Ethan Carter's eyes lingered on the message that appeared on his screen: "Black Account Holder 'Luo Qianfan' invites you to a private transaction." The name sent a chill through his spine. Black Account—a term feared in the Time Market. Luo Qianfan, a shadowy figure, was synonymous with high stakes and dangerous deals.
His heart raced. This was it—the chance to escape time debt forever. But the price was steep. Surrendering all his remaining lifespan meant he would be locked out of the Time Market for good, unable to acquire any more time, forever at the mercy of others.
His hand hovered over the confirmation button. The temptation was overwhelming, but he could feel the weight of his decision.
"I can't accept this," he whispered to himself.
With a deep breath, he declined the offer. There would be no trading away his life for an uncertain future.
The screen didn't flicker, no new message appeared. It felt like a brief escape from an impossible situation, yet unease lingered in the pit of his stomach. He'd chosen the harder path, but one that kept him in control of his fate.
But the rejection didn't go unnoticed. Moments later, another message appeared.
"Warning: You have rejected the Black Account's offer. Prepare for possible isolation."
Ethan's heart sank. Isolation? Had he just shut himself out of the most powerful network in the market?
The feeling of relief from rejecting the offer quickly faded, replaced by the realization that his options had just become limited. Without the power of the Black Account, he was left to face the market on his own, unable to leverage its influence.
He took a deep breath. The road ahead would be more difficult, but he was determined to stay in control of his own life.