Rain fell steadily over Demon Capital, covering the streets with a gray, damp veil. The lights from the streetlamps reflected in the puddles, creating flickering glimmers in the darkness. At that hour, the city seemed to be on pause, as if time itself had taken a breath.
Aren Thorne walked under his black umbrella, his pace calm and unhurried. His violet eyes, deep and analytical, remained fixed on his phone's screen as he moved, carefully avoiding puddles without losing his way.
There was something in the air that made him feel expectant, though he didn't yet know why.
Just as he crossed a deserted street, the phone vibrated with a strange sound and abruptly shut off. Aren looked up just as the streetlights flickered briefly. The air seemed to grow denser, and a shiver ran down his spine.
Then, before his eyes, a bluish, translucent light appeared, suspended in the air before him. It was a projection, glowing with contained intensity, silent yet impossible to ignore.
[Absolute Capital System – Initialization complete.]
Identity recognized: Aren Thorne.
Compatibility: 100%.
Initial benefit unlocked: Unlimited Credit Card.
Exclusive property. Limit: Infinite.
Notice: The system will remain inactive until the Initial Investment Cycle requirements are completed.
Current progress: 0%.
Secondary functions: Temporarily locked.
Enjoy your stay.
The projection vanished in the blink of an eye, and almost without realizing it, Aren saw a sleek, black metal card floating in front of him. He took it calmly, noticing the chill of the metal and the gray-etched letters: AREN THORNE.
He tucked the card into the inner pocket of his coat, keeping his stride steady. On the outside, he seemed indifferent; inside, his mind was already spinning, evaluating the magnitude of what he had just received.
The rain kept falling, as if nothing had changed in the world. But for Aren Thorne, reality had just shifted on its axis.