The journey to the capital took two days across rolling hills and winding rivers. Ethan rode the enchanted horse behind the messenger studying every village they passed. Market patterns supply chains trade density He was mapping the kingdom without a map.

When the walls of Ardrel appeared on the horizon he slowed his breathing. The city was massive with towering silver spires glowing in the sun. Streets wove like living veins. Mana shimmered in the air the way heat shimmered on asphalt back home. And at the center rose the High Circle Tower a monument built from crystal and arrogance.

The messenger glanced back. Do not speak unless spoken to outsider The nobles do not appreciate bold tongues
Ethan smirked. Then they will hate me immediately
The messenger groaned. Maker help you

They entered the gates where thousands moved through colorful markets that looked beautiful but operated like broken machines. Shouts with inconsistent prices. Merchants with bribes hidden under tables. Guards extorting fees. Even spell scroll dealers charging random numbers depending on the buyer’s clothes.

Ethan’s chest tightened. So much inefficiency
Mana stones were sold without grading
Potions priced without measurement
Stallowners arguing about supply with zero data
He whispered to himself. This is a disaster disguised as tradition

The messenger dragged him through busy streets. People stared sensing Ethan was not from here. Some curious. Some hostile. Some fearful.

Finally they reached the High Circle Tower.

Inside the marble chamber twelve nobles sat in a half circle wearing robes that gleamed with enchantments. Their eyes glowed faintly from mana saturation. They were power. Old power. Rigid power.

One elder noble spoke first. outsider You have caused significant disruption
Ethan bowed politely. I introduced systems not disruption
A second noble scoffed. Systems that weaken noble authority
Ethan replied calmly. Authority built on confusion is not authority It is disorder
The chamber fell silent
The first noble leaned forward. You created auctions futures and insurance without permission These are noble regulated domains
Ethan’s voice stayed steady. Domains you have not regulated in generations
Several nobles stiffened with outrage.

A younger noble with sharp eyes stood. What is your goal outsider
Ethan met his gaze. Efficiency Growth Prosperity Stability
The noble frowned. For whom
For everyone Ethan answered

The elder noble slammed his staff. Magic is not a toy for commoners It is a sacred force
Ethan answered immediately. Sacred forces collapse when mismanaged Markets collapse when mismanaged Your kingdom is on the verge of both
A ripple of shock shot through the room
Guards stepped forward but the noble lifted his hand signaling them to wait.

Another noble spoke softly. outsider You are dangerous because you understand too much
Ethan lifted his chin. I understand enough to see the chains you hide
The noble narrowed his eyes. Chains
Ethan pointed at the window overlooking the chaotic market streets. You keep the people uneducated so prices stay unstable You keep magic unmeasured so value stays vague You keep supply hidden so nobles control scarcity You call this tradition but it is manipulation

Some nobles paled. Others clenched their fists. The young noble stared at Ethan with conflicted interest.

The elder noble finally spoke. outsider Ethan Mercer You stand at a crossroads We can remove you quietly or we can use you
Ethan did not blink. Use me
Yes the elder noble said. Join the High Circle as an economic advisor You will build your systems with noble oversight Only noble oversight

Ethan felt the weight of the moment. If he said yes the nobles would twist his work into another form of control If he said no they might kill him.

He inhaled slowly.

This is just another negotiation he told himself Except the stakes are a kingdom

He looked at the nobles. His mind raced through incentives leverage market pressures social dependence and structural weaknesses. Then he spoke.

If I join you I want access to every supply ledger in the capital
Nobles stiffened
I want open access to market data across all districts
More gasps
I want the right to publish weekly price reports
Furious whispers
And I will not approve any policy that benefits nobles at the cost of the people

Silence
Pure heavy silence

One noble finally burst. This outsider is insane
Another hissed. He demands power equal to nobles
The elder noble studied Ethan with a long piercing gaze. outsider You ask for impossible things
Ethan replied. Then you do not want my help You want a symbol
He turned as if to leave.

The chamber shook with tension.

Finally the young noble spoke. Elder Let him work Watching him may teach us more than stopping him
The elder hesitated. The room waited. Then slowly he nodded. Very well outsider You will be watched
Ethan bowed. Of course And you will be measured

The nobles bristled but the decision was made.

Ethan was escorted to a small chamber in the tower. When the guards left he sat on the hard stone bench exhaling for the first time in hours.

He whispered to himself. I am inside their system
And now I can change it from within

But he also knew one thing
He was surrounded by enemies
Surrounded by politics
Surrounded by hidden chains

And for the first time since he arrived in this world
Ethan Mercer felt the real beginning of his fight.