The sun pierced the skyline, casting gold on glass towers as Damon stood in front of a private elevator inside the Voss Executive Tower.
He wore a fresh navy-blue silk suit. Watch gleaming. Expression unreadable.
But inside?
The System stirred.
[Milestone Check-In: Power Network Invitation – Tier I Reached]
You've been acknowledged by global elites.
You are no longer a player. You are becoming a force.
Reward Unlocked: Divine Aesthetic Protocol
– Height increased to 6'3"
– Physique sculpted to peak perfection (symmetry, definition, endurance, regenerative boost)
– Facial refinement activated (jawline, skin clarity, symmetry, eye glow refinement)
– Passive Aura: "Presence of a King" — Charm, fear, and curiosity stack in your presence.
Damon felt it before he saw it.
His spine straightened. Muscles subtly stretched. His suit tightened, then adjusted itself automatically — woven by a tailor who had worked with the system's pre-planned measurements.
He stepped forward.
The guards didn't ask for ID.
They just moved.
The Voss Executive Circle – Sky Garden Level
A table sat surrounded by three of the richest men in the city — old money, old power, old rules.
But at the center, smiling like a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain, sat Elijah Voss.
Late 40s. Cropped beard. Ice-gray suit. A diamond on his pinky the size of a molar.
He stood when Damon entered.
"Mr. Black," Elijah said. "I was worried you'd say no."
Damon sat slowly, gaze locked. "I don't say no to opportunity. I just read the small print."
The other men chuckled — quietly.
Voss studied Damon for a long moment.
"You've done more in three weeks than most do in three lifetimes. But this… this brunch isn't just about admiration. It's about testing your hunger."
System Alert: High-Value Social Event Detected
Influence Check Engaged
"Presence of a King" Passive Triggered
Effect: Increased hesitation from elite attendees. Doubled respect value for confident responses.*
Voss leaned in, pouring scotch.
"I'm offering you access. Land deals before they hit the market. Protection when shadows move. Silent partnerships in places where wars are made and ended. In return…"
He paused.
"I want your loyalty. Not your soul. Just your silence. When it matters."
Damon didn't answer right away.
He looked at the scotch.
Then looked up.
"I drink with kings. But I don't kneel for devils."
The table fell silent.
Voss's smirk grew wider.
"Good," he said. "I hate lapdogs."
System Update: Voss Interest Level: 82%
Status: Potential Ally — Dangerous but respectful. Wants to mold you, not own you.
Meanwhile — Back at Black Core Alpha
Alarms blared.
Zeke stared at the screen.
"Yo… we've been pinged. Someone just tried to map our base layout."
Kai grabbed his Glock.
"Which rat got brave?"
Zeke's fingers flew.
"It's not outside. It's someone inside."