Morning broke over the city like a calculated signal. The streets shimmered with residual rain, reflecting neon lights and skyscraper silhouettes, a stage for subtle power plays. Marc Delorme, inhabiting Marcus Dumar's body, had spent the previous day mastering the fundamentals of negotiation. Now, armed with Negotiation Level 1 and his growing understanding of operational leverage, he faced his first tangible victory — reclaiming a minor contract to assert influence and test his fledgling authority.
> "[SYSTEM ACTIVE]"
"Day 7: Minor asset reclamation. Task: Secure one previously lost contract and convert it into operational advantage."
"Reward: XP +30; Strategic Influence +10"
Marc reviewed the subsidiary's ledger, tracing the contract in question — a small but lucrative supplier agreement, overlooked by rivals and mismanaged by previous administrators. A minor victory, yet significant: reclaiming it would send a clear message that Marcus Dumar was no longer passive.
Lucie joined him in the office, observing silently as Marc highlighted inconsistencies in the contract and deviations in performance obligations.
> "The terms were intentionally misapplied," she noted, tracing lines with a precise finger. "This vendor thought they could exploit a lapse. We have leverage if we approach them strategically."
Marc nodded. "Negotiation isn't just about asking — it's about understanding leverage and making the other party perceive mutual benefit."
---
The vendor, a medium-sized logistics firm, had initially dismissed previous attempts to renegotiate due to the perception that Marcus Dumar's empire was fractured. Marc scheduled a direct meeting, intending to confront the issue with controlled authority and subtle persuasion.
> "Good afternoon," Marc began as the vendor representatives entered the boardroom. "I am Marcus Dumar. Circumstances have shifted, and I am here to address contractual obligations. I understand previous lapses occurred, but they must be rectified promptly."
One representative, a man named Henri Delacroix, frowned. "Mr. Dumar, our previous negotiations failed due to misunderstandings in deadlines and delivery schedules. Why should we believe this will be any different?"
Marc's gaze remained steady, voice calm yet commanding. "Because this time, I am personally overseeing operations. Cooperation is not just requested — it is expected. I offer assistance to ensure compliance while preserving mutual benefit. Failure to align now will affect future engagements."
Lucie whispered softly, "Subtle pressure without overt threat. Perfect application of your negotiation skill."
Marc inclined his head. "Influence comes from credibility, not intimidation."
---
The negotiation unfolded over two hours. Marc meticulously addressed each concern, demonstrating knowledge of prior lapses, presenting corrective strategies, and offering procedural clarity that benefited both sides. The SYSTEM highlighted each successful tactic:
> "[SYSTEM ALERT]"
"Negotiation sequence executed successfully. Vendor compliance probability: High. XP +35; Strategic Influence +10"
Henri Delacroix finally leaned back, a reluctant nod acknowledging the logic. "Very well, Mr. Dumar. We will align operations immediately and adjust delivery schedules according to your directives. The contract remains active under your oversight."
Marc allowed a faint, controlled smile. "Excellent. We will proceed efficiently and transparently. Thank you for your cooperation."
The SYSTEM pulsed:
> "[SYSTEM NOTICE]"
"Minor contract victory achieved. Operational leverage increased. XP +50; Negotiation Skill reinforced"
Lucie scribbled notes, analyzing the implications. "This is more than just a contract. This is proof that calculated authority yields compliance without aggression. A minor victory that sets the stage for larger operations."
Marc nodded, already mapping the next steps. Each small success compounded, creating a network of influence and credibility that rivals could not easily ignore.
---
Evening approached, and Marc convened a strategic debrief with Lucie and Simon, the trusted accountant he had recently recruited.
> "The contract is secure," Marc said, "but we must ensure long-term compliance. Adjustments in reporting, verification, and operational checkpoints will prevent exploitation."
Simon, reviewing financial implications, nodded. "This minor contract could provide liquidity for upcoming operations. It also signals to other vendors that Marcus Dumar is regaining authority."
Lucie added, "And from a legal standpoint, we now have precedent. Future negotiations will be framed around this success, enhancing credibility and reducing resistance."
The SYSTEM interjected:
> "[SYSTEM ALERT]"
"Operational stability and influence increasing. Minor victories contribute to long-term supremacy. XP +20; Strategic Planning +5"
Marc leaned back in his chair, reflection in the window showing a city alive with opportunity. Every minor contract, every interaction, was a chess move in a larger game. He understood now that patience, precision, and strategic leverage were the true currency of power.
---
That night, as the city's neon glow flickered through the blinds, Marc reviewed the day's events. The minor contract was more than a procedural victory — it was a message to competitors, a statement to the market, and a demonstration to allies that Marcus Dumar's resurgence was tangible.
> "[SYSTEM ALERT]"
"Day 7 complete. Minor contract reclaimed. Operational influence improved. XP +70; Negotiation Level 1 mastery reinforced"
Marc's thoughts drifted briefly to Élian Valcourt, whose name had appeared in the press earlier that week. The rival's strategic patience and cold precision were a constant reminder that minor victories, while significant, were steps toward far larger confrontations.
Lucie observed his reflection, a faint smile playing across her lips. "You've taken the first real step in operational authority. Small, but undeniable. The SYSTEM's guidance is precise, but your execution makes it effective."
Marc exhaled slowly. "Execution is everything. Strategy without action is meaningless."
> "[SYSTEM NOTICE]"
"Prepare for upcoming missions: acquisition of minor subsidiaries and intelligence gathering on rival operations. Strategic complexity increasing."
Outside, the city hummed, unaware of the calculated victories occurring in quiet boardrooms, office towers, and legal offices. Each small coup, each reclaimed contract, was a thread in the web of resurgence Marc was weaving.
> "[SYSTEM ALERT]"
"Countdown: 358 days remaining. Every day is a step toward supremacy. Neglect or hesitation risks failure."
Marc allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The minor contract, insignificant to outsiders, had reaffirmed a fundamental truth: the smallest victories, when strategically leveraged, could cascade into dominance. And with Lucie, Simon, and Rafe forming the foundation of his operational network, the path to restoring the Dumar empire was no longer theoretical — it was underway.