It didn't take much before Alex heard someone knocking on his door. With a sense of anticipation tingling in his chest, he approached the door and swung it open, revealing the duo from the simulation standing before him. This time, however, Alex's nerves were steadier. He had already received the memory of what would happen, which meant he had already experienced this encounter once before. As the woman extended her hand, Alex handed over the briefcase without hesitation. They exchanged a few glances, and then the duo departed, leaving Alex to close the door behind them. Despite his newfound sense of calm, Alex couldn't shake the surreal feeling that washed over him. It still felt like he was dreaming, even though he knew this was all too real. With trembling hands, he eagerly tore open the envelopes they had left behind. Inside the thinner one, he found the expected details: the time and address of the meeting. However, the purpose of the meeting still eluded him. Turning his attention to the second envelope, Alex's eyes widened in shock as he counted the contents. "Fuck," he exclaimed under his breath, his mind racing with calculations. He had always wondered how Mark could afford his luxurious lifestyle, assuming it was due to wealthy parents. But now, faced with the reality of the situation, Alex couldn't help but to curs him. "Assuming this delivery thing is once a week," he muttered to himself, "that's still €12,000 a month," yes, the envelope contained €3000 cash," And he probably didn't pay taxes. No, he certainly didn't pay taxes." A surge of anger and frustration welled up within Alex as he cursed his late friend. But the memory of Mark's tragic fate calmed him down. Looking at the stack of money in his hands, Alex couldn't help but ponder its significance. "3000€ means 3 simulations," he thought to himself, "which means 3 chances to change my future." As he mulled over his options, a plan began to form in his mind. Consulting his phone for the time, he noted that it was 17:53. "I still have time," he realized, a surge of determination coursing through him. Without hesitation, Alex slipped on his jacket, laced up his shoes, and stepped outside. His pace was brisk as he made his way through the bustling streets, his destination clear in his mind. Yes, the bank. Alex's plan was straightforward: deposit the money into his bank account and use it to bet on football games. He had dabbled in sports betting before, winning decent sums of money, but this time was different. With the ability to simulate the future, he could potentially foresee the outcomes of matches and make more informed bets. Arriving at the bank, Alex greeted the familiar face behind the counter with a warm smile. He knew her well from his frequent visits. Handing over the money, he entrusted her with the task of depositing it manually, knowing it would be faster than waiting for the automated process. After bidding farewell to the bank employee, Alex made his way back to his apartment, a sense of excitement building within him. He was ready to take control of his destiny, one bet at a time. Soon enough, Alex received a notification indicating that the money had successfully reached his bank account. A sense of satisfaction washed over him as he contemplated the possibilities that lay ahead. Attempting to summon the simulation interface, Alex was taken aback when he realized he could do it with just a single thought. It was a remarkable discovery, one that filled him with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. As he navigated through the options, Alex's gaze lingered on the button to purchase a new simulation. With a decisive click, he initiated the transaction, watching as a thousand euros disappeared from his bank account in an instant. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he considered the potential consequences of his actions. "I hope the DGFP doesn't come knocking on my door," he thought wryly, (DGFP is the French equivalent of the IRS). Despite his concerns, Alex held onto the belief that the System could cover up his transactions, at least for the time being. But if not, he knew he could be in serious trouble down the line. Alex's plan was clear: focus on the results of today and tomorrow's games, gathering as much detail as possible to inform his betting strategy. He knew he needed to be cautious, using the betting plan sparingly to avoid raising suspicion. With a sense of determination, Alex clicked on "start." This time, he decided, he would attend the simulation, regardless of the outcome. After all, his intention was simply to observe and gather information, so even if he died in the simulation, it wouldn't matter. As the simulation began, Alex's mind raced with anticipation. Day 1: [You focused on observing football games...] Day 2: [You continued to observe football games...] As the simulation unfolded, Alex followed his plan diligently, focusing intently on the football games that played out before him. Each detail, each play, was etched into his memory as he watched with unwavering attention. Day 3: [You attended university classes...] Day 4: [You continued attending university classes...] ... Day 7: [You attended the meeting. Arriving at an abandoned warehouse, you were greeted by a woman wearing a mouse mask. Her presence indicated a familiarity with Mark, sparking your curiosity. As more participants filed in, some addressed her as Gouda, the name you had encountered in the simulation. The warehouse gradually filled to capacity as Gouda called for attention, signaling the commencement of proceedings. She announced the distribution of suitcases, each corresponding to a name on her list. When your name was called, you approached the men and collected your designated suitcase. Just as Gouda prepared to conclude the meeting, an explosion reverberated from outside, sending shockwaves through the gathering. Chaos ensued as bullets ricocheted within the warehouse, prompting armed individuals on Gouda's side to retaliate against intruders attempting to breach their perimeter. You found yourself at a loss for what to do, trapped within the confines of the warehouse with no means of escape evident. Recognizing Gouda as the most protected individual in the vicinity, you sought refuge near her, seeking some semblance of safety in her presence. "What the hell is happening?" you cried out in confusion, a look of worry crossing Gouda's face as she too grappled with the unfolding chaos. Suddenly, a figure approached, and to your astonishment, it was the same man who had ended your life in the previous simulation. He seized Gouda, urgently insisting that they flee, acknowledging the futility of their situation. Before any action could be taken, a bullet tore through the air, finding its mark in the man's skull with deadly precision. Gouda's expression twisted in terror as the gunfire subsided, leaving a haunting silence in its wake. A part of you dared to hope that the attackers had relented, but deep down, you knew the truth: they had ceased their assault because you were the lone survivor remaining concealed. The sound of approaching footsteps shattered the eerie stillness, and Gouda, overcome with fear, grasped her weapon tightly. "Damn it, Adam," she cursed under her breath, her resolve steeling as she rose to confront the impending threat. But before she could act, the inevitable conclusion unfolded before your eyes: Gouda fell victim to the onslaught, and it wasn't long before you met the same fate. You died.] [End of simulation]

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