Victor stood outside the towering glass building of Galaxy Star Talent Agency for what he knew would be the final time. The deal was on the table, but today was the day he would decide if the agency's backing was worth the strings attached. He had a gut feeling that something was off about the contract, and Victor Nightshade never ignored his instincts.
As he stepped into the lobby, the cold, sterile environment greeted him, a sharp contrast to the high-energy world of idols he was now a part of. This wasn't a place that nurtured creativity; it was a place where deals were made, and control was traded like currency.
Elias Graves was waiting in the conference room, that same slick smile plastered on his face as he greeted Victor with a handshake. "Victor, glad you're here. I trust you've had some time to think over our offer."
Victor didn't bother with pleasantries. "Let's go over the contract."
Elias's smile flickered but held. "Of course. Let's sit down and go through the finer details."
Victor took a seat and watched as Elias pulled up the holographic contract, the text floating in front of them in neat, sterile lines. Victor's eyes scanned the familiar clauses—30% of his earnings, full access to resources, media exposure, and the promise of rising to the top 1,000 global rankings within six months. But he wasn't here for the obvious. It was the fine print that mattered now.
As Elias guided him through the document, Victor noticed a clause that hadn't stood out before. His eyes narrowed as he read the words more carefully.
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Clause 47.6: Company Creative Oversight
In cases where branding, performance style, or artistic direction conflicts with company standards, Galaxy Star Talent Agency reserves the right to override the creative decisions of the contracted talent in order to maintain brand consistency.
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Victor's gut twisted as he read the words. This was exactly what he had feared—control. They were offering him everything, but at the same time, they were taking away his freedom. The performances that defined him, the raw emotional edge that separated him from the rest of the pack, would be subject to corporate approval.
"Stop," Victor said, his voice cutting through Elias's smooth explanation. He tapped the clause with his finger. "This—this is a problem."
Elias followed Victor's gaze, and for a split second, his polished demeanor faltered. "Ah, I see you've found the oversight clause. It's really just a formality, Victor. Galaxy Star likes to maintain a certain image, but it won't interfere with your core style. This clause is in all our contracts."
Victor's gaze hardened. "This isn't about style—it's about control. I told you from the beginning, I make my own decisions when it comes to my performances."
Elias leaned forward, his smile more strained now. "Victor, you have to understand, Galaxy Star has built a reputation. We've made stars—global and galactic. That kind of success requires certain… consistencies. It's nothing to worry about. Our team is here to enhance your image, not restrict you."
Victor didn't waver. "I'm not interested in being enhanced by anyone. My performances are mine, and I won't give anyone the power to change them."
Elias sat back, his smile finally slipping as the weight of Victor's words hit him. "Victor, this clause is standard company policy. It's non-negotiable."
Victor's jaw tightened. He had suspected something like this would come up, but hearing that the clause couldn't be removed confirmed what he already knew—Galaxy Star wanted more than a partnership. They wanted ownership, even if they weren't saying it outright.
"And if I ask you to remove it?" Victor asked, knowing the answer but needing to hear it.
Elias's expression grew more formal, his smile now gone. "We can't. It's part of every contract we offer. Without it, our brand could be compromised. I'm afraid that's a deal-breaker, Victor. We won't be able to move forward if that's an issue for you."
The air in the room felt heavier, the finality of Elias's words lingering between them. Victor stared at the contract, the shimmering holographic text outlining everything he had ever wanted—global fame, resources, the backing of the most powerful talent agency in the galaxy. It was all there, within reach.
But the price was too high.
Victor stood up, his decision made. "Then we're done here."
Elias blinked, clearly not expecting the conversation to end so abruptly. "Wait, Victor, let's not be hasty. This is your last chance. Galaxy Star doesn't make offers like this lightly. If you walk away now, you're giving up the fastest path to the top. Do you really want to turn your back on that?"
Victor's expression didn't change. "I told you from the beginning—I'm not here to be anyone's puppet. If I rise, it'll be because of what I create, not what you manufacture."
Elias opened his mouth to argue, but Victor had already turned to leave. The offer was tempting, but Victor knew that once he handed over creative control, he would lose what made him different. He had built his performances on emotional honesty, raw power, and precision. He wasn't about to trade that for corporate oversight, no matter how glittering the reward might be.
As Victor walked out of the building, the city lights reflecting off the glass walls, a sense of clarity settled over him. He had chosen the harder path, but it was the one that would let him keep his identity intact. He wouldn't give up control—he couldn't. Not after everything he had fought for.
His Idol System blinked to life in his vision, reminding him of the upcoming Special Solo Performance and the progress he had already made on his own terms. Rank 641/10,000. He didn't need Galaxy Star. He had already proven he could rise on his own, and he would continue to do so. But this time, it would be with full control over his destiny.
Victor smiled faintly as he walked through the busy streets, the noise of the city buzzing around him. Let Galaxy Star try to shape their idols into what they wanted. He wasn't here to follow. He was here to create, to disrupt, and to rise.
And no one would control him again.