Ethan's fingers hovered over the accept button, his mind racing. The private offer was tantalizing, a potential windfall of double the time he'd just acquired. It was the kind of offer most people would jump at, especially in the cutthroat world of the Time Market. But the anonymity of the source raised a flag. Was this just another trap, or was it his ticket out of the endless spiral of debt?
For a moment, he hesitated, weighing the risks. Time was now his most valuable asset, and he couldn't afford to lose it recklessly. The stakes were high, and he couldn't let fear rule his decision. With a deep breath, he pressed the button.
Account Updated: Remaining Lifespan: 21 Years (Loan + Double Return)
The screen flashed, confirming his decision. Ethan sat back, a mix of relief and unease washing over him. The time had been added to his account, but something felt off. It was too easy. Too fast. And as the minutes ticked by, he couldn't shake the feeling that the game he had entered was about to take a dangerous turn.
Suddenly, the screen flickered. A new message appeared, and this time, it wasn't just a notification.
"Warning: The deal you entered is now binding. You are now part of a high-risk venture. All future transactions will be monitored."
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. Monitored? The consequences were now clear. The Time Loan had tied him to someone, or something, he couldn't yet understand. His freedom was now conditional, and he'd unknowingly signed up for a much bigger game.
But it was too late to back out now. There was no turning back from the choice he had made. He would have to play this game to the end—whatever it took.
The screen flashed again, and a new message appeared:
"Your first test is now in motion. You have been selected for an elite auction. Your participation is mandatory. Good luck."
Elite auction? Ethan felt the weight of the words. This wasn't just about time anymore—it was about survival. The auction would bring him face to face with the most powerful players in the market, and the stakes were higher than ever. He had entered a world where one wrong move could mean losing everything.
Ethan leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the screen. The final bet had been placed, and now, it was time to see if he could truly control his fate.
The countdown clock appeared, marking the beginning of the auction. Ethan braced himself. He knew this was just the start of something much bigger—and much more dangerous. He had no choice but to face it head-on.
The game had only just begun.