Chapter 9: The Media King's First Step
The Sotty.channel.com headquarters towered over the city skyline like a monument to ambition. Glass panels reflected the morning sun, and a silver logo gleamed near the top floor—my top floor now.
I parked the Bambargine G1 at the private executive entrance. A valet in a black uniform ran over and bowed.
"Welcome, Chairman Gallardo. This way, please."
Chairman...
It still felt surreal.
Inside, the lobby was bustling—journalists, producers, interns. But the moment I stepped in, all movement paused. Conversations stopped. Eyes widened. Whispers spread.
"That's him."
"The one who bought us out overnight…"
"He's so young…"
"He's too hot to be a boss!"
A woman in a sleek pencil skirt approached with a tablet in hand.
"I'm Yeonmi, your assistant from today onward, Chairman. The board is waiting for you on the 49th floor."
We rode the executive elevator, the atmosphere silent but tense.
When the doors opened, I stepped into a sleek boardroom. Twelve executives turned to face me, some skeptical, some curious.
An older man at the head of the table stood up. "Chairman Gallardo. We didn't expect someone so… young."
I walked forward, calm and controlled. "Age doesn't matter. Only vision and power do."
I tapped the table. A system screen only I could see appeared.
> [Sotty.channel.com Access Granted]
Staff Management: ON
Content Strategy: OPEN
Hidden Feature: "Reality Talent Battle" (Locked)
> Requirement to Unlock: Use 100 State Pt or complete 3 S-Tier Missions.
> Do you want to unlock now? [Y/N]
I selected Y.
> Deducting 100 State Pt...
Reality Talent Battle Unlocked!
New Mission Created: "Stage of Stars"
I turned to the boardroom.
"We're launching a new show. One that will shake the entertainment world. Reality Talent Battle. Not just for fame—but for destiny."
Yeonmi blinked. "A reality show… that affects destiny?"
I smiled. "You'll understand soon enough."
The system chimed:
> New Mission: "Stage of Stars" (S-Tier)
Objective: Launch and manage the most successful supernatural talent show
Reward: +20 Strength, +30 Mana, Hidden Skill (Divine Voice), Special Guest Encounter
Time Limit: 30 Days
Just then, my phone buzzed.
[Hana]: Hey, everything going okay? Don't forget to eat! :)
I looked out the window, city stretching far below.
Power. Fame. Love. Enemies.
And now—entertainment with real stakes.
The game had only just begun.