Li Zhen now held a stronger position in the Covenant of Crowns, but he knew that power within this elite group came at a price. His influence continued to grow, but so did the number of eyes watching his every move. He would need to remain vigilant.
The night was quiet as Li Zhen reviewed his next moves. The latest acquisition of the Southeast Asian conglomerate had expanded his empire, giving him control over sectors he had only begun to tap into. But he knew the Covenant's invitation also brought new challenges—he would have to demonstrate that he could handle the darker, hidden aspects of this exclusive world.
[System Notification: New Task Unlocked – Shadows of the Covenant]
[Objective: Consolidate your new assets and secure your influence within the Covenant by neutralising hidden threats.]
[Reward: Unlock an Elite Subordinate – Code Name: Viper]
[Description: A master in covert operations and high-level negotiations, this subordinate is both skilled and utterly loyal, able to take on tasks that require complete discretion.]
Li Zhen's interest was piqued. An operative like Viper would prove invaluable, especially given the nature of his expanding empire. The Covenant had likely placed agents within his conglomerate, seeking to undermine his control. Gaining a stealth operative would allow him to address these hidden threats without drawing unwanted attention.
Infiltration and Consolidation
He immediately reached out to Phantom. "Trace any unusual activity within the conglomerate's management. Look for recent hires, unexplained promotions, or activity that doesn't align with the typical structure."
Phantom nodded. "I'll report back with a detailed analysis. If there are moles, I'll find them."
Over the following days, Phantom worked tirelessly, uncovering subtle traces of interference within the conglomerate. It was clear that the Covenant had placed people to monitor and potentially destabilize his new acquisition. However, they had underestimated Li Zhen's reach.
With Phantom's findings, Li Zhen began devising a plan to quietly remove these spies, replacing them with his own trusted subordinates.
Meanwhile, in the Boardroom
Li Zhen sat at the head of the conglomerate's boardroom, observing each of his executives closely. Many of them appeared loyal, but he had learned to trust only those who proved themselves beyond question. Phantom had flagged three individuals as potential Covenant agents—each had recently risen in rank without clear justification.
One by one, Li Zhen asked them about their recent activities, probing for reactions and studying their responses.
At last, one of them cracked, showing a hint of nervousness. It was enough. Li Zhen calmly dismissed the meeting, silently noting who he would need to remove from his circle.
[System Notification: Task Progress – 50% Complete]
[Objective: Neutralise internal threats and ensure absolute loyalty within your ranks.]
Introducing Viper
As Li Zhen completed the consolidation, he received an unexpected message from the system.
[System Notification: Elite Subordinate Unlocked – Viper]
[Description: Viper is a former covert operative with unmatched skills in infiltration, elimination, and high-stakes negotiation. Viper's loyalty to the host is absolute.]
A figure appeared in his office—a tall, shadowy silhouette with piercing eyes and an air of lethal calm.
"Viper, at your service," the newcomer said, bowing slightly. "I have reviewed the host's operations and await instructions."
Li Zhen gave a rare smile. "Welcome, Viper. I have a task that requires your touch."
He explained the remaining threats within the conglomerate, confident that Viper's unique skills would handle them swiftly and without complication.
The Clean-Up
Viper moved with unparalleled efficiency. Within days, the identified spies vanished without a trace. Rumors circulated about unexpected resignations and sudden transfers, but no one could trace the changes back to Li Zhen. He had successfully purged the influence of the Covenant within his empire.
[Task Complete: Shadows of the Covenant]
[Reward Unlocked: Elite Subordinate – Viper]
With Viper's loyalty and skill now at his side, Li Zhen knew he had gained an invaluable asset in his pursuit of domination.
Further Expansions
With his inner circle secure, Li Zhen set his sights on a new goal. His empire now spanned several industries, but he had yet to make a significant move in finance—a sector central to his dream of global influence.
He gathered his team once more, laying out his plan to dominate this sector. Zhao Feng would coordinate initial market entry, while Chen Yi and Phantom would work to establish a foothold with key financial institutions.
But before he could proceed, another message appeared.
[System Notification: Opportunity Detected – International Financial Network]
[Details: A small yet influential financial network is on the verge of bankruptcy. Acquiring it would provide access to international markets and influential contacts.]
[Cost: Low-risk acquisition, recommended for immediate takeover.]
Li Zhen seized the opportunity. Within days, he acquired the network, expanding his financial reach and setting the stage for even greater influence.
In his office that evening, Li Zhen gazed out over the cityscape, feeling the weight and power of his ever-growing empire. He was ready for whatever the Covenant, or any other force, might bring.
But he also knew that he was now moving deeper into a world of shadows and alliances, and that every victory drew him closer to enemies he could not yet see.