(3 days later, Rodova Military Academy)
Leo was sparring with Minerva in the practical combat grounds when a sudden summons arrived, calling him to Principal Alric's office.
"What does he want with me?" Leo muttered, instinctively wondering if he was in trouble.
However, the low-ranking clerk who had delivered the message merely shrugged, clearly clueless about the reason.
Left with no choice, Leo sighed, straightened his uniform, and began making his way toward the principal's office, uncertain about what awaited him.
—--------
Thankfully, what awaited Leo inside Principal Alric's office wasn't trouble—but opportunity.
As the doors sealed behind him, Alric gestured toward the chair across his desk, a half-finished glass of champagne beside him.
"Sit," he said with a rare smile. "This isn't bad news… unless you're allergic to fame and money."
Leo raised an eyebrow but took the seat without complaint.
Alric leaned forward, fingers steepled. "Given your memory issues, I figured I should ask—do you understand the role sponsors play in a fighter's career?"
Leo gave a short, dismissive nod. "Rough idea."
Alric nodded back. "Then let me make it clearer."
"Look, kid. The Circuits are a universe-wide event, broadcast to every corner of the Federation. Hundreds of billions tune in. It's one of the most-watched competitions in existence— and although it only lasts a few days, the warriors who shine there? They become permanent public figures."
He leaned back, letting the weight of those words hang in the air.
"If you put on a good show, you won't just earn praise—you'll gain fans. Millions of them. They'll copy your hair, your robes, your fighting stance. They'll buy anything with your name on it."
"And that's why companies—especially the big ones—want to be the first to associate their brands with rising stars."
Leo gave a small nod, this time with more focus.
"Fighters from Rodova always pull in the best deals because we usually make it to the finals. Group sponsorships come in automatically—gear, travel, accommodations, shared revenue. That's normal."
"But what you're looking at…" Alric paused, grabbing a thin file off his desk and tossing it toward Leo, "...are individual sponsorships."
Leo opened it to see a list far thicker than he expected.
"Usually, only captains or headline fighters pull this kind of attention. Su Yang's got a few decent offers already, but you—" Alric pointed, "—you've got dozens."
He stood and began pacing slowly behind his desk.
"We've got major merchant groups wanting to model you for apparel lines. Luxury brands want you in their ad campaigns.
We've got renowned weaponsmiths from the central worlds offering to forge you custom daggers—free of charge—just for the exposure.
Designer tailors want to create your robes from scratch. Boot-makers, hair stylists, cologne brands, even a nutritional supplement company—"
Alric turned back to face him, voice dry.
"Basically, there are people who want to sponsor everything about you. From the soles of your boots to the way your breath smells after a fight."
He smirked. "You're a blank slate with sharp blades, a mysterious past, and the looks to sell products across demographics. You're exactly what they've been praying for."
"And that's exactly why, I can't let you settle for any of the offers you currently have in hand—" Alric said, as his expression turned serious.
"They aren't bad offers," Alric clarified. "Some are from respected brands, reputable weaponsmiths, and decent mid-tier merchant groups."
He stepped forward, leaning casually against the front of his desk.
"But they're too niche. Too narrow. What you need is not just a brand—but a consortium. A powerhouse that will back you, represent you, and invest in you long-term."
Alric pulled open his drawer and slid out a much thinner, leather-bound file, which he then tossed lightly across the desk towards Leo.
"That's why I'm advising you to focus only on these three."
Leo caught the file and flipped it open.
"These are the biggest merchant consortiums that have expressed interest in you," Alric continued. "And they aren't here to sponsor you for a season. They'll cover you for the next five years, no matter what direction your path takes—even if you leave Rodova a year early." He spoke plainly, yet with absolute certainty.
"With their backing, doors you can't even imagine will open to you."
He raised a hand, ticking off fingers as he listed.
"VIP auctions, restricted gear markets, rare and ancient ruins expeditions, black market invitations, personal connections to the nobility, elite weapon refiners, access to genetic modification tech, high tier skill scrolls and meditation manuals— you name it."
Leo's eyes sharpened slightly as he realized the weight behind Alric's words.
"The difference between having a consortium behind you and walking alone?" Alric scoffed. "It's the difference between scraping for scraps… and eating at the king's table."
Leo thumbed through the file slowly, eyes skimming the contents.
—----
1) Silverlight Consortium
Specialty: Globalized Commerce & Military Equipment Conglomerate
Strengths: Balance between military contracts and consumer markets.
Offer:
Full sponsorship deal covering all weapons, combat gear, robes, utility items, and boots from Silverlight's military-grade manufacturing branches.
850,000 MP annual base salary (scalable with performance).
Guaranteed 5-year contract.
Access to all Silverlight-owned training facilities, including elite combat simulators, off-world testing ranges, and private dungeons.
Priority access to their black-market affiliated "Silver Fang" auctions for restricted-grade materials.
Publicity boost via the Silverlight GalaxyNet Broadcasting Division.
Potential for long-term brand ambassador position, even post-circuits.
Reputation: Known for backing war heroes and tournament champions. Seen as a steady, reliable, and slightly conservative option, but their network is massive, offering long-term security.
---
2) Crimson Phoenix Group
Specialty: Media, Entertainment & Sponsorship Powerhouse
Strengths: Fame, influence, and aggressive marketing.
Offer:
1,200,000 MP annual base salary with significant performance bonuses.
Complete sponsorship of weapons, gear, robes, boots, and even cosmetic enhancements through partner brands.
5-year sponsorship with an option for extension.
Guaranteed personal PR manager and exclusive GalaxyNet coverage.
Automatic entry into all circuits-related entertainment programs, documentaries, and commercial deals.
Exclusive access to high-profile events, auctions, private ruins expeditions, and rare auctions backed by their entertainment conglomerate.
5% royalty share on any Crimson Phoenix licensed products involving signee (post-circuits).
Reputation: Known for creating 'celebrities' out of circuit champions. They focus on marketability, brand deals, and giving fighters the spotlight, but often pressure fighters into media obligations.
---
3) Horizon Dominion Group
Specialty: Military-Industrial-Scientific Superpower.
Strengths: Cutting-edge tech, experimental equipment, and rare resources.
Offer:
1,500,000 MP annual base salary (flat rate with minimal bonus structures).
Fully funded personal gear crafted by Horizon's "Advanced Combat Systems" division, including custom daggers, robes, combat boots, and proprietary relic-grade artifacts.
Free access to Horizon Dominion's classified training facilities and experimental dungeons.
Guaranteed spot in annual Horizon-exclusive tournaments and private exhibitions.
Priority invitation to ancient ruins expeditions under Horizon Groups excavation rights.
Access to Horizon's internal black market for rare alchemical reagents and materials.
5-year sponsorship, with potential transition into a Horizon Research & Combat Division membership post-circuits.
Reputation: The most prestigious consortium but also the most demanding. Fighters who sign with Horizon often face intense internal competition and are expected to act as experimental agents, testing new tech and gear on the battlefield.
—-------
"Signing with either one would not be a mistake, but which one to go for is up to you.
They have all shown sincerity by offering you base salaries that's many times even what I earn, and is comparable to what Yu Shen got, even though you're just a first year and he's the Captain.
So think carefully about it—" Alric said, as he let Leo think about his options in peace.