Victor's footsteps echoed in the sleek, modern halls of Galaxy Star's regional office, the same sterile atmosphere greeting him as before. This time, however, the tension in the air felt different. It wasn't the uncertainty of whether to accept their offer—it was the knowledge that now, with his victory over Zara, he had leverage.
He wasn't walking in blind.
As he entered the meeting room, Elias Graves was already waiting, his polished smile firmly in place. But there was something more eager in his expression this time, as if the stakes had shifted. And in a way, they had. Victor was no longer just another up-and-coming idol. He had proven himself a threat, not only to Zara but to the entire local ranking system.
"Victor, right on time," Elias said, standing to greet him. "Let's cut straight to the chase, shall we?"
Victor gave a curt nod and sat down, keeping his expression unreadable. "I assume this meeting isn't just more flattery."
Elias chuckled. "No, it's not. We've been watching you closely, and after your latest victory, it's clear to us that you're ready for the next level. But let me be honest—we're offering more than just connections and resources. We want to make sure you rise, but there's a price."
Victor leaned back in his chair, keeping his gaze locked on Elias. "Let's hear the price."
Elias tapped a holographic panel on the table, and a series of charts, numbers, and figures appeared in the air between them. "You're currently ranked 656/10,000 in the local tier, which is impressive, but you're still far from the global stage. With Galaxy Star's backing, we're confident we can get you into the top 1,000 global rankings within six months. That's not an empty promise—it's a guarantee."
Victor raised an eyebrow. Top 1,000 global? It was an ambitious claim, but the idea of reaching the global stage that quickly was appealing. Still, he knew there would be strings attached.
"And the cost?" Victor asked, his voice cool.
Elias flicked another panel, revealing the details of the contract. "It's simple. We provide you with the following: full access to our training centers, performance coaches, and brand managers. We'll also boost your exposure through our media channels, ensuring that your name becomes synonymous with rising talent."
Victor glanced at the contract terms, scanning them quickly. He had expected this—full support, at a price.
"Galaxy Star will take a 30% cut of all your earnings," Elias continued. "That includes live performances, sponsorship deals, and merchandise. But in return, we'll invest heavily in you, providing everything from stage costumes to exclusive studio time. Think of it as a partnership—we succeed together."
Victor's jaw tightened slightly as he processed the numbers. 30% wasn't a small cut, but with the resources Galaxy Star could provide, the deal could potentially fast-track his rise far beyond what he could achieve alone. But it wasn't just about the money—it was about control.
"And what about creative control?" Victor asked, his tone sharp. "I won't be molded into a puppet, performing whatever songs or routines you want. I decide my performances."
Elias's smile faltered slightly, but only for a moment. "Of course, Victor. We value your unique style. We wouldn't want to change that. However, our branding team will provide some guidance, especially when it comes to appealing to wider audiences. You can think of it as enhancing your image, not changing it."
Victor let the silence stretch out, his mind racing. 30% of his earnings in exchange for guaranteed access to resources, exposure, and a top 1,000 global ranking within six months. It was a tempting offer—one that could push him to the global stage faster than he had ever imagined. But it also came with the very thing he had always been wary of: relinquishing control.
Elias leaned forward, sensing the tension. "I know this is a big decision, Victor, but you've already proven you have what it takes. Galaxy Star can help you unlock even more of your potential. Think about where you'll be in six months—on the global stage, competing against the top idols in the galaxy. Isn't that what you want?"
Victor stared at the numbers on the screen, weighing his options. Galaxy Star could give him the tools, but at what cost? 30% of his future earnings and partial influence over his brand—it was a steep price. He could refuse, continue climbing on his own, and risk missing out on the opportunities Galaxy Star could provide. But time was a factor, and this world thrived on speed.
Finally, Victor spoke, his voice calm and measured. "I'll agree to 30%—but on one condition. I retain full creative control over my performances and my image. Your team can give input, but the final decision is mine."
Elias's smile returned, though it was thinner this time. "That's… a generous compromise. I'll speak with the higher-ups and see if we can come to an agreement."
Victor stood, his mind already made up. "Do that. But if you think for a second that I'll be just another idol in your lineup, you're mistaken. I'm not here to be molded—I'm here to rise. And if you want to be a part of that, it'll be on my terms."
Elias chuckled, though there was a hint of tension in his laughter. "I expected nothing less from you, Victor. We'll be in touch soon."
Victor left the office, the city's noise and lights filling the air as he stepped outside. His rank, 656/10,000, flickered in his vision, a reminder of how far he still had to go. But with the possibility of Galaxy Star's backing, the global stage was now closer than ever.
He wouldn't be their puppet. He would use them, rise faster than they could predict, and break free of their grasp before they even realized it. Victor Nightshade wasn't here to be controlled—he was here to win.
---
That night, as he sat in his apartment, the Idol System pinged with another notification.
IDOL SYSTEM ALERT
New Event: Special Solo Performance
Objective: Perform in front of a panel of National Judges to unlock advanced abilities.
Reward: +15 Stat Boost to Winner, +5 to All Other Participants
Time: 48 hours
Victor smirked. This was what he needed. A challenge that didn't come with strings attached—just pure, unadulterated competition. The stage would be his again, and this time, he would push further than ever.
The offer from Galaxy Star was still hanging in the air, but for now, he had other things to focus on. The path to the top was still in his hands.