The registration process went surprisingly smooth—biometric scans, retinal identification, fingerprints, tax documentation, and digital signature verification. Every aspect of Max's real identity was now permanently linked to his MaxThorne character.
The attendant had provided them with official IAOO identification cards, guild member credentials, and secure access to the Phoenix trading system. The entire process took thirty minutes, compared to the three-to-five-hour wait times in the general registration areas.
Now, Max and his mother stood in an elevator, heading to the third floor west wing—the Phoenix Guild lounge.
"I still can't believe this is real," Yuki muttered, looking at her new credentials. "I just registered as the mother of a professional gamer. What has the world become?"
"The future, apparently," Max said.
The elevator dinged and opened.
They stepped into a corridor that looked nothing like a convention center. The walls were paneled in dark wood, the floors covered in expensive carpet, and soft lighting created an atmosphere more resembling of a luxury hotel or private club.
A sign pointed them toward the Phoenix Guild Lounge.
Two security personnel flanked the entrance—not convention security, but private security in black suits with earpieces. One of them checked Max's credentials, nodded, and opened the door.
"Welcome to Phoenix Guild, Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thorne."
Max and his mother entered.
And both stopped dead in their tracks.
The lounge was massive. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Tokyo's skyline. The furniture was all high-end: leather couches, expensive tables, a bar staffed by professional bartenders, and even a catering setup with mouth-watering food displays.
But it wasn't the luxury that made them freeze.
It was the people.
Max recognized faces he had only ever seen on television.
Standing near the windows, talking with a small group, was Prime Minister Yoshida himself—a distinguished man in his late fifties, wearing a perfectly tailored suit.
Beside him, Finance Minister Takahashi Kenji—Velara's father—a sharp-featured man with graying hair.
At a central table, Minister of Economy Nakamura was engaged in intense discussion with Minister of Digital Affairs Suzuki and what looked like several high-ranking business executives.
The younger generation was scattered throughout—heirs, heiresses, the children of Japan's most powerful families, all dressed fashionably, all clearly comfortable in this elite air.
And there, near the center of it all, were Kaito and Ayame Yoshida—the Phoenix Guild leaders—holding court like young royalty.
"Max," his mother whispered, gripping his arm. "That's the Prime Minister. The actual Prime Minister."
"I see him," Max whispered back.
Several people had noticed their entrance. Velara spotted them immediately and waved them over, her smile warm.
"Max! You made it!" She walked over, her pink skirt swaying, and gently took their arms. "Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone."
"Everyone?" Max's mother looked overwhelmed. "Velara, I'm just a nurse. I can't—"
"You're Max's mother," Velara said firmly. "That's all the credentials you need here."
She led them deeper into the lounge. Conversations paused as people noticed the newcomers.
Kaito and Ayame approached, both dressed impeccably—Kaito in a sharp blazer and designer jeans, Ayame in an elegant gown.
"MaxThorne," Kaito said warmly, extending his hand. "And you must be Mrs. Thorne. Welcome to Phoenix Guild's inner circle."
"Thank you," Max's mother managed, shaking his hand. "This is... overwhelming."
"Father!" Ayame called across the room. "Come meet our newest promising recruit!"
Max's stomach dropped.
Prime Minister Yoshida turned, pausing his conversation and walked over. Up close, he was more imposing—tall, distinguished, with eyes that seemed to assess everything instantly.
"Ah, the Soulbinder everyone's been talking about," Yoshida said, his voice deep and warm. He extended his hand. "Yoshida Takeshi. Pleasure to meet you, MaxThorne."
"Max Thorne, sir," Max said, shaking the Prime Minister's hand. "The honor is mine."
"And you must be his mother," Yoshida said, turning to Yuki with a smile that suddenly became much more charming. "Yoshida Takeshi, though I suspect you already know that."
"Thorne Yuki," Max's mother said, bowing slightly. "Yes, sir, I... everyone knows who you are."
"Please, no need for formality here," Yoshida said. "This is a gaming lounge, not a political function." His eyes swept over her in admiration. "I must say, Mrs. Thorne, you look absolutely radiant. That dress is stunning."
Max's mother blushed. "Thank you, that's very kind."
"Kind? I'm simply stating facts," Yoshida continued, his tone playful. "You know, I was expecting some stereotypical 'gamer mom,' but instead I meet someone who could grace any diplomatic reception. Are you sure you're not secretly a fashion model?"
Ayame laughed. "Father, you're terrible."
"I'm being a gentleman," Yoshida protested. "Is it a crime to appreciate elegance when I see it?"
Finance Minister Takahashi approached, shaking his head with amusement. "Takeshi, stop flirting. You're going to scandalize your children."
"Takahashi-san," Yoshida said dramatically, "I finally took break from political scene. Allow me this small pleasure of conversing with a beautiful woman."
Max's mother had gone from shocked to amused, clearly recognizing the playful nature of the banter. "You're very charming, Prime Minister. I see where your children get their charisma."
"See?" Yoshida grinned at Takahashi. "She gets it. This is friendly conversation, nothing scandalous."
Kaito covered his face with his hand. "I can't take him anywhere."
"You brought him to a gaming lounge," Ayame pointed out. "What did you expect?"
Takahashi turned to Max and his mother with a more professional smile. "I'm Takahashi Kenji. My daughter speaks highly of your son's abilities. Welcome to Phoenix."
"Thank you, Minister," Max said.
"Just Takahashi in here," he said. "Or better yet, call me by my gaming tag—I play under 'ShadowBanker.' Terrible name, I know, but it amused me when I created my character."
"You play too?" Max's mother asked, surprised.
"Everyone in this room plays," Takahashi said. "That's the point. Aetheria isn't just a game anymore—it's a new frontier of economics, diplomacy, and social interaction."
Prime Minister Yoshida nodded, becoming more serious. "The world is changing rapidly. Virtual economies, digital governance, international cooperation through gaming platforms—these are the realities of the 21st century. My children aren't just playing a game. They're learning to navigate the future."
"And occasionally getting their father to embarrass them," Ayame added dryly.