Chapter 5 – The Industry War Begins
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Aaron walked out of Neon Pulse Records, contract unsigned but negotiations still open.
His phone buzzed.
[New System Update: Industry Influence Unlocked]
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[Industry Influence Mechanics]
Fame Manipulation: Adjusts public perception through media, interviews, and controversy.
Network Expansion: Unlocks hidden connections in the industry.
Sabotage Countermeasures: Protects against industry rivals and manipulations.
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Aaron smirked. This was the real game.
Tyler Cross wanted to play dirty? Let's go.
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The First Strategic Move
Aaron needed to flip the narrative.
He pulled out his phone and scrolled through local music blogs.
Rule #1 of the industry: Perception is reality.
If he wanted to gain power, he needed buzz.
He messaged a well-known indie music journalist:
> "Got a story for you. A major label is trying to lock down artists with unfair contracts. Interested?"
Minutes later, the reply came:
> "Send details."
Aaron grinned. He sent redacted portions of the contract showing the exploitative terms.
The journalist didn't need to know everything—just enough to stir the pot.
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The Headline That Changed Everything
The next morning, a bombshell article dropped.
"EXCLUSIVE: Indie Labels Trapping Young Artists in One-Sided Deals"
Subheadline: "A rising new artist exposes the dark side of music contracts."
The article never named Aaron directly, but insiders knew.
Social media exploded.
Fans raged. "Why do labels keep screwing artists?"
Other indie musicians chimed in. "This is why we stay independent."
Music execs scrambled for damage control.
Neon Pulse Records? Silent.
Aaron leaned back, watching the chaos. Step one: complete.
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The First Sabotage Attempt
Aaron's phone rang.
Jason Cole.
"Clever move, kid," Jason said, voice tight. "But you just made enemies."
Aaron stayed silent.
Jason sighed. "Look, I still want you. But don't think for a second the industry won't push back."
Aaron hung up. He wasn't afraid.
But the system wasn't done.
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[New Alert: Sabotage Attempt Detected]
Tyler Cross has launched a smear campaign against you.
Fake rumors spreading: "Aaron cheated in a competition."
Effect: Temporary drop in credibility (-5% Fame).
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Aaron cursed.
Tyler wasn't just talking—he was fighting back.
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The Counterattack
Aaron needed to flip the script—again.
And he knew exactly how.
He went live on social media.
"Alright, let's settle this." He smirked at the camera. "Some people are spreading lies. So here's an open challenge—anyone who thinks I'm fake, battle me."
Minutes later, #BattleAaron started trending.
Tyler had no choice but to respond.
Game on.
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End of Chapter 5