A few days later, Kevin received an encrypted message from the system.
"Task: Pass the Shadow Consortium's first test. The system will assist you in real-time. Reward: Unlock covert technology and access to new alliances."
Kevin wasn't surprised. He had expected the consortium to test him. He just hadn't expected it to come so soon.
The message directed him to an auction in Zurich—a private affair, reserved only for the wealthiest and most connected individuals. The items on auction weren't mere luxury goods; they were things that didn't officially exist. Rare military technology, black market innovations, and even access to political leverage. The kind of event where fortunes could be won—or lost—in the blink of an eye.
Kevin arrived at the auction, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit that screamed success without trying too hard. The room was filled with power players—men and women who controlled industries, nations, and even armies. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the kind that only came when billions of dollars were at stake.
As Kevin scanned the room, his system pinged.
"Identified: Marcus Lyle, primary rival. Current objective: Sabotage his bid."
Kevin's smile tightened. Marcus Lyle was here? Perfect. He had been waiting for an opportunity to strike back at Marcus after their last encounter. If Marcus was here, that meant the consortium had sent him as well.
The auction began, and item after item was introduced. Kevin watched as Marcus bid on several high-profile items—pieces of technology that could give his business a dangerous edge. But Kevin was ready. With each bid Marcus placed, Kevin subtly outmaneuvered him, using his system to predict Marcus's next move and outbid him by just enough to make Marcus flinch but not enough to blow his cover.
It wasn't long before Marcus's frustration became visible. His jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as Kevin scooped up deal after deal right under his nose.
Then came the final item of the night: a quantum encryption device, a piece of technology that could revolutionize digital security on a global scale. Marcus wanted it badly. Kevin could see it in his eyes.
The bidding war began. Marcus threw out an aggressive number right off the bat, but Kevin was ready. The system pinged, giving him the exact range Marcus would go to. Kevin waited, watching as the numbers climbed higher and higher.
Finally, as Marcus placed his final bid, Kevin smiled. He entered his bid just before the gavel fell, snatching the encryption device from Marcus at the last second.
The room was silent for a moment as the reality of what had just happened set in. Marcus glared at Kevin, his face a mask of barely-contained fury. Kevin simply raised his glass in a silent toast, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
Marcus stormed out of the auction, but Kevin wasn't concerned. The first challenge had been a success, and the system rewarded him with a new notification:
"Task completed: Quantum encryption technology acquired. Reward: Covert technology unlocked. Next task: Prepare for countermeasures from Marcus Lyle."
Kevin smirked. Let Marcus make his next move. He was ready for whatever came next.