Derek laughed out loud as the payment machine displayed "PAYMENT DECLINED" again."Oh, it really happened again, just like I predicted!" he said, shaking his head in disbelief. His two colleagues burst into laughter, slapping each other on the back.“Well, you know the deal,” Derek said, still chuckling. “Take off your clothes and shoes. You promised.”Marvin's face tightened. “No, run the card once more,” he demanded, his voice was calm but firm.Derek rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. “Come on, are we really doing this again? What makes you think your card is going to work this time? Are you trying to make a fool out of us?” Derek’s voice grew louder, and frustration was showing in his face.Marvin didn’t flinch. His eyes were cold and sharp. “Run the card once more,” he said, his voice was steady but with a chilling edge.Derek paused, noticing the change in Marvin’s expression. Something in those cold eyes made him flinch. He hesitated, but then, abandoning his earlier confidence
There at the Aurora grand hotel, Marvin stepped out of the hot shower, with the water still steaming as it ran down the tiled walls. He reached for a soft towel, wrapping it around his waist. His bathroom was spacious and sleek, with modern fixtures and a large mirror that reflected his focused expression. As he began drying his body, he couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. Today was a big day—the Neovalle Tech Conference was just hours away.Walking over to the sink, Marvin grabbed a comb and started grooming his hair, carefully parting it to the side. The Neovalle conference was more than just a gathering of tech enthusiasts—it was an opportunity for innovators to showcase their projects. The best exhibit would not only win a large cash prize but also gain the attention of key investors and influential figures. Marvin knew that his project, Helios, could be the game-changer that would put him at the forefront of the tech world here in Neovalle.Since last week, when he
Marvin’s assistant Kenny shifted uncomfortably, as his confidence started wavering. The sheer size of the other exhibits, the fancy vehicles, and the obvious wealth of the competitors were intimidating. He looked around at the drones, the robotic arms, and the giant screens showing off complex technology, and he began to feel a sinking sense of inferiority."Marvin," he whispered, hesitating. "Maybe we should have brought more equipment... or something bigger. Everyone else seems so prepared. We just have this one bag…"Before Marvin could respond, a group of contestants approached them. One of them, a woman in a sharp blue suit, eyed Marvin and his assistant with a mocking smile."Are you two really contestants?" she asked, her tone was condescending. "Or did you just get lost on the way to the audience seats?"Her friends laughed, their eyes were gleaming with amusement as they looked at the bag that was now in Marvin's hand.Marvin stood tall, his expression was calm but firm. "W
Marvin took a deep breath and stood up. With his assistant Kenny by his side, he began walking up to the stage. As Marvin walked upstage, it was not like he needed the funding from the influential judges, but he just wanted the go ahead and also the acceptance of his project Helios amongst the Neovalle people.Meanwhile Kenny’s hands were shaking as they moved closer. His heart pounded in his chest, and sweat beaded on his forehead. He could feel the eyes of the crowd on them, their stares were full of disbelief and judgement.As they walked, Kenny glanced at the rows of judges sitting at the front of the room. One of the judges, a woman with dark glasses and a sharp expression, looked at them with clear disdain. Another judge, an older man with a thick beard, shook his head slightly, as if he was already disappointed.Kenny swallowed hard. He could feel the weight of their judgement, the tension in the air was thick around him. Everyone had arrived with huge setups—luxury vehicl
Marvin turned to Kenny, his voice was low but firm. “Would you shut up, so we can begin what we came for?” he said. Kenny’s face turned red, and he swallowed hard, trying to calm his nerves. He knew Marvin was right. Now was not the time to panic.Kenny nodded, though his hands were still trembling, and he began to help Marvin unpack the equipment from the bag.He carefully lifted out the first item—what looked like a sleek, compact machine. It was the CNC machine, used to shape materials with extreme precision.In the crowd, a few people whispered among themselves, smirking. “This exhibition is going to be nothing,” one of them said. “It’s too immature to be worth anything important.”Marvin didn’t seem to notice or care. He was focused, pulling out the next piece of equipment—an industrial 3D printer. It was small compared to the grand machines others had brought, but Marvin knew its power. This printer could create intricate parts that traditional tools couldn’t. Parts for energy
"And now, let me show you something more," he said, reaching for the high-powered laser cutter. "Solar energy can also be used in advanced defense systems."The laser cutter was activated, and its beam cut through a tough material with perfect accuracy. It was clear that Marvin's system was more powerful than anyone had expected. The equipment worked together seamlessly, as if controlled by something far more advanced than any ordinary person could manage.The room was silent, the spectators looked in disbelief. It was as if Marvin himself were an AI, manipulating the machines with inhuman skill.But then Marvin did something that no one could predict. Using the halogen bulb and the robotic arms, he produced an energy so pure and concentrated, it looked like sunlight itself was captured in his hands.People gasped. Someone in the back whispered, "Who is this guy?"All eyes were on Marvin. His movements were flawless, and his machines performed perfectly.As the light from his energy
The host grinned and paused for dramatic effect. “And the winner of the Neovalle tech innovation conference is… Dr. Archer Klein!”A few gasps were heard from the crowd. Many had expected Marvin to win, and the announcement took them by surprise.Marvin stood still, his face showed disbelief. His heart raced. How could this happen?"Let's give Dr. Klein a round of applause!" the host said with enthusiasm.The crowd began to clap, but the energy wasn’t as strong as before. Dr. Klein walked toward the stage, smiling proudly, though not everyone shared his excitement.In the audience, a few people whispered to each other, they were clearly unhappy with the decision."Really? They picked Klein?" one man muttered. "Marvin's project was way more impressive.""I don’t get it," said another person, shaking their head. "Marvin's solar energy system was revolutionary. Klein just gave people free Wi-Fi. That’s it.""Yeah, and most of them are probably just excited because they got $200," someone
After the Uber arrived, Marvin and Kenney got inside quickly. They had stayed quiet during the ride.Once they reached the hotel, Marvin paid the driver, and they both hurried toward the entrance.Inside the lobby, they walked up to the front desk. The receptionist smiled at them."Good evening, sir. How can I help you?" she asked politely."We’re here to check in. I’ve booked the VVIP lounge," Marvin said.The receptionist nodded and typed something on her computer. "Ah, yes. Mr. Marvin. Everything is ready and okay. You need the keys, I suppose?""No, my mom is in the suite.""Okay, sir, that's fine," she said with a nicer tone.Marvin got checked in, thanked her, and they made their way to the VVIP lounge.As they entered the lounge’s sitting room, Marvin’s mother stood up and greeted him with a big smile, her arms open wide."How was the tech exhibition, son?""It was fine, Mom. We did great," Marvin replied, hugging her.But his mother noticed they were in a hurry. "Why are you g