CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
๐ May 20th, 2005
The ink was still drying on Malik's $2,000 contract when opportunity knockedโloudly.
Brick Bronson, the reigning BWF Champion, had strutted into the center of the weekly BWF show and grabbed a mic like it owed him rent.
๐ฌ "Ain't nobody in this building ready for Brick Bronson. I'm the BWF Alpha. The title's mine. The spotlight's mine. Hellโthis whole show is mine."
He grinned like a wolf surrounded by sheep.
๐ฌ "So here's a challengeโfor fun, really. Open match. Anyone. Come take your L like a man. If you've got the guts."
Backstage, Malik's system pinged.
๐ฒ SYSTEM SCAN โ POTENTIAL RIVAL DETECTED
๐ฏ BRICK "THE BRICK WALL" BRONSON
โข Rank: BWF World Champion
โข Personality: Cocky, Domineering
โข Style: Brawler / Powerhouse
๐ RIVALRY SLOT UNLOCKED โ PRIMARY ANTAGONIST ASSIGNED
Malik tightened his wrist tape, cracked his neck, and smiled.
๐ฌ "Let's make history."
Lights Hit. Music Drops.
A slow, tribal drum beat echoed through the arena.
Then:
"ACKNOWLEDGE ME."
Smoke filled the ramp. Malik stepped out in a black sleeveless hoodie, and those cold, burning eyes.
TRIBAL CHIEF โ M.K. SMITH JR.
He grabbed the mic.
๐ฌ "Brickโฆ You think this company belongs to you? This ring? This title? These people?"
The crowd leaned in.
๐ฌ "You're not the Alpha. You're not the foundation. You're not even a stepping stoneโฆ"
He paused.
๐ฌ "You're the announcement. I'm the arrival."
The crowd exploded.
Backstage, jaws dropped. Even the GM stood up.
Promo Win Condition: Stun the Champion
๐ค SYSTEM EVALUATIONโฆ
โ Charisma Check Passed (68)
โ Tribal Chief Aura Activated
๐ง Intelligence Buff Applied
๐ฏ RESULT: BWF CHAMPION SHOCKED
๐ Bonus: GM Interest Increased โ Storyline Slot Secured
Brick's face twisted from amusement to fury.
๐ฌ "You want a fight, rookie?"
Malik took a step forward, nose-to-nose.
๐ฌ "I want a war."
The crowd began chanting:
"TRI-BAL CHIEF! TRI-BAL CHIEF!"
Match Didn't Happen That Night.
But the rivalry?
Locked in. Lit up. And official.
Later that evening, the GM called Malik into his office.
๐ฌ "You just turned a cocky champ into a cornered animal. That's good TV."
He tossed Malik a branded folder.
๐ผ "You're booked. Next week, we begin this fire properly."
๐ฒ SYSTEM UPDATE โ RIVALRY INCOMING
๐ฎ Rival Path Activated: Brick Bronson โ BWF Rival
๐ฅ Rival Tension Level: 3/10
๐งฉ Objective Added: Defeat Brick in a Sanctioned Match
๐ฐ Contract Secured: $2,000 base + match bonus potential
Malik looked at his reflection in the locker room mirror. Not just a wrestler anymore.
A leader.
A threat.
A kingโฆ walking into another kingdom.
Next week?
He wasn't coming for respect.
He was coming for the throne.
[End of Chapter 17 โ "The Tribal Chief Rises"]