After a while, Carter halted in front of a small but fancy hotel. This was Harbor View, a 2-star rated hotel among the cheaper options in Starville. He decided it was a suitable place to start his new life.
Carter walked through the door and headed directly to the reception desk, speaking in a calm, measured tone. "Excuse me, I'd like to rent a room here."
The receptionist, a young woman, glanced at him with a look of disdain. "Even though our hotel isn't highly rated, don't look down on us like that, you beggar. Do you even have money for our lowest-ranked room?" she snapped, her voice loud and abrasive.
Despite her rude behavior, Carter remained calm, his expression unchanged. He looked at her with an annoyed gaze, the aura of his transcendence subtly influencing the atmosphere. "What is the price for the top-ranked room here?" he asked, his voice firm.
Intimidated by his presence, the receptionist involuntarily answered, "It's $2000 for the night, sir." Her tone was now noticeably more polite.
Carter laughed softly and responded, "I'll pay with a card. Also, I need new clothes; these are worn and torn. Can you help me with that? I'll pay you. And don't forget a meal; I haven't eaten in several days."
The receptionist, sensing the shift in power, quickly obliged. "I understand, sir. I'll bring everything you need. Here's your key—room 202 on the top floor. You can pay when you check out."
"Thank you," Carter replied, taking the key and heading toward the elevator.
Entering his room, Carter was taken aback by its luxury. He had never stayed in a place like this, not even in his dreams. As he marveled at the room, he wondered how a 5-star hotel would look.
He immediately headed to the bathroom to wash off the grime of the streets. The hot water felt rejuvenating against his skin. After finishing his bath, he wrapped a towel around himself and sat on the sofa, waiting for his clothes and meal.
A while later, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened it to find the same receptionist, now carrying a tray of food and a set of new clothes.
"Whoa, he's built and good-looking. He's a completely different person from before. His chest is so wide," the receptionist thought, her eyes lingering on Carter's physique with a hint of lust.
"Hey, are you there?" Carter asked, snapping her out of her daze.
"Yes, sir. I'm here to deliver your clothes and your meal," she replied, composing herself.
Carter let her in. She set up the table and handed him the clothes. Then she extended her hand with the payment machine. Carter swiped his card, fearing it might not work, but the transaction went through smoothly.
He smiled at her. "I don't have cash on me now, but I'll make sure to tip you before I check out."
The receptionist smiled back, bowing slightly. "It's okay, sir. I'll wait," she said before leaving the room.
Carter enjoyed his meal and changed into his new clothes. Shortly after, a staff member came to collect the utensils. With everything settled, he lay on the bed, ready to test the Shop skill and prepare for the events of the following day—his first steps towards acquiring power.
"Shop," Carter said, and a hologram appeared in front of him with the following message:
##Welcome to the Shop, Carter. Before continuing, please choose your surname.##
Carter stared at the message, thinking about his name. Carter Caldwell, the last name he despised, would now be erased. He would officially sever ties with his family. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke, "Carter... Savvy."
##Welcome, Carter Savvy. You will now receive your pack.##
"But I didn't buy anything yet," Carter thought in confusion. Suddenly, a portal materialized in the room, and Carter fell off the bed in surprise.
"What is this?" Carter shouted as he saw figures emerging from the portal, dressed in black suits. He freaked out and yelled, "Who are you people?"
"I am Riley, and these two are Mitchell and Nora. We are here to help you," said the first figure, a woman with a calm demeanor.
"Were you sent by that guy?" Carter asked, referring to the mysterious benefactor who gave him a second chance.
"Yes, and we are all experts in business, so don't worry, boss," Nora, an energetic girl, responded.
"Nora, behave yourself," Mitchell scolded.
Their appearances were striking. Riley had pure gold eyes and long hair, exuding a calm and respectful aura. Nora, with her small frame and red ponytails, was cute and lively. Mitchell, with his white hair and star-like eyes, seemed hard to read but just.
Initially freaked out, Carter calmed down and welcomed them. They sat and talked, explaining their roles.
"So you guys are here to help me," Carter said.
"Yes, we will be at your service in anything you do in the future," Riley responded.
"Well, I was in need of manpower, so this is perfect," Carter admitted.
"Don't worry, boss. I can even give you a massage if you want," Nora chimed in enthusiastically.
Bam!
"Behave yourself, Nora," Mitchell scolded, smacking her on the head.
"Ahh, what's wrong with you? I'm just talking to the boss like that because we're the same age," Nora pouted.
Indeed, all three were not much older than Carter. Nora and Riley were both 18, and Mitchell was 19. It felt like a band of teenagers on a mission.
"Hahaha, it's okay. You can talk informally to me and call me Carter," he said, making Nora even more excited.
"Then we will be in your care, Carter," Riley responded with a smooth smile that made Carter blush.
"I will be in your care too. Sorry about this small place. I'll look for a bigger house for you all to live in," Carter said.
"I want to live with Carter. I don't want to live anywhere else," Nora declared.
"If that's what you want, it's okay. I want to live a low-profile life for a while, so I won't be living in a big house. Is that okay with you?" Carter asked Nora.
"I don't care as long as I'm with you," Nora replied happily.
"What about you guys?" Carter asked.
"We'll live separately. I believe there will be a lot of things to do that will require us to act independently," Riley said sharply, understanding the situation perfectly.
"Well then, I'll give you my card so you can buy a home and other stuff. After that, I'll look for a house with Nora," Carter said.
"You don't have to, Carter. We already have our own cards connected to yours," Riley explained.
"Is that so? Then how about I take you out to look around the city and show you a few things?" Carter offered.
"No need. We came prepared and know everything about this place. We will communicate while taking care of everything. There is an important matter to attend to, isn't there?" Riley asked, seeing through Carter.
"Yes, we need to acquire Attribute Investment Company. The sun has already risen, so it's time," Carter said, looking out the window.
"Then we'll be leaving first. Hope for good news soon," Riley said.
"Also, don't worry about your identity. We'll ensure no one knows your real name. We'll use Mr. Savvy as the chairman's name," Riley assured him.
"Carter, we're leaving. Bye, see you later," Nora shouted.
"Don't forget to make a grand entrance at the scene later. We'll keep in touch," Carter instructed as he parted ways with them.
After they left, Carter closed the Shop hologram and stepped outside for a walk. As he strolled through Starville, he felt a mix of excitement and determination. The events of the day were just the beginning of his journey to power.