chapter 97 kaya

A Familiar Nightmare—Pink Solutions and the Step-Sister's Trap

As the advisor left, Ethan's smile slowly faded. His mind drifted into the depths of his past life, where Pink Solutions wasn't just another corporate job—it was a prison.

A well-crafted trap.

A place where he had been nothing more than a slave.

And the one who had led him into it…

His own step-sister.

Kaya didn't say anything, but when she looked at him, she must have noticed something dark in his expression. Instead of speaking, she simply leaned back, staring at him.

Ethan's fingers tightened around his desk.

Back then, Miranda—his dear step-sister—had been the one who convinced him to join.

"It's easy money, Ethan. You just have to play a game, and they'll pay you. You like games, don't you?"

She smiled.

She had always smiled, making it sound like a golden opportunity.

Like she was doing him a favor.

And he, in his ignorance, had believed her.

The Reality of Pink Solutions

At first, everything seemed fine. The job was simple—log into Eldoria, play, gather resources, and sell them to the company. They provided gear, potions, even a decent guild to support him.

It all seemed… too good to be true.

And it was.

Because the contract he signed was practically a life sentence.

80% of his earnings went straight to the company.

The working hours? Non-stop.

If he didn't perform, they cut his food allowance in real life.

And if he tried to quit? They drowned him in debt, forcing him to stay.

He grinded like a dog, day and night, pushing himself to the limit, thinking one day he'd be free.

But that day never came.

Because Pink Solutions never let anyone go.

And Miranda?

She didn't even look at him.

"It's just business, Ethan. You should be grateful you're even making money."

Her voice echoed in his mind, filled with mockery.

She had known.

She had known everything—and yet she had still pushed him in.

For a referral bonus.

For a few extra credits.

And in Eldoria, things weren't any better.

Pink Solutions had guilds, entire farming squads who went around like mercenaries, exploiting weaker players and stripping them of everything valuable.

They hunted him down multiple times, trying to force him back under their control.

Even after he escaped in his past life, they had still haunted his every step.

They weren't just a company.

They were a syndicate, disguised as a workplace.

And now, in this life…

They were already making their moves.

Ethan's jaw tightened.

"Tsk." He clicked his tongue, shaking his head.

Kaya raised an eyebrow. "What's got you pissed off?"

Ethan didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he simply stared at the door where the advisor had left.

His step-sister had sold him out once before.

He'd make sure it never happened again.

And Pink Solutions?

They would regret ever existing.

A Realist and a Madwoman

Ethan glanced at Kaya, expecting at least some reaction to the insidious trap known as Pink Solutions.

But instead, she looked at him with amusement, as if he was the slow one here.

"You're not surprised?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow. "That contract is a complete scam."

Kaya snorted and leaned back in her seat.

"Are you brainless?" she asked, crossing her arms. "Anything that claims to give free money is a fraud. The moment someone offers 'easy wealth,' you should already know it's a trap."

Ethan's lips twitched. "You say that like it's obvious."

"Because it is obvious," Kaya said, rolling her eyes. "Why do you think I'm still here instead of rushing to sign some garbage contract?"

She tilted her head, tapping her chin.

"Eldoria is a money-making machine."

Ethan's attention sharpened.

"For now, only a few know its true value," she continued. "Most people still think it's just a game. But give it a month, and it'll become famous. These companies offering 'stable salaries' will suddenly double their rates, acting like they're giving people a golden opportunity."

She chuckled darkly.

"Then, our dear college will jump in to fool as many lambs as possible."

She started laughing manically, as if she could already see the chaos unfolding.

Ethan stared at her, watching the way she grinned like a villain in a dystopian movie.

"…You're enjoying this a little too much," he muttered.

Kaya wiped an imaginary tear from the corner of her eye. "Of course I am. It's fun watching dumb people throw their lives away."

Ethan sighed and casually pulled out his phone.

"Here," he said, sliding it toward her. "Mental hospital's emergency hotline. Call them before it's too late."

Kaya blinked. Then she burst out laughing even harder.

"You bastard," she wheezed. "Are you actually worried about me? How sweet!"

Ethan rolled his eyes.

"Just don't go full corporate villain, alright? You're acting like you're about to start an evil organization."

Kaya smirked. "Oh? And what if I already have?"

Ethan gave her a deadpan look.

"Yeah, definitely call that number."

Ethan, still holding the phone, calmly relayed the situation to the emergency hotline.

"Yeah, I think I found a patient who escaped. She's laughing manically about people getting scammed, talking about world domination, and enjoying the downfall of society."

The person on the other side of the call responded immediately.

"Sir, please run away. Right now."

Ethan blinked. "…Excuse me?"

"Run. Do not engage. Do not provoke. Just get to safety immediately."

Ethan was about to respond when—

BAM!

A sharp kick landed squarely on his side, nearly knocking him off the chair.

"You really called them?!" Kaya shouted, looking at him like he was a complete idiot.

Ethan coughed, clutching his ribs. "They told me to run. Maybe I should've listened."

Kaya crossed her arms, glaring at him before sighing. Then, out of nowhere, she pulled out her phone and tapped on the screen a few times before shoving it into his hand.

Her number flashed across the screen.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"

Kaya smirked. "A reward."

"A reward for what?"

"For entertaining me, dog."

Ethan stared at her, then at the number, then back at her.

"…You just called me a dog, didn't you?"

"Yep." Kaya grinned. "And you're gonna save that number, aren't you?"

Ethan sighed, shaking his head as he reluctantly saved it.

"Congratulations," she said, patting his head like an actual dog. "You're officially my favorite pet now."

Ethan swore he could feel his soul leaving his body.