The sun streamed through the large windows of the high-tech conference room in Nova Tech, casting sharp angles across the sleek surfaces. With its holographic displays and seamless design, the room exuded modernity and efficiency.

  Theodore Graves, owner of Ridge Rovers FC, stood at the doorway, momentarily taking in the grandeur of it all.

  “How rich is this kid actually?” Theodore muttered in amazement.

  He had come here with a purpose, but even he was slightly taken aback by the space. This wasn't what he had expected from a meeting with a second-division football club.

  Theodore's lawyer stood beside him, carrying the necessary documents for the takeover. “I can’t believe a company this big is going to take over Ridge Rovers FC,” said the lawyer.

  “What? Do you think our club is not interesting and has no value?” he teased.

  They weren't here for casual negotiations. Theodore believed this would be a straightforward deal. Ridge Rovers FC wasn't in high demand, and he assumed Ethan Cole would be eager to close the sale quickly. However, the setting and the aura of the place all spoke of something far more calculated than Theodore had anticipated.

  As they entered, Ethan rose from his chair at the head of the table, his expression calm and controlled. “Nice to finally see you again, Theodore,” Ethan greeted with a beaming smile.

  Theodore was stunned to see Ethan. He was completely different than the last time they met. “Yes. Yes. Sorry for taking a while to prepare everything.”

  "It’s okay. Please, have a seat," Ethan said.

  “Thank you,” Theodore said.

  Jessica sat beside Ethan, meticulously reviewing the documents she had prepared for the meeting. Opposite them, one of Nova Tech's sharp-eyed lawyers, his face a mask of professionalism, quietly set out his own materials.

  Theodore and his lawyer sat down, the tension in the room thick yet subdued. Theodore's lawyer, a middle-aged man with an air of weariness from years in the business, cleared his throat and began speaking.

  "Mr. Cole, before we proceed with the formalities, I think it's prudent to be absolutely transparent about Ridge Rovers FC's current situation,” Theodore's lawyer said.

  Ethan remained still, his eyes on the lawyer, giving nothing away.

  The lawyer continued. "Ridge Rovers FC is, as you know, a middle-table team in the second division of the National Football League of Arland. But there's more to consider beyond its league standing.”

  He flipped open one of the documents and handed it to Ethan. He had another copy prepared for him. “Financially, the club carries significant debt—around fifteen million dollars—most of which stems from failed sponsorship deals and poor commercial performance over the past few seasons."

  He paused, watching Ethan's expression, but Ethan gave no reaction.

  The lawyer started to feel a bit nervous. "The weekly wage bill is modest compared to top-tier clubs, but it's still a drain given the team's current income. Player contracts are all mid-tier, with no major stars that could attract lucrative deals or endorsements.”

  He paused for a while. His nervousness was getting worse. “Many players are nearing the end of their contracts, and, frankly, some aren't worth renewing. You'd likely be looking at a major rebuild if you aim for the National Premier League."

  Ethan's gaze didn't waver, absorbing the information as the lawyer continued. Sensing that the lawyer was getting nervous, Ethan said, “Please. Continue.”

  The lawyer nodded. "As for facilities, the training ground is several years behind the standard of top clubs. The equipment is outdated, and we've struggled to maintain the level of fitness required to compete at a higher level.”

  He then added, “Additionally, the stadium needs a significant upgrade while fully owned by the club. The pitch is in poor condition, and the infrastructure isn't equipped to handle the crowds you'd need to generate more revenue."

  Ethan remained unruffled, his face a study in composure. However, Jessica’s expression started to twist. She looked at Ethan and thought about the reason why Ethan was interested in this poor club.

  "The youth academy, which once had promise, has fallen behind its rivals. Most top talents are choosing to sign with bigger clubs,” said the lawyer. Even he felt guilty to continue. “You'll need to invest heavily to attract and retain young players who can break into the first team. Without that pipeline, the club's future looks uncertain."

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  There was a pause. The lawyer looked up from his papers, expecting a reaction from Ethan, perhaps even a reconsideration of the offer. Most potential buyers would balk at such risks, but Ethan simply nodded once, his eyes sharp with focus.

  "Thank you," Ethan said calmly. "I've taken everything into account."

  Theodore leaned forward slightly, perhaps sensing that the usual tactics of highlighting the risks wouldn't work here. "Ethan, I want you to understand what you're getting into. Ridge Rovers is a club with history, but it's not in great shape right now. The debt and the infrastructure are huge commitments. Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

  That was when a system notification appeared.

  =====

  [Secret Mission: Gamble]

  Do you dare to take the risk? Withdrawal will result in the previous missions related to Ridge Rovers FC being canceled.

