The morning sun hit the skyline with a stubborn glare, painting the city in hues of gold and steel. Jackim had returned from the Underground Arena just hours earlier, still tasting the iron tang of sweat and adrenaline. His body ached, muscles screaming from the previous night's battles, but his mind was sharper than ever. Every victory, every challenge — all of it had brought him to this point.
He leaned against the balcony of his Aurora Heights apartment, overlooking the grid of streets, the slow crawl of early traffic, and the endless hum of city life. Kelvin stood beside him, restless as ever, scanning the horizon.
"You're thinking too much," Kelvin said. "You can't live like this, Jack. Every move… The Wheel watching, people wanting a piece of you. It's insane."
Jackim didn't answer. He never did. His eyes, dark and sharp, tracked the horizon like a predator studying prey. The System interface floated faintly in the corner of his vision, pulsating softly.
⚙ New Quest Available: Unravel the arranged engagement.
Reward: Romance Skill Lv.1 + Business Negotiation Lv.1
Jackim tilted his head, curious. A new quest had appeared. The holographic text revealed a message he had not expected: someone was entering his life in a way that could change everything.
It started with the message.
Unknown Contact: "Jackim Ochieng. Midnight. The Ling Tower. Come alone."
Jackim smirked. "Midnight again. They love their dramatic entrances."
Kelvin groaned. "I swear, bro… you're like some urban legend now. Midnight meetings, shadow organizations, underground arenas…"
"I know," Jackim interrupted softly. "And I don't plan on stopping."
Ling Tower dominated the northern skyline, a glass monolith rising like a sharp blade from the urban jungle. The elevators were private, the lobby silent except for the soft echo of polished marble under designer shoes.
At exactly midnight, Jackim stepped out of the lift on the 56th floor. The air was cool, scented faintly of imported leather and rare orchids.
A woman stood waiting at the far end of the corridor. She was tall, elegant, and impossibly poised, her hair cascading over her shoulders like midnight silk. Her eyes — sharp, intelligent, but tempered with warmth — locked onto Jackim's the moment he entered.
"Jackim Ochieng," she said, voice smooth, controlled, yet carrying an unspoken authority. "I've been expecting you."
Jackim raised an eyebrow, taking in her presence. She radiated confidence — not the forced confidence of someone used to flaunting wealth, but the natural, effortless type that made the room bend to her will.
"And you are?" he asked cautiously.
"Ariana Ling," she replied. "Daughter of the Ling Conglomerate. Our families… have an old agreement. You and I were promised in an engagement long before either of us existed."
Jackim blinked. The words hit like an unexpected blow. The Ling Conglomerate was one of the largest private investment firms in the city, controlling luxury hotels, real estate, and automobile brands. An arranged engagement? At first, it sounded absurd.
He studied her for a long moment. "You're telling me I'm supposed to… marry someone I've never met, for family business reasons?"
Ariana's lips curved into a faint, almost teasing smile. "Not 'supposed to.' I'm telling you the truth. And I want to meet the man my family chose carefully."
The System pulsed in Jackim's vision:
⚙ Romance Quest Detected: Emotional Intelligence Test.
Objective: Evaluate fiancée's intentions and hidden motives.
Reward: Negotiation Skill + Charm Boost
Jackim smirked faintly. "Interesting. So the challenge isn't just survival anymore… now it's strategy and emotion."
They walked through the glass-walled corridor overlooking the city, the night lights flickering below. Jackim studied her — her posture, the way she moved, the subtle confidence that didn't need words. Every step she took seemed measured, but never forced.
"You're calm," he said finally.
"I have to be," Ariana replied. "People like The Wheel, your rise in the arena… they make enemies fast. But I also need to know if you're smart enough to navigate this world."
Jackim's lips curved. "And if I am?"
"Then perhaps our engagement could work in both our favor," she said softly, eyes glinting in the city lights. "But fail… and I disappear from your life before you even realize I existed."
A challenge. Perfect. Jackim thrived on challenges.
For hours, they walked, talking about the city, investments, and business networks, their conversation smooth, professional — but laced with subtle tests. She mentioned real estate deals he'd never seen, analyzed stock movements, and spoke of alliances. Jackim countered with strategic insights, occasionally dropping hints that he had the System and experience from his underground battles.
Ariana tilted her head, impressed. "You… are sharper than I expected. Perhaps my family made the right choice."
Jackim's eyes glimmered. "Perhaps. But sharpness alone doesn't guarantee survival. You'll see that soon enough."
The tension was electric — not hostility, but a mix of curiosity, testing, and subtle challenge. Both knew the stakes were high. Both understood that the other could easily outmaneuver them if careless.
⚙ System Update: Romance Level +1. Charm +5%.
Ariana stopped suddenly at the edge of the observation deck. She leaned against the railing, looking down at the streets below.
"Jackim," she said softly, "why do you fight so hard? You could've stayed low-key, lived quietly, even avoided The Wheel's attention."
Jackim shrugged. "Because quiet life isn't for me. Every challenge… every fight… makes me stronger. And every step I take, I'm building something they can't touch."
She studied him silently. "And loyalty? Who do you trust?"
"Few," he admitted. "Kelvin. My friends. The System… and anyone proven loyal."
Ariana nodded. "Good answer. Because in this game, betrayal is everywhere. Even a smile can hide a blade."
He looked at her, realizing she wasn't just beautiful — she was dangerous. Sharp, calculating, and entirely self-contained. A real ally… or a real threat.
The System pulsed again:
⚙ New Skill Detected: Negotiation Lv.1 unlocked. Use cautiously in romance and business conflicts.
Jackim smirked. "Then it seems we both have tests to pass."
By the time he left, the city was quiet, the streetlights reflecting on wet asphalt from a brief drizzle. Ariana's words lingered in his mind — a promise, a challenge, a subtle warning.
Kelvin was waiting outside, leaning against the car. "Well?"
Jackim exhaled, the adrenaline and mental focus of the meeting still buzzing through him. "She's… smart. Dangerous. Could be a game-changer."
Kelvin's eyes widened. "Game-changer? Bro, that's… what, your fiancée?"
Jackim smirked. "Technically, yes. But I have to see the full board before moving my pieces."
The System pulsed one final time for the night:
⚙ Quest Complete: First Meeting with Fiancée.
Reward: Romance Skill Lv.1 + Business Negotiation Lv.1 + Hidden Intel on The Wheel (Level 2 Threat).
Jackim pocketed his phone, looking once more at the skyline. The city below was alive, oblivious to the hidden wars playing out in its shadows.
"If she's part of this game," Jackim murmured, voice steady, "then I'll win — and I'll make sure no one can touch us."
A flicker of a smile crossed his face. Not arrogance. Not cruelty. Confidence.
The night had changed everything. And Jackim Ochieng… was ready.