The First Counterattack

Ethan sat in his penthouse, staring at the massive digital display filled with stock trends, projections, and market movements.

His mind processed everything with inhuman precision.

The Business Forecasting ability granted by the system had turned him into a financial predator.

He could now see patterns others couldn't.

He could smell profits before they even existed.

And most importantly?

He knew exactly which companies were about to explode in value.

Making the Move

Ethan's fingers tapped lightly against his desk as he finalized his next investments.

Vanguard Robotics – A tech company developing AI-driven automation for manufacturing. Ethan saw their breakthrough coming before the market did.

Lynx Cybersecurity – A firm on the verge of securing a high-level government contract. Stocks were still low—but not for long.

Volterra Energy – A rising star in renewable energy, which would soon receive government incentives that hadn't been announced yet.

He moved $5 million into these stocks through Obsidian Holdings, his newly formed shadow company.

Then, he sat back and watched.

And just as he predicted…

The numbers started climbing.

The Attack

But Ethan wasn't the only one watching.

A few hours later, Alexander called.

"You're causing chaos again," his voice was laced with amusement—but also a hint of concern.

Ethan smirked. "That's what I do best."

"You don't understand," Alexander said, his tone sharpening. "Harrington and his people were testing you—but someone else? They don't want to test you. They want to crush you."

Ethan's eyes flickered. "Who?"

Alexander exhaled. "Blackwood Financial Group."

Ethan's smirk faded. Now this was interesting.

Blackwood Financial was a ruthless hedge fund that thrived on destroying smaller investors. They manipulated markets, crushed competition, and swallowed up companies before they could rise.

And now?

They had their eyes on him.

Market Manipulation

Within minutes, Ethan saw strange movements in his investments.

Volterra Energy's stocks were suddenly hit with negative press about a fake scandal.

Lynx Cybersecurity faced a suspicious regulatory investigation.

Vanguard Robotics' biggest deal was abruptly canceled.

It wasn't a coincidence.

Blackwood was trying to tank his investments.

Ethan leaned back, eyes narrowing.

"Interesting," he muttered.

They thought he was just another ambitious investor—one they could bully into submission.

They had no idea who they were dealing with.

The Counterstrike

Ethan cracked his knuckles and activated the system.

[New System Feature Unlocked: Market Domination]

[Allows user to identify and predict corporate sabotage attempts in real-time.]

A flood of information surged into his mind.

He saw everything.

Blackwood's fake news campaign? Funded through shell companies.

The regulatory investigation? Paid off.

The canceled deal? A scare tactic to drive prices down.

Ethan's lips curled into a wicked smile.

"You want a fight?" he muttered. "Fine. Let's play."

He moved fast.

He bought more shares in his targeted companies while prices were dropping—doubling down instead of backing out.

He exposed Blackwood's tactics anonymously through insider sources, leaking documents to financial watchdogs.

He contacted CEOs of the affected companies and made private under-the-table agreements to stabilize them.

Within 24 hours, the tide shifted.

The scandal against Volterra was debunked by major news outlets.

Lynx Cybersecurity's case vanished as the regulators were exposed for bribery.

Vanguard Robotics? They signed a new deal—with an even bigger partner.

And Blackwood?

They had lost hundreds of millions.

Ethan sat back and checked his portfolio.

His investments?

Up by 65%.

His total net worth?

Now at $25 million.

Blackwood had come to destroy him.

Instead?

They made him richer.

A Message From the Shadows

That night, as Ethan enjoyed a quiet drink, his phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.

UNKNOWN: "You're making enemies fast, Mr. Cole. Be careful. Some people don't like losing."

Ethan smirked.

ETHAN: "Good. Let them hate. I'll still win."

Because this was just the beginning.

End of Chapter 5

Ethan has successfully fought off his first major attack in the business world. But who sent that message? And what's the next challenge waiting for him?