The news of Li Zhen's audacious acquisition of Northwest Global Bank reverberated across the financial world. While the bank's board grappled with the transition, powerful players within the Covenant of Crowns watched with growing suspicion. Li Zhen had made his mark, but his meteoric rise had attracted eyes that could not easily be diverted.
Late one evening, Li Zhen sat alone in his study, reviewing the latest reports. Northwest Global Bank was now fully under his control, with his loyal subordinates in key positions ensuring the bank's operations aligned with his broader plans. Profits soared, and hidden accounts channeled discreet funds to fuel his future ventures.
[New Message from the Covenant of Crowns]
[Sender: Heinrich Gruber]
[Message: Congratulations on your recent acquisition, Mr. Li. However, we in the Covenant value discretion above all. I trust you understand the importance of not overreaching. To welcome you as one of us, a test has been arranged. Prove your worthiness.]
Li Zhen smirked. He had anticipated this. The Covenant was powerful, but he was prepared to face any challenge they threw his way.
[System Notification: New Task – The Covenant's Challenge]
[Objective: Outmaneuver the Covenant's test to solidify your place in their ranks.]
[Reward: Hidden Trait – Shadow Ruler]
[Description: Grants the host an aura of undeniable authority, subtly influencing others to accept and respect the host's rule without question.]
The reward was enticing. With the Shadow Ruler trait, he could command absolute loyalty and compliance from those around him, easing his path to power even further. But he knew this test would not be easy. The Covenant was known for ruthless trials that eliminated unworthy members.
The following day, Li Zhen received further details of the challenge: he was to target a major conglomerate in Southeast Asia, an untouchable empire controlled by a Covenant member. This conglomerate dominated sectors from construction to technology, and destabilizing it would be no small feat.
Li Zhen summoned his core team—Zhao Feng, Chen Yi, Liang Xue, and Phantom. Together, they developed a multi-pronged strategy. While Zhao Feng gathered intelligence, Liang Xue would create a façade of public support, and Chen Yi would coordinate a financial siege.
Their target was well-defended and had strong governmental ties, but Li Zhen's team was prepared to find and exploit any weak spots.
Phase One: Intelligence Gathering
Zhao Feng quickly discovered that the conglomerate's chairman had a secret—an offshore account that siphoned funds from his company's profits. It was a scandal waiting to explode. Armed with this knowledge, Li Zhen had Liang Xue leak subtle hints to the media. Rumors began to circulate, weakening the chairman's public image and making him appear vulnerable.
Phase Two: Financial Siege
While the rumors spread, Chen Yi initiated a targeted financial assault, subtly devaluing the conglomerate's stocks by shorting shares and manipulating market sentiment. Investors became jittery, and the chairman scrambled to reassure them, but Li Zhen's team continued to erode confidence behind the scenes.
Each day, the conglomerate's value dropped as panic set in. The chairman's allies began to distance themselves, fearful of being associated with a sinking ship.
In his office, Li Zhen watched the effects of his team's work with satisfaction. The conglomerate was now at its weakest point, a shadow of its former strength. He was about to make his final move when he received another message from the Covenant.
[New Message from the Covenant of Crowns]
[Sender: Heinrich Gruber]
[Message: Impressive work, Mr. Li. But the true challenge has yet to begin. You must acquire the conglomerate without using your own funds. Show us you can control what isn't yours.]
Li Zhen's expression turned serious. This was a test not just of his power but of his ingenuity. Acquiring the conglomerate without direct investment would require cunning and complete mastery of his new financial tools.
He closed his eyes, formulating his approach. After a few moments, he called Phantom. "Access the database of high-net-worth investors. Compile a list of those who'd be interested in acquiring this conglomerate for its assets, but don't reveal my connection."
Phantom responded within seconds. "List compiled. There are 37 viable candidates. Sending encrypted communications on your behalf."
Over the next week, Li Zhen orchestrated a silent takeover. Using a network of proxies, he manipulated investors into purchasing the conglomerate's shares, weakening the chairman's control. When the moment was right, Li Zhen struck, gaining effective control of the company through his proxies without spending a single dollar of his own.
By the end of the week, he owned the conglomerate in all but name.
[Task Complete: The Covenant's Challenge]
[Reward Unlocked: Hidden Trait – Shadow Ruler]
[Description: Host gains an aura of undeniable authority, subtly influencing others to accept and respect the host's rule without question.]
With the new Shadow Ruler trait, Li Zhen felt a powerful presence settle over him. Those around him would now instinctively recognize his dominance, easing his command and deepening the loyalty of his allies.
The Covenant's Response
In Zurich, Heinrich Gruber sat at a dimly lit table, reading the report of Li Zhen's success. He raised an eyebrow, impressed. Few had ever passed the Covenant's challenge with such finesse.
"Li Zhen has proven himself," he said to the assembled members. "Let us welcome him fully into the Covenant. However, I advise caution. He is ambitious—perhaps more so than any of us."
The other members nodded, understanding the unspoken meaning. They would welcome Li Zhen, but they would watch him closely.
Back in Li Zhen's Headquarters
Li Zhen gathered his team, a triumphant light in his eyes. "We've passed their test, but this is only the beginning. The Covenant has opened its doors, but they're also watching us more closely now. We must tread carefully."
Zhao Feng nodded, loyal and ready. "Whatever comes next, we're with you."
With his subordinates' unwavering support and his newfound Shadow Ruler aura, Li Zhen felt unstoppable. He was no longer merely a player in the game; he was a force that even the Covenant of Crowns could no longer ignore.
His ambition burned brighter than ever, driving him forward, step by calculated step, toward his ultimate goal of becoming the world's unseen ruler.