The clock on Ethan's screen began to count down. The Elite Auction was about to begin. He took a deep breath, steadying his racing thoughts. The auction wasn't just a normal transaction—it was a battle for survival, a chance to secure his future or lose everything in a heartbeat.
As the countdown neared its end, a holographic display popped up in front of him. The auction room was live, with dozens of participants from all corners of the Time Market, each one with a ruthless ambition burning in their eyes. The stakes were enormous. This wasn't just about money; this was about domination.
Ethan's heart raced as he scanned the items being auctioned. They weren't the usual commodities—time loans or information exchanges. This was next-level: rare time-enhancing technologies, classified futures, and influence over global market shifts. These weren't just investments; they were weapons in a high-stakes game, and the players in this room weren't just competing for time—they were competing for total control.
Ethan's first bid was a time investment module, designed to optimize and stretch time for personal use, increasing lifespan by several years. The starting bid was outrageous—5 years of lifespan. He quickly assessed his options. If he wanted to stand a chance, he couldn't hold back. The risk was astronomical, but he had no other choice. He raised his bid.
The bidding was fast and furious. The figures on the screen shifted as competitors placed higher and higher bids. Ethan felt the tension building in his chest. He could see the other bidders—high-profile names in the Time Market, each one capable of crushing him if he faltered. The price continued to climb, but he had to stick with it. This could be his chance to gain an edge.
"Bid raised. Remaining lifespan: 12 years."
He'd placed his bid, and now it was a waiting game. Every second that passed felt like an eternity. The auction room was alive with energy, the auctioneer's voice rising as the stakes grew higher. Ethan's hands were sweating, but his resolve held steady. If he won this, he would not only gain valuable time, he would also make a powerful ally in the process.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the screen flashed with the results.
"You've won the Time Investment Module. Bid accepted."
Ethan's pulse surged. He had won, but the feeling of triumph was short-lived. A new message appeared immediately after the win. It was from the auction organizers.
"Congratulations on your victory. However, be aware that this victory comes with a price. You now owe a debt to the auction house. All future bids will be closely monitored, and failure to pay the debt will result in irreversible consequences."
The weight of the words hit him like a ton of bricks. A debt. It was like a shadow, always looming over him. This was no longer just a transaction—it was a binding agreement, and there would be no easy way out.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, breathing heavily. The auction had ended, but his journey was far from over. This was the moment when his control over time would be tested more than ever.
The real battle for his future had just begun.