The luxury grooming lounge sat on the 45th floor of a high-rise in Midtown. The kind of place that didn't advertise — it whispered its presence to those wealthy enough to hear it.
Damon stepped off the elevator, dressed in his fitted charcoal suit. The receptionist — model-thin with icy blue eyes — blinked as he entered.
"Do you have an appointment?"
Before he could answer, the system pulsed.
[Check-In Detected: Elite Grooming Lounge]
Reward: "Divine Aura Enhancement I" — Increases physical beauty, skin clarity, hair texture, and overall aura
Bonus: +10 Attractiveness, +5 Confidence, Passive Skill "Presence of Power" Unlocked
The receptionist's expression changed instantly.
"Actually… right this way, Mr. Black."
The experience was different.
Not a simple haircut or shave — this was a ritual. A head massage with oils that smelled like ambition. A straight-razor lineup so sharp it could silence a room. Hair refined into waves that looked painted on. Beard sculpted with mathematical precision.
His skin? Smooth. Glowing.
And when he finally stood in front of the mirror…
Damon saw it.
Not the kid they clowned.
Not the man they forgot.
But the king they would regret ignoring.
Meanwhile…
Across the city, group chats were buzzing.
Screenshots. Snaps. A video someone had taken of Damon stepping out of the black Lamborghini outside the tailor shop.
"Yo, is that Damon Black??"
"Wasn't he broke like two weeks ago?"
"Bro glowed up on demon time…"
Even the bullies from back then — guys like Marcus "Big Chill" Winters and Trayvon from varsity — were asking questions.
"Y'all remember how we used to clown him?"
"Bet he rented that Lambo."
"Watch him show up thinking he matters now. I swear—"
And in a quiet condo across town, Tasha stared at her phone.
She zoomed in on Damon's face in one of the screenshots.
That suit.
That car.
Those eyes.
She bit her lip without meaning to.
"…what the hell happened to you?"
Back at Damon's Apartment
He stood shirtless now, admiring the changes. His muscles had filled out. Skin clearer. Hair flawless. Every upgrade stacked — not just physical, but presence. The kind of look that walked into a room before the man did.
The system buzzed again.
[Reunion Countdown: 3 Days Remaining]
Optional Check-In: "Legacy Watch Boutique" — Final Style Bonus Available
Optional Emotional Check-In: "Healing Space — Therapy or Meditation"
Unlock Deeper Power?
Damon frowned slightly.
Therapy?
He wasn't sure he was ready for that.
But something told him the system wouldn't suggest it without a reason.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and whispered to himself:
"One step at a time. But when I show up… I show out."