Victor had barely stepped off the stage after his latest performance when the familiar chime of his Idol System sounded in his mind. He blinked, expecting it to be the usual stat updates or perhaps a new challenge, but what appeared on the holographic screen in front of him was something different.
---
IDOL SYSTEM ALERT
Private Invitation Received
Sender: Galaxy Star Talent Agency
Subject: Potential Collaboration Opportunity
---
Victor raised an eyebrow. A private invitation? He had heard of the Galaxy Star Talent Agency—they were one of the most prestigious agencies in the industry, known for representing some of the top global and galactic idols. But what would they want with him now, when he hadn't even broken into the global tier yet?
Before he could process it, Aria appeared beside him, her tablet already displaying the same message. "You got an invitation?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise. "From Galaxy Star? That's... unusual."
Victor frowned, his mind racing. "What do they want?"
Aria quickly scrolled through the details. "It's vague, but it looks like they're interested in discussing a collaboration. This could be huge, Victor. Galaxy Star doesn't just invite anyone—they must see something in you. It's not often someone ranked in the local tiers catches their eye."
Victor studied the screen, his mind cold and calculating. Something about this didn't feel right. He had just barely recovered from his last mistake, and now, an offer like this appeared out of nowhere? It felt... premature. Yet, if there was one thing Victor had learned from his previous life, it was that power often came in unexpected forms, and opportunities like this were rarely handed out for no reason.
"Where's the meeting?" he asked, his voice low.
Aria's eyes flickered across her screen. "They want to meet in person at their regional office. Tomorrow afternoon."
Victor nodded. He knew the risks involved in working with an agency like Galaxy Star. They were powerful, but they were also known for their cutthroat tactics. They could elevate an idol to unimaginable heights, but they could also crush them just as quickly. Still, if he wanted to reach the global tier—and eventually the galactic stage—he would need powerful allies. Or at least, the appearance of powerful allies.
"I'll go," Victor said.
Aria looked at him, concern flickering in her eyes. "Are you sure? We don't know what their angle is. They could just be using you."
Victor's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Let them try."
---
The next day, Victor arrived at the towering glass building that housed Galaxy Star's regional headquarters. It was sleek, modern, and intimidating—the very image of corporate power in the world of idols. As he entered the lobby, the air seemed colder, more sterile than the usual chaos of the idol scene.
A receptionist greeted him with a polite but distant smile, directing him to a waiting room. Victor sat, his mind sharp, already anticipating the upcoming conversation. There was always an angle, and he needed to find it. He wouldn't allow himself to be manipulated, but he wasn't foolish enough to reject the offer outright either. Elias Graves was testing him. He could sense it before they even met.
After a few minutes, a tall man in a crisp black suit appeared at the door. His smile was confident, but there was something predatory in his eyes. "Victor Nightshade," he said smoothly, extending his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Elias Graves, talent scout for Galaxy Star."
Victor shook his hand, his expression unreadable. "You wanted to meet."
Elias gestured for Victor to follow him into a private conference room. The walls were lined with holographic displays of some of the galaxy's most famous idols, their stats and rankings proudly displayed beside their smiling faces. Elias sat at the head of the table, motioning for Victor to take a seat.
"We've been watching your progress," Elias began, his tone as polished as his suit. "Your performances are... unique. Raw. There's something about you that stands out, something that goes beyond the typical idol persona. Galaxy Star is always looking for talent that can disrupt the system, and you, Victor, might be exactly what we need."
Victor's eyes narrowed, but he kept his voice steady. "What do you want from me?"
Elias leaned back in his chair, his smile unwavering. "It's simple. We're offering you a potential partnership. We can help you rise—give you access to resources, connections, and opportunities that will fast-track your journey to the global and galactic stages."
A faster rise. Victor knew exactly what that meant—favors that would be called in later. He studied Elias carefully, sensing the weight behind the scout's words. There was no charity in the idol world. Not with players like Galaxy Star. It wasn't just the resources they were offering—it was control. The leverage they'd gain by pulling his strings.
"And in return?" Victor's voice remained cold, but his mind was already turning, piecing together how this might play out.
Elias's smile grew. "We get a stake in your success, of course. When you rise, we rise with you. But let me be clear—Galaxy Star doesn't just invest in anyone. We see potential in you, Victor, but potential means nothing if it's not realized."
Victor remained silent, weighing the offer. He knew there would be strings attached—there always were with agencies like this. But if they could provide him with the resources to rise faster, to regain the power he craved, then it might be worth the cost. It was a deal with a devil, but devils could be outplayed.
"I don't work for anyone," Victor said finally, his voice low and firm. "If I agree, it's on my terms."
Elias chuckled softly, his gaze unwavering. "Of course." The words were smooth, but there was an edge beneath them. "We wouldn't expect anything less from you. But just remember, Victor—this world moves fast. Opportunities like this don't come around often."
Victor stood, his decision already half-formed. "I'll think about it."
Elias's eyes gleamed, but his expression remained controlled. "We'll be waiting."
---
As Victor left the building, the city lights flickering in the distance, his mind was already racing with possibilities. He didn't trust Galaxy Star—not for a second—but trust wasn't required. If they thought they could use him, he would make sure to turn the tables. This was about power, not partnership. They wanted to rise on his back, but they wouldn't see the strings he was pulling in return.
The Idol System blinked in his vision, reminding him of his current rank. 676/10,000. Still far from where he wanted to be, but closer than before.
Victor's lips twisted into a faint smile as he walked away from the towering building. "Let them try."
He was no longer the man who had been consumed by his own creation in a past life. Now, he had the power to shape his own destiny.
And he would rise—on his terms.