Ethan followed the figure into a back room, the shadows swallowing them as they moved deeper into the warehouse. The air grew thicker, heavier, as if every step he took brought him closer to the heart of the Time Market's most dangerous players. The room was stark, lit by a few dim lights hanging from the ceiling. A large table sat in the middle, surrounded by unseen figures whose presence seemed to pulse through the air. The figure in front of him gestured to the table. As Ethan sat down, a holographic display flickered to life, showing detailed data about the Time Market, high-stakes deals, and the most influential players who ran the system behind the scenes. The data seemed endless, and Ethan felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized how much he didn't know about the true power dynamics of the market.
"You're asking for power," the figure said, their voice cutting through his thoughts. "But power doesn't come free. It comes at a price. And you're about to pay that price."
Ethan stiffened. "What do you mean by that?"
The figure's eyes glinted with amusement. "Every player in this game has a debt, whether they know it or not. Even us." They leaned closer, their voice dropping to a whisper. "The system always comes for its due. But it's about how you play the game. We have a way to bend the system—manipulate it to work in our favor. And you, Ethan, have something we need."
Ethan's pulse quickened. "What do you need from me?"
A cold smile curled on the figure's lips. "You're not just here because of your potential, Ethan. You're here because you've made a critical mistake—you've tied yourself to the system. The auction, the time loan, the debts. You've made yourself valuable."
Ethan clenched his fists under the table. He had been used. The system had controlled him all along. Now, these figures in front of him were offering him a twisted kind of power, but at what cost?
"The price of this power," the figure continued, "is simple. You'll act as our agent, operating from the inside. You'll gather information, influence deals, and make sure the Time Market operates in our favor. But know this—you won't be free until we say so. Your life is now tied to us. Every transaction, every decision, will be dictated by us."
Ethan's heart sank. He had fought so hard to get control, but now he was deeper in the web than ever before. His thoughts raced. Was this the only way to survive?
"Your first task is already waiting for you," the figure said, standing up and walking toward a console. "The market never stops, and neither do we." They handed him a small device, a data chip, that would give him access to key Time Market networks.
Ethan took the chip, his mind still reeling. This was no longer about survival. It was about being part of something far bigger—a game that he didn't know the rules to yet, but that he would have to play or be crushed.
The figure's voice broke through his thoughts again. "You're in now, Ethan. The time for hesitation is over. Play smart, or the game will play you."
Ethan stood up, the weight of the device heavy in his pocket. There was no turning back now. He had just entered the real underworld of the Time Market, and his fate would be sealed by every move he made from here on out.
As he walked out of the room, the door slammed shut behind him. He was alone again, but this time, the stakes were higher than ever. The game had only just begun.