Life Bank

By Magus Tor

Daniel is an unemployed man desperate to find work. After a slew of interviews that fail to bear any fruit, he is approached by a middle-aged man named Raphael who presents him with a unique opportunity to gain financial freedom. Raphael hands him a red bankbook called the Life Bank that converts a portion of Daniel’s life directly into money. A drop of blood and a signature are all that’s required. But when the money runs out, Daniel will lose his soul.

After some thought, Daniel takes the offer and spends the money freely, oblivious to any potential ramifications.

Life is good—for a time. But when an enormous financial setback causes Daniel to lose most of his savings, he must withdraw even more from his account to stay afloat. As he moves forward, his habits take a heavy toll on his life and relationships. Finally, his luck runs out, and his actions catch up to him. Can he turn his life around? Or has his fate already been sealed?

An engaging dramatic tale, Life Bank is a gripping novel about a man, his money, and his choices.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond His Words
• Release date: Sep 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516305827

Magus Tor

Magus Tor is a dreamer who enjoys dreaming varied dreams of being a doctor, a lawyer, a police officer and a teacher but never in the wildest dream to become a writer. Since starting to write in 2007, Magus continues to explore creating worlds in his imaginative mild. Although he wishes to specialize in writing fantasy but his mind twisted his will and he ended up writing more Science Fiction than Fantasy. So far, his only fantasy novella is D-Nine: Protectors of the Crown.

Book preview

Chapter1.psd

Daniel looked up and stared at the tall skyscrapers blocking the majority of the sky and clouds. He sighed. So many buildings, so many companies, so many jobs, and yet he still hadn’t managed to secure employment. He looked down, his heart hurting. He had failed the interview that had ended a few minutes ago. 

He thought back to what had happened. The interviewer had told him, Can you make me remember you in one minute?

He stood up and walked up to the interviewer and slapped him. 

Well, he was extremely sure that the interviewer remembered him—but oh, well, he’d lost the job. 

His mind continued to wander as his heavy limbs continued to carry himself home. How should he explain what had happened to his mother, who had such high hopes? This was his tenth interview, and he’d gotten it based on the recommendation of a friend. He had absolutely promised his mum that he would secure this job no matter what. It was all the interviewer’s fault! If he hadn’t wanted Daniel to slap him, he shouldn’t have made such a silly demand! Daniel had only done what he’d asked!

Hey there, young man! someone shouted in the background. Stop!

Daniel felt a tap on his shoulder, which woke him up from his reverie. 

What is it? Daniel flicked the hand off his shoulder. 

I’m sorry. The man jumped back, a little startled. He was an ordinary, bespectacled middle-aged man. He was clean shaven, and wore a well-pressed shirt and a tie.  

It is his fault for disturbing me. Daniel thought, his bitterness over the interview seeping through.

I just need a minute of your time, the man said.

What?

Can we talk over a drink? He quickly added, My treat, I insist.

Daniel thought for a second. Having a drink with a stranger was definitely better than returning home to face his mother. Even a few hours of delay would be welcome. Sure.

They walked into a burger restaurant and sat down in a corner by the window. Here, go get whatever you want, the man said and handed him a ten dollar note.

What should I get for you?

Cappuccino will do. Thanks.

Daniel walked over to the counter, and then briefly looked back. What a weird man. Is he a con? He wondered. But then he assured himself, there is nothing for him to con. I’m totally broke. He’s the one giving me money! He returned his gaze to the menu on the wall. He might as well get himself a good free lunch.

Shortly thereafter, Daniel brought back a tray of hot food and sat down. So, what do you have to tell me? he asked.

There is no hurry. Come, eat your meal first. I have good news for you.

Yeah, right! Good news, just what Daniel needed right now.

Go on, eat. The man urged.

Daniel picked up a fry and began to chew. I can listen while eating. So, what is your good news all about?

Ever heard of financial freedom?

Ohhhh noooo, it’s a boring insurance agent’s speech. Daniel swallowed the fries and heaved a little sigh. At least there is free food­—and a delay before I have to face my mother.

Yes, Daniel said noncommittally. I’ve heard of it a few times. He made sure the words ‘a few times’ were emphasized.

Ahhh, that’s good. That will make this a little simpler. The man smiled and continued, Oh, I think I forgot to introduce myself. I am Raphael. He stood up and extended his hand. 

Daniel started, but recovered. Nice to meet you, Raphael, I’m Daniel. He briefly brushed his oily hands on his trousers before taking Raphael’s hand and squeezing tightly, giving him a slight nod.

Raphael sat and began again. So, I am talking about financial freedom. A simple way to explain it is that it is having enough money to live without needing to work actively for basic necessities.

Daniel nodded, not exactly interested. He eyed his big burger with great interest. Soon, he was savouring the juicy beef patty in his mouth.

Raphael didn’t seem to notice or care. He continued his well-crafted speech. There are a few ways to achieve financial freedom. You can invest in stocks and shares that give dividend, buy an insurance that pays out when you reach retirement, or start a business that provides a passive income. I am here to offer you something else. He took a red booklet from his pocket and placed it on the table.  This is a bankbook.

Daniel turned his gaze from the scenery outside the window to the table top. The red book had a special draw to it, as if it were alive. He put down the burger and wiped his hands with his napkin before touching it. The book pulsed with energy, drawing him to it.

This is a special bankbook; we called it the Life Bank. Raphael spoke, drawing Daniel’s attention.  It converts your life into money. Open it and take a look.

Daniel hands trembled as he slowly flipped open the bankbook. His eyes opened widely when he saw the number: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven digits. Wow, a total of more than seven million dollars! $7,524,765.86, to be exact.

This is how much your life is worth. In other words, it is how much life you have left, Raphael explained. Daniel didn’t really bother to listen; he was totally engrossed in the string of numbers.

Hey, listen here! Raphael waved his hands in front of Daniel’s face to get his attention. 

This managed to break his mesmerisation. Yes, you were saying? Daniel said sheepishly.

Before I give it to you, I need to explain a few things. He took the red booklet from Daniel’s hand and put it back into his pocket. Now that I have your attention, let me ask you this important question: how much do you hope you can earn a month by the time you retire?

Hmmm, with my education and polytechnic diploma, if I can hit five to six k a month, I will be very happy, Daniel murmured to himself as did mental sums. At least eight thousand a month, he replied to Raphael, with a smile. Better to give a higher value so there is more room for bargaining, right? Just like any smart Singaporean will do.

What if I told you that I would give you ten thousand, tax free, for every month of your life—by which I mean, in exchange for a month of your life?

You want me to sell you my life? Daniel was shocked. 

What’s wrong with that? Is it not what everyone is doing when they sell their lives to companies for their monthly salaries?

Daniel gave what he’d just heard serious thought. Well, you do have a point there.

This is even better than an ordinary job like that, because you don’t have to do a single thing. When you sell your life to a company, you need to sweat and work at least eight to twelve hours a day. Occasionally, you may even need to work overtime.

Hmmm, that’s also very true.

So, do you want it?

Do I have to decide now? Can I have a few days to consider the offer?

Sure. Raphael smiled and brought out the red bankbook again, this time