  Rewards:

  1. Mystery Reward 1

  2. Mystery Reward 2

  3. Mystery Reward 3

  =====

  ‘Secret mission? This is so easy. I’ve nothing to lose,’ Ethan thought. He almost burst out laughing with the mission. It was as if the system just wanted to reward him with something by giving out this mission.

  Ethan met Theodore's gaze, unfazed. "I'm fully aware of the risks. And I'm prepared to take them on."

  Jessica remained silent but impressed, noting how Ethan didn't waver in the face of what most would consider a daunting challenge.

  Theodore's lawyer seemed to glance at his client, unsure whether they were dealing with an overly confident young CEO or someone who saw value in places others couldn't.

  There was a moment of silence before the lawyer cleared his throat again. "Very well. As for the price, Mr. Graves is willing to sell the club for 150 million dollars."

  Jessica’s eyes widened. The same goes for Nova Tech’s lawyer. They felt the price was ridiculous. But Ethan gave no reaction to the number, which caused a slight flicker of surprise to cross the lawyer's face.

  "Considering the club's standing and the investment required to bring it up to standard, I think this is a fair deal," the lawyer added, perhaps hoping to prompt some negotiation.

  Both Jessica and Nova Tech’s lawyer almost cursed out loud. ‘Fair my ass!’

  But Ethan simply nodded. "150 million works for me."

  This caused a noticeable ripple of surprise around the table. Theodore's lawyer blinked, caught off guard by the swiftness of the acceptance. Jessica exchanged a glance with Ethan but stayed quiet. Even Theodore looked slightly taken aback.

  Most buyers would have haggled, given the club's position. Ridge Rovers FC wasn't a top-tier club in the top division, and a deal like this would typically involve hours of back-and-forth negotiation. But Ethan's decision was swift, resolute, and confident.

  Theodore exhaled softly, half in disbelief. "Well, that certainly makes things easy," he muttered before composing himself and moving forward. "Let's finalize the paperwork, then."

  The room remained tense but efficient as the documents were signed and ownership transferred. The transaction was processed smoothly—so smoothly, in fact, that its sheer speed left everyone present slightly speechless.

  The transaction of 150 million dollars was completed in moments, with Ethan showing no signs of hesitation or doubt. When it was all done, Theodore leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You really are something, Ethan. Most people would've walked away or tried to drive the price down."

  Ethan shrugged slightly. "I know what I'm investing in. The potential outweighs the risks."

  Theodore studied him for a moment, then spoke more candidly. "Look, Ethan, Ridge Rovers FC has been a huge part of my life. I've watched the highs and lows of this club, and though I've sold it, I'm not ready to walk away completely. Seeing your vision, your determination—it's refreshing."

  He hesitated for a brief moment as though weighing his next words carefully. "I was wondering if you'd consider keeping me involved in some capacity. No salary, no official title. I just want to be part of the journey. I believe in what this club could become, and I think together, we could take Ridge Rovers to new heights."

  Ethan regarded him thoughtfully, recognizing the sincerity behind Theodore's offer. Having someone with Theodore's deep ties to the club could prove invaluable.

  After a moment, Ethan nodded. "I appreciate your offer, Theodore. Your experience and history with the club are valuable. Let's discuss how you can stay involved."

  Theodore smiled, clearly relieved. "Thank you. I won't let you down."

  With the paperwork signed and Ridge Rovers FC's future secured under Ethan's leadership, the room slowly began to relax. But in Ethan's mind, the real work was only just beginning. He could already feel the system's missions stirring in the background, ready to push him forward on this new path.

  The challenges ahead were immense, but Ethan was prepared for them. He wasn't just buying a football club; he was buying into its legacy, future, and the opportunities that lay in wait. And for Ethan, those opportunities were limitless.

  Theodore glanced back one last time before leaving, a spark of admiration in his eyes. "Ridge Rovers is in good hands," he said quietly. "I'm looking forward to seeing where you take us."

  As the door closed, Ethan turned back to Jessica, who was already typing notes on her tablet. There was no time to waste. Ridge Rovers was the next step in a much larger game, and Ethan was ready to make his next move. Nova Tech and Ridge Rovers FC's future had just begun to unfold, and it was already brighter than anyone could have anticipated.

  However, Ethan suddenly felt his heart ached. This project even though it was assigned by the system, he already had someone in mind to handle it. It was Jordan. But now, with Jordan missing, he felt a pang in his heart.

  He had heard nothing from the Five Ghosts or even Nemesis. “Where are you… Jordan?”

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