NOVEL NEXT Chapter Thirty-One: The Business of Dreams
Ethan had just experienced an extraordinary power surge that left him practically vibrating with an uncontrollable energy. This wasn't just a physical sensation; it also profoundly affected his mind.
Suddenly, Ethan felt more alive than he ever had before. He was pulsing with a vitality that was entirely new to him. This was a different power boost. It was a profound, natural evolution.
Pacing back and forth in his modern, spacious home office, Ethan felt confined. Despite the luxury surrounding him, the space seemed too small to hold the energy surging within him.
His muscles were twitching, and he was eager for action. His mind overflowed with possibilities of what he could now achieve. Standing still was not an option; he had to release this energy.
Without hesitating, Ethan laced up his running shoes and decided that a jog around Crescent Ridge Estate was exactly what he needed to channel this overwhelming power.
The crisp morning air greeted him as he stepped outside, immediately sharpening his senses. Colors appeared brighter and sounded clearer. It was as if the whole world had suddenly snapped into a more vivid focus.
As Ethan jogged, his pace naturally quickened, his steps light and effortless. He was surrounded by grandeur – the vast, opulent estate of Crescent Ridge, perfectly manicured lawns, and multimillion-dollar homes.
He was now living among the elite, but the luxurious setting couldn't dampen his relentless ambition. For Ethan, this was just the starting line.
His eyes were fixed on the estate's clubhouse ahead. This was more than just a building; it was the heart of Crescent Ridge, boasting world-class facilities that drew athletes and residents alike.
With Olympic-sized swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, and even football fields, it was a paradise for those eager to test their limits.
"Maybe I'll hit the gym after this," Ethan thought, a smile beginning to play on his lips.
Ethan knew what to expect at the gym; the weights that once seemed unliftable would now be part of his warm-up routine. But he had a run to complete before he could get to that.
As he turned a corner, Ethan picked up his pace, eager to test the newfound strength and stamina coursing through his veins. As he accelerated, the scenery became a blur, his muscles thrumming with energy, yet surprisingly, not fatigue. His breathing was calm and controlled, even as he approached a full-on sprint.
'I should be feeling tired by now,' Ethan marveled internally, yet his body seemed ready to keep going without limit.
It was as if he had tapped into an inexhaustible source of energy, and the thrill of it was exhilarating. Several early morning joggers watched in awe as Ethan zoomed past them, their expressions a mix of shock and jealousy.
"He's not even out of breath," one whispered to another, clearly impressed.
"Isn't that the new guy who just moved here?"
"He's even faster than the guards," another observed in astonishment.
A broad grin spread across Ethan's face, not just from the bystanders' reactions but from realizing his transformation. He felt invincible. His muscles were operating with incredible efficiency, his mind was sharp and focused, and his movements were more precise than ever.
As he neared the clubhouse, something else caught his attention—the sprawling football fields to the side, where a team was in the middle of training.
Ethan’s eyes widened as he recognized the green-and-black kits of Ridge City FC. This second-division football team competed in the National Football League of Arland.
‘Ridge City FC…,’ Ethan thought, his mind flickering back to his childhood dream. The dream of becoming a professional footballer had once consumed him, but life had other plans.
Yet, standing there now, watching the team train, the spark reignited. The way the players moved, the camaraderie, the thrill of the game came flooding back, making his heart ache with nostalgia.
‘Maybe I never really let go of that dream,’ Ethan admitted, his eyes following the ball as it zipped across the field.
Ethan jogged closer, standing at the edge of the pitch, observing the players as they ran drills.
Memories of his youth, playing in school leagues and being the standout player, filled his mind. He’d been good—no, he’d been great. Coaches had noticed his talent.
Ethan had even been offered a spot in one of the city's top youth academies, but his family couldn’t afford the fees. That had been the end of it.
Or so he thought.
Watching the team train, he overheard two staff members nearby discussing the club’s future.
“The owner’s done with it. He’s planning to sell the club soon,” one of them said, a sigh escaping his lips. “We’re barely making any progress, and there’s no profit. We can’t compete for good players, and the facilities are falling apart.”
The other staff member nodded in agreement. “It’s a shame. The club has potential, but without proper investment, it’s going nowhere.”
Ethan’s ears perked up. A football club for sale? His mind raced, not with the excitement of fulfilling his childhood dream but with the business potential this presented.
