Later that afternoon, Sophia and August were having lunch at a nearby joint when their neighbor, Emily, joined them. Emily was a young artist, always covered in paint stains and with an air of chaotic energy.
"You two are seriously the most interesting people to move into this neighborhood," Emily voiced before sipping her iced coffee. "Like, you look normal, but there's sothing extra about you. I can feel it." She squinted at August suspiciously.
August chuckled. "We're just trying to live quietly, Em. Nothing special."
Emily leaned in closer. "Liar. I saw those crazy reflexes the other day when you caught that falling vase. You do taekwondo or sothing?"
Sophia groaned. "Emily, you're embarrassing him."
Emily smirked. "If I were younger, I'd totally be crushing on you."
Sophia shot back, "You're literally the sa age."
August shook his head with a laugh. "I think I need to find less observant neighbors."
---
By the end of the fourth day, AM Coven was thriving more than ever. Players flooded the futuristic store, browsing the impressive collection of extracted ga items and rare artifacts displayed elegantly in glass cases. The five guards clad in their super soldier gear, stood at key points with their robotic arms gleaming under the lights, adding a layer of intimidation to the already impressive establishnt.
That day, however, things took an interesting turn when the arrival of a notable guest caused a buzz around the area.
A long line of black SUVs pulled up outside the building. The convoy drew instant attention from passersby and store visitors alike. Bodyguards in crisp suits stepped out first, scanning the surroundings with military gaze before opening the doors for their charge.
Out stepped a young woman dressed in a designer outfit that scread wealth and power. Celeste Montgory, daughter of a prominent politician, walked with an air of entitlent as her heels clicked against the pavent.
She was stunning—long dark hair cascading in waves, designer sunglasses perched perfectly on her nose, and an expression that suggested she was used to having things handed to her on a silver platter.
Inside AM Coven, Greg who was stationed near the entrance was at loss on how to handle the situation. "Uh, Boss Aleman?" he whispered over the comms. "We've got a walking, talking diamond rolling in with an entourage. Should I polish my armor?"
August, who was behind the counter inspecting a new batch of enchanted daggers, glanced at the entrance.
His visor flickered faintly as he scanned the crowd. "Play it cool, Greg. She's probably here to browse."
Greg arched a brow. "Yeah, because rich heiresses totally waltz into ga stores with convoys just to browse."
Terry who was lounging near one of the displays, let out a low whistle. "Oh boy, it's Celeste Montgory. I've read about her online. You know she's obsessed with anything unique and expensive, right? We better not ss this up."
Darnell cracked his knuckles. "She can bring all the guards she wants, but if she touches anything she shouldn't, they won't be able to stop ."
Celeste stepped inside with an air of authority, scanning the displays with interest. Her eyes eventually landed on August, who remained behind the counter with his futuristic helt masking his face.
"You," she approached him with slow steps. "You're Aleman, right? The one everyone's talking about?"
August nodded. "That's . Welco to AM Coven. What can I do for you?"
Celeste studied him through her sunglasses. "I've heard a lot about you. A businessman, a player, a miracle worker." Her lips curled into an intrigued smile. "I want to see if you live up to the hype."
August tilted his head. "Depends on what you're looking for."
She gestured at the displays. "Sothing rare. Sothing powerful. Sothing... exclusive."
August crossed his arms. "We've got plenty of rare items, but exclusivity cos with a price."
Celeste smirked while snapping her fingers. One of her bodyguards approached and she opened a briefcase packed with stacks of cash.
"I'm not worried about price," she said confidently. "Show what you've got."
Greg practically drooled at the sight of the money. "Boss Aleman, can we keep her? Please?"
August sighed. "Let's see if she's serious first."
With a gesture, he led her deeper into the store to check out a variety of items.
"This is the Emberfla Sword, priced at about four hundred thousand dollars..."
"This is the Devil Fang Dagger... Contains a dark toxin that can spread through touch... Priced at two hundred thousand dollars..."
