The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 5: The Price of Knowledge

The sun streamed through Adam's window as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. His morning routine had shifted dramatically since the system entered his life. Before, mornings were sluggish starts filled with dread about the day ahead. Now, they began with a sense of purpose and a growing anticipation for what the system might reveal.

Adam sat up, his eyes catching the faint shimmer of the interface that hovered before him.

It was like receiving a gift each day, three opportunities to peel back the layers of uncertainty. Adam stretched, his mind already buzzing with possibilities.

---

Later, Adam found himself back at the brokerage office. The young advisor greeted him with a polite nod, though her eyes widened slightly when she saw his portfolio.

"You made quite a profit with SolarTech Solutions," she said, pulling up the details on her screen.

"I like to do my homework," Adam replied with a casual shrug.

He instructed her to sell his shares at the peak time and reinvest a portion into another promising stock—one he had carefully chosen with the help of the system.

The numbers on the screen confirmed it. Adam felt a surge of pride. He was playing the market like a seasoned pro, but he knew the system was the real star here.

---

By the afternoon, Adam decided to unwind at a local coffee shop. The smell of freshly ground beans filled the air as he settled into a corner booth with his laptop. He opened a spreadsheet, meticulously tracking his earnings and planning future investments.

But as he sipped his coffee, he couldn't shake the memory of the system's warning about Jared Mercer. Adam knew the confrontation was inevitable if he wasn't careful.

He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "System, let's play it safe today."

The system's text appeared, bold and imposing:

Adam nodded. The advice was sound, though it didn't quell the unease in his chest.

---

After leaving the coffee shop, Adam headed to a self-defense class he'd found online. The instructor, a burly man with a gruff demeanor, greeted him with a firm handshake.

"First time?" the man asked, eyeing Adam's lanky frame.

"Yeah," Adam admitted.

The class was intense but rewarding. Adam learned how to deflect attacks, break holds, and maintain his balance under pressure. He left the gym with sore muscles and a sense of accomplishment.

The system replied immediately.

Adam's heart sank. He hadn't considered how much of his personal life might be easily accessible. His name, address, even his workplace were all potential vulnerabilities.

---

Back at home, Adam delved into online security guides, implementing every tip he could find. He set up two-factor authentication, deleted old social media accounts, and even invested in a virtual private network (VPN) to mask his online activity.

The final question of the day weighed heavily on him. He wanted to use it wisely, but his thoughts were consumed by the looming threat.

The system's response was cold and direct:

Adam exhaled slowly, his fingers gripping the edge of his desk. He couldn't let fear control him, but neither could he underestimate the situation.

---

That night, Adam stood on his balcony, the city's lights twinkling like a vast ocean of stars. The system had given him answers, but it was up to him to act on them. He thought about Emily, about the stock market, about the countless paths his life was now taking.

The system wasn't just a tool—it was a responsibility. And Adam knew he had to use it wisely, not just for his own gain but to navigate the challenges ahead.

As the wind rustled through the trees below, Adam whispered to himself, "One step at a time."