Ridge City FC might not be a top-tier team, but it could become something special with the right investment. It could also serve as a powerful platform for NovaTech.
‘A football club... with NovaTech’s logo on the jerseys, stadium banners, and media platforms,' Ethan mused.
He believed he could use this to elevate the company’s brand in ways he might not have considered.
And then, as if on cue, the familiar chime of the system's notification echoed in his mind.
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[Mission: Own the Game]
Objective: Acquire Ridge City FC and develop it into a top-tier football club by the end of the season.
Sub-objectives:
- Purchase Ridge City FC.
- Hire a professional management team and coaching staff.
- Strengthen the squad by recruiting talented players.
- Upgrade the club’s facilities to meet international standards.
- Ensure a top-three finish in the league by the end of the season.
Reward:
- Level up 5 levels
- 150 Ascension Points
Time Limit:
Complete by the end of the football season (12 months)
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The system had allowed Ethan to take his business to the next level. Ridge City FC wasn’t just a struggling football team but a potential goldmine for expanding NovaTech’s reach.
"For the first time, the mission comes with a deadline," said Ethan.
Before Ethan could fully process this, another notification appeared, tying together the potential to grow the football club and his business empire.
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[Mission: Boost NovaTech’s Growth Through Ridge City FC]
Objective: Use Ridge City FC to drive NovaTech’s brand visibility and generate significant business growth.
Sub-objectives:
- Become the Main Sponsor: Secure NovaTech as Ridge City FC's main sponsor, featuring prominently on team jerseys, stadium banners, and all media promotions.
- Increase Social Media Presence: Boost Ridge City FC’s social media following by at least 50%, leveraging NovaTech’s branding to engage new audiences and bring visibility to the company.
- Organize Two Major Events: Plan and execute two high-profile events that link Ridge City FC and NovaTech, using them as strategic marketing tools to elevate both brands.
- Revenue Growth: Achieve a 20% increase in revenue for both Ridge City FC and NovaTech by the end of the football season through partnerships, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Rewards:
- 150 Ascension Points
- +50 All Attributes
- Unlock unique skill: Business Synergy: (Increases Ethan’s ability to create and manage profitable partnerships, ensuring long-term business growth through strategic alliances.)
Time Limit:
Complete by the end of the football season (12 months)
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‘This is no joke,’ Ethan thought.
The system had everything laid out perfectly, and the opportunity ahead was massive. But for Ethan, it wasn't just about playing football anymore.
It was about transforming Ridge City FC into a leading force, using this platform to elevate both Novatech's brand and his personal standing.
Ethan's thoughts raced as he considered his next steps. "I need to talk with the owner, then," he decided.
At that moment, he noticed a middle-aged man dressed in a sharp suit approaching the field. The man's walk and overall presence exuded fatigue. As his gaze swept over the players, his tired and heavy eyes seemed to carry the immense pressure of ownership.
'That must be the owner,' Ethan realized instantly.
Without a second hesitation, Ethan walked over. Even in his jogging gear, which was far from the typical businessman's attire, he moved with an undeniable sense of authority that didn't go unnoticed by the staff nearby.
The owner spun around, clearly caught off guard by the sudden approach. "Can I help you?" he inquired, his voice polite yet cautious.
Ethan greeted him with a confident smile. “Actually, I think I can help you. I've heard rumors that you're considering selling the club. If so, I'd like to present you with an offer.”
The owner took a moment to size up Ethan, his gaze lingering. Under normal circumstances, he might have called for security at such an unexpected proposition. However, this was no ordinary place, and those who frequented or lived here were far from ordinary.
The owner raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the proposition. "You're serious about this? You do realize this club isn't exactly raking in the profits," he pointed out, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
Ethan confidently responded, "I know it doesn't look much now. But I see a lot of potential here. This team could achieve greatness with the right investment and people on board. Let's talk numbers."
The owner took a moment to look at Ethan, his initial skepticism slowly fading. He could tell Ethan was not the type to make empty promises. Nodding, he said, "Alright, let's discuss the details."
Ethan was buzzing with excitement. He'd eagerly anticipated this moment – a golden chance to propel NovaTech and Ridge City FC to unparalleled success. Armed with a solid strategy and the proper backing, the potential for achievement was boundless.