NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 5: Chapter 5: A Deal with the Devil
Ed stood tall, his heart still pounding from his first real fight. The burly man he had taken down groaned on the pavement, rubbing his shoulder in disbelief. The crowd around them was stunned, murmuring among themselves.
"How did he do that?"
"Wasn't he just a weakling?"
"That punch looked effortless!"
Ed smirked. He could feel it. His body was stronger, faster—more precise. The system wasn't just giving him rewards, it was transforming him into something… more.
But he had no time to enjoy the moment. He had money now, but he needed power—real power—if he wanted to survive in this changing world.
And just as that thought crossed his mind, another system notification popped up.
[New Quest: Establish Your First Business Empire]
[Objective: Earn 100,000 Pesos in 7 Days]
[Reward: ???]
Ed's eyes widened. 100,000 pesos?! That was a massive jump from his last mission.
But he wasn't the same desperate kid from yesterday. He had the system now. And he knew how to play the game.
As Ed left the alley, wiping the blood from his hands, a man dressed in a sleek black suit stepped in front of him. His neatly combed hair and dark sunglasses made him look out of place in the chaotic Manila streets.
"That was quite the performance," the man said smoothly.
Ed didn't react. Trouble always came disguised as opportunity.
"And you are?" Ed asked, folding his arms.
The man smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. "Just a businessman. And I like young talents who know how to make money."
A businessman, huh? Ed wasn't buying it.
"What do you want?" he asked, getting straight to the point.
The man chuckled. "I represent… an exclusive organization. We deal in rare opportunities, valuable information, and unique investments. We see the world changing, and we want the brightest minds on our side."
He handed Ed a black business card.
[Black Fang Trading Group]
[Midnight Auction - VIP Invitation]
Ed raised an eyebrow. "An auction?"
The man smirked. "Not just any auction. The underground market—where power, information, and once-in-a-lifetime treasures are bought and sold."
Ed's mind raced. This was it.
The perfect place to expand his profits and gather information about Earth's evolution.
But… an exclusive underground market? That meant dangerous people. Very dangerous people.
Ed flipped the card between his fingers. Risk and reward.
"I can't stay weak forever."
He met the man's gaze. "Alright. I'm in."
The man's smile widened. "I knew you'd make the right choice."
As he turned to leave, Ed checked the system screen again.
[New Quest Unlocked: Dominate the Midnight Auction]
[Objective: Obtain a Rare Item and Sell It for Profit]
[Bonus: Avoid Making Enemies]
[Reward: Enhanced Negotiation Skill]
A thrill ran through Ed's veins.
The game was just beginning.