The sky over Aryanagar shimmered golden as Kaito Ryuu stood before the Ramesh Tower—fifty-three stories of glass, power, and legacy. This was not just a building. It was the beating heart of the old money elite.
Today, he was walking into their temple.
He adjusted the cuffs of his obsidian-black suit, custom-stitched with microthread tech-fiber that subtly glowed when hit by certain lighting. Sanaya had helped him pick it. Lyra had insisted on embedding two microdrones in the lapel.
The valet bowed, recognizing the Phantom Glide.
"Welcome, Mr. Ryuu. The summit awaits."
> SYSTEM EVENT: High-Stakes Negotiation Arena
Strategic Challenge: Secure influence without compromise
Threat: Political Counterplay & Elite Sabotage
Reward: Strategic Reputation Tier Increase + Potential Asset Acquisition
---
Private Elevator – Floor 52
Inside the elevator, ambient music played. Kaito's reflection stared back at him—not the boy from slums, but a storm in tailored silk.
His system pinged again.
> Passive Trigger: Visual Charisma Boost
Effect: +12% to first impression reactions in elite environments
The elevator opened.
A curved hall lined with fine art led into the summit.
The attendees were already talking—men and women in elegant suits, guarded smiles, and old alliances.
He walked past Vikram Ahuja, the steel magnate; Dr. Ila Rao, biotech mogul; and Mohan Rajput, media baron.
He was an outsider. And yet all eyes flicked to him.
---
Ramesh Summit Hall
A voice called out, cool and curious. "So the boy who sold samosas now dines with gods."
Kaito turned. It was Parvati Chauhan, real estate tycoon, infamous for crushing rivals in courtrooms.
"Gods eat too," Kaito replied. "Some just season their meals with lawsuits."
A few laughed.
> SYSTEM REACTION: Social Grip +2
Hidden Thread Detected: Power Brokers' Game
He approached the central roundtable, where deals were carved from air and small talk turned into fortunes.
Seated was a man in a white suit, grey beard, fingers bejeweled. Raman Vora. Old money incarnate.
"You have no lineage, no legacy, and no shareholders of class," Raman said calmly. "Why are you here?"
Kaito smiled.
"Because your world leaks. And I sell plugs."
Murmurs.
---
Across the table, a quiet tap of glass.
Dr. Ila Rao leaned forward. "Then plug this, Mr. Ryuu. We need young blood to clean up our image. Partner with us. Serve as a digital ambassador—for all of us."
Raman frowned. "He is not yet molded."
"Then let him stay unshaped," Ila replied. "It's why he trends."
> SYSTEM CHOICE:
1. Accept the role publicly – Gain influence, lose independence
2. Decline gracefully – Risk backlash, preserve autonomy
3. Counter-offer – Propose independent collaboration via public-private social ventures
Kaito chose Option 3.
He stood.
"I don't do puppetry. But I do partnerships. I propose this—a city-level youth innovation fund. Backed by old money, managed by new blood."
Silence. Then murmurs.
Parvati raised an eyebrow. "Managed by... you?"
"Me. And vetted minds from both sides. You need relevance. We need resources. Let's trade."
> SYSTEM RESULT: Charisma Check Passed (+Luck Bonus)
Approval Rating in Room: 61%
Social Thread Created: Intergenerational Reform Initiative
---
Summit Break – Lounge Area
Sanaya texted: You're live on two blogs and trending again.
Lyra: Camera 3 has a bug. Watch your right flank.
He chuckled. Even in temples, he had guardians.
Parvati joined him, drink in hand. "What you said in there... reminds me of my father. He built slums into skyscrapers."
"And then bought the silence of those he displaced?"
She sipped. "He died before the silence arrived. I envy that."
> ROMANCE THREAD: Parvati - Unlocked (3%)
Kaito's smile faded. "I don't envy any of you. But I will outlive your games."
---
Later, as the summit ended, Kaito walked out into warm evening light.
Sanaya waited by the car.
"So? Did they knight you or curse you?"
"Both."
She grinned. "Let's go home."
Back at Skygarden, a new file awaited him.
> SYSTEM UPDATE: Strategic Reputation Tier → S-Class (Initiated) Passive Unlocked: Influence Ripple – Each elite appearance increases trust gain from general public by 15%
He stood by the window, looking out over Aryanagar.
A city of lights, lies, and ladder rungs.
He wasn't climbing anymore.
He was remaking the ladder.
---
SYSTEM DASHBOARD – KAITO RYUU
Wealth: ₹7.8 crore
Assets: Creative Mindz HQ, Skygarden Villa, Blue Tern Holdings, MediaPod Co-Ownership
Flex Points: 18 / 20
Strategic Tier: S-Class (Initiated)
Public Trust: A-Class (Reinforced)
Passives:
Asset Magnetism (Lv.1)
Civic Halo (Lv.1)
Legal Resistance (Lv.1)
Status Magnet
Soft Bond (Sanaya)
Visual Charisma Boost
Whisper Shield
Narrative Armor
Clarity in Comfort
Leader's Spark
Rivalry Heat
Influence Ripple
Titles:
Voice of the People
Urban Flame
Romance Threads:
Sanaya Verma: 66%
Lyra Kaneshi: 52%
Anita Das: 23%
Parvati Chauhan: 3%
Hidden Stat: Relatable Hero (Progress: 42%)
Upcoming Challenge: Consolidation vs. Expansion
---
End of Chapter 13