Chapter 27: The Final Blow
The sun was barely up when Ethan, Mia, and Leo gathered in the conference room of their legal team's office. The evidence against Oscar Lang had started an industry-wide firestorm, and everyone in the entertainment world was watching. The final task loomed large in Ethan's mind, the system's timer ticking away in the back of his consciousness.
Oscar was cornered, but a man like him wouldn't go down quietly. Ethan knew he had one last move to make—one final confrontation that would end this saga once and for all.
"Today's the day," Leo said, pacing the room. "If we hit him now, he won't have time to regroup. His reputation is in tatters, and the financial leak has him scrambling. We just need to deliver the knockout punch."
Ethan nodded, his face set in determination. "I'm ready. Whatever it takes, we're going to end this."
Mia stood beside Ethan, scrolling through her phone. "It's trending everywhere. Everyone's waiting to see how you'll respond to this latest leak."
Leo glanced at Ethan. "Are you sure you want to do this live? It's risky."
Ethan took a deep breath. "We have to. Oscar thrives on manipulation and half-truths. If we don't confront him directly, he'll find a way to worm out of this."
Leo nodded slowly. "Alright. The press is set. We've got a live stream ready to go. The entire industry will be watching."
---
**[Ding!]**
*Task Reminder: Confront Oscar Lang live in a final showdown.*
**Objective:**
- Expose Oscar with irrefutable proof.
- Task Duration: 12 hours remaining.
---
The countdown added pressure, but Ethan welcomed it. It reminded him that he was on the edge of victory, and every decision he made now mattered. He could almost feel the system's influence sharpening his instincts, guiding him through the chaos.
---
Later that afternoon, the press conference was packed. Cameras clicked, and reporters whispered in anticipation as Ethan took his seat at the front of the room. The lights were blinding, the heat of the moment settling on his shoulders like a heavy weight.
Oscar Lang sat opposite him, cool and collected, but the cracks were starting to show. His once-pristine suit seemed a little too tight, his eyes dark with sleepless nights. He smirked, but Ethan could tell the façade was crumbling.
Oscar's PR team had scrambled to throw together their defense, but it wasn't enough. Everyone knew the leaks were real; they just hadn't seen the final piece yet.
Ethan leaned forward, locking eyes with Oscar. "You've had a long run, Oscar. You've lied, cheated, and bullied your way to the top. But today, it ends."
Oscar scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is this some kind of hero speech? Please, Ethan. You think you're better than me? You think the industry will let you play the savior?"
Ethan's lips curled into a smile. "No, Oscar. I don't think I'm better. I just think your time is up."
The room went silent as Ethan turned to the large screen behind him, where a live stream was already prepared. With a nod to Leo, the video began to play.
The footage was clear, undeniable. It showed Oscar in private meetings, making backroom deals, bribing officials, and coercing smaller players in the industry to keep quiet. It was the final piece of the puzzle, the definitive proof that no one could refute.
Gasps filled the room as the reporters watched, stunned into silence. Ethan could see the realization dawning on Oscar's face. His career was over.
---
**[Ding!]**
*Task Progress: 95%*
---
"You built your empire on lies, Oscar," Ethan said, his voice steady. "And now everyone can see exactly who you are."
Oscar's composure broke. He slammed his hands on the table, leaning forward, his voice a snarl. "You think this will stop me? I've survived worse than this!"
But Ethan didn't flinch. "You might've survived before, but you've never had the whole world watching as you fall."
The reporters began shouting questions, the room exploding into chaos. Ethan remained calm, standing tall as the scandal continued to unfold in real time.
Oscar's PR team tried to intervene, but it was too late. The damage was done. Sponsors pulled out, deals were canceled, and the entertainment world distanced itself from Oscar Lang. His power crumbled before their eyes.
---
**[Ding!]**
*Task Complete: Final Confrontation Accomplished.*
**Reward:**
- +20 Charisma
- System Upgrade: Public Influence (Level 2)
- New Skill: Charisma Mastery Unlocked
---
The pressure lifted from Ethan's chest, and a sense of relief washed over him. He had done it. He had beaten Oscar at his own game and emerged victorious.
As the press conference ended, Oscar was escorted out, his face pale with defeat. He had no more moves to play.
Mia and Leo joined Ethan at the back of the room, their faces beaming with pride.
"You did it," Mia said softly, her eyes sparkling. "It's over."
Ethan smiled, feeling the weight of everything finally lifting. "Yeah. It's over."
But as they walked out into the cool evening air, Ethan knew this wasn't the end of his journey. It was just the beginning.
His name was on everyone's lips now, and the system had opened doors he never thought possible. The entertainment world was vast, and Ethan was ready to take it by storm.
"Now," he said, glancing at Mia and Leo, "let's see what comes next."
With that, they stepped into the future, leaving the ruins of Oscar Lang behind.
---
**[Ding!]**
*New Task Available: The Path to Stardom*
**Objective:**
- Continue your rise in the entertainment world, seizing every opportunity.
**Reward:**
- Special Skill: Industry Dominance (Level 1)
- Access to the next phase of your career.
---
And so, Ethan's journey to the top truly began.