Matthew sighed, exhausted, as he completed the mission in the game.
"These demigods are so annoying!" he complained, running his hand through his hair.
"Sir, this is in normal mode... we can change it to easy, if you prefer," Aether suggested, projecting himself next to him with a neutral but slightly provocative tone.
"What?" Matthew's eyes widened in surprise. "How can these NPCs be so good in normal mode?"
"The game 'Almighty: Battle of the Gods' is... challenging, sir," Aether replied, trying to contain his usual irony.
"Challenging? That's crazy," Matthew grumbled. "This is just the beta test, right?"
"Exactly. The NeuroPlay team requested that you evaluate the game during the last meeting," Aether explained. "But I must say, sir, the average player on the stream completes this mission in record time."
"Ahhh, Aether, enough of that. Let's change the subject!" Frustrated, he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
Aether, without wasting time, projected a new screen with company statistics.
"Our security system and AI continue to be at the top of the list, with 97% approval among competitors."
Matthew narrowed his eyes, attentive.
"Is the security system still facing hacker attacks?"
"Yes, sir. Every 26 hours we face a large-scale attack, in addition to almost constant smaller incursions."
Matthew sighed deeply, feeling the weight of his responsibilities.
"Inform the network team that their salary will be increased by 18%," he decided.
"Noted," Aether replied, as he recorded the instruction.
"Also, arrange a dinner at the Revier Hotel for the teams involved, on my tab."
"Sir, is there anything else you need?"
Matthew leaned forward thoughtfully.
"Yes. Contact the hotel staff and offer them a job at our corporate restaurant. Raise their salaries until they accept."
"Understood, sir. Proposal in progress," Aether confirmed, ever efficient.
Matthew relaxed a little, feeling relieved.
"At least something is going well," he muttered, ready to face the next battle, whether in the game or in real life.
---
Matthew walked down to his private garage, where an impeccable collection of luxury cars awaited him. He scanned the options, but his steps stopped next to his latest acquisition: a Lamborghini Revuelto, with a special metallic sky blue paint job and exposed carbon fiber details. The bold lines and powerful roar of the V12 hybrid engine seemed like a living work of art.
"Today is yours," he murmured, running his hand over the hood before getting into the car.
The interior was a luxurious combination of black leather with blue stitching, and the advanced technology enveloped him in a futuristic atmosphere. He started the engine, which roared like a beast, and set off towards Elise's house.
Elise Montavon was waiting for him at the entrance to her mansion. Matthew parked, but when he got out of the car, he momentarily lost his breath.
Elise was stunning. Her white hair fell in perfect cascades over her shoulders, contrasting with her light green eyes, which shone like emeralds in the afternoon light. Her face was a work of art, with features so harmonious they seemed unreal.
The dress she was wearing was an exclusive release of the season, a white model with black details that outlined her figure in an elegant and provocative way. The light, flowing fabric had strategic cuts that showed a perfect balance between sophistication and sensuality. Her breasts filled the cleavage just right, while her sculpted legs seemed to have been molded to perfection.
She was holding a black bag with gold details, a rare item from a limited collection by Montavon, her own brand.
"Hi, Matt," she greeted, smiling as she noticed his mesmerized gaze.
"Hi... Honey... are you..." He stammered, unable to finish the sentence.
"Am I?" she teased, tilting her head slightly, amused by Matthew's silly reaction.
"Amazing... perfect... I mean... you look beautiful," she blurted out, feeling her face heat up.
"Thank you. You look great too," she replied with a soft smile, her eyes roaming over the Lamborghini parked nearby.
Matthew opened the passenger door for her and helped her in. During the ride, Elise's delicate perfume filled the space, making him even more nervous.
They arrived at the restaurant at the top of the Skyview Hotel, the tallest in K-City, famous for its stunning panoramic views. Matthew had reserved a table near the windows, where the city sparkled like a sea of stars.
The ambiance was sophisticated, with soft lighting and a classical soundtrack playing in the background. Elise looked right at home there, walking with a natural elegance that drew the eyes of everyone around her.
"This is wonderful, Matthew," she commented as he pulled out the chair for her.
"Not as wonderful as you..." he murmured, realizing too late that he had spoken out loud.
Elise laughed, enchanted by his manner.
"You really know how to please a woman."
Matthew sat across from her, determined to make this evening memorable, even though his heart was still racing.