The Golden Crescent Boulevard shimmered under the late afternoon sun, its polished surfaces reflecting the opulent chaos of Nova Prime's most exclusive shopping district like a mirror to unchecked ambition. Ethan Voss emerged from Celestial Gems with the quiet satisfaction of a predator that had just claimed new territory. Drones hummed overhead in coordinated swarms, ferrying his latest acquisitions—velvet boxes containing watches worth small fortunes and jewelry sets that could bankrupt mid-tier corporations—directly to the Apex Pinnacle Towers penthouse. Valets bowed deeply as they returned the Vortex Thunderbolt, its obsidian form still drawing lingering stares from passersby who whispered speculations about the mysterious young man commanding such effortless wealth.
Sliding back into the driver's seat, Ethan allowed himself a moment to savor the interior's embrace—premium leather warmed subtly by the climate system, holographic dashboard flickering to life with personalized greetings. The engine's low growl resonated through his elixir-perfected frame as he pulled away from the curb, merging seamlessly into the flow of luxury traffic. God-level driving mastery turned every maneuver into poetry: gentle throttle inputs for smooth acceleration, precise steering through curving lanes, anticipatory braking that felt instinctive. The city blurred past in a symphony of neon and glass, hover-vehicles stacking in vertical lanes like schools of metallic fish.
His spending spree had been exhilarating—Elysian Couture for a wardrobe rebirth, Celestial Gems for timepieces and jewels that screamed dominance. Over a billion credits dispensed with the flick of an unlimited black card, face-slaps delivered to arrogant second-generations who dared question his authenticity. But the day wasn't over. Practical needs remained: his old phone, a budget model from university days, now felt like an insult to his status. Screen cracked from careless drops, processor lagging on basic tasks, battery draining like his former life's motivation. Time for an upgrade befitting a Supreme Tycoon.
Destination set via voice command: Nexus Horizon flagship store, the boulevard's tech sanctuary. Auroria's leading brand for premium devices—equivalents to the pinnacle of mobile engineering, with cutting-edge processors, holographic displays, quantum-secure encryption, and AI assistants rivaling dedicated home systems. Flagship models started at hundreds of thousands, top configurations pushing millions with custom engravings and exclusive features.
The drive was brief but indulgent. Ethan opened the Thunderbolt up on a straighter stretch, power surging in controlled waves, wind rushing through partially cracked vents carrying the river's fresh scent mixed with urban energy. Pedestrians on elevated walkways pointed, phones capturing the roaring beast. In Nova Prime, vehicles like this weren't just transport—they were declarations.
Valet parking again—priority treatment now almost routine, attendants recognizing the Vortex emblem and ushering him to a prime spot. The Nexus Horizon store rose ahead: a futuristic monolith of transparent alloy and glowing circuits embedded in the facade, entrance a seamless portal that irised open on approach. Inside, the atmosphere was sleek minimalism—floating holographic pedestals showcasing devices in mid-air rotations, interactive walls projecting augmented demos, ambient electronic soundscapes pulsing subtly like a digital heartbeat. Air cooled precisely, scented with a clean, ozone-fresh note evoking innovation.
Customers browsed sparingly: tech enthusiasts in tailored attire testing prototypes, business tycoons consulting specialists for enterprise integrations, influencers livestreaming unboxings. Staff in futuristic uniforms—slim jumpsuits with glowing accents—moved with efficient grace, tablets hovering at their sides for instant specs.
Ethan entered with purposeful stride, his temporary penthouse outfit now complemented by the subtle glow of confidence. Heads turned: women appreciating the chiseled physique, men noting the commanding aura. A lead consultant approached swiftly—a sharp young man named "Jaxon," badge indicating senior specialist status.
"Welcome to Nexus Horizon, sir. Seeking an upgrade or exploring our latest lines?"
His tone respectful, eyes catching the Vortex key fob dangling casually.
"Top model," Ethan replied directly. "Nexus Elite Pro—full configuration. Multiple units: one primary, backups. Customizations: engraving, exclusive software suites, maximum storage and processing."
Jaxon's eyebrows rose fractionally—genuine interest sparking. "Excellent choice, sir. The Elite Pro is our flagship: quantum core processor, adaptive holographic display, biometric AI companion with predictive learning, camera arrays for professional-grade imaging, battery endurance exceeding a week under heavy use. Base price 500,000 credits; top config with customs can reach 2 million per unit."
"Show me."
Jaxon led to a private demo pod—enclosed lounge with anti-eavesdropping fields, plush seating, and full interaction stations. Devices materialized from secure vaults: the Elite Pro in various finishes—midnight titanium, rose aurum, obsidian glass backs with embedded neural links.
Ethan handled them effortlessly, elixir-sharpened senses appreciating the weight balance, screen responsiveness, haptic feedback. Demos ran flawlessly: holographic projections leaping from the device—full 3D models of Nova Prime rotating, AI simulating complex tasks like empire management dashboards.
"I'll take five," Ethan decided. "All top config: quantum encryption maxed, custom AI tuned for business and creative workflows—writing optimization, market analysis. Engravings: 'Apex Sovereign' on backs. One in exclusive nebula finish if available."
Jaxon nodded efficiently, totals calculating rapidly: over 10 million credits.
Accessories piled on: protective cases in rare materials, wireless charging orbits, augmented reality lenses syncing seamlessly, premium audio buds with noise-adaptation.
Grand total: 18,500,000 credits.
Payment booth—privacy shielded. Black card swiped: instant approval.
Jaxon's composure cracked slightly—awe flashing. "Processed, sir. Priority assembly and delivery—units ready within hours, drone to your residence."
Word spread subtly; store manager appeared: "Honored, sir. VIP nexus membership: future prototypes access, dedicated support line."
As finalizations wrapped, tension brewed in the open demo area.
A loud voice echoed: middle-aged man in gaudy accessories, flanked by assistants carrying bags from lesser stores. "This Elite Pro? Overhyped! My old model does fine—why waste millions on flashy toys? And your staff fawning over that kid? Probably some influencer borrowing daddy's card."
Assistants nodded sycophantically.
Eyes shifted to Ethan—provocation clear.
Manager tensed.
Ethan turned calmly, appraising the man: classic nouveau riche, wealth loud but insecure.
"Overhyped?" Ethan echoed mildly. "Fair opinion. But let's demonstrate."
To Jaxon: "Add the store's display exclusives—all limited variants, including that prototype quantum developer edition."
Another 20 million.
Then: "And full ecosystem bundles for family—top devices for mother, sister, customized."
Totals breached 50 million.
Black card: seamless.
Man's face flushed crimson—assistants whispering urgently.
Deflated, he blustered excuses, exiting amid awkward silence.
Staff exhaled relief, manager profusely thankful: "Sir, exceptional patronage. Personal invitation to launch events."
Ethan exited to subtle reverence, new devices en route.
Back in the Thunderbolt, amusement lingered. Third face-slap—pattern emerging, delicious.
Hunger stirred now—god-level culinary tempting self-preparation, but exploration called. Riverside gourmet: floating restaurant renowned for fusion masterpieces.
Or perhaps family contact—share the ascent.
Phone buzzed mid-thought: unknown number, Celestial Fiction Hub executive line.
"Mr. Voss? Urgent regarding platform shares and author contracts—Apex Sovereign identity confirmed."
Empire's gears turned.
Ethan grinned. Time to claim the throne fully.
The sun dipped, Nova Prime's lights igniting in waves—his domain expanding.
(Word count: approximately ----)