[The Pantheon - 108th Floor Sky Lounge]
The invitations were made of solid gold cards, weighing 5 ounces each. Only 100 were sent out. Tonight was the official opening of The Pantheon.
The Sky Lounge was a paradise above the clouds. The floor was made of transparent glass, allowing guests to see the city lights a mile below. The ceiling was a digital dome projecting the Milky Way in real-time.
"Check one, two," the sound technician nervously adjusted the microphone.
The entertainment for the night wasn't a DJ. It was the London Symphony Orchestra, flown in on a private Boeing 747 just for background music.
Alex stood at the entrance, wearing a tuxedo woven with diamond dust (Cost: $500,000). Luna stood beside him in a black evening gown that concealed three knives and a pistol.
"They are arriving, Master," Luna whispered.
The elevator doors opened.
[The Guest List]
The Mayor: Bowed deeply to Alex. "Mr. Alex! The city looks beautiful tonight, thanks to you!"
The Tech Moguls: The CEO of Face-Book looked nervous. He knew Alex could buy his company before dessert.
The Movie Stars: A-List actresses were fighting to get close to Alex, hoping for a smile or a sponsorship.
Alex greeted them with a polite, bored nod. To him, they were just NPCs.
[The Conflict]
Suddenly, the room went quiet.
A man walked in wearing a white suit with no tie. He had sunglasses on indoors. A massive entourage of bodyguards and cameras followed him.
It was Jax Nova. The world's biggest Pop Star. 200 Million followers. Ego the size of a planet.
Jax didn't greet Alex. He walked past him and sat directly on the Throne—a golden chair reserved for the host.
"Nice place, kid," Jax said, putting his feet up on the table. "My agent said you wanted me to perform? I usually charge $5 Million, but for this... I'll take $10 Million."
The room gasped. No one disrespected the King of the Skyline.
Alex walked over slowly. The glass floor didn't crack, but the air felt heavier.
"Jax Nova," Alex smiled politely. "I didn't invite you to perform."
"What?" Jax laughed, lowering his sunglasses. "Everyone wants me to perform. I'm the biggest star on Earth."
"I invited you," Alex said, checking his watch, "because my janitor likes your music."
Alex snapped his fingers.
An old man in a blue janitor's uniform, holding a mop, was ushered forward by Sebastian. The janitor looked terrified.
"Mr. Henderson," Alex said gently to the janitor. "Is this the singer you like?"
"Y-yes, Mr. Alex," the janitor stuttered. "My granddaughter loves his songs."
"Good," Alex turned to Jax. "Sing for him."
Jax stood up, his face red. "Are you joking? I don't sing for janitors! I am a Global Icon! Do you know who I am?!"
"Dawn," Alex said. "Who owns Jax's record label?"
"Universal Sound Group," Dawn replied via the room's speakers. "Market Cap: $3 Billion."
"Buy it," Alex said.
"Processing... Transaction Complete. You are now the majority shareholder of Universal Sound Group."
Alex looked at Jax.
"I am your boss now, Jax. And as your boss, I am ordering you to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Mr. Henderson. If you refuse, I will delete your entire discography from the internet within ten seconds."
Jax froze. He looked at Dawn's holographic display. It showed his contract being transferred to "Pantheon Media."
His ego shattered instantly.
"I... I..." Jax swallowed hard. He looked at the janitor.
"Happy... Happy Birthday to you..." Jax began to sing, his voice trembling.
The room erupted in applause—not for Jax, but for Alex.
[The Mysterious Guest]
While the crowd laughed at the humiliated pop star, a woman watched from the shadows near the bar.
She wore a red dress. She held a martini glass but hadn't taken a sip.
[God's Eye Active] [Target: Unknown.] [Name: Isabella V.] [Affiliation: The Council of Five (Observer).] [Status: Dangerous.] [Note: She is not impressed.]
Alex locked eyes with her. She raised her glass in a mocking toast, then turned and vanished into the crowd.
"Luna," Alex whispered, his smile fading. "Track her."
"I can't, Master," Luna replied, touching her earpiece. "She... she just disappeared from the sensors."
Alex gripped his champagne glass.
"The Serpent Group was just a gang," Alex murmured. "Now the real players are showing up."