CHAPTER THIRTY
📅 July 8th, 2005
It had only been a month since Malik Smith Jr. suplexed his way into BWF history…
But now?
He was everywhere.
TV segments. Fan-made posters. Internet clips titled "Tribal Takeover."
Every time someone chanted "ACKNOWLEDGE ME!", they were really shouting for the Tribal Chief.
🌐 Fan & Media Reaction
"Who is this kid?!"
"Malik Smith Jr. is a once-in-a-generation superstar."
"Wrestling fans, take note: a dynasty is being born."
#TribalChief trended for 48 hours straight on Wrestling Forums, and sports blogs declared Heatwave the most-viewed Pay-Per-View in BWF history.
Commentators praised his resilience.
Analysts called his Money Maker stat "not just fiction—it's business instinct."
The world was watching now.
And Malik? He felt it in every handshake, every camera flash, every chant.
💻 SYSTEM CHECK-IN
📲 SYSTEM SYNCED
📊 LEVEL 13 — XP: 4100 / 6000
STAT SHEET:
Strength: 30 Agility: 27 Endurance: 29 Charisma: 68 Technique: 29 Intelligence: 20 Money Maker: 15 Unspent Points: 6 → Allocated
🟢 Malik decided:
+2 to Intelligence → 22 +2 to Endurance → 31 +2 to Money Maker → 17
🆕 Trait Upgrades Unlocked:
🧠 Tactical Genius II — Gain 20% move-read accuracy vs elite-tier opponents. 💰 Business Mindset II — Sponsorship and merchandising income increased by 10%.
🏡 Time with Family
Back at home, the ring lights dimmed and the noise quieted.
Malik spent two days with his mother and siblings—BBQs in the backyard, movie nights, and long talks.
His little sister (Sasha) called him "Champion of the World."
His mom (Bianca) just hugged him longer than usual.
"Still my boy," she said, proud but grounded.
💼 Money Moves
Thanks to his Money Maker stat and past-life knowledge, Malik had already seen gains on earlier stock plays.
Now, with national fame and insider confidence, he spread his portfolio wide:
💹 Invested in Voogle, weeks ahead of its real-world IPO buzz. 📱 Bought into an obscure phone company soon to be known as WhiteBerry. 🎮 Partnered with a local game developer that would be picked up by a larger brand soon.
📈 SYSTEM ALERT: "Your portfolio has increased by 22% in the last 3 weeks."
💵 Contract Negotiation
Later that week, Malik sat across from BWF's General Manager, suit crisp, contract on the table.
"Ten thousand a month?" Malik raised an eyebrow.
The GM nodded. "You're our top draw, Malik. We're not losing you."
Malik leaned forward. "I want the deal… but I also want creative control over my promos. I build this story—my way."
Silence.
Then…
"You got it, champ."
✍️ Contract Signed: $10,000/month base salary + match bonuses + merchandise cut
As he walked out of the office, belt over his shoulder, contract in his hand, and fans waiting outside the arena…
Malik smiled.
He was no longer just a rookie.
He was building an empire.
[End of Chapter 30 – "Legacy, Loyalty, and Lucrative Deals"]