"This is the fruit of life...can heal any disease... Priced at Two million dollars..."
August continued to show her around the place, giving a brief explanation on every item behind the display cases.
After taking her around, they returned to the first counter August was behind and then we he asked her if she had made her pick.
Celeste Montgory leaned on the counter with an expectant smile as her designer perfu lingered in the air.
"You know," she said while twirling a lock of her perfectly styled hair, "I've seen your videos, Aleman. You're quite the... impressive figure."
August stood with his arms crossed behind the counter, remaining unfazed under his futuristic helt. "Appreciate the complint, Miss Montgory. Have you decided on sothing specific, or...?"
She waved a manicured hand dismissively. "Straight to business, huh? I like that. But I'll be honest—I'd consider patronizing this place if you agreed to go on a date with ."
Greg standing off to the side, nearly choked on his water. "Boss Aleman, did you hear that? A *date*! Imagine the potential connections!"
August ignored him. His voice remained calm and professional as he responded. "I'm flattered, but I don't mix business with personal matters. AM Coven is about ga items, not dates."
Celeste pouted before leaning closer. "Co on, just one date. Dinner, drinks... I promise I'm very persuasive."
August shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but my answer is still no."
Celeste narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're a tough one. Most people crumble the mont they hear my last na. Do you even know who my father is?"
August didn't flinch. "I'm aware. But it doesn't change my answer."
She crossed her arms and smirked. "You're really going to refuse ?"
"I already have," August replied.
Celeste's smile faltered, and frustration seeped into her tone. "Fine. Maybe I'll have my father shut this place down, then. I have connections, you know."
August's visor glead ominously as he stood straighter. The air around him grew heavier, and even Greg took a step back. "Threats don't work here, Miss Montgory. Either you're here to buy sothing, or you're not. If not, I suggest you leave and co back when you're serious about business."
Celeste blinked in surprise. People rarely talked back to her—especially not with that level of calm confidence. A slow grin spread across her face. "Interesting... you're really not afraid of my father, are you?"
"No," August replied simply.
She tilted her head, still intrigued. "Well then... I guess I'll be back." She turned on her heel dramatically and strutted toward the exit with her convoy of guards trailing behind her. "Don't miss too much, Aleman!"
August sighed as he watched her leave. Greg whistled low. "Boss, you really have a way with the ladies."
"Focus on work, Greg," August shook his head as he walked toward the display cases.
---
Outside AM Coven, minutes later...
Celeste walked toward her car with the convoy of black SUVs parked along the curb and her guards flanking her on both sides.
The sun reflected off the tinted windows, casting sharp glares.
From a rooftop across the street, hidden behind the towering buildings, a shadowy figure adjusted the scope of a sniper rifle.
A red dot locked onto Celeste's chest.
Just as her heels clicked closer to the car door, a voice called out from behind.
"Miss Montgory! You forgot this."
Celeste turned and blinked in surprise as Aleman approached, holding her phone and briefcase full of money in his gloved hand. She grinned while brushing her hair back. "Oh, how sweet of you—"
Suddenly, the reflection of the sniper's scope caught in August's helt visor. Ti seed to slow down as his instincts kicked in instantly.
**BANG!**
In a split second, August activated Phantom Blitz causing his body to dissolve into a straight purple line as he grabbed Celeste and teleported several ters to the side.
Fhrrewwwww~
They landed behind one of the SUVs just as the bullet pierced the air where she had been standing.
---
System Notification:
[ Phantom Blitz (Tier 2) Activated ]
---
Screams erupted from the crowd. Bystanders ducked, and Celeste's bodyguards scrambled to draw their weapons.
Celeste clung to August as her eyes widened with shock and admiration. "You... you saved ."
"Are you hurt?" August questioned with a calm tone despite the adrenaline coursing through him.
Celeste shook her head while staring up at him with a newfound glow of admiration. "I'm fine... but, wow."
He gently pushed her toward one of the guards. "Get her inside. I'll handle this."
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