Long since the sun had disappeared beyond the horizon, the cool silver light of the moon replaced it. Stars shimmered faintly above the glow of the city, a curtain of scattered brilliance suggesting a peaceful evening.
Nathan was flying to a stop in front of the luxurious Solstice Crest Hotel, a four-star establishment meant for those with either riches in their pockets or strong names to drop at the door. His newly acquired superbike purred softly beneath him.
The hotel rose majestically with tall columns and glass-paneled walls, surrounded by polished marble and glinting steel. Golden frames shimmered on the revolving door.
Through the open glass, warm ambient lights and classical music floated, inviting guests into a world of elegance and reputation. Executives at Solstice Crest decompressed and young elites spent their trust money on imported wine and cigars.
Nathan felt the difference between himself and his surrounds as he stepped off his bike. Though far from the custom suits and flowing gowns usually seen walking into such a venue, his outfit was functional but neither elegant nor ragged. Still, he remained unflinching.
He took off his helmet, straightened his now windblown hair, and handed the key to a valet chauffeur waiting. The man's trained smile wavered at first view, but obligation won out. Attaching its duplicate to the bike's mirror, he gave Nathan a thin metal tag bearing a code and barcode and guided the sleek Kawasaki away.
Grinning slightly, Nathan caught his reflection in the entrance's polished glass. He said under his breath, pocketing the tag, "I may not look the part, but I sure feel like it." He then went into the hotel.
High ceilings covered with hanging crystal chandeliers, flooring of obsidian marble reflecting golden light, and velvet armchairs precisely arranged around a fireplace that seemed more for aesthetic warmth than actual heat reflected class. The air smelled somewhat of aged oak and fresh jasmine, a scent of modest luxury.
Five women stood at the reception, each wearing well-fitting navy-blue uniforms that accentuated their shapes. Four of them turned to face Nathan, then fast turned away, their faces contorted into forced smiles or veiled apathy the instant their eyes locked his clothes. One of them stepped forward and held her smile.
Good evening, Sir. Welcome of Solstice Crest. How might I help you right now?
Nathan gave her a nice smile. "Just needed somewhere to relax over a few evenings. You provide what type of rooms?
The front desk agent nodded politely. "Absolutely. Our VIP rooms cost $400; we have executive suites at $300 and regular rooms at $200 a night. If you're looking for something more lavish, we also have a presidential suite at $2,000 a night.
Nathan gave his chin careful rubbing. The VIP room sounds roughly right. I will take one for five evenings.
A muffled chorus of giggles burst from the other receptionists who had turned their backs and murmured among themselves the moment the words came out of his mouth. One of them snorted, just able to control her laughter. Nathan seemed to them like a poor poser attempting to grab the polite one among them's interest. Too many men in their field of work fell for the same trap: false confidence, a few hollow words, and always aiming for the most beautiful staff member.
Unbothered, Nathan looked at the name tag on the smiling receptionist. "Clarissa," he said gently. "Could you kindly let me know five nights in a VIP room's total cost?"
Clarissa kept her smile even though the laughter behind her got louder. "That would come to $2,000, sir. To verify the booking, full payment is needed ahead.
Nathan turned to grab his phone. "Not a problem."
The laughs went away right away.
One of the other women squinted now, closer inspection of his face. Nathan had a symmetrical jawline, flawless skin, and those sharp, cool eyes. Perhaps he appeared to be wealthy. Alternatively he might have simply looked dangerous. She felt jealousy slinking up her spine. Another one of the women narrowed her eyes and moved away from the counter, mumbled something under her breath to the adjacent security guard.
Before Nathan could make sense of her activities—
Bing!
A warning shot across his sight.
[Mission Given!
Lock them down.
Condition: Rent at least three nights the most expensive suite in the hotel.
Reward: 4x payback plus one public perception point bonus item draw.]
Nathan blinked once then let out a slow breath through his nose. "Haters are draining," he said.
Clarissa tilted her head just slightly. "Did you say anything, sir??"
"Yes," Nathan answered louder, locking eyes with the guard now headed toward him. Actually, I have changed my mind. I am lodging in the presidential suite. For five nights.
Clarissa stopped her fingers hovering over the keyboard. That comes out to be $10,000 upfront.
"I'm aware," Nathan said, opening his banking app haversally.
The guard stopped, eyes flickering between Nathan, Clarissa, and the women murmursing behind the counter.
"Mobility transfer good?" Inquired Nathan.
Clarissa nodded, straightening herself. "Of course, sir."
Within seconds Nathan had scanned and paid for a QR code that blinked onto the screen. The terminal soft ping verified the transaction. Clarissa's eyes somewhat opened.
[You have spent ten thousand dollars. 4x Payback triggered. Your System Vault has paid you forty thousand dollars.]
[Mission Finish! Reward Acquired!
plus one public opinion
Bonus Item: Diamond Business Card – Use this to get favor or instant trust in high-society venues.]
"Ahem!." One of the snickering receptionists couched, her face now pale as paper. Another looked around nervously, obviously regretting her earlier assessment. The one who had gone for the guard turned red as the security man cast a questioning glance—then turned away silently.
Still, Nathan was not entirely moved by his knowledge that he could afford their apartment. His attention was more on the extra bonus he had gotten.
'The second tier also offers bonuses??' Almost speaking out loud, he asked himself and then restrained himself at last-minute.
Nathan slightly changed his posture and grinned once more at Clarissa, who now handled him with the kind of professionalism usually reserved for those sporting specific custom watches and branded suits.
"Mr. Oaklore, here is your keycard," she said, slightly bending. "Your apartment faces the skyline from the fifteenth level. The room has a digital assistant system, gourmet dining access, and a private jacuzzi built right in.
Nathan said, tucking the card into his wallet and sounding perfect.
Clarissa said, "If you need anything else," with a real smile now, "please don't hesitate to contact the front desk. All this week I will be here.
Though he said nothing, Nathan sensed the faint slant in her voice. He turned smoothly and walked away, leaving the residual heat of shocked silence behind.
The doors of the elevator slid closed with a pleasing chime as he entered.
[Your effective change of public opinion has earned a secret bonus.]
[Trait Unlocked: Aura of Legitimacy – Temporally boosts your credibility in high-class environments.]
Nathan laughed silently as the elevator rose. One by one, the lights on the panel blinked until the number 15 flashed in gold.
Leant against the elevator wall, he gazed up at the ceiling.
"I'm not playing small at all these days."
And somewhere deep inside the code of the system, fresh gears were starting to run.