📖 Chapter 36 – Leadership Aura
The capture of the spy had shaken the city. Newspapers praised Raj's vigilance, customers applauded his honesty, and social media buzzed with the story of how Raj's Fusion Eats had exposed sabotage without faltering. But amidst the noise, the golden panel gleamed with new words:
[New Skill Unlocked: Leadership Aura – Level 1.]
Effect: Influence morale, loyalty, and performance of nearby allies.
Raj sat quietly in the hostel that night, staring at the glowing text. He had wielded skills before—cooking enhancements, supply chain systems, reputation management—but this was different. This wasn't about food or money. This was about people. About hearts.
The next day, he decided to test it.
At dawn, he gathered his team in the courtyard. Arjun bounced impatiently, eager to train; Meena scribbled notes even as she listened; Imran shifted nervously, clutching his apron; Rohit stood with his usual defiant scowl, arms crossed. They were loyal, but they were also human—tired, doubtful, bruised by endless battles.
Raj inhaled deeply, willing the system's new skill to awaken. A warmth spread from his chest, invisible yet heavy, like the glow of a rising sun. His voice, when it came, was steady but carried a weight that drew every ear.
"We've faced lies, flames, hunger, and shadows. Each time, they tried to break us. But look around—are we broken?"
Arjun's back straightened, fists clenched with fire.
Meena lifted her chin, eyes sharper, confidence hardening.
Imran swallowed his fear, standing taller, determination flickering.
Even Rohit's eyes softened, his scowl cracking as pride surged despite himself.
The system pulsed:
[Leadership Aura Active.]
Morale +25
Loyalty +20
Team Performance +15%
Raj felt the change like an unseen current, binding them together tighter than before. It wasn't magic alone—it was trust made tangible, loyalty drawn into light.
That day, as they worked across stalls, the difference was clear. Arjun moved with more focus, Imran served faster without spilling, Meena's calculations were flawless, and even Rohit barked orders with efficiency instead of resentment. Customers noticed too. "Look how sharp they are today," one murmured. "It's like they're soldiers, not vendors."
The system glowed approvingly:
[Team Efficiency Enhanced by Leadership Aura.]
Effect Duration: 12 hours.
But Raj understood the true value—it wasn't about efficiency alone. It was about unity. He had always carried the empire on his shoulders, but now, his aura lifted the others too, making them pillars alongside him.
That evening, Raj called them together once more. "This empire isn't mine alone. It's ours. Every stall, every plate, every customer is built on your hands, your effort. From today, I lead not above you, but with you."
The words sank deep, binding them further. For the first time, Rohit looked him in the eye and gave a short nod—not of defiance, but of respect.
Far away, Shankar slammed his fist on the table, fury boiling in his veins. His spy was gone, his sabotage exposed, and now whispers spread that Raj had become not just a vendor but a leader—someone people would follow anywhere.
"He's building soldiers," Shankar hissed. "Then I'll bring war."
The golden panel shimmered ominously that night as Raj lay down to rest:
[Leadership Aura (Level 1) Mastered.]
Next Upgrade Unlock: 3 Successful Franchise Expansions.
Warning: Enemy Hostility Rising.
Raj closed his eyes, his heart steady. The empire no longer relied only on his hands—it now pulsed with the strength of many. And with each new stall, each new ally, his aura would only grow stronger.
But somewhere in the shadows, war drums had begun to beat.