The morning sunlight streamed through Emir's window, casting patterns on the walls as he sat at his desk, sipping a steaming cup of coffee. His mind was a storm of thoughts. The skill tree's new branch, Architect of Reality, lingered in his mind. It wasn't just a power—it was a challenge.
To shape reality itself? The weight of such a concept made him uneasy, but it also ignited a flicker of ambition. If he could master this ability, he wouldn't just build an empire; he would redefine how the world functioned.
But first, he needed credits. A lot of them.
---
A Mysterious Invitation
Midway through the day, as Emir scrolled through his email, he stumbled upon an unexpected message.
You're cordially invited to a private auction hosted by The Consortium.
The Consortium. Even the name carried an air of exclusivity and mystery. Emir had heard of it before—an elite group of collectors, tycoons, and enthusiasts who dealt in artifacts, rare items, and occasionally, information.
Most people couldn't even dream of receiving an invite, and yet here it was, sitting in his inbox.
"What do you want from me?" Emir murmured, leaning back in his chair.
The invitation gave a location—an undisclosed venue on the outskirts of the city—and a date: tonight.
---
The Auction of Illusions
By evening, Emir found himself standing before an unassuming building in a quiet part of town. The only indication he was in the right place was the discreet but sharp-dressed attendant who greeted him with a slight bow and escorted him inside.
The auction hall was a picture of understated luxury. Soft golden lights illuminated rows of plush chairs, while attendees mingled, their whispers blending into a quiet hum.
Every person wore a mask—an elaborate tradition of anonymity that The Consortium prided itself on. Emir was handed his own mask, a sleek black design that hid just enough of his face to make him blend in.
The items being auctioned were as outlandish as ever: a mirror said to show alternate realities, a pen claimed to have written treaties that changed the world, and a crown that supposedly granted its wearer the charisma of a king.
Emir watched, amused, as people bid astronomical sums for these trinkets. But what truly caught his attention wasn't the items—it was the people.
---
A False Superpower?
One bidder, sitting a few rows ahead, exuded an almost otherworldly confidence. Dressed in a tailored silver suit, he raised his paddle often, speaking only in short, sharp commands to his assistant.
When the auctioneer introduced a gemstone called "The Eternal Heart," the man stood and addressed the room.
"This artifact saved my life," he declared, his voice carrying an air of authority. "It has powers beyond what most of you can comprehend. And I intend to reclaim it."
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and murmurs of "He's one of them" reached Emir's ears.
"Another faker," Emir muttered under his breath. The gemstone, like the other relics, was nothing more than an overpriced decoration. But the man's performance had captured the room's attention, further fueling the myth of superpowers.
---
A Glimpse of Greatness
Emir left the auction empty-handed but not disappointed. His goal wasn't to buy—it was to observe. What he had learned was invaluable. The belief in relics wasn't just widespread; it was an entire ecosystem of lies, with players at every level feeding into it.
As he walked home, his skill tree appeared once again, glowing faintly.
A new branch flickered into existence: "Weaver of Legends."
Turn rumors into reality. Shape the beliefs of others to build an unshakable foundation for your legacy.
The cost was steep: another 100 million credits.
Emir grinned. "You're really pushing me, aren't you?"
He glanced at the city skyline, its lights shimmering like a sea of stars. If he wanted to unlock these skills, he needed to start laying the groundwork now.
---
The Journey Begins
That night, Emir began drafting plans for his empire. He wouldn't just create a business or build a fortune—he would design a legacy so grand, so undeniable, that the world would bend to its existence.
But he knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. Deception was everywhere, and his power was his greatest secret.
In a world chasing false relics and fabricated superpowers, Emir held the only truth. And with every step he took, he was closer to reshaping the world in his image.