Inside, the elevator ride was silent but not awkward. Lena asionally nced at August with a look of curiosity but she kept her questions to herself. As the elevator dinged and opened onto the top floor, Lena stepped out and surveyed the open space.


    The room was vast, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the bare floors and walls. The faint noise of traffic below added a sense of urban dynamism.


    Lena wasted no time. She walked briskly to the center of the room as her heels clicked against the floor, and began taking photos and notes on her tablet.


    "This space has potential," she voiced with a thoughtful tone. "Good natural lighting, openyout, and a decent location for foot traffic. What''s the vision?"


    August walked beside her as the digital interface of his helmet disyed a map of the space while he spoke. "I want a lounge for yers—a sophisticated yet approachable space where they can meet, trade, and showcase game items retrieved to reality. Think futuristic with subtle mystical undertones."


    Lena paused, looking at him with renewed interest. "Game items retrieved to reality?"


    "Exactly," he confirmed. "It''s a niche but growing market, and this will be one of the first spaces of its kind. I want it to feel like a cross between a high-end gallery and a tech hub."


    She smiled with a clearly impressed look. "That''s ambitious. But I like ambitious."


    August continued, gesturing around the space. "Over there, I want a disy area for high-value items, set apart to feel exclusive. Here, a more casual lounge for discussions and trades. And I want holographic disys—something interactive and eye-catching."


    Lena nodded as her fingers flew across her tablet, taking notes. "I can already see it. And for the branding, if I recall correctly AM Coven''?"


    "Correct."


    Lena''s brow arched slightly. "Interesting choice. What''s the significance?"


    August''s helmet hid the faint smirk on his face. "Let''s just say it ties into the mystical edge I want to capture."


    They walked through the space, discussing colors, lighting, and furniture. Lena was meticulous, pointing out potential challenges and solutions with the precision of someone who knew her craft.


    ---


    As they wrapped up, Lena stood at the center of the room. Her tablet was filled with sketches and notes. "This is going to be a standout project," she said. "I''ll prepare a formal proposal and timeline. We''ll bring this vision to life."


    August nodded. "I trust you to handle it."


    She smiled as her professional demeanor softened slightly. "You''re an interesting client, Aleman. Most people don''t show up to these meetings dressed like they''ve stepped out of a sci-fi movie."


    August chuckled as his modted voice added a mysterious edge to the sound. "Let''s just say I like to stay ahead of the curve."


    Lena nced at her watch. "I''ll be in touch with the proposal soon. Expect an email by tomorrow."


    "Looking forward to it," August voiced before extending a gloved hand.


    As she shook it, she couldn''t help but ask, "Onest thing—what''s under the helmet?"


    August paused, then tilted his head slightly. "A story for another day," he said cryptically before turning toward the elevator.


    Lena''s curiosity was clearly piqued as she watched him go. "You''re definitely not like my usual clients," she muttered to herself, before leaving to prepare her ns.


    ...


    ...


    Another day had gone by in a sh.


    August sat at his desk with the morning light streaming through his window as he reviewed the final set of legal documents rted to AM Coven.


    The business had officially been registered, and now it was only a matter of time before Lena and her teampleted the interior design. With every box ticked and signature made, August felt a growing sense of aplishment. His dream was materializing, but the journey ahead was just as daunting.


    He leaned back in his chair, thinking about the next steps. The most pressing issue was security.


    AM Coven wasn''t just a typical business—it dealt with game items, some of which were worth fortunes. Such valuables were bound to attract attention, and not all of it good. He needed guards, but not just any guards. They had to be supernatural yers. Individuals with abilities that could deter potential threats.


    "Can''t rely on ordinary muscle for this," he muttered to himself while rubbing his temples. "The Oni or anyone else could target us."


    With a sigh, he stood, heading to hisptop to draft a recruitment ad. He listed the requirements:


    - Supernatural yers only.


    - Combat experience preferred but not required.


    - Trustworthy and discreet.


    - Payment: $10,000 monthly with added asional bonuses including game items extracted from Enders Light.


    He hesitated before adding thest line but ultimately decided it was necessary. The sry was steep, but for what he needed, it had to be enticing enough to attract capable individuals.


    After uploading the ad to several online forums and gamerworks, he leaned back and exhaled.


    "That should do it for now," he murmured.


    ---


    August decided to spend the rest of his day tying up loose ends. After everything that had been happening recently, securing a good apartment for himself and Sophia was a priority.


    He had enough on his te already without worrying about the current ce''s frequent electricity issues or questionable safety.


    As the sun began its slow descent, August donned a sharp casual outfit, making sure to look presentable for this meeting. He headed out to Remi''s café, where she had asked him to meet up.


    The aroma of coffee hit him as he stepped inside, and Remi was already at her usual spot behind the counter, chatting with a customer. She spotted him almost instantly and waved.


    "Right on time," she called out as she moved from behind the counter to greet him.


    "You doubted me?" August teased while slipping into one of the seats nearby.


    "Not at all," she replied with a smirk, sliding a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. "ck, no sugar. I remembered this time."


    "Impressive," August stated before taking a sip. "So, what''s the n?"


    "Daryl''s moving thest of his stuff out as we speak," Remi said, sliding into the chair across from him. "We''ll head over in about thirty minutes. He''s been clearing the ce all day, so it should be ready for you to check out properly."


    August nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. "Tell me more about the ce."


    Remi leaned back in her chair. "Two bedrooms, good-sized living space, a kitchen that actually has room to cook, and—you''ll love this—a balcony with a view of the city. The building''s got stable water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Oh, and the neighborhood is super quiet. Perfect for Sophia, don''t you think?"


    "That sounds incredible," August admitted. "Honestly, it''s more than I expected."


    "See?" Remi said with a wink. "I alwayse through."


    About forty minutester, Remi led August to the apartment building. It was in a clean, peaceful neighborhood with tree-lined streets and modernmpposts that illuminated the area gently as dusk fell.


    The building itself was well-maintained andpletely differed from the one August currently lived in.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Here we are," Remi voiced while gesturing toward the entrance as they walked up the steps.


    Daryl was standing by the door, a couple of cardboard boxes at his feet. He looked up and grinned when he saw them. "Hey, you must be August. Perfect timing."


    "And you must be Daryl," August greeted him with a firm handshake. "Thanks for letting me check the ce out."


    "No problem," Daryl voiced before pulling out a keyring. "Let''s go in."


    The three of them entered the building and took the elevator to the sixth floor. When they stepped into the apartment, August was immediately struck by how spacious it was.


    The living room wasrge, with enough room to amodate afortable seating area and a small entertainment system. The kitchen was tucked into a corner but had ample counter space and cabs. The balcony Remi had mentioned offered a stunning view of the city skyline, with the setting sun painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink.


    Daryl showed him the bedrooms, both of which were generously sized. The master bedroom even had its own attached bathroom. The second bedroom was perfect for Sophia and had arge window that let in plenty of natural light.


    "Impressed?" Remi asked while leaning against the doorframe with a smug smile.


    "Very," August admitted as he surveyed the space. "This is perfect."


    Daryl nodded. "I''m d you like it. I''ve already cleaned most of the ce out, so it''s move-in ready. I''ve got a few boxes left to pick up tomorrow, but after that, it''s all yours."


    "And the rent?" August asked.


    "As I mentioned earlier, $4,200 a month," Daryl said. "Which is a steal for this neighborhood. I don''t think they''re trying to rip anyone off."


    August smirked. "Wonderful."


    Remi pped her hands together. "Look at you, making big moves. Sophia''s gonna love this."


    "I think so too," August smiled while envisioning how he''d set up the ce.