Walking out of the elevator, Beth was pleasantly surprised. The bar was really coming together, the interior decorators had almost finished, and they really did a good job. As one walked out of the elevator, they were greeted with a hallway that quickly opened up into a large open plan area. Currently empty, it was shaped like a large semi-circle, with the bar situated in the middle of the flat side. The curve was formed from huge floor to ceiling windows showing off an amazing view of Stockton's skyline. The open area was going to be filled with four-seater tables while the curved side would have one huge, long sofa. This statement piece was going to face more comfortable seats across a marble tabletop, effectively braking up the whole length of the window into 16 cubicles.
After taking in the view, Beth turned around to the bar. Seeing Jerome wiping clean the bar top she was amazed at how it looked. A copper and black marble scheme was selected for a modern yet stylish look. The bar was long with stylish black stools lining the length. The wall behind the bar was a repository of alcohol, you name it, and it had a place on the wall. Along with Jerome cleaning the bar, two young girls had been sent by Scarlet to be trained into barmaids. One was a short, pretty, brunette with large brown eyes and chubby cheeks. She gave off a very 'little sister' feeling that made most people very comfortable. The other girl was taller, blonde, with gorgeous light blue eyes. She was the complete antithesis of the first girl, a complete ice queen. However, Beth could tell that she still seemed comfortable around people and gave an amicable aura rather than one of unapproachability.
"Ah, Beth! You finally came to witness this masterpiece. The interior decorators you sent me are genius', everything I asked has been done. They even sent over a complimentary logo designer from a partner business. I took note of your connection to Ancient Greco Pantheon and decided to call it Elysium."
"Good name. I like the logo too; simple lower-case cursive has a statement of confidence that I can get behind."
Looking towards the two barmaids who were confused she introduced herself.
"Hello girls, I am Elizabeth Morrigan. I paid for this bar; you can view me as your manager."
"Nice to meet you Miss Morrigan, I am Laura, and this is Claudia. We were sent by Miss Scarlet to work here."
"Ah, I was wondering who picked you, but it seems Jerome is happy with Scarlet's choice. I am too, you suit the business."
"Alright! Enough with the introductions Beth, follow me. I'll show you the piece de resistance!"
Leading the way, Jerome walked from behind the bar towards a wide staircase to its right. Going up Beth was greeted by a hallway, on the right of the hallway was five doors all labelled by roman numerals, looking inside she saw a luxurious suite that could comfortably have ten people enjoy themselves.
"These are the private rooms, 'I' will always be reserved for the syndicate, but the others can be rented out as required. To the left through those massive doors is the rooftop. I had put in glass barriers all the way around for safety. The rest of the rooftop has been fashioned into seating with an outdoor heater at the centre of every table. However, I doubt we will need them as summer is just coming in."
"You really outdid yourself Jerome, this is looking like luxury personified."
"Yeh, that was the plan, the Boss told me to make sure that it only attracts high society. That's the people he wants to target therefore I worked to the specification."
"Alright, I think we should work by membership only for the club. Gold cards for regular members, platinum for VIP's and black for Styx. I'll let you deal with it but make it a sorting pot. I want stringent requirements. Business will be slow at the beginning but once Styx get's some traction it will be a whole other story."
"Alright, I understand. I will work out a scheme before grand opening."
"Good. I've got other meetings today, so I'm going to leave you to finish up here. Oh, also prepare the rooftop for a meeting before the grand opening. Everyone will be here."
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Alex had spent his week in the apartment, studying endlessly. Diving into the world of hacking had been tiring, something so endless was difficult to master. Alex felt that his skill had started to get better and better, after three days he had already outgrown the material Beth had sourced for him.
It was on the fourth day that he was pleasantly surprised.
[Host's skill in hacking has reached the requirement. Awarding class skill:
- Hacking
A recognised self-taught skill. This skill provides a big boost to host's hacking speed and efficiency.]
After seeing the pop-up notification of a skill being created, he tried it out noticing a huge boost to his speed and knowledge. Almost as if the system implanted information in his brain without him knowing, along with years of experience.
Taking a quick break, he realised that the grand opening of the bar was only two days away. Oh wait, it isn't just the bar now, it's Elysium. Alex had arranged for a meeting with everyone before the bar opens up. Coincidentally it is also when the 7-day timer for the Recruitment shop runs out.
Hopefully, he will be able to get some more useful people to join the syndicate. Getting 100% loyal subordinates was always useful. However, he will need to establish a street presence with just street recruits not bound by the system. As Alex thought about this problem, he came to a quick solution. Tim, the gang leader of the Jackals, would make for a good recruiter on the street for the syndicate. If Alex could get someone to act as the underboss of the streetside thugs from the recruitment shop that would be the best. If he couldn't, he will just run the operation himself for the time being until he finds someone to take it over.
This led Alex to recognise another task that will be required soon, the analysis and mapping of the current underworld powers of Stockton. It would not be good to tread on dragon's toes especially if Styx is still as weak as they are now. It would also allow them to plan their development and absorption of the other powers. Since the syndicates goal was domination of the global underworld, meticulous planning was required at every step.
Returning back to practicing his hacking skill, Alex left all these troubles till the meeting. Discussing it with the others will be the best way forward.