The morning sun crept through the thin curtains, spilling soft light across the hotel room. I slowly opened my eyes, blinking against the brightness. For a moment, I just lay there, listening to the muffled sounds of New York outside—the distant horns, footsteps on the sidewalk, the hum of the city waking up.
My body felt… different. Stronger, sharper, more alive than ever before. The serum's effects hadn't faded overnight; if anything, the energy within me seemed to pulse in rhythm with my heartbeat. Still, I pushed the thought aside. There would be time to test my limits later.
I sat up, stretched my arms, and rubbed the sleep from my face. The hotel room was quiet
I slipped out of bed and washed up. I didn't really need to bathe anymore, but it had become a habit woven into my being.
I pulled on a clean shirt, buttoning it up with steady hands. A pair of dark jeans and a jacket followed—not flashy, just simple, practical. After tying my shoes, I sat down at the hotel desk. The morning light filtered in through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the papers and phone resting there.
Leaning back in the chair, I let out a slow breath. Alright, what's next? Yesterday had been productive—meeting Dr. Connors, securing the serum, strengthening it. But today, I needed to set things in motion. A company wasn't going to run itself. I had to sort out paperwork, contacts, maybe even look into buying an existing business as a cover.
My mind ticked through the list:
Reach out to legal and financial services.
Quietly scout for potential recruits.
"AetherLink," I murmured, "pull up the resources I'll need to establish a legal company."
The phone lit up and the AI responded instantly
"Corporate infrastructure detected. Recommended steps: acquire shell company → rename → establish identity → recruit talent"
I smiled. Simple. With my current funds and abilities, this wasn't going to take long.
I leaned back in the chair, tapping the edge of the phone. "Alright, show me the options."
AetherLink pulsed once before the screen filled with a scrolling list of businesses for sale. Some were small LLCs, others dormant shell corporations sitting on paper, waiting for someone with ambition.
"Filtering for cost efficiency, clean records, and minimal legal obstacles," the AI said. "Top candidates located."
Names and prices flickered across the screen:
Brightstar Innovations LLC — $220,000. Registered in New York. Dormant for three years.
Silverline Enterprises — $160,000. Clean tax history.
Atlas Biotech Solutions — $310,000. Inactive but retains valuable permits and licenses.
I narrowed my eyes. "Biotech permits? That'll save time later."
"Recommendation: acquire Atlas Biotech. High compatibility with your planned operations."
I couldn't help but grin. Perfect. Not only would I get the company, but the existing licenses would give me a head start once Dr. Connors joined me.
I sat at the hotel desk, fingers drumming lightly on the polished wood.
"AetherLink," I said, holding up the phone. "Find me a reputable business broker in New York. Someone who deals in shell companies."
The screen flickered, lines of code running faster than human eyes could track.
"Match found," the AI voice replied smoothly. "Gallagher & Associates. Specializes in mergers, acquisitions, and dormant company transfers. Shall I initiate contact?"
"Do it," I nodded.
The phone rang twice before a calm, professional voice picked up. "Gallagher & Associates, this is Linda. How may I direct your call?"
AetherLink's voice layered over mine, shifting tone and accent to match a polished New York businessman.
"Good morning. This is Sam Jackson. I'd like to schedule a meeting with Mr. Gallagher regarding a corporate acquisition. I'm available today."
There was a brief pause, then Linda answered, "Mr. Gallagher has an opening at ten. Will that work for you, Mr. Jackson?"
"Perfect," AetherLink replied.
The line clicked off, and I leaned back with a satisfied smile.
"Not bad," I muttered. "First step secured. Time to make my move."
---
At ten sharp, I walked into the sleek, glass-walled offices of Gallagher & Associates. A secretary guided me to a corner office with a breathtaking view of Manhattan.
Behind the desk sat a man in his fifties, sharp suit, sharper eyes. He stood, extending a hand.
"Mr. Jackson. A pleasure."
I clasped it firmly, giving the kind of smile that suggested both confidence and money. "The pleasure's mine, Mr. Gallagher. Let's get down to business."
He motioned for me to sit, folding his hands on the desk. "My assistant mentioned you're interested in acquiring an existing company. Do you have something specific in mind?"
"Yes," I leaned forward, keeping my tone steady but decisive. "Atlas Biotech Solutions.
Gallagher chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Of course. Atlas Biotech has been dormant for some years now. The previous owners burned through their cash chasing miracle cures. But the company's still registered, and more importantly—" he tapped a folder on the table "—all biotech research licenses remain valid. That kind of paperwork would take you months, maybe a year, to acquire on your own."
"Which is why I'm here." I leaned forward, voice calm but firm. "Let's skip the sales pitch. What's the number?"
He raised a brow. "Three hundred and ten thousand. Negotiable, but not by much."
I studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "I can pay in full. Today. But only if the handover process is immediate. No delays, no hidden liabilities. You understand what I mean."
Gallagher's smile widened. "I like a decisive man. You'll have the papers by tomorrow."
"Good," I said, standing. "Then Atlas Biotech is mine."