Ultimate Choice System: I Became The Richest!

Chapter 269: Opportunity.

The meeting continued for another hour, Volkov returning to his demonstration with renewed energy.

His eyes occasionally flicked to Noah, clearly distracted by the possibilities of the superconductivity solution.

When it finally ended, applause filled the room.

Noah approached as the crowd surrounding Volkov thinned.

"Do you have someone to drop you off? If not, I can drop you off."

Volkov hesitated. "I don't want to trouble you."

"No trouble at all." Noah smiled, the perfect picture of helpful student.

He turned to the others. "Jasmine, Lucas—I'll see you later. Professor Jensen, thank you."

Jensen's expression was a mix of confusion and awe. The professor clearly didn't know what to make of his star student anymore. Report the breakthrough to university leadership? Or report his fight with what seemed to be a dangerous group of people? The confusion was written all over his face.

Noah guided Volkov through the halls.

They reached the parking lot. A small crowd had gathered around a vehicle, phones out, snapping pictures.

The Lykan Hypersport gleamed under the midday sun, its aggressive angles drawing gasps from the onlookers.

Volkov stopped, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Your generation and social media. Always chasing pictures of things you cannot have."

Noah didn't respond, simply walking toward the car. The students were so engrossed in their photos they didn't notice him approach.

Not until he pressed the key fob.

The Lykan roared to life, its engine thundering across the parking lot.

The students jumped back, heads whipping around to find the owner.

Noah stepped forward, and the crowd parted like curtains.

Noah opened the driver's door and looked back at Volkov. "Let's go?"

Volkov stood frozen, reassessing everything he thought he knew about the young man before him. He was constantly impressing him.

"You are full of surprises, Mr. Thompson," Volkov murmured as he approached.

Noah smiled. "You haven't seen anything yet."

Volkov settled into the passenger seat, running his hand appreciatively over the carbon fibre interior.

"Only seven of these exist," he said. "And yet a university student drives one."

Noah pulled out of the parking lot, the engine's growl turning heads across campus.

"Everyone is rewarded based on their choices," he replied.

Volkov studied him. "Who are you really, Noah Thompson?"

Noah flashed a smile as he accelerated onto the highway. "Just someone who can help you with your problem."

"What do you mean?"

Noah took a turn exiting through the slip road, the Lykan hugging the curve perfectly. "Look. I can promise you a few things. I promise you that you and your family will be safe, and I promise you that Project Aurora will be completed...within a week."

Volkov's eyebrows shot up.

"The thing I showed you," Noah continued, "it's only the surface. Even if you study it for the next ten years, it won't help you complete the project,"

"That's absurd—"

"What I want is simple. Work under me. I'm not interested in Project Aurora. I'm interested in you—your intelligence. I'll provide the solution for your project, grant you military-level protection of important personnel. All I need is your loyalty."

"What do you think?" Noah smiled.

Volkov let out a sharp laugh. "You're what, nineteen? And you're offering me military protection? Promising to solve in a week what my team of experts hasn't solved in years?"

Noah smirked.

"Let me show you."

"Sylvia."

His phone lit up, projecting a blue-tinted hologram of a woman in professional attire above the center console.

"Yes, master," the AI responded, her voice crystal clear.

Volkov jerked back, his eyes wide. He was well aware of the progress of hologram technology in the industry.

"Call Lieutenant Adam."

The hologram nodded. "Connecting now."

Three rings, then—

"Major Thompson! How can I assist you, sir?" Adam's voice filled the car, crisp and formal.

Volkov's mouth fell open at the title. Major?

A nineteen-year-old is a major?

"I have Mr. Volkov with me," Noah said casually, as if discussing the weather. "Do you know him?"

"Of course. Who doesn't?" Adam replied. "Is there a situation I should be aware of?"

"I promised him military-level security for him and his family if he works under me, for this country." Noah's eyes flicked to Volkov, amused. "He didn't believe me, so I had to call you."

"Understandable. Should I arrange a protection detail immediately. They will arrive at Crown Veridian Hotel in ten minutes."

Volkov's face had gone pale, his brilliant mind visibly rewiring everything he thought he knew about the young man beside him.

'I'm staying at Crown Veridian Hotel with my family...he isn't lying about being a major...'

"That won't be necessary yet," Noah replied.

"Understood. Will there be anything else?"

"No. I will call you later,"

"Who are you?" Volkov whispered again, this time with genuine awe.

Noah turned onto a private road. "Major Noah Thompson. Special Operations. And yes, I have the authority to make good on every promise I just made."

"But you're—"

"Young? A student?" Noah smiled. "So what? I'm just doing what I enjoy. Besides, trust me. You haven't seen anything yet."

Volkov's analytical mind was racing, connecting dots. "The way you moved against that agent. Your knowledge of unknown technology. This car."

"So," Noah pressed, "do we have a deal?"

The Russian scientist ran a hand through his hair, decision weighing heavily. "If I say yes?"

"You get to complete Aurora. You and your family receive permanent protection."

"And if I say no?"

Noah's smile never reached his eyes.

"It will be your loss. And, you will lose the right to Project Aurora. Because I will be taking it,"

Volkov looked out at the road stretching before them, feeling the weight of worlds on his shoulders. "You really can solve the superconductivity problem in a week?"

"I can solve it tonight if needed."

The moment stretched, taut with possibility.

"Alright, Major Thompson." Volkov extended his hand. "You have a deal."

Noah shook it firmly. "Welcome to the winning side, Mr. Volkov. You won't regret it."