Richard awoke the next morning and went about his morning routine, a series of activities he hadn't performed in a long while due to unfortunate circumstances.Regardless, once done, he called Arturo over to have a brief chat.“I plan on breaking into a secure facility soon. I need all the gadgets you'd think would be necessary to do so and more. Money isn't a problem, just get me the devices. Is that okay?” Richard inquired with Arturo nodding confidently.“Of course, sir. I'll immediately get it done. Would you like me to form a team to help in the endeavor?”“Do you think they would be trustworthy?”“I trust them with my life,” Arturo remarked.“Fine then. Get the equipment and team ready by this evening. The operation is tomorrow night and we can't afford to miss this opportunity as we might not have a second chance.”.“Understood sir. I'll immediately get started.”“Alright.”Arturo quickly left after that to make the preparations while Richard freshened up and after getting dres
After the meeting with Vincent, Richard had breakfast with him before leaving to make other preparations.Unfortunately, out of the three potions Richard wished to get, Vincent had only one which meant Richard had to find out where to get the others.He checked the Wish Store only to find that the potions were not among the things he could get at the moment.Only after increasing his level could he get access to them.This meant Richard had to figure out other places to get them, thankfully, he knew of one such place to search.It was the Beggar Sect branch located at the edge of Intercity.The last time Richard was here, he had ended up running away with Melinda to avoid getting tangled with the people who wished to kill him for taking away what they wished to purchase.Richard didn't have time to waste on fights, so he decided to disguise himself to avoid getting into conflicts with anyone.A simple in and out.After showing the guards at the entrance his coin, Richard was immediate
The party at the Malcolm Manor was the place to be for the bigwigs in Intercity.Those that weren't invited would be considered as lesser in the rankings.Politicians, Businessmen, and the like all trooped in with luxury cars, sporting luxury attires with the media specially paid to cover the event.It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as most were aware that the Malcolms hardly ever threw such public parties.Most of their celebrations were private and exclusive so this would be the first time they'd be throwing such a party.To commemorate the occasion, several brought gifts ranging from mildly expensive to incredibly expensive just to make a statement.It was obviously in a bid to get closer to the Malcolms as everyone knew that they were the most powerful family in Intercity with no equals.The fact that they had been silent recently was most likely because of the unfortunate passing of their previous heir but considering how they were now, it seemed they had decided to move pa
“Unfortunately I cannot.” Melinda decidedly said, not even mincing words as she gave her response.Gasps echoed and murmurs flew but none made her change her stance or even waver as she stood before Prince Maverick.Even Vincent was hardly surprised, after all, he knew Melinda's heart was elsewhere and she wasn't one who ever considered wealth or power when making such decisions.“I had heard you and Richard Smith are engaged. It would seem that is indeed the case.” Maverick remarked casually.“Yet you ask that I escort you?”“A test. If you weren't engaged, then lucky me, if not, one would be able to tell just how sincere you are with the arrangements. Richard Smith is indeed a lucky man.”Melinda managed a melancholic smile as she remarked. “Yeah, he is.”“Regardless, I hope we can be friends by the end of the evening. Is that alright?”“... Yes, Your Highness,” Melinda replied, deciding not to be too forceful to avoid causing the Prince to have it out for Richard.Satisfied with he
Once the party was in full swing, everyone quickly began to network, seeking the people capable of providing them with the most benefits.That was how most parties in the business world went.It was seen as an opportunity to make the next big deal or to form the next great alliance so it wasn't strange that it was happening in the Malcolm party hall as well.Most would notice that several wished to move to the VIP section as that was where the powerhouses gathered but unless invited, one would only be looking to embarrass themselves if they dared to approach.Regardless, the VIP section was also in full party mood as Marlon tried to get the prince interested in a new business deal he was working on while Chris tried to grab Melinda's attention with a series of topics though his attempt was futile at best.At this point, Richard was waiting for an opportunity to step out as under normal circumstances, no guard was to leave his patron’s side to start moving around, especially when it wa
They rushed out of the party hall, utilizing their various attributes to ensure they reached the main house on time.On their way, Richard realized that apart from cameras, there were also security guards who were cultivators, making use of broom artifacts to survey the entirety of the estate from the sky.It made him thankful that Vernon was helping since it would have been difficult to get past the flying guards without problems.Regardless, they soon arrived at the main house after almost five minutes of sprinting.Thankfully, most were cultivators so their running speed was even faster than most horses galloping.Only Arturo was human and even he had the help of Vernon so there was no problem.The vault was underneath the main house and was only accessible via an elevator which was constantly guarded by cultivators.“The Malcolm family are quite powerful to have all this.” Lolita couldn't help but comment as they looked for an opportunity to sneak into the elevator.Vernon casuall
In a certain room in the main house of the Malcolm estate sat an old man draped in sage clothing.He seemed to be meditating but soon had to end it as he noticed someone's approach.The door to his room opened and a middle-aged man entered, quickly getting on his knees in a show of respect.“Speak.”“Master, we detected traces of movements in the vault, and… it seems the vault door was opened a few minutes ago.”The old man remained silent for a moment before letting out a sigh. “It would seem we had a rude visitor. The fact they were able to get in without my knowledge and our perfect security shows that they aren't just any person but someone of great repute.”“What do we do master?... Do we tell the current head so he may search the guests?”“No, leave them. We can't do such a thing especially since an Imperial Prince is amongst the guests.”“So what do we do?”“Have you checked to see what was stolen?” The old man asked.The middle-aged man nodded. “Yes, master. The files related
Richard was awoken by the sound of his phone ringing in the wee hours of the morning.He lazily picked up the phone and checked to find that it was Vincent calling.“Hello, this better be good.”[It is. They found out]“Huh?... Who?”[Damn it, just turn on the TV and check the news. You'll understand everything.]Frowning, Richard did as instructed having known that Vincent wasn't usually so serious.Once the TV was on, he immediately understood what made the old man so tense.[Breaking news: Shocking discovery made by law enforcement. The Abbadon District fire wasn't an accident but was intentionally orchestrated and you would never have guessed it but the orchestrator is still alive and well, living with the Malcolm family as their family head. This morning, the Malcolm estate released a statement of apology saying they had no clue that Marlon was such a wicked man while also giving their word that they would not interfere in the subsequent actions to be taken against Marlon Malcolm