Chapter 44 – The Beginning of a Bigger Game

The invitation to the economic forum had stirred Silvercity's academic scene, but Mariana remained calm. She had something more pressing to handle: the university's annual entrepreneurship challenge. The prize? A chance to pitch directly to top investors—and a scholarship for international research.

Clara, Peter, and Bia were already on board with her green-tech project, but Mariana had quietly added a twist—she'd use her upgraded system knowledge to design a prototype that would absorb pollutants and generate clean energy. It was futuristic. Bold. Risky. Just like her.

Meanwhile, George had started helping her in small ways. Under her guidance, he began planting herbs in his grandparents' backyard. The system recognized him too—his touch activated faint pulses in the earth. He didn't know what it meant, not yet, but he trusted Mariana completely.

At dinner that weekend, George slipped her a drawing.

"This is us," he said. "You, me, and Mama Mary. You're kind of the same, right?"

Mariana paused, emotions swirling. "In a way, yes. But don't tell anyone, okay?"

George winked. "Secret partners."

At the other end of Silvercity, James Green was watching a news segment about Mariana—the girl who had won the hearts of the city. He narrowed his eyes, something oddly familiar in the way she smiled, the fire in her gaze. But he shook it off. Ghosts were ghosts.

Back at her apartment, Mariana's system buzzed. New Task: Prepare for Integration Phase One. Unlocking dormant skills... Her body hummed with energy. Her hands pulsed gold. She would need to be careful now—powers like this could change everything.

A storm was brewing. In business, in destiny, in her very blood.

But Mariana? She was ready.