Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
Okay, this is it. The moment of truth. My fingers practically vibrate as I tap through the System interface on my Digivice. All those grindy missions, all those Supply Boxes I cracked open (yeah, okay, maybe I splurged a little on a few more with real cash – don't judge me), and finally, finally, the Digi-Coin counter is flashing green. It's enough. More than enough.
A satisfying chime echoes in my mind as I confirm the purchase.
[SYSTEM: EDEN Blueprint (Core Architecture) Acquired.]
The files download with a speed that still blows my mind, a cascade of data pouring directly into my Digivice. It's not just some game map; this is the literal blueprint for EDEN, the whole damn virtual world. Kamishiro Enterprises' next-gen Web service, where people don't just browse – they live it. Shopping, business, entertainment, the works. A whole digital overlay for reality. And now, I've got the keys to the kingdom, at least architecturally speaking.
I dial Tony's number, and he answers after two rings.
"Hey, Tony, Ethan here."
Tony's voice, even filtered through the phone, still crackles with that unmistakable mix of ego and genuine curiosity. "Ethan, my man. To what do I owe the pleasure? Don't tell me you're calling to borrow more money. I'm pretty sure I just wired you enough to buy a small island nation."
I chuckle, a genuine sound this time. "Nah, nothing like that. Though, I might have an idea that could make us both obscenely wealthy, assuming you're interested in shaking things up." I pause, letting the hook sink in. Tony loved a good game, especially one where he was guaranteed to win.
"Shaking things up, huh?" Tony's tone shifts, that playful amusement sharpening into something more focused. "Is this 'shaking things up' involve dodging bullets, outsmarting international spies, or possibly wrestling a sentient AI? Because I've got a packed schedule, and unless it's truly groundbreaking, I might have to reschedule our little chat."
"It's big, Tony. Really big." I lean back, picturing the blueprints on my Digivice. "And it needs your genius, absolutely. Peter's brain wouldn't hurt either. Think… next-level immersion. Think changing the way people interact with the digital world forever. And yeah, maybe a little bit of danger, but nothing we can't handle. Especially with a few extra pairs of hands… and maybe a furry white one and a shadowy black one."
Tony's silence on the other end stretches for a beat, then breaks with a low chuckle. "You're killing me, kid. 'Next-level immersion,' you say? Sounds like you're onto something. Alright, you've got my attention. But you owe me. And by 'owe me,' I mean you'll need to visit the New York branch of Stark Industries tomorrow afternoon. I'll want a full debrief then. Also," his voice takes on a slightly more serious edge, "that palladium poisoning is creeping back. I'll need your little pink rabbit pal's healing touch to scrub my system clean again soon. Just a friendly reminder."
"Deal," I say, already feeling the thrill of the collaboration. "And you'll get your palladium scrub. Just… give me a chance to show you what I've got first. See you tomorrow, Tony." I end the call, a grin still plastered on my face. He didn't get the full picture, not even close. He had no idea what was coming.
I needed to let Olivia know I wouldn't be at work tomorrow. It would be rude to just bail, especially after she helped Jessica so much. Plus, she was my landlord.
I knock on Olivia's door, the familiar scent of her brewing coffee—a comforting mix of cinnamon and something vaguely spicy—filling the hallway. She opens it with that ever-present, knowing smile, her golden hair catching the light. "Ethan," she greets, her black eyes scanning me with that shrewd, yet warm, appraisal. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Morning, Olivia," I say, stepping just far enough into the doorway to explain myself. "Just wanted to let you know I'll need to duck out today. Got a thing with Tony Stark – Stark Industries, you know? Time-sensitive opportunity, plays right into my… skills." I offer a small smirk, hoping it's enough to smooth over the vagueness.
Olivia leans against the doorframe, a subtle shift in her posture that speaks volumes about her investor's mind.
"Stark Industries, you say? Ethan, what kind of pull do you have there? Last I checked, you were mostly pulling weeds in the back alley for me." Her tone is light, laced with that maternal amusement I've come to expect, but there's a sharp edge of curiosity, too. She's always looking for the angle, the hidden play.
"And is this another one of those high-stakes ventures that miraculously keeps the rent flowing, but leaves me guessing about the how?"
"Completely on the up and up, business lanes only," I assure her, trying to keep my tone casual. "And don't worry about the rent, I'll pick up extra shifts this week to make sure it's covered. No gaps in the payment schedule." I shift my weight, trying to project an image of responsibility I'm not always sure I embody.
She pauses, her gaze thoughtful, before finally nodding. "Alright, Ethan. I'll allow it. Just make it count, won't you? Life's full of gambles, and you seem determined to take them all."
As her gaze drifts past me, I seize the opportunity. "Hey, speaking of personal matters, where's Jessica been hiding out today?"
Olivia's smile softens, a flicker of genuine concern crossing her features. "Oh, Jessica? She headed out for some errands this morning. Sorting out her own personal business, you know. Taking things into her own hands."
I nod, a familiar flicker of unease mixing with the day's excitement. Jessica, off on her own. I hope she's not getting herself into anything too deep. "Right. Well, thanks, Olivia. See you later." I step back out into the hallway, the blueprint for EDEN burning a digital hole in my Digivice, and a million new possibilities buzzing in my head. Stark Industries and the future of the internet – it's a good day to be Ethan Kepler.
***
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