A few minutes later, Arthur expertly maneuvered his sleek Aether GT into a reserved parking spot outside an imposing skyscraper,the headquarters of Panterra National Bank (PNB), its name emblazoned in silver lettering across the glass facade.
Stepping out, he took a moment to admire the towering structure before entering the bustling lobby.
The lobby was a theater of finance. Suited professionals moved with purpose, their voices blending into a low hum. Digital tickers scrolled stock prices, exchange rates, and breaking financial news.
Arthur's sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on a woman who commanded attention effortlessly.
Tall, poised, and dressed in a tailored navy suit, she moved with effortless confidence, her dark brown waves cascading over her shoulders.
Her porcelain skin and piercing blue eyes, accentuated by sleek glasses, gave her an air of sharp intelligence.
The click of her heels echoed as she approached, flashing a warm yet professional smile.
"Good morning, sir. I'm Clara Reynolds. How may I assist you today?"
Arthur returned the smile,"Arthur Voss. I'm here to discuss stock trading, PNB offers brokerage services, correct?"
"Indeed, Mr. Arthur." Her eyes gleamed with interest. "Please, follow me."
She led him toward a private elevator, its doors sliding shut behind them.
As they ascended, Arthur noted the bank's prestige, PNB was among the world's top five financial institutions, its influence spanning every major market.
Ding!.
The 45th floor revealed a high-energy trading hub.Massive screens flashed live charts, news tickers, and asset prices while traders barked orders into headsets.
Some grinned at gains; others scowled at sudden dips. The scent of ambition,and caffeine,hung thick in the air.
Arthur turned to Clara, his voice low but firm. "I want to short-sell. My budget is ₡5 million, and I'll need a private suite and three of your best traders."
Clara's polished composure flickered. "Short-selling? That's… a bold strategy."
"Risk and reward, Miss Reynolds." He smirked,"And I pay well."
She hesitated for a moment, short-selling was a bet against a stock's success, lucrative if the price fell but disastrous if it rose. Still, his confidence intrigued her.
"Very well. Let's confirm your funds, then discuss leverage."
As Clara verified his account, Arthur observed the trading floor,"You seem familiar with markets, Mr. Arthur.Are you an active trader?"
"Enough to know the rules," he replied. "But remind me, how does PNB handle leverage?"
Clara nodded,"Leverage lets you control larger positions with borrowed capital. For qualified clients, we offer up to 10x, meaning your ₡5 million could trade as ₡50 million."
Arthur's eyes narrowed,"And short-selling?"
"You borrow shares to sell now, hoping to repurchase them cheaper later. Profit is the difference, but if the stock rises, losses are unlimited."
"Perfect."Arthur grinned with a happy look on his face.
Clara then led him into a private conference room, mahogany table, leather chairs, a wall of monitors displaying global markets.
"Before we proceed,"she said, sliding a document across the table,"we'll need you to sign our brokerage agreement. Standard terms—confidentiality, liability clauses, and commission structure."
Arthur skimmed the contract,"10% commission on profits? That's steep."
"For high-leverage short-selling, it's standard. But given your position…"She paused, then leaned forward slightly,"I can adjust it to 8%."
Arthur looked at her deeply and said with a frown,"5%. And in return, I'll ensure your traders receive a very generous bonus."
Clara's lips twitched slightly as she gave Arthur the side eye,she wasn't used to clients negotiating like this.
"6%. Final offer." Clara took a deep breath and said.
Arthur seems to thought for a moment and then extended his hand,"Deal."
Minutes later, Clara ushered him into a soundproof suite lined with monitors. Three traders awaited, led by Simon Carter, a sharp-eyed thirty-year-old with a reputation for aggressive plays.
"Mr. Arthur," Simon greeted, shaking his hand,"Miss Clara mentioned you're shorting Aurora Tech? That's… unconventional. Their AI division's been bullish."
"Exactly why it's primed to drop,"Arthur countered,"Load the position. All ₡5 million. Tenfold leverage."
"And also! " Arthur gave each one of them a long glanced,"What happens in this room stays here. No leaks. No whispers. Understood?"
" Don't worry Mr. Arthur we professionals ! " Simon waved his hand and said.
"Good" Arthur with a smile of satisfaction and took out a contract and continue," Then signed this contract, but you don't have to worry the commission will be to your satisfaction ".
Simon and the others looked at each and then took the pen, gave a cursory glance at the contract and immediately signed it.
The content of the contract wasn't that much only stating that they should not revealed what will happen in the trading room.
And besides Arthur was too lazy to cheat these people, he doesn't have time for those games.
"Good! " Arthur nodded when he saw that they have all signed the contract.
He then glanced at them and immediately laid out his plan:Borrow 2.5 million Aurora Tech shares (₡20/share) using ₡5 million + 10x leverage (₡50 million total exposure).
Sell them immediately, flooding the market subtly to avoid suspicion.Wait for the price to crash.Buy back at the bottom, return the borrowed shares, pocket the difference
Simon's immediately team sprang into action, borrowing 2.5 million Aurora shares (₡20/share) from PNB's reserves and other brokers.
"Done," Simon finally announced,"Shares sold at market. Now we wait."
Arthur exhaled,"Good. Keep it quiet,no panic selling."
Then,..disaster struck.
A trader gasped,"Boss! Breaking news, Aurora just unveiled a revolutionary AI model! According to the news it's said that it's five years ahead of competitors!"
The trader immediately turned on the television in the room as the news about Aurora Technology was broadcasting.
Simon seem to thought of something and quickly said," Quick check the price,now!"
The screen erupted in green:
₡20 → ₡22.10 → ₡25.60 → ₡28.75
"It's spiking!" a trader yelled.
Simon whirled to Arthur. "We're getting margin-called! At this rate..."
But Arthur only smiled, eyes locked on the soaring numbers.
"Exactly as planned." Arthur let a low breath of relief with a calm face.
But deep down his heart was beating wildly with excitement.