So, do you make a habit of jumping into random arguments, or was that a one-time thing?"

Adam shrugged. "I guess I don't like seeing things get out of hand."

Emily smiled, her pencil pausing on the page. "Well, the world could use more people like that."

---

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the city's lights casting a warm glow over the park. Adam glanced at her sketchbook, curious about what she was drawing.

"Mind if I take a look?" he asked.

Emily hesitated, then handed him the notebook. The page showed a detailed pencil sketch of the park, complete with the fountain, the benches, and even the streetlights in the background. Her style was intricate, every line purposeful.

"This is amazing," Adam said, genuinely impressed.

"Thanks," Emily said, her cheeks tinged pink. "It's just something I do to relax."

"You're really talented," Adam said, handing the notebook back.

Emily smiled again, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Maybe. But talent doesn't pay the bills."

Adam frowned. "You're not doing this professionally?"

"Not yet," Emily admitted. "I'm trying to get into graphic design. I do freelance work here and there, but it's hard to make a name for yourself."

Adam filed the information away, his mind already spinning with possibilities. He wasn't sure how, but he felt certain their paths were meant to intertwine.

---

As they talked, the rain that had been threatening all evening finally began to fall. It started as a light drizzle, but within moments, it turned into a downpour.

Emily laughed, closing her notebook and holding it protectively against her chest. "Looks like we're getting soaked!"

Adam stood, gesturing toward a nearby café with a bright neon sign. "Come on. Let's get out of the rain."

They ran together, laughing as the rain poured down. By the time they reached the café, they were both drenched.

Inside, the warm air and smell of coffee enveloped them. They found a small table near the window, dripping onto the chairs as they sat down.

"So," Emily said, wringing out her curls. "Do you make a habit of rescuing damsels from rainstorms, too?"

"Only the ones with sketchbooks," Adam replied with a grin.

---

The conversation flowed easily, and Adam found himself relaxing in her company. Emily was sharp and quick-witted, her humor balancing out his more serious nature.

Eventually, the rain let up, and they parted ways. As Adam walked home, he couldn't shake the feeling that meeting Emily wasn't just chance. The system had told him she'd be important, and now he was starting to understand why.

---

The next day, Adam woke to find his daily questions reset. He stared at the glowing interface, debating what to ask.

He decided to start small.

"What time will the next stock I should invest in peak?"

The system replied: "SolarTech Solutions will peak at $62.13 per share tomorrow at 3:45 PM."

Perfect. He'd sell at the peak and reinvest in something new.

For his second question, Adam decided to focus on something closer to home.

"What's the biggest threat I'll face this month?"

The system's response was chilling: "A confrontation with Jared Mercer, the man who attacked the teenager in the alley. He will recognize you and attempt to retaliate."

Adam felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He knew this was coming, but seeing it spelled out so plainly made it all too real.

---

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, though Adam couldn't shake his unease. He spent hours researching self-defense techniques, even ordering a discreet personal alarm online.

That evening, as he sat on his balcony, the system's final question of the day burned in his mind. He wanted to use it carefully, but his thoughts kept circling back to Jared Mercer.

Finally, he whispered: "What's the best way to avoid the confrontation with Jared Mercer?"

The system replied: "Do not take your usual route home next Tuesday evening. Instead, wait at the downtown library until 7:30 PM before returning home."

Adam exhaled, relief washing over him. The system wasn't just a tool for answers—it was a lifeline.

As he gazed out over the city, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The system was helping him navigate a dangerous world, one question at a time.