The morning light cut through the blinds of Marc's temporary apartment, falling in sharp lines across the desk cluttered with files, ledgers, and a laptop. Outside, the city was waking, indifferent to the silent battles unfolding within office walls and law offices. Marc Delorme, inhabiting Marcus Dumar's body, had spent the previous day securing his first ally, Lucie Beaumont, and establishing an operational foothold in the subsidiary. Today, the focus shifted inward: skill mastery.
> "[SYSTEM ACTIVE]"
"Day 6: Develop basic negotiation skill. Apply to initial corporate interactions."
"Objective: Enhance Persuasion and Strategic Negotiation."
"Reward: Negotiation Level 1 Unlocked"
Marc reviewed the ledger and subsidiary files once more. Each transaction, each missing document, each coded note represented leverage, opportunity, or risk. But without refined negotiation, these assets would remain static — potential energy untapped. He needed to communicate effectively, assert authority, and achieve measurable outcomes with precision.
Lucie entered, carrying a stack of files. "I've prepared the framework," she said. "Contracts, operational notes, communication guidelines. If you follow these steps carefully, negotiation will be your weapon rather than a gamble."
Marc nodded. "Good. Let's begin."
---
The first exercise came immediately. He called a meeting with the subsidiary's department heads, a small group of managers unsure about the sudden change in leadership. Their eyes flicked to Lucie and back to him, weighing the unfamiliar authority now in the room.
> "Good morning," Marc began, voice calm but firm. "I am Marcus Dumar. Circumstances have changed, and my objective is to stabilize operations and ensure transparency. I expect cooperation, clarity, and accountability from each of you."
A middle-aged manager, skeptical yet respectful, leaned forward. "Mr. Dumar, with all due respect, this sudden leadership change… how can we be certain this isn't another corporate maneuver designed to disrupt our workflow?"
Marc allowed a fraction of a second for tension to build, then leaned slightly forward, tone measured. "Because I am offering clarity and results. Today, I want you to outline the current bottlenecks, identify operational risks, and provide suggestions for improvement. I assure you, those who cooperate will be recognized and rewarded."
The SYSTEM pulsed:
> "[SYSTEM ALERT]"
"Negotiation skill applied. Minor persuasion achieved. XP +15"
The manager hesitated, then nodded. Others followed, some silently, others offering cautious feedback. Marc listened attentively, asking precise questions, highlighting overlooked opportunities, and gently correcting misinterpretations. The room gradually shifted from skepticism to engagement.
> "[SYSTEM NOTICE]"
"Negotiation Level 1 Applied. Operational alignment improved. XP +20; Moral Stability +5"
Lucie, observing quietly, whispered: "You're turning hesitation into cooperation, and doing so without coercion. This is effective."
Marc inclined his head. "Persuasion without perception of pressure is always stronger."
---
The day moved forward with systematic efficiency. Marc reviewed supply contracts, identified discrepancies, and used negotiation to extract concessions and confirmations without triggering resistance. Each interaction, each decision, became an exercise in applied strategy.
A vendor dispute presented the next challenge. A minor supplier had delayed delivery of essential materials, threatening the subsidiary's operations. Marc arranged a call.
> "Good afternoon," he said as the vendor answered. "This is Marcus Dumar. We value our partnership, but your recent delays have created operational risk. I need immediate resolution. What can you offer to rectify this?"
The supplier hesitated, sensing firmness. "We… we can expedite shipments, but it will incur additional cost."
Marc leaned back slightly, calm. "Additional cost is understandable if justified. However, I propose an alternative: prioritize my deliveries within current schedules, with future orders adjusted to ensure balance. This preserves cost stability for both parties."
The supplier paused, then agreed. "Understood. That will be implemented immediately."
> "[SYSTEM ALERT]"
"Negotiation successful. Supplier compliance achieved. XP +25; Strategic Negotiation +5"
Marc hung up, noting the SYSTEM's subtle glow. Small victories, repeated consistently, accumulated into tangible influence.
---
Afternoon brought a more complex scenario. Two board members of the subsidiary, previously aligned with opposing factions, resisted a recommendation to consolidate accounts. Marc invited them for a joint session, strategically placing Lucie at his side.
> "Gentlemen," Marc began, "our objective is unified financial reporting. This is not a matter of authority but of operational necessity. Your cooperation ensures transparency and long-term stability."
One of the members, older and more cynical, countered: "Transparency sounds good in theory. But consolidating accounts risks exposing past mismanagement, which some might prefer to remain hidden."
Marc's expression remained neutral. "Past errors are lessons. We cannot erase history, but we can ensure the future is secure. By consolidating accounts, we not only protect the subsidiary but also build credibility with external stakeholders. I trust that each of you, as responsible managers, will prioritize the company's stability over personal hesitation."
The SYSTEM highlighted strategic cues:
> "[SYSTEM NOTICE]"
"Negotiation choice optimal. Risk Level: Moderate. XP +30; Negotiation Skill reinforced"
The older manager exhaled, then nodded. The other followed. Reluctant alignment had been achieved without confrontation, setting a precedent for future interactions.
Lucie leaned slightly closer. "You're applying persuasion not as pressure but as structured logic. This is why the SYSTEM rewards you."
Marc allowed a small smile. "Every word, every tone, every pause is deliberate. This is the calculus of influence."
---
Evening arrived, and Marc retreated to the temporary apartment. Files were organized, contacts noted, and the SYSTEM displayed the day's achievements.
> "[SYSTEM ALERT]"
"Day 6 Complete. Negotiation Level 1 acquired. Operational stability improved. XP +50; Strategic Influence +10"
He exhaled, tension easing slightly. The world of negotiation was intricate, requiring anticipation, patience, and empathy combined with authority. Mistakes could be costly, but calculated action yielded compounded benefits.
Lucie joined him, reviewing notes. "We have the foundation now. Small victories, yes, but enough to build leverage for larger operations."
Marc nodded. "We proceed carefully, but decisively. Every small gain becomes a cornerstone for reclaiming power."
> "Tomorrow," he murmured, "we test these skills in public-facing operations. If we can negotiate internally, we can influence externally — and that is when the real game begins."
The SYSTEM pulsed softly in affirmation. Outside, the city's lights flickered, indifferent yet promising, a silent audience to the quiet emergence of Marcus Dumar's resurgence.
> "[SYSTEM NOTICE]"
"Prepare for next mission: initial public interactions and minor asset reclamation. Strategic decisions will carry both risk and reward."
Marc's reflection in the window mirrored a man transformed — methodical, precise, and prepared. Negotiation was no longer just a skill; it was a tool, a shield, and a weapon. Day 6 concluded, but the campaign for power was only beginning.
> "[SYSTEM ALERT]"
"Countdown: 359 days remaining. Each day is a step toward supremacy — or failure."
Marc leaned back, mind already mapping the next moves, the first tangible victories reinforcing resolve, alliances, and strategy. The SYSTEM's glow faded as night enveloped the city, but its presence, like the pulse of ambition, remained constant.