Chapter 3 : My Decision
747 Words
Three days passed.
Three days since Ethan Voss received the invitation.
Three days since he had placed the black envelope inside his drawer and tried to forget about it.
But forgetting was impossible.
Because reality never allowed him to.
Every morning, Ethan woke up early and searched for work.
Every afternoon, he walked through the city asking for opportunities.
Every evening, he returned home with the same answer.
No.
The first company rejected him because he had no experience.
The second rejected him because they had already hired someone.
The third didn't even bother interviewing him after seeing his situation.
One by one, every opportunity disappeared.
Ethan sat on a bench outside a company building, staring at his phone.
Another rejection message.
He closed his eyes.
"Seriously..."
He wasn't asking for much.
He wasn't looking for luxury.
He just wanted enough money to keep his mother alive.
But the world seemed determined to give him nothing.
---
When Ethan returned home that evening, he immediately noticed something was wrong.
The apartment was too quiet.
Then he heard it.
Bang.
Bang.
Bang.
Someone was knocking.
Ethan froze.
He already knew who it was.
Slowly, he opened the door.
Two debt collectors stood outside.
The same cold expressions.
The same emotionless eyes.
"Ethan Voss."
The older man checked his documents.
"Your deadline has passed."
Ethan's expression changed.
"I still have time."
The collector shook his head.
"You have been given enough opportunities."
Ethan looked behind them.
"Please."
His voice lowered.
"My mother is sick. I am trying to find work."
The collector remained silent.
"We understand your situation."
But his next words were cold.
"However, the debt remains."
Ethan clenched his fists.
"Just give me more time."
The man looked at him.
"Time does not pay debts."
The words hurt because Ethan knew they were true.
The collectors left a notice on the door.
"This is your final warning."
Then they walked away.
---
That night, Ethan sat beside his mother's bed.
She was sleeping.
Her breathing was weak.
He looked at her for a long time.
His entire life had been about protecting her.
But now he couldn't even afford the treatment she needed.
His eyes moved toward the drawer.
The invitation.
The Billion Dollar Arena.
The one opportunity he had refused to consider.
Ethan slowly stood up.
He opened the drawer.
The golden card was still there.
Seventy billion dollars.
A number that could solve everything.
But there was something about the invitation that bothered him.
It was too mysterious.
Too perfect.
Nobody simply offered billions without expecting something in return.
Still...
What other choice did he have?
Ethan picked up Victor Hale's contact card.
His thumb hovered over the number.
Then he pressed call.
---
The phone rang only once.
Then someone answered.
"Ethan Voss."
Victor's voice came through.
"You made your decision."
Ethan was silent.
"Yes."
A small pause.
"I want to register."
Victor didn't sound surprised.
"I thought you might."
Ethan frowned.
"What happens next?"
"You cannot register through a normal website."
Victor replied.
"The Arena requires every participant to complete a private contract."
"Where?"
Victor gave him an address.
"Meet me there tomorrow night."
Ethan wrote it down.
"Why is it secret?"
Victor paused.
"Because not everyone needs to know where the players are recruited."
That answer only created more questions.
Ethan tightened his grip on the phone.
"What exactly am I signing?"
"You will learn everything when we meet."
Victor's voice became serious.
"But remember something, Ethan."
"The moment you choose to enter, your life will change forever."
The call ended.
Ethan stared at the phone.
Those words stayed in his mind.
Your life will change forever.
---
The next night, Ethan stood in front of an abandoned-looking building on the edge of the city.
No signs.
No cameras.
No people.
Only a single door.
He checked the address again.
This was the place.
He took a deep breath.
Then knocked.
A few seconds later, the door opened.
Victor Hale stood on the other side.
"Welcome, Ethan."
Behind him was a large hidden room filled with advanced technology, screens, and documents.
Ethan looked around.
"What is this place?"
Victor stepped aside.
"The beginning of your new life."
Ethan walked inside.
But he still didn't know the truth.
He didn't know what the Billion Dollar Arena really was.
He didn't know what awaited him.
All he knew was one thing:
He needed the money.
And he was willing to take the first step.
- Writer
