Each breath felt deep, powerful. He touched his chest and felt the pulse of renewed vitality.
"What... what the hell is going on?" he whispered to himself, still trying to process what had just happened. He, a young man who until minutes ago had been at rock bottom, now had a life of unimaginable riches and the physique of a demigod.
A smile began to form on his face. Maybe, just maybe, things were going to change for real.
Matthew was still trying to process what had just happened. The screen had disappeared, but the feeling of power, of being at his physical peak, was undeniable. He ran his hands over his arms, feeling strong, defined muscles that had not been there before. However, a part of his mind still struggled to accept what was happening.
The system had mentioned a car... "60 million Aurums?" he thought, still surprised. Without hesitation, he headed for the door of his apartment, driven by curiosity.
As he opened the door and walked down the stairs to the street, what he saw took his breath away. Parked right in front of his building was the most incredible car he had ever seen. It was a hypercar, completely out of the ordinary, shining under the city lights like a rare jewel.
The vehicle had a low, aerodynamic body, coated in a black metallic paint that seemed almost liquid, reflecting the surrounding environment perfectly. Elegant golden lines outlined the curves of the car, highlighting its structure, as if they had been hand-sculpted by some divine craftsman. The headlights were sharply shaped, resembling the eyes of a predatory beast ready to spring. The bright blue light emanating from them added a futuristic and menacing touch to the vehicle.
Matthew approached, his heart pounding. Next to the car, engraved in discreet golden letters, was the name of the model: "Zenith X9 - Limited Edition". He read it aloud, impressed. The make and model were exclusive even among the wealthy of Aurania, and only a handful of people could afford to own something so extravagant. He ran his hands along the side of the car, feeling the impeccable smoothness of the upholstery. The wheels, black and solid, had an angular, almost aggressive design, and the ceramic brakes gleamed behind the rims, indicating a power beyond that of any ordinary vehicle. The doors were gull-winged, and when he ran his hand along the side, one of them opened automatically, revealing the interior. The interior was as impressive as the exterior: high-quality white leather seats, with hand-stitched gold details. The carbon fiber steering wheel seemed custom-made, fitting perfectly in his hands. The digital dashboard illuminated the space with a soft blue light, displaying a set of complex and futuristic controls. There was a holographic screen in the center, showing information about the car, from the maximum speed to the range, 700 km on a single charge. The smell of new leather mixed with a light woody aroma invaded Mateus's nostrils, provoking a feeling of pure luxury. He sat in the driver's seat, feeling the immediate comfort as the car automatically adjusted to his body. The steering wheel, the dashboard and even the seat subtly changed position, as if the car were alive, designed to offer maximum comfort and control.
A warning flashed on the dashboard:
[Welcome, Mateus Oliveira. Registered owner of the Zenith X9. Do you want to start demo mode?]
Mateus smiled. This was much more than he had ever dreamed. Just minutes ago, he had been on the brink of the abyss, and now, he was behind the wheel of a machine valued at tens of millions.
Matthew did not hesitate. With a gentle touch on the dashboard, he accepted the suggestion of the car's holographic interface. The Zenith X9's engine roared to life, emitting a deep, powerful yet soft sound, like the subdued growl of a beast about to attack. It was a sound of pure, cutting-edge engineering. He gave the accelerator a gentle tap, and the car practically floated forward, moving with incredible smoothness.
The city before him was ablaze with lights and movement. K-City, one of Aurania's largest and most vibrant metropolises, was alive tonight. Known internationally as a hub of innovation, finance, and luxury, the city was a favorite destination for elites from around the world, where ultramodern skyscrapers mingled with historic plazas and renowned cultural centers. Mateus joined the flow of traffic on the main avenue, his car gliding along the perfectly paved streets.
The glass and steel towers of K towered like giants above it. The architecture was a mix of high-tech and art, with buildings of bold geometric shapes and facades illuminated by colored lights. Some buildings had giant screens that broadcast high-definition advertising images, selling everything from the latest fashions to futuristic technological creations. On one, a model paraded in a shimmering dress, while another screen showed the launch of a new private aircraft.
The traffic was surprisingly well organized for such a busy city. State-of-the-art self-driving cars, classified as the new generation of the wealthy, were common on the streets.
There were dedicated lanes for these intelligent vehicles, allowing for fast and safe travel. In addition, surveillance drones constantly flew overhead, monitoring security and controlling the flow of traffic. K City was the true example of a modern and efficient metropolis.
The main avenue led straight to the city's financial heart, where giants like the Aurum Tower, K's tallest building, dominated the skyline. The tower was a landmark of economic power, a symbol of the wealth accumulated by the corporations that controlled Aurania's economy. Inside, billion-dollar transactions were being made, and Matthew could already imagine what it would be like to enter this world that had previously seemed too distant to him.
The streets were full of life. Groups of well-dressed people walked along the wide marble sidewalks, many coming from fancy restaurants and rooftop bars with stunning views of the city. K-City never slept, and luxury was everywhere. International brand boutiques, exclusive jewelry stores, and luxury car dealerships lined the streets, each with impressive facades.
Matthew turned onto a side street, where the high-end residential areas were located. Modern mansions with futuristic designs were surrounded by lush gardens and illuminated fountains. Some luxury apartment buildings had private entrances for cars, with elevators that took them directly to the penthouses. He knew that somewhere in this city, his new mansion, given to him by the system, was waiting for him.
As he drove through the gleaming streets, Mateus couldn't help but marvel at the speed and control of the Zenith X9. The car responded to his every touch with surgical precision. Acceleration was instantaneous but smooth, and the steering felt as if he were steering the wind itself. He glided through the traffic with ease, while the city lights reflected off the car's metal body, creating a visual spectacle.
For a moment, he passed a huge park in the city center, known as Parque da União, an oasis of greenery amid the skyscrapers. There, families strolled, and young people played sports on floodlit fields. Dancing fountains in the center of the park shot jets of water into the sky, illuminated by colored lights. In the distance, the shopping streets were crowded with tourists, eager to explore the endless array of entertainment and culture the city had to offer.
Matthew pressed the accelerator a little harder. The Zenith X9 responded with a burst of speed, launching him down the long avenue. He finally felt in control, not just of the car, but of his life itself. K-City, with all its opulence and grandeur, now seemed his for the taking. The night sky reflected the bright lights of the metropolis, and Matthew, behind the wheel of a car few would ever drive, knew he was just getting started.