ACCESS GRANTED.
Once inside, I checked my ID again. The black surface shimred faintly under the elevator lights.
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Na: Ace D. rcer
Birthday : Marzen 13, 2045
Status : High Net-Worth Citizen
Priority Level: High
======
The information on this card was vital. Holding the status of a High Net Worth Citizen granted access to most areas and facilities in the city.
And in case of an ergency, I would be prioritized by the enforcent units because my life was practically more important than a commoner’s. It was an unfair system, but that’s just how things worked.
What a handy item. Losing it would strip of every advantage I currently enjoyed , and I wasn’t about to let that happen.
While the elevator ascended, the screen above flickered with updates: news headlines, stock values, and governnt announcents. But one announcent caught my attention.
[RCER CORPORATION RELEASES STATENT REGARDING THE INVESTNT FROM DARKROCK COMPANY]
Right away, the ticker for rcer Corp. stock spiked by five points. Typical. One ntion from them could shake the market.
They had been the biggest asset managent company long before the monsters appeared, and they still ruled the ga today.
ding!
The elevator doors slid open, and what greeted was a massive lobby that resembled an outdoor school courtyard.
A gentle rush of cool, filtered air t as the doors slid open. The scent of damp soil and faint citrus from the automated sprayers lingered in the air. Rows of manicured trees lined the path, their leaves whispering softly under the artificial skylight.
Surrounding it on all sides were buildings connected by glass walkways. Now I understood why the place had that football-field feel.
Soon, I spotted a crowd of students , and damn, the average looks here were way above normal. Both guys and girls looked like idol trainees. Good thing I’d dressed decently today, or I would’ve stood out for all the wrong reasons.
They didn’t even spare a glance, so I went ahead and approached a group of pretty girls who looked kind enough to talk to.
"Hi, mind if I ask a few questions?" My voice ca out smoother than usual — the effect of activating [Francis’ Card] With the resonance active, my charm received a noticeable boost, making it easier to blend with the normies.
One of the girls looked up first . Tall, with wavy brown hair and glasses that gave her a mature but friendly vibe.
"Sure," she responded with a small smile. "You look new. Transfer student?"
"Not exactly," I replied, keeping my tone casual.
Her friend, the one with short pink hair, leaned forward with interest. "Oh? So you’re coming back after a break or sothing?"
"I’m actually looking for soone."
"Oh?" The pink-haired girl tilted her head. "Who?"
"Ella," I replied. "Ella rcer."
Their expressions changed instantly. The cheerful energy they had a mont ago vanished, replaced by subtle frowns and a hint of tension. Looked like my angelic sister wasn’t exactly popular around here.
"Why are you looking for her?" one of them finally asked.
I hesitated for a second, then decided to play it straight — mostly.
"I’m her brother—" I stopped mid-sentence. "No, her stepbrother. Ace rcer. The only biological son of Daniel rcer. I’m sure you’ve heard the na."
All three girls gasped softly, eyes widening as the weight of the surna sank in. I could almost see the calculations forming in their heads.
To seal the deal, I pulled out my black ID card and held it up.
Their expressions flipped from cautious to impressed, even a little flustered. Who could resist the son of a multi-billionaire? The previous Ace might’ve ignored that kind of privilege, but ? I planned to milk it for all it was worth.
The pink-haired one recovered first, flashing a playful grin.
"Well, talk about a surprise," she said. "Didn’t expect that na to drop out of nowhere."
She extended a hand toward . "I’m Rika. Second-year, Fashion Departnt."
Girl with glasses adjusted her fras. "Selene. Music Departnt. It’s... nice to et you, Ace."
The third girl — quiet until now — brushed a strand of black hair behind her ear and smiled softly. "I’m Lyka... Acting Departnt."
"Good to et you all," I said, pocketing my card. "Seems like Ella’s made a bad impression here."
Rika and Selene exchanged an uneasy look before speaking "I’m sorry... we didn’t realize you were her—"
"Don’t be," I cut her off with a faint smirk. "I hate her attitude too."
That made them blink , then Rika laughed, trying to stifle it behind her hand.
"Well, that’s a relief. Thought we just stepped on a landmine."
"Not at all. Honestly, I have no idea where she got that arrogant attitude from. Her mother’s actually really kind and mindful...but that girl? She’s too spoiled."
I got a positive response from them .Exactly what I was aiming for.
Ella’s always been hostile toward , so trying to charm my way would be difficult. What I needed was info. Information that would make her dance in my palm.
"How about we go sowhere more private? I want to know more about my dear sister."
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