[Dragon Bay Villa - Master Bedroom]
The morning sun hit the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the room was still cold. The air conditioner was set to maximum, just how Alex liked it.
He sat on the edge of his king-sized bed, holding a glowing golden box.
It pulsed with a heavy, rhythmic hum, like a heartbeat.
[Item: Mystery Box (Rank S)] [Source: Defeating a Corrupted System User (Vincent).] [Description: Contains a technology, skill, or item capable of altering the fate of a nation.]
"A nation," Alex whispered. "Vincent wanted to destroy the city. I guess I get the tools to rebuild it."
Luna stood by the door, alert. She was still wearing her combat gear, though it was cleaned of the soot from the orbital strike.
"Master," she said softly. "The energy coming from that box... it scares me."
"It should," Alex smiled. "Open it."
He flipped the latch.
HISSSSSS.
Golden steam poured out of the box, filling the room with the smell of ozone and fresh rain. A blinding light erupted, forcing Alex to squint.
When the light faded, the box was gone. Floating in the air was a small, metallic chip. It looked like liquid silver, constantly shifting shapes.
[DING!] [Congratulations! You have obtained: 'DAWN' (Digital Artificial Wisdom Network).] [Rank: S-Class (Growth Type).] [Type: Super-AI Assistant.] [Capabilities:]
Global Hack: Can bypass Level 5 Firewalls instantly.
Market Manipulation: Can manage stock portfolios with 99.9% prediction accuracy.
Defense Protocol: Can take control of any automated machinery (drones, turrets, cars) within a 50-mile radius.
Personality: Loyal / Ruthless.
"An AI," Alex grinned. "Finally. I was getting tired of typing."
Alex reached out and touched the liquid silver chip. It instantly dissolved into his skin, merging with his smartwatch.
"Greetings, Administrator," a cool, female voice echoed in the room. It didn't come from a speaker; it came from everywhere. "System synchronization complete. I am DAWN."
"Dawn," Alex tested the name. "Report status."
"Accessing Global News..." Dawn replied instantly. "Sir, your 'Orbital Strike' yesterday has caused a geopolitical panic. The United Nations is holding an emergency meeting. The US Military has deployed two carrier groups to the Pacific. They believe an alien weapon was fired."
Alex laughed. He walked to the window and looked down at his city.
"Let them panic," Alex said. "Dawn, secure my accounts."
"Done. I have routed your wealth through 50,000 shell companies. Your identity is hidden behind a Quantum Encryption wall. No government can trace the money to you."
"Good," Alex checked his reflection. "Now, I have a job for you. I need a company."
"A company, sir?"
"I own a mall, an island, and a utility provider," Alex said. "But I don't have a Flagship. I need a Headquarters. A place where I can look down on the world."
"Searching Real Estate Listings..."
[Search Complete.] [Target Found: The Apex Tower.] [Location: City Center.] [Height: 108 Stories.] [Status: For Sale (Bankrupt Developer).] [Price: $4.5 Billion.]
Alex looked at the holographic image of the massive black tower that dominated the city skyline. It looked like a sword stabbing the sky.
"Perfect," Alex adjusted his tie. "Luna, get the car. We're going shopping."
"Master," Luna hesitated. "That building... it is owned by the Banking Cartel. They are not easy to deal with."
Alex looked at her with his new, cold confidence.
"Luna, yesterday I vaporized a demon from space," Alex said. "Do you think I'm afraid of a banker?"